Chapter Thirty-Two: A Thunderous Blow
When Song Yue had finished storing everything inside the Jade Void Celestial Tablet, a surge of energy suddenly enveloped him, and he was instantly transported outside. There, he saw Miao Qiang, Qian Qianxue, and a group waiting for him, and he grinned, “Oh, you all got out pretty quickly!”
Little Seven looked at him and said, “Big brother, if you hadn’t come out soon, we were about to leave! If it weren’t for your sister insisting on waiting, we’d have withdrawn ages ago—today’s already the tenth day!”
Little Seven muttered complaints about Song Yue delaying his quest for the True Immortal’s tomb, demanding compensation.
Song Yue was stunned—ten days?
He turned to Qian Qianxue and the others, “Has it really been that long?”
Qian Qianxue shot a glance at Little Seven, who was rambling, then replied to Song Yue, “It’s truly been ten days. We should be heading back.”
Song Yue found it hard to believe. It felt to him as if only a brief moment had passed, so how had ten days gone by? He didn’t question it, merely stretched and said, “I just took a nap inside—who’d have thought so much time had slipped away?”
The group was speechless—who’d believe that?
Meng Xudong looked at him and asked, “Any gains?”
Song Yue shook his head, “Not a single hair!”
Of course, he’d reaped rewards, but it wouldn’t do to reveal them in front of everyone. Storage rings existed, but they were usually reserved for a select few advanced cultivators; he, a young martial artist, couldn’t possibly possess such a thing.
He hadn’t expected that everyone had come out early and waited for him.
Then Song Yue turned to Miao Qiang, “Teacher Miao, weren’t you planning to leave? Why are you still here waiting?”
Miao Qiang smiled gently, “I was waiting for you.”
Waiting for me?
Song Yue was briefly surprised, instinctively scanning his surroundings, only now noticing the area looked as though it had been ravaged—clear signs of battle.
“Was there a fight here?”
Meng Xudong replied, “You have no idea. Just a few days ago, it almost replayed the Battle of Kunlun from sixty years ago.”
A student from the Cultivation Academy added, “It was quite serious. Some Foundation Establishment cultivators were gravely injured—some even perished!”
Song Yue, shocked, hastily asked what had happened.
After everyone gave their explanations, Song Yue finally understood: those who entered the underground palace had emerged early, and a group from the Western faction and alien races with Western blood couldn’t resist launching attacks on the ones who came out…
That was close!
Song Yue felt a lingering sense of dread. He also understood why Miao Qiang had waited for him—it was out of concern.
Being cared for and protected felt warm and comforting.
Song Yue sincerely thanked Miao Qiang.
“It’s nothing. Once we’re out, there’ll still be lots for you to help with,” Miao Qiang’s manner was gentle, humble as ever, with not a trace of a Grandmaster’s arrogance.
Song Yue nodded, “That’s my duty. If you need anything once we’re out, I’ll arrange it for you!”
He could now consider himself a man of means!
Thanks to Little Seven, truly a friend who understood him!
Song Yue glanced at Little Seven.
Little Seven looked confused, urging, “Now that you’re out, let’s get moving. This underground palace really had nothing—such disappointment. Old Song, let’s hurry, maybe we’ll find some good spots.”
Song Yue nodded. He really should seek out some more spiritual herbs—one doesn’t leave a treasure mountain empty-handed.
Though he already had two big bags’ worth of spiritual herbs found for him in the Jade Void Celestial Tablet by Zhang Zixing and the alien Golden-haired youth, he wouldn't mind gathering more.
Retrieving his backpack from the Cultivation Academy people, Song Yue joined the group, ready to leave the underground palace in search of spiritual herbs.
Time was running short; this trip to the secret realm had been fulfilling, and now, leaving, he felt no regrets.
Just then, Miao Qiang’s expression suddenly hardened, his gaze fixed on a certain direction in the mountains, and he said in a deep voice, “Who’s there?”
