Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 95

Chapter 95: Unstoppable

A sixth-tier beast possesses strength comparable to the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. It has heightened senses, a formidable physique, and is not to be underestimated.

A coarse snort escaped its nostrils, signaling that it had detected the presence of intruders. It immediately awoke, crouching slightly with its limbs, arching its body, and letting out a high-pitched roar. The sound served as a warning to the outsider trespassing on its territory.

Awoken from its slumber, the beast was particularly enraged. The roar carried a hidden surge of spiritual pressure. If one wasn’t vigilant, they could suffer ringing ears, dizziness, and weakened limbs.

The sound reverberated across the area, alarming both humans and beasts within a one-mile radius. Jiang Hanzheng, too, heard it and swiftly arrived at the scene.

Even when faced with such a colossal opponent, he remained unfazed, exuding composure. His usual faint smile played on his lips, showing no trace of fear or anxiety—instead, there was a subtle eagerness to fight to his heart’s content.

Jiang Hanzheng had once fought alongside his master on Qingqu Mountain against a peculiar beast resembling a Qiongqi and possessing a Bodhi Seed. Its roars shook the heavens, its steps could quake the earth, and it was keenly perceptive, impervious to blades or spears. Compared to that, no matter how fearsome this sixth-tier beast was, it paled in comparison.

During that encounter, the beast overwhelmed them, leaving his master nearly defenseless. Even now, Jiang Hanzheng couldn’t forget the shame and helplessness brought by his weakness. The memory had lingered like a shadow, but this time, he refused to falter.

As Jiang Hanzheng faced the beast, Liu Yihan’s expression shifted. His eyes sparkled with renewed battle intent as he exclaimed, “You’ve finally shown up.”

However, Jiang Hanzheng’s attention was solely on the beast. Engaged in the competition, he had no time for personal grievances and merely responded coldly to the provocation, “I have no intention of fighting you.”

Time in the competition was limited, and the goal was to hunt beasts, not engage in private duels. Such conflicts would only disadvantage them both.

Neither man was impulsive. After exchanging a brief glance, they both shifted their focus to the beast. It became clear they shared an unspoken agreement: this beast would be their contested target.

In an instant, Jiang Hanzheng seized the initiative and engaged the beast directly.

Liu Yihan was taken aback by the powerful spiritual energy emanating from Jiang Hanzheng. His expression turned thoughtful, his gaze peculiar, but he refused to lag behind and quickly raised his sword to join the fray.

When it came to swordsmanship, Liu Yihan was already struggling to match the current Jiang Hanzheng.

The Kunwu Sword in Liu Yihan’s hand was a peerless treasure, granting him significant advantage. However, Jiang Hanzheng’s mastery of swordsmanship had advanced for multiple reasons.

The dazzling sword in Jiang Hanzheng’s grip naturally drew attention. He had overheard some informed discussions about it, learning more about the weapon’s origins.

As it turned out, the Kunwu Sword was something their master had painstakingly acquired for Senior Brother Kong Huai. It was originally meant to be a coming-of-age gift but, for some reason, was never given to him. Instead, it had been left unused until Jiang Hanzheng inherited it.

Holding the blade brought Jiang Hanzheng mixed emotions of joy and apprehension. Ultimately, he resolved to hone his swordsmanship to unparalleled levels, ensuring he was worthy of wielding it.

His strikes were swift and fierce, dazzling to the eye. His wrist moved continuously, twisting and flicking in precise motions, synchronized with the relentless flow of spiritual energy from within. Points of cold light flickered in the air, and bursts of spiritual energy erupted. The colossal beast let out repeated cries of pain as Jiang Hanzheng toyed with it effortlessly.

Such ferocious swordsmanship contrasted starkly with his usual gentle demeanor. Even Liu Yihan had to concede that Jiang Hanzheng’s progress was astonishing. Usually unassuming and elusive, he had surpassed expectations without anyone noticing.

Liu Yihan had never felt this kind of pressure from a junior before. Fighting alongside Jiang Hanzheng made him feel outpaced and overwhelmed, let alone competing for the beast. This only fueled his unwillingness to accept defeat.

In a fleeting moment of distraction, Jiang Hanzheng seized the opportunity to end the fight.

He took a deep breath, gathered energy at his dantian, and unleashed a torrent of spiritual energy from his core. A diagram of the Five Elements materialized in mid-air, and an overwhelming surge of energy engulfed the beast. Drenched in the spiritual torrent, it howled and roared until it finally collapsed.

