Eternal Sacred King 1 to 10

Chapter 1: Immortal Fate

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

In Ping Yang Town, one of the many small towns under the jurisdiction of Cang Lang City that belonged to the Country of Da Qi.

A group of cavalry gradually entered the town, the leader was clad in armor and wearing a firm and resolute expression. He was Cao Gang, one of the Five Wolf Guards of Cang Lang City.

The other individual was a young man with clear, bright eyes and delicate features. He wore a green robe and exuded a strong scholarly aura.

The young man’s name was Su Zimo, the second young master of the Su Family in Ping Yang Town. He was a famous household name, having passed the provincial examination at the young age of 17.

“Second Young Master Su is different from the other scholars that I know of. You may look frail but you have excellent riding skills. They are as good as that of my guards.” Cao Gang said.

“Lord Cao is too generous with your praise.” Su Zimo gave a faint smile. “My elder brother has been in the business of selling horses for a long time. Horses have been my companion since I was a child. I have some foundation. Moreover, Zhui Feng is quite spiritual.”

Having said that, Su Zimo patted the fine horse that he was riding.

That horse by the name of Zhui Feng seemed to have understood Su Zimo’s praise. It looked up and responded with a snort, revealing an intelligent gleam in its eye.

At this moment, loud noises could be heard nearby. Someone was shouting, “Big news! I heard that that girl of the Shen family has been chosen by the immortals. She is going to be accepted into the immortal sect.”

“The girl in the Shen family? Which Shen family?”

“It’s Shen Mengqi. The one who is in marriage talks with Second Young Master Su.”

The news had spread rapidly. The people in the surrounding area were already beginning to discuss this. Many people were casting peculiar looks at Su Zimo.

“Immortal?” Su Zimo murmured quietly. His knowledge of immortals still remained at those in the illusory legends.

Would humans possess the power to summon wind and rain, burn the sky and boil the sea?

If he did not see it with his own eyes, Su Zimo did not believe that immortals existed in this word.

At the sound of the word ‘immortal’, Cao Gang’s body quivered. He wore a strange expression; worry and fear flashed across his eyes. However, Su Zimo did not notice this as he was frowning and deep in his own thoughts.

At this very moment, a beam of light suddenly flashed across the sky with lighting speed. Just as it flew across Su Zimo’s head, it reversed and stopped in mid-air.

Everyone looked up instinctively. They could see three people standing in the air without any form of support. Seemingly, invisible powers were holding on to them.

Su Zimo’s expression changed slightly.

Immortal!

Ordinary mortals would neither understand nor come into contact with such skills.

“The immortal has made its presence...”

“Immortal, please bestow us your blessings!”

The impenetrable and dense crowd knelt and kowtowed at the same time. They were muttering prayers; their faces full of fear and reverence.

Cao Gang was extremely quick in his movement. He alighted from the horse and knelt on the ground, shouting loudly, “Cang Lang City’s commoner, Cao Gang, pays respect to the immortal!”

Su Zimo was shocked by Gao Gang’s action.

As one of the Five Wolf Guards, Cao Gang had extreme power and authority within hundreds of miles of radius from Cang Lang City. Yet, upon seeing the immortal, he knelt to him without any hesitation.

In the blink of an eye, Su Zimo was sticking out like a sore thumb on his horse. He looked extremely eye-catching in the black sea of people who were all kneeling.

There was pressure everywhere!

Su Zimo was silent for a moment. He leaped down from Zhui Feng and looked up.

In mid-air, the man in the middle of the trio was dressed in a long turquoise robe. He looked cold and aloof. His pair of long and narrow eyes gazed at the people below his feet, emitting an overbearing aura of arrogance from between his brows.

Beside the turquoise-robed man stood a man and a woman, both from Ping Yang Town. The man’s name was Zhou Dingyun. He was the most infamous rogue in the town who bullied men, ravished women and carried out all sorts of evildoings. Two years ago, Su Zimo sent him to prison. Now, that turquoise-robed man had taken him out of prison.

Su Zimo frowned slightly. Given Zhou Dingyun’s temperament and conduct, he could have a chance to enter the immortal sect as well? If Zhou Dingyun were to become an immortal, how many people would suffer as a result?

Su Zimo’s gaze turned to the young girl standing mid-air.

The young girl’s name was Shen Mengqi. At a prime age of 16, her complexion was fairer than snow and she exuded a natural and gentle charisma.

Su Zimo had deciphered Shen Mengqi’s intent through her eyes.

Their once promise had become so vulnerable in the face of the legendary immortal fate. Su Zimo did not expect to see such a scene when the two met again.

One was high and mighty in heaven and the other was standing on mortal ground.

Shen Mengqi was also gazing at Su Zimo, a man that she had once admired so greatly.

Once, Su Zimo was invincible in her heart. Enlightened at three years old; proficient with the Four Books and Five Classics at seven years old; passed the college examination at 12 years old and completed the provincial examination at 17 years old. Such a talent was unprecedented in the Country of Da Qi. He would definitely become a giant among men in the future.

Under the intervention of Elder Young Master Su, Su Zimo had never learned martial arts. Even so, Shen Mengqi believed that Su Zimo would also be able to rise in the official rankings if he were to pick up martial arts.

However, Shen Mengqi discovered that she had been wrong.

Su Zimo’s achievements ultimately belonged to the mortal world. It was not worth a mention in the eyes of the immortals.

It was just an opportunity and she was already qualified to look down on Su Zimo.

“Mortal, why aren’t you kneeling?!”

All of a sudden, the sound of this interrogation exploded by Su Zimo’s ears like thunder striking across the ground. Dizzy and numb, he almost fell to the ground.

He did not mind kneeling to the legendary immortal. However, the attitude of the turquoise-robed man was too much like that of a bully. It triggered feelings of injustice in Su Zimo’s heart!

These feelings of injustice arose from the resoluteness in Shen Mengqi’s eyes, the doubts on the immortal’s criteria on choosing disciples and his own pride.

Su Zimo took a deep breath and suppressed the annoyance in his heart. He said loudly, “I have received scholarly honors all my life. I can even choose not to kneel to the Ruler of Da Qi, why do I have to kneel to you!”

The more you wanted me to kneel, the more I refused to!

The so-called scholarly honors were of course Su Zimo’s excuses.

Shrouded by the domineering aura of the turquoise-robed man, the commoners in the surrounding were keeping mum out of fear. They dared not even lift up their head. On the other hand, Su Zimo’s aura did not seem any weaker although he was confronting the immortal as an ordinary man.

“True enough, you are a foolish mortal.”

The corners of the turquoise-robed man’s mouth curled up slightly. His gaze was cold and aloof as he said calmly, “Since that is the case, from today onwards, your scholarly honors... will be written off.”

His tone was monotonous but there was no doubt about it.

The turquoise-robed man continued to say, “Whichever state that dares to accept this individual as an official will be declaring themselves as an enemy of Iridescent Clouds Palace and me, Perfected Cang Lang!”

At the sound of the few words ‘Iridescent Clouds Palace and Perfected Cang Lang’, Cao Gang, who had been kneeling, was dumbstruck. He quickly said in a quivering voice, “Perfected, be rest assured. In the Country of Da Qi, Su Zimo will be an inferior commoner for life!”

An inferior commoner for life!

With just a few words, Su Zimo’s destiny had been decided.

There was a flash of reluctance in Shen Mengqi’s eyes. On the other hand, that rascal Zhou Dingyun was looking thrilled.

Su Zimo looked very calm, as if this did not impact him.

After a while, Su Zimo laughed and mocked himself, “If scholarly honors are so cheap, what do I need them for?”

“Mmm?”

Perfected Cang Lang’s long and narrow eyes gradually formed a line, beams of icy cold lights flashing in them.

Su Zimo’s provocation had aroused his murderous intent!

At this moment, Zhui Feng, who was standing beside Su Zimo, suddenly became agitated and uneasy. His hooves rubbed against the ground and he neighed continuously.

Su Zimo was expressionless but his heart jumped.

Zhui Feng had also behaved in this way during the few occasions that he had encountered danger in the past.

“It is actually a spiritual beast. Hurmp, how dare he cause a ruckus in front of me!”

Perfected Cang Lang gave a faint yell. He stretched out his index finger and pointed it at Zhui Feng lightly.

There was no time to react. A flash of red light had already entered Zhui Feng’s body.

Under the gaze of everyone, a gush of scorching flames surged out from within Zhui Feng’s body and engulfed Zhui Feng in a matter of moments.

Swoosh!

This flame was strong and was actually going to engulf Su Zimo too!

Su Zimo was not as weak as the typical scholar. However, he had never seen such eccentric methods. He was completely stunned and stood rooted to the ground.

With Su Zimo almost engulfed by the flames, Zhui Feng neighed sorrowfully and galloped away madly.

Petrified, the crowd fled in all directions. Just after a few steps, Zhui Feng fell to the ground listlessly. In the blink of an eye, it had been burnt into a cloud of ash. Neither the corpse nor bones was left!

The entire process occurred within the moments of a few breaths. Such flame definitely did not belong to the mortal world!

One could just imagine. If Zhui Feng had not galloped away in time and Su Zimo were to catch onto any of the flame, his life would definitely not be spared.

“This is a psychic fine horse that protects it’s master. What a pity.” Cao Gang, the Wolf Guard, exclaimed his regrets quietly.

There was a gentle breeze. Zhui Feng’s ash was floating in the air and did not dissipate for a long time. It seemed to be saying goodbye to it’s master.

Su Zimo looked at the other party dazedly; tears welling up in his eyes. His lost and distracted demeanor made one’s heart ache for him.

Perfected Cang Lang did not manage to kill Su Zimo on this occasion. There was a flicker of coldness in his eyes. He was having murderous intent again!

“Master, forget it. He is just a mortal. Why do you need to lower yourself to his level?”

Shen Mengqi said in a low voice as she looked at the Su Zimo beneath her. She eventually could not bear to harm him.

Perfected Cang Lang hesitated a little.

If he had to take actions continuously to deal with someone, it would certainly lower his status.

Zhou Dingyun did not wish to let Su Zimo off so easily. He quickly said, “Master, you have to nip this problem in the bud to eliminate it completely, in case this person becomes your greatest problem in the future!”

Perfected Cang Lang was initially undecided. Upon hearing Zhou Dingyun’s words, feelings of arrogance rose in his heart. He smirked and said, “He is just an inferior commoner without any spirit root. He won’t be able to cultivate for life. In terms of potential, he can’t even be compared to that beast earlier!”

“So what if I spare his inferior life?! Is he fit to become the greatest problem in my life? Maybe in the next life!”

Zhou Dingyun secretly cursed. He did not expect his words to be counterproductive.

Su Zimo was silent. He quietly picked up a handful of Zhui Feng’s ash, turned and left.

A hint of sarcasm flashed across Perfected Cang Lang’s eyes. He said lightly, “Although the inferior ant yearns for the sky, how can they ever touch the eagle’s wings?”

At the sight of Su Zimo leaving unscathed, Zhou Dingyun looked indignant.

If not for this person, he would not have suffered so badly in prison. At the thought of this, Zhou Dingyun’ eyes turned resentful and vicious. His expression was as capricious as the weather. One was uncertain what he was scheming about.

Looking at Su Zimo’s lonely and sad silhouette, Shen Mengqi quietly sighed in her heart.

In less than half an hour, this man had lost everything. Perhaps he was only left with that pitiful pride.

However, what was the use of that?

“Sigh, Second Young Master Su had lost his honors and became an inferior commoner. He is no different from a good-for-nothing now.”

“The two young masters of the Su family. One is good in martial arts and the other a scholar. In recent years, they have the potential to rise in power and ranks. Unexpectedly, they have been dealt with such a blow. Fortunately, Elder Young Master Su is a Connate Expert.”

“What’s the use of being a Connate Expert? That Lord Cao of Cang Lang is also a Connate Expert. Didn’t he also kneel in fear upon seeing the immortal?”

“Based on the immortal’s words, Second Young Master Su is not even fit to cultivate. I’m afraid he will eventually die of depression.”

Su Zimo lowered his head. He walked on quietly, seemingly oblivious to the discussions of the passers-by.

“Zimo, wait a minute.”

This voice was so familiar. Yet, the address was somewhat strange. Before today, the girl behind him had always addressed him intimately as Brother Zimo.

Su Zimo continued to walk, without halting a step.

Shen Mengqi caught up with him. There were delicate beads of sweat on the tip of her nose and she was frowning slightly. Panting, she said, “Zimo, have you become a fool by studying too much? What does it matter if you kneel down for a while?”

“It doesn’t matter. But I am not willing to.” Su Zimo said calmly.

Shen Mengqi was already angry at Su Zimo for not stopping for her. Upon hearing this, she was furious. She quickened her steps and blocked Su Zimo’s path.

“Su Zimo, sober up!”

Shen Mengqi stared at Su Zimo’s eyes and said loudly, “Don’t think about revenge. It is impossible. You are already 17 years old and have missed the best age to learn martial arts. Moreover, you don’t have the spirit root and can’t cultivate at all. Even if you were to attain the Postnatal or Connate levels, they are mortal abilities. It is still vulnerable before the immortal!”

Su Zimo was silent. He looked at Shen Mengqi quietly.

Shen Mengqi could not withstand Su Zimo’s gaze. She lowered her head and said softly, “Yes, we did have a promise. I am also grateful to you for helping the Shen family all these years. But.. they are already a thing of the past. Moreover, we are people from two different worlds henceforth.”

Su Zimo laughed. He raised his eyebrow. “Is your world so great?”

Shen Mengqi said, “Zhou Dingyun and I will be leaving Ping Yang Town with the Perfected tomorrow. I came to bid you farewell. I don’t wish to argue with you on these meaningless things.”

“Go ahead. I am not able to send you off. We will meet again if we have fate.”

Su Zimo was downhearted. He walked past Shen Mengqi and moved on.

Just as the two rubbed shoulders with each other, he heard Shen Mengqi mutter softly, “Our fate has come to an end. We are separated as mortals and immortals. I’m afraid... we will not see each other again.”

Su Zimo paused slightly in his steps. In the end, he walked away without saying another word.Chapter 2: Mysterious Lady

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

This came as a strong blow to Su Zimo. It had totally changed how he looked at this world. It turned out there were indeed immortals in this world. With their powers, any immortal could be above the country, notwithstanding their backers, Iridescent Clouds Palace.

To Su Zimo, it was nothing to lose his scholarly honors. But Zhui Feng was his companion since a young age. It was more than a horse to him, it was his closest kin.

Not long after, Su Zimo reached his mansion.

This mansion was small and deserted. There were only a few rooms. His older brother Su Hong rewarded him with this mansion when he passed the college examination at 12 years old.

