Eternal Sacred King Chapter 91 to 95

 Chapter 91: Tit for Tat

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

It was only normal for someone of the Disciplinary Hall to come settle things since a disciple had broken the sect’s rules.

However, if the person that had arrived was on good terms with Feng Haoyu, that meant something...

This person did not mean well!

Chen Yu’s expression was solemn as his gaze swept through the messy crowd. Descending slowly, he surveyed the place and asked sternly, “Who is Su Zimo?”

Su Zimo was just done with attending to the spirit tiger’s wound and the red gleam in his eyes had disappeared. Instead, it was replaced with a look of hidden uneasiness.

He wasn’t worried about this disciple of the Disciplinary Hall, but something else.

When he heard Chen Yu’s question, Su Zimo patted the spirit tiger’s body to comfort it before standing up. Turning around, he replied calmly, “I am.”

“I heard that you’ve only joined the sect for less than three months?”

“Yes.”

“How dare you!”

Chen Yu suddenly bellowed out coldly.

Su Zimo remained silent.

Feng Haoyu’s hands were behind his back with his lips slightly curled, looking on with a hint of mockery.

The moment Chen Yu arrived, Feng Haoyu knew that Su Zimo’s reputation was over. He could not think of a way for Su Zimo to get out of this.

A ban from the year end face-off was probably the lightest of all punishments for breaking sect rules.

For worst case scenarios, Su Zimo could be locked in seclusion indefinitely, have his cultivation crippled or even kicked out of the sect!

Chen Yu smirked internally at Su Zimo’s silence and declared, “Su Zimo, you’ve broken our sect rules by hurting your fellow sect mates. In the name of the Disciplinary Hall, I shall cripple you and kick you out of the sect!”

The moment he said that, everyone’s expressions changed.

That punishment was way too severe!

Even disciples from Spirit Peak felt that it was a little too cruel as they looked at Su Zimo with pity.

Anyone who could join Ethereal Sect were all people who had exceptional endowments and mental fortitudes. Yet, he was going to have his cultivation crippled, turning him into a mere mortal. Not just that, he was even going to be kicked out of the sect. That was a blow that no one would be able to accept.

Leng Rou frowned and looked at Su Zimo instinctively.

To her surprise, the green robed man’s expression had not changed in the slightest bit. His eyes were indifferent as though he hadn’t heard what Chen Yu had said.

“Is he utterly dejected or scared silly?”

But Leng Rou wouldn’t have imagined in her wildest imaginations that Su Zimo’s current calmness was because there was no fear in his heart as he had already made up his mind.

No one will be able to take away his cultivation!

If Chen Yu dared lay a hand on him, he would dare to fight back or even kill!

And in the worst case scenario, even if his cultivation was crippled, he could continue with his demonic cultivation. He was not going to let things end so easily today!

Little fatty’s expression was worried. After much conflicted thoughts, he could no longer hold it in as he said loudly, “Senior Brother Chen, I think that the punishment is a little too severe. Please show some mercy.”

“That’s right, Senior Brother Chen. Su Zimo has only joined the sect for less than three months. It’s understandable.”

“I agree. Similar things have happened in the past but I’ve never heard of anyone having their cultivations crippled or kicked out of the sect.”

Many disciples of Weapon Peak chimed in to speak up for Su Zimo.

“Humph!”

Chen Yu harrumphed loudly and shouted, “All of you, shut up! Since you guys are not convinced, I’ll explain to you why!”

“Ignoring sect rules and hurting fellow sect mates is something that’s subjective. However, this incident nearly escalated to a full out bout between disciples of Weapon and Spirit Peak! That’s unpardonable! If I was slightly later and disciples of both peaks end up fighting with severe injuries, who is going to bear the responsibility?”

The way Chen Yu put it made it seem as though the crime was truly heinous.

Suddenly, everyone went silent.

Right then, Su Zimo spoke.

“Based on what you said, I didn’t start the incident. Everyone saw that I wasn’t the one who started the provocation. Sun Tao was the one who made a move first. If we’re talking about who broke sect rules, he did it first.”

When he heard that, Feng Haoyu shook his head with a taunting look.

“Oh?”

Chen Yu was expressionless as he asked, “Sun Tao struck at you?”

“That’s right,” Su Zimo nodded.

“Bullshit!”

