The moonlight quietly bathed the small grove in the backyard. Slender branches mirrored the hazy moon, with a few cold stars pricking the distant sky. The night was so still, a faint, sweet fragrance carried in on some unseen breeze.
Within this dim night, inside the most renowned temple of the Kaifeng Capital, a single figure sat in silence, though his heart was anything but calm.
After a long pause, he rose and pushed open the door, stepping out into the open air.
He gazed up at the decidedly faint moonlight overhead and suddenly realized that for the first time in decades, his mind had become thoroughly unsettled.
A strange light flickered in his eyes as his gaze settled on a particular spot, finally solidifying some unspoken resolution.
His form blurred, and he was gone from the room he had inhabited for over thirty years.
Soon after, he had left the Kaifeng Capital entirely.
If the esteemed Masters in the Grand Hall of Kaifeng knew that four formidable experts, whose power rivaled that of Zhan Tianfeng—the very pillar they relied upon—were still within the city, and that Zhan Tianfeng himself had suddenly departed, utter panic and chaos would surely erupt.
However, Zhan Tianfeng’s speed was incredible, and his movements were executed with extreme caution, leaving absolutely no possibility of detection.
Furthermore, without his explicit permission, few dared to even approach his residence; thus, his departure went completely unknown.
He flew onward relentlessly, especially after clearing the capital limits, where he immediately pushed his speed to its absolute zenith.
When an expert of the First Sky realm travels at full power, the velocity achieved far exceeds the comprehension of ordinary people.
The moon set and the sun rose; when the sun hung directly overhead, Zhan Tianfeng had already arrived atop a distant, towering mountain.
This mountain stood in the central region of the Kaifeng territory. Although far removed from cities, it was not nearly as deserted as the Hengshan mountain range.
Upon this peak stood dozens of ancient, unadorned Daoist temples, often attracting pilgrims who traveled thousands of miles simply to light a single stick of incense within.
Zhan Tianfeng stopped at the foot of the mountain. He did not continue utilizing his light-body techniques to ascend but walked upward step by step, just like any common traveler.
Though the mountain was not crowded, he encountered a few pilgrims with every section of the path he ascended.
At this moment, Zhan Tianfeng appeared as an utterly ordinary man, exhibiting not a trace of the imposing aura befitting a First Sky realm expert.
When meeting anyone along the path, whether ascending or descending, they exchanged gentle smiles and nods before parting ways. A harmonious atmosphere seemed to permeate the entire peak.
Finally, Zhan Tianfeng walked his way to the mountainside halfway point.
On the path here, there stood a small hut occupied by a middle-aged Daoist. Those who frequently traveled this route knew that this Daoist resided in the hut year-round, and anyone attempting to proceed further up the mountain was invariably persuaded by him to turn back.
This Daoist possessed an exceptionally gentle disposition; whenever dissuading a pilgrim, he offered only kind words. Even when faced with aggression, he never retaliated with word or deed.
However, upon seeing this middle-aged Daoist, a profound look of deference instantly crossed Zhan Tianfeng’s face.
If the Masters of the Grand Hall were to witness this scene, they would surely believe their eyes were deceiving them.
“Senior Brother, long time no see. You look exactly the same as ever,” Zhan Tianfeng greeted him with a smile.
The middle-aged Daoist also beamed, “Junior Brother, weren’t you supposed to be in seclusion for sixty years of bitter cultivation in the mortal realm? How is it you’ve emerged to see me after only thirty-odd years?”
A trace of bitterness touched Zhan Tianfeng’s expression. He let out a long sigh. “Senior Brother, how could I wish to end my seclusion? But the mortal world is plagued by state affairs and endless vexations—nine out of ten things are unsatisfactory. I was forced to emerge.”
The middle-aged Daoist asked with surprise, “Junior Brother, just who forced you out? If it concerns the state, could it be the Tu Fan Kingdom or the Titan Kingdom?”
Zhan Tianfeng shook his head. “Although there is a slight connection to the Tu Fan Kingdom, it’s not the primary issue.”
The middle-aged Daoist’s expression finally shifted. His formerly relaxed posture instantly straightened, as if he had transformed suddenly from a wandering ascetic into a venerable, enlightened master.
