Conflict

The night breeze drifted gently through the tranquil mountain forest.

Stars glittered like precious gems, densely scattered across the vast sky. From time to time, a low roar came from the forest, as if some Spirit Beast had suffered a nightmare.

In the residence of the Flowing Cloud Sect's Outer Sect disciples, a young man sat cultivating inside a secluded house.

He was Zhang Tie, who had returned from the Spirit Stone Mine after completing his task. His eyes were shut tight as he focused on circulating his Cultivation Method, faint spiritual energy rippling slowly around him.

Zhang Tie had cultivated like this for three days already.

Time was pressing. In another four days, it would be the first day of the next month. He had to return to the Mine Cave as soon as possible, quickly complete his mining task, and come back to continue cultivating. Thinking of the small patch of Spirit Stones he had discovered in the Mine Cave, Zhang Tie could not help feeling a flicker of excitement.

Just as Zhang Tie was cultivating peacefully inside the Stone house, a violent knock suddenly crashed through the silence like thunder.

"Open up! Open up!" An arrogant roar came from outside, filled with blatant brutality, as though it would shake the tiny house apart.

Zhang Tie frowned and sprang to his feet, a trace of confusion flashing across his face.

He yanked open the door and saw three people standing before him.

The leader was a young man dressed in sect robes. Yet rather than making him look solemn, the uniform only highlighted his frivolous air. His face was fair, but slightly hollow, as though wine and women had drained the life from his body.

His narrow eyes tilted upward at the corners with a hint of flippancy, making people feel disgusted at first sight.

Two hunched figures stood close beside him. The one on the left was short and fat, his face covered in flesh that seemed ready to squeeze out from his cheeks, compressing his eyes into two narrow slits like mung beans.

The one on the right was thin as a reed, with a pointed mouth and monkey-like cheeks. His high cheekbones and sunken cheeks made his face resemble a shriveled bitter melon, while his triangular eyes stared at Zhang Tie with ill intent.

"Kid, this is my big brother, Geng Daxin, Senior Brother Geng. Everyone in the Outer Sect knows him. Hand over the White Grass Pill issued this month to Senior Brother Geng, and he'll look after you from now on!"

The triangular-eyed man spoke viciously, waving his hand impatiently as though he could not wait to snatch the White Grass Pill from Zhang Tie.

Zhang Tie's expression remained calm as he looked at Geng Daxin. "Senior Brother Geng, I have always kept to myself and never liked fighting. I bear no grudge against you either. Why are you making things difficult for me?"

"Hmph, refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit!" the short, fat youth cut in. "You really want us to make a move?"

With that, the three retreated several yards away from the house, clearly preparing for a fight.

"As your senior, I'll give you one chance. If you can withstand a few moves from me, I'll waive your tribute."

Senior Brother Geng looked at Zhang Tie inside the house, the corners of his lips curling into a contemptuous smile.

After a brief hesitation, determination flashed in Zhang Tie's eyes. He stepped out of the house and stood opposite Senior Brother Geng.

The two lackeys quietly backed away to a nearby spot, ready to watch the show.

At that moment, Senior Brother Geng suddenly formed hand seals at rapid speed, muttering an incantation under his breath.

A blazing fireball instantly condensed in his hand. It was as large as a human head, vivid crimson throughout, like magma erupting from the earth's core. Twisting flames danced around its edges, radiating searing heat as it shot fiercely toward Zhang Tie.

Zhang Tie hurriedly dodged to the side, using the Wind Riding Art beneath his feet as his body moved with ghostly unpredictability.

At the same time, his hands moved swiftly as he cast the Ice Thorn Technique, causing several sharp ice spikes to appear out of thin air.

The ice spikes resembled enormous wolf fangs. Each was several inches long, crystal clear, and exuded bone-piercing chill. Cold blue light flickered at their tips, as if they could freeze the very air.

With a flick of his wrist, he sent the ice spikes flying like arrows toward the fireball. They collided with a deafening bang, scattering sparks and ice shards before turning into a thick cloud of mist.

In the shadows nearby, the two lackeys watched the battle.

"Zhang Tie is probably done for, daring to offend Senior Brother Geng." The fat youth shrank his neck, his face full of contempt, as though he had already witnessed Zhang Tie's miserable defeat.

"Not necessarily. From the looks of it, Zhang Tie seems to have some skill." The triangular-eyed man's eyes widened as he stared fixedly at the battlefield, his expression tense while he secretly tried to predict the outcome of the fight.

Seeing this, Senior Brother Geng cast another Spell, slamming both hands downward.

The ground beneath Zhang Tie instantly turned into quicksand.

The quicksand seemed alive, forming a massive vortex. Countless grains spun rapidly, flickering with an eerie yellow light as though they meant to swallow Zhang Tie whole.

Zhang Tie hurriedly pushed off with both feet and leaped high into the air. At the same time, he formed hand seals and pressed them downward, sending a cage formed from spiritual energy toward Senior Brother Geng.

The cage was woven from pale blue light, with mysterious runes flowing over it like rippling water and radiating powerful restraining force.

Senior Brother Geng sneered as spiritual energy surged from his body, instantly covering him in a layer of pale red light.

He violently shook both arms and instantly shattered the cage. The light broke apart, turning into specks of starlight that dispersed.

Immediately afterward, he flicked his fingers repeatedly, launching another barrage of Fireball Techniques at Zhang Tie. The fireballs streaked through the night sky like a meteor shower, trailing long crimson tails and carrying scorching heat and an aura of utter destruction.

Zhang Tie retreated again and again, his steps unsteady. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, and his breathing grew ragged.

He could not help panicking inwardly. Senior Brother Geng's Spells are so powerful. His cultivation must be above mine. This can't go on.

But he quickly forced himself to calm down. His gaze became firm as his mind raced, searching for a way to respond.

Yet Senior Brother Geng pressed his advantage without mercy. His feet moved swiftly, his body like the wind, and Spells flashed continuously from his hands as blade after blade of wind shot toward Zhang Tie.

The wind blades were incomparably sharp. Wherever they passed, they carved across the ground with hissing tearing sounds.

Zhang Tie dodged left and right, but was still struck occasionally. His clothes were sliced apart, shallow wounds appearing across his skin, leaving him in a sorry state.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up as a plan formed in his mind.

"I'll risk it!" Zhang Tie gritted his teeth and flashed forward, charging at Senior Brother Geng like a leopard, fast as lightning.

Senior Brother Geng was startled, but he did not panic. He responded calmly, casting the Quicksand Technique again in an attempt to stop Zhang Tie from closing in.

However, relying on the Wind Riding Art and his agile movements, Zhang Tie pushed off hard with both legs and broke free from the quicksand's restraint.

Once he got close, he clenched his fists, his punches howling through the air. The powerful physical strength he had developed through cultivating the Elephant Armor Technique now came into play.

Every punch carried tremendous force as it slammed into Senior Brother Geng with repeated bangs.

At first, Senior Brother Geng tried to defend himself, crossing his arms before his body. But as Zhang Tie's fists rained down, pain twisted across his face. His arms trembled from the blows, and his body swayed as though he might collapse at any moment.

Finally, Zhang Tie drove a heavy punch fiercely into Senior Brother Geng's chest. With a thunderous boom, violent force erupted in an instant.

Senior Brother Geng flew away like a kite with its string cut, crashing heavily to the ground. He spat out a mouthful of blood, his face pale as paper, his eyes filled with terror and disbelief.

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