Chapter 102: Chapter 13: Thirty-Six Transformations, Where’s My Blade?

Cyan Cloud Peak.

Martial Arts Plaza.

Unlike the usual quietness, today the Martial Arts Plaza was teeming with people, with heroes from all corners gathering.

Among these people were Minor Sect Leaders, Gang Leaders, Chiefs of Escort Agencies, Noble Family Heads, Trade Association Leaders…

Most of them were prominent figures from the regions of Yunmeng and Cyan Cloud.

In fact, this bustling scene had been ongoing for several days.

For Zhou Chen, it was the True Disciple Challenge Tournament, yet it was essentially a grand competition among sect disciples.

Including servant disciple competition, outer disciple competition, and inner disciple competition.

Starting from the servant disciple competition, today the inner disciple competition was completed, with the inner disciple top ten being the main attraction, also known as the top ten inner disciples.

The top ten inner disciples were all above the Second Body Refining Transformation. With such cultivation, they could establish a sect outside.

For instance, the Salt Gang in Yunmeng Prefecture, their second-in-command Elder Bai Guinong was merely a regular Ninth-Layer Body Refining Martial Artist.

Any of the top ten inner disciples could easily defeat him.

Today was supposed to be the stage for the top ten inner disciples, where they could challenge the True Disciples, and winning would make them half a True Disciple.

If victorious again a year later, they could replace the opponent.

However, due to Zhou Chen’s presence, their challenges were postponed, as today was Ninth-layer inner disciples challenging Zhou Chen, the newly promoted True Disciple.

Since Zhou Chen’s entry was recent, with not very high cultivation level, the Sect had to protect the talented disciple, allowing only same-level challenges.

Therefore.

The formidable Ninth-layer disciples were eager to try, as although they didn’t secure the top ten inner disciple titles, defeating Zhou Chen would make them famous far and wide.

Moreover, they could enjoy half the treatment of a True Disciple.

Even if defeated in the second year, obtaining a year of benefits was a great opportunity, and winning again would enable them to replace the True Disciple.

“The inner disciple competition has ended, why hasn’t Senior Brother Zhou arrived yet?”

“Senior Brother Zhou won’t be afraid, will he?”

“Afraid? Don’t you know how formidable Senior Brother Zhou is? Each time he visits the Celestial Immortal Tower, it’s one against ten, he fights ten!”

“Indeed! Senior Brother Zhou’s prowess in the Wind and Moon Points is truly unmatched!”

“Just for you, secretly telling, rumor has it Senior Brother Zhou has exceptional talents!”

“No wonder Senior Brother Zhou is so formidable!”

Countless disciples whispered, discussing amongst themselves.

Though Zhou Chen was a True Disciple, he was not fearsome enough to avoid being talked about behind his back.

Gossip is human nature.

Even for Sect Leaders, Peak Masters, disciples still gossiped behind their backs without hesitation.

As long as they’re not caught saying it face-to-face, who cares about your words?

In the VIP seats, heroes from the two regions were mutually conversing, holding mixed opinions about Zhou Chen, this rising star.

In the last True Disciple ceremony, Zhou Chen instantly defeated Bai Shikang with a single arrow, showcasing his Yi Arrow Skill, and stunning countless people.

A year later Zhou Chen had promoted to the Ninth Layer of Body Refining, although partially due to opportunities in the Secret Realm, Zhou Chen’s talent was undeniable.

If Zhou Chen weren’t so indulged in lust, spending day and night at brothels and taverns, constantly playing with women, his evaluation would have risen several levels.

“Senior Brother Zhou is here!”

The crowd was stirred, everyone gave way, only to see Zhou Chen dressed in white, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, a sword hanging at his waist, striding forward amidst Hongyu, Celestial Fragrance Fairy, and six other beauties.

Not to mention, just his demeanor alone befitted his status as Cyan Cloud’s True Disciple.

“So many people!”

Zhou Chen arrived at the Martial Arts Plaza and at a glance found it appeared even more lively than the previous True Disciple ceremony.

Naturally.

The True Disciple ceremony was his solo stage.

Whereas this event was for all Cyan Cloud Sect disciples, with entirely different levels of participation.

“Is that the top ten inner disciples?”