Su Zimo carried Zhui Feng’s ashes and buried them beside the peach blossom tree in the center of the courtyard.

“Zhui Feng, I planted the peach blossom tree by myself. It will keep you company in the future. There will be a day where I will pour the blood of Perfected Cang Lang on your ashes!”

Su Zimo’s eyes turned red. He stood by the peach blossom tree quietly for a long while before he turned to leave.

Su Zimo caught sight of someone as he turned to leave.

It was a woman in a blood-red robe. She was beautiful. She was not flirtatious nor garish. She did not put on any makeup. She seemed like someone who had just come out from a painting.

Su Zimo sighed. Like the ancient saying, she was a natural beauty, seemingly like a hibiscus that rose out of clear water.

Despite being an exquisite beauty free from worldly cares, she was dressed in a scarlet, blood red long robe. It did not seem to match, but the contrast created a unique aura about her.

Two years ago, Su Zimo returned home to find an unconscious lady near Cang Lang mountains. He was worried that she might be eaten by the beasts and hence he brought her back with him.

The red-robed lady regained consciousness not long after she reached the mansion. She seemed to be well. However, she refused to say a word no matter how Su Zimo asked about her name or place of residence.

The red-robed lady had lived here for two years, and Su Zimo never tried to drive her away.

There was no servants in the mansion. Su Zimo was not used to being waited on. He took care of his three meals a day by himself.

To him, it was nothing to have one more person in the mansion. All he needed to do was to prepare one more serving of food.

In the past two years, whenever Su Zimo prepared the meals, he would bring one portion to the red-robed lady. He would put the food outside her room, knock on the door and leave.

The red-robed lady rarely appeared, and Su Zimo had never seen her venture outside the mansion. The two of them had not even had a proper conversation before.

The Su family and Ping Yang Town did not know of her existence.

The lady’s name was Die Yue. She was reclusive and was a person of few words. That was all that Su Zimo knew about her.

Su Zimo had no idea since when Die Yue stood behind him. However, it seemed strange in the way Die Yue looked at him today. He could not put it into words.

Su Zimo nodded towards her and went back to his room.

Both of them had already become used to this form of greeting in the past two years. Besides, Su Zimo knew that even if he spoke to her, Die Yue would ignore him.

Su Zimo shut the door, and took out a sharp knife with a one foot long handle from the corner. It was rusty. It seemed like it had not been used for ages.

Su Zimo searched around before he took out a whetstone. He looked solemn as he sprinkled water on it. There was a cold glare in his eyes as he sharpened the knife.

After a short while, Su Zimo seemed to think of something. He pushed the door open and looked at Die Yue who was at the courtyard. “Miss Die Yue, have an early rest today. You must not come out of your room if you hear any sounds tonight.”

Die Yue made no comments, she remained cold and aloof.

Su Zimo could not help but have a strange notion inside his head.

Die Yue who was right in front of him resembled an immortal in terms of her temperament and the way she conducted herself. She was graceful and beyond worldly cares, indifferent to everything around her. A true immortal would never get angry and injure people just because a mortal refused to kneel down before him.

Of course, this was just his thoughts. Su Zimo did not think too much about it.

Su Zimo carried a jar of wine from the cellar in the courtyard. He dusted the mud off and deliberately spilled some strong wine on the way back to his room.

Upon reaching the door, Su Zimo let go of the jar of wine and it shattered onto the floor. The wine was spilled all over the floor, giving off a strong smell.

Die Yue witnessed the entire scene. There was a vague smile in the corner of her lips.

Su Zimo went into the room but did not shut the door tightly, leaving it unlatched.

Su Zimo went to the corner and continued to sharpen the knife.

It was destined to be chaotic tonight.

Su Zimo waited.

He was waiting for a person...

...

The dark night had come.

A sneaky figure trailed along the wall and slipped into Su Zimo’s mansion.

He made quite a large commotion when he landed on the floor. The dark figure rushed to the corner agilely.

The dark figure waited for a while in the corner. The courtyard seemed quiet and there was not the slightest abnormality. The dark figure finally stood up and took out a dagger from his waist. The cold dagger glittered in the dark.

Through the glitter of the dagger, one could vaguely tell that it was Zhou Dingyun who joined the immortal sect together with Shen Mengqi!

Zhou Dingyun was one who sought revenge over the smallest grievance. Initially, he was wary of the Su family and Su Zimo who had scholarly honors.

Now that Su Zimo was reduced to an inferior commoner, while he had joined the immortal sect, soaring to new heights, he would not let Su Zimo go easily.

Besides, he would kill Su Zimo without anyone knowing tonight and leave Ping Yang Town with Perfected Cang Lang tomorrow.

Even if the Su family realized the murder, they would not dare to make trouble, otherwise Perfected Cang Lang might exterminate their entire family when angered.

Zhou Dingyun was not highly skilled except that he was strong and had physical strength. He believed that it would be easy to take down a frail scholar.

He treaded carefully and smelled the fragrance of strong wine. He swept his gaze across the courtyard and noticed that there was a broken jar of wine in front of one of the rooms.

“Haha.” Zhou Dingyun felt reassured. He grinned. “Indeed, you have not suffered any setbacks before and decided to drown one’s sorrows in wine. You must be dead drunk now. It is just nice. I will cut off the tendons of your hands and legs and take the time to torture you!”

Zhou Dingyun swaggered to the door of the room. The room was unlatched. He peeped through the door and saw that there seemed to be a person lying on the bed. But the light was weak, therefore he could not see clearly.

Zhou Dingyun did not stop to think but pushed the door open with a menacing look on his face, dashing into the room.

There was an even stronger smell of wine in the room. Zhou Dingyun frowned and walked stealthily toward the bed.

When he was about to reach the bed, a shadow came out from behind the door like a ghost.

Suddenly!

There was a cold light in the dark. Zhou Dingyun had yet to react and he could feel a cool touch to his neck. It was prickly and there was a cold voice next to his ears.

“Move and I’ll kill you!”

Zhou Dingyun felt a chill on his back. He had goosebumps all over his body.

He might be physically strong, but Zhou Dingyun was unable to exert any strength.

He knew very well that the thing that was on his neck was a sharp weapon, which could easily pierce through his throat.

“W-who are you?”

Zhou Dingyun panicked, feeling as if his throat had been punctured, and warm liquid flowed down from his neck to his chest.

The feeling was terrifying!

It was as if his life was draining bit by bit but there was nothing he could do.

All of a sudden, someone pulled Zhou Dingyun’s hair by force and jerked him to the back!

There was a tearing pain in his scalp. It felt as if it was close to being torn off from his head!

“Ah!”

Zhou Dingyun screamed in pain.

Zhou Dingyun’s legs went limp and he fell to his knees at the severe pain and life-threatening knife at his neck.

Zhou Dingyun never felt so close to death.

“Take a look at who I am.” The person behind him spoke up again. It was cold and eerie, as if the person was a ghost from hell, seeking his life.

Zhou Dingyun threw his head back in an odd posture, widening his eyes to look upward.

One glance at the person and Zhou Dingyun was terror-stricken.

In the dark, Su Zimo did not have the scholarly aura of a scholar. His expression was grim and menacing. His eyes were sharp and scary. The expression in his eyes was colder than the sharp knife in his hands!

At this moment, Zhou Dingyun could sense Su Zimo’s determination and strong intention to kill.

“Oh no! Now that Su Zimo had lost his scholarly honors and been reduced to an inferior commoner, he is serious about killing me!”

“No, I am joining the immortal sect. I can’t die!”

Thousands of thoughts fleeted through Zhou Dingyun’s mind in that split second. They all morphed into a strong desire to survive.

Zhou Dingyun quivered. “Y-you can’t kill me. If others know about it, y-you can’t escape death...”

“Hehe.”

Su Zimo smiled. “My life is worthless. I want to get someone to die with me. You are really down on your luck to come looking for me. You mustn’t blame me.”

To Zhou Dingyun, Su Zimo’s smile in the dark seemed particularly eerie.

Zhou Dingyun felt even more fear at his calm and indifferent tone.

“Crazy, Su Zimo is crazy!”

He had barely shouted when Zhou Dingyun felt the slight movement of the sharp knife at his throat.

Zhou Dingyun had a mental breakdown at the pulsating pain at his throat.

“S-Second Young Master Su, I beg you to spare my cheap life. I will never do evil in the future.”

“Second Young Master Su, I swear that even if I am lucky enough to join the immortal sect, I will never seek revenge on you. If not, I will suffer a painful death where countless of arrows pierce through my heart.”

Su Zimo was silent. He squinted his eyes and looked at Zhou Dingyun.

Zhou Dingyun panicked further at the dead silence.

Zhou Dingyun could not tell what was on Su Zimo’s mind.

Time trickled by. Just when Zhou Dingyun was close to despair, the grip on his scalp was loosened and the sharp knife on his neck was being removed slowly.

“Scram.”

Su Zimo said coldly.

To Zhou Dingyun, the word sounded like an immortal’s voice. He felt as if he was being pardoned. He crawled and rolled, fleeing from the room.

Zhou Dingyun covered the wound on his neck with his hand and ran to the courtyard, panting heavily.

After the narrow escape from death, Zhou Dingyun gritted his teeth and had a malicious thought again.

“Su Zimo is after all a scholar. Previously he was prepared, but right now, he won’t have chances of survival.”

There was a murderous look in Zhou Dingyun’s eyes. He could not help but turn to look toward the room.

Su Zimo stood at the doorway. He was clad in green clothes, with a sharp knife that had a one-foot long handle in his right hand. His eyes were cold, he looked like a tiger that was capable of devouring humans. There was a murderous aura about him!

There was a sense of ridicule in his expression, he seemed to have seen through Zhou Dingyun.

Zhou Dingyun’s evil thought vanished instantly.

Zhou Dingyun had no idea about how deep the wound on his neck was, and he was clueless about whether Su Zimo had any other tricks up his sleeves. No matter what, he would not take the risk again.

“Revenge is a dish best served cold.”

With that, Zhou Dingyun fled the mansion hurriedly.Chapter 3: Supreme Demon Classic

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Su Zimo waited till Zhou Dingyun had long left before he let out a long breath, his face looking pale.

The encounter was brief but dangerous. But luckily, it was as what he had predicted.

Su Zimo took note of a piece of information during the conversation with Shen Mengqi. She and Zhou Dingyun would leave Ping Yang Town with Perfected Cang Lang tomorrow.

Su Zimo expected that Zhou Dingyun would definitely seek revenge tonight!

Su Zimo had thought of seeking help from the Su family. But in this way, other than implicating the Su family, it would not change the outcome in any way.

This was because Zhou Dingyun could not be killed.

He was no longer the ruffian he used to be. Instead, he was about to join the immortal sect. If he died, Perfected Cang Lang would definitely come looking for him. By then, who would be able to stop him?

Su Zimo had never killed anyone before. But when the knife touched Zhou Dingyun’s throat, he was not the least nervous, scared or frightened. Instead, he was slightly excited and eager to try.

He did not give a damn as to what would happen tomorrow. The sky might collapse or the ground might sink. He would be able to relieve his pent-up frustrations if he killed the bully. That would be so cool!

Su Zimo indeed had the murderous intent and aura. He did not disguise it. He almost could not control himself and wanted to stab him with the knife!

This was the first time that Su Zimo discovered that the blood that flowed inside of him was not the scholarly blood, but more of a general in the battlefield that was used to killing, or of those brutes who believed in an eye for an eye.

He might used to have scholarly honors. But he was unable to stop the evildoers. Instead it was his sharp knife that sent them away.

“Long years of hard study could not be compared to the sharpness of the knife.”

Su Zimo laughed at himself. “A scholar is indeed useless. He could only do this much.”

Su Zimo returned to the room. He threw the knife aside, lying on the bed, but he did not sleep at all.

He was worried about one thing.

Given Zhou Dingyun’s temperament, he would definitely return to Ping Yang Town after cultivation and seek revenge for what happened today!

He would meet his end then.

It might be a month later, or perhaps a year later or ten years later.

Nevertheless, Zhou Dingyun would definitely come back!

Su Zimo knew it very well, but he had to tolerate the wicked acts of him today.

That was because if he killed Zhou Dingyun, he would definitely die tomorrow. However, if he let Zhou Dingyun off, at least there was still a glimmer of hope.

The glimmer of hope was that he would be able to gain the ability to fight against him before Zhou Dingyun came back after completing his cultivation.

But, was that possible?

What was a spirit root?

Why did he not have a spirit root?

Why could he not cultivate without a spirit root?

Why...

Su Zimo felt confused. He was curious about the immortal sect and was bewildered about the future.

Su Zimo’s eyelids felt heavy and he drifted off to sleep.

Su Zimo had a weird dream.

In the dream, an immortal whispered into his ears. “Do you want to cultivate?”

Yes, Su Zimo would love to do that.

Never before had he felt so eager to have power.

Su Zimo felt that something was odd.

Su Zimo was startled awake shortly after. He sat up suddenly. There was uncertainty in his eyes, and his back was drenched in cold sweat.

He finally realized what was wrong.

This was not a dream!

Someone was really asking whether he wanted to cultivate.

Su Zimo got up and opened the door, witnessing a scene that he would never forget in his entire life.

There was an exquisite beauty next to the peach blossom tree in the courtyard. She was clad in a blood red robe. She stood there with sparkling eyes, watching him quietly.

The clouds seemed to have dispersed, and the moonlight was clear as water. The petals of the peach blossoms fell off the tree and the lady was standing in the midst of it. It seemed as if there were mist and clouds in the twilight. This did not look like the mortal world.

“Do you want to cultivate?”

Die Yue asked once again. Her voice was gentle and pleasant, seeming somewhat lazy.

Su Zimo took a deep breath and gradually calmed down. He had lots of questions and doubts. But he only manage to utter a single word. “Yes.”

“Well, I’ll teach you.” Die Yue replied casually. It was as if teaching Su Zimo was a simple chore like eating or dressing.

Su Zimo walked down the stone steps and stopped in front of Die Yue. He gazed into her clear, watery eyes.

Die Yue was gazing at him as well.

After a while, Su Zimo realized that the lady in front of him was like a mystery. He could not see through her at all.

On the contrary, Su Zimo felt as if he was seen through by Die Yue, and he could not hide any secrets from her.

For a moment, Su Zimo had a flickering thought that Die Yue knew everything that happened to him today.

She knew everything that he was thinking about!

“I have no spirit root.” Su Zimo took a while before he said.

“There is a cultivation technique that does not require spirit root.”

“What cultivation technique is that?” Su Zimo asked automatically.

