His arm trembled continuously, his sleeve completely blasted to shreds. Four or five shocking, terrifying wounds marred the limb, which seemed almost twisted out of shape as blood dripped steadily from his fingertips.
Meanwhile, Moyang had retreated four or five steps, his expression unchanged save for the slight rising and falling of his chest.
Before the other disciples could even recover their wits, Moyang spoke up. "Take another punch from me!"
Without waiting for Qi Heng to act this time, he flashed forward, stepping with the Void-Illusionary Pace. Lightning-fast, simple, and brutal, he threw a punch straight ahead.
The Supreme Elder, observing from the shadows, instantly changed expression. He had already seen that Moyang's combat power far surpassed Qi Heng's. Qi Heng was already nursing not-inconsiderable injuries; that last punch hadn't just damaged his arm—it was a miracle his internal organs hadn't been violently shaken to pieces as well. Another blow like this would have unimaginable consequences.
"Moyang, stop!"
Before the Supreme Elder could cry out, Su Fei'er shouted first. She dared not stay hidden in the shadows any longer. Naturally, she could see that while another blow wouldn't be fatal, heavy injuries for Qi Heng were inevitable, and he might even be left half-crippled.
The fist was already inches from Qi Heng's face. Its ferocious gale whipped Qi Heng's hair into a frenzy, only to freeze abruptly in place.
A faint smile touched Moyang's lips as he glanced at Qi Heng and said, "Senior Brother Qi, I said she ran onto my bed of her own accord. Do you believe me?"
"Moyang, you're talking nonsense!" Su Fei'er rushed forward, glaring at Moyang with a face full of fury.
Moyang smiled with an air of complete indifference. "Though my talent is poor, I've always acted with integrity. Since you claim I did *that* to you, I'll take responsibility. Don't worry, today I'll give you a clear and open promise: once the hundred-day mourning period for Master is over, I'll marry you and bring you up to Wood Peak!"
"Moyang, you..." Su Fei'er was utterly dumbfounded. Never did she expect Moyang to openly admit to it right in front of countless disciples, without a single word of denial. This reaction left her completely at a loss.
The martial arts training ground erupted into absolute chaos. The observing disciples fell into an uproar; ever since Moyang exposed his cultivation that day, he had become like a completely different person.
Even Qi Heng frowned deeply. Not only had Moyang's combat power become terrifying, but his personality was now worlds apart from his past self, as if he had been thoroughly reborn.
Yet, seeing Moyang's attitude, Qi Heng suppressed his pain and roared angrily, "Moyang, do you think that just because your cultivation isn't weak now, you can act so lawlessly?"
Moyang's expression instantly turned frost-cold. He sneered at Qi Heng, asking, "Otherwise what? You still want to vent her frustrations for her? If I hadn't pulled my punch just now, do you think you'd still be standing here talking to me?"
With that, Moyang slammed his foot down onto the training ground. The entire plaza seemed to shudder; the bluestones exploded with a continuous series of sharp cracks, several fissures spreading outward from his sole for several meters.
Though Moyang's aura flashed and vanished instantly, it was captured by more than a few people.
Qi Heng's face drained of color, and he froze completely.
The Supreme Elder, the Sect Master, and the others, who had been hiding in the shadows, nearly cried out in shock. They stared at each other, almost unable to believe what they saw, every single pair of eyes filled with horror.
That fleeting aura had actually been the Earth Mystic Realm - Stage 2!
Just how many days had it been...
When Moyang's cultivation was exposed a few days ago, wasn't he only at the Earth Mystic Realm - Stage 1 Early-phase?
During his exchange with Qi Heng just now, Moyang had actually been concealing his cultivation!
How was Qi Heng supposed to accept this? He had already been suppressed the entire time, but never had he imagined that Moyang wasn't even using his full strength.
As the number one Heavenly Prodigy of the Lingxu Sect, he was the cultivation benchmark for countless disciples. In this instant, an endless wave of defeat washed over him, shattering every shred of his superiority into nothingness.
