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Chapter 237: Hidden Figures
🕑 Added 2025-06-19 20:33:02 +0000 UTCAll Novels || Martial God
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The moonlight quietly illuminated the small grove in the backyard, its slender branches casting faint shadows against the hazy moon. A few cold stars glittered in the distant sky. The night was so silent, and a subtle fragrance wafted in, carried by an unknown breeze.
In the dimness of the night, within the most famous temple in the capital of Kairong Country, a person sat silently, but their heart was far from peaceful.
After a long while, he stood up, pushed open the door, and stepped outside.
He gazed at the not-so-bright moonlight in the sky and suddenly realized that, for the first time in decades, his heart was in turmoil.
With an inexplicable glint in his eyes, his gaze fell upon a certain spot, and he finally made a decision.
His figure flickered, and he had already left the room he had resided in for over thirty years.
Soon, he left the capital of Kairong Country.
If the masters in Kairong Country's Masters Hall knew that there were still four powerful individuals in the city, no less formidable than a Single-Line Sky Realm expert, and that Zhan Tianfeng, the Single-Line Sky Realm expert they relied on as their pillar, had suddenly left the capital, they would surely be in a state of panic and unrest.
However, Zhan Tianfeng's speed was extremely fast, and his movements were cautious, leaving no possibility of exposure.
Moreover, without his permission, very few people dared to enter his dwelling, so no one knew of his departure.
He sprinted all the way, especially after leaving the capital, immediately pushing his speed to its limit.
When a Single-Line Sky Realm expert travels at full speed, the swiftness is absolutely beyond the imagination of ordinary people.
As the moon set and the sun rose, by the time the sun hung high in the sky, Zhan Tianfeng had already arrived at a distant mountain.
This was a tall mountain in the central region of Kairong Country. Although it was far from cities, it was not as sparsely populated as the Hengshan Mountain range.
On this mountain, there were dozens of ancient Taoist temples, and people often traveled thousands of miles to light an incense stick in them.
Zhan Tianfeng arrived at the foot of the mountain. He did not continue to use Light Body Technique to ascend but walked up the mountain step by step, like an ordinary person.
Although there weren't many people on the mountain, every time he walked a short distance, he could see some devotees.
At this moment, Zhan Tianfeng was like the most ordinary person, showing no trace of his aura as a Single-Line Sky Realm expert.
Along the way, he met people, whether going up or down. Everyone smiled and nodded, then parted ways, and an atmosphere of harmony seemed to permeate the entire mountain.
Finally, Zhan Tianfeng walked to the middle of the mountain.
On the mountain path here, there was a small hut with a middle-aged Taoist priest inside. People who frequently came to this place knew that this Taoist lived in the hut all year round, and anyone who wanted to go up the mountain from here would be dissuaded by him.
This Taoist had a very good temper. When he dissuaded people, he always used kind words, and even if pilgrims resorted to physical violence, he never fought back or talked back.
However, when Zhan Tianfeng saw this middle-aged Taoist, his face immediately showed a respectful expression.
If the masters in Masters Hall saw this scene, they would surely think there was something wrong with their eyes.
"Senior Brother, long time no see, you haven't changed a bit," Zhan Tianfeng greeted with a smile.
The middle-aged Taoist also smiled, saying, "Junior Brother, weren't you going to seclude yourself for a Sixty-Year Cycle of bitter cultivation in the mortal world? How come you've come out to see me after only thirty-odd years?"
A bitter expression appeared on Zhan Tianfeng's face. He sighed deeply and said, "Senior Brother, how could I have wanted to come out of seclusion? It's just that in the mortal world, with state affairs hanging over me, nine out of ten things are unsatisfactory. I was forced to come out."
The middle-aged Taoist asked in surprise, "Junior Brother, who forced you out? Is it related to the country? Could it be Tufan Kingdom and Titan Country?"
Zhan Tianfeng shook his head and said, "Although it has a little connection with Tufan Kingdom, it's not a big relationship."
The middle-aged Taoist's expression finally changed. His relaxed sitting posture also solidified at this moment, as if he had suddenly transformed from a wild Taoist into a highly respected and enlightened master.