“The cultivation technique of the demon clan!” Die Yue widened her eyes and there was a special aura about her.

Su Zimo’s countenance changed and he could not help but retreat half a step.

Even though he knew nothing about cultivation, Su Zimo knew that human beings and demons belonged to different paths. According to legends, there were many cases where fiendish demons harmed human beings.

Did he want to cultivate the cultivation technique of the demon clan and to become a fiendish demon who was bent on killing?

It did not take long for Su Zimo to make up his mind.

“I’ll learn.”

Su Zimo did not know what he would become in the future, but he knew that if he did not make use of this opportunity, soon afterwards, when Zhou Dingyun returned, he would certainly die, not to mention what would happen in the future.

Die Yue was not surprised at all. It seemed she had expected Su Zimo would say yes. She continued on. “If you want to learn the cultivation technique of the demon clan, you have to agree to two conditions. Firstly, don’t ask me about my identity or background, I will teach and you will learn. Secondly, you must not tell others of this cultivation technique.”

“Okay.” Su Zimo nodded.

Die Yue continued on. “One more thing, if you want to learn this cultivation technique, you will experience unimaginable dangers. You may lose your life at any time. Do not expect me to save you.”

Su Zimo smiled faintly. “Life and death are preordained.”

“If there are any questions, you can go ahead and ask.” Die Yue smiled lightly.

This was the first time in two years that Su Zimo saw a smile on Die Yue’s face. He marveled at her smile and seemed to be lost in it.

But Su Zimo cleared his thoughts in the blink of an eye and asked in a low voice, “What is the spirit root? What is cultivation? Why did Perfected Cang Lang say that I can’t cultivate without spirit root?”

“Cultivation, can also be called cultivation or cultivation of Dao. There are three oldest major schools of cultivation of the humans clan—Immortal, Buddha, Fiend. The so-called spirit root is the immortal sect’s way of calling it. For Buddhism, they called it as the root of wisdom, while the fiend sect called it as fiend seed. It is basically the same. As humans, if one doesn’t have spirit root, one cannot join any of the sects.”

Su Zimo understood her words. What Die Yue meant was that demon cultivation did not need the spirit root.

Die Yue continued. “Humans have five senses, namely sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and the spirit root is equivalent to the sixth sense. It is the key to sense the aura between Heaven and Earth.”

Su Zimo suddenly saw the light.

Without the spirit root, one could not “see” the aura of Heaven and Earth and one could not cultivate.

Su Zimo continued to ask, “Are there different realms to cultivation? Which level of cultivators does Perfected Cang Lang belong to?”

“The immortal sect can be divided into Qi Condensation Realm, Foundation Establishment Realm, Golden Core Realm, Nascent Soul Realm... He is a Golden Core Realm cultivator. There are different realms to demon cultivation, immortal cultivation, fiend cultivation and Buddha cultivation. It is just different means of achieving the same end. But no matter what, the path of Golden Core is the natural chasm that everyone has to pass through. There are many cultivators, but half of them would be stuck at the path of Golden Core, with no hope of success.”

“Cultivation is to be in defiance of the natural order and to seize the good aura of Heaven and Earth. Once one entered the path of Golden Core, it means that one breaks the shackles of Heaven and Earth for the first time. One’s lifespan could increase to five hundred years. There is the saying that once one swallows an elixir, one’s lifespan will not be decided by nature!”

Die Yue continued. “The cultivation technique that you are going to learn is divided into nine sections. The first section is Body Tempering, the second section is Tendons Transformation, the third section is Bones Strengthening, the fourth section is Marrow Cleansing, the fifth section is Organs Refinement, the sixth section is Orifice Clearing, the seventh section is Core Formation. If you want to take revenge, you must cultivate to the seventh section.”

“What is the name of this cultivation technique?” Su Zimo asked.

“The Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness.”

Su Zimo was shocked. He could feel a strong, menacing aura surging toward him at the mention of the title. It was suffocating.

“Body Tempering, the first section of The Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness, can be divided into two parts, to harden and refine the skin and flesh. There are different breathing and expiration methods, techniques and moves that correspond to it.”

There was a demonic glitter in Die Yue’s eyes. Thereafter, there were several lengthy and profound incantations in Su Zimo’s mind.

There were no mountain of immortals or clear waters, Grotto-heaven paradise, or bejeweled jade palace, Su Zimo had started on the path to cultivation right in the inconspicuous courtyard, under the peach blossom tree that was in full bloom!

It seemed to be casual, and coincidental, but it also felt as if everything was predestined.

Not long after, Su Zimo’s expiration-inspiration gradually became different under Die Yue’s guidance.

This did not seem like the breathing method of normal humans.

After being repeatedly corrected and going through countless practices, Su Zimo gradually seemed to get the hang of it.

With this breathing and expiration, his body felt warm and his blood and flesh seemed to be burning and boiling, turning into boundless energy, bubbling to the surface of his skin.

Su Zimo felt an itch in his skin.

“This skin tempering breathing method originates from the Wild Bovine Demon King. One can practice when on the go or when sitting or sleeping. There is no definite posture to it. The bovine is resilient and has tough skin. Knife or sword will not be able to penetrate it. Take your time to appreciate it.”

Seeing that Su Zimo’s breathing was gradually on the right track, Die Yue turned to go back to her room, not disturbing him.

Su Zimo had long been immersed in this wonderful breathing and expiration method. He could feel that his skin had become tougher, stronger and more powerful with every breathing cycle.

The night faded.

Su Zimo had lost track of time. He even forgot where he was. He was focused on comprehending the incantations, and his breathing and expiration.

The first ray of sunshine lit up part of the sky. Su Zimo was stunned to realize that something hard and strong seemed to be sticking out of his head, facing the sky! There were two of them!

At this moment, Su Zimo seemed to have turned into an unrivaled bovine demon, taking in and breathing out the entire Heaven and Earth!

“Mmm?”

Die Yue who was meditating in the room jolted. Her gaze pierced right through the walls to land on Su Zimo.

“He actually understood the essence of it within such a short time? Oh... he is indeed a genius meant for demon cultivation. I have not wasted my efforts in giving him such a chance.” There was a look of praise in her eyes. Although she did not make a single movement, strangely, she had ended up at the courtyard and appeared before Su Zimo.

Bang!

Su Zimo who was immersed in cultivation was hit by an external force all of a sudden. He flew to a small distance away and stopped his breathing and expiration exercise.

Su Zimo got up from the ground, feeling slightly dizzy. He looked around, but there was no one in the courtyard.

Su Zimo frowned as he saw Die Yue who stood in the distance.

“Are you courting death?” Die Yue hid the look of praise in her eyes, and instead spoke in a cold tone.

“What?” Su Zimo was dazed.

Die Yue waved the sleeves of her robe and a sparkling water mirror emerged out of nowhere to appear in front of Su Zimo.

Su Zimo looked dumbstruck. This was far beyond his imagination.

When Su Zimo saw his own reflection in the water mirror, his surprise turned into panic!

“How could this be?”

Su Zimo was originally on the thin side. But his reflection in the water mirror was far thinner than his original build. He seemed to be emaciated.

If not for the familiar facial features and the contours of the cheek, Su Zimo could not believe that the person in the water mirror was himself.

“No matter what kind of practice, the power will not appear out of thin air. Cultivators from the immortal, Buddha and fiend sects take in the aura of the Heaven and Earth into their bodies, while those stronger demons clan will use the essence of the sun and the moon to harden the body. You have yet to attain that realm. Therefore, whenever you breathe in and out, you are using the essence of your own blood and flesh. If this goes on, you will die in three days.”

“What then?” Su Zimo was startled.

“You will naturally have to devour flesh and blood to supplement your energy before you continue with your cultivation.”

At the mention of eating, Su Zimo’s stomach began to growl. He felt severe pangs of hunger that almost drove him crazy.

Su Zimo dashed straight to the kitchen in lightning speed. In less than a quarter of an hour, he made a clean sweep of everything edible in the kitchen and gobbled them down his stomach before he slightly eased his hunger.

Su Zimo only discovered until now that he did not sleep all night. Not only did he not feel tired, instead he was energetic and full of strength.

Su Zimo picked up the thin iron basin next to him and squeezed it.

To his surprise, there were a few clear fingerprints on the iron basin!

“Psst! That powerful?”

Su Zimo was secretly amazed at himself.

He underwent a huge change with a single night of cultivation. Su Zimo was full of confidence in the days to come.

“I suppose even if Zhou Dingyun comes back from the immortal sect, I will have the capability to spar with him.”

At this time, Su Zimo still did not know the scariness of The Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness. This cultivation technique was the supreme demon classic that disrupted the balance of Yin and Yang, seizing the good aura of Heaven and Earth, changing the universe and turning the vital energy. This was something that did not belong to this world.

Chapter 4: Tri Bovine Style

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

On the second day, Su Zimo went to the market early in the morning to buy a few cattle as his food supply for the next few days.

After putting them aside, Su Zimo went to Die Yue’s room, knocking on the door. “Miss Die?”

To Su Zimo’s surprise, the door slowly opened at his knocking.

Although the sky was bright, the room was strangely pitch dark.

“Come in.” Die Yue’s voice could be heard coming from the room.

Su Zimo took a deep breath and stepped into the room.

Su Zimo could not help but feel odd. He seemed to have passed a soft and cold water curtain into another world.

Su Zimo took a look and was startled.

The sight in front of him was no longer Die Yue’s room. Instead it was much more spacious than his mansion. He stood on a green lawn and there was a wooden barrel that was slightly more than half as high as normal humans.

Die Yue sat slanted on a huge green stone, lazing around. Although she had a large blood red robe around her, it could not hide her slim and exquisite figure.

“This is...” Su Zimo opened his mouth slightly.

Die Yue had shown him a lot of incomprehensible prowess within a day. To him, it was strange and fascinating.

“This is to insert the largest thing into the smallest one. You will understand when you reach a certain realm. There is no need to think too much about it right now.” Die Yue replied, leaving no room for doubt. “This is the cultivation field that I have created. You will cultivate here in the future.”

Die Yue jumped down lightly from the green stone. “I will teach you three more styles. These are called the Tri Bovine Style. Practice it in conjunction with the breathing and expiration method.”

“The first style is Plow Heaven Stride. Although there is only one style, it is ever changing. It is the only way to cultivate one’s leg strength.”

While talking, Die Yue walked on the grass.

Su Zimo widened his eyes and concentrated on what she was doing, staring at every step and movement of Die Yue, for fear that he would miss the details.

After a few steps, Su Zimo vaguely grasped what Die Yue was talking about.

There did not seem to be anything fascinating about her steps. But if he observed carefully, he discovered that Die Yue seemed to be making her way through muddy water.

She drew in her chest slightly and erected the back, bending her knees and lowered her center of gravity. She never let her knees bend past her toes, but her strides were very wide!

She seemed to have calculated the distance between each step. It was exactly the same!

Die Yue stopped in her tracks, and turned to look at Su Zimo. “Your turn.”

Su Zimo was not in a hurry to practice. Instead he stood in place for a long time to ponder before he took the first step.

Su Zimo had just taken the first step and he sensed that he had made a mistake.

Die Yue came to Su Zimo’s side without any expression. She extended her leg and gave a slight kick at Su Zimo’s extended leg.

“Psst!”

Su Zimo gasped.

Die Yue’s kick sent unbearable piercing pain down his thigh. He felt as if someone poked his legs mercilessly with needles.

“Hold this position, continue.” Die Yue’s indifferent voice could be heard in the room.

Su Zimo lowered his head and realized that after being kicked by Die Yue, the extended leg had a higher resemblance to Plow Heaven Stride.

“She is helping to correct me.” Su Zimo understood Die Yue’s intentions.

Su Zimo pursed his lips and tried to recall the stance of Plow Heaven Stride, making another stride with his left leg.

“Wrong!”

The sole of the foot had just touched the ground and Die Yue’s voice could be heard again, followed by a piercing pain on Su Zimo’s left leg.

Su Zimo automatically corrected his stances under the stimulation of the pain in his leg.

Su Zimo took a breather before taking another stride with his right leg.

“Wrong!”

He could feel the familiar sting again.

Wrong!

Stinging pain!

He continued to practice and was being corrected over and over again...

In the end, Su Zimo could not even feel his legs. It was numb from Die Yue’s constant kicks.

Su Zimo clenched his teeth, drenched in perspiration. His only thought was that he had to keep walking.

Time passed by without him knowing.

Finally, he no longer heard the word “wrong” being hollered at him. It sounded like a nightmare to him.

Su Zimo also realized that he had begun to understand the crux of Plow Heaven Stride.

“Don’t you remember what I taught you last night?”

Su Zimo suddenly saw the light with Die Yue’s reminder. He began to use the breathing and expiration method that he learned yesterday night as he practiced Plow Heaven Stride.

At the beginning, Su Zimo could not apply both of them together. He could not breathe properly after making a stride.

But with the passage of time, Su Zimo gradually found a way to use the breathing method together with the Plow Heaven Stride.

In fact, this breathing method coexisted with the Plow Heaven Stride. Su Zimo went faster and faster, and he no longer felt numbness in his legs. His flesh and blood seemed to be burning, and he had infinite strength in his legs, his strides became wider as well.

He did not make any movement, but he was able to move five feet wide in a stride!

Su Zimo was thrilled to know that he was learning it correctly.

But Su Zimo could vaguely feel that his Plow Heaven Stride seem to be lacking something.

Su Zimo automatically looked toward Die Yue who sat slanted on the green stone.

Die Yue had a look of disdain on her face, her eyes cynical and morose.

Su Zimo thought to himself, “I am very skilled at using the breathing and expiration method with Plow Heaven Stride. Why does she still look down on me?”

Su Zimo felt angry, hence he deliberately practiced the Plow Heaven Stride, circling the green stone, moving about in front of Die Yue.

Die Yue sneered after a short while. “Do you intend to train yourself to become an ox? This stride is meant to plow the Heaven, it is not for you to plow the land!”

Su Zimo was startled. He stopped in his tracks.

Die Yue floated down the green stone and went outside. She said coldly, “When you can understand the profound meaning of ‘plow heaven’, you will then be able to master the essence of this set of footwork.”

Su Zimo finally realized what was missing in his Plow Heaven Stride.

His every stride was supposed to plow a ravine out of the Heaven!

How much boldness and vigor would one need to do that?

Although he was skilled in this footwork, he lacked the vigor and boldness. Therefore, he could only be reduced to the cattle that plowed the land.

“Plow heaven, plow heaven...”

Su Zimo kept pondering over it, and he gradually saw the light.

Die Yue walked out of the room to the courtyard, with a faint smile on her face. Gone was the harsh and cold attitude that she displayed in front of Su Zimo.