“If it’s not one of the three great powers of the Northwest, is the trouble perhaps emanating from the Northern Frontier or Great Shen?”
Zhan Tianfeng shook his head again. “The Northern Frontier is impossible. As for Great Shen, they are too far, and the last few decades have been remarkably peaceful there, so no trouble originates from them.”
The middle-aged Daoist relaxed slightly. “That’s a relief if the trouble isn’t from the Great Shen Empire.”
Zhan Tianfeng managed a wry smile. “Senior Brother, although the trouble doesn't stem from the Great Shen Empire, I fear for us, it is even more perilous.”
The middle-aged Daoist frowned. “Never mind that; you’re being too evasive. Go see Master directly. He was just mentioning you a few days ago.”
Zhan Tianfeng rolled his eyes helplessly. As soon as he met his Senior Brother, the man started asking endless questions, never granting him a chance to elaborate. When he finally had a chance for a detailed explanation, his Senior Brother simply waved a large hand, dismissing the matter.
With a light sigh, Zhan Tianfeng knew his Senior Brother was always firm in his decisions. Since he clearly did not wish to listen further, any additional words would be useless.
Bowing respectfully to the Daoist, Zhan Tianfeng continued his ascent toward the summit.
In the distance, several pilgrims approached, pointing toward where Zhan Tianfeng had gone, asking the middle-aged Daoist why he was permitted to pass.
The middle-aged Daoist immediately plastered on a shameless expression, arguing persistently, his demeanor utterly contrasting with the dignified air he held while speaking with Zhan Tianfeng—as if he naturally possessed two different faces.
Zhan Tianfeng moved quickly, vanishing in an instant, though he could still hear the incessant murmuring and complaints drifting from the hut on the mountainside.
He felt a distinct lack of comprehension regarding his Senior Brother's choice, yet he understood that the Great Dao contained countless paths, and the choice of which to take was a personal matter he could not interfere with.
He moved with vigorous speed and finally reached the summit.
At the peak was a platform spanning several hundred square meters.
If this platform existed on a plain, it would be unremarkable. But situated atop a mountain peak, it appeared jarringly unnatural.
The feeling of standing on the summit was merely peculiar, but viewed from high above, the open space became starkly evident. It looked as if a wooden stake driven into the earth had been cleanly sliced in two, and this platform represented one of the cross-sections.
But in all the world today, who possessed the divine strength to shear the peak of a great mountain as easily as cutting a wooden stake?
Zhan Tianfeng had visited this place many times, and each visit induced a sensation of faint dizziness.
Yet, this very feeling spurred him ever onward in martial pursuits, serving as the very fuel for his ambition to climb to higher realms.
He left the path and reached the far side of the summit.
Looking down from there revealed sheer cliffs shrouded in swirling mist—a place of extreme peril. If the ancient Sima Yin had been cornered here, even he might not have leaped headlong from the peak without hesitation.
Yet, upon reaching this spot, Zhan Tianfeng raised his foot without the slightest pause.
He stepped out, instantly plummeting down the cliff face, his figure disappearing into the swirling cloud.
Zhan Tianfeng’s body fell closely against the cliff wall. Not long after entering the mist, he stabilized perfectly atop a jutting boulder. Within this rock formation, there was actually a massive cavern.
The interior of the cave was pitch black, devoid of any light.
Zhan Tianfeng strode forward, navigating several stone doors with practiced ease, heading toward the largest stone chamber within the complex.
The cavern was extensive, yet empty, until Zhan Tianfeng reached the final, largest stone door. Here, he stopped, knelt with utmost reverence, and kowtowed eight times.
If the people of the Kaifeng Nation, who viewed Zhan Tianfeng as a deity to rely upon, were to see this display, their disbelief would be absolute.
From within the stone chamber came an immensely aged voice: “Tianfeng, why have you come here?”
Zhan Tianfeng replied with perfect deference, “Master, your disciple has come to see you.”
“Since you have come, surely the nation faces a peril that even you cannot manage…”
“Master is prescient.” A look of shame crossed Zhan Tianfeng’s face as he bowed his head deeply. “Your disciple has failed your venerable trust and disgraced you.”
