Chapter 35: Secret Passage
"It's actually a blade technique..."
Though Chu Qing had never imagined that he would one day walk to the end of the sword path, he did not expect that a complete blade technique would appear before him so soon.
And it was this Blood Blade Technique...
In the next instant, the profound mysteries within the technique fully merged into his mind.
It contained countless secrets of blade wielding and blade control, along with various combat forms and movements.
At the same time, Chu Qing once again felt that familiar warmth spreading throughout his body, which subsided only after a moment.
"The Blood Blade Technique... originates from the Blood Blade Sect's Blood Blade Scripture.
I have only obtained the blade technique, not the inner cultivation method of the scripture.
But that's fine... I can channel it with my own inner energy."
Chu Qing exhaled softly, feeling that this was not a bad thing at all.
The saying that greed leads to inefficiency applied only to ordinary people—he, however, was not bound by such limitations.
Moreover, as an assassin, one could not always choose their weapon.
During infiltrations or assassinations, there were many occasions when swords could not be carried inside, forcing him to adapt and use whatever weapons were available.
Now that he had mastered this blade technique, he had gained another method of countering enemies on the battlefield.
In situations where he had no sword, he could still use a blade technique.
Of course, compared to blade techniques, martial arts that did not require weapons—such as fist, palm, finger, or leg arts—would be even more ideal.
Chu Qing had some anticipation for such martial arts, but he could only wait for them to unlock in the future.
After steadying his mind, he sat cross-legged and began circulating his energy.
The Purple Mist Clear-Void Sutra was currently at the seventh stage and still required further effort.
Although he had temporarily severed his ties with the Mirror of Retribution, those people were like hounds—no one could predict when they might return. While it was safe for now, he needed to train diligently.
This cultivation was far more difficult than the original Clear-Void Sutra. Without several months of hard work, advancing even one stage would be impossible.
And in a few months, it was uncertain whether he would unlock another inner technique that might allow his energy to make another great leap forward.
Still, every bit of accumulated foundation would not go to waste.
If he hadn't advanced the original Clear-Void Sutra to the fourth stage, even obtaining the Purple Mist Divine Art and merging it would never have granted him his current level of power.
Thus, there was no room for complacency.
In addition, he had something to take care of tomorrow.
Earlier at the Falling Rain Hall, he had used that sleeve arrow; he needed to find a way to replace it.
That thing was extremely useful.
The Iron Horse Seven Bandits had treated it merely as a last resort for begging mercy, yet in combat, using it suddenly made it nearly impossible for opponents to defend.
Tang Yinfeng's Blood-Dissolving Palm practically had the words "this palm art is suspicious" engraved on his forehead—how could Chu Qing possibly fight him head-on?
Using the sleeve arrow to break the deadlock not only forced Tang Yinfeng back and allowed both him and Wu Qianhuan to escape the Falling Rain Hall, but also poisoned him in the process.
It was a perfect tool.
"Good stuff. I should make more of those arrows."
Chu Qing was an assassin—assassins cared not for method or morality. So long as it killed, it was a good method.
Only the heroes of the martial world cared for fair duels.
For Chu Qing, the stormy night had finally come to an end.
But for others, it was merely the beginning.
Inside the Falling Rain Hall.
Wu Qianhuan had already entered the secret passage inside Tang Xi's chamber.
She was now seated in a small room, flipping through the letters stacked upon the bookshelf.
The more she read, the darker her expression grew.
Every letter was evidence of collusion between Falling Rain Hall and the Ten Thousand Night Valley, along with their arrogant plans for what to do after seizing Tianwu City.
Especially Tang Xi—his letters were filled with filthy, obscene remarks that made Wu Qianhuan feel that killing him had been far too merciful.
He deserved to be cut into a thousand pieces.
Who would have thought that a man who always appeared so proper and upright in daily life could be this vile behind closed doors?
As Wu Qianhuan was still going through the letters one by one, a Tianwu Guard approached to report.
"Young Lady, the search here is complete. We found a large amount of gold, silver, jewels, and various weapons, though the inventory is not yet finished.
"In addition, we discovered over ten of the missing townspeople within the underground passage.
"Also... this secret tunnel is quite long. It extends all the way to the forest of Zhiliao outside the city."
"Zhiliao Forest..."
Wu Qianhuan nodded thoughtfully. That forest had always been surrounded by strange rumors—some claimed to have seen unclean things within, causing the townsfolk to avoid it entirely.
Even though the City Lord's Mansion had dispatched Tianwu Guards several times to investigate and confirmed it to be mere superstition, the people refused to believe it. No matter what explanations were offered, none dared to set foot there.
Just as Wu Qianhuan was about to speak, Wu Ganqi appeared, holding the bloodstained Purple-Gold Xingtian Axe in one hand and dragging Tang Yinfeng like a dead dog in the other.
Tonight's battle had ended quietly. Liu Shijie was the first to be struck down by a single swing of Wu Ganqi's axe, while Tang Yinfeng had managed to resist for a while—though only barely.
He was poisoned, and most of his internal energy was spent suppressing the venom.
That he could still fight Wu Ganqi under such circumstances was, admittedly, a testament to his skill.
It was worth noting that during the battle, Wu Ganqi had not seen him use the Demonic Art of Resentful Heart—suggesting that only Tang Xi had truly practiced it.
Wu Ganqi flung Tang Yinfeng to the ground and looked at Wu Qianhuan.
"Any findings?"
Wu Qianhuan rose to her feet, her expression cold.
"Father, the secret passage leads to Zhiliao Forest. They intended to use it to bring the Ten Thousand Night Valley forces into Tianwu City—an attack from within and without to destroy our city!"
Wu Ganqi chuckled softly, showing no anger. His eyes turned to the crippled Tang Yinfeng lying on the ground, his meridians shattered and body immobile.
"Old Tang, since you entered my Tianwu City, I've treated you well, haven't I?
"Now this inside-out betrayal of yours—truly leaves me puzzled.
"What drives you to act this way?"
Even now, Wu Ganqi's tone remained calm and polite.
Tang Yinfeng smiled faintly.
"In this world, all bustle is for profit, all striving for gain.
"What I seek is nothing more than fame and fortune.
"The Ten Thousand Night Valley promised me that if this succeeded, Tianwu City would be mine.
"Tell me, is that not worth the risk?"
"It is," Wu Ganqi replied without hesitation.
"But that alone is not enough!
"Your appetite cannot swallow my Tianwu City, nor do you have the right to challenge the Ten Thousand Night Valley once they've destroyed it.
"Old Tang, you're no fool—so don't take me for one.
"What gives you such confidence?
"That demonic art you wield—where did it come from?
"Who exactly are you?"
Tang Yinfeng's expression did not change as he met Wu Ganqi's gaze.
"I can tell you—but do you dare to listen?"
Wu Ganqi smiled slightly.
"Now you've truly piqued my curiosity. Speak, I'm all ears."
(End of Chapter)
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