“He could achieve this with one day and one night of cultivation. He seems to be slightly better than me back then...”

The lady’s whispers could be faintly heard under the peach blossom tree. But it was gone with the breeze.

...

For a month, Su Zimo spent most of his time practicing Plow Heaven Stride in the cultivation field. He worked hard in grasping the essence of “plow heaven” and had a deeper understanding of the footwork.

During this period, Su Zimo occasionally went out to buy some cattle and sheep and he vaguely heard some news.

Success was a relative term. It brought so many relatives. The Shen family in Ping Yang Town used to be an ordinary family. But many pugilistic experts worked for the Shen family during this period of time.

In the eyes of all, it was inevitable that the Shen family would rise to success. As long as Shen Mengqi succeeded in her cultivation, even if she made a one-time visit to her family, it was enough to bring success to the Shen family for generations. The pugilistic experts might even have the chance to join the immortal sect. They would not mind even if it was as their servants.

On the contrary, the Su family had been in constant trouble lately.

There were originally three large families, namely the Zhao family, the Lee family and the Yang family in Ping Yang Town. Su family rose to success in recent years. Furthermore, Su Hong was a Connate Expert, and Su Zimo had scholarly honors, therefore, the four families had been living in harmony.

And now, Su Zimo’s scholarly honors had been written off and he had been reduced to an inferior commoner. He also offended an immortal. The three families got restless and could not wait to take over the Su family’s business in Ping Yang Town and there had been several conflicts and clashes between them.

However, Su Zimo did not take these to heart.

There was Uncle Zheng to take charge in the Su family, as well as Liu Yu and other Postnatal Experts to help out. The most important thing was that his older brother was not at Ping Yang Town now. When he was back, given his swift and harsh style, he would be able to suppress those evildoers.

...

This day, Die Yue came up to Su Zimo and said, “I will teach you the other two styles. Afterward, you can practice the three styles together.”

Die Yue paused for a while before continuing. “Most of the styles in The Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness are killing techniques. The next two styles are meant for killing. Bear that in mind.”

“First style, Bovine’s Moon-gazing.”

Die Yue took a step forward, that was the stance of Plow Heaven Stride. She then leaned forward, her arms suddenly outstretched from the abdomen. She clenched her fists, with her index finger slightly raised. She dabbed her finger and shifted slightly upward.

At this moment, Die Yue seemed to have disappeared right in front of Su Zimo. In replacement was a domineering bovine demon with its horns upraised!

Die Yue’s arms were the horns. The clenched fists with the raised joint of her index finger was the pointed part of the horn.

“Plow Heaven Stride is the foundation for Bovine’s Moon-gazing. Get into the Plow Heaven Stride stance, and exert force at the waist and abdomen, in the meantime throw out your fists. You must be able to charge toward the top as well as to do an upward thrust...”

Die Yue explained in detail while Su Zimo listened attentively.

Even so, when Su Zimo really practiced it, it was still inevitable that he suffered kicks from making mistakes. Die Yue stood by the side with a cold face. She would give him a kick whenever there was the slightest mistake.

In the blink of an eye, a day had passed.

Su Zimo was starving. He rushed to slaughter a cow. He prepared a wok and began to boil a pot of delicious beef.

While waiting, Die Yue picked up the cow tongue that Su Zimo threw aside saying, “Take the knife to stab at me.”

“Ah?” Su Zimo was startled. He did not understand Die Yue’s intention.

Die Yue replied. “I will teach you the third style. There is no way to show you how to do it. You will have to appreciate and understand the moment of change by yourself.”

Su Zimo knew that given Die Yue’s abilities, even if he exerted all his force, he would not hurt her.

Su Zimo gripped the knife and made a stab toward Die Yue’s shoulder, while concentrating on watching her movements.

Die Yue looked aloof. She raised the smooth and tender cow tongue and tapped it gently on the knife.

“Pa!”

There was a brittle sound. leaving Su Zimo gaping in shock.

The cow tongue was intact, while Su Zimo was only left with a handle of the knife in his hands. The blade had shattered into pieces onto the ground!

Su Zimo slaughtered the cow by himself. He knew that the cow tongue was just an ordinary tongue. It could never withstand the blow from the sharp knife.

Moreover, Su Zimo could not tell that Die Yue had exerted any force just now. Otherwise, he would not be holding on to the handle. It would have flown out of his hands.

This was just an ordinary cow tongue, but it shattered the sharp knife into pieces!

If the cow tongue tapped on a man instead of a knife, would the person turn into powder?

“The third style is called Bovine-tongued Saber. It may sound ordinary, but it represents the essence of this style.” Die Yue continued. “You once asked me when would you know that you have made initial success at cultivating skin tempering? Let me tell you now. When your palm has the same force as this cow tongue, you will be considered as having initial success at it.”

Chapter 5: Su family’s Misfortune

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Su Zimo often heard from other people that time passed by very fast when one cultivated. After he started cultivation, he finally realized what it meant.

To his surprise, Su Zimo had spent three months in the cultivation field, and his body had undergone a total transformation.

Others might not sense the change in Su Zimo, but he knew it very well.

During this time, he was already skilled in using the two styles, Plow Heaven Stride and Bovine’s Moon-gazing. Coupled with the breathing and expiration method, Su Zimo’s skin had toughened and was impenetrable to ordinary swords and knives!

He felt immense strength in his every movement.

The only thing that Su Zimo was distressed about was the Bovine-tongued Saber. He could not get the gist of it.

At the cultivation field, Su Zimo took a deep breath, drew in his chest slightly and straightened his back, he took a step forward with his left foot, getting into the stance of Plow Heaven Stride.

Originally, when Su Zimo stood there without moving, he looked like a frail scholar.

But when he took a step forward, there was a drastic change in his aura. It was as if he had the whole sky under his foot!

At the same time, Su Zimo exerted force at his waist and abdomen, punching his fists forward pointing and thrusting upward. He seemed to let out a mooing sound similar to bovines. It was deep and powerful, startling other people.

When executing Plow Heaven Stride and Bovine’s Moon-gazing, it was natural and unforced. Coupled with the breathing and expiration method, it made them even more powerful.

Die Yue who sat on the green stone saw this scene and nodded secretly.

After executing Bovine’s Moon-gazing, Su Zimo continued by opening his fists and giving a harsh slap.

The third style, Bovine-tongued Saber!

Pa!

The palm made a loud cracking sound in the air.

Su Zimo sighed, shaking his head.

There was still something off about it.

The palm looked strong, but he was unable to execute the flexibility of Bovine-tongued Saber.

Die Yue shifted her gaze elsewhere.

It had only been three months, but Su Zimo was able to achieve this level. It had already exceeded her expectations.

Bovine-tongued Saber was the most difficult and most powerful style among the Tri Bovine Style. It was useless to keep practicing. One would never comprehend the essence of it.

One needed to have the power of understanding in order to grasp its essence. Otherwise, notwithstanding three months, one might not be able to succeed for three years or thirty years.

Su Zimo felt frustrated after constantly failing at this style. He left the cultivation field and took a stroll in the courtyard, looking around.

Inadvertently, Su Zimo’s gaze fell on the cow that was chewing on the grass not far away and he stopped suddenly.

It was the most common cow in the market. It was used by the farmers to plow the fields. It chewed the grass in its mouth and swallowed them into its belly. It then lowered its head, sticking out its tongue to sweep over a handful of tender grass, rolled them about and took them into its mouth.

Su Zimo’s eyes lit up and he suddenly saw the light.

The tender grasses were the most common couch grass. Its leaves were thin and slender, and they had serrated edges. When Su Zimo was a child, he was scratched by the leaves accidentally.

The cow tongue was so tender, but it had no fear of these couch grasses.

The palm was the cow tongue, while the blade was the couch grass. This was the essence of Bovine-tongued Saber!

Su Zimo was exhilarated. The scene where the cow ate the grasses kept coming up in his mind. He tried to comprehend the changes in that instant and thought it over and over in his mind, and began to practice automatically.

“I heard that the Su family had suffered a misfortune.”

“It was said that the Su family’s restaurant was being smashed. I don’t think it can open for business. I heard that someone died as well!”

“Is it that serious?”

Su Zimo heard murmurs coming from outside the mansion, and he was startled from his cultivation.

Su Zimo sobered up from his cultivation and his heart sank at the rumors. He pushed open the door and dashed to Su family’s residence.

Su Zimo overheard the discussion of others along the way, and roughly knew what was the cause of the misfortune this time.

Several people picked quarrels and started trouble in the Su family’s restaurant. They smashed the furniture and Uncle Zheng brought people with him to the restaurant. However, those people turned out to be Postnatal Perfected Experts. They came prepared and Uncle Zheng was injured instead.

“Damn, I can’t take this lying down!”

Su Zimo had just arrived and he heard angry shouts coming from the house. He was Yuchi Huo. He was one of the guards at Su family, and he had a fiery temper.

Everyone in the house was Su Zimo’s trusted men. Su Zimo lost his parents when he was two years old. Uncle Zheng and others had been with the Su family for the longest time and they were very fond of him.

In the beginning, it was these few people who helped his older brother to gain a foothold in Ping Yang Town. The brothers had a close relationship with these uncles.

A strong smell of medicine wafted toward him and there was also a faint smell of blood.

“Second Young Master is back.”

Although he had lost his scholarly honors, everyone in Su family were very respectful toward Su Zimo.

Su Zimo nodded and went to check on the elder that laid on his sides on the bed.

“Second Young Master.” The old man’s hair was white and his face was gaunt and yellow. He seemed to have one foot in the grave. Despite that, he still smiled at seeing Su Zimo. There was a tenderness in the way he looked at Su Zimo.

Uncle Zheng was in charge of managing the Su household. Although he did not know martial arts, everyone in the Su family, including Su Hong showed respect toward him.

Uncle Zheng had become thin and was getting on in years. Now that he was injured, it was still unknown whether he could survive or not.

“Uncle Zheng, who is the other party?” Although Su Zimo was boiling in anger, he appeared very calm, speaking softly at the bedside.

“Who else could it be? It must be the grandchildren of the three families, Zhao family, Lee family and Yang family!” Yuchi Huo shouted in anger.

“It’s not that simple.” The man who spoke up was over 40 years old. He looked calm and composed. He was the leader of the Su family guards.

“Uncle Liu, what do you mean?” Su Zimo asked.

Liu Yu looked at Su Zimo, swallowing back the words on the tip of his tongue.

Yuchi Huo could not contain his anger, he hollered. “Liu Yu, why are you being wishy-washy? Don’t you know the seriousness of the situation? Mr Zheng was wounded by them, and Old Guan had suffered a terrible death. If those young lads under you were not smart, and broke out of the siege, Mr Zheng would have died. Those people wanted us dead!”

“Uncle Guan is dead?” Su Zimo’s heart ached at the news.

When he was a child, Su Zimo often rode on Uncle Guan’s shoulder, grabbing and clutching his hair.

But no matter how much Su Zimo fooled around, Uncle Guan would never get angry at him. He would laugh it off and play with him.

Su Zimo spoke through gritted teeth, “Won’t the authorities step in?”

“The authorities will be in charge of the affairs of the civilians. This is the conflict between several family clans. They would try all means to avoid it. Besides, whatever that is in the pugilistic society will be settled in the pugilistic way.” Liu Yu shook his head.

Su Zimo’s voice sank. “Uncle Liu, what is going on?”

Liu Yu gave a slight sigh. “My guards followed those people and saw them entering Shen family’s residence.”

“The people from Shen family are such ungrateful scumbags!” Yuchi Huo smashed the table next to him with his fist, breathing angrily.

Due to the relationship between Su Zimo and Shen Mengqi, the Su family rendered a lot of help to Shen family these past few years. Now that Shen Mengqi joined the immortal sect and skyrocketed to a top position, the Shen family turned to target the Su family.

Liu Yu continued. “I have done some investigations. The Shen family has been preparing to open a restaurant these days. Our restaurant is in their way.”

Su Zimo was expressionless as he listened to Liu Yu’s analysis quietly.

“Ahem!”

Uncle Zheng coughed, panting slightly. “Although the Shen family is the one who started it, the three families might have been adding momentum to it. This is the end of the matter, we shall wait until the Young Master is back.”

“Do we just put up with it?” Yuchi Huo gritted his teeth.

Liu Yu sighed. “Let’s endure it for now. The fact that the Shen family has risen through the ranks within such a short period of time, I suspect that Connate Experts might be working with them. If we go to them without any plan, we might suffer even more casualties.”

“When will Young Master return?”

“I don’t know, but I guess he will be back soon.”

Su Zimo suddenly said, “Uncle Zheng, have a good rest, I will go out to take a breather.”

That said, Su Zimo turned and left.

...

Three months ago, Su Zimo’s scholarly honors were written off and Shen Mengqi left the town. Zhui Feng was also dead. Su Zimo had been suppressing his anger and frustration at all that had happened.

That was why he almost gave in to his urge to kill the ruffian with one stab that night.

During this time, under Die Yue’s guidance, Su Zimo had been working hard on his cultivation. But in fact, he had never forgotten his grievances and he still could not take it lying down.

Now that the Su family suffered this misfortune, Uncle Zheng was seriously injured and Uncle Guan died a terrible death, all these events further sparked the anger in Su Zimo’s heart.

Su Zimo left the Su family’s residence. This was his only thought in mind—those people had gone too far in bullying them!

Su Zimo had some vague idea of the differences between Connate and Postnatal in the pugilistic society.

Postnatal and Connate were divided into early-stage, mid-stage, late-stage and perfected. His older brother, Su Hong was an early-stage Connate Expert.

Su Zimo had no idea which stage he belonged to. He was clueless as to which expert and from which stage could he handle.

In Su Zimo’s opinion, he had only cultivated for three months, he would not be able to defeat others who had cultivated for more than 10 years.

Despite that, Su Zimo had to demand an explanation from the Shen family. After all, he had spent more than ten years studying. He believed that everything must be based on reasons.

The Shen family had to give him an explanation!

Shortly after, Su Zimo reached the Shen family’s residence.

In just three months, the Shen family had undergone tremendous changes, changing from an ordinary family to the prestigious Shen family now. On the two sides of the vermilion red door stood two majestic stone lions.

If Su Zimo did not remember its location by heart, he would never believe that this was Shen Mengqi’s house.

Su Zimo walked up the stairs. He did not bother to knock, but pushed the door open.

At this moment, many people were gathered at Shen family’s residence. They were happily drinking, laughing and chatting with each other.

Now that Su Zimo suddenly barged into the residence, the crowd in the courtyard slowly dispersed. Many of them stopped whatever they were doing, staring at Su Zimo with a grim expression on their faces.