“Heh heh, what is there to be ashamed of?” the aged voice chuckled. “Tides rise and fall; there are ebbs and flows. Even the vast empire in the east of the continent cannot avoid dynastic change, let alone our Northwest Kingdoms. If the Kaifeng Nation is destined to decline, then never mind that you are powerless; even if I, your old man, were to intervene, the outcome would be unavoidable.”
Zhan Tianfeng suddenly looked up, his eyes revealing a flicker of astonishment.
Before his Master departed so many years ago, he had held his hand and carefully instructed him to guard this nation.
For a century, to fulfill that charge, he had forsaken everything, cultivating in solitude and silence on the martial path until he became the bedrock stabilizing this country.
Yet, now, standing before his Master again, this great figure whose mere stomp once shook the entire Northwest, was uttering words so disheartening and discouraging.
For a moment, Zhan Tianfeng felt a sense of disorientation—had everything he done over the years been wrong?
Though separated by a thick stone wall, the person inside seemed able to perceive, or perhaps sense, Zhan Tianfeng’s expression and mental state.
The aged voice spoke again. “Kaifeng Nation is my country, and it is yours. As long as there is a sliver of hope, we cannot allow it to vanish. Tianfeng, you have suffered these years…”
Warmth flooded Zhan Tianfeng’s heart, instantly dissolving his self-doubt. A surge of affection and excitement rose within him, making him feel utterly overwhelmed.
He had always believed himself to be supremely calm, so much so that it bordered on the inhuman, even fear-inducing. But only now did he realize that moments of insufficient composure still existed within him.
“Tell me, what has transpired?” the old man’s voice returned.
Zhan Tianfeng affirmed his understanding and recounted, without omission or exaggeration, the rise of He Yiming of the Tianluo Kingdom. He told the story truthfully, even confessing to sending Sima Yin to assassinate He Yiming.
Of course, Sima Yin had never returned. And when He Yiming reappeared, not only had his concubine transformed into a peak innate expert wielding terrifying cold True Qi, but he was also now accompanied by a powerful new ally.
The state of Three Flowers Conjoining the Crown—such a supreme master was actually serving at He Yiming’s side, seemingly as his subordinate.
All these developments placed immense pressure on Zhan Tianfeng. If the situation continued to develop this way, once He Yiming fully ascended, where would Kaifeng Nation have any standing left?
After recounting everything with vivid detail, Zhan Tianfeng fell silent, kneeling at the door, waiting quietly.
A long silence passed before the aged voice emerged from the chamber, this time tinged with a thread of solemnity.
“A Hundred Refinements Master at fifteen, a First Sky expert at seventeen… achieving the Innate realm in less than a year… and one who has Three Flowers Conjoining the Crown. Heh heh, Tianfeng, you aren’t joking with your Master, are you?”
“Your disciple dares not.” Zhan Tianfeng offered a bitter smile; if he could, he wouldn't believe it himself.
The entire cave was enveloped in a suffocating, heavy atmosphere. Even Zhan Tianfeng held his breath, for he could not possibly guess what decision the elder within the grotto would make.
Outside the grotto, the sun slowly drifted from noon toward the west, until only the captivating, lingering crimson of twilight remained.
It was only then that the elder’s voice echoed from within the structure: “I understand now. Tianfeng, you may return.”
Zhan Tianfeng faltered. He had come here not only to deliver this news but also to seek guidance on how to respond. Yet, his venerable Master had offered no counsel, merely ordering his return, which caused him great anxiety. Still, before his Master, even if given twice the courage, he would not dare defy him in the slightest.
He had grown up under the elder’s shadow since childhood and received his meticulous training, which was the source of his present accomplishments.
In his heart, the elder was a god, and a god was omnipotent.
Turning his back, he slowly retreated from the cave and returned to the middle slopes.
However, the moment he stepped out of the mountain cave, a faint, almost imperceptible sound reached his ears.
“Take a step back, and the sea and sky are wide…”
Zhan Tianfeng paused, considered for a moment, and then retraced his steps. Upon meeting the middle-aged Daoist again, the man adopted an aloof posture, as if resentful from the earlier interruption and unwilling to engage.
Zhan Tianfeng smiled wryly, forced himself to execute a deep bow, and then slowly began his descent down the mountain.
