Translator: Silavin & PewPewLaserGun
Editor and Proofreader: Leo of Zion Mountain & Dhael Ligerkeys
Qu Zheng, like Mo Xiao Sheng, was a master at the peak of the Third-Order Origin Returning Realm, but he had been in retreat these past years to try to comprehend the mysteries of the Origin King Realm and thus rarely showed himself. Mo Xiao Sheng mostly handled all of the Unionâs day-to-day matters.
This situation was quite common on Shadowed Star.
Because of the constraints of the World Principles here, the limit any cultivator could achieve was the Third-Order Origin Returning Realm, but all masters who reached this level would naturally not be content with the status quo and would strive to achieve the legendary Origin King Realm.
No one had succeeded, but that didnât hinder these mastersâ determination and enthusiasm to explore greater heights in the Martial Dao and Heavenly Way.
When the Emperor Garden opened, Qu Zheng had also entered, but the trip had not been very rewarding. At this time, what was being discussed with Mo Xiao Sheng was an after-action report on the Emperor Garden.
Suddenly, there was the sound of footsteps from outside the hall and a discipleâs voice called out, âReporting to Union Master and Great Elder, Thunder Typhoon Sectâs Fang Peng is here to request a meeting.â
âThat Old Ghost Fang?â Qu Zheng frowned as he muttered with displeasure, âThat old dog dared to come to my Heaven Battling City? Does he not put this Qu in his eyes?â
Mo Xiao Sheng also showed a look of suspicion. One had to know that Heaven Battling Union and Thunder Typhoon Sect were the two giants of Shadowed Star. Although they werenât blood enemies, they did have some small skirmishes between them with several disciples from both forces perishing at the otherâs hands each year.
However, showing up at the other forceâs headquarters was nothing short of a great taboo!
Moreover, Fang Pengâs identity was extraordinary: he was none other than the Sect Master of Thunder Typhoon Sect, making his status equivalent to Qu Zhengâs.
With his high status and sensitive identity, arriving at Heaven Battling City unannounced was likely to cause friction and possibly even disputes between the two giants. At worst, it might result in an all-out war, so after hearing the discipleâs report, Qu Zheng couldnât help becoming angry.
âUnion Master, please calm yourself,â Although Mo Xiao Sheng also had many doubts, his wit was sharper than Qu Zhengâs, and he hurriedly said. âFang Peng must have something important to discuss with Union master since he dares to arrive in Heaven Battling City. If thatâs the case, you might as well hear what he has to say; it wonât be too late to decide how to respond afterwards.â
Hearing this proposal, Qu Zheng felt it was somewhat reasonable; moreover, as this placeâs master, he wasnât afraid of a lone Fang Peng, so he nodded lightly after he pondered for a moment, âVery well, then weâll act per Great Elderâs intention, but if that old dog really came here to provoke my Heaven Battling Union⌠Hmph! This old master will let him know what the price of overconfidence is!â
Just after these words were spoken, a loud laugh came from outside the hall, and a hearty voice called out, âIâve not seen you for many years, but it seems Brother Quâs temper is as short as ever.â
At the same time this voice sounded, a figure appeared outside the hall. The Heaven Battling Union disciple was thoroughly shocked by this personâs appearance and hurriedly tried to block him, but he was easily kicked aside and unable to get up. Immediately after, the uninvited guest walked into the hall directly, wearing a carefree smile, without the slightest trace of politeness, as if this place was his own private courtyard.
Qu Zhengâs expression turned gloomy as Mo Xiao Sheng frowned, a clear look of displeasure appearing on both their faces.
The man who walked in was Fang Peng, the Sect Master of Thunder Typhoon Sect, but neither of the two seated inside had expected that this guy would be so thick-skinned.
After entering the hall, Fang Peng found a place to sit down for himself before turning to Qu Zheng and saying, âBrother Qu, Iâm a guest from afar, so why donât I see tea being served? Is Heaven Battling Union really so stingy?â
âHmph, if it were someone else who had arrived, this Qu would definitely welcome them, but you⌠we have no tea for the likes of you,â Qu Zheng snorted coldly.
