Chapter 7: Chapter 7: When Did the Outer Peaks Gain Such a Monster?
The Yun Cang Mountains stretched vast and boundless, filled with dangerous beasts that grew more fearsome the deeper one ventured. The Yun Cang Sword Sect lay hidden in these deep mountains, with its five inner peaks resembling a massive hand tightly sealing a bottomless abyss.
Within this abyss swirled thick black mist, so dense it seemed to have no end. Just a glance at it was enough to make one's skin crawl, as though some dreadful beast lay dormant within.
The sect's five main peaks—Qingyun, Huanglong, Xuanhe, Baihong, and Chixiao—each held one of five supreme sword manuals. Together, these manuals formed the Yun Cang Sword Sect's legendary Five Elements Extinction Divine Radiance Sword, the ultimate technique of the sect.
In the ancient past, the founder of the sect had single-handedly slaughtered seventeen beast kings in the depths of the Yun Cang Mountains, sealing the raging beast tide within the Dragon Confining Abyss, thus bringing peace to the surrounding lands.
Over the centuries, the Yun Cang Sword Sect had grown into a mighty force in the northern lands. Generations of disciples had dedicated themselves to suppressing the beast tide, sacrificing their lives to protect the peace of the region, earning the sect unparalleled respect and reverence.
Lu Chengfeng's assessment to become an outer peak elder was to take place near the inner peaks at the Transmission Hall. The hall was a bustling place, with many disciples from the outer peaks coming and going.
The Transmission Hall handled the assessments of outer peak elders and disciples and oversaw the sect's martial inheritance. The hall elders, all inner peak disciples, managed its affairs.
Upon Lu Chengfeng's arrival, he submitted his request for the assessment. The elder examining his application raised an eyebrow upon verifying his identity.
"Lu Chengfeng, are you certain you wish to take the outer peak elder assessment?"
Lu Chengfeng replied calmly, "I am certain."
"To qualify as an outer peak elder, one must have reached the tenth level in an external martial art. You seem barely over twenty and are not an inner peak disciple. Don't come here to cause trouble," the elder scolded with a note of admonishment.
The assessments were no trivial matter and held great risk. A single mistake could mean death. While the elder's words were stern, they held some genuine concern.
Lu Chengfeng remained unperturbed, bowing respectfully. "Thank you for your guidance, Elder. I am fully aware of the risks and am confident in my abilities. I ask for your permission to proceed."
Hearing this, the elder gave him a second, more scrutinizing look. The young man's eyes were clear and resolute, not the demeanor of a rash or foolish individual.
The elder's curiosity grew, and he wondered silently, "Could it be that an outstanding young talent has emerged among the outer peaks, someone who's reached the tenth level in martial arts at such a young age?"
After a moment's contemplation, he spoke, "If you're so certain, then follow me."
He led Lu Chengfeng to a cage built from reinforced iron. Within it, a massive black-furred iron-armed ape lay asleep on the ground.
"This is a mid-tier beast with immense strength and iron-like bones. Without a tenth-level martial technique, it's impossible to even scratch its hide."
"To pass, you must engage this black-furred iron-armed ape in direct combat for the duration of an incense stick and injure it."
The elder gave a final warning. "Are you prepared? You still have time to reconsider. If your strength is lacking, this beast will tear you apart."
Lu Chengfeng calmly placed his right hand on his sword hilt. "Please open the cage, Elder."
The elder, seeing his resolve, said no more. He pulled out a large black-gold key and unlocked the iron cage with a sharp click, opening a narrow gap just big enough for a single person to enter.
With a swift motion, Lu Chengfeng slipped through the opening, activating his Bixiao Sword Manual technique.
"Roar!"
The sound of the cage opening awakened the black-furred iron-armed ape. Its crimson eyes snapped open as it released a thunderous roar, quickly rising to its feet. Its massive arms pounded against its chest, and its jaws bared sharp, white fangs as it prepared to pounce on its prey.
Boom!
The beast, though huge, was frighteningly agile and explosive in its movements. It raised its massive arms like twin pillars and brought them crashing down toward Lu Chengfeng with terrifying force.
Narrowing his eyes, Lu Chengfeng dodged at the last moment.
Where he had stood, the iron-armed ape's fists slammed into the ground, cracking it and filling the air with dust. The iron cage trembled under the force.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The enraged ape unleashed a flurry of attacks, filling the cage with the shadow of its swinging arms.
Lu Chengfeng, forced to dodge continuously, realized the terrifying strength of this mid-tier beast. A direct confrontation would end with him crushed to a pulp.
Cornered in one part of the cage, he saw the beast spread its arms wide and then open its maw, releasing a green mist.
The foul stench hit him like a wall. Sensing danger, Lu Chengfeng held his breath, activating his Azure Sea and Sky inner cultivation technique, raising his energy to its peak.
Watching from outside, the elder shook his head slightly. "This disciple lacks experience. He isn't even familiar with the iron-armed ape's attack patterns. How bold of him to attempt this assessment. It seems he may be overconfident."
Most candidates for the elder assessment had spent time training in the wilderness, studying the habits and combat style of the beasts they'd face. Without that knowledge, it was foolhardy to enter the cage.
"Youthful arrogance… Still, his movement technique is rather refined, at least at the seventh level or above. Keeping his life shouldn't be an issue."
The elder, an inner peak disciple himself, had taken a liking to Lu Chengfeng's talent and prepared to assist him if necessary. A willow-leaf knife coated with a potent sleeping toxin glinted in his left sleeve, ready to subdue the ape within a few breaths.
But at that moment, Lu Chengfeng made a bold move, slipping under the beast's outstretched arm, finding a blind spot within the mist cloud.
Clang!
A clear sword hum filled the air as a radiant sword light flared to life. The edge of the Cold Cicada Sword extended a foot beyond its blade, slicing forward.
Slash!
Blood sprayed as the sword energy tore into the beast's lower limb, leaving a gaping wound.
Following the flow of his strike, Lu Chengfeng moved in a flash, darting from the beast's armpit to its back and delivering another deep slash across its spine.
"Roar!" The iron-armed ape howled in fury and pain.
At that moment, the elder's willow-leaf knife flashed, striking the beast's body with perfect accuracy.
The beast staggered, its massive arms twitching, teeth bared in a final rage as it tried to turn toward Lu Chengfeng.
But before it could, its enormous form crashed to the ground.
"Well done, Junior Brother Lu. Congratulations on passing the assessment," the elder said with a look of amazement. "With your talent and current level, you're more than qualified to become an inner peak disciple. I'll inform the head of this. I expect you'll soon receive an invitation from the inner peaks."
"Congratulations, Junior Brother Lu!"
The elder now addressed him as "Junior Brother," his tone filled with warmth and respect, his eyes gleaming with awe and disbelief.
"To reach the tenth level in swordsmanship at barely twenty…
When did the outer peaks gain such a monstrous talent? News of this will surely shake the entire sect."
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