Chapter 287: One Hit, One Fame

"Mo Tong, your senior brother is calling you back for dinner!" Winnie said, licking her fingers.

　This damn... Mo Tong shuddered instantly, feeling a sense of unease.

　It seems that even flowers need green leaves to set them off. If there's any blame, it can only be on those few morons who were too weak. The fight was completely unimpressive; no wonder no one clapped!

　The group that had been thrown out didn't dare come back in and slunk away. Despite the commotion, it didn't affect the others' appetite. Mo Tong, having beaten someone up, found his own appetite improved. He couldn't bear to eat rabbit heads—rabbits were so cute, how could he bring himself to eat them? But... closing his eyes meant he wouldn't have to see.

　With his eyes closed, Mo Tong devoured two large plates in one go. Surprisingly, it really was delicious!

　When it came time to pay, the owner repeatedly thanked Rose and the others: "Customers, if it weren't for your intervention just now, my little shop might have been torn apart by those guys. I can't express my gratitude enough, so please allow me to treat you. It's my honor!"

　"I'm not short of money," Old Wang said lazily, giving him a glance and tossing down 165 euros, with exact change, neither more nor less: "Take it."

　The old man thanked him repeatedly and escorted Rose and her group out of the shop.

　Being older, he walked slower than the young people. He returned to the kitchen at a leisurely pace.

　In the kitchen, a chef was preparing dishes. The old man smiled at him and pushed open the door to a hidden room, stepping inside.

　As soon as the door closed, the old, frail boss seemed to transform into a different person.

　His slow, shuffling steps became light and quick, and his hunched back straightened up.

　"Elder!"

　"Elder!"

　Several black-clad figures were seated in the room. Upon seeing the old man enter, they all stood up immediately, bowing respectfully to him.

The heat was intense, even more so behind the kitchen, where these men had unbuttoned their black shirts, revealing a uniform tattoo of nine stars on their chests: one in the center and eight surrounding it.

The Nine Gods' Celestial Master Sect, an organization almost as renowned as the Dark Hall, usually kept a low profile on the continent and did not have too many notorious deeds to its name. However, the Nine Gods regarded it as equally dangerous as the Dark Hall, having been hunting down and persecuting its members for nearly a century.

This was because they claimed to be the descendants of the revered Supreme Saint Wang Meng, inheriting his ideals and legacy. The Nine Gods, on the other hand, claimed to be the 'true lineage of the Supreme Saint,' making this a contest of righteousness that could shake the foundations of the nation and the beliefs of many within the Nine Gods. Thus, to them, the Celestial Master Sect posed a greater threat than the Dark Hall.

"Grandfather," a rather handsome man greeted at the front, unable to wait for the old man to speak, he asked impatiently: "Is it him?"

"Most likely!" the old man smiled and said: "The reaction from the Eight Souls Mirror was the strongest this time..."

The beautiful man remarked: "How many times has the Eight Souls Mirror lit up over the past hundred years? Not once has it been accurate."

"I think it's him; he has a very unusual aura, and his soul seed is quite unique, even I can't see through it. Of course, further confirmation is still needed." The old man paid no mind to the young man's slight frustration but looked at him affectionately: "My dear, this will probably fall to you. In this Soul Illusion Realm, you must find a way to get close to him and obtain his blood for the final verification!"

It was clear that the man was actually a woman in disguise, and she was somewhat surprised: "Grandfather, didn't you take action just now... With your strength, you could have taken his blood without anyone noticing."

"He is highly alert, far more than just the superficial carelessness, and there's also that cunning girl from the Li family. Moreover..." The old man chuckled, his words filled with deep meaning: "That young man from the Yaksha clan is truly difficult to deal with, even I cannot afford to underestimate him."

"What?!"

All the disciples of the Celestial Master Sect were stunned.

Who was this? One of the elders of the Celestial Master Sect, a Ghost-level expert. Even the most talented of the younger generation could not break through the Ghost-level barrier, and the gap between Ghost-level and Tiger-peak was like the difference between heaven and earth. And yet, the elder...

The woman in male attire was also shocked.

Hei Wu Kai ranked third in the Blade Edge Holy Sanctuary, and it was expected that he was strong. But for even a Ghost-level grandfather to hold him in such high regard and caution, this person must have transcended the realm of what was considered 'strong.'

Transcending levels, especially the chasm between Tiger-peak and Ghost-level, was not unheard of in history, but such occurrences were extremely rare, only during the era of heroes like the Supreme Saint.

The Yaksas are indeed among the most talented races known on the continent, but it’s impossible for them to reach such an outrageous level directly, unless they are one of those so-called monsters that only appear once every few hundred years. But is that even possible?

Chaos breeds monstrosities; this has been a law since ancient times. Could chaos be approaching? And if it is chaos, then doesn’t that mean...

“This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, after all, he is helping Wang Feng.”

“Girl, try to get closer, but absolutely do not cause any disputes.” The old man’s expression relaxed as he smiled and said, “Just find a way to get some blood. The Eight Souls Mirror is just a probability, but blood doesn’t lie. If he can integrate, then he is our young master. Of course, if not, he is not our enemy either…”

The woman nodded gently, “Yes.”