Everyone present was startled, then remembered something, and their faces grew somber.
They recalled what Senior Miao had said: some suspected that Song Yue, who had yet to emerge, might claim the best reward from the trial palace, arousing envy.
Though it had been proven that the palace was merely a trial site, not the legendary source of heaven-shaking opportunities, the best reward would still be a remarkable item.
It might even be a treasure superior to Foundation Establishment artifacts!
Such things would naturally be coveted.
Fortunately, the official representative, Grandmaster Li Changwen, had intervened and dispersed the crowd.
But who could guarantee that no one was watching in secret?
Now, seeing Song Yue come out after ten days, some might not be able to resist and would try to seize his fortune.
Miao Qiang’s voice wasn’t loud, but the area was quiet—those in the forest would surely hear, yet there was no response.
Miao Qiang looked toward that side and continued, “Whoever you are, I hope you’ll show me some courtesy. This is just a trial palace. The boy came out late, but everyone who entered knows: only by taking something inside do you get sent out…”
At this moment, the forest finally stirred, and a cold voice replied, “Courtesy? You’re not worthy! Whether he has something or not is not for you to decide. Let him come over—we’ll ask him ourselves!”
Miao Qiang frowned, realizing the situation was serious.
Because those in the woods were true denizens of the secret realm!
The Kunlun secret realm had existed for years; those cultivators who entered and never left eventually became “secret realm people,” gradually merging with the small world of cultivation.
Like Miao Qiang, who entered sixty years ago, in the eyes of true secret realm people, he was still an outsider.
Only after another sixty years, when their descendants flourished within the realm, could they be considered fully integrated.
Those true secret realm people, most had ancestors who entered centuries ago, generations born and raised there, with little concept of the outside world.
Though their blood was the same as their kin outside, they didn’t accept that and even scorned any comparison.
At the same time, these genuine secret realm people were powerful and not to be trifled with.
He hadn’t expected such a group to set their sights here.
Miao Qiang said gravely, “Isn’t this unwise? The official Li Changwen already stated…”
“Say another word, and I’ll kill you.” A cold rebuke cut him off.
Song Yue now understood what was happening.
He was calm, looking at the nervous students and Meng Xudong, Little Seven, and others, speaking in a low voice, “Meng, you and Qianxue, take everyone and leave.”
Meng Xudong shook his head, “We came together, we go together!”
Qian Qianxue looked at Song Yue seriously, “I’m stronger than before.”
Song Yue grinned, “Of course, Brother Qian is always fine!”
Qian Qianxue couldn’t help but glare at him.
Song Yue said, “Be good, listen. Take them away—this isn’t something you can be involved in.”
Whether or not that earlier battle happened as described, Song Yue knew well: if Foundation Establishment-level cultivators wanted trouble, those at the Qi-nourishing level simply couldn’t deal with it.
With these people nearby, even fleeing would be difficult!
Qian Qianxue thought it over, then nodded, “Alright, I’ll take them and leave first.”
Song Yue was relieved, “That’s better!”
Meng Xudong wanted to say something more, but Song Yue shook his head and smiled, “I’ll be fine. When I’m out, we’ll discuss the Elite Martial Arts Hall!”
He’d already been moved by Meng, and now with Teacher Miao, Song Yue felt that instead of founding a sect, joining the Elite Martial Arts Hall as a top instructor was more practical.
He’d have fame, status, position, and none of the worries.
Nowadays, founding a sect required more than just money and strength; seeing how the Zhang family, who controlled the Star Martial Hall, also held shares in the Elite Hall showed how complicated the martial world could be.
Meng Xudong hesitated for a long moment, sighing, “Take care!”
He left with Qian Qianxue and the others.
The people in the woods didn’t stop them.
Clearly, they didn’t want to escalate matters; in the end, only Song Yue and Miao Qiang remained.
Then, four people emerged from the mountain: three men and a woman.