These people seemed wild and uncultivated, looking ferocious. Their cold and flashing weapons were placed by the side.

One of them had sharp eyes and recognized Su Zimo, speaking in a peculiar tone. “Oh, isn’t this Second Young Master Su, the successful candidate in the imperial provincial examination in Country of Da Qi? Why do you have the time to grace Shen family’s residence?”

“Haha, you must not have known. Second Young Master Su’s scholarly honors had been written off. Right now, he is a big idler.”

The ruffians of the pugilistic society ridiculed Su Zimo one after another. They stared at him with obvious evil intentions, and they hit their weapons against each other to send sparks flying, creating the piercing sounds of metal clashing against each other.

If he was just an ordinary scholar, he would have gone limp in his legs at the current situation, where he was surrounded by menacing ruffians.

However, Su Zimo maintained the same expression, and he even moved to stand in the center of the courtyard.

Back then when Su Zimo had yet to start cultivating, he was brave enough to confront Perfected Cang Lang at the unjust treatment. Right now, the ruffians in front of him were worlds apart from Perfected Golden Core. They did not exude the same vigor and aura like him. There was no way that he would be scared of them.

Su Zimo maintained a calm expression while his eyes swept across the courtyard, speaking calmly, “I want to see Shen Nan.”

Shen Nan was Shen Mengqi’s older brother.

“Hehe, Second Young Master Su came uninvited. Please pardon me for not welcoming you.”

The voice was heard first before seeing the person himself.

Su Zimo turned his gaze to the direction where the sound was coming from. A man in a white robe slowly walked over from the long corridor of the courtyard. He was all smiles, but he did not make any effort to conceal the mockery in his eyes.

Chapter 6: Murder!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Shen Nan wore a white brocade robe, with a jade hanging at the waist. He seemed like a rich man’s son.

But everyone in Ping Yang Town knew of his background. Shen Nan used to be the manager of the Su family’s restaurant. He was given the job on account of Su Zimo.

Shen Nan took a cup of wine next to him and walked up to stand in front of Su Zimo, passing the cup of wine to him, putting on a fake smile. “Welcome Second Young Master Su. No matter what, I have to serve you wine. Please accept it.”

“Regarding what happened today, whose idea was it?” Su Zimo ignored him but asked him softly.

Shen Nan maintained the smile on his face, leaning his head to the side, pretending not to know. “I don’t understand what Second Young Master Su is talking about.”

“Shen Nan, I want an explanation. Who is the murderer?” Su Zimo stared at Shen Nan’s eyes, but his tone remained very calm.

Shen Nan raised his eyebrow, putting away his smile. He looked upward and finished the cup of wine as he said lightly, “It seems that Second Young Master Su wants to make things difficult!”

With that, Shen Nan threw the cup in his hand onto the ground, smashing it into pieces.

All the ruffians in the courtyard stood up at the sound, unsheathing their weapons from their scabbards. All of them looked menacing and eager to fight.

“Damn, I can no longer stand this guy. Did he really think that he is a young master? He is merely an inferior-class commoner. We gave him a way out but he refused!”

“I am Mo Song. I am the one who slaughtered the man by the surname of Guan!”

“There’s me as well.”

“Hehe, it’s a pity that the old man did not die under my palm.”

Su Zimo swept his gaze over everyone who spoke up. He nodded and said, “Very well, very well.”

Shen Nan sneered. “Su Zimo, don’t seek trouble for yourself. Today I will take into account your relationship with my sister and let...”

“Scram!”

Shen Nan was not finished, but he was interrupted by Su Zimo’s holler.

Everyone in the courtyard found it weird and unbelievable. Shen Nan looked ferocious as he said coldly, “How dare you scold me?”

Su Zimo glared at him.

Shen Nan was taken aback by his sharp gaze. He had yet to recover and Su Zimo made his move.

Su Zimo did not make any other movement. He stretched his palms and slapped Shen Nan on the face.

Pa!

After being slapped by Su Zimo, Shen Nan was sent ten feet away under the watchful eyes of everyone!

Shen Nan had been practicing martial arts for the past three months and he had made huge improvements, achieving the Postnatal early-stage. He could not imagine that he would fly away after being slapped by Su Zimo.

The other party was not being swift in his attack. Why could he not react in time?

In the eyes of the ruffians, they had different views to Su Zimo’s attack.

No ordinary man would be able to send people ten feet away with the strength of the palm.

But everyone present survived through battles and fights. Many of them were Postnatal Experts. Mo Song and several others were Postnatal Perfected. They thought nothing of Su Zimo.

“Kill him for me!”

Shen Nan’s cheek was swollen and there was blood at the corner of his lips. He laid on the ground and hollered as he pointed his finger at Su Zimo.

Without waiting for Shen Nan’s orders, Mo Song already led a group of men to slash at Su Zimo. They attacked him from all sides, it was frightening!

Although Su Zimo had been cultivating for three months, he only knew three styles and he had never engaged in a fight with others.

Su Zimo felt a slight panic at the current situation. He automatically used Plow Heaven Stride, and charged toward Mo Song.

Swish!

Su Zimo took two steps forward, covering a distance of more than ten feet. His speed was alarming and he managed to escape from most of the attacks directed at him.

The rest of the people seemed to have blurred vision. A shadow flashed past them and their knives and swords missed the target.

“No!”

Mo Song’s eyelids kept twitching. His countenance changed.

The other people could not tell, but Mo Song who was at the front shivered at the monstrous force that was directed at him when Su Zimo took two steps forward!

Su Zimo was no longer a feeble scholar. He was obviously a ferocious beast that devoured humans!

Mo Song had yet to recover from his shock and therefore he was slow to react.

By then, Su Zimo had already reached Mo Song’s side. He stretched his arms from under his abdomen, clenching his fists with the joint of his index finger slightly raised, thrusting and pushing forward!

Su Zimo was very familiar with these series of movements. He would be able to execute it with precision even when he shut his eyes.

And right now, Su Zimo directed all his pent-up frustrations in the past three months in his attack.

Poof!

Everyone turned silent.

Mo Song had an odd expression on his face. He lowered his head slowly and realized there were two bloody hollows as huge as bowls in his chest. Two muscular arms were protruding from the hollows.

The blood was gone from Mo Song’s face. He slanted his head and died on the spot!

In the eyes of the other people, the two sides had only sparred with each other for a single round. Mo Song had yet to land his saber on Su Zimo, and the latter had already driven his arms into Mo Song’s chest!

Two bloody fists were seen protruding from the back of Mo Song’s chest. It was a terrifying sight.

Although the ruffians of the pugilistic society had been through many fights, they could not imagine the scene that they had just witnessed. How could a fist drive a hole through blood and flesh?

A Postnatal Perfected Expert was taken down by a frail scholar!

Who would have believed it if they had not seen it themselves?

Murder!

Su Zimo was in a daze. All he could remember was that Die Yue once told him lightly, “Most of the styles in The Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness are killing techniques...”

There were killing techniques. If he used them, he would definitely take lives!

Until now, Su Zimo finally understood her words.

Someone waved a knife to hack at Su Zimo’s neck while he was in a daze, while another person attacked him with a sword, stabbing him in the middle of his back.

Clang! Clang!

Instead of the sounds made by the weapons when they pierced through human flesh, one could only hear the sounds similar to the clashing of metals.

The steel knife that was on Su Zimo’s neck strangely bounced up, while the long sword in the middle of his back bent into an arc. It could not stab into his flesh!

“Psst!”

Everyone present gasped.

Su Zimo might have worn superior-class armor and hence the sword could not stab through his flesh. But what about the steel knife that slashed his neck? There was no way to explain why it bounced back?

Corporal mortification martial arts?

What kind of corporal mortification martial arts would be so powerful?

Although the knife and sword did not hurt Su Zimo, he staggered from the force of it.

The skin tempering skill could block the cutting edge of the knife and sword, but it could not block the force directed at him through the knife and sword. Su Zimo felt immense pain in the middle of his back and neck. He gritted his teeth to endure the pain.

“Scoundrel, you must be courting death!”

Su Zimo hollered, executing Plow Heaven Stride and charged toward the person on the left.

Bang! Bang!

Su Zimo plowed and made two deep ravines out of the ground that was made of extremely hard green stone. The gravel and small stones flew around, it was a frightening sight!

The person’s countenance changed. He finally knew the fear and terror Mo Song felt in the final moments before his death.

Su Zimo was too imposing and terrifying!

He merely strode forward, but the menacing aura about him was enough to suffocate him.

Poof!

He executed Bovine’s Moon-gazing, making two hollows in the chest of a late-stage Postnatal Expert. He died on the spot.

Seeing that Su Zimo seemed immune to swords and knives, everyone had no idea how to take him down.

Su Zimo had killed two men consecutively in no time. His blood seemed to be boiling. The initial panic and tension had disappeared.

“And you!”

Su Zimo turned and directed his fiery gaze at the last person.

The person had boasted of wounding Uncle Zheng just now. But he felt a chill at his back and had goosebumps all over his body now that Su Zimo fixed his gaze on him.

“Everyone, let’s attack him at once. No matter how powerful his corporal mortification martial arts is, he would definitely have a vital gate, and there is a limit to his endurance!” The man hollered.

Everyone in the courtyard felt like taking him down together, but they were still wary of him. They were frightened by his menacing aura and they did not attack at once.

Ta! Ta! Ta!

Su Zimo took three steps and had already arrived in front of the man in no time. He executed Bovine’s Moon-gazing without another word.

The man already realized that Su Zimo only executed the few styles.

Although he was frightened by the sheer power of Plow Heaven Stride, he was able to avoid the attack by dropping to the ground agilely. He did not care to preserve his dignity, but to execute a Lazy Donkey Roll.

Bovine’s Moon-gazing was meant to attack one’s waist and upper abdomen.

The man counterattacked with the move and was able to avoid Su Zimo’s fists.

Even so, he could still smell a strong and musty smell of blood in the air, extinguishing all his desire to fight back.

“Run! He is invincible!”

The man managed to escape from his Bovine’s Moon-gazing. Su Zimo watched as his opponent rolled about on the floor, feeling somewhat confused.

This was the only movement technique that he knew.

If Bovine’s Moon-gazing was unable to kill the opponent, Su Zimo had no other way to defeat him.

Right then, a thought came to Su Zimo’s mind and he took big strides to catch up with the opponent.

Lazy Donkey Roll might be a brilliant move and when used occasionally, it was quite effective. However, his speed of rolling on the floor would not be as fast as his running legs.

Su Zimo roared and caught up to the man in no time.

The man heard Su Zimo’s roar and knew that he was in serious trouble, looking upward at him.

His view was blocked by flying gravel and stones. Right then, an enormous force smashed right into his chest.

Bang!

The next moment, the man smashed against the wall, and he slowly slipped off the wall seconds later. His chest was punctured and he died on the spot.

Su Zimo was able to react according to circumstances, using the brute force of Plow Heaven Stride to kick at the man.

Killing techniques!

Plow Heaven Stride was a killing technique as well!

Several experts at the courtyard who were jeering at Su Zimo turned silent. There was fear in their eyes. Everyone retreated slowly, for fear that they would be Su Zimo’s next target.

It was understandable that everyone was fearful of him. Su Zimo had displayed very formidable prowess.

It had only been ten minutes since he made his first move and he had already killed two Postnatal Perfected Experts and one late-stage Postnatal Expert!

Su Zimo sneered as he turned to walk toward Shen Nan who had turned pale in fright.

“W-what do you want?”

Shen Nan’s voice trembled. He wanted to turn and flee, but his legs were too weak. They gave way on him and he could only sit limply on the ground, while he inched slowly away from Su Zimo.

“Whose idea was it today?” Su Zimo towered Shen Nan, looking down at him, as he posed his question, enunciating each word slowly.

“N-no, it’s not me...”

“Who is it?!” Su Zimo roared with anger.

Shen Nan trembled, gasping for air. There was a flicker of malice in his eyes as he said through gritted teeth, “If you dare to wound me, Su family will be exterminated!”

“Mmm?”

Su Zimo’s expression darkened. He squinted his eyes. “Are you threatening me?”

Su Zimo had barely suppressed his murderous intent, but he could feel the strong urge to kill again.

Right then, an eerie and sorrowful sound could be heard from the inner hall of Shen family’s residence.

“You are a junior, you must be courting death. How dare you behave so atrociously here!”

Chapter 7: Connate Expert

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The voice was still resonating and the figure that was as fast as a ghost swooshed and appeared right before him.

Su Zimo took a careful look. He was a middle-aged man. His cheeks were gaunt but he had eagle-like sharp eyes. He merely pointed his toes on the ground and he covered the distance in no time, standing right in front of him.

Su Zimo was shocked.

The middle-aged man was much stronger than the crowd in the courtyard in terms of his movement technique and aura!

Connate Expert!

“Buzz!”

The middle-aged man hid his hand behind his back. He suddenly stretched out his hand and it was accompanied by a clear buzzing sound of the sword.

A cold longsword stabbed towards Su Zimo’s face. The tip of the sword trembled like a flexible poisonous snake, giving out tongue-lashing sounds. It was disturbing.

The sword had yet to reach him, but a gush of cold air blew against his face. Su Zimo felt slight pain on his face.

Su Zimo realized that given the strength and toughness of his skin right now, he could never stop this sword!

The power of the Connate Expert was enough to threaten his life.

After all, Su Zimo barely had any fighting experience. He lost his focus just now and missed the chance to make the first strike.

Even if Su Zimo executed Bovine’s Moon-gazing to withstand the force from the sword, his head would already be pierced through by his sword.

Retreat!

Su Zimo had no time to think. He executed Plow Heaven Stride and retreated quickly.

“Humph!”

The middle-aged man sneered loudly, increasing his speed and his sword followed Su Zimo right on his heels. There was no way that Su Zimo could escape from his advancing sword. The tip of the sword was within distances of Su Zimo’s face.

The situation was very dangerous for Su Zimo!

Su Zimo could only see the glitter of the sword in front of him. His eyes hurt and he could not help but shed tears.

Right then, there was a look of malice in the middle-aged man’s eyes.

“Oh no, there is the wall right behind me!”

Su Zimo’s heart sank.

The courtyard of the Shen family’s residence might be spacious, but there was a boundary as well. Both parties were advancing and retreating in a superior speed and in the blink of an eye, Su Zimo had been forced to retreat to the wall.

There was no way to retreat!

Even if Su Zimo used brute force to break the wall, there would be a moment of delay.

The middle-aged man was able to slash Su Zimo with his sword in that single moment!

“Stop!”

A figure suddenly barged in from the door, carrying a steel saber in his hand. The figure yelled and charged aggressively towards the middle-aged man.