The old man said calmly, “Everyone else, keep a close eye during this period. Keep your eyes open and thoroughly investigate all the demons and devils that have sneaked in. Longcheng is our territory; understand your mission. We are not helping the Blade or the Nine Gods, but rather the possible young master.”

“Yes!” The other black-clothed people around him became intensely focused.

They had waited for this moment for far too long, so long that they were almost desperate.

Chapter 203: Old Black's Might

These days, there are still those who rush to pay.

“Wang Feng, you handled this poorly,” Mo Tong said with satisfaction, finally finding a sense of intellectual superiority, “We saved that boss, and he wanted to waive the bill out of gratitude, but you insisted on paying. Isn’t that making the boss uncomfortable? Truly lacking in emotional intelligence…”

Old Wang chuckled, while Winnie rolled her eyes, “You should clean your eyes. Both of you are from the Eight Armies, yet how can the gap between you and Hei Wu Kai be so large?”

“I’ll be damned!” Mo Tong said irritably, “I may not be able to beat him, but my charm, physique, and intelligence all surpass his. What are you talking about?”

“There’s something wrong with that boss,” Fantasi reminded from the side.

Mo Tong stroked his chin thoughtfully, “His legs do look a bit off, but isn’t that common for old people? What does it matter!”

Apart from Kela frowning, everyone else burst into laughter. Kela was simply less experienced, while Mo Tong's issue was purely intellectual.

"Spicy rabbit head is served cold... It’s not that big, yet he used both hands to hold it; that’s not very ‘professional’," Fantasi said. "And the way he looked at Feng, it wasn’t quite right. Clearly, you were the one who acted, but he kept thanking Feng. Don’t you find that strange?"

"Whoa, now that you mention it..." Mo Tong frowned. No wonder I felt so frustrated after the fight. Even if others didn’t clap, I did save the person, yet that old man kept staring at Wang Feng... Damn, I just noticed now, that old guy is a piece of work. I was the one who saved him!

Winnie gave Fantasi a thumbs up in high approval: "Not bad, not bad at all. Your observational skills are pretty good. If you’re interested in being a spy, I can sign you up with Old Li!"

"I’m just a Tiger rank, I’d rather not get in the way of Old Li..." Fantasi shivered at the thought. For someone on the fringes, the 'darkness' of the Li family was as deep as the shadow the Dark Demon Island cast over Holy Sanctuary disciples. Besides, whenever Winnie Lee mentioned her father, she described him as the world’s greatest villain. Anyone hearing this would be intimidated. He quickly turned to Wang Feng: "Feng, I think that old man is after you. Maybe we shouldn’t wander around anymore?"

"The nightlife has just begun, why stop now?" Old Wang chuckled reassuringly. "Fantasi, don’t be afraid. The more we roam, the more worried others will be about whether we have someone backing us, setting up a sting operation. Those experts won’t dare move. This is called taking chestnuts from the fire. It looks dangerous, but it’s actually very safe. We can take the opportunity to see what other strange characters are around."

"How about we have a few more drinks?" Hei Wu Kai suggested enthusiastically. He clearly hadn’t had enough. The Five Poison Sand Wine wasn’t as intoxicating as he had imagined, but the aftereffects were strong. As they stepped out of the restaurant, the lingering effects hit him full force.

"More drinks?" Winnie shot a glare at Black: "You have to face Zhao Ziyue tomorrow at ten. If you’re still groggy then, you’ll lose and embarrass yourself."

"Hehe, don’t worry, the more I drink, the more energetic I get. I’ve never been hungover," Hei Wu Kai laughed.

"Black, listen, you’re strong, but don’t underestimate that guy," Winnie said firmly. "Zhao Ziyue is known as the representative of Holy Sanctuary’s spear martial arts, the first spear. His spear techniques are far superior to that waste of space in Phoenix City. Be careful not to trip up in a small ditch."

"Relax, relax," Old Wang chimed in with a laugh. "I’m not just blowing smoke for our Black. Even if you tied up Nine Gods and Blade together, Black would still be in the top three, no doubt about it. Don’t disbelieve me. One Zhao Ziyue, Black could beat him even if he’s drunk."

Hei Wu Kai smiled faintly, giving Old Wang a meaningful look but said nothing more.

"Top three? Directly number one!" Mo Tong nodded vigorously, fully agreeing with Old Wang: "After all, he’s the only man who can defeat me!"

Mo Tong’s words were naturally ignored, but at least half of what Old Wang said could be trusted, though only half.

Hei Wu Kai was indeed strong, but to say he was definitely in the top three among all students from both academies was a bit of an exaggeration. After all, no one knew the exact situation with Nine Gods, and even on the Holy Sanctuary side, there were many lesser-known figures who might not be inferior to the so-called top ten.

After all, no one who can come here is weak, and most of them have special abilities or unique soul types, receiving focused cultivation from major Holy Sanctuaries and war academies. These special abilities might be restricted on the competition stage, but in such a place, everyone can maximize their capabilities. Many people's special abilities can completely suppress others, so who dares to claim they are invincible?