"Since it's not the Three Great Northwestern Powers, is it trouble from Northern Frontier or Great Shen?"
Zhan Tianfeng shook his head again, saying, "Northern Frontier is impossible. As for Great Shen, it's too far from us, and it has been peaceful for the past few decades, so there's no trouble."
The middle-aged Taoist breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Since it's not trouble from Great Shen, that's good."
Zhan Tianfeng smiled bitterly and said, "Senior Brother, although that trouble isn't from the Great Shen Empire, for us, I'm afraid it's even more dangerous than Great Shen."
The middle-aged Taoist frowned and said, "Forget it, you're rambling and unclear. Just go see Master. Anyway, he was just grumbling about you a few days ago."
Zhan Tianfeng rolled his eyes helplessly. As soon as they met, his Senior Brother would ask all sorts of questions and wouldn't give him a chance to speak. When he wanted to explain in detail, he would wave his hand dismissively, ignoring him.
With a slight sigh, Zhan Tianfeng knew that his Senior Brother always stuck to his word. Since he said he didn't want to bother, saying more would be useless.
Bowing to the Taoist, Zhan Tianfeng walked towards the mountain peak.
In the distance, several pilgrims approached, pointing in the direction Zhan Tianfeng had left, asking the middle-aged Taoist why he was allowed to go up.
The middle-aged Taoist immediately put on a fawning, thick-skinned explanation, completely different from the dignified demeanor he had when talking with Zhan Tianfeng earlier. There was no trace of similarity, as if he was born with two faces.
Zhan Tianfeng's steps were swift, and he quickly disappeared into the distance. However, he also heard the trivial complaints from the small hut on the mountainside.
In his heart, he was quite puzzled by his Senior Brother's choice, but he also understood that there were thousands of paths to the Great Dao, and how to choose was a personal matter, not something he could interfere with.
He strode quickly, finally reaching the mountain peak.
On the peak, there was a platform spanning several hundred square meters.
This platform would be nothing special on a flat plain, but appearing on a mountain peak, it seemed abrupt.
The feeling on the mountain peak was indeed somewhat unique, but if viewed from high above, this open space would appear particularly distinct. It was as if a wooden stake inserted into the mud had been cut in half with a single stroke, and this platform was one of the broken surfaces.
However, looking at the world today, who possesses such divine power to cut off the top of a tall mountain as if it were a wooden stake?
Zhan Tianfeng had been here many times, but each time he came, he would feel a sense of dizziness.
But this feeling also motivated him to continuously advance in martial arts and climb to higher realms.
He ascended the mountain path to the other side.
Looking down from there, was a cliff shrouded in Cloud Mist. This place was extremely perilous. If Sima Yin had come here when he was at his wit's end, he might not have jumped down from the peak without hesitation.
However, after Zhan Tianfeng arrived here, he lifted his foot without hesitation.
He stepped forward, immediately falling off the cliff, his figure disappearing into the Cloud Mist.
Zhan Tianfeng's figure hugged the cliff as he descended. Not long after entering the Cloud Mist, he steadily stopped on a protruding giant rock. Within the giant rock, there was actually a huge cave.
The cave was pitch black, without a trace of light.
Zhan Tianfeng strode forward. He skillfully passed through several stone doors and walked towards the largest stone chamber in the cave.
The cave was not small, but it was empty until Zhan Tianfeng arrived before the largest stone door. He then stopped, respectfully knelt down, and kowtowed eight times with a loud thud.
If the people in Kairong Country who relied on Zhan Tianfeng as if he were a god saw this scene, they would surely be incredulous.
From within the stone chamber, an incredibly ancient voice came: "Tianfeng, why have you come?"
Zhan Tianfeng said respectfully, "Master, your disciple has come to see you."
"Since you've come, could it be that the country is in some peril that even you cannot handle?"
"Master is wise." A look of shame appeared on Zhan Tianfeng's face. He lowered his head deeply and said, "This disciple has failed your trust and disgraced you."