Chen Yu shouted, “Sun Tao clearly struck your spirit beast. The sect decreed that cultivators are not to strike at one another. However, there’s no rules stating that they’re not to strike at spirit beasts. So, Sun Tao’s actions do not equate to a violation of sect rules!”

At that moment, some people finally realized why Sun Tao chose to strike at Su Zimo’s spirit beast instead of him – it was premeditated. He just probably had not expected to be knocked out by a single slap of Su Zimo.

Calmly, Su Zimo replied, “Striking at my spirit beast is the same as striking at me. There’s no difference.”

“Fufu.”

Chen Yu scoffed coldly, “How dare you argue at a time like this. A spirit beast is nothing more than an animal. How dare you break our sect rules to injure fellow sect mates for an animal? That makes your doubly guilty!”

“To me, spirit beasts are no different from people. In fact, some people aren’t even comparable to spirit beasts. At least spirit beasts don’t create internal strife and plot against you.”

Su Zimo continued indifferently, “If spirit beasts are no different from animals to you, then some people aren’t even comparable to animals to me. If I whack those people, so be it then.”

When he heard that, Feng Haoyu’s expression turned stiff.

Those words pierced at his heart like needles.

Most people around could tell what Su Zimo meant by those words.

Little fatty and Xue Yi could not help but roar in agreement internally.

If it was them, they would not be able to rebut the same way in front of someone from the Disciplinary Hall!

“What a glib tongue you have.”

Chen Yu’s voice was ice cold as a killing intent rose within him.

They were surrounded by trial disciples of all five peaks. Su Zimo’s constant rebuttal caused him to look bad in front of everyone.

If he did not exert his authority right now, his image as a disciple of the Disciplinary Hall was going to suffer in the future.

“Su Zimo, don’t force me to kill you with my own hands!” Chen Yu narrowed his gaze, no longer hiding his killing intent.

Little fatty’s body shuddered as he tugged at Su Zimo’s sleeves, hinting for the latter to not say anything more and let matters get worse.

Everyone could tell that if Su Zimo continued, Chen Yu would definitely make a move to kill him right there!

Xue Yi looked at Su Zimo nervously, shaking his head fervently.

The tension was so high around the spirit arena that the atmosphere felt ice cold.

Everything that had happened was beyond everyone’s expectations, including Feng Haoyu.

No one expected Su Zimo to be this stubborn and unyielding!

Lowering his head, Su Zimo placed his palm on the storage bag and in the blink of an eye, a cold, gleaming saber appeared in his hands!

Psst!

Everyone gasped.

What Su Zimo did was simply way too dangerous – he was going to get himself killed!

Before that thought even dispersed from everyone’s minds, Su Zimo spoke indifferently, “If you dare lay a finger on me, I’ll kill you.”

That was tit for tat!

All 2,000 odd disciples of the five peaks broke into an uproar!

Chapter 92: Hidden Eyes

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Above in the clouds, the hidden eyes had not left and was watching everything unfold beneath keenly.

When it heard Su Zimo’s declaration, an amused look appeared in those eyes.

“Brave lad indeed. Interesting.”

...

At the spirit arena...

All the disciples were in shock. They were not even thinking about how a Level 6 Qi Refinement Warrior could go against a disciple of the Disciplinary Hall.

All of their thoughts were on how Su Zimo even had the courage to make such a declaration!

There were only two possibilities – he was either stupid or insane.

Everyone looked at Su Zimo as though they were looking at a dead man.

Initially, Chen Yu had only wanted to cripple Su Zimo’s cultivation and kick him out of the sect.

But now, he could rightfully kill Su Zimo on the spot!

“Well, well, well!”

Chen Yu’s anger turned into laughter as he nodded his head repeatedly, remarking coldly, “To think that trial disciples of Weapon Peak have fallen to such a state where they don’t even know what’s good for them. Since you want to die, I’ll grant you your wish!”

Slapping his storage bag, a flying sword appeared in Chen Yu’s palm.

Injecting spirit qi to it, the flying sword shone with a bright gleam as two bedazzling spirit lights appeared on the sword!

It was a middle-grade spirit weapon!

Su Zimo narrowed his gaze. Right as he was about to move, an authoritative voice boomed out from the skies.

“Stop!”

A shadow appeared and sped over with a frightening speed.

Soaring through the skies without the use of any items... it was a Perfected Golden Core!