"Disciples sparring should stop at the point of restraint. Do not harm the bonds of fellowship!" Realizing the situation was turning sour, the Supreme Elder hurriedly stepped forward.
Not giving the disciples a chance to speak, he turned to them and commanded, "Quickly help your Senior Brother away to heal! His cultivation only recently broke through, and he still needs time to consolidate and adapt to his newfound strength!"
Naturally, these words were meant to give Qi Heng a way out while comforting him to prevent any mental demons from taking root.
Looking at the old man before him, Moyang couldn't help but sigh that ginger grew spicier the older it got. Still, too lazy to argue, he simply turned and walked away from the training ground.
The Supreme Elder made no move to stop him. Behind him, the crowd of disciples buzzed with discussion, while Su Fei'er glared at his back, gnashing her teeth in frustration. But with no way to deal with him now, she could only watch helplessly as he left.
Yet no sooner had Moyang returned to Wood Peak than the Supreme Elder caught up with him.
"What is this? Is the Supreme Elder here to reward me?" Moyang frowned slightly as he spotted the elder standing at the courtyard entrance.
Facing this old fellow, Moyang didn't dare to brute-force things anymore. Leaving aside the other's formidable cultivation, that old fox's scheming nature was impossible to guard against.
"Hmph! A reward? You eat your fill, wipe your mouth, and try to walk away, and you still want a reward?"
The Supreme Elder's words made Moyang stumble, nearly causing him to cough up a mouthful of blood.
What does *eat your fill* even mean?
Moyang frowned. Though the old man looked stern and his words seemed laced with anger, there wasn't a shred of genuine murderous intent. He couldn't tell what medicine the old man was selling in his gourd.
"Whoosh!"
Right then, the Supreme Elder suddenly moved, his body flashing toward him like an afterimage.
Moyang's pupils contracted. He immediately unleashed the Void-Illusionary Pace to retreat at top speed, but evasion was impossible—the Supreme Elder was simply too fast, his movement ghost-like. After a few blinks, a palm slammed squarely into Moyang's chest, sending him stumbling back repeatedly.
A sharp pain flared in his chest. Shocked, Moyang felt a surge of anger rise within him, and he barked coldly, "Old man, I never took you for someone who jumps to conclusions without checking the facts! Since you insist on believing it, it looks like this young master will just have to make it a reality!"
Watching Moyang retreat into the distance with a furious expression, the Supreme Elder flashed a hard-to-detect look of success in his eyes. Then, putting on a continued display of anger, he lunged forward once more.
Daring not to conceal anything further, Moyang poured his full power into his cultivation. Golden true qi bled out across the surface of his body, and a formidable aura erupted abruptly from within him.
***
### Chapter 7: The Stone Tower's Second Floor
The Supreme Elder paused slightly, asking, "Earth Mystic Realm - Stage 2? Why aren't you hiding it anymore? You look unconvinced—today, this old man will beat you until you are!"
"Old man, don't force me!" Channeling the true qi within him to its limit, Moyang shouted angrily.
"I'm forcing you precisely because of this!"
...
Shortly after, the wind stirred in the courtyard. Two figures flashed at blistering speeds, continuously trading blows accompanied by echoing strikes. The space of a cup of tea later, Moyang was sent flying back by a palm strike.
Regaining his footing, Moyang's chest heaved violently as he panted heavily. Though the exchange had been brief, constantly executing the Void-Illusionary Pace to dodge had consumed a massive amount of his true qi.
He glared coldly at the Supreme Elder. While the old man's strikes had been heavy, the force was controlled to absolute perfection—he wasn't genuinely trying to hurt him.
"Brat, is that it? And here this old man thought you were about to fly up to the heavens, given how capable you acted on the training ground!" The Supreme Elder stood with his hands behind his back, eyeing Moyang sideways with a cold sneer.
Despite his harsh words, his heart was far from calm. For all these years, this was the first time he had ever witnessed a monstrous talent like Moyang.
When Moyang was first brought back to the sect by the Fourth Elder, the Supreme Elder had already marveled at his extraordinary comprehension. That was the very reason he grew so attentive to Moyang once it was discovered the boy could cultivate.
So much so that he had been dead-set on match-making Su Fei'er and Moyang!
He knew very well that if they wanted to keep Moyang, the youth needed a tether. The Fourth Elder had already perished; apart from that, the only person he could think of was Su Fei'er.
He understood Moyang's temperament somewhat over the years, especially the boy's reactions following the Fourth Elder's death. Once Moyang had emotional anchors, even if he were destined to leave eventually, he would inevitably maintain ties with the Lingxu Sect.
Before Moyang could speak, the Supreme Elder waved a hand, sending a palm-sized box flying toward him. "This is a spirit herb this old man obtained while wandering years ago. Your cultivation has advanced too quickly; consuming this will help solidify your foundation. Boy, the path of cultivation is long—do not be impatient!"
Catching it in his hand, Moyang opened the box to find a withered-looking ginseng lying inside. A wave of profound shock washed over him; this type of spirit herb was exceptionally rare and offered immense benefits to cultivators. He never expected the Supreme Elder to simply hand it over.
"Old man, what on earth are you playing at?" Moyang frowned at the Supreme Elder. They say that uncalled-for favors always carry ulterior motives; he had no choice but to be on guard.
"This is compensation from this old man. The sect has indeed fallen short of you over the years. But you need to see the bigger picture—not just our Lingxu Sect, but across the entire Xuantian Continent, only the strong possess dignity and a way forward. The weak are simply eliminated. Therefore, you must become strong; do not let down the Fourth Elder's expectations of you!"
Without waiting for a reply, the Supreme Elder turned and walked out of the courtyard.
Moyang stared at the spirit ginseng for a long time, frowning as he muttered, "That old fox is cunning; is he deliberately provoking me into sleeping with Su Fei'er so he can trap me in the Lingxu Sect..."
He looked up toward the courtyard entrance and said speechlessly, "Old bastard, you really don't harbor any good intentions... Trying to goad this young master into eating meat? Keep dreaming!"
Glancing down at the ginseng in his hand, he hurried back indoors. A windfall like this needed to be refined immediately, lest the old man change his mind and come back to snatch it away.
Meanwhile, with the conclusion of the challenge matches, the entire Lingxu Sect was abuzz with gossip. Many disciples still found it hard to believe that even Qi Heng had fallen to Moyang. Endless theories regarding Moyang flew about, and naturally, the rumors involving him and Su Fei'er were endlessly rehashed with various speculations.
"It's a pity Senior Sister Xu from the main peak is still in seclusion. Otherwise, knowing her personality, she'd definitely storm Wood Peak!"
"Senior Sister Xu's cultivation hasn't stepped into the Earth Mystic Realm yet. Even if she confronts Wood Peak, she probably won't be Moyang's match!"
"Did this guy stumble upon some secret fortune in secret? How did he become so strong?"
***
Up on Wood Peak, inside the stone tower, Moyang directly consumed and refined the spirit ginseng. The vast spiritual energy transformed into golden true qi that surged through his meridians. Rebuilding his previous two realms would normally have taken him several days, but now it was completed in a mere two hours.
When Moyang checked his condition, he was shocked to discover that his cultivation had leaped from the Earth Mystic Realm - Stage 2 Early-phase straight to the mid-phase, and it was still slowly creeping upward, finally halting near the peak of the second stage.
The medicinal efficacy of the ginseng was simply too immense. Moyang estimated it had a botanical age of at least five hundred years; otherwise, it could never have contained such vast spiritual energy.
"I actually have that old fellow to thank for this!" Moyang muttered to himself before resuming his cross-legged meditative stance.
He knew not how much time had passed. As the Star Emperor Scripture circulated ceaselessly within him, a certain resonance seemed to spark between him and the stone tower. Streams of light flowed across the surrounding tower walls, as though veiling them in a layer of mystery.
