Chapter Fourteen: The Fierce One
After the intense practice of the Heavenly Demon Body Refining Technique and being wounded by Tian Ling'er, Zhong Shan spent nearly two hours recovering. By the following day, the lingering effects of the refining technique were completely eradicated.
He carefully processed the mountain lynx he had slain, extracting another inner core—his second, the first being from the silver wolf. Yet, their purpose remained a mystery to him. With prudence, he stored the cores away for future investigation. As for the lynx's meat, Zhong Shan dried it into jerky, savoring its richness. The skin, durable and fire-resistant, was fashioned into shorts—a practical necessity given how his clothes were often destroyed during kiln training.
Life pressed on, a blend of training in blade techniques, the Grand Sun Divine Skill, the Red Luan Sutra, and the Heavenly Demon Body Refining Technique.
Two months later, however, a bottleneck emerged. Though Zhong Shan's mastery of the first level of the Grand Sun Divine Skill had reached its peak, he found himself unable to break through to the second level. The flames of the kiln, even with intensified fuel, no longer challenged him. He needed something fiercer, something hotter to push his limits.
At the entrance of a cave near Flame Mountain of the Kaiyang Sect, Tian Ling'er stood impatiently. Her delicate fingers gripped a crimson silk whip, and her eyes burned with frustration as she glared at the boulder blocking the cave's entrance.
"Boom—"
The cave finally opened.
"You're out, Xiaonanzi!" Tian Ling'er called, her voice sharp with impatience.
"Junior Sister—no, Senior Sister! What are you doing here?" a surprised voice echoed from within. Moments later, Nan Batian emerged, his expression a mix of curiosity and joy.
"I've been waiting for two months. Why so long? Did you break through?" Tian Ling'er asked.
"Yes! The eighth level of the Xiantian stage! Soon, I'll catch up to you. Once I surpass you, you'll be the Junior Sister again!" Nan Batian laughed heartily.
"Hmph! Keep dreaming! I'm about to step into the ninth level. In the third generation of Lingyun Sect disciples, my comprehension and talent are unparalleled!" Tian Ling'er declared confidently.
Nan Batian could only shake his head with a helpless smile.
"Senior Sister, what brings you here today?" he asked.
"Of course, I need your help," Tian Ling'er said, her tone softening momentarily before snapping back with a sharp glare. "Well? Will you help me or not?"
"Of course, who would dare refuse the Young Mistress of Kaiyang Sect?" Nan Batian sighed dramatically.
—
Zhong Shan emerged from the kiln, his brow furrowed in frustration. The kiln was proving inadequate. Sealing it completely would raise the temperature, but that would cut off oxygen and extinguish the fire. His thoughts heavy, he pushed open the kiln door and stepped outside.
"Zhong Shan!" A shout greeted him as he exited. He turned to see Nan Batian standing in his courtyard, clad in black and wielding a massive guandao. At his feet was a circle about a meter in diameter.
"Ninth Senior Brother?" Zhong Shan asked, frowning.
"Attack me with all your strength. I'll use only twenty percent of my power. Push me out of this circle, and you win," Nan Batian declared confidently.
Zhong Shan hesitated but sensed no malice from Nan Batian. Intrigued by the challenge and eager to test his progress, he grabbed his broadsword.
"Very well," Zhong Shan replied firmly.
Without hesitation, he charged forward, leaping high into the air as his blade descended with crushing force.
"Mountain-Cleaving Strike!"
Nan Batian's eyes sharpened as he raised his guandao to meet the blow.
"Boom—"
The collision sent Zhong Shan stumbling back, though Nan Batian stood firmly within his circle. Undeterred, Zhong Shan's blade swung again.
"Annihilating Strike!"
"Good!" Nan Batian roared as his guandao intercepted the attack.
"Boom!"
This time, Zhong Shan was sent flying but stabilized himself mid-air. His eyes locked onto Nan Batian, who remained rooted in the circle. Zhong Shan's determination blazed brighter. If he couldn't push Nan Batian out today, how could he ever hope to face Prince Lietian in the future?
His strikes came faster, fiercer, each one carrying unrelenting resolve. Nan Batian's guandao spun like a shield, deflecting each blow, but the weight behind Zhong Shan's attacks grew heavier.
From a hidden corner, Tian Ling'er observed, her brows furrowed and her lips pursed in tension.
After an hour of grueling combat, Zhong Shan was drenched in sweat. Yet, despite his exhaustion, his eyes burned with undiminished ferocity.
"Too strong," Zhong Shan muttered, gripping his blade tightly.
Nan Batian studied him with growing respect. "This man is no ordinary cultivator. A ferocious will like his—there's only one word for it: a beast."
With a final surge of power, Zhong Shan activated the Heavenly Demon Body Refining Technique. His muscles bulged as he unleashed another Mountain-Cleaving Strike.
"Boom—"
Nan Batian stumbled, his foot sliding out of the circle.
"Hah… hah…" Zhong Shan panted heavily, his body trembling with fatigue. He had won.
Nan Batian looked at Zhong Shan in disbelief. "Twenty percent power… And you still managed to push me out. Are you really just at the first level of Xiantian? You're a monster."
"Thank you, Ninth Senior Brother," Zhong Shan said sincerely, acknowledging the immense growth he had gained from the battle.
In the distance, Tian Ling'er watched with wide eyes. Her father had once dismissed Zhong Shan as untalented, but now she saw him in a new light.
Nan Batian chuckled. "No need for thanks. But I'll say it again—you're fierce."
Zhong Shan smiled, wiping the sweat from his brow. His journey was far from over, but today marked another step forward.