Chen Yu turned his head slightly and frowned – he was not going to have the courage to strike in the presence of a Perfected Golden Core.

With a dark expression, Chen Yu glared at Su Zimo and suppressed his killing intent for now.

The person who had arrived as in his fifties. Arriving in lightning speed, his white robes fluttered loudly, exuding the aura of an immortal descending upon the world.

On the sleeves of the man’s white robe was an emblem of a flying sword.

It was Spirit Peak’s master, Wen Xuan!

Su Zimo had seen this person before at the top of the front peak when he joined Ethereal Peak.

“Greetings, master.”

The many disciples of Spirit Peak shouted out.

“Greetings, peak master.”

Disciples of the other four peaks bowed and greeted as well.

The appearance of Spirit Peak’s master naturally meant that there would be no fight. Heaving a sigh of relief, little fatty, Xue Yi and the rest finally looked more relaxed.

Spirit Peak’s master would be the one to decide how this matter should be resolved.

Su Zimo hesitated for a moment before keeping his Cold Moon Saber.

“Peak master, Su Zimo...”

“It’s fine, I know everything.”

Chen Yu spoke right away, wanting to explain everything to Wen Xuan but was interrupted by the latter’s wave of his hand.

Standing tall in the air, Wen Xuan looked at Su Zimo silently. Even though he looked calm, no one could read his thoughts at all.

After a long time, he asked slowly, “Su Zimo, do you acknowledge your wrongdoings?”

Hearing that, little fatty, Xue Yi and the rest were delighted.

That meant that there was a high chance Wen Xuan wasn’t going to punish Su Zimo as heavily as Chen Yu did.

Before the joy could disappear from the eyes of little fatty and the rest, Su Zimo’s reply caused their expressions to freeze up.

A stir broke out amongst the crowd as well.

“I’m not in the wrong.”

Su Zimo raised his head and looked at Wen Xuan, replying calmly.

If Su Zimo rebutting Chen Yu was understandable, his rebuttal of a peak master was definitely irrational.

But in truth, Su Zimo was never a rational man.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have stood his ground instead of kneeling back in Ping Yang Town against Perfected Cang Lang’s oppression.

He would not have headed into Yan City’s capital alone to kill the King of Yan despite knowing of the dangers.

He would not have proceeded resolutely despite knowing that there was a high chance he might die in the hands of Joyful Clan’s Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

Right was right and wrong was wrong – Su Zimo was never going to bow down in the face of power!

Not too far away, the other four peak masters watched the situation develop.

There was no way they did not know about such a huge commotion where disciples of two peaks challenged one another.

When he heard Su Zimo’s reply, Array Peak’s master sighed gently. “Even though that lad’s character is stubborn and somewhat unlikeable, it’s really rare. I do admire him.”

“That’s the type of guts and defiance that someone who cultivates should possess. The path of cultivation is one that defies the heavens to begin with.”

“Even though that’s true, that lad’s cultivation path will definitely be fraught with obstacles.”

Three peak masters discussed amongst themselves as the disheveled old man shook his head without saying anything.

It wasn’t appropriate for them to make an appearance since everything was happening on Spirit Peak.

...

At the spirit arena...

After hearing Su Zimo’s reply, Wen Xuan went silent for a moment.

“Su Zimo, let me ask you a question.”

Wen Xuan spoke slowly, “Today, you injured Sun Tao because he injured your spirit beast. If he killed your spirit beast, what would you have done?”

As though it had realized something, the spirit tiger growled softly.

It had an intellect equal to that of a grown man and it could tell that if Su Zimo were to bow down in defeat now, he would be able to get off with a light punishment.

Its roar was to hold Su Zimo back.

Turning to look at the spirit tiger on the ground, Su Zimo suddenly smiled.

He already had an answer for that question.

Su Zimo was bent on revenge against Perfected Cang Lang for killing his steed, Zhui Feng. Why would things be different now that this spirit tiger was his spirit beast too?

“Of course I’ll kill him!”

“You’d kill your fellow sect mate for a spirit beast?”

“Yes!”

“Give me a reason.”

“Since the spirit beast chose to follow me, I naturally have to protect it properly too!”

Roar! Roar!

Ignoring its wound, the spirit tiger struggled to stand up and walked to Su Zimo’s side, growling in deep pain while rubbing its head against his arm.

