Chapter 34: Chapter 33- Danger Looming in the Forgotten Valley

In a small and cramped space in the secret basement of District 4, a group of cultivators had gathered, summoned by Chen Wei and his allies. They were there to receive a small dose of a powder created by Juanxiu, made from the rare Hibernating Mortal Bloom plant. The powder, when inhaled, would make them immune to the toxic spores that were being spread by Alchemist Cui Bai, the ruler of the district.

Madam Zhang Ai, the beloved wife of Grandmaster Zhang, had devised a strategy for them. By starting with a small group and making them immune, they would be able to move freely throughout the district and locate the source of the spores. If they were able to destroy the source, they may be able to put an end to the mind manipulation.

The cultivators were each given a tiny portion of the powder and were warned to use it sparingly. They knew the stakes were high and that the success of their mission would determine the fate of many lives. And, with that, the group set off on their dangerous and secret mission to save the people of District 4 from the clutches of Alchemist Cui Bai and his toxic spores.

As Juanxiu and his team worked tirelessly to combat the toxic spores in the fourth district, life in the Forgotten Valley, once a place plagued by poison and danger, began to flourish. As the valley came back to life, the Hao clan members were able to focus on their own cultivation and training. Hao Tengyang could be found practicing his heavy sword techniques in a clearing, his muscles bulging with exertion.

Meanwhile, Hao Siyi had dedicated herself to mastering the Hollylock Blade Technique, her cultivation progressing rapidly since the impurities in her veins had been cleared by the Sky Cleansing Pill.

The peace and tranquility of the valley was suddenly interrupted by a loud boom in the sky. The Hao clan members looked up in alarm, wondering what could be causing such a disturbance. They knew that whatever it was, it could not be good.

As Tengyang watched the figure in the sky, a feeling of dread washed over him. He immediately recognized the identity of the person, it was his former superior during the war, Xu Chen. The same person who had beheaded the old patriarch of the Hao clan, accusing them of conniving with the enemy to kill the crowned prince.

Tengyang knew that if Xu Chen had found them, it meant that their time in hiding was up. He quickly turned to Liu Peng and said, "Old friend, hide Siyi and protect the clan leader. I have some old grudge to settle." Liu Peng nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Siyi, who had been training nearby, rushed over to her father. "I can fight too," she said determinedly. But Tengyang shook his head. "This fight against Xu Chen has been written in the stars. I just didn't expect it to happen so soon," he said, his voice heavy with sadness.

But Siyi would not be deterred. She was about to rush forward, but Liu Peng stepped in and hit her on the head, causing her to lose consciousness. Tengyang knew it was for the best, as much as it pained him to see his daughter fall.

Without hesitation, Liu Peng scooped up the unconscious Siyi. He ran with all his might, even though he only had one leg. He tried to keep his presence hidden, to avoid alerting the enemy. His goal was to reach Hao Jiming, the leader of the Hao Clan, and inform him of the impending danger.

As Liu Peng ran, the wind whipped through his hair and the anxious look on his face was evident. Siyi, still unconscious, bounced on his shoulder with every step. The weight of her body was nothing compared to the weight of the responsibility he felt to protect the Hao Clan from harm. He pushed himself harder and harder determined to reach Hao Jiming's stronghold.

Meanwhile, Tengyang flew into the sky, his heavy sword at the ready as he approached Xu Chen. The two men exchanged a tense greeting, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills.

"Xu Chen, what brings you to our land?" Tengyang asked, trying to hide the anxiety in his voice.

Xu Chen's gaze swept over the lush greenery below, his expression one of amazement. "I must say, I'm impressed. This land was once poisoned and barren, and now it's thriving with life. What kind of tricks did you pull to achieve this?"

Tengyang's heart raced as he realized the danger of the situation. He couldn't allow Xu Chen to leave this place alive and report it to the empire. The Hao clan's secret would be exposed and they would be in grave danger.

With a fierce determination in his eyes, Tengyang unleashed his full cultivation, his heavy sword glowing with a powerful aura. The spiritual energy around him began to swirl, forming a powerful whirlwind that smashed into the ground, causing the earth to shake.

Xu Chen's expression grew serious as he saw the power Tengyang had attained. He knew that this would not be an easy fight. "So, you've finally reached the rank of General," he said with a hint of respect in his voice. "I see that you've been training hard."

Tengyang's reply was cold and steady, "I've been waiting for this day, Xu Chen. To avenge my clan and clear my family's name."

Xu Chen, on the other hand, seemed nonchalant as he hovered in the sky, a smirk on his face. He held a thin, shimmering string in his hand, and as Tengyang watched, he flicked his finger, causing the string to come to life. It moved with a fluid grace, almost as if it had a mind of its own.

Tengyang's eyes narrowed as he watched the string dance through the air, slicing through the trees and causing the land to shake. He knew that this was no ordinary weapon, but something imbued with Xu Chen's aura. He had to be careful if he hoped to survive this battle.