"Hehe, what's there to be ashamed of?" The ancient voice laughed, "The tides ebb and flow, rise and fall. Even the vast empire in the east of the continent cannot avoid dynastic changes, let alone our Northwest Countries. If Kairong Country is destined to decline, then not only are you powerless, but even if this old man were to step forward, the outcome would still be the same."
Zhan Tianfeng suddenly looked up, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
In the past, before his Master left, he held his hand and carefully instructed him to guard this country.
For a hundred years, to fulfill this trust, he abandoned everything, cultivating in solitude in martial arts, making himself the stabilizing force of this country.
But now, when he stood before his Master again, his teacher, this renowned figure who, in the past, could make the entire Northwest tremble with a stomp of his foot, was actually uttering such disheartening and discouraging words.
For a moment, Zhan Tianfeng even felt a trance, wondering if everything he had done over the years was wrong.
Even though there was a thick stone wall separating them, the person inside seemed capable of seeing, or rather sensing, Zhan Tianfeng's expression and psychological state through some method.
The ancient voice spoke again: "Kairong Country is my country, and it is also your country. As long as there is a glimmer of hope, we cannot let it disappear. Tianfeng, you have suffered these years..."
Zhan Tianfeng's heart warmed. The self-doubt he had just felt instantly vanished, and a warmth and excitement surged within him, making him feel overwhelmed.
He had always thought of himself as calm, so calm that he was somewhat unfeeling, even intimidating. But only at this moment did he realize that he still had moments of not being calm enough.
"Tell me, what happened?" The old man's voice came again.
Zhan Tianfeng responded, and without concealment, he narrated the rise of He Yiming in Tianluo Country. He did not hide or exaggerate anything, but spoke truthfully, even confessing that he had asked Sima Yin to assassinate He Yiming.
Of course, Sima Yin never returned, and when He Yiming reappeared, not only had his concubine become an Innate expert with terrifying cold True Qi, but he also had a powerful assistant by his side.
A Three Flowers Gather at the Summit expert was actually accompanying He Yiming, and seemed to be working for him.
All of this put immense pressure on Zhan Tianfeng.
If the situation continued to develop like this, once He Yiming truly rose to power, where would Kairong Country have a foothold here?
After Zhan Tianfeng vividly recounted everything, he immediately fell silent, kneeling quietly before the door, waiting.
After a long while, the ancient voice came from within the door, but this time, there was a hint of solemnity in it.
"A Hundred Scattered Heavens Realm at fifteen, a Single-Line Sky Realm at seventeen... achieving Innate Realm in less than a year... and a Three Flowers Gather at the Summit expert. Hehe, Tianfeng, are you not joking with your teacher?"
"This disciple would not dare." Zhan Tianfeng smiled bitterly. If it were possible, even he himself would not dare to believe all this.
The entire cave fell into a suffocatingly heavy atmosphere. Even Zhan Tianfeng held his breath, for even he could not guess what choice the old man inside the cave would make.
Outside the cave, the sun slowly moved westward from noon, finally leaving only the charming red glow across the sky.
Only then did the old man's voice come from the cave again: "I understand, Tianfeng, you may go back."
Zhan Tianfeng was stunned. He came here not only to convey this message but also to seek advice on how to deal with the situation. But now the old man had said nothing, only telling him to return, which made him anxious. However, in front of the old man, even if Zhan Tianfeng had twice the courage, he would not dare to disobey in the slightest.
Because he had grown up under the old man's aura since childhood and had received the old man's meticulous training, which was why he had achieved what he had today.
In his heart, the old man was a god, and a god was omnipotent.
Turning his back, he slowly retreated from the cave, returning from the mountain peak to the middle of the mountain.
However, the moment he left the cave, a faint, ethereal voice suddenly came to his ears.
"Take a step back, and the sea becomes boundless..."
Zhan Tianfeng was stunned. He considered it for a moment and returned the way he came. When he met the middle-aged Taoist, the Taoist seemed aloof, as if resentful from being entangled earlier and therefore unwilling to greet him.
Zhan Tianfeng smiled bitterly, then stepped forward, bowed deeply, and slowly descended the mountain.
