Martial Arts Overlord

The group set off from the Chen Family, continuously making their way forward. By the time evening fell, they could see a massive shadow looming in the distance.

"The Chaotic Stone Mountain Range is up ahead. Everyone, be careful," Headmaster Li said, observing the continuous, undulating mountains in front of them, his voice deep.

Hearing this, all in the group turned their gaze forward.

The scene before them was a never-ending stretch of mountains: dark, eerie, and sinister. Every mountain seemed to emit a dangerous aura. Even though it was just early evening, the forest within the mountain range already appeared swallowed by darkness. Faint roars of beasts were heard, causing their hearts to pound in fear.

WHOOSH... A cold breeze gusted past, seemingly carrying the chill of the mountains and a lingering sense of dread.

Seeing this sight, everyone's gazes hardened slightly.

Yuan Kong, who was leading the group, cast a glance back at Luo Feng, the corner of his lips curling up in disdain. "Let's go."

With that, the students from Wanluo School followed him further into the heart of the mountain range.

The others, realizing the treacherous nature of the mountain range, followed quietly behind.

Walking beside Luo Feng, Yuan Ying said, "The Chaotic Stone Mountain Range may not have as many savage Demon Beasts as the Red Chain Mountain Range, but the environment here is perilous, and the beasts inhabiting it are bloodthirsty and brutal. Be careful."

Luo Feng noted the worry in her words and smiled and nodded.

The group continued trekking noiselessly through the dense forest. Massive trees filled the surroundings, their tall forms reaching several tens of zhang high, blotting out the sky. Even though night had not yet fallen, the forest was already completely dark, so much so that they could not see their hands in front of them.

A thick layer of fallen leaves blanketed the ground, making CRUNCH! CRUNCH! sounds underfoot, as a dangerous aura permeated from all directions.

Everyone's gaze swept the surroundings continuously, their weapons gripped tightly, prepared for any potential dangers. Yuan Kong and his party, however, still moved without concern at the head of the group.

"Yuan Kong, don't walk too quickly. There are many Demon Beasts around; it's better if we stick together," cautioned Headmaster Li.

Disdain painted Yuan Kong's face as he arrogantly sneered at Headmaster Li's warning, casually responding, "The Demon Beasts here are surely low-level ones; I can kill as many as you need. If you all are scared, just follow behind me."

Hearing this, an air of indignation settled onto the faces of the others. A Martial Artist from the rtiad coldly snapped back, "Big words. Be careful your tongue doesn't get you into trouble."

Hmm?

Yuan Kong's eyes narrowed, a cold light flashing in them as he turned to the Martial Artist who had spoken, chuckling, "Cold Star Spear Xiao Liang, it seems you have an issue with me. Why don't we settle it now?"

Xiao Liang's face hardened, his right hand, gripping a long spear, visibly trembling as a chilling aura brewed within him, on the verge of erupting.

Just as the atmosphere was becoming tense, Headmaster Li stepped forward and said, "Both of you, focus on the mission. Don't act on impulse."

Headmaster Li felt a slight headache. These Martial Artists were reckless, each one more arrogant than the next, especially this Yuan Kong, who was utterly conceited! He did hope someone could teach Yuan Kong a lesson, but given the current situation and the unfinished task of dealing with the monsters in the mine, they couldn't afford to be in any disarray. Moreover, Cold Star Spear Xiao Liang only had a mid-stage Ninth Level Heavenly Court Realm cultivation; he likely wouldn't stand a chance against Yuan Kong. The only person present who could pose a challenge to Yuan Kong was Yuan Ying with her Cherry Blossom Knife; there was some hope there.

Yuan Kong intended to teach Luo Feng a lesson, not pick a fight with the others. Hearing Headmaster Li, he snorted coldly and commented, "I'll spare you for Headmaster Li's sake!"

Xiao Liang wanted to retort but was pulled aside by a companion who whispered, "A wise man doesn't fight a losing battle. We're no match for him."

With a livid face, his teeth grinding GRIND! GRIND! in frustration, Xiao Liang grumbled, "I can't stand it! Just because he's a Disciple of the Twelve Golden Palaces, he gets to be so arrogant!"

"HUSH! He's stronger than us. Just bear with it for now," his companion said, shaking his head.

"Damn it! If only I were stronger, I'd make him kneel and beg for mercy!"

Luo Feng and Yuan Ying walked at the end of the group.

Gazing at Yuan Kong's back with a hint of disgust in her beautiful eyes, Yuan Ying said, "He's too unreasonable. Just because he has some strength, he looks down on everyone else."

Luo Feng smiled faintly, replying, "Sooner or later, he'll understand that there's always someone better out there."

Startled by his words, Yuan Ying wanted to ask him for an explanation but found Luo Feng had already moved far ahead.

This guy, he's so mysterious... Watching Luo Feng's retreating figure, Yuan Ying flashed a small smile and quickly caught up to him, her steps light and graceful.

The group continued on their journey through the pitch-black, eerily silent forest, the only sound their own footfalls.

After traveling for a while, Luo Feng's brows suddenly twitched. He directed his gaze towards a spot on the ground where dead leaves were slightly raised. A harsh glint flashed in his eyes before vanishing.

Slowing his pace, Luo Feng looked back at Yuan Ying and requested, "Yuan Ying, may I have a look at your daggers?"

Yuan Ying, puzzled by Luo Feng's sudden request, nonetheless halted, nodding her head as she pulled the twin daggers from her waist.

SHING!

As she unsheathed the daggers, a clear ring echoed, like a dragon's hum. The dazzling light reflecting off the blades brightened the forest momentarily.

The pair of daggers were identical, spanning one chi and three cun each, the blades gently curved backward, resembling a waning moon. The blades were as bright as snow. Just a glimpse sent a potent aura of sharpness tingling through one's skin.

"My daggers are called Cold Pheasant. They are Grade One Spirit Weapons," Yuan Ying said with a smile, her delicate fingers stroking a blade.

Luo Feng nodded in acknowledgment, complimenting, "Nice daggers."

Although these two daggers couldn't compare to the Rage Flame Knife, they could generate a sharp aura and were among the best of Grade One Spirit Weapons. Their quality was no inferior to his previous Tiger Soul Saber.

Yuan Ying sheathed her daggers, her beautiful eyes looking at Luo Feng, asking, "I heard you also practice Saber Techniques. Where is your saber?"

"AH!"

Before Luo Feng could speak, a shrill scream suddenly came from ahead. The two of them looked forward.

From among the withered leaves in front, a giant black python as thick as a water barrel suddenly sprang out. It opened its gaping maw and bit directly at a student of Wanluo School. Its two fangs, sharp as scimitars, sank deeply into the student's body.

"A Grade Four Demon Beast, the Blackhead Poisonous Python!" Yuan Ying's face changed slightly when she saw the giant python suddenly appear. She immediately drew her Cold Pheasant twin daggers, her figure flickering as she positioned herself in front of Luo Feng, whispering, "Be careful! The Blackhead Poisonous Python is covered in deadly poison. If even a drop of its blood touches you, you'll die in an instant without a Detoxification Pill. Stay behind me and don't come out."

Luo Feng looked at Yuan Ying, who was shielding him, and didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It seemed her earlier words about protecting him weren't just lip service.

With so many experts present, a Grade Four Demon Beast wouldn't be much of a threat. Luo Feng was happy to remain idle. He nodded and looked towards the giant python.

Upon getting a clear look at the python, Luo Feng was somewhat taken aback. This giant python's whole body was covered with dark, cyan, rhomboid scales that gleamed with a delicate luster, sharp as knives and swords. Coiled up, it radiated a ferocious aura that made people shudder. Its pair of triangular eyes glowed faintly with a bloody red light, revealing a bloodthirsty and brutal demeanor.

"It's a Blackhead Poisonous Python! Everyone, be careful!" Headmaster Li's expression turned extremely grim. It was rare for a Grade Four Demon Beast to appear in this forest. He hadn't expected their luck to be so abysmal as to encounter a Blackhead Poisonous Python. Among Grade Four Demon Beasts, the Blackhead Poisonous Python was considered a very powerful one.

Damn it, this is all Yuan Kong's fault for insisting on traveling at night! Headmaster Li roared inwardly.

After the Blackhead Poisonous Python bit a student of Wanluo School, the student was thrown to the ground. The python's gaping maw immediately opened, a stream of black air whirling inside.

PUFF!

A rank wind blew through the forest. The black air transformed into several acrid-smelling poison gas projectiles, radiating in all directions like arrows loosed from a bow.

SIZZLE! SIZZLE! SIZZLE! SIZZLE!

Some poison gas projectiles landed on the dead leaves, immediately emitting sizzling sounds of corrosion as green smoke billowed upwards.

"AH! Senior Brother Yuan, save me!" A student from Wanluo School was unable to dodge and was struck by a poison gas projectile. His entire face was corroded, flesh melting away, his expression contorted as he fell to the ground, screaming incessantly in horror.

WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

Three poison gas projectiles shot towards Luo Feng's direction.

Luo Feng's eyebrows knitted slightly. Just as he was about to make a move to block them, Yuan Ying suddenly cried out lightly, her figure floating out.

"Flower Dance in Chaotic Skies!"

Her graceful silhouette danced lightly as the Cold Pheasant daggers slashed through the night, carving a splendid path of light that intercepted the three poison gas projectiles, deflecting them into the surrounding forest.

What beautiful saber technique... Luo Feng watched Yuan Ying's silhouette, his eyes reflecting his admiration.

The radiant and magnificent saber technique looked less like a Martial Artist displaying Martial Arts and more like an exquisitely beautiful woman performing a graceful dance. The bright light of the daggers swirled like cherry blossoms in full bloom, a breathtaking sight.

At this moment, Luo Feng finally understood why Yuan Ying was known as the Cherry Blossom Knife. The name couldn't be more fitting.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

The moment Yuan Ying blocked the poison gas projectiles, the other Martial Artists also blocked the remaining ones. They were further away, so none were injured.

"Beast!"

Yuan Kong's face turned extremely grim. He had been entrusted by several Wanluo School students to help complete this mission, and he had thought it would be flawless. He hadn't expected two students to be severely injured right in front of him in an instant! Where was his dignity as a Disciple of the Twelve Golden Palaces now!

His eyes firmly fixed on the Blackhead Poisonous Python, Yuan Kong roared. His five fingers curled into claws, and he thrust them through the air towards the Blackhead Poisonous Python.

HISS! HISS! HISS! HISS! HISS!

Five strands of azure Qi Force burst from his fingertips like five treasured swords, slicing the air apart as they shot fiercely towards the Blackhead Poisonous Python. The aftershock of the Qi Force shredded the surrounding leaves.

Shock appeared in the Blackhead Poisonous Python's triangular eyes. It hissed and swung its huge snake tail, bathed in black light, crashing down like a mountain peak towards Yuan Kong.

BANG!

A loud noise rang out. Yuan Kong was flung back by the snake tail's lash, his feet digging two deep pits into the ground upon landing.

The Blackhead Poisonous Python fared even worse. Its tail, as thick as a barrel, had several segments of its tail severed by the Qi Force. Black blood gushed from the wounds, and as it landed on the ground, plumes of green smoke rose.

In extreme pain, the Blackhead Poisonous Python became even more frenzied. Its triangular eyes shone with a bloody light as it rushed straight at the nearest Wanluo School student, mouth open, fangs bared.

SQUELCH!

This Wanluo School student, with only a late-stage seventh level Essence Storage Realm cultivation, was no match for the giant python. He didn't even have time to scream before half of his body completely vanished.