The spirit tiger had never truly decided that it wanted to follow Su Zimo.

Besides, it could leave at any moment without the binding of a blood oath.

That was until this moment when it had made up its mind to never leave this person for the rest of its life.

Even if they had no blood oath, that would be the case.

...

When the four peak masters heard the conversation, all of them frowned.

No matter how much of a ruckus Su Zimo caused in the past, they could overlook it because nothing had blown out of proportion.

But the fact that he expressed his willingness to kill a fellow sect mate over a spirit beast was a hard pill for them to swallow.

Right then, even the Perfected Golden Cores did not realize that in the depths of the clouds, a hidden pair of eyes was still watching everything silently.

When it heard Su Zimo’s reply, the pair of eyes gave a look of slight surprise before turning into a ruminating admiration.

“Master, I think that not only is this man heartless, he’s merciless towards our sect mates as well. We’re bound to be faced with greater turmoil if he remains in the sect.”

Finally, Feng Haoyu had spoken up.

The meaning of his words was clear – kick Su Zimo out of the sect!

Wen Xuan was silent.

Countless pairs of eyes watched him, awaiting his final decision.

Chapter 93: See You in the Spirit Arena!

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Suddenly, Wen Xuan asked, “Su Zimo, as a heaven spirit root, your endowment completely qualifies you for Spirit Peak. But, do you know why you were asked to join Weapon Peak?”

“I don’t know,” Su Zimo replied.

Su Zimo was not the only one; the many disciples around had the same doubts.

It was especially so for little fatty and the others who had joined the sect at the same time. All of them had witnessed Su Zimo ascending the peak and passing through the Eight Distresses Formation.

It didn’t make sense for someone like that to not join Spirit Peak.

“Your killing intent is too strong and you’re too hotheaded. The reason why you were asked to join Weapon Peak and learn about weapon refinement was to train your mind and mow away your rashness. Once you’re ready, you can naturally join Spirit Peak thereafter.”

At that, everyone finally understood.

Shaking his head, Wen Xuan’s eyes were filled with pity as he sighed. “But it’s a pity that you’re still the same despite three months of mowing.”

Everyone could tell of the deep disappointment within Wen Xuan’s tone.

Pausing for a moment, as though he had made a decision, Wen Xuan took a deep breath and declared, “Su Zimo, trial disciple of Weapon Peak! You have gone against sect rules today and despite nearly causing a huge disaster, you refuse to acknowledge your wrongdoings! As the peak master of Spirit Peak, I declare that you’re forbidden to take a single step into Spirit Peak from now on!”

The 2,000 odd disciples from all five peaks went absolutely silent.

That punishment was way lighter than what Chen Yu proposed of crippling Su Zimo’s cultivation and kicking him out of the sect.

However, for the trial disciples, a restriction to Spirit Peak merely implied that they wouldn’t get to learn the dueling techniques between Qi Refinement Warriors – it wasn’t a huge loss.

Little fatty, Xue Yi and the rest heaved a sigh of relief.

No matter what, being forbidden to enter Spirit Peak was way better than having one’s cultivation crippled and kicked out of the sect.

Even though Feng Haoyu was expressionless, he was indignant within.

He had plotted immensely to create today’s situation for the sake of getting Su Zimo kicked out of the sect. But, it was all in vain.

Even though that punishment seemed heavy, it would not prevent Su Zimo from taking part in the year end face-off. To Feng Haoyu, that wasn’t good news at all.

Chen Yu’s face dimmed as well.

If not for Wen Xuan’s appearance, Su Zimo would have been a dead man to him!

He was a step too late.

“If I had known, I should have just killed him instead of wasting time talking! That bloody brat is so insolent. How dare he go against me!”

At the start, Chen Yu had only appeared as a favor for Feng Haoyu.

But now, it was personal.

All the disciples looked at Su Zimo, awaiting his response.

After a moment, Su Zimo chuckled and replied nonchalantly, “I’m willing to accept the punishment, but...”

Little fatty and the rest had just felt relieved when their hearts sank once more.

Su Zimo changed the topic and cast his gaze at Feng Haoyu, saying in a gradually intense tone, “This is not the end of today yet. Feng Haoyu, we both know the reason behind this challenge between disciples of both peaks. Since you want to fight, I’ll grant your wish.”

Feng Haoyu smirked coldly in disdain.