The woman was dark-skinned, but not ugly, exuding a wildness rarely seen outside; she looked young, her eyes brazenly sizing up Song Yue, with a probing gaze.
The three men appeared to be in their thirties—two were identical twins, both ugly, with long faces and flat noses, cold eyes.
The last man was handsome, dressed in clothes utterly out of place, with sword-like brows and starry eyes, but his gaze was equally icy.
The four stood before Miao Qiang and Song Yue; one of the twins asked Song Yue, “You spent the longest time inside—what did you get?”
Song Yue spread his hands, feigning sincerity, “Nothing at all. I entered a small room; all it had was a table—no chairs! Oh, there was a meditation cushion on the floor…”
“What was on the table?” the questioner interrupted coldly.
“Nothing! I even cursed about it—not even a token for martial artists! Are we supposed to be looked down on?” Song Yue spoke indignantly, remembering the mother blade he wasn’t allowed to touch, he felt annoyed.
“He’s lying,” the wild woman licked her lips seductively, then laughed, “Not a single truthful word!”
“Kid, are you tired of living?” the other twin snapped coldly.
Song Yue felt the urge to hit them!
These people bore no resemblance to the young cultivators he’d met on that vast ancient battlefield.
Those young cultivators, with powers far surpassing these Foundation Establishment cultivators, fought valiantly, shedding blood and giving their lives, courageous and fearless, their bones buried on the field, dying without regret.
But these people—occupying the sacred sites of cultivation, behaving like ghouls and monsters.
Utter garbage!
He’d now touched the third stage of Grandmaster, his strength greatly increased; even if he couldn’t match Foundation Establishment masters, he wasn’t afraid of them.
“What I obtained inside—what does it have to do with you?” Song Yue’s gaze turned cold.
Even as Miao Qiang signaled him not to be rash, Song Yue shot back.
These people had hidden in the woods, waiting for him—they wouldn’t give up easily.
The best way to deal with such people was to fight back hard.
Let them know: if you want to kill me, you’ll have to pay in blood!
Song Yue drew his alloy spear from his chest, pressed the mechanism; it extended instantly into a long, gleaming weapon, its tip sharp and cold. He stared at the four challengers.
The wild woman watched Song Yue with interest, as if observing an amusing creature—a child eyeing a wriggling insect, deciding when to crush it.
The twin who’d just rebuked Song Yue attacked—a flash of fire shot out, like a burning arrow aimed at Song Yue.
Miao Qiang’s aura erupted; with a furious shout, he scattered the fire, then said sternly to the four, “Are you really going to trouble a child?”
Just then, the other twin attacked Miao Qiang!
A palm-sized flying sword shot from him, unleashing a long arc of sword energy toward Miao Qiang.
The man with sword-like brows drew a long sword, attacking Miao Qiang from another angle.
Only the wild woman remained motionless, unconcerned for her companions, smiling at Song Yue, her gaze full of taunts, as if saying: Little one, dare to fight me?
Song Yue didn’t attack her—instead, he thrust his spear at one of the twins!
This was not reckless courage, but the blood of a martial artist!
If you wish to seize fortune and take another’s fate, so be it—but you must have the strength!
Boom!
With a thunderous roar, battle erupted in an instant.
Song Yue’s blood surged, startling even the wild woman—she was surprised at his cultivation at such a young age.
Still, she didn’t make a move, merely watched and waited.
The twins and the star-browed man were formidable!
They were indeed Foundation Establishment, not above that realm, but their combat power was astonishing.
At their level, though they couldn’t freely wield magical powers, their speed was impressive.
The trio worked together seamlessly, clearly accustomed to fighting as a team.
Miao Qiang, though a martial Grandmaster, was hard-pressed to face three Foundation Establishment opponents, falling behind almost instantly.
Even with Song Yue, who’d touched Grandmaster stage three, it was not enough.
Without his protective qi and Taiyi Body Refinement Sutra, Song Yue would have suffered.
