I Grind to Martial Saint

Hearing Hong Pengtian’s decision, the others felt their hearts settle.

Even the most cautious Kong Wenbin fell silent.

”This time, I’d like to see just how Han Yuan plans to die!”

Hong Pengtian sneered to himself.

....

After news spread that Han Yuan was coming to Jianghe Province City to settle his grudge with the Spirit Sun Sect, countless figures from Jianghe Province’s Martial World flocked to the city, unwilling to miss the grand occasion.

In taverns, teahouses, gambling dens, and brothels... wherever people gathered, this was the topic of discussion.

However, most people didn’t think much of Han Yuan’s chances, merely marveling at his courage.

No matter how overflowing with talent Han Yuan was, even if his strength had broken through to the Innate Grandmaster Realm, he still seemed far too insignificant before a behemoth like the Spirit Sun Sect.

Some even suspected Han Yuan wouldn’t show up at all—that it was all a bluff, just a way to toy with the Spirit Sun Sect.

Regardless, everyone was waiting for that day, half a month away.

....

Time flew by like water, and in the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.

The weather on this day was not good.

The sky was overcast, and fat drops of rain fell incessantly.

Yet outside Jianghe Province City, it was exceptionally bustling.

The fields outside the city walls, in particular, were teeming with a surging crowd.

The local Noble Families, powerful clans, and various factions had all gathered here.

And that’s not to mention the Martial World Wanderers, who loved nothing more than a good spectacle.

Wherever there was a spectacle, you were sure to find them.

”I’ve heard so much about this Han Yuan. I wonder what he looks like in person.”

A suave young master, holding a paper fan and bearing himself with an air of elegance, smiled as he spoke.

Behind him, a trusted subordinate held an umbrella to shield him from the rain.

Farther behind them was a large group of burly Guards.

This young master’s status was considerable. He was Chen Xinli, the eldest young master of the Chen Family of Jianghe Province City.

The Chen Family was originally a major Noble Family in Jianghe Province City. When the Spirit Sun Sect later took control of the city, the Chen Family was the quickest to pledge its allegiance.

Now, they were the most powerful Noble Family in Jianghe Province City.

”Young Master, it’s not even certain if that Han Yuan will have the guts to show up,” the trusted subordinate holding Chen Xinli’s umbrella said with a laugh.

”True... Daring to challenge the Spirit Sun Sect all by himself—such an act is indeed a bit insane.”

Chen Xinli nodded.

Back when Han Yuan was still the Director of the Cangshui Celestial Observation Bureau, the Spirit Sun Sect hadn’t given him a second thought.

’Now Han Yuan is all alone, with no backing whatsoever. What gives him the right to challenge the Spirit Sun Sect?’

Deep down, however, Chen Xinli hoped Han Yuan would appear.

Because he wanted to see Han Yuan die in Jianghe Province City.

Among the younger generation of Jianghe Province, he had always stolen the most limelight. His Cultivation was also the highest, having reached the Peak of True Qi Realm at a young age.

But all of that paled in comparison to Han Yuan.

Everyone in Jianghe Province regarded Han Yuan as the strongest of the younger generation.

Only with Han Yuan dead could Chen Xinli take his place.

”It’s almost noon... If Han Yuan doesn’t come soon, I’m afraid he’s not coming at all.”

The trusted subordinate estimated the time and said quietly.

Just then, an uproar erupted from the crowd ahead.

”He’s here!”

”He’s here!”

”Han Yuan really came!”

A clamor rose from the front.

Chen Xinli hurriedly looked over.

Through the heavy rain, a figure could be seen approaching slowly, holding an umbrella.

The figure was tall and imposing, carrying a great saber on his back. A plump Orange Cat was perched on his shoulder.

Many people recognized the figure at first glance.

It was none other than the former Director of the Cangshui Celestial Observation Bureau, Han Yuan!

He treated the onlookers as if they were air, walking step by step toward Jianghe Province City.

At that moment, several figures with powerful auras stood atop the walls of Jianghe Province City.

They were Hong Pengtian, Kong Wenbin, Xu Hong, and others from the sect.

Their gazes were locked on the approaching, umbrella-wielding figure.

”That guy... he really came.”

”Perfect. Today, we can finally avenge Liang Tian and Elder Yang.”

Hong Pengtian’s eyes were fixed on the slowly approaching Han Yuan as he spoke in a cold voice.

”Sect Leader... let me go and test him first. You can provide support from the rear.”

Kong Wenbin said in a low voice.

Now that Han Yuan’s Cultivation had reached the Innate Grandmaster Realm, he could no longer be dealt with through sheer numbers.