“It’s Uncle Liu.”

Although Su Zimo could not afford the slightest distraction to check the person who arrived, he could tell from the voice the identity of the person.

The middle-aged man took a glance and sneered.

Liu Yu was only a Postnatal Perfected. Even if he was a Connate Expert, he would not be able to save Su Zimo.

There was only a stone’s throw distance away between the long sword and Su Zimo!

“It’s too late, he will die for sure!”

The middle-aged man snarled lightly. His expression turned cold as he charged forward with his sword.

In this moment of life and death, Su Zimo suddenly calmed down, there was not the least bit of panic in his eyes. He was unexpectedly calm and his senses became sharper than usual.

Su Zimo knew very well that he was the only one who was capable of saving himself.

Faced with the advancing sword, Su Zimo closed his eyes instead and the scene of cattle grazing grass in the cultivation field flashed in his mind.

Su Zimo raised his palm automatically and rested it on the body of the advancing sword.

Wrap, hit, pull!

Bovine-tongued Saber, the most powerful style among the Tri Bovine Style!

Pa!

A crisp sound that was as loud as thunder resonated in the courtyard of Shen family’s residence.

The next moment, everyone froze on the spot. There were confusion, doubt, and disbelief in their eyes.

The long sword in the middle-aged man’s hands was shattered into multiple fragments, he was left with nothing but the hilt of the sword. The fragments scattered onto the ground. There was a strange brilliance about them.

The middle-aged man opened his mouth, his pupil constricted suddenly, as he looked at Su Zimo who was not far from him. He did not advance, instead he retreated a few steps and looked wary.

Su Zimo opened his eyes, panting slightly. He looked somewhat confused.

Had he survived?

Moments ago, Su Zimo finally realized what death felt like.

Until now, Su Zimo still felt that everything was surreal.

There was a breeze in the air. Su Zimo’s back was drenched in perspiration. He was so terrified that he broke out in cold sweats.

“Hurry, let’s go!”

Right then, Su Zimo could hear Liu Yu’s voice by his ear. Liu Yu pulled him by the arm and he automatically followed Liu Yu to run out of Shen family’s residence.

Apart from everyone present in the Shen family’s residence, Su Zimo himself was unable to recover himself. He was in a state of confusion as he hung his head and ran with Uncle Liu.

Along the way, Liu Yu kept looking at Su Zimo.

Before this, not long after Su Zimo left Su family’s residence, Uncle Zheng told him that Second Young Master looked odd. He was worried that he might go to the Shen family’s residence to demand an explanation, and he ordered Liu Yu to protect him.

By the time he reached Shen family’s residence, he already saw the middle-aged man attacking Su Zimo.

Liu Yu had good eyesight, he could tell that the man was a Connate Expert.

He did not understand why Su Zimo, a feeble scholar provoked a Connate Expert? The situation was critical and he had no time to think. All he could do was to make the first move to save Su Zimo.

However, the scene that Liu Yu saw thereafter was a huge shock to him.

Liu Yu’s eyes kept lingering on Su Zimo’s palm. He had lots of doubts and he wondered what was going on. “Could it be that Second Young Master put on an armor-like glove? But even so, how much power would he need to shatter the long sword of the Connate Expert to pieces?”

The most puzzling thing was that he could not tell that Su Zimo had been practicing martial arts. In fact, he seemed thinner than before.

“Weird.”

Liu Yu had an idea and decided to test Su Zimo. He released his grip on Su Zimo, and increased his speed.

Su Zimo hung his head, looking absent-minded. He seemed to be deep in his thoughts, but he followed right behind Liu Yu automatically.

Liu Yu and Su Zimo reached Su family’s residence in no time.

There were beads of perspiration on Liu Yu’s forehead and he was breathing heavily, but he could not hide the surprise in his eyes.

He sped up thrice consecutively on the way back. To the end he had already reached his limit, but Su Zimo was still following closely behind.

The most scary thing was that Su Zimo was breathing like usual, and he did not seem as if he was tired or exhausted. It was obvious that he still had a lot of energy!

Su Zimo had finally recovered himself upon reaching Su family’s residence.

Actually, Su Zimo was just as shocked as everyone.

Although Su Zimo could tell more or less that The Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness was extraordinary, he did not expect that he would have such power after cultivating for merely three months.

Su Zimo looked at his palm.

There was no injuries.

Success!

Su Zimo had mastered Bovine-tongued Saber during the life and death moment just now.

Su Zimo was overjoyed and thought of sharing the news with Die Yue later and to show off to her.

But then, Su Zimo seemed to sense something and he looked up to see that Liu Yu was staring at him with an odd expression.

“What is wrong, Uncle Liu?” Su Zimo asked.

Liu Yu said in a low voice, “Nothing, go on in. You should rest in your room, I will look for you later.”

Su Zimo nodded.

Liu Yu sent Su Zimo away and went directly to Uncle Zheng’s room, telling everything that he saw at Shen family’s residence to him.

Everyone in the room was surprised.

If not for the fact that it was Liu Yu who told them, no one would believe it.

“Could it be that Second Young Master is a Connate Expert?” Yuchi Huo asked.

Liu Yu shook his head. “People who practiced martial arts would have significant changes in their physique. For instance, the temple will bulge and the knuckles will be bigger. There will be calluses on the hands and one will have a strong physique. But I don’t see these changes in Second Young Master. He does not have any calluses and he has long fingers. It doesn’t seem as if he has used a weapon before.”

Uncle Zheng also said, “Second Young Master has spent all his time on studying, he didn’t have the chance to practice martial arts. It’s impossible that we not know about it. What’s more, one would need to practice for 10 years before one can advance to a Connate. And we are referring to those who are gifted and cultivated and practiced the mental cultivation method and internal power. Second Young Master is still so young.”

Liu Yu thought about it and said, “On the way back, I deliberately tested Second Young Master and I can be certain that his movement technique is faster and above me!”

Ah!

Everyone was shocked.

As the leader of the Su family guards, although Liu Yu was not well-versed in movement technique, he ranked the top ten in terms of his speed.

Uncle Zheng frowned and asked, “Did Second Young Master cultivate some superb qinggong?”

There were superior qinggong in the pugilistic society that were similar to “chasing toad in eight steps”. After cultivation, one was as light as the swallow and it could indeed increase the speed of one’s movement technique.

“Unlikely.” Liu Yu shook his head and said, “Second Young Master merely kept up with me without using any martial arts. He did not use any clever moves.”

Everyone was puzzled.

Liu Yu said in a low voice, “If I am correct, the middle-aged man is Tang Mingjun, he is known as the “Soul Reaping Sword”. He is an early-stage Connate Expert.”

“This does not make sense. Why will a Connate Expert attack Second Young Master? Won’t it be a disgrace to him?” Uncle Zheng frowned slightly.

What Uncle Zheng meant was that if the person wanted to kill Second Young Master, he could send anyone who had practiced martial arts. There was no need for a Connate Expert to do it?

Actually, Liu Yu arrived too late in time, he did not see that Su Zimo had killed three people consecutively.

By the time he arrived, Su Zimo was in a dangerous situation. Liu Yu had yet to take in the surroundings around him and he brought Su Zimo to flee from Shen family’s residence.

No one present would have known that it was not that Tang Mingjun, the “Soul Reaping Sword” wanted to attack Su Zimo, in fact, he was forced to do it.

“Oh no!”

Right then, one of the Su family guards pushed the door open, looking alarmed and panic. “There are many people outside. They look aggressive, saying that they want Second Young Master to pay a life for a life.”

“Don’t panic, who are these people?” Liu Yu asked in a deep voice.

“They are from Zhao family and Lee family. Shen Nan from the Shen family also brought many people with him!” The Su family guard swallowed with difficulty before he replied, breathing heavily.

“A life for a life?”

Uncle Zheng spoke softly, deep in his thoughts.

If according to what Liu Yu said, Su Zimo did not kill anyone in the Shen family, why would they demand him to pay a life for a life?

“Damn, this is a clear provocation. How could Second Young Master kill someone? I will go out to meet them!” Yuchi Huo was riled up. He stood up and dashed outside.

“Wait!”

Uncle Zheng coughed before he said softly, “Help me out.”

“Mr Zheng, you must not move about so as not to aggravate your injuries.” Liu Yu hurried to stop him.

Uncle Zheng shook his head. His attitude was firm. “He who comes is surely ill-intentioned. Now that Young Master is not around, I have to take a look no matter what.”

The few of them from the Su family went out to take a look and their hearts sank.

There were hundreds of people outside the residence. All of them looked menacing and most of them were Postnatal pugilistic experts. Three of them were early-stage Connate Experts. Tang Mingjun was one of them.

Given Su family’s manpower and capabilities now, if they did not deal with this properly, all of them might end up dead!

Chapter 8: Su Hong

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

“The burly chap dressed in martial arts outfit standing behind Young Master Zhao might be a mid-stage Connate. Everyone, try to take things lying down and don’t take the offensive. We must wait until Young Master is back.” Uncle Zheng whispered.

Everyone in the Su family was shocked.

Mid-stage Connate!

Liu Yu whispered. “The man looks unfamiliar, he might not belong to Ping Yang Town. Be on your guard.”

“Where is Su Zimo? Get him to come out!” Shen Nan covered his swollen face and shouted angrily.

Liu Yu stepped forward, and said in a deep voice with cupped fists. “What’s with the crowd? Why do you want to look for Second Young Master?”

A young man in a brocade robe who was one of the leading men held a folding fan in his hands and smiled. “A life for a life. It’s right and unalterable. Second Young Master Su had to pay for killing people.”

The person was Zhao Yu, Young Master Zhao. He was a Postnatal Perfected, he was well-known in Ping Yang Town.

The person next to him was Lee Yuanmao, Young Master Lee.

“To hell with you!”

Yuchi Huo pointed to Zhao Yu, ranting out loud. “If you insist to pay a life for a life, you must do so first. You have taken Brother Guan’s life!”

Uncle Zheng had a severe cough, gasping for breath. “What proof do you have that Second Young Master has taken three lives?”

“Haha!”

Shen Nan grinned hideously. “Old man, everyone in Shen family witnessed how Su Zimo killed them.”

With that, the people from Shen family edged to the front carrying the corpses of Mo Song and the rest.

Although they were dead, they did not shut their eyes. There were terror and fear in their eyes. It went to show that they were greatly shocked moments before their deaths.

Liu Yu and the rest were taken aback when they saw the corpses.

It was too ruthless!

The chests of two of them seemed to have been pierced through by weapons that were as thick as arms, while the chest of the other person collapsed and his bones were shattered.

Uncle Zheng swept his gaze over them, remaining calm as he shook his head. “He who has a mind to beat his dog will easily find his stick. Everyone in Ping Yang Town knows that Second Young Master is a scholar, How can he possibly kill these three Postnatal Experts?”

“Enough of your nonsense!”

Zhao Yu spread out his paper fan, saying coldly, “If the Su family doesn’t hand Su Zimo over, all of you will have to die today!”

“I am the one who killed them!”

At this time, a voice came from outside the crowd, and everyone turned toward the sound. A green-robed scholar strode up with big steps, his head high and chest out. It was Su Zimo.

Su Zimo stood in front of everyone from the Su family, displaying no fear at the hundreds of people in front of him, giving a loud shout. “I killed them, I will take responsibility for it!”

“Second Young Master, don’t be impulsive.” Yuchi Huo stopped him.

Liu Yu whispered. “Second Young Master, they have evil intentions. They are after other motives. It is just an excuse to look for you. Don’t fall for it.”

“Hehe.”

Lee Yuanmao had a strange smile. “Since Second Young Master Su has admitted to it, things are simple. Get him!”

“Protect Second Young Master.” Uncle Zheng’s tone was firm and steady. “At no costs!”

Clang!

Everyone unsheathed their weapons. Liu Yu and the rest surrounded Su Zimo and Uncle Zheng, protecting them from the crowd. The two parties were on the verge of breaking into fights.

Zhao Yu kept his folding fan and coldly said, “Capture Su Zimo. Kill all those who stand in the way!”

Su Zimo clenched his fists, getting ready to execute Plow Heaven Stride. He wanted to dash into the crowd to fight with the Connate Experts.

In all fairness, he could hardly deal with the early-stage Connate Experts. Moreover, there was a mid-stage Connate Expert among them. But right now, there were no other options.

Suddenly!

Galloping sounds could be heard from afar. In no time, it was nearing them.

“I will kill whoever who dares to touch my younger brother!” Su Hong shouted.

The crowd dispersed, as a single man rode a horse and galloped toward them, full of murderous intent. He tightened the reins upon reaching Su family’s residence.

The man rode on a tall horse and held an iron spear of the flowing spring. There was a powerful and murderous aura about him. His gaze was fiery and one dared not look him in the eyes.

There was a hideous scar on the person’s face. It stretched from his glabella to his earlobe. Although it had healed, the tender red skin near the wound was protruding from the scar. It looked frightening and the person looked even more vicious with it.

Su Hong, Young Master Su!

Everyone in the Su family was glad to see him. They could not conceal their joy at seeing him.

“Zhao Yu, Lee Yuanmao, have the two of you matured? How dare you seek trouble at the Su family?” Su Hong did not get off the horse. Instead, he sat on the horse, looking down on the two of them, his tone icy cold.

“Haha, so it’s Young Master Su. You have come at the right time. I have been waiting for you for a long time.” Zhao Yu smiled, he seemed to have come prepared.

The burly chap who stood behind Zhao Yu was dressed in martial arts outfit. His eyes were cold and he carried a thick saber on his back. He shouted, “I heard that Young Master is an early-stage Connate Expert at 30 years old. You are a giant among men. It’s my pleasure to meet you today. Shall we exchange blows to learn from each other? I...”

“I have no interest in the name of the dead.”

The person had yet to finish his sentence and he was cut off by Su Hong.

Go!

Su Hong gave a soft yell and his horse charged forward, reaching the burly chap dressed in martial arts outfit in no time, thrusting his long spear at the same time.

“You must be courting death!”

The burly chap looked calm while he took out his thick sword, releasing his Connate aura. He jumped up, raising his arms while swinging his saber at Su Hong who was coming toward him!

“He is indeed a mid-stage Connate.” Liu Yu nodded.

Su Zimo felt nervous upon hearing his words.

The Zhao family had come prepared. They even estimated that Su Hong might rush back and therefore they asked a mid-stage Connate Expert to deal with him.

Su Zimo swept his gaze over the crowd. To his surprise, neither Liu Yu nor Uncle Zheng and the rest of them were nervous.

What did that mean?

He was still pondering when Su Hong and the burly chap exchanged blows!

“Clang!”

