Emerging from Seclusion!

Chapter 23: Emerging from Seclusion!

Peach Blossom Sword God Deng Tai'a sat on a stone stool in his small courtyard, idly playing with a peach blossom branch. A gentle breeze rustled through, scattering petals that landed softly on his shoulders. Upon hearing of Wang Ritain's deeds, a flicker of curiosity ignited in Deng Tai'a's usually placid eyes. He tilted his head slightly, gazing in the direction of Wudi City, a faint smile gracing his lips.

Deng Tai'a was a renowned figure in the martial world. In his youth, he was already known as a monstrous genius. With nothing more than a peach blossom branch in hand, his swordsmanship reached the pinnacle of perfection, bordering on the divine. Countless experts had fallen before his peach blossom sword. Now, hearing of another monstrous genius who wielded a sword, Deng Tai'a felt a surge of excitement.

"To fight twelve Martial Slaves while only a Great Grandmaster… this Wang Ritain is indeed interesting," Deng Tai'a murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with an unusual light. He stood up and gently patted the donkey beside him. The donkey seemed to sense its master's intent and let out a cheerful bray. Deng Tai'a mounted the donkey and slowly made his way towards Wudi City. His silhouette, bathed in the setting sun, appeared exceptionally carefree. Along the way, Wang Ritain's exploits continually replayed in Deng Tai'a's mind, fueling his curiosity. He was eager to meet Wang Ritain and see what made this young swordsman so exceptional.

Meanwhile, in a secluded courtyard, a refined middle-aged man sat before a stone table, engrossed in a game of Go. This was Cao Changqing. Cao Changqing displayed a terrifying mastery of endgame strategy in his games. However, at this moment, he suddenly stood up, a resolute glint in his eyes.

"I've heard there's a formidable young man making waves. Perhaps there's a master pulling the strings behind him. I should go and see what exactly has transpired in Wudi City," Cao Changqing said softly. With that, he flickered and vanished like a wisp of clear wind, disappearing from sight in mere moments. As Cao Changqing traveled, he pondered in his heart. He knew well that every upheaval in the martial world often concealed a grand conspiracy. Was Wang Ritain's appearance a coincidence, or had someone orchestrated it? He decided to travel to Wudi City to investigate.

And Huang Longshi, the fortune teller, was currently in a dimly lit room, his brow furrowed in concentration. On the table before him lay a Bagua divination board. Huang Longshi held a copper coin, continuously tracing patterns on the board. However, his expression grew increasingly grim.

"The grand momentum of events has undergone such a startling change," Huang Longshi muttered to himself, a sense of unease stirring within him. Ever since he learned of Wang Ritain, Huang Longshi had sensed that this young man might become a variable that would alter the entire martial world. Wang Ritain had not only caused a huge stir within the Xuanyuan Family but was now challenging the heroes in Wudi City. What puzzled Huang Longshi even more was that he couldn't foresee Wang Ritain's situation before, and now he was completely baffled.

"This child is too much of a variable; he's even changing the grand momentum. I must see for myself just how capable he truly is," Huang Longshi gritted his teeth, making up his mind. He stood up, tidied his clothes, and set off towards Wudi City. Huang Longshi knew clearly that if this variable, Wang Ritain, were not eliminated, he would undoubtedly have a significant impact on his plans. He decided to go to Wudi City and attempt to remove this variable.

Xuanyuan Dapan sat in the Xuanyuan Family's council hall, his expression terrifyingly grim. He clutched a piece of intelligence detailing Wang Ritain's actions in Wudi City. Initially, Xuanyuan Dapan had dismissed these reports as mere exaggerations and rumors from the martial world. However, as more and more martial artists claimed to have personally witnessed Wang Ritain defeat the Martial Slaves, he began to waver.

"This Wang Ritain's strength is growing too rapidly. If he isn't eliminated soon, he will become the greatest enemy of my Xuanyuan Family," Xuanyuan Dapan said through gritted teeth. He abruptly stood up, his eyes flashing with cold killing intent. Xuanyuan Dapan knew that Wang Ritain's current strength already posed a significant threat to the Xuanyuan Family. If Wang Ritain were allowed to continue growing, the Xuanyuan Family might face utter annihilation. He decided to go to Wudi City and kill Wang Ritain before he could fully mature.

Several days had passed since Wang Ritain last challenged the Martial Slaves. These days, Wudi City had been exceptionally lively. Rumors spread throughout the martial world that the twelve Martial Slaves had received personal assistance from Wang Xianzhi, not only fully recovering from their injuries but also improving their strength. This time, Wang Ritain would face the combined assault of the twelve Martial Slaves.

The twelve Martial Slaves had always been a mysterious presence in the martial world. Their greatest strength lay in their combined attack formation. The twelve of them working together were capable of trapping a Heavenly Phenomenon Realm expert, their strength nearly on par with that realm. Upon hearing this news, people began to discuss it.

"Although this Wang Ritain is a monstrous genius, his realm is ultimately insufficient. Facing the combined attack of the twelve Martial Slaves at the Heavenly Phenomenon Realm level, he has no chance of winning," said a seasoned martial artist, his face filled with worry.

"Indeed, the combined formation of the twelve Martial Slaves is immensely powerful. Wang Ritain is likely in grave danger this time," echoed a younger martial artist beside him.

Within Wudi City, discussions arose one after another. Everyone speculated how Wang Ritain would perform against the combined assault of the twelve Martial Slaves. However, most people did not favor Wang Ritain, believing he was destined to lose.

At this moment, Wang Ritain was in his room, meditating with his eyes closed. His face showed no trace of tension or anxiety; instead, he appeared remarkably calm. Upon learning of the twelve Martial Slaves' combined attack formation, Wang Ritain felt no fear, only a sense of amusement. He intended to use this opportunity to test his current level of strength.

Wang Ritain remained awake all night, continuously circulating the cultivation technique within his body, bringing his mental state to perfection. Now, in the Great Vajra Realm, and possessing a heaven-defying cultivation technique, Wang Ritain was filled with confidence for the upcoming battle. He knew it would be a tough fight, but he was not afraid. Wang Ritain believed he could definitely defeat the twelve Martial Slaves and create another miracle.

Finally, Wang Ritain emerged from seclusion. He slowly pushed open the door, and sunlight streamed onto him, casting a golden glow. When the crowd learned that Wang Ritain was truly going to challenge the combined force of the twelve Martial Slaves, they became excited. They rushed towards the central plaza of Wudi City, intending to find good seats to watch this highly anticipated battle. For a time, the streets of Wudi City were thronged with people, bustling with activity.