“Initially, I had only planned on taking part in the year end face-off for Weapon Peak. But now, I’ve changed my mind.”

Su Zimo continued indifferently, “Listen up. For the year end face-off, not only would you fail to get top for Weapon Peak, you won’t succeed for Elixir Peak as well.”

Feng Haoyu had boasted previously that he wanted to be the top of Weapon, Elixir and Spirit Peak.

But Su Zimo’s intent was clear – he was going to stop Feng Haoyu!

Only, the moment Su Zimo’s declaration was said, a series of scoffs broke out from the crowd.

Even though refining weapons and elixirs both require spirit fire, both are completely different things. In the cultivation world, there has never been someone who was both a Weapon and Elixir Refinement Master.

Furthermore, the amount of time and energy a person had was limited. Spending a portion of it on refining of elixirs or weapons was already the limit, let alone mastering both or even being number one in time.

By now, there was only half a year left to the year end face-off.

This was definitely not enough time.

But of course, it was undeniable that Su Zimo had a Level 3 Spirit Fire. If he were to spend the rest of his next six months on refining elixirs and weapons, he would definitely be quite a threat to Feng Haoyu.

“That’s not all.”

Just as everyone was in deep thoughts, Su Zimo said something which caused a huge uproar!

“Peak master has forbidden me from stepping into Spirit Peak so naturally, I can’t take part in the Spirit Peak face-off. But, once that is over, whether you’re top in Spirit Peak or not, I’ll issue you a challenge. See you... in the spirit arena!”

All the 2,000 odd disciples froze dumbfounded.

Su Zimo’s final statement was beyond their imaginations.

The fact that he could cultivate a Level 3 Spirit Fire was something that everyone of the five peaks knew about. Therefore, it was still understandable for him to want to go against Feng Haoyu in terms of refining elixirs or weapons.

But now, he was declaring war against Feng Haoyu as a Level 6 Qi Refinement Warrior? That was insane!

If he was going to spend his next six months on weapon and elixir refinement, how was he going to have the time to raise his cultivation?

And even if Su Zimo could reach Perfected Qi Condensation, he was not well-versed in battles! Without a chance to step into Spirit Peak, how was he going to learn how to fight? How could he stand up against Feng Haoyu?

He was just setting himself up to be humiliated!

“Fufu... ”

Right then, Feng Haoyu finally laughed as he nodded. “Amazing. Junior Brother Su truly has an extraordinary spirit and courage. Since that’s the case, I’ll definitely accept the challenge at that time. I hope that you’ll be able to give me a surprise.”

“Don’t worry.”

Su Zimo chuckled as well. “It’ll be a surprise for sure. I just don’t know if you can still laugh thereafter.”

“Ugh!”

The various disciples of Weapon Peak sighed grimly.

Deep in his thoughts, little fatty looked moody as well.

Disciples of Talisman, Array and Elixir Peak looked excited, awaiting the show at the end of the year.

However, disciples of Spirit Peak were just waiting to see Su Zimo make a fool out of himself.

Before long, today’s events would spread through Ethereal Peak and even inner sect disciples would get to know about it, piquing their interest to watch.

No matter what, with today’s incident, the year end face-off was now different from those in the past – everyone would be awaiting it!

Leng Rou’s gaze had been fixed on Su Zimo for a long time now.

Even though this man seemed refined, every single move, action and sentence he made sparked her curiosity.

Cold by nature, she was someone unconcerned about anything other than cultivation.

But now, even she was anticipating it internally.

She wanted to see what would happen to this green robed man at the year end face-off – was he going to shine brightly or would he turn into a laughing stock?

Chapter 94: Three Major Secret Skills

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Summoning his flying sword, Su Zimo supported the spirit tiger on it carefully before hopping on himself. He nodded to Xue Yi and everyone else. “Fellow senior brothers, I’ll make a move first.”

“We’ll leave as well.”

The many disciples of Weapon Peak summoned their flying swords and sped off after Su Zimo, leaving Spirit Peak.

Little fatty hesitated for a moment before making up his mind and followed suit.

Before long, Su Zimo and the others disappeared from everyone’s sights.

Disciples of the other three peaks gradually dispersed from Spirit Peak as well.

It was a momentary still to the current crisis. However, everyone knew that the year end face-off would definitely create a huge stir!

The eventual victor will be decided six months later.