Suddenly, Moyang's seated frame gave a sharp jolt. Threads of soundwaves began to echo from within the stone tower, growing grander and grander as they reverberated through the structure. They sounded like ethereal tones from antiquity, granting him the sensation of a spiritual baptism.
"Could this be the true meaning of a Dao technique?!"
Layers of ripples stirred in Moyang's heart. Those faint soundwaves echoed in his mind, guiding him to comprehend the profound incantations of the Star Emperor Scripture. At the same time, the radiance flowing across the surrounding walls brightened; the mysterious runes carved into the masonry seemed to light up, emitting distinct wisps of divine splendor.
At the staircase leading to the second floor of the stone tower, the barrier trembled before dissipating like mist.
"The... the barrier has vanished!"
While shocked, a surge of excitement swelled in Moyang's chest. He had assumed he would need to reach the Heaven Mystic Realm before the second floor could be unlocked, but to his surprise, it had opened ahead of schedule.
He hurried to his feet and walked toward the stone steps, looking up at the winding path with bubbling anticipation.
Without hesitation, he stepped onto the stairs. Facing zero resistance, he smoothly reached the second floor moments later.
However, the second floor was completely different from the first. The very first thing that came into view was a pitch-black alchemy furnace. The flames within the furnace appeared not to have died out, as dancing lights were clearly visible inside upon a closer look.
"How is this possible? Could the fire in this alchemy furnace have burned eternally without extinguishing?"
Moyang's heart refused to settle. On the Xuantian Continent, alchemy formed its own distinct lineage; those unique alchemical techniques and mysterious pill recipes were guarded like profound cultivation manuals and rarely leaked out, remaining out of reach for ordinary cultivators.
Fiercely steadying his racing mind, he stepped forward step by step.
The area around the furnace was a mess, littered with withered, decayed medicinal herbs alongside several dust-covered ancient scrolls.
Connection dawning on him, Moyang carefully approached the alchemy furnace, bent down to pick up a tattered ancient scroll, and brushed away the dust to reveal characters sealed away for God knows how long.
Though ancient, the script shared certain commonalities with modern writing and could still be deciphered upon careful inspection.
"Divine Pill Dao," Moyang read softly.
***
### Chapter 8: Divine Pill Dao
Moyang carefully unfurled the ancient scroll. As his eyes swept across the contents, his breathing grew increasingly ragged.
The scroll contained not only alchemical techniques but also over a hundred different pill formulas.
Just reading the names of many pills revealed their miraculous nature. The scroll itself was yellowed with age, bearing witness to the vast passage of time. Many of the recorded recipes were likely lost traditions, and crucially, every single formula was accompanied by notes detailing its specific efficacy and uses.
Moyang's hands trembled slightly, excitement overwhelming him to the core. He had never dreamed that the second floor of the stone tower would conceal such a treasure trove. For a cultivator, mastering alchemy was akin to gaining an inexhaustible cultivation treasury.
He knew all too well what this scroll meant for him. Armed with alchemical techniques and so many formulas, he could begin refining pills the moment he acquired the corresponding ingredients. With medicinal pills to aid him, his growth would accelerate drastically.
Suppressing his surging emotions, he closed the scroll and began searching the surroundings.
The only disappointment was that the second-layer incantation for the Star Emperor Scripture did not appear; the surrounding walls showed zero changes.
"Probably because my cultivation hasn't crossed into the Heaven Mystic Realm yet... Never mind, I'll familiarize myself with this alchemy first..."
For the next several days, Moyang remained holed up in the stone tower, studying the alchemical techniques. Though alchemy lacked the profound mysticism of cultivation manuals, every technique possessed its own unique subtleties. The most crucial elements were the control of alchemical manipulation and attention to detail—as the saying went, practice makes perfect.
Naturally, Moyang bypassed the concerns of an alchemy furnace and flame sources since the stone tower provided ready-made ones.