Sending any number of disciples to fight him would be useless.

”Very well. I’ll leave it to you, Vice Sect Leader Kong.”

Hong Pengtian nodded.

’It was best for Kong Wenbin to make the first move.’

’Even if Kong Wenbin wasn’t Han Yuan’s match, Hong Pengtian could use the opportunity to gauge Han Yuan’s true strength.’

”Then I’m off!”

Kong Wenbin nodded, then leaped from the top of the city wall.

The destructive power of a battle between Innate Martial Artists was too great.

If they were to fight inside the city, the number of casualties would be unimaginable.

Therefore, fighting in the open fields outside the city was the best option.

Even Han Yuan himself thought so.

So, after sensing Kong Wenbin’s aura, he stopped walking and stood his ground.

At this, the nearby onlookers quickly retreated into the distance.

The aftershocks from a battle between Innate Experts were terrifying. If they didn’t keep their distance, they would very likely lose their lives.

Soon, a large clearing was formed.

In the heavy rain, two figures stood in a standoff, ten meters apart.

”Han Yuan... I am Kong Wenbin, Vice Sect Leader of the Spirit Sun Sect.”

”This should be our first time meeting, I believe.”

Kong Wenbin didn’t attack immediately. Instead, he greeted Han Yuan.

”It is indeed the first time.”

”And it will also be the last.”

Han Yuan grinned.

Hearing this, Kong Wenbin didn’t get angry. He simply smiled. ”Is that so... It seems you have already foreseen your own demise.”

Han Yuan shook his head. ”Today is not the day I die... but the day you die.”

”The grudge between myself and your Spirit Sun Sect will be settled today.”

Kong Wenbin nodded lightly. ”Then let it be settled today!”

SHIING!

The next moment.

He drew a crimson longsword and, like a Long Rainbow Piercing the Sun, it tore through the wind and rain, thrusting toward Han Yuan at incredible speed!

’That sword is fast!’

Han Yuan was prepared. He tossed aside his umbrella, drew the Dragon Sparrow Cloud-Splitting Saber from his back, and unleashed a ferocious slash!

CLANG!!!

The moment the blades collided, Kong Wenbin felt a violent, ferocious wave of Innate True Qi slam into him.

In his mind, he had already treated Han Yuan as a terrifying opponent.

But he never imagined his opponent’s Innate True Qi could be this overwhelming!

He was forced back several steps.

Han Yuan seized the opportunity. With a flash, he was upon him, the light of his saber sweeping toward Kong Wenbin like a black tide!

”A fine attack!”

Kong Wenbin roared, once again activating the Innate True Qi in his body. A crimson glow flared around him as he swung his sword to meet Han Yuan’s attack.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!!!

Han Yuan and Kong Wenbin were locked in a fierce battle in the clearing.

Blade and sword clashed relentlessly.

The sword light was as brilliant as fire; the saber’s light was deep and terrifying.

The spectacle dazzled the onlookers.

”So this is a duel between Innate Grandmasters! Truly incredible!”

”This has really been an eye-opener for me!”

”Indeed. If it were me up there, I doubt I’d survive a single strike.”

Many of the Martial World Wanderers exclaimed in awe.

Innate Grandmasters had indeed reached the Extraordinary Realm.

In terms of strength, explosive power, and Innate True Qi, they were far superior to Gang Essence Martial Artists.

Far in the distance, a flicker of jealousy flashed in Chen Xinli’s eyes.

’How is this Han Yuan so strong?!’

’Damn it!’

From a young age, Chen Xinli had displayed exceptional talent. Moreover, having been born into a major Noble Family like the Chen Family, he had grown up steeped in all manner of precious medicinal herbs, with famous masters taking turns to instruct him.

It could be said that Chen Xinli had never lost to anyone his age.

But after witnessing the clash between Han Yuan and Kong Wenbin, he knew just how thoroughly he had lost.

The man was truly, terrifyingly strong.

But then he remembered that Han Yuan was sure to die here today, and Chen Xinli felt a sense of relief.

BOOM!

After dozens of slashes, Han Yuan’s power grew increasingly ferocious.

With a furious roar, he gripped the Dragon Sparrow Cloud-Splitting Saber with both hands and unleashed a deep, heavy slash!

Its terrifying power instantly tore the air asunder.

Sensing the power of this strike, Kong Wenbin’s expression changed. He chose not to block it head-on, instead flashing aside to dodge!

PFFT!

The Dragon Sparrow Cloud-Splitting Saber cleaved through empty air.

Yet the trailing Sword Qi carved a deep gash over ten meters long into the ground.