Elder Brother Kong Wenzhang: Testing His Abilities
Early the next morning, the patriarch sent a calling card to the garrison residence at Demon-Suppressing Pass. After receiving a reply, he took Eldest Uncle Kong Yushuo and a gift to call on Du Zhimin at the residence, setting out a quarter of an hour after nine.
When Du Zhimin had been transferred to take command of Demon-Suppressing Pass the previous month, Eldest Uncle Kong Yushuo had already sent him a congratulatory gift. But presenting another gift now, with the patriarch leading the visit, naturally carried a different meaning.
Leaving aside the fact that the patriarch had once fought under Du Zhimin and the two knew each other, both were Foundation Establishment cultivators. Even though the Kong Household was a servant cultivator Lineage of the Du Household, Du Zhimin would undoubtedly attach some importance to the visit.
Thus, the patriarch and Eldest Uncle Kong Yushuo stayed at the garrison residence until the afternoon. Clearly, Du Zhimin had entertained them, and they had eaten lunch there.
From this, it was also clear that the patriarch and Eldest Uncle's visit seemed to have gone well. From now on, even if the Kong Household's disciples received no special treatment at Demon-Suppressing Pass, at least they would not be singled out.
That afternoon, the patriarch took the supplies Eldest Uncle and the others had gathered and traded for at Demon-Suppressing Pass over the past few months, then left the pass and returned to the Lineage.
Having learned of the changes at Demon-Suppressing Pass, the patriarch was worried both about Fifth Uncle and the others guarding the Vermilion Fruit tree beyond the pass and about the effect the Du Household's change of direction would have on the Lineage. Thus, he did not linger at Demon-Suppressing Pass and hurried back.
After seeing the patriarch off, Eldest Uncle Kong Yushuo turned to Kong Wenxuan and said, "Wenxuan, you've only just arrived at Demon-Suppressing Pass. Why don't you stay inside the pass for a few days and familiarize yourself with the place? I'll have Third Sister stay behind to look after you."
Third Sister was Third Aunt Kong Yuyin.
Kong Wenxuan naturally knew that Eldest Uncle and the others were anxious to go beyond the pass, join Fifth Uncle and the others, and protect the Vermilion Fruit tree. That was why they wanted to leave him at Demon-Suppressing Pass for the time being to familiarize himself with the situation.
But he also knew full well that this was precisely when they needed people, and it would be inappropriate to spare someone to stay with him at Demon-Suppressing Pass. He smiled and said, "Eldest Uncle, I can look around Demon-Suppressing Pass anytime. I'm more curious about the world beyond the pass. Why don't I go outside with you and the others first?"
"All right!" After listening to Kong Wenxuan, Eldest Uncle Kong Yushuo considered briefly before agreeing. "Then come out with us first. Once we've picked the Vermilion Fruit and returned, we'll take you around Demon-Suppressing Pass properly."
"But things are complicated beyond the pass. Every time we go out, we have to be careful and stay on guard against Demon Beasts and Bandit Cultivators. This is your first time here, so once we're outside, you must follow our instructions. Don't act as you please or cause trouble through recklessness."
"Yes, Eldest Uncle. Rest assured." Kong Wenxuan immediately answered with a solemn expression, "I'll be sure to exercise every caution and follow all your instructions. I won't take a single extra step."
"Haha... there's no need to go that far." Eldest Uncle smiled and waved a hand. "Although there's some danger beyond the pass, it has been explored and cleared for decades. Most of the dangerous Demon Beasts and Bandit Cultivators have already been dealt with. You don't need to be too nervous."
As he spoke, Eldest Uncle took some talismans and pills from the Storage Bag at his waist and handed them over. "These talismans and pills are commonly used when exploring and fighting beyond the pass. You haven't had time to prepare for this trip, so I'll contribute some for now."
"Next time you leave the pass, you'll have to prepare these things yourself."
"Thank you, Eldest Uncle!" Kong Wenxuan did not refuse. He accepted Eldest Uncle's contribution, then took out the volcanic stone treasured seal he had brought and handed it over. "Eldest Uncle, this is a spoil I obtained earlier at the 'Flamingo' Lie Lineage's grounds. It doesn't suit me, so the patriarch told me to bring it for you to use."
