Chapter 3: Chapter 003: Cleansing Marrow and Cutting Veins

Translator: 549690339

Upon hearing Lu Chenghui’s words and witnessing Changyue Real Man’s swift departure, astonishment struck Gou Shengtian. A grimace etched on his face, his head shaking as if perpetually caught in the whirl of an electric razor:

“Impossible! How could Qiyun Peak have exploded with the might of Heaven-level martial skill? Could someone have infiltrated Shangyuan Sect?”

“No, despite its decline over the years, Shangyuan Sect’s Mountain Protection Array has remained intact with no breaches. Could it be… has a disciple of Qiyun Peak truly cultivated a Heaven-level martial skill?”

Lu Chenghui offered a hearty chuckle: “Whether it’s true or not, we’ll find out when we take a look!”

The two directed their steps towards Qiyun Peak, but found no trace of Changyue Real Man along the way. Gou Shengtian sneered, “All these years, the master sister hasn’t managed to get over her rash personality. She’s just as obstinate as a child.”

Meanwhile, at Changyue Peak adjacent to Qiyun Peak, the gales on Changyue Platform still whirled. Liu Ruoning stood with her sword sheathed, the storm of thunder and lightning permeating the sky lingered for a long time.

A wave of disbelief washed over Yang Zhen, he had advanced to the third realm of the Nascent Stage within just the time it took to brew a cup of tea.

He had improved the Shangyuan Ancient Scripture to the Heaven-level cultivation method, considerably elevating its quality. Yet, Yang Zhen had never heard of nor seen a Heaven-level cultivation method that facilitated such a rapid cultivation speed.

It was unsettling, but delightfully exhilarating!

The True Essence in the air, as if composed of many thin streams was drawn into his body. His internal True Essence surged like raging ocean waves. Not only did it advance his strength substantially but also thoroughly purified his body and bone marrow.

Such cultivation aptitude and speed, it was as if he was on a roll!

“Junior Brother!” A joyful gasp reached his ears.

Liu Ruoning appeared like a breeze, carrying a waft of delicate fragrance with her.

“I did it! I have succeeded!” Liu Ruoning chuckled melodically, her laughter resonating like a bell rung in the valley, clear and delightful, her eyes flickering with evident excitement.

Yang Zhen squinted his eyes, the scent exuding from Liu Ruoning causing ripples in his state of mind.

“Could this be the Wind and Thunder Sword?” Liu Ruoning exclaimed with a mixture of surprise and delight, “When did the Wind and Thunder Sword become so powerful, this… this is a Heaven-level martial skill!”

Realization struck like a thunderbolt; Liu Ruoning cried out in disbelief, her gaze fixed on Yang Zhen.

If Yang Zhen had imparted to her a martial skill other than the Wind and Thunder Sword, one that didn’t belong to the Shangyuan Sect, Liu Ruoning would’ve been deeply concerned. But the Wind and Thunder Sword was different. Almost every Shangyuan Sect disciple practiced it. It was just that the one Yang Zhen taught her seemed peculiar, with the course of the True Essence being entirely different, and unusually intricate. It flowed like a long river, and she hadn’t expected it to pack ant such terrifying power when unleashed.

Yang Zhen could tell that Liu Ruoning was genuinely elated.

Having cultivated a Heaven-level martial skill, her cultivation might not match Duan Langcai, but she now had the strength to compete and even triumph.

Liu Ruoning was indeed overjoyed!

Sure was overjoyed!

All these changes were brought about by her junior brother, Yang Zhen.

As Yang Zhen watched Liu Ruoning, his face suddenly turned pale, a sharp pain shot through his stomach!

Liu Ruoning gasped in fright, asking anxiously, “Junior Brother, what’s wrong with you? Is this Heaven-level martial skill not the Wind and Thunder Sword, but something you stole?”

Stolen?

Yang Zhen smirked, responding, “Stolen? It is just that I had a sudden insight that the Wind and Thunder Sword could potentially be practiced this way. I initially intended to try it myself before teaching you. Who knew I would barge in on you being reckless.”

“What?” Liu Ruoning went wide-eyed, “How is that possible? Even our sect leader…”

“That’s because they are ignorant…” Yang Zhen responded dismissively, his expression changing, “Ouch, I gotta go relief myself.”