As the beast drew its last breath, Jiang Hanzheng swiftly brought his fingers together and traced a mark in the air. The mark descended onto the beast, claiming it as his kill.

Landing lightly on the ground, Jiang Hanzheng casually brushed off his robes, his demeanor relaxed. He offered Liu Yihan a polite bow. “Apologies, but this beast is now mine.”

Though his tone carried a hint of courtesy, his eyes remained cool and distant. His expression retained its usual composure, yet the sharpness in his gaze was unmistakable—no longer the gentle and harmless appearance from before, but confident and bold.

To Liu Yihan, those seemingly polite words felt like mocking ridicule.

Shaking his head, he shouted, “Impossible!”

It wasn’t just the sting of losing to Jiang Hanzheng that frustrated him; it was also his deep skepticism of Jiang Hanzheng’s abilities.

Having clashed with Jiang Hanzheng before, Liu Yihan thought he understood the other’s capabilities. But Jiang Hanzheng’s performance today was beyond astonishing. Battling a sixth-tier beast with ease and wielding spiritual energy far surpassing his current stage’s limit—this was unimaginable. Unless Jiang Hanzheng had advanced two minor stages in mere days, which seemed implausible.

Liu Yihan’s expression grew grave as he questioned, “What dark arts did you use? Rapid advancements in cultivation are never a good sign.”

Jiang Hanzheng’s growth was so extraordinary that it rivaled that of demonic cultivators. Liu Yihan refused to believe it could be achieved without some form of dark method.

Jiang Hanzheng frowned slightly. His expression faltered momentarily but quickly returned to calm. He reassured himself that he had merely unlocked power that was rightfully his. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary.

Moreover, he had already reforged the seal on his inner core. As long as their master didn’t inspect it too closely, nothing would be discovered.

As for irrelevant outsiders, Jiang Hanzheng saw no need to waste words on them. He replied distantly, “Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother.”

In the past, Jiang Hanzheng might have entertained Liu Yihan with pleasantries. But today, his attitude was different—aloof and assertive. This only made Liu Yihan feel angrier and more envious. Frustrated, he lashed out with insults.

Jiang Hanzheng was no longer the new disciple who could be easily bullied. Hearing such disrespect again, his temper flared. His expression turned cold, and sparks flew as the two stood off. If things continued, a fierce fight seemed inevitable.

Watching the proceedings from outside the Black Mountain, He Lang quickly noticed the tension. Realizing it was once again these two at odds, he grew irritated. To prevent a brawl that could disrupt the competition, he used a sound transmission talisman to communicate with them directly.

“Liu Yihan.”

Both men’s expressions changed upon hearing He Lang’s voice.

Liu Yihan’s body stiffened when he heard his name. Recognizing the cold voice, his breathing grew erratic.

Seeing Liu Yihan’s reaction to their master’s voice, Jiang Hanzheng pursed his lips. His expression darkened slightly as an inexplicable feeling of discomfort arose in his chest. He couldn’t explain why, but he wished their master’s attention belonged solely to him.

“Unrivaled Master? You… you…” Liu Yihan stammered, unsure of what to say.

He Lang, gazing into the spirit mirror, spoke again. “During the competition, don’t let personal grievances lead to infighting—especially when Zheng’er has never wronged you. Why must you persist in harassing him?”

The favoritism in He Lang’s words was unmistakable. Liu Yihan felt bitter, tilting his head back to gaze at the gray sky. He asked bitterly, “Why? He’s merely a waste spirit root, so why does he receive your favor? I’ve pursued you for so many years, yet you refuse to give me a chance. Why?! What makes him so special?!”

He Lang shook his head at Liu Yihan’s questioning. “Why? Zheng’er’s current achievements are not merely the result of my guidance. If you had seen the hundreds of scars on his body from training or the calluses on his hands, you’d understand. I chose him not because of his spirit root but because of who he is.”

Persistence, resilience, optimism, a tinge of insecurity, and unmatched determination—these were what defined his disciple.

Indeed, He Lang had given Zheng’er much help, enabling him to change his fate. But if Zheng’er had been lazy or stubborn, he wouldn’t have achieved the potential others now envied.

He Lang didn’t want others to discredit Jiang Hanzheng’s efforts or attribute his success solely to his master’s support.