Eldest Uncle Kong Yushuo took the treasured seal and examined it, surprise appearing on his face. "It's actually an intact First-Tier Superior-Grade treasured seal Law Artifact, with the power of both earth and fire. It can turn into a giant stone seal to suppress and crush enemies, and it can also release earthfire to burn them. It's something of a prized piece among superior-grade Law Artifacts."
"Wenxuan, you should keep this for yourself. Your cultivation and experience are both lacking here at Demon-Suppressing Pass. Having another powerful means at your disposal will keep you safer."
Kong Wenxuan shook his head. "Eldest Uncle, the Five Elements Divine Swords are enough for me. An extra Law Artifact won't increase my fighting strength; it would only get in my way."
As he spoke, he formed a sword seal and summoned the Yellow Earth Divine Sword, Azure Wood Divine Sword, and Black Water Divine Sword, which he had already refined. They circled his body, their Sword Qi sharp and imposing.
Eldest Uncle Kong Yushuo, Third Aunt Kong Yuyin, and the others all looked at the three "divine swords" circling him, their eyes brightening.
"Are these the Five Elements Divine Swords the patriarch mentioned in his message? I hear their killing power far surpasses the Lineage's illusions."
Eldest Uncle Kong Yushuo nodded and said:
"All right. Let's first test the power of your Five Elements Divine Swords and get a full understanding of your fighting strength. That way, if we run into a fight beyond the pass, we can make better battle plans."
Kong Wenxuan smiled and nodded. "In that case, please enlighten me!"
Eldest Uncle Kong Yushuo did not make a move himself. Instead, he turned to Kong Wenzhang at his side. "Wenzhang, you test Wenxuan's abilities."
"All right, Eldest Uncle!" Kong Wenzhang readily agreed and stepped in front of Kong Wenxuan. He smiled at him and said, "Cousin Wenxuan, I've long heard of your reputation as a genius. Let me test your abilities."
Kong Wenxuan nodded and bowed in return. "Please go easy on me, Cousin."
Kong Wenzhang formed Hand Seals, and two peacock feathers appeared, one blue and one white. Clearly, they were manifestations of his bloodline Divine Ability. He looked at Kong Wenxuan and said, "Cousin Wenxuan, when we travel beyond the pass, concealment comes first and defense second. Staying alive is our foremost priority, so let's first see how your defenses fare."
As he spoke, his Method Formula changed, and the blue peacock feather immediately flew up and swept down toward Kong Wenxuan. Several surging waves burst from it and rushed straight at him.
This was the Law Technique: Layered Waves Technique!
Clearly, besides his illusions, this eldest cousin Kong Wenzhang had also used the resonance of his bloodline Divine Ability, Peacock Feather, with the powers of water and metal to cultivate a decent grasp of Law Techniques, thereby increasing his fighting strength.
But to Kong Wenxuan, the power of such a Law Technique was nothing to speak of. He did not even act himself. The Yellow Earth Divine Sword moved and defended of its own accord, blocking the incoming Layered Waves Technique without being shaken in the slightest.
"Good!" Seeing this, Kong Wenzhang shouted his praise and said with a smile, "I didn't expect your Five Elements Divine Swords to be so spiritual, Cousin Wenxuan. In that case, I won't hold back either. Watch out, Cousin."
As he spoke, the blue and white peacock feathers before him both began to move. Water and metal Law Power surged from the two feathers and met in the air. Metal gave rise to water, and the two combined into a Law Technique: Water Moon Saber.
A stretch of water rippled, and within it a crescent moon gleamed like a saber, dazzling the eyes and enchanting the mind. Even Kong Wenxuan was left dizzy for an instant.
In that instant, the curved saber in the water fell like the moon, slashing to a point directly before him in a flash.
Clearly, this Water Moon Saber Law Technique, which combined metal and water, also incorporated the illusions the Kong Household's disciples were skilled in. That was what made it so hard to defend against and so astonishingly powerful.
Kong Wenxuan's heart jolted in alarm. Almost instinctively, he directed the Yellow Earth Divine Sword to slash straight at it. However the water rippled, the water moon shifted, or the saber light changed, none could escape the Yellow Earth Divine Sword's "great skill that appeared artless" strike.
Clang!
A crisp ring rang out as the Yellow Earth Divine Sword struck the Water Moon Saber as it slashed toward his face, shattering it on the spot.