Others didn't know, but he did, that this Senior Brother, who was responsible for guarding the gate halfway up the mountain, although outwardly indistinguishable from an ordinary Taoist, possessed unfathomable strength. At the very least, he knew his limits and was definitely not a match for this Senior Brother.
After descending the mountain, he returned to the temple in Kairong Country's capital at the fastest speed.
This trip was undetected by anyone, not even the masters in the country's Masters Hall knew anything about it.
However, Zhan Tianfeng did not know that shortly after he left the cave, his Senior Brother listened carefully for a moment, then followed the path he had taken to the stone wall.
"Zhan Xuan, go into the mountain and retrieve the Werewolf Clan's Totem."
"Master, you want to provoke the Totem clan? This..."
"No matter, when you go, use the Disguise Technique. I want you to disguise yourself as..." The old man's voice deepened.
A moment later, the Taoist smiled bitterly, "The Werewolf Clan has many experts. I'm afraid this disciple might not be able to do it."
"I'm not asking you to snatch it, but to steal it. With your strength, as long as you're careful, you should succeed." The old man snorted lightly, "Before you act, make some preparations. Before you leave, injure a few people, bring the Five Elements ring, and leave traces of Five Elements True Qi."
"Master, which True Qi elements should I leave?"
"Leave all of them."
"All?"
"That's right. After stealing the Totem, place it in the treasure vault of the Hengshan Mountain lineage for me. Don't let anyone discover it. Go."
The middle-aged Taoist Zhan Xuan responded. He no longer questioned and turned to leave.
The ancient voice chuckled, like an old man laughing peacefully: "Those old fellows who worship werewolves, I wonder if their limbs and bones have rusted. It's time to find some work for them. Hehe, if they knew that such a young expert had appeared outside the mountains, would they still be able to sit still?"
The voice gradually subsided, and a faint, ethereal sound echoed in the cave.
"On the side of Kairong, such a peerless talent has risen. It is a blessing for the Northwest, but a disaster for my Kairong..."
"One Hundred and Eight, tell me honestly, has your strength improved compared to when we first met?"
In the study, He Yiming's eyes were fixed on One Hundred and Eight. Although he knew that even if this guy lied, he wouldn't be able to see through it, without doing so, his presence would be insufficient.
One Hundred and Eight looked at him quietly. Ever since he followed He Yiming out of the cave where he had lived for a thousand years, his eyes had never again displayed the sunlight-like glow. In this regard, he was indeed a trustworthy Humanoid Weapon.
"I haven't improved my strength," he said slowly. "I'm just evolving."
"Evolving?" He Yiming was slightly stunned. He looked at the other party with a wry smile and shook his head. After a moment, He Yiming said, "You can evolve because you devoured Energy Stones?"
"Yes," One Hundred and Eight said simply and clearly, which was his consistent demeanor.
He Yiming's expression showed a strange change. The reason he could live peacefully with One Hundred and Eight was that their strengths were similar, which was an innate condition.
However, now that One Hundred and Eight had devoured several Energy Stones, his strength had advanced by leaps and bounds.
Although they had not fought each other since signing the employment contract, He Yiming now had the feeling that if he were to truly fight him to the death, unless he used the Guan Broadsword and resorted to a final, desperate attack, he truly wouldn't be able to contend with him.
He sighed deeply, his head throbbing. It was not a simple matter to fully trust this Humanoid Weapon.
One Hundred and Eight suddenly looked up and said, in a rare instance, "Are you afraid of me?"
He Yiming was taken aback, but he had to admit that this feeling was quite novel.
He nodded slightly. When communicating with a simple person, it was best to use the simplest method.
"I am afraid of you, because I don't know what will happen when your strength far surpasses mine."
One Hundred and Eight spoke, "I am not like you. My programming does not allow me to violate contracts. As long as you continue to sign contracts with me, I will not betray you."
With that, One Hundred and Eight turned and walked away with confident strides.
Watching his disappearing back, He Yiming frowned, then suddenly raised his eyebrows and rolled his eyes, saying, "Alright, always signing contracts, does that mean I have to provide corresponding Energy Stones every year? This guy isn't human, why is he as smart as one?"