At the same time, a gigantic pair of wings tore through the skies from the depths of the clouds, flying into Ethereal Palace.

If any disciples of the sect saw that, they would have recognized the owner of those wings as the Mystical Guardian Beast – that terrifying crane!

The crane’s gigantic body landed into Ethereal Palace but with a spin, it turned into a ravishing middle aged lady, elegant with a head of red hair.

“Caw, caw!”

A cry came from a room as a smaller crane dashed over sadly upon sensing the aura of the redheaded beauty, flapping its wings furiously.

That crane was the one who had deterred Su Zimo and the others at the front peak of Ethereal Peak.

Shaking her head and smiling, the redheaded beauty looked at the little crane dotingly and asked, “Why? You’re sad about being locked up?”

“Caw...”

The little crane seemed as though it wanted to explain something.

Looking at the pondering little crane, the redheaded beauty spoke gently after a while, “Child, I’ve been worrying about your future because I can’t bear to see you being enslaved as someone else’s spirit beast and losing your freedom. But I know that this day would come keeping you by my side since I can’t protect you for the rest of your life.”

The little crane did not know why its mother had suddenly turned so moody. Feeling fearful, it ran beside the redheaded beauty hastily.

Smiling, the redheaded beauty continued, “But, I seem to have found someone rather interesting recently. He’s quite suitable to be your master and I’m sure that you won’t suffer following him.”

“Caw, caw!”

The little crane called out once more.

Rubbing the little crane’s head, the redheaded beauty explained, “You can’t follow me all the time. I’m old now and you’ve still got a long road ahead.”

Instantly, the little crane was dejected.

After awhile, as though it could not repress its curiosity, the little crane asked inquiringly.

The redheaded beauty chuckled. “You know that man too. You’ve even fought him on the walls of the peak.”

“Caw, caw! Caw, caw!!!”

Stunned for a moment, the little crane turned extremely agitated as it shrieked loudly, looking furious and disdainful.

“Fufu.”

The redheaded beauty laughed. “Yes, he’s a little weak now but you might not be a match for him. Besides, that man... hmm, he has some secrets in his body. It’s hard to tell how his future will turn out.”

“And of course, the most important thing is that you don’t have to make a blood oath to follow him. You’ll still retain your freedom.”

The little crane called out a couple more times, seemingly still disagreeable to the suggestion.

The redheaded beauty nodded her head. “Of course, it’s still your decision and I’ll not force you. What I mean is that there’s no harm for you to try getting along with him. If you like him, you can stay by his side. If you don’t, you can just leave.”

The little crane cried softly.

“Yes, of course I won’t lock you up anymore as well. You can head out and play from now on as long as you don’t get into trouble.”

Rolling its eyes, the little crane lamented. “Hmph, hmph! I hate that man the most! He caused me to be locked up for so long and mummy even wants me to follow him? He’d wish! Now that I’m out, I’ll definitely find a chance to get revenge!”

The redheaded beauty could naturally read the little crane’s mind through its expressions.

However, she merely chuckled and did not expose him.

...

In the skies not far away from Spirit Peak, four peak masters were present and Wen Xuan joined them now that he was done.

“Wen Xuan, my thanks. I owe you one,” The disheveled old man cupped his fists.

There was initially no need for a peak master to appear personally to resolve today’s incident – the Disciplinary Hall could have settled it.

However, worried that something might happen to Su Zimo, the disheveled old man requested for Wen Xuan to settle this personally.

Wen Xuan waved it off. “Let’s not stand on courtesy between one another.”

Pausing for a moment, he continued, “Actually, I did not intend to forbid Su Zimo from entering Spirit Peak. It’s just that the lad was so arrogant to speak of such brazen words! In a fit of anger, I made that decision so that he could suffer some setbacks.”

“No matter what, I’m still thankful for you stepping in.”

The disheveled old man said, “Qi Refinement Warriors are all around the same, so it doesn’t matter whether he learns anything. As long as he enters Foundation Establishment realm and gets promoted as an inner sect disciple, he can learn all the fighting techniques he wants at that time.”

“It’s just that, the challenge between him and Feng Haoyu at the end of the year...” Wen Xuan paused in his words.

The disheveled old man shook his head. “As you’ve said, if he loses, so be it. It’ll be good for him to suffer some setbacks. At least, suffering in the sect is better than losing his life out there in the cultivation world.”