Zhou Chen saw ten figures on the high platform, each imposing and distinct.

Some had sinister looks, like venomous snakes.

Some were audacious and arrogant, resembling eagles.

Some were cold and ruthless, like machines.

Some were icy and extraordinary, women not yielding to men.

Some were as robust as bulls, akin to wild beasts.

Some…

When Zhou Chen looked at them, they looked back at Zhou Chen, envious and jealous.

They had made countless efforts but hadn’t become True Disciples, while Zhou Chen, a young upstart, only knew how to eat, drink, and play, indulging in beauty, yet immediately became a True Disciple upon entry.

Especially since Zhou Chen’s martial skills weren’t superior to theirs.

How could they not be jealous?

To not be envied is mediocrity.

As long as they don’t provoke him, Zhou Chen couldn’t be bothered with them.

As for reputation?

Being slight now doesn’t matter, as long as his strength suffices, not affecting his interests.

He merely seeks to grow discreetly.

Since returning from the Celestial Cloud Secret Realm for half a year, Zhou Chen’s daily indulgence in romance, others perceived him as living boundlessly, but little did they know he had much more than just pleasure.

Just as common people think the wealthy are very happy, they can’t imagine the affluent’s joys.

Boss Xu’s dance troupe was already astounding.

Those unexposed would astonish the ordinary people.

Zhou Chen enjoyed not only carefree pleasure; he accumulated over four million Wind and Moon Points over the past half-year, largely thanks to Senior Sister’s contributions.

Senior Sister, whoosh!

The Cyan Cloud Sect’s other eight secret martial arts: Heaven-Sundering Sword Technique, Celestial Blade Technique, Black Dragon Spear, Great Sumeru Hammer, Wood God Skill, Emperor Yu’s Axe, Coiling Dragon Staff, Great Strength Bull Demon Fist.

Zhou Chen mastered them all.

Though consuming over 1.2 million Wind and Moon Points.

After mastering these eight exquisite top martial arts, Zhou Chen reached Thirteenth Body Refining Transformation, as his ultimate martial arts was at least equivalent to Twenty-Third Body Refining Transformation.

Li Changhen, ranked first among Cyan Cloud Sect’s True Disciples, after rigorous practice with Zhou Chen’s support, barely reached the Fourteenth Transformation now.

Afterward, Zhou Chen spent 2.3 million Wind and Moon Points to master Iron Painting Silver Hook, Wind Snow Sword, Heart-Picking Dragon Claw Hand, Overlord Saber, Wandering Dragon Step, One-Finger Zen, One Yang Finger, Heart-Breaking Claw, Iron Refining Hand, Divine Wind Leg, Profound Yin Finger, Golden Bell Shield, Child Skill, Vajra Finger, and other twenty-three superior martial arts skills.

By this point, Zhou Chen has reached the Thirty-Six Body Refining Transformations, comparable to the regular Forty-Six Body Refining Transformations.

With the remaining 500,000 Wind and Moon Points, Zhou Chen used them to enhance his Alchemy, now becoming a Tier Two Alchemist.

Now, Zhou Chen doesn’t even know how strong he is; without considering his Immortal Dao cultivation, just relying on Martial Dao is enough to overpower general Divine Form Realm experts.

Facing the gazes of everyone, Zhou Chen approached the front of the Martial Arts Platform without arrogance or humility, and bowed to those above including the Sect Leader and Peak Masters:

“Disciple Zhou Chen, pays respect to Sect Leader, Peak Masters.”

Qing Yuyao sat in the Sect Leader’s throne on the high platform, her cold, captivating deep eyes focusing on Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen appeared to have only ordinary ninth-layer Body Refining cultivation, but with her discerning eyes, she recognized Zhou Chen as quite extraordinary.

This demeanor and bearing are anything but ordinary.

Zhou Chen achieved the Thirty-Six Body Refining Transformations, mastering thirty-seven martial arts including the Heaven-Supporting Sword, and tempered his body thirty-seven times, even cultivating the Heaven-Deceiving Divine Techniques, yet still conveyed a sense of uniqueness.

Like gold, it always shines.

Being overly exceptional is a burden indeed!