The thick saber of the burly chap landed heavily on the iron spear of the flowing spring, sparks came flying.

The force was so huge that the horse that Su Hong was riding was forced to a stop!

“Haha!”

Su Hong laughed. He flicked the iron spear of the flowing spring. It gave off a buzzing tremor, followed by a stunning force that bounced the thick saber away.

The burly chap’s countenance changed.

Poof!

Blood was splattered all over the floor. The burly chap was sent flying by Su Hong’s spear, landing on the long street, his blood staining the ground.

“You pretended that you are of a lower level, y-you are a late...” The burly chap had yet to finish his sentence, but blood kept surging in his mouth. It was obvious that he would not get to live past tomorrow.

Everyone was shocked.

Nobody expected that they had only exchanged blows for one round and a mid-stage Connate Expert would be killed by a single thrust of Su Hong’s spear!

The most terrifying thing was what the burly chap said moments before he died. Although he did not finish his sentence, everyone present could guess what he meant.

Late-stage Connate!

All these years, people in the Ping Yang Town had underestimated Su Hong’s abilities.

“Hurry, let’s go!”

The Connate Experts of the Zhao family, Lee family and Shen family reacted quickly by protecting their masters and fleeing from the scene. All the pugilistic experts were frightened by the aura of a single man. They fled hurriedly, having no intention to stay for another second.

Su Hong sneered, making no move to chase them. He got down from the horse, nodding at Su Zimo before he said, “Back to the residence!”

...

Inner hall of Su family’s residence.

Su Hong sat in the middle like the master of the house, as Liu Yu gave a report on what happened in Ping Yang Town these past few months. He would nod occasionally as he listened to him.

Su Zimo sat at the side, with his head lowered, keeping silent.

Before this, his older brother never allowed him to enter the inner hall and he never participated in such meetings.

After Liu Yu was done with his report, Su Hong’s gaze landed on Su Zimo. He asked in a deep voice, “Did you really kill the three Postnatal Experts from Shen family?”

“Yes.” Su Zimo hesitated slightly before he admitted it.

Bang!

Initially, Su Hong was seated on a chair, but then he stood up suddenly, placing his feet on the ground, letting off a loud sound. He reached Su Zimo in no time and he punched in his direction.

This happened too quickly, everyone in the inner hall, let alone Su Zimo could react in time.

Su Zimo was startled. He had yet to recover from his shock and he automatically stretched out his palm, landing on Su Hong’s fist.

Wrap, hit, and he was about to execute Bovine-tongued Saber.

But right then, Su Zimo remembered the scene when he shattered the long sword of the Connate Expert at Shen family’s residence.

The power of Bovine-tongued Saber had just been executed and Su Zimo stopped in mid-tracks.

Bang!

There was a loud sound as the palm and fist clashed with each other. The chair that Su Zimo was sitting on broke into pieces.

Su Zimo lost his balance under the impact of the strike. He was about to sit back on the floor when he released the power of Plow Heaven Stride automatically.

Su Zimo sank and it seemed as if his entire body was lying flat on the ground. However, his legs did not move a single inch and he was rooted into the ground!

Su Zimo exerted strength at his waist and legs at the same time and stood up.

His move was really brilliant and everyone in the inner hall could not help but be amazed.

There was a sparkle in Su Hong’s eyes, he kept nodding as he smiled. “Good, good, you have done a good job by killing them!”

Su Zimo knew that his older brother was testing him just now.

Right at the moment when the palm and fist collided, he could feel that his older brother had cut back on the force exerted.

Of course, Su Zimo did not use all his force, he stopped in mid-tracks as well.

Su Zimo knew the power of Bovine-tongued Saber. He dared not use it on his older brother.

“Zimo, you should go back to rest. It is nothing to lose the scholarly honors. There are plenty of good ladies in the world. Don’t take it to heart. Xiaoning will be back from Cang Lang City soon. If you have time, do keep her company.”

Su Xiaoning was Su Zimo’s younger sister. She was two years younger than him. She was sent by Su Hong to study at Cang Lang City as well.

Su Zimo smiled as he agreed to it, he then turned to leave.

Su Hong watched as Su Zimo left. He remained silent for a long while, seeming to have mixed feelings.

“Young Master?” Liu Yu asked softly.

Su Hong recovered himself, speaking softly, “I don’t think Zimo is cultivating any internal power. He used his body strength to withstand the impact from my fist just now.”

“I have heard from others that some people are born with immense strength. Second Young Master could be such people.” Liu Yu was glad.

Su Hong smiled. “This is not just a matter of strength. When we sparred just now, I felt pain in my arm. It was as if it has been distorted. I suppose, he did not use his full force.”

Yuchi Huo said, “Since Second Young master is so capable, why don’t we tell him about our origin and our intention?”

“No!”

Su Hong shook his head. His attitude was firm. “Previously I forbade Zimo from learning martial arts as I don’t want him to be embroiled in it. I don’t intend to live but nothing must happen to Zimo and Xiaoning. This is final. I will hear no more about it!”

Uncle Zheng sighed. “I watched Second Young Master as he grew up. Given his intelligence, I am afraid he has already discovered something amiss.”

“He won’t know as long as we keep it a secret.”

Chapter 9: Body Tempering Sutra

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The Su family came to Ping Yang Town 15 years ago. There were only Uncle Zheng, Liu Yu and some other people with them. Su Hong was 15 years old, while Su Zimo was only two years old and Su Xiaoning was just born.

Their parents died that year.

According to the Su family, they encountered a lot of beasts where they passed by Cang Lang Mountain range. Many of them died, and their parents were among those who died.

Su Zimo had always been skeptical of this statement all these years.

Su Zimo felt that his older brother and the rest of the Su family had been hiding many things, other than their parents’ death from he and his sister.

Back then when his older brother gave him the mansion, it was said that he could study hard without anyone disturbing him, but Su Zimo knew that his older brother meant to send him away.

Su Zimo studied hard to get scholarly honors so that there would be a day where he could help his brother. However...

Su Zimo had finally sorted out his thoughts after reaching his mansion.

Since his brother refused to tell him, he would not force him. His only hope was that he would become stronger so that no matter how dangerous the situation was, they could survive it.

Su Zimo stepped into the cultivation field. Die Yue was lazing around on the green stone. She did not cast him a look. It was as if she did not see Su Zimo come in.

“I have succeeded at Bovine-tongued Saber,” Su Zimo said.

Die Yue acknowledged him with an indifferent attitude.

Su Zimo knew that it was considered as a praise to get Die Yue’s acknowledgment.

“Go in to cultivate.” Die Yue pointed to the wooden barrel not too far away.

The wooden barrel had been in the cultivation field for quite some time. It had always been empty. Su Zimo had no idea what it was used for.

Today, the barrel was filled with a thick black liquid, exuding a strong smell of medicine.

“So it is for my cultivation.”

Su Zimo jumped in without another thought.

“Psst!”

Su Zimo sucked in a cold breath as soon as he jumped into the barrel. His countenance changed.

Cold!

Too cold!

Su Zimo felt that his hands and limbs were turning numb in no time. His hair was covered with a layer of frost. His face had turned gray and his lips purple. His body could not help but tremble uncontrollably.

“W-what is this?” Su Zimo said in a quavering voice.

Die Yue spoke lightly, “You can come out if you can’t take it.”

Su Zimo could not stand it anymore.

He even felt that if he continued to stay in the barrel, he would freeze to death.

Su Zimo had just gotten up getting ready to jump out when he caught a glimpse of scoff in Die Yue’s eyes. He was riled. He clenched his teeth and sat back down in the barrel.

He had only taken ten breaths and he felt a chill to his bones. Under the stimulation of the medicinal liquid, Su Zimo began to lose his consciousness.

Su Zimo remembered what Die Yue said to him in the past, “If you want to learn this cultivation technique, you will experience unimaginable dangers. You may lose your life at any time. Do not expect me to save you.”

Su Zimo knew that even if he froze to death, Die Yue would not save him.

Su Zimo shut his eyes, trying to ignore the coldness that he felt. He used the breathing and expiration method of skin tempering and began to breathe slowly.

All of a sudden!

There were a few mysterious and lengthy sutra in Su Zimo’s mind and he could hear Die Yue’s voice. “There is in fact only one sutra in Body Tempering. Since you have no foundation, hence I divided it into two parts, skin tempering and flesh tempering. What you saw just now is the sutra for flesh tempering. From today onward, you will combine both of them when you cultivate.”

“The breathing method of flesh tempering originates from Rock Bear Demon King. The flesh of the bear is thick and sturdy. It is slow but powerful. It has the power to erect its neck, strengthen its upper limb, come out from its cave with full force, and to fight the tiger majestically. Combine the two methods of breathing and it will be the Body Tempering Sutra.”

Die Yue explained while she taught Su Zimo the breathing and expiration method.

Su Zimo began to get the gist of it gradually and his breathing became slow and long.

With each breathing and expiration, the essence of the medicinal liquid in the wooden barrel would rush into his body through the pores on his skin, supplementing the skin and nourishing the blood and flesh.

This kind of cultivation method was much more direct and effective than devouring food and cultivating!

Su Zimo felt that his own flesh and blood were being nourished. His skin had toughened and he seemed to have grown more muscular.

If Su Zimo opened his eyes at this time, he would see an even more shocking scene.

The black viscous liquid had formed a huge vortex in the wooden barrel. Su Zimo hovered in the middle of the vortex.

A cow-shaped monster and a bear-shaped monster loomed next to Su Zimo. They were hazy but their eyes were bright and exuded a cold eerie light. They looked ferocious and they exuded an aura that could shake Heaven and Earth!

With the passage of time, the chill in the body gradually dissipated. An inexhaustible amount of essence continued to cleanse his muscles and skin. Su Zimo’s realm had been advancing rapidly.

In the blink of an eye, the night had passed.

Su Zimo opened his eyes and was surprised to find that the liquid in the wooden barrel had become transparent and was as clear as water.

Die Yue jumped down from the green stone, saying, “I will impart three more styles to you. The first style is Ground-rupturing Palm. The angle of the palm can change as you please. All you need to remember is the technique to execute the force and to understand the concept of rupturing the ground.”

Die Yue raised her hands slightly as she explained.

Su Zimo had an idea and he shut his eyes.

Su Zimo had a strange thought. It was as if he was not facing Die Yue but a hideous bear demon. It raised its gigantic bear paw and smashed it down suddenly!

Although Su Zimo knew that it was only an illusion, under the powerful impact of the slam, he could not help but retreat.

Swoosh!

Su Zimo forgot that he was still in the barrel. He collapsed on the ground, looking like a mess. The water in the barrel was spilled all over the floor.

“The second style is Mountain Reliance. You have to exert all your strength and press forward, and the opponent will die. He will have no time to react.”

Die Yue nudged her foot and pressed forward, her body shaking!

Su Zimo’s pupil constricted instantly.

The air around Die Yue froze when she executed the Mountain Reliance. It seemed to turn solid then spread out thereafter!

The air around them was not immune to the swiftness and impact of the pressing in movement!

“The third style, Body Petrification.”

Die Yue paused before saying, “This is the defensive method of The Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness. It can be considered as a mental cultivation method. After you succeed, the flesh and blood will turn into a boulder instantly. One becomes indestructible, minimizing the injuries sustained.”

Su Zimo began practicing Tri Rock Bear Style while Die Yue watched coldly by the side, pointing out whenever he made a mistake.

Whenever Die Yue pointed out his mistakes, Su Zimo would be in agony.

At the end of the day, Su Zimo had not made any progress with the Tri Rock Bear Style, but he was already covered with wounds. He had bruises all over his body and he was drenched in perspiration, lying down drained of all energy on the grass, panting heavily.

Of course, Su Zimo knew very well that if not for such a harsh environment, it would take him even longer to succeed in Tri Rock Bear Style!

At night, Die Yue prepared another barrel of medicinal liquid for Su Zimo’s cultivation.

The amazing part was that, regardless of how heavily injured Su Zimo was in the day, after cultivating in the wooden barrel for a night, he would be alive and healthy in the day and he would not have any scars on his body.

In the next three months, Su Zimo slaughtered cattle and ate them, practicing Tri Rock Bear Style in the day and going into the wooden barrel at night, practicing his breathing and expiration under the stimulation of the medicinal liquid.

Su Zimo gritted his teeth to endure the endless cultivation.

Under such a harsh cultivation environment, Su Zimo had a deeper understanding of Body Tempering Sutra. He was able to reach initial success at his Ground-rupturing Palm and Mountain Reliance.

However, he did not make much progress with Body Petrification.

Su Zimo’s skin, had changed from the rough texture when he first practiced Tri Bovine Style to being smooth and delicate. It was as if he had regained the natural state.

His skin looked as fair as jade, but in fact it was even tougher than before!

Su Zimo had become more muscular and his body was firm and sturdy. He seemed to become taller. Although he was only 17 years old, he was more than six feet tall, similar to Die Yue’s height.

Three months ago, when Su Zimo tried his hand at Shen family’s residence, he was slashed by swords in the fight. Although he did not sustain any external injuries, the impact from the saber and sword still caused damage to his muscles and he was in pain for a long time.

Right now, Su Zimo surmised that if he was stabbed by Postnatal Perfected Experts, it would not cause any damage to him.

After cultivating Body Tempering, and through half a year of tough practice, his body was similar to swords and sabers.

Of course, these were not the only changes he underwent after cultivating Body Tempering.

He had immense strength and amazing speed. There was a sharpness in his gaze. All these brought about a transformation in Su Zimo.

This morning, Su Zimo walked out of the cultivation field. He changed into a green robe, tidied up and went to the Su family’s residence.

Su Xiaoning would be back today.

Regardless of whether it was Su Zimo, Su Hong or anyone else in the Su family, everyone doted on her and could not bear for her to suffer any grievances.

Su Zimo reached Su family’s residence in no time.

“Second Young Master is back.” The people in Su family were delighted and greeted him warmly.

Su Zimo smiled and nodded at them.

After recuperating for three months, Uncle Zheng’s injuries had healed, but he seemed much older than before.

“Brother is not around again?” Su Zimo asked casually.

Uncle Zheng smiled. “He is caught up with business recently. He had to take care of the business and won’t be able to make it back today.”

Su Zimo and Uncle Zheng chatted in the hall while waiting for Su Xiaoning to return.

Two hours had passed...

Four hours...

Noon had passed.

Cang Lang City was not too far from Ping Yang Town. It would take at most two hours to reach by foot. But right now, Su Xiaoning had yet to come back.

Su Zimo turned solemn, there was a cold glitter in his eyes.

Uncle Zheng frowned, thinking before he shouted. “Liu Yu!”

“Here!”

