Martial Conquest of the Nine Desolates-Chapter 142 - 140: Return to the Chongyang Sect

Amidst the awed gazes of many Innate Martial Artists, Xiao Ye returned to Ancient Star City. He was preparing to enter closed-door cultivation, ready for the upcoming competition of the Direct Disciples.

"Fifth Grade Combat Technique, Silent Annihilation Hand!" Xiao Ye flipped through the booklet in his hand.

"The power of the Silent Annihilation Hand is quite strong. If it’s cultivated to perfection, it would be nearly on par with the Great Sun Seal," Xiao Ye said with a slight smile after he finished reading.

He was very clear that if he carelessly used the Sun and Moon Seal Technique in the Direct Disciple competition, it might arouse the antipathy of the upper echelons of the Sect. The Silent Annihilation Hand would suffice for his use for now.

"People from the Sect surely don’t know that my Physical Body Power has already broken through the Three Tripods. I might as well hide this strength first; it could lead to an unexpected victorious effect," Xiao Ye chuckled slyly.

After memorizing the content of the Silent Annihilation Hand, he went to the Time Tower to practice. As for the Bodhi Leaf with its heaven-defying effects, he decided to save it for later use, otherwise, it would be too wasteful.

As days passed, Xiao Ye not only diligently cultivated but also kept an eye on the movements of the Sun and Moon Sect.

After all, the disturbance he caused that day was too significant, and his strong defeat of the Black Heart Elder and Ding Hao was enough to become famous throughout the Black Dragon Country.

Even though he had concealed his identity, he still needed to be cautious of the Sun and Moon Sect.

And indeed, as expected, the battle spread through the mouths of many Innate Martial Artists, causing a stir in the lands across the ten counties of the Black Dragon Country.

On the Hidden Dragon List, a shining name soared, quickly replacing Ding Hao’s position, and occupied the fortieth spot.

Ye Xiao, strength unknown, sect unknown, age unknown.

A series of unknowns only increased the curiosity of the Martial Artists of the Black Dragon Country, and many were inquiring about Ye Xiao’s origins, but they made little discovery.

Xiao Ye’s residence became a Holy Land in Ancient Star City, with many visiting daily, only to be turned away by Xiao Ye at the door.

During this time, Xu Yan came to visit Xiao Ye once. Thanks to Xiao Ye, he had obtained a number of treasures and was planning to leave Ancient Star City.

Xiao Ye received Xu Yan; the two sat opposite each other, drinking. Afterward, Xu Yan left with gratitude.

Xiao Ye cultivated even more assiduously, but what puzzled him was that almost a year had passed, and the Sun and Moon Sect had not shown any movement, which was truly beyond reason.

At that time, an uninvited guest appeared in the residence, disturbing Xiao Ye’s cultivation.

"Hehe... Even the Supreme Empress deceives the world. I nearly lost a swindler’s treasure, cutting off the past," that familiar mad voice entered Xiao Ye’s ears, making him slightly stunned.

"How did the Old Madman come here?" Xiao Ye walked out puzzledly, only to find the Old Madman had fallen into a deep sleep in his residence.

Xiao Ye was somewhat bemused but didn’t mind. He specially prepared food and drink, and cleaned out a room for the Old Madman to stay.

The Old Madman would leave the city during the day and return to Xiao Ye’s residence to rest at night.

Xiao Ye, realizing that the Old Madman had not woken up, stopped paying attention, knowing that with the Old Madman’s cultivation, nothing dangerous would occur.

"Silent Annihilation Hand!"

Xiao Ye stood in the courtyard, shouting loudly, as Innate True Qi burst forth. His palms shone with light, filled with the intent of annihilation, struck onto a large tree like a terrifying wave.

Bang!

The branches of the tree trembled gently then disintegrated into fine powder and floated down.

"The Silent Annihilation Hand is one step away from perfection."

The power of the Fifth Grade Combat Technique was indeed terrifying, and the difficulty of cultivating it was just as high.

Even with his talents, after nearly three and a half years of hard practice in the Time Tower, it was still one step away from perfection.

"My current cultivation has also reached the Early Stage of Innate Realm Eight Layer. Among the Direct Disciples, I should be considered strong," Xiao Ye clenched his fists, his entire being radiating powerful confidence.

In the Time Tower’s Second Layer, his cultivation speed was comparable to a genius with ten opened ifices. Coupled with his very strong body, he could absorb the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi from Primordial Stones without any reservations, causing his cultivation to surge, far beyond comparison with others.

"There’s one more month till the Direct Disciple competition. I need to set off tomorrow," he looked towards the direction of Chongyang Sect, his body surging with the intent for battle.

"Zhao Qian, our battle is finally happening!" Xiao Ye clenched his fists. After persevering for so many years, he finally had the strength to crush the genius who once insulted him.

"Senior, I would like to offer you a toast!" Before leaving, Xiao Ye prepared a banquet and invited the Old Madman to join.

The Old Madman ate wildly, hands grabbing delicacies and mouth shiny with grease.

Xiao Ye toasted the Old Madman three times in succession and then resolutely stood up, shouldered the Heavenly Termination Saber, and departed, filled with an invincible conviction.

Upon his return to Chongyang Sect this time, he must demonstrate extraordinary strength and prove his potential! As for the residence, he intended to leave it for the Old Madman to live in.

The Old Madman, who was gorging himself, looked up at Xiao Ye’s retreating figure. In his murky eyes, suddenly a flicker of clarity shone through.