With that, Yang Zhen hightailed it out of there.

Wasn’t it said that during body and bone marrow purification, a lot of black impurities would seep out through the skin?

Then why didn’t he excrete any impurities, and why did his stomach hurt so much?

Having heard the first half of what Yang Zhen said, Liu Ruoning stood utterly shocked, her eyes wide with disbelief. What did he mean by thinking that the Wind and Thunder Sword could be practiced in such a way?

The Wind and Thunder Sword had been around in Shangyuan Sect for so long now, even the founding ancestor didn’t make modifications to it, let alone anyone else. She’d never even heard of anyone daring to casually alter a cultivation method; it could easily turn fatal if mishandled.

Yet, Yang Zhen, not only did he modify it, but managed to unintentionally elevate it to a Heaven-level cultivation method by accident?

Could it be… that the junior brother was the rare genius that came only once in a thousand years?

Watching Yang Zhen’s retreating back that resembled a man running away, Liu Ruoning released a soft chuckle.

Not long after Yang Zhen had left, Changyue Real Man arrived at Changyue Peak. Seeing the dazed Liu Ruoning, she called out to her repeatedly, but to no avail. She was just about to reach out and shake Liu Ruoning when Liu Ruoning abruptly startled and exclaimed, “Master?”

Changyue Real Man looked at Liu Ruoning with a puzzled expression, “There was a burst of power characteristic of a Heaven-level martial skill here just a moment ago. Do you know what happened?”

“It was… I was practicing a martial skill!” Liu Ruoning replied with the truth.

Lu Chenghui and Gou Shengtian, now approaching, were shaken to their cores, especially Gou Shengtian who stumbled over a rock on the path that he would usually never trip over.

Upon reaching Liu Ruoning’s side, Gou Shengtian sternly said, “Do you understand the grave sin of cultivating a martial skill of another sect on your own accord?”

Upon hearing his words, Liu Ruoning’s heart trembled. To cultivate martial skills of another sect without authorization was a grave offense that could lead to expulsion from the sect, or in the worst case, being purged from existence.

Lu Chenghui and Changyue Real Man’s expressions turned somber, not because they easily misinterpreted situations, but because Shangyuan Sect, aside from the elusive Heaven-level cultivation method that no one could comprehend, really didn’t possess any other Heaven-level cultivation methods.

Now, Liu Ruoning had cultivated a Heaven-level martial skill, if it’s not from outside, then what else could it be?

Changyue Real Man shot Gou Shengtian a glance, then walked over to Liu Ruoning, sighed and said, “Ruoning, tell me, what martial skill have you practiced? As long as it isn’t tainted, I will stand up for you!”

Touched by her master’s words, Liu Ruoning lowered her head, speaking softly, “Master, the martial skill I practiced was the Wind and Thunder Sword!”

“Nonsense!” Gou Shengtian barked, his eyes practically popping out as he glared at Liu Ruoning, “We both know about the Wind and Thunder Sword. It can’t possibly be a Heaven-level martial skill!”

Even Changyue Real Man’s expression turned grim. She knew the Wind and Thunder Sword all too well, to the point where she knew every nuance of True Essence flow in it. Clearly, Liu Ruoning was lying. But, she was puzzled by the strange lie, Liu Ruoning’s reaction didn’t seem like she was lying.

“That’s because you are ignorant…” Feeling wronged, Liu Ruoning unconsciously echoed Yang Zhen’s words.

“You…” Gou Shengtian was taken aback, pointing at Liu Ruoning in anger.

“Alright, Ruoning, execute the Wind and Thunder Sword again!” Sect Leader Lu Chenghui said sternly.

A light of realization flashed in Gou Shengtian’s eyes. Yes, performing it once more would make things clear. Was Liu Ruoning using this trick to escape the arranged marriage?

Gou Shengtian had practiced the Wind and Thunder Sword for decades, and never once brought out the power of a Heaven-level martial skill. Well, now I’m the ignorant one, am I? Huh!

Liu Ruoning nodded her head, her face hardened as the long sword in her hand resonated with a roar. A storm of thunder rolled forth.

The eyes and mouths of the three, Gou Shengtian included, grew larger and larger.