Uncle Zheng said in a deep voice, “Bring some men to Cang Lang City and check whether Miss Su has set off or not. Report to me if there’s any news.”

“No need.”

Su Zimo waved his hands.

He knew his sister best.

Su Xiaoning had been very obedient since a young age. She would never do things that would cause her family to be worried.

Since Su Xiaoning had yet to reach Ping Yang Town, there was only one explanation. She had run into mishap!

Su Zimo stood up slowly, his expression cold.

Uncle Zheng and Liu Yu could feel a suffocating pressure at his single movement!

These two people had been through multiple fights and battles and had many experiences where they had a close brush with death. They had no fear even when they faced immortals or thousands of army.

But right now, they could not help but tremble with fear when facing Su Zimo!

“Second Young Master has indeed changed!” Uncle Zheng and Liu Yu stared at each other, having the same thought.

“Report—Shen Nan from the Shen family is outside the door, seeking entry.” One of the Su family guard shouted.

Uncle Zheng took in a deep breath. “Let him in.”

“Hehe, how are all of you doing?” Shortly after, Shen Nan who was clad in white strolled in smilingly.

Su Zimo did not utter a word, his eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at Shen Nan.

Shen Nan’s heart skipped a beat.

For some unknown reason, Shen Nan felt like being targeted by a ferocious tiger and a starving wolf. He might be torn into pieces in a blink of an eye!

“I am only here to send a message. Zhao family and Lee family wanted to invite the two young masters of Su family to a banquet,” Shen Nan hurried to say, feeling somewhat guilty.

Su Zimo came to Shen Nan’s side, saying calmly, “My brother is not in, I will go with you.”

“Second Young Master, there must be something funny about the banquet. You must not go!” Liu Yu hurried forward and whispered to Su Zimo’s ears.

Su Zimo swept his gaze at him.

Liu Yu bowed his head, and said through clenched teeth, “Second Young Master, I will go with you!”

Su Xiaoning was missing and the Zhao family suddenly invited Su Hong and Su Zimo to a banquet. It was obvious that it was an ambush. He might not make it back alive. But he would never stand by while Second Young Master went alone to fight the enemy.

“Liu Yu, Young Master Zhao has said that he only invited the two young masters from Su family, no one is to go with him, otherwise...” Shen Nan did not finish his sentence, but it was obvious that he was threatening them.

“Lead the way,” Su Zimo said coolly.

Shen Nan gave Uncle Zheng and Liu Yu a provocative look, before he sneered and swaggered away from Su family’s residence.

“Mr Zheng, what do we do? Should I bring people to attack then. Nothing must happen to Second Young Master!” Liu Yu was anxious.

“No!”

Uncle Zheng shook his head, frowning. “The other party is obviously ready. Right now, the Zhao family’s residence is full of danger. Given our current strength, we will not be able to compete with them.”

Uncle Zheng paused for a long while before he said in a deep voice, “Get the nearest black armored cavalry to come as soon as possible!”

“But... will they be able to arrive in time?” Liu Yu asked.

“I have no idea.” Uncle Zheng sighed. “Right now, we can only hope that Second Young Master and Miss Su can hold on for as long as possible. This is the only solution.”Chapter 10: Attend The Banquet Alone

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Su Zimo had just entered the Zhao family courtyard, and the door slowly closed behind him.

The two sides of the courtyard were full of people. They were Postnatal Experts. They had their weapons ready, they were glittering with coldness.

They looked surprised when they saw that it was Su Zimo who arrived at the courtyard. Many of them ridiculed and sneered, shaking their heads at him.

The hall at the Zhao family’s residence was situated at the end of the courtyard. There was an eight seater square table at the end. Many people were already seated, including Zhao Yu and Lee Yuanmao.

Shen Nan arrived with Su Zimo and went to take a seat at the table.

Su Zimo walked slowly into the hall, his eyes sweeping over everyone, looking calm and composed.

There were a total of 17 people in the hall. Except for Zhao Yu, Lee Yuanmao and Shen Nan, everyone was a Connate Expert. Among them were Tang Mingjun, the “Soul Reaping Sword” who once sparred with him in Shen family’s residence.

Out of the 14 Connate Experts, seven of them had stronger aura than Tang Mingjun. Three of them had the strongest aura!

Not surprisingly, four out of the seven people were mid-stage Connate Experts, while the other three were late-stage Connate Experts!

Su Zimo had a grasp of the situation now.

The Zhao family was obviously taking drastic measures to deal with a situation. They wanted to get rid of he and his brother today. Unfortunately, Su Hong was not around.

“We wanted to catch a big fish, but we did not expect to catch a small shrimp instead. If we had known, there is no need to gather such a crowd over here.” Zhao Yu sneered, looking at Su Zimo with disdain.

“Where’s my sister?” Su Zimo sounded calm and composed.

Zhao Yu clapped his hands.

Two women walked out side by side from the back of the hall. To be exact, one of which was being held hostage.

Su Xiaoning wore a green dress, looking quick-witted. She was 15 years old, and she was already beautiful and had a flawless complexion.

However, at this time, Su Xiaoning had tears in her eyes and she was trying to contain her tears. She pursed her lips as she stared at Su Zimo, refusing to say a word.

Su Zimo’s heart ached at the sight of her.

All these years, this was the first time that he had seen his sister in such a predicament. She must have suffered a lot of grievances.

Lee Yuanmao smiled. “The person next to her is my younger sister, Lee Xiangtong. It seems like she gets along very well with Miss Su.”

The lady next to Su Xiaoning smiled, pulling Su Xiaoning to take a seat. She waved a sharp dagger in her hands while she spoke softly, “Sister, don’t cry. I’ll do manicure for you.”

While Lee Xiangtong was talking, she pulled Su Xiaoning’s trembling fingers and glided the dagger gently across the fingertips.

“Yah!”

Lee Xiangtong gasped softly as drops of blood oozed from Su Xiaoning’s fingertips. It was glaringly red.

“Sister, you must not tremble. Fortunately I was being careful, otherwise your fingers would be cut off.” Lee Xiangtong had a malicious smile on her face.

Su Zimo did not move a single inch.

Lee Xiangtong was no weak lady. She was a Postnatal Expert.

Su Zimo and Lee Xiangtong were separated by an eight seater square table. They were four mid-stage Connate Experts, three late-stage Connate Experts seated at the table. There were also seven early-stage Connate Experts who stood by both sides of Su Zimo.

Su Zimo had no way to save her.

“Well, well, well...”

Right then, an elder in his fifties, seated at the eight seater square table clapped his hands slowly, as he nodded and said, “Faced with calamities, he is still able to remain calm and unperturbed. He is a talent. Yu-er, this is no small shrimp. Given his temperament, he is worthy of this banquet.”

Zhao Yu curled his lips.

“I am Zhao Chengping, the master of Zhao family.”

The elder in his fifties pointed to the left and said, “This is the Lee family’s master Lee Xing, as for this...”

Zhao Chengping looked to the right, saying in a deep voice, “This is Zeng Yao, Swordsman Zeng from Cang Lang City. People hailed him as ‘Thunderbolt Saber’. The person who died under Su Hong’s spear three months ago was Swordsman Zeng’s junior martial brother.”

These three were late-stage Connate Experts!

Su Zimo remained composed as he spoke slowly, “The family should not be implicated in the pugilistic affairs. Will the few of you let her go and I will stay behind to accompany you?”

“Hehe, you are not considered as part of the pugilistic society. You are merely an inferior commoner!” Lee Yuanmao smiled and made a dig at him.

Zhao Yu spoke in a peculiar tone, “It is alright if it is your brother, Su Hong, but you are not qualified.”

“Brother, run...”

Su Xiaoning had barely said a few words and her mouth was covered by Lee Xiangtong. She could only utter a few sounds, her tears rolling uncontrollably down her cheeks.

Zhao Chengping sighed. “I am an elder, and I don’t want to lower myself to your level and deal with a junior like you. However, the Su family has been too arrogant.”

Su Zimo spoke with mockery, “One should fight openly for any disputes between the family clans, the Su family would not shy from it. Aren’t you worried that you will be a laughingstock by doing these insidious things?”

“Haha!”

Lee Xing, the master of the Lee family laughed and shook his head. “Young lad, you are still very inexperienced. You have not encountered any sinister events in the pugilistic society. This is nothing compared to it.”

“Is Lee Xiangtong your daughter?”

Su Zimo raised his eyebrows slightly, asking a seemingly insignificant question.

“So what if she is?” Lee Xing snorted.

“Then prepare to die!”

A loud snarl that sounded like thunder resonated in the hall.

In the meantime, Su Zimo strode forward, releasing the impact of plowing the heavens. The eight seater square table was overturned in no time, smashing to pieces.

It was too fast!

No one would have thought that under such circumstances, Su Zimo would make the first move even when he was unable to save himself.

Everyone except Zhao Yu and two other were Connate Experts. They reacted quickly and grabbed their weapons, advancing toward Su Zimo, shouting in anger, “What an audacious junior!”

All at once, there were glint and flash of cold steel everywhere in the hall. It was cold and terrifying, no one could pass through.

Zeng Yao, “Thunderbolt Saber” had a backhand grip on his saber. There was a flash of glaring light and he directed his attack toward the area under Su Zimo’s rib.

Su Zimo was oblivious to the surrounding swords and sabers. He fixed his gaze on Lee Xing as he slapped with his palm, releasing a ferocious and formidable aura!

Ground-rupturing Palm!

Lee Xing’s countenance changed at Su Zimo’s violent and domineering aura. His first thought was to turn and flee.

His years of experience in the pugilistic society told him that if he did not flee, he would definitely die!

Lee Xing widened his eyes in anger, giving out a loud shout. He was not in time to draw his weapon, he could only use his arms to block the attack.

On the other side, Zhao Chengping held the sword with one hand, a wicked light shone in his eyes. The sword quivered slightly as it dabbed toward Su Zimo’s eyes.

Zhao Chengping had long heard that Su Zimo practiced corporal mortification martial arts. But no matter what type of corporal mortification martial arts one practiced, one’s eyes were still vulnerable.

Snap!

There was a loud bone-cracking sound. Lee Xing shrieked in pain. Su Zimo slapped his palms against Lee Xing’s arms, breaking his bones. The broken bones protruded from the flesh, being exposed. It was a gruesome sight.

A late-stage Connate Expert could not survive one single stroke of Su Zimo’s!

Everyone was aghast!

After executing Ground-rupturing Palm, Su Zimo charged forward, capturing Lee Xing by the throat.

At the same time, Su Zimo took a big step toward the left, he faced Zhao Chengping sideways, putting his cheek at the mercy of his long sword, while his left hand seemed as soft as the cow tongue, wrapping around his hand!

Zhao Chengping stabbed his sword at Su Zimo’s cheek. However, it did not pierce through his skin, instead it bent into an arc at the strong force.

“Psst! His corporal mortification martial arts is so powerful?”

Zhao Chengping was shocked, he knew that things were not going well, and he made a move to retreat.

Right then, Su Zimo’s palm rested on Zhao Chengping’s arm that had yet to retract.

Wrap, hit, pull!

Poof!

Nothing could be seen except bits and pieces of flying flesh and spurting blood. The tendons and bones of Zhao Chengping had been shattered to pieces by Su Zimo’s palm. The arm was being abruptly pulled out from the shoulder!

Zhao Chengping fell to the ground, staring in shock at the blood spewing from the broken arm, howling in pain.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

At the same time, all the swords and sabers that were swinging at Su Zimo bounced back.

Although Su Zimo’s clothes had been chopped to pieces, there was no blood on his body.

Impenetrable?

All the Connate Experts could not get past Su Zimo’s defense even with their weapons!

Poof!

Right then, there was an abrupt sound of weapons cutting into flesh.

A saber stabbed inches into the area under Su Zimo’s rib. Blood oozed out and stained the clothes.

Regardless of whether it was Su Zimo or Zeng Yao who grabbed the saber, both were stunned momentarily.

Su Zimo did not expect that someone could break through his defense.

Zeng Yao thought that he would kill Su Zimo with one stab. Instead the saber was stuck and he could not move at all.

Zeng Yao was hailed as “Thunderbolt Saber” in the pugilistic society not because he has good with his saber. Instead it was his saber that was famous. It was extremely sharp. It could cut a strand of hair and split metal as if it were made of soil.

To his surprise, the Thunderbolt Saber did not stab through Su Zimo’s flesh. Instead it seemed to hit upon a boulder and was faced with a lot of resistance. In the end, the saber was stuck in between flesh!

This was the power of Body Tempering.

Zeng Yao retracted the Thunderbolt Saber and retreated a few steps. He did not continue to advance.

Zeng Yao was wary of Su Zimo after seeing how he crushed Zhao Chengping’s arm.

Moreover, although the stab did not result in serious injuries, Su Zimo was wounded. He believed Su Zimo would be drained of energy eventually and he would not be able to walk out of Zhao family’s residence alive!

“Stop!”

“Stop!”

Lee Xiangtong and Su Zimo shouted at the same time.

Since Su Zimo made the first move, it had only been a short while since all the Postnatal Experts in the courtyard rushed to join in the fight. By the time Lee Xiangtong realized what was happening, her father had already been captured by Su Zimo.

Lee Xiangtong grabbed the dagger and placed it against Su Xiaoning’s fair neck, giving a faint shout. “Let my father go!”

Su Zimo squeezed Lee Xing’s throat. Lee Xing could not resist as the bones in his arms had been shattered. His face turned a reddish purple, and he made gasping sounds.

“Let my sister go and I will let him off,” Su Zimo said lightly.

Su Zimo had made up his mind from the moment he ascertained Lee Xing’s identity.

It was impossible to save Su Xiaoning right away. If anything went wrong, Su Xiaoning might die. Su Zimo dared not take the gamble.

But it was relatively easy to catch everyone by surprise and capture Lee Xing.

“Su Zimo, don’t force me. If my hands shake slightly, your sister will have a wound on her face!” Lee Xiangtong dangled her dagger in front of Su Xiaoning’s eyes.

Su Zimo smiled, revealing a row of fine white teeth.

“If you dare to touch her, I will annihilate the Lee family.”

Su Zimo sounded very calm. It did not seem like a threat. Instead, he seemed to be telling a fact. He sounded domineering like it was unquestionable!

Lee Xiangtong’s heart jumped a beat.

She felt unsettled at Su Zimo’s tone and expression.

She had no doubts of Su Zimo’s capability.

Given what happened so far, once Su Zimo escaped from this place, the Zhao family and the Lee family would never have peace!

He was much more terrifying and vicious than Su Hong.

“Who exactly is the person that we have provoked? Why did we provoke him?” Lee Xiangtong was full of regrets.