Martial Cultivator

As Chen Chao expected, the snowman Liang Jinjin controlled was shattered by a demon cultivator with a single punch shortly after entering the battlefield, turning back into a pile of snow. The cultivators who had been trapped briefly saw a glimmer of hope, but after witnessing this, they instantly fell into despair again.

In this world, perhaps the most painful thing was this. One could endure the darkness if they had never seen the light.

Among the surrounded cultivators, a man who seemed to be the leader, perhaps noticing Liang Jinjin’s low cultivation realm and the significant distance between them, did not want to drag her down. He immediately shouted, “Fellow Daoist, don’t worry about us! Flee quickly, saving your life is most important!”

But at this moment, Liang Jinjin was entirely focused on the snowman and did not hear him. After the snowman shattered, she immediately summoned several more in a desperate attempt. However, these new snowmen were only half a person tall, and they were soon smashed to pieces by a large demon cultivator who sneered as he destroyed them with a single punch each.

Liang Jinjin stumbled back a few steps and then fell to the ground, sitting in the wind and snow.

The big and tall demon cultivator sneered, likely thinking that this human woman had lost her mind. However, he had no intention of showing mercy. His large hand reached out, aiming directly at Liang Jinjin. If nothing unexpected happened, this punch would be enough to kill her.

Seeing this, the group of humans felt a pang of guilt. If not for trying to help them, this unknown woman would not have met her end here.

But in the next moment, they were all stunned. For some reason, they saw the tall demon cultivator’s head suddenly explode, and then he fell heavily to the ground, lifeless in the snow.

Unbeknownst to them, a young man in white had already appeared in front of the woman.

It was clear that the tall demon cultivator had died by his hands.

After that, the young man simply sighed and beckoned at the remaining demon cultivators, as if inviting them to come at him.

The demon cultivators exchanged glances and, without any hesitation, abandoned their attack on the surrounded cultivators and charged at Chen Chao together.

After that, everyone could only see the young man, who had a saber hanging by his side but did not draw it, facing the demon cultivators barehanded. Just as the few who had escaped the predicament caught their breath and were about to join the fight, they saw one of the demon cultivators get sent flying with a single punch, landing heavily and dying instantly.

This scene made one of the women widen her eyes, her mouth slightly agape, her face filled with disbelief.

This sight even dispelled any thoughts they had of joining the battle.

Shock!

Other than shock, there was still only shock!

As they stood there stunned, the demon cultivators were all pummeled to death by Chen Chao.

After finishing them off, Chen Chao turned back and helplessly glanced at Liang Jinjin, who was still sitting on the ground. Originally, he had a better plan in mind. It could not only save these cultivators, but also better conceal his identity. However, with Liang Jinjin’s impulsive action, the plan could not keep up with the changes, so he could only do this.

Fortunately, Chen Chao had heard their warning earlier and did not regret his actions.

After all, it was not easy to come across cultivators like them these days.

The few who had just snapped out of their daze quickly ran over. The man in the lead promptly cupped his hands and said, ”I’m Liu Yuquan from Jade Summit Mountain. Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for your assistance. I’ll never forget your life-saving grace!”

As Liu Yuquan spoke, the others behind him also introduced themselves.

”Chen Sanshui from Jade Summit Mountain. Thank you, Fellow Daoist. Your kindness will never be forgotten.”

”Guo Jianjia from Jade Summit Mountain. Thank you, Fellow Daoist. I’ll remember your great kindness. If I have the chance, I’ll surely repay it!”

”Shen Zhuo from Jade Summit Mountain...”

They were all disciples of Jade Summit Mountain, and they each expressed their gratitude. When Liang Jinjin approached, they repeated what they had just said without showing any bias, despite Liang Jinjin’s limited contribution.

Liang Jinjin, feeling a bit shy, spoke up, ”I’m Liang Jinjin from Songxi Mountain. I didn’t really do much; it was mainly Chen...”

She was about to say that it was thanks to Chen Chao, but suddenly remembered his identity, causing her to feel awkward.

Although Chen Chao felt a bit helpless, he was already accustomed to it. He sighed, thinking that this silly girl had not only revealed her own identity but almost dragged him into it as well. However, at this point, it seemed like they could not brush it off.

Earlier, Liu Yuquan and the others had been very considerate; they introduced themselves as a sign of respect and gratitude towards Chen Chao but refrained from asking about his name or background. This showed that they were quite experienced in worldly affairs, whereas Liang Jinjin appeared much more naive. She clearly knew that keeping his identity a secret would save them a lot of trouble, yet she still spoke up.

Now, Chen Chao found himself in a dilemma. If these people had not been from Jade Summit Mountain, he could have simply said he was from there. But as fate would have it, they were indeed Jade Summit Mountain disciples, leaving Chen Chao at a loss for what to say.

Seeing that everyone was looking at him, Chen Chao could only cup his fists and say, ”I’m Chen Fuyao from Windspirit Mountain. Greetings, Fellow Daoists. It was just a small effort, there’s no need to thank me.”

”Windspirit Mountain? Could it be the Windspirit Mountain in White Deer Prefecture?” ”To be honest, I once had the honor of meeting Senior Chen Wannian from there. Brother Chen, you also bear the surname Chen, could it be that you...”

Chen Chao had just casually made up a sect, not expecting Shen Zhuo to look at him with such excitement, leaving Chen Chao somewhat bewildered.

There was really such a sect?!

Chen Chao coughed lightly and did not nod his head.