Fang Peng just curled his lips, not bothering to dwell on this seemingly irrelevant topic.
âOld Ghost Fang, instead of taking care of your Thunder Typhoon Sect youâve run tens of thousands of kilometres to my Heaven Battling City. Why?â Qu Zheng got straight to the point, âCheng Peng Xuan fell in the Emperor Garden, so if you leave Thunder Typhoon Sect rashly, arenât you afraid someone will take the opportunity to stir up trouble?â
âWho would dare?â Immediately after Qu Zhengâs mentioned Cheng Peng Xuan falling, Fang Pengâs face became gloomy and he coldly snorted, âAlthough Great Elder Chengâs demise is unfortunate, my Thunder Typhoon Sect is no pushover; who would dare court death by challenging us?â
âYour courage isnât small,â Qu Zheng sneered, his eyes faintly flashing, âIf this old master were to make you remain here forever, I think your Thunder Typhoon Sect would be nothing more than a flock of chickens waiting to be slaughtered.â
âMake me remain here?â Fang Peng pointed to himself with a grin, âDonât try to boast shamelessly, Brother Qu! If you have such confidence, you are welcome to try burying this Fang in Heaven Battling City.â
Hearing this taunt, a dangerous light flickered across Qu Zhengâs eyes as if he really wanted to take action.
This couldnât be helped though, since Thunder Typhoon Sect would likely collapse if Fang Peng was beheaded here, leaving only Heaven Battling Union to lord over Shadowed Star.
However, Fang Peng remained utterly calm and relaxed, as if he had something to rely on, causing Qu Zheng some confusion and stopping him from acting ruthlessly.
Mo Xiao Sheng also felt confused. Although Fang Pengâs strength was indeed exceptional, since he had entered the heart of Heaven Battling City, his life was no longer his to control. This old dog couldnât have lost his mind and taken the initiative to deliver his head, could he?
âEn, enough nonsense,â After a long, silent stalemate, Fang Peng waved his hand and said, âTruth be told, this Fang daring to come to Heaven Battling Union alone this time was simply because he was ordered to.â
âOrdered?â Qu Zheng and Mo Xiao Sheng were both startled, âTo do what and by who?â
Fang Peng was Thunder Typhoon Sectâs Sect Master, who could order him to do anything? Both of these menâs hearts clenched when they realised the answer to this question.
âWho do you think?â Fang Peng squinted at them.
Exchanging a glance, both Qu Zheng and Mo Xiao Sheng turned severe, and only after a long silence did Qu Zheng hesitantly ask, âCould it be them?â
âEn, itâs them. Who else could order this Fang into action personally?â Fang Peng grinned meaningfully, âOr do you think this old master would willingly come here to die? While this old master may not be young, he still hasnât lived nearly enough. How could I waltz right into this tigerâs den without something to take advantage of?â
Although his words werenât pleasant to the ear, Qu Zheng and Mo Xiao Sheng could only look at each other and suppress the murderous intent in their hearts.
Since the other party had come here under âtheirâ orders, they could not do anything to him. Although Heaven Battling Union and Thunder Typhoon Sect were the two giants of Shadowed Star, their strength was insignificant compared with that side.
Thousands of years ago, the Ancient Yang Sect was comparable to Heaven Battling Union and Thunder Typhoon Sect, but because it had offended that side, it had been uprooted overnight, showing just how terrifying their power was.
Usually, their people were completely indifferent to worldly affairs, so why would they suddenly order Fang Peng to contact Heaven Battling Union at this time?
âBrother Fang, if you have something to say then get to the point, you and I know that while Heaven Battling Union and Thunder Typhoon Sect can lord over Shadowed Star, we still fall short of their power. Since theyâve begun to move, the Heaven Battling Union and I naturally wonât just stand by,â Qu Zheng took a deep breath and his attitude became much more easygoing.