Array Peak’s master, Xuan Yi, suddenly said, “Actually, Su Zimo is not entirely to blame for today’s incident.”

“That Feng Haoyu is quite a scheming fella,” The brown haired youth, Elixir Peak’s master, remarked wistfully.

Wen Xuan frowned in displeasure and shook his head. “Feng Haoyu is merely competitive, but he isn’t bad by nature.”

The brown haired youth shrugged his shoulders. “Forget it, take it as though I’ve said nothing.”

Xuan Yi hurriedly changed the topic as the five of them conversed idly for a while more before going their separate ways.

...

Su Zimo had just arrived at his cave abode in Weapon Peak when little fatty caught up to him.

“Bro, hold on,” Little fatty called out.

Turning around to see the descending little fatty, Su Zimo chuckled. “Thank you for speaking up for me quite a bit today.”

“That’s nothing,” Little fatty waved it off casually.

As though he had just recalled something, Su Zimo apologized, “Because of me, you’ve offended quite a number of people today. I’m afraid things in Spirit Peak might be tougher for you in the future.”

“Heh! Don’t worry about it, bro! Even though I’m only Level 7 Qi Condensation right now, there’s still six months more to the end of the year. I’ve got hope to reach Perfected Qi Condensation too. By then, there won’t be many people who can match me. If anyone’s unhappy with me, they can meet me in the spirit arena!” Little fatty replied in a relaxed manner.

When he was done with that, he sighed. “Bro, that final challenge you issued to Feng Haoyu... was a little rash.”

“Oh?” Su Zimo could tell that little fatty was hinting something.

Little fatty asked, “Bro, do you know of the three major secret skills of Ethereal Sect?”

“Nopes,” Su Zimo shook his head.

Little fatty explained, “The reason why Ethereal Sect could become one of the five main clans of the Great Zhou Dynasty is because they have the legacy of these three major secret skills. Even if you’re promoted to an inner sect disciple, you can’t get to cultivate those skills. Only legacy disciples amongst the inner sect disciples have the possibility of learning them.”

Chapter 95: Hidden Ailment

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

“Legacy disciples?”

Su Zimo frowned – this was the first time he had heard of that title.

Little fatty nodded his head. “Actually, every sect has legacy disciples. They are the prodigies that are highly valued and groomed by the sects. Some sects call them as core disciples.”

Understanding, Su Zimo asked, “You mean to say that Feng Haoyu is a legacy disciple?”

“Not yet.”

Little fatty replied, “But, he’s almost certain to be one once he promotes to become an inner sect disciple. That’s because he’s already begun to cultivate one of the three major secret skills, Ethereal Sword. I heard it was because my master went to persuade the sect master personally.”

When he heard that, Su Zimo’s expression turned grim.

The fact that he had the rights to cultivate the three major secret skills before becoming a legacy disciple was enough to tell how much the sect valued him.

For the secret skill to be deemed as the support of one of the five main sects, it was definitely nothing to scoff at.

But of course, to Su Zimo, the factor that determined the victor wasn’t on Feng Haoyu, but himself.

Outside the spirit arena of Spirit Peak, the moment he laid his hands on Sun Tao, he discovered that he had a hidden ailment within his body.

If he did not remove this hidden ailment, the fight against Feng Haoyu at the end of the year would not be favorable for him.

Little fatty went silent for a moment before chuckling. “But bro, since you made this choice, I’ll still be on your side. It doesn’t matter if you’re forbidden from Spirit Peak. I’ll spar with you from time to time during these six months to raise your fighting power and help you familiarize with duel techniques.

“Alright,” Su Zimo nodded.

“It’s just that we’ll be a little tight on time. After all, you’ve got to raise your cultivation and learn about refining weapons and elixirs at the same time... no matter what, we’ll just do what we can and hope for the best!”

After little fatty left, Su Zimo brought the spirit tiger with him back to the cave abode.

Sitting on his stone bed, Su Zimo’s eyes no longer concealed his worries.

If this was before he had cultivated the Marrow Cleansing section, Su Zimo was absolutely confident that he would be able to take down Feng Haoyu with just the horrifying might of his physical body and melee strength.

But now, there were some logical yet unexpected changes in his body ever since he started cultivating the Marrow Cleansing section.

Marrow Cleansing implied the swapping of blood.