For him, everything was currently prepared; all he lacked were raw materials.
"Materials... Looks like I'll have to take a look inside the Lingxu Sect's treasury first..." Moyang frowned in thought. Though the Lingxu Sect wasn't overwhelmingly powerful, it had inherited hundreds of years of legacy; its treasury ought to hold plenty of good items.
While he could purchase materials from apothecary shops in the outside cities, leaving such prime resources sitting unused would be a crime against heaven, in his view.
However, sect treasuries and scripture pavilions were always guarded by sect elders. Sneaking in without a sound would be utterly impossible.
Yet at noon that very day, while Moyang was meditating and regulating his breath in the small courtyard, a familiar aura entered his perception. Discovering it was Su Fei'er, Moyang's spirits instantly lifted—he had been fretting over how to enter the sect treasury, and here came the key walking right to his door.
"Moyang, get out here, you bastard!"
Unlike last time when she sneaked around, Su Fei'er marched straight into the courtyard and started scolding him.
Moyang slowly opened his eyes and frowned. "What are you here for again? Do you feel like last time's scene wasn't enough drama, and you need to strip naked and run down Wood Peak before you'll be satisfied?"
"I never imagined you could be so shameless—you actually dared to go to my father to propose marriage! Keep dreaming, I'll die before I marry you!" Su Fei'er fumed, her anger intensifying the moment she laid eyes on Moyang.
"What the..." Moyang was somewhat dazed.
A marriage proposal? What on earth?
Thinking it over, he vaguely sensed that old scoundrel of a Supreme Elder must be acting up again. Yet after a brief moment of reflection, a smile gradually crept up the corner of his lips.
He looked up at the furious Su Fei'er, spread his hands, and said, "Now listen here, Big Miss, you can't blame me for this. You were the one who insisted on claiming I molested you, and you made it common knowledge. If I didn't act like this, I'd inevitably end up with the reputation of a man who eats his fill and walks away!"
Standing up, Moyang eyed Su Fei'er with a somewhat ill-intentioned gaze as he drawled, "Besides, upon closer inspection, I find you're not half bad. While your face isn't a national beauty, it's passable, and your figure... well... tsk tsk... not bad! Quite large, too!"
"Bastard, look at me like that again and I'll dig your eyeballs out!" Flustered and enraged, Su Fei'er whipped her body sideways, glaring sideways at Moyang with a cold gaze.
By now, she viewed Moyang as a complete rogue—and not a rogue she could casually bully, either. His thick-skinned attitude was completely impervious to reason, and his cultivation surpassed hers by a wide margin. She was utterly powerless against him.
Regret tore at her heart. Had she known it would come to this, she never would have made such a scene. Now, everyone in the sect suspected whether Moyang had truly done something to her, and every glance directed at her felt strange.
Watching Su Fei'er's exasperated expression, Moyang gave a couple of dry coughs and adopted a serious tone. "If you want peace and quiet, we can arrange that, but you need to do me a favor first."
Hearing this, Su Fei'er's willow-leaf brows knitted together slightly as she let out a cold hmph. "You think I'd believe your ghost stories?"
Moyang spread his hands with a helpless expression. "Believe it or not, up to you."
Seeing that Su Fei'er didn't immediately refuse, he continued, "My request is very simple. I need a few medicinal herbs; you fetch them for me, and from here on out, you and I will mind our own business."
Su Fei'er eyed him suspiciously. Catching her drift, Moyang turned briskly back into the room and emerged with a piece of paper. On it was a list of required ingredients for the medicinal pills he intended to test, complete with corresponding weights annotated for each.
"These are all common herbs. You're the Sect Master's daughter; fetching these is just a walk through the treasury," Moyang said as he handed the list over to Su Fei'er.
With no other options left to her, Su Fei'er hesitated for a moment before taking the list and scanning it. Then she looked up at Moyang and warned, "If you dare go back on your word, I'll make sure you turn into a eunuch!"