Winnie rolled her eyes; she didn't really believe it. Just as she was about to say something, a loud explosion suddenly echoed.

Boom!

In front of everyone, a dazzling lightning flashed, instantly turning the scene into a blinding white curtain that stung their eyes. A terrifying energy-infused soul crystal projectile transformed into a ball of lightning, hurtling towards the crowd with deadly force.

Fantasy was stunned, completely frozen in place.

Winnie's pupils contracted sharply. She kicked Fantasy, who was closest to her, and then leaped towards Wang Feng. Mo Tong instinctively grabbed Kela's arm and dodged to the left.

There were still many people around the street, and several shop owners were terrified, their mouths agape as they stared at the white lightning ball. More people screamed in fear, trying to escape.

But this was a soul crystal cannon...

A hint of helplessness flickered in Winnie's eyes. Not to mention the ordinary people's speed, even her and Mo Tong's quick reactions wouldn't allow them to truly escape. Now, they could only try to drag Wang Feng away from the center of the explosion.

At this moment, a black shadow suddenly rose into the air, facing the lightning ball.

Who?!

The pupils of some hidden observers nearby slightly narrowed.

A slight smile curved Hei Wu Kai's lips.

Snap.

His left thumb, holding the sword, flicked slightly, producing a soft sound.

Swoosh!

The Yaksya Fangtooth Sword was drawn!

A sword beam instantly traced a perfect arc in the air, slicing toward the thunderball.

The sword beam lashed out like a whip, piercing through the thunderball.

The thunderball's speed remained unchanged, but a sharp glint flashed in Hei Wu Kai's eyes as he retracted the sword arc, initiating the second phase!

—Yaksya Swallow Return!

Thunderlight flashed brilliantly in the sky for an instant, then immediately condensed.

Thud!

Bang bang!

Hei Wu Kai landed, the Yaksya Fangtooth Sword already sheathed and lazily tucked at his waist, as if it had never been drawn.

Following him, the soul crystal cannon core, now split into four pieces and as large as a millstone, crashed to the ground with a resounding boom, gouging two deep craters in the earth.

………………

Everyone on the street stared at Hei Wu Kai in a daze, as if they were dreaming. Is this still human?

These young people are just Holy Sanctuary disciples, and yet this is how outrageous?

And wasn't the rune cannon supposed to explode on contact? This man's sword is so fast that it can do this?

Such power, I bet even a regular ghost-level warrior would have to hide!

"Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!" Old Wang was also startled, the first to react, and quickly called for everyone to leave the open area, hiding in the nearby alley.

Fortunately, no further attacks followed.

"Damn, how could there be a rune cannon here?!" Winnie's eyes were almost green with fright, her heart still pounding from the close call. With the power of that rune cannon, only Hei Wu Kai and Mo Tong could have survived a direct hit. Relying on her speed to avoid the center of the explosion, she might still have been seriously injured. As for the other three... if not for Hei Wu Kai’s timely intervention, they would surely have died.

"Shouldn’t that thing be on the city walls?" Fu Liye’s face was pale, his legs still trembling. He wanted to peek out of the alley like Wang Feng but ultimately didn’t dare.

"There are portable versions as well." Old Wang had discussed matters in detail with Da Ge about the Ice Spirit region before, knowing that the Nine Gods’ assassins used such disassemblable, portable soul crystal cannons to block the elite forces of the Ice Spirit Principality: "It’s the work of the Nine Gods, though it’s unclear which War Academy."

Currently, only the Nine Gods possess disassemblable small soul crystal cannons. If the Nine Gods are involved, it’s likely someone from the War Academy, as they can legitimately kill Holy Sanctuary disciples here. Engaging in a direct confrontation might risk being counter-attacked, but operating a soul crystal cannon from a distance is merely a matter of convenience.

"Shit!" Mo Tong was dumbfounded: "The War Academy gives them this stuff? The Holy Sanctuary sends us here empty-handed? If they send five hundred of these things, and once we enter the Soul Void Realm, they start blasting us, what’s left for us to do? Not every team has a Hei Wu Kai..."

Everyone exchanged glances, and Winnie said: "Don’t be scared, it’s impossible. This thing looks simple, but it’s extremely expensive to make. Besides, even when disassembled, it’s still very cumbersome. Entering the Soul Void Realm, those guys would have to move at a snail’s pace if they want to bring it along. Even if they do, there can only be one or two at most. In a direct fight, it’s hard to hit skilled opponents, and it would waste two or three people to operate it. It’s only useful for ambushes."

Old Wang had already calmed down. The soul crystal cannon had certainly given everyone a scare, but it achieved an unexpected effect.

He had brought Old Black to gain fame and prestige, which was crucial for his future plans. Many people must have been watching the Rose just now, and Old Black’s earth-shattering sword strike would undoubtedly leave a deep psychological impact on everyone.

Fame is good!

With the goal achieved, there was no need to continue wandering around.

"These people really don’t play fair, using a rune cannon!" Old Wang patted his chest, checking the bag in his hand with lingering fear: "Thank goodness my spicy rabbit heads didn’t fall out, or I’d never let them off today!"

"Let’s go! Let’s go!"