Even though the new blood was extremely strong, it contained obvious signs of its demonic nature!

Back on Spirit Peak, Su Zimo’s killing intent rose upon seeing his spirit tiger get injured. Subconsciously, that activated his blood and veins and he felt his body showing signs of demonic conversion!

This was a feeling he had experienced back when he activated the Sanguine Ape Transformation.

Heaving a deep breath of air, Su Zimo channeled his blood, causing a tremendous aura to surge forth from his veins into every part of his body.

He could clearly feel his body expanding and strengthening!

The expansion was even more obvious than his flesh being filled and his tendons tightening!

This was a complete transformation!

His clothes were torn apart by his body, turning into shreds.

Even though he could not see his own appearance, Su Zimo knew that he definitely did not look like the refined scholar he was right now.

At the side, the spirit tiger glared uneasily.

It wasn’t just because it felt foreign towards Su Zimo’s appearance, the aura Su Zimo was emitting was chilling and horrifying!

Lowering his head, Su Zimo caught sight of his left hand’s fingernails growing out, jade white and sharp as blades. Merely making contact with them gave off the sound of metal clashing!

With a single thought, those frightening nails retracted.

The spirit tiger was entirely stumped.

Su Zimo’s palms were no different from its own palms where it could retract and release its claws at any time.

Green veins popped up and lined all over Su Zimo’s arms, thick like pythons coiling around in a frightening manner.

How could this be the arm of a human?!

Using spirit qi, Su Zimo conjured a water mirror.

Through the shimmering light, he caught sight of a half human half demon appearance. With bloodshot eyes, it was like a mix of an ape and human.

His arm trembled and the water mirror disappeared.

His entire body was almost transformed save for his right hand that retained its appearance. Fair and tender with long nails, it looked like any other human’s.

His right hand had always been somewhat strange.

Su Zimo had started realizing it back when it could create a Level 3 Spirit Fire.

However, he did not know the exact reason why.

Heaving a deep breath of air, Su Zimo’s blood began to calm down as his demonic appearance faded too.

This was the consequences of demonic cultivation.

The effects were not so obvious in terms of Tendons Transformation, Body Tempering and Bones Strengthening.

However, now that he was swapping blood through Marrow Cleansing, Su Zimo was showing signs of truly turning to a demon!

This was not what he wanted.

No matter what, he was a human and did not wish to become a true demon.

He had yet to cultivate the Marrow Cleansing to an initial success yet. But once that was done, or if he had achieved phenomenal success, his blood may undergo endless changes and he may never be able to revert to his current appearance.

He could almost imagine the consequences of him failing to control himself earlier on at Spirit Peak and revealing his demonic state.

First, he might be killed on the spot.

Second, he might be forced into a blood oath to become someone’s spirit beast.

If Su Zimo had revealed his demonic appearance, no one would take him as a human.

The only way demons could survive in the cultivation world was by becoming the spirit beasts of cultivators.

It was either that or he would have to leave the sect and live within mountains and forests from now on, mixing around with true spirit beasts while cutting off all ties with his family and kin.

That was something Su Zimo could not do.

Yet, he was not willing to give up on demonic cultivation as well.

“What should I do?”

He was lost.

Naturally, the greatest challenge to Su Zimo right now was the fight against Feng Haoyu at the end of the year.

Right now, he had no way of controlling his blood and if his blood churned while he engaged in melee combat, he was definitely going to reveal his demonic nature!

By then, many seniors of the sect in the audience would take him down before Feng Haoyu could.

If he wanted to win Feng Haoyu, he could only rely on immortality cultivation methods, making use of fighting techniques between Qi Refinement Warriors.

However, he was almost blank in that department since he had never practiced for it.

There were still six months till the end of the year face-off.

Raising his cultivation, refining elixirs and weapons while mastering sword wielding and fighting techniques between Qi Refinement Warriors...

Su Zimo made up his mind to pause on the Marrow Cleansing section.

It wasn’t just because he did not have time. More than that, he did not dare to carry on.

At least, the only thing he could do was to stop his demonic cultivation before he found a way to stop his hidden ailment.

Retrieving the Weapon Tripod from his storage bag, Su Zimo began to work on the step of spirit gathering.

He had a hunch that he would be able to figure out the technique to spirit gathering soon. That was the most important step in weapon refinement!