The mountain road stretched on beneath sweeping clouds and wind.
Cheng Heng left the Cloudpiercing Sect with Elder Zhang Jin. Together, they crossed prefectures and mountain ranges, heading straight for Dengzhou Prefecture.
Dengzhou Prefecture bordered Qingchuan Prefecture, but its territory was broader and its martial culture stronger.
The Dragon-Tiger Sect, which held sway over the region, was indisputably Dengzhou's foremost sect. Its foundations far surpassed those of ordinary sects, its ranks teemed with formidable fighters, and its fierce, domineering martial style was renowned across the surrounding prefectures.
Zhang Jin had just broken through into the Vajra-Force Realm, and his spirits soared. He traveled with a light step, faint wisps of condensed azure Vajra Force circling his body. Every movement carried the surging presence of a newly ascended powerhouse.
As they traveled, Zhang Jin occasionally spoke of martial realms, unable to hide the joy in his voice.
He had cultivated bitterly for decades and spent years trapped at the Elixir-Embracing Peak. Now, with one breakthrough, he had finally joined the ranks of true martial powerhouses. His heart brimmed with ambition that could reach ten thousand feet into the sky.
After several days on the road, the two finally caught sight of the Dragon-Tiger Sect's sprawling mountain compound.
The mountains coiled like dragons and crouched like tigers, their towering peaks piercing the clouds. Carved into a great stone at the entrance were the bold, forceful characters for "Dragon-Tiger." The pressure of sword energy and fist force intertwined and rushed toward them.
Below the entrance, passing disciples carried themselves with fierce discipline and sharp eyes. Everywhere, the sect displayed the imposing bearing of a great power.
A sect steward had received word ahead of time and waited at the entrance to welcome them. He led the two straight to the council hall on