Ch. 26 - Breakthrough

“What’s that?” Chu Yang looked at the cave, surprised. The cave was well-hidden, concealed behind a waterfall and overgrown with vines and weeds. Despite having trained in the area for several days, he hadn’t noticed it until now. Determined to investigate, he stood beneath the waterfall. Since opening his first meridian and advancing to the Spirit Meridian Realm, the waterfall’s force no longer posed a challenge. With a leap, he used his spirit energy to momentarily part the waterfall and entered the cave midway up the cliff. Inside, the air was faintly fragrant, lacking the mustiness typical of long-sealed spaces. The cave was dimly lit, and Chu Yang proceeded cautiously, uncertain of what dangers might lurk within or how deep the cave extended. After walking for some time, he noticed a light ahead, and the passage widened. At the cave’s end was a crescent-shaped groove emitting a soft glow. Embedded in the groove was a dark yellow orb. Had Xu Zimo been present, he would have recognized it as identical to the orbs previously obtained from Cui Yuan and the Chang Clan. The light from the groove illuminated a corner of the cave where a pile of dry grass lay, atop which rested a silver-white sword. The scabbard emitted a silvery glow and was engraved with a dragon. “This is...” Chu Yang’s gaze was fixed on the sword. Old Mo, however, focused on the orb. “It’s a mortal-grade weapon, but forged from Heavenly Black Iron, remarkable,” Old Mo praised. “A mortal-grade weapon?” Chu Yang sounded disappointed. “Little Yang, it’s precisely because it’s a mortal-grade weapon that I’m impressed. If it were an Earth-grade weapon, I’d be less optimistic,” Old Mo explained. “Every weapon must evolve from its most basic form. Those born as Earth or Heaven-grade weapons often have limited potential.” Encouraged, Chu Yang drew the sword. As he did, it seemed a silver dragon roared, and a flash of sword light appeared. The sword was three feet long, finely crafted, with a blade that gleamed coldly. Inscribed on it were three characters: “Wandering Dragon Sword,” Chu Yang read aloud, pleased. “Little Yang, take the orb from the groove and let me examine it,” Old Mo said seriously. Chu Yang nodded and retrieved the dark yellow orb. Its interior was somewhat murky, covered in intricate patterns. “What’s the purpose of this orb?” Chu Yang asked curiously. Old Mo pondered for a while before asking, “Have you heard of the legend of the Hundred Battle Physiques?” “The Hundred Battle Physiques?” Chu Yang looked puzzled. “Our current era has undergone three ages: the present Imperial Era, the preceding Desolate Era, and the even older Legendary Era,” Old Mo explained. “Legend has it that in the Legendary Era, at the dawn of time, one hundred battle physiques descended upon the world. Anyone who could merge with a battle physique would experience a fundamental transformation, gaining extraordinary talent and immense power.” “That powerful? How does one acquire a battle physique?” Chu Yang asked, astonished. “They’re scattered across the world, and no one knows their exact locations,” Old Mo replied. “Even the lowest-ranked battle physique is highly sought after by emperors. “To date, over seventy have been discovered, but more than twenty remain elusive, attracting countless seekers. “Curiously, while most have left traces, the top three battle physiques remain completely unaccounted for. “Some doubt their existence, while others believe they will only appear together, heralding a glorious new era.” “Do you know where to find a battle physique?” Chu Yang inquired. “I don’t,” Old Mo admitted. “But I once read an ancient text from the Legendary Era stating that the top three battle physiques differ from the rest. “While others are whole, each of the top three is divided into three parts, scattered across the world. “Only by gathering all three parts can one merge with the physique.” “Are you suggesting this orb is one part of one of the top three battle physiques?” Chu Yang asked. “The top three are the Hell-Suppressing Deity Physique, the Army Breaker Imperial Physique, and the Scarlet Flame Imperial Physique,” Old Mo nodded. “But I can’t determine which one this orb belongs to.” “I’ll keep it safe. Maybe I’ll find the other parts someday,” Chu Yang said excitedly. At that moment, footsteps echoed from outside. “Who’s there?” Chu Yang called out, drawing his sword and turning toward the cave entrance. A man in black entered slowly, looking at Chu Yang and saying, “Hand it over.” “Hand over what?” Chu Yang stepped back, confused. He sensed the man’s overwhelming aura, far beyond his own Spirit Meridian Realm capabilities. “Insect,” the man sneered, his sword flashing. Before Chu Yang could react, he felt a sharp pain in his chest as blood flowed, staining his clothes. “Who are you?” Chu Yang demanded, enduring the pain. He hadn’t expected to be targeted immediately after his discovery. The man remained silent, advancing step by step. Had it not been for Xu Zimo’s orders, Dark Thirteen would have killed Chu Yang with that strike. Days earlier, upon receiving Xu Zimo’s command, Dark Thirteen had rushed to Sunshine Village. He had remained hidden, observing Chu Yang without alerting him. When Chu Yang discovered the cave behind the waterfall, Dark Thirteen knew his mission was nearing completion. Xu Zimo sought to collect the three Hell-Suppressing Orbs, components of the Hell-Suppressing Deity Physique. In his previous life, Chu Yang had assembled the Hell-Suppressing Deity Physique, his greatest asset. Based on past experience, Xu Zimo knew of two orb locations: one with the Chang Clan and another in Sunshine Village. The third orb’s location remained unknown. Unexpectedly, Xu Zimo had obtained the unknown orb from Cui Yuan. With the Chang family’s orb and the one from Cui Yuan, only the Sunshine Village’s orb remained. Uncertain of its exact location in the village, Xu Zimo had instructed Dark Thirteen to shadow Chu Yang, confident that Chu Yang’s destiny would lead him to it. Once Chu Yang found it, Dark Thirteen would seize it.