Especially since Zhou Chen is indulged in pleasure, unable to extricate himself, but doesn’t show the slightest appearance of being emptied out.

She sensed terrifying power hidden beneath Zhou Chen’s fair, jade-like skin.

However, she didn’t delve into it; everyone has their secrets.

She raised her hand gently, saying casually:

“No need for formalities!”

“Thank you, Sect Leader.”

Zhou Chen straightened up, standing casually, face as fine as jade, showing no hint of weakness even facing the Cyan Cloud Sect and many strong guests.

“You’ve joined for a year, and according to the Cyan Cloud Sect rules, you will face challenges from disciples of the same level, which serves to urge you and motivate other disciples.”

Qing Yuyao’s voice was calm and serene, yet resonated clearly to everyone.

Zhou Chen bowed:

“Disciple understands!”

“You may proceed!”

“Yes!”

Zhou Chen turned, tiptoed lightly, landing gracefully on the Martial Arts Platform.

In an instant.

The inner sect disciples who qualified to challenge Zhou Chen all had fiery gazes.

The heroes on the VIP seats showed interest.

The Peak Masters and Elders of the Cyan Cloud Sect watching the stage were curious to see if Zhou Chen could withstand this wave.

“Among the ninth-layer Body Refining disciples, Cao Gang received Brother Song’s true inheritance and has mastered the Celestial Saber Two Techniques; his strength is not weak!”

Black Dragon Peak’s Peak Master Li Shentong looked at Li Changfeng beside him, smiling: “Brother Li, do you think your prized disciple can protect his true inheritance position?”

“Nonsense!”

Li Changfeng glanced sidelong at Li Shentong,

“Zhou Chen will definitely have no problem!”

Lose the person, not the spirit.

No matter if Zhou Chen can win, the momentum is definitely not to be lost.

“Brother Li is confident, shall we place a bet?”

Li Shentong assessed Zhou Chen, although he seemed impressive, just half a year ago he had only ascended to the ninth-layer Body Refining thanks to fortune and treasures from the Secret Realm.

Even after half a year of diligent practice, given decent talent, he might not defeat Cao Gang.

Furthermore, Zhou Chen has wasted most of these six months on women.

If he could defeat Cao Gang, it would be astonishing.

“Bet it is, one Tier Four Divine Weapon!”

Li Changfeng wasn’t sure if Zhou Chen could win, but at this moment backing down was not an option.

“Deal!”

Li Shentong nodded with a smile.

At this moment.

On the stage, Cao Gang impatiently jumped up, standing before Zhou Chen, bowing in greeting:

“Celestial Blade Peak Cao Gang, requests guidance from Senior Brother Zhou!”

Zhou Chen sized up Cao Gang, dressed in black, wielding a saber very similar to Brocade Spring Saber, with a solemn demeanor, sharp and fierce.

“Junior Brother Cao, please!”

Zhou Chen nodded with a smile.

“Senior Brother Zhou, be careful!”

Cao Gang burst forth with overwhelming saber intent, saber light emerging from the blade, his feet pressed hard, shattering the sturdy greenstone, leaping into the air.

“Celestial Saber Technique!”

Dozens of zhangs of saber energy erupted, slashing vertically towards Zhou Chen, the icy, ruthless saber intent of the Celestial Blade permeating the entire space, even the strong guests on the VIP seats sighed in admiration.

Cyan Cloud Sect disciples are easily elite enough to overpower opponents beyond their level.

Zhou Chen didn’t draw his sword, seemingly frozen by the saber intent, motionless.

Slash!

Zhou Chen was split into halves, a two-foot-deep, ten-zhang long blade mark appeared on the ground.

“It’s a shadow!”

Cao Gang was shocked, not expecting Zhou Chen to be so fast.

Without any reservation.

He used the latest move he had just mastered.

“Celestial Saber Second Technique!”

Cao Gang’s saber traced a heavy arc, once again slashing towards Zhou Chen who dodged to the side.

Zhou Chen reached out, snatching Cao Gang’s saber, while Cao Gang hadn’t reacted, poised as if about to strike down with it.

Whoosh!

Cao Gang landed, stared at his empty hands, realizing he had swung and missed, face flushing red:

“Where’s my saber?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep