Chapter 35: All Part of Destiny

In a blink, two more days passed.

It was now the fifteenth, the day when sun and moon interchange their positions. Early in the morning, Chen Luo skillfully resumed his cultivation using the jade booklet. By this time, he had collected nearly ten instances of unknown energy within his body. These energies remained latent, invisible and intangible, yet they currently provided no tangible benefits.

Finishing his cultivation session, Chen Luo opened his eyes and effortlessly leaped onto the highest rock, overlooking the mountain valley.

“It should happen tonight.”

Standing at the peak of the valley, Chen Luo finally pinpointed the mysterious mine shaft. Initially, Magistrate Lou had concealed its presence by having someone place a massive stone over it. However, now, the stone could no longer suppress the unusual phenomena occurring beneath. Especially when Chen Luo entered his special state and used the Imperial Perception to ‘observe’ the mine, he noticed vibrant colored mists seeping out from within.

This colorful display was visible only during his heightened state; with the naked eye, the valley appeared unchanged. The sole difference was a noticeable increase in temperature, causing some small flowers in the valley to mysteriously bloom.

“Hero, my nephew has nearly recovered, and we plan to leave early tomorrow morning.”

Old Man Tian brought over a wild chicken he had caught personally for Chen Luo.

Despite Chen Luo refusing all gifts these past few days, Old Man Tian believed it was essential to express gratitude through such gestures, reflecting his sincere attitude. Without encountering Chen Luo by chance, they surely would have perished in the mountains.

Even disregarding the high-flying martial masters, the wild beasts alone posed a deadly threat. The severely wounded Tian Daniu served as bait, with his blood scent attracting fatal dangers. Fang Cun and Fang Shan could not possibly protect him; despite their imposing size, they had no formal martial training. Within the caravan, they primarily handled peripheral tasks, essentially relying on Tian Daniu for sustenance. Their brute strength might suffice against ordinary people but, faced with mountain predators, would merely serve as additional prey.

“You should leave today. Something may happen here tomorrow,” Chen Luo said, looking into the distance.

Just moments ago, he heard the clashing of weapons again.

Although still some distance away, he distinctly sensed the direction of movement: heading straight towards the mountain valley.

The imperial court had skilled individuals who would undoubtedly detect any unusual phenomena immediately. Chen Luo wasn’t the only one destined for greatness; gaining a two-day advantage was already quite fortunate.

“Something is going to happen?” Old Man Tian’s expression changed abruptly.

Seeing that Chen Luo had no further elaboration, he hastily set down his belongings and descended the mountain to discuss with his nephew, Tian Daniu.

The unexpected event arrived even quicker than Chen Luo anticipated.

Just as twilight began, before the sky fully darkened, sounds of combat echoed from beyond the valley.

Heeding Chen Luo’s warning, Old Man Tian and Tian Daniu had already left the mountain valley. However, given the timing, they were likely to encounter those outside, and their escape now depended on sheer luck.

Hopefully, fortune would not forsake them.

Suppressing his presence, Chen Luo swiftly leaped onto a branch and landed in a concealed alcove, peering through a gap below.

Two figures were engaged in pursuit below—one being the familiar burly man wielding a saber. This time, it was the burly man fleeing while a gaunt Daoist monk chased after him. Both moved at incredible speed, reaching the entrance of the valley within moments.

Realizing he might not escape, a ferocious look flashed across the burly man’s face, and he forcefully stomped on the ground.

Sand and gravel flew as a deep crater exploded beneath them.

Taking advantage of this momentum, the burly man swiftly turned, his golden filigree ring blade sweeping around to strike at the old daoist behind him.

The surge of sword qi startled countless birds into flight.

However, the old daoist seemed prepared, halting instantly as the burly man pivoted. Not only that, but his body gracefully drifted aside like a leaf, evading the deadly blow in an astonishing manner. Simultaneously, he extended his index finger and flicked it against the blade’s edge.

Clang!

A crisp sound echoed as two formidable energies collided, scattering leaves everywhere. Both combatants staggered back several steps after the impact.

Zongshi!

Yet another Zongshi.

Chen Luo’s heart jolted; after days of cultivation, his powers of observation had become even sharper. With just one glance, he recognized the strength they were employing—the unmistakable power of Zongshi.

‘What a formidable daoist, with such peculiar movements.’

Chen Luo’s gaze shifted past the burly man, focusing on the old daoist.

He had witnessed the burly man’s prowess firsthand a few days ago, undoubtedly making him a powerful Zongshi. Yet, against this old daoist, he appeared completely helpless, unable to mount an effective defense.

At first glance, the withered old daoist appeared ordinary, without any distinguishing features. However, his movements were exceptionally fierce and precise, alternating between swift and deliberate strikes. Each blow precisely targeted the burly man’s weaknesses, causing him to repeatedly cough up blood.

“Li Chen Old Daoist, you’re pushing me!”

After another forceful collision sent him reeling back, the eyes of the burly man turned crimson.

“You can always choose to cease resisting,” Li Chen Old Daoist replied calmly, halting his attacks. His garments remained unruffled, indicating that he had not even exerted his full strength against the burly swordsman.

“This world is just as it is; many things are predetermined from birth, such is fate.”

“Bullshit! Die, motherfucker!” The burly man gathered all his energy, leaping into the air. A burst of blood qi emanated from his massive blade, coalescing instantly into a colossal blood-red weapon above him. With an aura reminiscent of splitting mountains, it descended forcefully towards Li Chen Old Daoist.

“You still don’t understand.” As the giant blade approached, Li Chen Old Daoist surprisingly showed no inclination to dodge.

Clang!

Just as the momentum of the blade was about to strike, the burly man suddenly faltered and coughed out a mouthful of blood. The immense force of his attack dispersed like wind, and he plummeted from the sky, completely losing the ability to resist.

“You poisoned me?!?”

“It’s not poison, it’s a technique.”

Li Chen Old Daoist approached, picked up the fallen giant blade, then glanced sideways towards Chen Luo’s hiding spot.

“Everything is governed by fate.”

Discovered? Hidden in the shadows, Chen Luo felt a sudden shock and instinctively dodged to the left. In that instant, a tingling sensation struck his right arm, as a diamond-shaped dart pierced through it at some point, lodging itself into a stone. Blood dripped along the dart’s edges.

“A hidden weapon!”

Chen Luo quickly looked back, without hesitation, rolled on the ground, and evaded further.

This reaction was only possible due to his recent cultivation, enhancing his perception; otherwise, he would likely be dead by now.

The gap between the initial stages of Bone Tempering and a Zongshi was truly vast, let alone someone as formidable as Li Chen Old Daoist, among the pinnacle of Zongshi masters.

Below, Li Chen decapitated the burly man with his own sword, sending blood splattering across the ground. A mighty Zongshi, meeting his end in this obscure mountain valley, much like the jianghu wanderer buried years ago by Third Uncle—unknown name, unknown origin.

“Why try to escape when this is your destiny?” Li Chen Old Daoist, having just killed his opponent, lifted his head and indifferently spoke to the fleeing Chen Luo.

Despite appearing compassionate, the old daoist showed no mercy when taking lives.