True Martial might look peaceful now that the monsters have vanished. But that’s exactly what makes it a land of death. If they were to travel alone, who knows what they might encounter?

To say nothing of the wild beasts and venomous insects in these desolate mountains—those alone would be more than they could handle.

...After all, they were only at the Mingjin level, not yet strong enough to roam these boundless mountains freely.

So, no matter how upset they felt, they could only endure it.

But their Master acted as if he hadn’t noticed their moods at all.

Or perhaps, just as their Master had said... he didn’t care.

But they had no choice but to obey their Master’s commands.

For instance, someone was now responding in a low voice to their Master’s question.

"So many days, and not a single Treasure Fish has been spotted?"

Their Master’s cold, heavy voice weighed on everyone’s hearts.

The disciple said respectfully, "That is correct."

After a long silence, Chen Shanhe’s voice rang out again. "Alright then. Continue to stand guard. Day and night shifts. Do not slack off."

"...Yes, Master."

The disciple accepted the order in a low voice, then turned and called to the others, preparing to take over the next shift...

...Chen Shanhe’s obsession with the Treasure Fish was growing deeper and deeper.

And just then...

"Chen Shanhe, come out and fight."

A voice echoed from outside the valley.

All the disciples froze for a moment before it dawned on them.

’...That man... he’s back!’

Before they could even react, the thatched hut Chen Shanhe had just finished building was thrown open, and a figure shot out of the valley in an instant.

The disciples snapped back to their senses, and after exchanging a look, they too rushed out.

...No matter how much they resented their Master, they didn’t dare show it. In fact, they had to appear eager right now.

Otherwise, if their Master held a grudge, it would be a death sentence!

So when they rushed out of the valley, they saw a man sitting atop a giant yellow dog on the mountain path not far away.

...The man was handsome, but his gaze was deep and serene, giving him an unfathomable air.

His entire being radiated an aura as vast as an abyss, as imposing as a mountain!

’He was just like their Master!’

’That was the aura unique to a Huajin Martial Artist!’

Their Master, Chen Shanhe, was already standing before the man, his eyes glinting.

"I thought you had fled. I didn’t expect you to still be around... Done hiding in the shadows, are you?"

Chen Shanhe stared at Qin Fang, his eyes glinting...

’Truth be told, he was a little startled...’

...because this time, he sensed an aura from the man that hadn’t been there before.

’An aura was a tricky thing. It only appeared naturally when one was resolute and full of confidence.’

’Last time, even though the man was at the Huajin level, he didn’t possess this kind of aura.’

’But now?’

Chen Shanhe narrowed his eyes.

’Deep down, he was somewhat wary of Qin Fang.’

’He had defeated him easily last time, but the man’s powerful Physique had left a deep impression on him!’

’...A Physique like that surpassed even that of an ordinary Huajin Martial Artist.’

’It was only because his Leaf Skill was too amateurish that he had been so completely crushed.’

’Could he have mastered some kind of High Grade Leaf Skill?’

The speculation suddenly surfaced in Chen Shanhe’s mind.

But he quickly dismissed the idea.

’Impossible. No Leaf Skill, especially one at the Huajin level, can be mastered in just one or two months... He was so amateurish last time. There’s no way he could have surpassed me in such a short period.’

At this thought, Chen Shanhe calmed down.

’He had been immersed in the Huajin realm for many years; there was no reason to fear a young man who had just reached it.’

’...Even if this young man’s Physique was indeed quite strong.’

At this thought, he narrowed his eyes.

A bloody glint flickered in the depths of his eyes.

’The Treasure Fish was hard to find. He had been searching for a long time to no avail.’

’This Qin Fang, the one who ate the Treasure Fish, was his greatest hope for breaking through to the realm of Divine Techniques!’

His gaze shifted to the yellow dog beneath Qin Fang, and his eyes flickered.

’...It’s just that this Exotic Species is a bit troublesome. It’s too fast. If Qin Fang starts to lose, he’ll have a chance to escape as long as I don’t kill him on the spot.’

’I’ll have to find a way to kill this Exotic Species first!’

’Otherwise, even defeating him would be pointless.’

’...The man’s Physique is too strong. To kill him for good, I have to cut off his escape and slowly wear him down to death!’

While Chen Shanhe was observing Qin Fang, Qin Fang spoke up.

"Enough talk. Let’s settle this with our fists."

’He couldn’t wait to test the Mortal Martial Canon!’

The words had barely left his mouth when he leaped off Xile’s back and threw a punch straight at Chen Shanhe!

Chen Shanhe narrowed his eyes. "It’s useless. In my eyes, your every attack is as transparent as an infant’s."

As he spoke, Qin Fang’s fist was already striking before his very eyes.

And just as he’d said, he effortlessly sidestepped the blow. His opponent’s intent was far too obvious, completely transparent in his eyes.

He was about to say more, but in the next instant, a sense of dread washed over him. His pupils constricted, and he instinctively threw up his fists to block.

BOOM!!!

With a deafening CRASH, Chen Shanhe grunted. A leg slammed down on his forearms, the terrifying force sending a numbing shock through his hands!

"How is this possible?!"

His eyes flew wide open.

’Because that kick... it hadn’t created a single ripple in his Heart Mirror.’

By the time he finally reacted...

...his opponent’s leg had already struck!

’How could this be possible?!’

His eyes filled with disbelief as he scrambled to counterattack.

But in the next instant, another wave of dread washed over him. The Heart Mirror remained silent. It wasn’t until his opponent moved that he was able to react, frantically retreating while throwing up his hands to block!