CHAPTER 526: CHAPTER 525: DESCENDING THE MOUNTAIN _1

After the conversation with the Cyan-robed Guest ended, Ling Chen returned to his dwelling.

Now possessing a new identity within the Cyan Robe Association, Ling Chen decided to fully devote himself to cultivation.

Although his current strength was not weak, in his own view, it was still lacking.

Not to mention the senior generations, even among the younger generation, the Four Outstanding Talents stood before him like four great mountains.

In less than half a year, it would be time for the sword competition at Nine Dragons Lake. All young masters would appear there, whether they had already made a name for themselves in the Jianghu or were still unknown hermits.

Ling Chen hadn’t forgotten his agreement with the Four Outstanding Talents. In half a year, he would undoubtedly make his appearance as promised.

Inside Lingchen’s Residence, within the backyard.

Holding the Heavenly Mansion Sword, Ling Chen repeatedly practiced the Red Sky Sword Technique.

The power of the Red Sky Sword Technique was self-evident. During his time at the Sky Void Palace, Ling Chen had managed to kill Ye Nantian. While it was true he’d had an on-the-spot breakthrough that dramatically boosted his strength, he couldn’t have made that leap without the Red Sky Sword Technique.

He had learned the three moves of the First Layer but was far from mastery. As for the Second Layer’s sword forms, the fourth, Meteor Stream, and the fifth, Fire Dragon Consumes the Day, Ling Chen was a long way from even understanding them, let alone mastering them.

There was a vast gap between each layer of the Red Sky Sword Technique. The First Layer was merely an introduction, while reaching the Second and Third Layers each represented a terrifying leap in progress.

During this process, Ling Chen repeatedly pondered the words of the Cyan-robed Guest. He had to comprehend his own unique Sword Intent from the Sword Intent of others, one that perfectly matched him. If successful, his strength would soar tremendously. That would be a qualitative leap.

For the next month, Ling Chen immersed himself in a hellish training regimen. He tirelessly practiced his swordplay and regulated his Air Energy until completely exhausted. Fortunately, Ling Chen had a sufficient supply of Elixirs; otherwise, it would have been tough to sustain such relentless cultivation.

Through this torturous cultivation, Ling Chen could feel that, within a month, his control over the first three forms of the Red Sky Sword Technique had become increasingly proficient, which pleased him greatly.

Not only that, but his cultivation realm had also become much more stable.

During this period, Liu Feiyue visited him several times. She too was amazed at the intensity of Ling Chen’s training. However, this also meant that more than a month after joining the Cyan Robe Association, he still hadn’t met any other members. Apart from the menial servant who brought him food every day, he had hardly seen anyone else.

Life at Green Cloud Mountain presented a unique tranquility, allowing Ling Chen’s heart to become increasingly serene. It lacked the constant unease and readiness to fight he had experienced at the Saint Witch Religion. Under this peaceful influence, the deep-seated brutality and hostility instilled in him from his time there slowly receded.

After all, Ling Chen was not the type to turn into a demon. Even if his methods were ruthless, he wouldn’t resort to overly excessive actions.

WHOOSH!

On a large rock, a slender figure sat silently cross-legged. After a prolonged silence, Ling Chen suddenly opened his eyes. He released a peculiar wave of sharpness that eventually shot out a burst of Air Energy, creating ripples in midair.

The ripples gradually faded. As Ling Chen’s eyes fully focused, the intense light within them flashed and vanished. Then, a smile spread across his face.

"It seems your swordsmanship has progressed quite rapidly during this period."

A pleasant female voice sounded from behind Ling Chen. He turned his head and smiled at the breathtaking woman in a white robe, saying, "They’re just Trifling Tricks, nothing compared to you, Sister Liu."

"You’re being modest."

Liu Feiyue looked deeply at Ling Chen. "Your deeds at the Sky Void Palace are now the talk of the Jianghu. Even the Vice-Head of the Divine Intent Sect, a supreme expert at the Half-step Heavenly Extreme Realm, died at your hands. I suspect there’s no one in the entire Martial World who doesn’t know your name now."

"I could do without such a reputation." Ling Chen shook his head with a bitter smile. "If it weren’t for this fame, I wouldn’t be so restricted. The Martial World is vast, but today there is no place for me in it."

Liu Feiyue said with a teasing smile, "Indeed. You caused a disturbance at the Sky Void Palace and ruined Gentleman of the Wind’s wedding, so the Myriad Dao Sect surely can’t bear the sight of you. As for the Sky Void Palace, what was supposed to be a joyous occasion turned into a disaster because of you. Many disciples and Elders died, so they abhor you.

"Plus, you killed Ye Nantian, so the Divine Intent Sect certainly won’t let you go either. You’ve offended all Three Great Orthodox Sects at once. Now, the entire Righteous Martial World hates you to the bone, wishing they could skin you alive."

"Sister, please stop teasing me."

The bitter expression on Ling Chen’s face grew more intense. "This isn’t exactly something to be proud of. I almost didn’t make it back."

Recalling the events at Sky Void Palace, Ling Chen felt some regret. But he didn’t regret disrupting the wedding; his regret stemmed from the fact that his actions led to Liu Xiling being taken away by the Liu Family. That was what he truly regretted.

Liu Feiyue seemed to sense Ling Chen’s mood and reassured him, "This really isn’t such a big deal. Our Cyan Robe Association excels at disguise.

"We just need to help you slightly adjust your appearance, change your name, and you’ll be able to move around the Jianghu without any obstacles."

"Really?"

Upon hearing those words, Ling Chen’s eyes lit up slightly. That’s not a bad idea at all. A disguise could indeed save a lot of trouble.

"So what are we waiting for?" Liu Feiyue said. "I’ll have someone help disguise you right away. Then, you can come with me down the mountain. I happen to have a mission that requires me to leave, and you should be able to help me quite a bit."

"Leave the mountain?"

Ling Chen was stunned for a moment but then nodded. He had been on Green Cloud Mountain for four entire months. He had spent three months just recuperating, followed by a month of arduous cultivation. It was time to go down the mountain, see the world, and gain some experience.

"Alright, since Sister Liu has asked, I cannot refuse."

After all, Liu Feiyue had once saved his life. Since she was asking for his help, Ling Chen naturally wouldn’t refuse.

"Then follow me. I’ll take you to meet your companions for this journey." Liu Feiyue smiled at Ling Chen, then turned and swept away.

Upon hearing this, Ling Chen showed some interest. During this period, apart from the Cyan-robed Guest and Liu Feiyue, he hadn’t met anyone else. After all, people need to be around other people. If this continued, Ling Chen feared he’d go mad from isolation.

The two immediately mounted the Qingfeng Jue and flew from the peak, heading towards a huge platform to the north. As they landed, Ling Chen’s gaze quickly swept the area, and then his expression froze for a moment.

There, in his line of sight, were several familiar figures, which left Ling Chen momentarily stunned.

Xue Wu Ya, Wei Qingyi...

He hadn’t expected his companions this time to be such familiar faces from the Martial World assembly...