After leaving Ancient Star City, Xiao Ye quickly changed out of his robes and mask, reverting to his true appearance.

"The name Ye Xiao has perished; I am Xiao Ye!" Xiao Ye murmured to himself and then headed towards Chongyang Sect, staying vigilant to avoid detection by the Sun and Moon Sect on his journey.

However, just like before, the Sun and Moon Sect remained silent, as if they had forgotten about the existence of Xiao Ye.

...

Chongyang Mountain Range is now covered by an atmosphere of tension. Each day, powerful auras sweep out from the towering peaks, stirring the Nine-layered Heaven.

These are the movements caused by the cultivation of direct disciples.

"Our Chongyang Sect’s direct disciples mostly used to cultivate outside and seldom gathered together. I’m really looking forward to this grand competition."

"Indeed, it was previously difficult to even catch a glimpse of a direct disciple. Now, seeing so many gathered together is truly a rare sight."

"The higher-ups of our sect have already announced that even registered disciples are allowed to watch the competition. We can feast our eyes on it."

"I heard that the Vice Sect Leader will offer a special reward to the champion of this competition, but no one knows what that reward will be."

"Special reward? Direct disciples are already at the peak of the Sect, choosing any combat techniques, cultivation techniques, or cultivation resources at will. What more could the Vice Sect Leader offer?"

As the competition approaches, whether it’s registered disciples, outer disciples, or inner sect disciples, everyone is discussing who might emerge victorious.

It must be said that the difficulty of winning this time is immense.

As one of the most powerful sects in Black Dragon Country, all direct disciples have fought their way through thousands of competitors. Both their talent and comprehension are exceedingly outstanding; each one of them fearsomely powerful.

Among them are monstrous figures who have cultivated for over a decade. They believe that even Chongyang Sect’s Heaven’s Chosen Son, Zhao Qian, might not secure the first place.

After all, Zhao Qian is too young; his foundation can’t compare with the others.

Twenty days later, at the entrance of Chongyang Mountain Range, a travel-worn young man appeared. Wearing the attire of a direct disciple and carrying a long saber on his back, his eyes were sharp, piercing through the void.

Step by step, he headed towards the Chongyang Mountain Range, immediately drawing everyone’s attention.

"It’s Xiao Ye!"

"Xiao Ye has returned!"

The many disciples looking at Xiao Ye did so with mixed feelings.

Xiao Ye had slain the child of the Sun and Moon Sect and then defeated Hong Lie, ranking 107th on the Hidden Dragon List. These feats had long spread throughout Chongyang Sect.

The current Xiao Ye was known to all, overshadowing even Zhao Qian.

"This young man has risen rapidly in the few short years since he joined the Sect. If he doesn’t fall, he could definitely become a pillar of our Sect."

"Alas, it’s such a pity. He killed the child of the Sun and Moon Sect, and now the Vice Sect Leader has decreed—if he does not break into the top three among the direct disciples, he will fall."

Some shook their heads in pity, fully aware of how difficult it would be to break into the top three, almost impossible even.

"Brat, you’ve finally returned." Not long after, the cloaked Fourth Elder drifted over and burst into laughter upon seeing Xiao Ye.

Xiao Ye had received the Body Secret Technique from the Sixth Elder, and he had already come to view Xiao Ye as the continuation of his brother’s life.

"Master!" Seeing the Fourth Elder, Xiao Ye too was excited, promptly performing a respectful salute.

Although he had not been under the Fourth Elder’s tutelage for long, and the Fourth Elder had not taught him much, his actions had earned Xiao Ye’s deep respect.

"Sister apprentice!" Seeing Bing Ya arriving with the Fourth Elder, Xiao Ye’s face broke into a smile, with a special kind of emotion rippling through his heart.

After not seeing Bing Ya for a year, there was a trace of longing in his heart.

However, this feeling was quickly disrupted by Bing Ya’s words.

"Junior brother, you’ve finally returned. Your senior sister has been itching for a challenge for a long time."

Xiao Ye’s face filled with black lines, nearly exploding with anger. It seemed after so long, Bing Ya’s only thought was to abuse him in sparring.

Xiao Ye’s eyes spun, and he suddenly chuckled cheekily: "Senior sister, next time my parents also told me to bring you back for a visit."

Bing Ya trembled slightly, and a blush quickly appeared on her veiled face, as if recalling the scene of being locked in Xiao Ye’s room by Luo Meilan.

"Hmph!" Bing Ya glared at Xiao Ye, turning her head away puffily.

The nearby Fourth Elder looked utterly confused, not understanding what had happened between the two direct disciples.

"Alright, kid. This direct disciple grand competition will determine your life or death. Your opponents are too terrifying. Come with me quickly; I’ve prepared some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures for you that can enhance your cultivation," urged the Fourth Elder anxiously. freewebnσvel.cøm

Xiao Ye was startled. The Fourth Elder had prepared Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures for him?

At that moment, Bing Ya said, "Junior brother, your master has been very busy this past year. He has traveled almost all over Black Dragon Country and finally found this treasure for you. You’d better perform well."

A warm current flowed through Xiao Ye’s heart. He actually wanted to say that his Physical Body Power had already broken through to the First Transition of the Three Tripods, and this direct disciple grand competition would be without suspense.

But he didn’t refuse the Fourth Elder’s kindness and followed him into a palace.

"What kind of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures will it be?" Xiao Ye wondered with curiosity.

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