Others might not know, but he understood that this Senior Brother guarding the gate halfway up the mountain, though appearing like an ordinary Daoist on the surface, possessed a profound, immeasurable strength. At the very least, he knew himself well enough to know he was definitely no match for this Senior Brother.
After descending, he returned to the temple in the Kaifeng Capital at his utmost speed.
This entire journey passed without a single soul noticing, not even the masters within the nation’s Grand Hall remained aware.
Yet, Zhan Tianfeng did not know that shortly after he left the cave, his Senior Brother listened intently for a moment, then followed the path he had taken to the stone wall.
“Zhan Xuan, enter the mountain and retrieve the totem of the Werewolf Clan.”
“Master, are you planning to provoke the Totem Clan? This…”
“It is nothing. When you go, use the art of disguise. I want you to pretend to be…” The elder’s voice lowered.
Moments later, the Daoist offered a bitter laugh. “The Werewolf Clan is teeming with experts, Disciple fears he may not succeed.”
“I am not asking you to rob them, but to steal. With your ability, if you are careful, you should manage it.” The elder snorted lightly. “Before you act, prepare yourself. Before leaving, injure a few people, take the Five Elements Ring, and leave traces of Five Elements True Qi behind.”
“Master, which element’s True Qi should I leave?”
“All of them.”
“All of them?”
“Correct. After stealing the totem, place it in the treasure vault of the Hengshan range, ensuring no one discovers it. Go now.”
The middle-aged Daoist, Zhan Xuan, acknowledged the command. He asked no further questions, turning instead to depart.
The aged voice chuckled, sounding like an old man laughing peacefully. “I wonder if the hands and bones of those old fellows who worship the werewolves have rusted. It is time to give them something to do. Heh heh, if they knew such a young, formidable expert had risen outside the mountain, would they still be able to sit still?”
That voice gradually deepened, and a light, ethereal sound echoed through the cavern.
“A peerless prodigy rising beside Kaifeng—a blessing for the Northwest, but a curse for my Kaifeng…”
“One Hundred and Eight, tell me honestly, has your strength improved since we first met?”
In the study, He Yiming stared intently at One Hundred and Eight. Although he knew this fellow could never lie and deceive him, failing to assert this dominance would leave his own presence lacking.
One Hundred and Eight gazed back calmly. Since following He Yiming out of the thousand-year-old grotto he inhabited, the light resembling a small sun had never reappeared in his eyes. In that respect, he was indeed a trustworthy human weapon.
“What I have improved is not strength,” he said slowly. “I am merely evolving.”
“Evolving?” He Yiming paused, then shook his head, looking at the being with a mixture of frustration and amusement. A moment later, He Yiming asked, “You can evolve because you have devoured the energy stones?”
“Yes,” One Hundred and Eight replied simply, maintaining his characteristic direct manner.
He Yiming’s expression shifted strangely. The primary condition that allowed him to coexist peacefully with One Hundred and Eight was the rough parity in their strength. But now, after devouring several energy stones, One Hundred and Eight’s power had surged exponentially.
Though they hadn't sparred since signing the employment contract, He Yiming had a distinct feeling that if they were forced into a life-or-death contest now, he would truly be unable to contend unless he deployed the Great Saber for a final, desperate strike.
He let out a deep sigh, his head throbbing. It was far from a simple task to fully trust this human weapon.
One Hundred and Eight suddenly looked up, exhibiting a rare action. “Are you afraid of me?”
He Yiming paused, but conceded that the sensation was indeed quite novel.
He nodded slightly. Communicating with a simple entity was best done in the simplest way.
“I am afraid of you, because I don’t know what will happen once your strength vastly surpasses mine.”
One Hundred and Eight spoke, “I am different from you. My programming does not permit me to violate the terms of the contract. As long as you consistently maintain the contract with me, I will not betray you.”
With that, One Hundred and Eight turned and strode away with purpose.
Watching his departing back, He Yiming frowned deeply, then suddenly raised his eyebrows, rolling his eyes upward. “Fine. Consistently maintain the contract? Doesn't that mean supplying the corresponding energy stones every year… This fellow isn’t human, so why is he as shrewd as one?”