My Martial Arts Level Never Drops

Chapter 323: Chapter 163: True Essence

Although the Profound Nether Realm-Breaking Awl had granted him an Epiphany, its contents were entirely about breaking through the Divine Gate.

There was nothing at all about the True Essence cultivation that came after.

...His knowledge of the Extraordinary realm was a complete blank. Even if he wanted to invent a cultivation method, he wouldn’t know where to begin.

He could only be patient for now. Everything would have to wait until after the Martial Arts Examination...

「In the blink of an eye, more than ten days passed.」

During this time, the Post House grew increasingly lively.

The number of people arriving for the Martial Arts Examination was clearly on the rise.

The B and C Courtyards gradually filled to capacity.

These people came from the various counties of Canglan Prefecture, and there were even quite a few from other prefectures.

Among them, more and more Huajin experts appeared.

Each one possessed impressive combat strength.

But Qin Fang remained as cool as a cucumber... He had already advanced to the True Essence Realm. ’Of the twelve available spots, one will definitely be mine!’

...’If I hadn’t broken through the Divine Gate, I might not have been so sure.’

’But now that I’ve broken through the Divine Gate, I have absolute confidence!’

This confidence didn’t just stem from the immense power that came with the True Essence Realm.

It also stemmed from the fact that... Breaking Realm was simply too difficult!

Although he had seemingly broken through with ease on his first attempt, he had felt the immense difficulty firsthand during the process.

Even after condensing the Profound Nether Realm-Breaking Awl, and with his foundation of Qi Blood being so vigorous, his Qi Blood was still violently shaken during the breakthrough process!

If his foundation hadn’t been so incredibly solid, and his Spiritual Power as tough as iron... he very well might have failed!

And for anyone else... a single failure during the process would likely result in instant, severe injury!

The rebound force from the Divine Gate was absolutely real; even with his Physique, he felt his Qi Blood had nearly been dispersed by the shock.

For anyone else, failure would mean instantaneous, grievous wounds.

Their very foundation would be damaged...

For instance, after Chen Shanhe’s single attempt, he was constantly coughing up blood...

Furthermore, Qin Fang suspected that Chen Shanhe’s ability to recover so quickly was likely due to the essence blood Xu Ran had gained from eating the Treasure Fish...

Given how difficult it was to break through the Divine Gate, how could the Heavenly Gang Wuji Sect possibly pass up a ”seed” like Qin Fang, who had already succeeded at such a young age?

...After all, aside from his Identity, there were no other blemishes on Qin Fang’s record.

And in a place like a Sect, one’s Identity wasn’t really a problem.

...If he weren’t so determined to avoid getting entangled in the troubles of True Martial County and the Blood Luo Sect, Qin Fang could probably reveal his true origins right now without any issue.

’Still, regarding my relationship with Senior Sister... I should keep it hidden as much as possible.’

After all, he had no idea what her current situation was.

Though Qin Fang had temporarily set aside thoughts of his master and senior brothers’ whereabouts, that didn’t mean he had forgotten them!

...His master’s kindness toward him was as weighty as a mountain. No matter what, he had to find out what had happened to him!

He was simply waiting.

’Once I enter the Heavenly Gang Wuji Sect and meet with Senior Sister, I can investigate this problem further.’

In this relaxed state of mind, Qin Fang spent his days adapting to his new strength and occasionally going out for a stroll. Sometimes, he would go with Qian Ruhai to sit and chat at Tingyu Pavilion.

Life couldn’t have been more leisurely.

Qian Ruhai, however, seemed even more relaxed than he was. After asking, Qin Fang learned that Qian Ruhai had no intention of participating in the Martial Arts Examination at all.

”I’m here to meet talented individuals from all over. I’m well aware that with my level of strength, getting into the Inner Sect is probably a long shot,” Qian Ruhai said with a smile.

He was a Steward for the Wan Tong Commerce Association and came to the Post House every year specifically to befriend the talented prospects of each new batch.

This year, for instance... hadn’t he met Qin Fang?

Qin Fang chuckled.

He was more than happy to befriend Qian Ruhai as well.

After all... his knowledge of Lanyang City was nowhere near Qian Ruhai’s.

In fact, Qin Fang had gotten a great deal of information from Qian Ruhai during this period.

For example...

The Blood Luo Sect!

Qian Ruhai had been taken aback for a moment when he heard the name, but he answered Qin Fang nonetheless.

His expression, however, turned somewhat serious.

”The Blood Luo Sect is one of the three most notorious heretical sects in the Great Yu Dynasty. Their influence spans the entire dynasty, and they are terrifying. They have countless experts and have committed many atrocities that have angered both gods and men!”

His expression grew grim as he spoke of the worst thing the Blood Luo Sect had ever done...

The Blood Luo Sect had, by its own power, once annihilated an entire commandery!

Millions of people died in that catastrophe!

The words shook Qin Fang to his core.

...’So, what happened in True Martial County... was actually nothing in comparison?’

”It’s said that a supreme Great Power from the Great Yu Dynasty eventually intervened to quell the disaster. But that commandery became a forbidden zone... To this day, countless strange phenomena occur there. Several Sects in the vicinity of Great Yu have people stationed there year-round to stand guard...”

These words immediately made Qin Fang think of Yue Zhenyuan!

...’Could he be one of those supreme Great Powers?’

Following Qian Ruhai’s line of conversation, Qin Fang took the opportunity to ask if he had recently heard anything about the Blood Luo Sect’s activities.

Qian Ruhai frowned. ”The Blood Luo Sect’s presence is actually reported quite often, but they rarely dare to enter Prefecture Cities. They mostly operate in the counties... Their movements are secretive. Sects will dispatch people to eradicate them the moment they’re discovered, but they are incredibly difficult to wipe out completely.”

Qin Fang was alarmed. ’So, for the Sects, the appearance of these heretical organizations isn’t a rare event? It actually happens frequently?’

He pressed further, asking Qian Ruhai if he had heard any news of the Blood Luo Sect committing any major acts in Canglan Prefecture recently.

Qian Ruhai shook his head, saying he hadn’t heard of anything.

He then asked Qin Fang why he was so interested in the Blood Luo Sect.

Qin Fang, of course, wouldn’t tell him the truth, simply claiming curiosity and brushing the question aside...

”The Blood Luo Sect is no easy opponent. An organization like that is difficult for even a single, major sect to stand against. They are an enemy of the entire Great Yu Dynasty... For small-timers like us, the best we can do is give them a wide berth.”

”But you don’t need to worry here in Lanyang City. The Heavenly Gang Wuji Sect is the preeminent sect across several prefectures. Even the Blood Luo Sect wouldn’t dare provoke them lightly.”

Those were Qian Ruhai’s final words to Qin Fang on the subject of the Blood Luo Sect.

...Still, Qin Fang suspected the disappearance of his master and senior brothers might be connected to the Blood Luo Sect...

And so, time quietly slipped by.

Before he knew it...

The day of the Martial Arts Examination...

had arrived!

On this day, a majestic voice suddenly boomed throughout the Post House.

”All candidates for the Martial Arts Examination, assemble at the Martial Arts Training Ground.”