Among their trio, one kept launching mental attacks, his powerful spirit relentlessly battering Song Yue’s protective qi.
Though Song Yue had learned to strengthen his spiritual sea and increase his mental power from Heavenly Lord’s teachings, he hadn’t had time to reach the level of the Foundation Establishment masters.
He was fighting with great difficulty.
But even so, Miao Qiang was amazed.
In just a few days, Song Yue’s fighting power had improved greatly since he’d taught him Star-Cutting Palm and Thunder Fist.
Especially facing three Foundation Establishment masters, Song Yue exuded a transcendent aura.
If not restricted by his realm and limited abilities, Miao Qiang even felt Song Yue seemed more like a martial Grandmaster than he was!
He sent Song Yue a voice transmission, “I’ll hold them—go now!”
With that, Miao Qiang unleashed an even greater surge of blood, his hair and beard bristling, his aura magnified several times.
He was using secret techniques, exhausting his vitality to stall the enemy.
At that moment, the wild woman finally acted.
No one expected her to be the strongest.
She merely glanced at Miao Qiang, and he seemed struck by lightning, paralyzed for a moment.
He spat blood and roared, “Go!”
Song Yue felt suffocated, gritted his teeth, and turned to flee.
The wild woman laughed, “Go? You won’t escape!”
As she spoke, she turned her gaze to Song Yue.
A storm-like mental force swept toward him.
Song Yue didn’t hesitate—he activated a Thunder Talisman.
If they wanted the lives of him and his teacher, they’d have to pay for it!
Crack!
A silent lightning bolt struck from nowhere.
A flash of electricity hit the wild woman directly.
She collapsed instantly.
Song Yue shouted, “Teacher Miao, run!”
He spun and fled, using Phantom Steps to cross dozens of meters in a single stride, appearing a hundred meters away in the blink of an eye.
The twins and the star-browed man hadn’t expected such a reversal—their female companion felled by a single Thunder Talisman!
They abandoned Miao Qiang to check on her.
They found the woman lifeless.
She’d been killed outright by the Thunder Talisman!
Miao Qiang watched Song Yue vanish, glanced at the dead woman, shocked—this youth truly was a worthy disciple of the Sage, possessing such trump cards.
Without hesitation, he too turned and fled.
He chased after Song Yue, afraid those men would hunt him down.
The twins and the star-browed man howled in rage, unable to believe their easy prey had cost them a companion’s life.
One twin cradled the wild woman, all three showing fierce hatred, pursuing Song Yue and Miao Qiang.
Escaping their pursuit in the secret realm?
Dream on!
Song Yue fled swiftly, but soon realized something was amiss.
A slender figure was beside him!
He finally understood why his escape speed was much faster than usual—Qian Qianxue was casting spells on him!
“Why did you follow?” Song Yue was genuinely angry—this was no game; after killing one of their group with a Thunder Talisman, the remaining three would tear him apart.
And the Thunder Talismans…he had only two left.
Even if he wielded the Dragon-Patterned Immortal-Slaying Blade, he couldn’t guarantee he and Miao Qiang would defeat them.
Especially since this was their territory!
Song Yue had hoped to use his Qi-seeing technique to find a favorable terrain, taking advantage of the landscape to fight for his life.
He hadn’t expected Qian Qianxue to silently follow.
“I…I was worried about you.” Qian Qianxue continued to use wind magic as she answered.
“Ah!” Song Yue sighed—there was nothing to do now but search for advantageous ground.
He had two options: first, run toward the altar, but it was unlikely. Though not far, they’d need to cross several mountains, and Qian Qianxue’s spiritual power was limited—she wouldn’t last.
Second, use Qi-seeing to find favorable terrain and head deeper in!
Song Yue looked back—no sign yet of Miao Qiang or the pursuers. He gritted his teeth and, with Qian Qianxue, dashed into the depths of the secret realm.
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Two big chapters, over ten thousand words—please send more recommendations!