However, Shen Zhuo nodded to himself, saying, ”That must be it. With Brother Chen’s cultivation level, if not... Ahem, I’ve spoken too much.”

Chen Chao remained silent, realizing that this misunderstanding was growing bigger and bigger.

Chen Chao smiled bitterly and said, ”I’m just a martial artist.”

Originally, he only wanted to subtly deny the relationship. But once he said those words, the others immediately nodded, their expressions growing more convinced.

Chen Chao forced a smile. What was going on?

He had no idea that the Chen Wannen mentioned by Shen Zhuo was none other than a Nepenthe martial artist.

This person started as a mere servant, but after revealing his martial arts talent, he became a martial artist. Initially, no one expected him to achieve much and he faced many disdainful looks. However, this person not only had exceptional martial arts talent but also a strong will. He steadily rose through the ranks and eventually reached Nepenthe, becoming the deputy mountain lord of Windspirit Mountain. Among martial artists in the foreign lands, he firmly ranked in the top three, and most people dared not underestimate him.

In their view, Chen Chao who came from Windspirit Mountain and being such a high-level martial artist, and also sharing the surname Chen, was naturally assumed to be the descendant of that Chen Wannen.

If Chen Chao knew the truth, he would not know whether to laugh or cry.

He had inexplicably gained another father.

Chen Chao sighed, unsure of what to do, but decided not to think too much about it. Fortunately, the people in front of him were kind-hearted and had no special views about his identity as a martial artist.

“Brother Chen, it’s not suitable to stay here for long. Let’s leave first and then enjoy a drink together, how about that?”

Being an experienced individual, Liu Yuquan quickly suggested moving away from this place, a suggestion that received unanimous agreement from everyone. However, when they looked at Liang Jinjin, the female qi refiner had already begun to clean up their traces.

“Brother Chen, what is Fellow Daoist Liang doing?”

Liu Yuquan asked, somewhat puzzled.

Chen Chao clutched his forehead and sighed deeply.

……

……

The group soon left and found a cave to rest in by dusk.

A pile of bonfire was lit, and a few people sat around it. Liu Yuquan expressed his gratitude again, saying, ”I truly thank Brother Chen and Fellow Daoist Liang. If it weren’t for Brother Chen, we might have all become prey for the demons. Such great kindness cannot be repaid with words. If ever you need anything from this Liu, I’ll go through hellfire and water, and I won’t refuse even if it means death!”

The other cultivators from Jade Summit Mountain also nodded and repeated similar words.

Chen Chao smiled and waved his hand, saying, ”We are all fellow daoists, it’s only natural. If we must mention it, I’ve once had a brief encounter with Fellow Daoist Lin Xian from your Jade Summit Mountain.”

Among the group, the only woman, Guo Jianjia, said with a smile, ”Senior Brother Lin Xian is famous for his extensive network of friends. I didn’t expect to meet one of Senior Brother Lin’s acquaintances here.”

Chen Chao shook his head and said, ”Not really friends, just a brief acquaintance.”

Afterwards, the group chatted casually, and the atmosphere was very pleasant. Their relationship quickly became much closer. They even asked why Liang Jinjin who came from Pinecreek Mountain would be traveling together with Chen Chao. After Liang Jinjin glanced at Chen Chao and saw that he had no intention of speaking, she softly said, ”Previously, when we were surrounded and attacked by demons, it was Fellow Daoist Chen who came to my aid.”

Shen Zhuo slapped his thigh and said, ”Indeed, it turns out that Brother Chen has always been such a warm-hearted and kind person. This makes complete sense!”

It was clear that Shen Zhuo was now thoroughly impressed by Chen Chao.

Chen Chao coughed dryly, his face reddening.

Guo Jianjia looked at Chen Chao and asked softly, ”Since Fellow Daoist Chen is so exceptional, why haven’t I heard of your name before? By right, a young talent like Fellow Daoist Chen should be no less impressive than that young martial artist from the Great Liang Dynasty.”

Chen Chao smiled bitterly and said, ”I have been cultivating on the mountain for a long time and rarely come out. This time, I simply wanted to see the Northern Frontier’s scenery, so I made this trip. As for the young martial artist from Great Liang you mentioned, I’ve heard of him as well. How can I compare myself with him?”

Liu Yuquan laughed and said, ”Although that Chen Chao has quite a reputation, in my view, Brother Chen can definitely stand shoulder to shoulder with him. Just as he likes to wear black clothes, you wear white. Perhaps the two of you could be known as the ’Two Chens of the North and South.’ Among the young martial artists in the world, you two are the top contenders.”

Shen Zhuo and the others also agreed.

Chen Chao asked curiously, ”From what I hear from fellow daoists, it seems that you don’t have much animosity towards that Chen Chao? But I’ve heard that his reputation in the foreign lands isn’t good, and many people dislike him.”

Since he had a fake identity, Chen Chao decided to take the opportunity to inquire further.

However, Liang Jinjin, who had mostly remained silent, found this scene a bit strange. Her expression was peculiar as she looked at Chen Chao several times.

”Forgive me for speaking frankly, but most of Chen Chao’s poor reputation is spread by rumors from the foreign lands. Many people are displeased because he won the top spot in the Myriad Willow Convention, so there’s malicious slander against him. In my view, he has done nothing wrong. Every time he has acted, it has been in response to issues caused by us foreign cultivators!”

Chen Sanshui, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke. His words were awkward, but to Chen Chao, they sounded like heavenly music.

If it were not inconvenient to reveal his identity at the moment, Chen Chao would have been very eager to express his gratitude.