As the two weapons met, the sky trembled and the sound of clashing metal echoed through the land. Tengyang's heavy sword collided with Xu Chen's thin string, sparks flying as the two battled with all their might. The string seemed to dance in the air as Xu Chen flicked his fingers, controlling it with precision and speed. Tengyang's sword was heavy and slow in comparison, but he used it to his advantage, using its weight to deliver powerful blows.

The string was like a snake, darting and weaving around Tengyang's sword, striking at every opportunity. Tengyang was forced to constantly adjust his stance and technique, trying to keep up with the string's movements. He could feel the sting of the string as it grazed his skin, cutting through his clothes and leaving small wounds in its wake.

The ground beneath them shook as they fought, causing the new trees to sway and some to be damaged by the string. The battle was fierce and intense, both fighters giving it their all. Sweat poured down Tengyang's face as he gritted his teeth, determined to defeat Xu Chen and avenge his clan.

Just as Tengyang thought he had the upper hand, Xu Chen pulled out another string, the second one glowing with a sinister energy. Tengyang's eyes widened, realizing the true extent of Xu Chen's power. This was going to be a tough battle. It was time for him to get serious.

As Tengyang unleashed his full power, he could feel the power flowing through his body. He could feel the weight of his heavy sword becoming lighter, and the sky around him seemed to tremble with anticipation.

"I've been waiting for this moment, Xu Chen," Tengyang said through gritted teeth. "To use this technique that I've prepared just for you."

Xu Chen's eyes narrowed, "And what technique is that? I hope it's more than just brute force."

Tengyang's sword began to glow with a fierce light, "It's called the 'Eclipse Strike'. It's a technique that I developed to counter your strings."

As he spoke, the space around Tengyang began to contort and warp, and the color of his heavy sword changed from a dull gray to a bright silver. The power emanating from it was overwhelming, and even Xu Chen could feel the pressure.

But he was not intimidated. He flicked his fingers and the strings around him began to move, twirling and dancing in a deadly dance. "You think your little technique can defeat me? My strings are the only weapon I need."

Xu Chen began to play a song on his strings. It wasn't a normal music, it was a melody imbued with his own aura. The sound waves produced by the strings disintegrated everything it touched. Tengyang launched forward ready to meet the strings head one. Xu Chen is not to be undermined as the sound becomes more vivid and aggressive.

As the two techniques collided, the sky seemed to shake and the earth trembled beneath their feet. An overwhelming flash of light filled the air, blinding anyone who dared to look directly at it. When the dust cleared, Tengyang and Xu Chen were both left standing, but Tengyang's body is covered in sweat and blood.

Xu Chen, on the other hand, appeared unfazed by the battle. With a smirk on his face, he flicked his finger, and the strings that had been imbued with his aura began to gather and twist, forming a sword-like weapon that glinted menacingly in the sunlight.

Tengyang's eyes widened in shock as he realized what was about to happen. Just as the stringed sword was about to pierce Tengyang's head, a loud shout echoed across the battlefield. "STOP!" Hao Jiming had arrived, and with one swift strike of his halberd, he had stopped the fatal blow from striking Tengyang.

"Leave this to me. You still can't handle someone from the Third Class of the General Stage" Jiming said, his voice firm and resolute.

Tengyang stood there, his body trembling with exhaustion and his sword heavy in his hand. He had put everything he had into that final clash with Xu Chen, but it had not been enough. He had failed to avenge the old patriarch, and the weight of that failure sat heavy on his shoulders.

The difference between the 1st stage of the General Class and the Third Stage of General class is vast. At the 1st stage, cultivators have just entered the ranks of the General Class, and their power is still relatively limited. They are just starting to comprehend the power of nature and is still in the process of shedding their frail human body.

On the other hand, cultivators in the Third Stage of the General Class have understand the peak of their power. They have mastered the ability to control their cultivation, and their physical bodies have reached a level of strength that is almost inhuman. They can easily defeat cultivators in the lower ranks. The difference in power between the two stages is akin to comparing a seasoned veteran to a fresh recruit.

As Jiming stepped forward, he let out a deep breath, his body began to emit a powerful aura that shook the earth beneath them. The spiritual plants in the Forgotten Valley trembled and the sky above them seemed to darken. Xu Chen's expression turned serious as he finally realized the true strength of his opponent.

"You've reached the third stage of the General class," Xu Chen said with a hint of surprise in his voice. "I didn't expect to find someone of your caliber here."

Jiming simply smiled, "I've been waiting for this moment. To finally settle the score with you, Xu Chen."

With that, Jiming unleashed his full power, the air around him twisted and contorted as his energy reached a crescendo. Xu Chen knew he was in for a tough battle as he prepared to face off against the leader of the Hao clan.

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