While Aotian’s main body experienced the joys of a cultivation breakthrough, his avatars were focused on another task.

Tian Zhu, sitting on the ground, opened his eyes and clenched his fists, not only feeling but also studying the changes from reaching the second level of the Golden Core realm. Beside him, the two elders did the same, now at the second level of Foundation Establishment.

Aotian always maintained this practice, as it allowed him to better understand the different cultivation realms and prepare for when he reached those levels himself.

After a moment of analysis, he gained a preliminary understanding of the differences between levels and realms.

“Time to create some spells and take over the mountain!” he thought, determined.

Closing his eyes, Tian Zhu began selecting the number and types of spells he would synthesize. He chose three attack spells, one defense spell, and one movement spell—also known as footwork techniques—for each of the five elements.

With a base of 45,000 techniques, the synthesis was extremely fast, and soon, a total of 25 spells were ready for use.

As their creator, and with extensive experience in techniques of this level, he didn’t even need to train—he had already mastered the spells perfectly.

Without further hesitation, the three of them stood up.

“Bao Hui, you handle the mountain lord. Lie Zheng and I will remain in the shadows,” Tian Zhu ordered, his gaze indifferent and his presence oppressive.

But Bao Hui didn’t seem to care and immediately complained, annoyed:

“Why me? Send the old man Lie! I don’t like fighting and killing!”

“Hah! Isn’t it obvious why it’s you? You’re the weakest, and the leader wants you to gain more experience,” Lie Zheng mocked, clearly enjoying Bao Hui’s frustration.

That was partly true. In reality, Aotian wanted Bao Hui to fight this battle so he himself could gain more experience. If the Lie Zheng avatar fought, his beyond-the-border combat talent would make the battle far too easy, depriving Aotian of valuable learning.

And of course, the performance needed to be maintained between the elders—not only to convince possible spectators but also to refine their own acting. After all, he would soon have disciples and needed to keep the personalities he had created for his avatars consistent.

“Leader, I don’t want to go!” Bao Hui still protested.

“You’ll manage the goods after you win,” Tian Zhu said bluntly.

Bao Hui’s expression changed instantly.

“Master, leave it to me! That man is a cruel dog who oppresses others. I’ve wanted to deal with him for a long time!” He declared, his voice filled with righteousness and indignation.

Without waiting for anyone else, he was the first to march out of the house.

…

Bao Hui climbed the mountain with firm steps, exuding justice.

Upon reaching the peak’s entrance, he came across an unexpected scene.

Two men were conversing. One of them, an older man with graying temples, maintained a rigid posture. The other, younger, smiled respectfully.

The older man spoke:

“Congratulations, Guard Xu! When I saw your dedication at the mountain’s base, searching those hooded monks, I knew you had the talent for a nobler position. From today onward, you are officially promoted to peak base guard.”

Guard Xu’s eyes gleamed with emotion.

“Manager Mu! Thank you so much! This has always been my dream! I never imagined I’d ever make it here. I will honor this position and do my best!” The guard said, his voice choked with emotion.

“Excellent! But remember, you must not allow anyone with ill intentions to pass you and reach the peak,” Manager Mu warned seriously.

Guard Xu clenched his fists, determined.

“I swear, no one like that will get past me!”

It was then that an unexpected voice interrupted the conversation.

“Good morning!” A man greeted them and walked past naturally.

“Good morning!” Both replied instinctively.

Only after a few seconds did they realize what had just happened.

Guard Xu froze. Just after swearing that no one would get past him, he had simply greeted a stranger and let him through. But that wasn’t the worst part.

That face…

It was the same man who had deceived him before!

His face turned purple with rage, and under Manager Mu’s dark gaze, he exploded as he ran forward:

“STOP RIGHT THERE, YOU BASTARD!”

Bao Hui stopped and looked back, curious.

“I have urgent matters to discuss with the mountain lord. Why are you stopping me?” He asked, his tone natural and curious.

Guard Xu, who already had his sword in hand, hesitated.

‘Could it be true?’ He thought, skeptical yet uncertain.

“What matters?” He decided to play it safe.

“I’ve scheduled to kill him and steal his wealth. I can’t waste time,” Bao Hui said impatiently, placing a hand over his eyes and looking at the sun’s position as if calculating whether he had lost too much time.

Then, without hiding his cultivation anymore, he released his aura.

“YOU—AHH!” Guard Xu, who was about to shout, was sent flying by the sheer pressure of Bao Hui’s aura release.

Manager Mu and Guard Xu crashed to the ground, horrified. Meanwhile, Bao Hui continued up the mountain unimpeded.

His oppressive aura not only secured his entry but also alerted his target.

At the mountain’s peak, a cutting light streaked across the sky. In an instant, a middle-aged man, dressed in black with flowing green hair, appeared, flying atop a wooden sword.

His presence exuded authority and arrogance—but not recklessness.

With narrowed eyes, he assessed Bao Hui and asked cautiously:

“Are you from the Bamboo Sword Sect?”

Bao Hui quickly waved his hands, denying it.

“No, no! You misunderstood!”

He smiled sincerely, as if trying to ease the other’s concerns.

“I have no connection with anyone you know. I’m just an ordinary enemy. I came to kill you and take your things. No need for formalities.”

The lord of Black Rock Mountain froze.

This was the first time someone had openly declared themselves his enemy and reassured him that he didn’t need to worry about their background—that he was free to attack without hesitation.

“Y-you…” He pointed, shocked, unsure how to react.

But he didn’t need to think for long. Golden runes appeared on Bao Hui’s legs, and like a spring, he shot toward his opponent.

The speed was terrifying. But what was even more impressive was the momentum. It felt as if a block of metal was about to crush everything with its sheer weight and velocity.

The mountain lord didn’t hesitate any longer. He slapped his storage bag, and a whip made of roots appeared in his hand.

With a dark look, he snapped the whip in the air.

“If you want to die, I’ll help you!”

The whip tore through the wind, descending violently toward Bao Hui like a shadow.

But Bao Hui didn’t retreat. Runes appeared on his arms as he crossed his forearms in front of his chest.

CRACK!

The fierce impact cut his speed in half. The runes’ glow weakened momentarily, but his body remained unharmed.

Then, the runes flared up again with renewed intensity.

Bao Hui smirked maliciously.

The fight was just beginning.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep