What do you think?

Xuan Ping and Xiao Feng decided to take a break and cultivate for a day or two. Since leaving the sect, they hadn't been able to focus on their cultivation, which was not something that those striving to become stronger should neglect.

Mu Tianxing, on the other hand, always tried his best to cultivate, despite lacking high-grade cultivation techniques in the Mu clan. As a result, he couldn't progress much in his cultivation.

"Is watching someone cultivate really that entertaining? Instead, why don't you join us and meditate?" Xiao Feng suggested.

"I would love to, Senior Brother, but the issue is that the Mu clan has deteriorated significantly. Our cultivation techniques can only take us so far as the Foundation Establishment realm," replied Xuan Ping, opening his eyes and looking at Mu Tianxing. "But that doesn't mean you shouldn't give it your all."

Mu Tianxing understood and nodded, joining them as he began circulating his Qi.

...

Somewhere in Anhui, a determined young man secluded himself in a dark cave, practicing a lower-grade heavenly divine manual known as the Dark Technique. Despite not having a teacher to guide him, his unyielding desire for vengeance fueled his cultivation. He never succumbed to his inner demons, no matter the challenges he faced.

Sixteen years ago, there was a flourishing clan in Anhui, whose business thrived due to fierce competition. The Haoran clan attracted attention from all sides during their successful operations. In celebration, they hosted a grand banquet, where their enemies seized the opportunity to infiltrate.

That night, the entire clan was annihilated, except for the young master, Haoran, who used to sleep with his cattle family in the barn. His position in the clan was uncertain because he was born out of wedlock, a bastard between the clan's head and a beautiful maid.

Haoran possessed an infinite depth of Qi and remained strong despite any form of exhaustion. After extensive investigations by his networks, he discovered that the Netherworld Sect was responsible for his clan's destruction. Finally, an opportunity arose for Haoran to seek vengeance against an elder of that sect.

...

The three of them—Xuan Ping, Xiao Feng, and Mu Tianxing—received a message from Xu Qing and smirked.

"Finally, we'll be finishing this soon," Xiao Feng said.

They made their way to the location where Mu Fengsha and the elder had planned to meet.

"What took you so long in finding the divine manual?" Mu Fengsha started to fret. She had forgotten the imposing presence of the elder and wondered if she could deceive him.

Xuan Ping whispered to Xiao Feng and Mu Tianxing, "Are you prepared to go against him, Xuan Ping?"

"Just remember the teachings from Ye Fan," Xuan Ping replied.

"Why are you so restless? I'm asking a question. Or have you been plotting behind my back?" The elder scrutinized Mu Fengsha, his seriousness evident.

Mu Fengsha looked up at him and realized she couldn't play tricks in front of him. "No, my Lord. I have found the manual; it's just that I didn't want to contact you first."

"Well, considering the importance of the matter, you should have informed me the moment you found it. But it doesn't matter now; hand it over," the elder commanded.

Mu Fengsha signaled to one of her servants to bring forth the manual.

"Do you know what happens when the manual falls into the elder's possession?" Xuan Ping asked Mu Tianxing.

"Obviously, my life will be in danger," replied Mu Tianxing.

"Then I assume you know what to do?" Xuan Ping continued.

"I will do my best and leave the rest to my brothers," Mu Tianxing replied with newfound determination.

"Good," Xuan Ping and Xiao Feng said in unison.

As Mu Fengsha handed over the manual to the elder, Mu Tianxing slowly emerged from where he and his brothers had concealed themselves.

"...I have always known how valuable my life is, but what's even more surprising is discovering that your own stepmother, someone you called 'dear,' is planning your demise," Mu Tianxing said, his intent intensifying.

Anyway, here I am. But do you think you're capable of taking my life?" Mu Tianxing asked confidently.

Xuan Ping and Xiao Feng were both surprised at what was going on. They couldn't tell if this was the same Mu Tianxing they had known all this while or if he had suddenly become cocky.

"Nice spirit you possess, young man, but that old man over there belongs to me," said a young guy as he suddenly appeared.

"And you think you can take him on?" Mu Tianxing asked the gentleman.

"Well, I won't know until I try," he replied, looking towards the elder.

The elder finally said something after watching the exchange between the two. "It seems being in seclusion for too long has taken away my rigorous self. By the way, I thought you two wouldn't come out."

"So you had always known since the beginning. That makes it much more interesting," the young man chuckled.

"Do you think you can touch the tip of my cloth, even with the help of this young man who is still in the Foundation Establishment realm?" the elder grinned.

"Elder, he is Mu Tianxing, the one I want dead," Mu Fengsha said as she chuckled, keeping her face down.

"Oh... Can you all witness this? It seems to be his last struggle before his death," the elder remarked.

Mu Tianxing looked at the elder, contemplating whether to engage or not. However, he ultimately put all his trust in his brothers and said, "Despite being in the Foundation Establishment realm, I don't think you can even touch the tip of my cloth."

"Oh... you dare," the elder sneered.

"Yes," Mu Tianxing chuckled.

The elder took a step, instantly closing the distance between him and Mu Tianxing. But Xuan Ping moved quickly, grabbing Mu Tianxing by his collar and laughing at the fact that he had seriously become faster since using the Heaven Secret Movement.

"What! The distance that was almost closed was suddenly opened wide again," the elder looked at Xuan Ping. "It's getting much more interesting, but eventually, you all will lose your lives."

"Hahaha."

"All that mattered was you losing to a Foundation Establishment realm cultivator... What do you think?" Xuan Ping retorted, glaring back at the elder.

Mu Fengsha began to panic at the turn of events, realizing that she had underestimated Mu Tianxing's friends. "Well, it all remains the same. They won't be able to beat the elder."

"Wow, to think I would be forgotten," the young man lost his composure as he released his killing intent.

"Now things are getting heated," Xiao Feng thought.

The young man charged at the elder, throwing punches, but none of them were able to land. Yet, he kept it up at the same level, determined.

This went on for ten minutes, and none of his punches were still capable of hitting their targeted points.

"Good, the warm-up is over. Time to get real," the young man said.

Mu Tianxing was surprised. Warm-up?

He continued punching relentlessly, even though everyone thought it was futile.

"Oh, you've gotten faster," the elder remarked.

"I don't think you realize it, but I'm using you. Right now, my speed is still at forty-five percent. When it reaches a hundred, you'll regret not acting," the young man said with a smile.

"Who in the hell would ever tell their opponent? So naive, but I love his spirit," Xiao Feng thought.

"Now I'm getting bored. But if I strike now, it will end quickly," the elder sighed. "I don't think I have a choice."

The elder propelled his claw-shaped hand forward, aiming to grab and twist the young man's neck. However, unexpectedly, the young man swiftly moved his body away from the position.

"Ain't we got some talent here," the elder remarked. "But how was he able to change his position? That was fifty percent of my speed. I can't believe I'll be wary of even that cute-looking guy over there," the elder stared at Xuan Ping.