âBrother Qu really understands what must be done!â Fang Peng laughed before he too assumed a solemn expression, âThat little brat from High Heaven Sect has left the Flowing Flame Sand Field.â
Qu Zheng was taken aback, and quickly reacted, âYou mean that boy called Yang Kai?â
âIndeed!â Fang Peng nodded lightly, âAnd from his movements, it seems he wants to go to Shadow Moon Hall!â
âShadow Moon Hall?â Qu Zheng frowned, âWhat does this have to do with us?â
âWhy does Brother Qu try to play dumb?â Fang Peng sneered, âAlthough High Heaven Sect is nothing of importance itself, since it is located inside the Flowing Flame Sand Field, no one can pose any threat to it. If itâs given enough time to develop, will Shadowed Star still have a place for you and me?â
âBrother Fangâs meaning is to strangle this danger in its cradle?â
âExactly!â Fang Peng nodded sincerely, âIf he had remained hidden inside the Flowing Flame Sand Field, Iâm afraid no one would have any way to deal with him, but since heâs decided to come out on his own, he no longer gets to decide whether he lives or dies.â
âThat being said, I heard that this boyâs strength and means are extraordinary. No average person would be able to do anything to him.â
âSo what? No matter how great his strength might be, heâs still a boy who just broke through to the Origin Returning Realm. You and I have countless masters at our disposal, could it be that you think we have no way to take him?â
âEn,â Qu Zheng nodded lightly, feeling like he had been making a bit too much of a fuss, but he still suspiciously asked, âBut what does any of this have to do with âthem?ââ
âA great deal!â Fang Peng grinned meaningfully, âHigh Heaven Sect has an Origin King Grade Starship. Hasnât Brother Qu heard?â
âThis Qu has heard such rumours, but is it truly an Origin King Grade Starship?â Qu Zheng was a little sceptical.
âWhether or not it is real, you might as well ask Elder Mo. Elder Mo has seen it with his own eyes.â
Qu Zheng shot a look over at Mo Xiao Sheng who nodded solemnly and said, âEn, thereâs no doubt that it is an Origin King Grade Starship; however, I have no idea how they made it or where they found it.â
âIt doesnât matter where they got it. The key is that as long as we can obtain that Starship, we can leave the Shadowed Star and go to another Cultivation Star to break through to the Origin King Realm!â
As soon as this statement came out, both Mo Xiao Sheng and Qu Zhengâs eyes lit up with desire.
The Origin King Realm was something they always dreamed of reaching but could never achieve; however, with an Origin King Grade Starship, it might just be possible.
âPresumably, Brother Qu understands what this means, moreover⌠Ye Xi Yun has joined High Heaven Sect and currently holds the status of Great Elder. Do you think that side will just let High Heaven Sect off?â Fang Peng grinned deviously.
âSo thatâs how it is!â Qu Zheng nodded lightly, finally comprehending the whole picture. Whether it was because of that Origin King Grade Starship or Ye Xi Yun, it was impossible for âthemâ to sit by and watch High Heaven Sect develop. That side would definitely be looking for any opportunity to wipe High Heaven Sect out.
And their Sect Master Yang Kaiâs little outing was one such opportunity!
âIs this matter to be undertaken by just our two forces?â Qu Zheng asked.
âFor the time being, but that side seems to be sending people as well.â
âHmph, manipulative bastards.â Qu Zheng snorted coldly. It was almost inevitable that that Origin King Grade Starship would fall into their hands if High Heaven Sect was really eliminated. At that time, Thunder Typhoon Sect and Heaven Battling Union would only get some leftover soup to drink.
âTheir fist is bigger, after all.â Fang Peng smiled helplessly, âIâve delivered their message, but as for the specifics, that is for you and me to discuss. Because this is related to that Starship and Ye Xi Yun, we canât just kill Yang Kai but must capture him alive instead to use as a bargaining chip to force High Heaven Sect to surrender.â