Following the grueling Heavenly Demon Tempering Technique, compounded by his injuries from Tian Ling'er, Zhong Shan sat recuperating for nearly two hours before his condition improved. It wasn't until the next day that the lingering effects of the technique completely dissipated.
Upon examining the remains of the mountain cat, Zhong Shan discovered another inner core within its body. Combined with the one he had previously obtained from the silver wolf, he now possessed two such mysterious items. Yet their purpose eluded him, so he cautiously stored them away for future consideration.
He dried the mountain cat's meat into jerky, preserving its savory flavor, while its hide was fashioned into sturdy trousers. With only a limited wardrobe at his disposal—and his clothes often destroyed during his time in the kiln—Zhong Shan used the durable hide to craft shorts that could withstand the intense flames.
Life carried on. Zhong Shan continued practicing his blade techniques, the Great Sun Divine Art, the Red Luan Sutra, and the Heavenly Demon Tempering Technique in tandem. However, two months later, he encountered a troubling bottleneck.
The Great Sun Divine Art, poised on the verge of breaking into its second tier, stubbornly refused to progress further. The kiln's flames, which once challenged him, now posed no threat. Even when he intensified the fire, the heat felt insufficient. What Zhong Shan required was a source of far greater, more potent energy.
Meanwhile, at the mouth of a cave near Blaze Peak of the Kaiyang Sect, Tian Ling'er stood impatiently, her delicate fingers gripping a crimson sash. Her gaze fixed on the boulder blocking the entrance, her frustration flared. She seemed poised to shatter the obstruction but restrained herself at the last moment, clenching her teeth.
"Boom—"
The cave's entrance finally opened.
"Xiao Nanzi, you're finally out!" Tian Ling'er called toward the interior.
"Uh… Junior Sister—no, Senior Sister, why are you here?" A surprised voice echoed from within.
Moments later, Nan Batian emerged, his expression tinged with both confusion and delight upon seeing Tian Ling'er.
"I've been waiting two months. What took you so long? Did you succeed?" Tian Ling'er demanded.
"Yes! I've reached the eighth level of the Innate Realm, just like you. Soon, I'll surpass you!" Nan Batian laughed heartily. "Then you'll be the junior again!"
"Hmph, dream on! I'll break into the ninth level any day now. Among the third-generation disciples of Lingyun Sect, my talent and potential are unmatched!" Tian Ling'er declared with supreme confidence.
Nan Batian could only shake his head in helpless resignation. "So, Senior Sister, what brings you to me today?"
"Of course, I need your help." Her tone softened suddenly.
"My help? You're asking me?" Nan Batian's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Yes, are you helping or not?" Her expression shifted again, eyes narrowing.
"Of course, of course. Who would dare refuse the eldest daughter of the Kaiyang Sect?" Nan Batian said, his face contorting into a wry smile.
Zhong Shan stepped out of the kiln, frowning. A sense of helplessness flickered in his eyes. It was no use—this method wasn't working. Without sealing the kiln completely, the temperature would never rise enough. Yet, sealing it would cut off oxygen, snuffing out the flames entirely.
As he pushed open the kiln door, Zhong Shan emerged, frustration clouding his features.
"Zhong Shan!" A voice called out from the courtyard.
He looked up to see Nan Batian, clad in black, standing nearby with a massive broadsword in hand. Beneath him lay a circle about a meter in diameter. Nan Batian's eyes gleamed with determination as they locked onto Zhong Shan.
"Ninth Senior Brother?" Zhong Shan asked, puzzled.
"Attack me with all your strength. I'll only use twenty percent of my power. Push me out of this circle, and you win," Nan Batian declared confidently.
Though baffled by Nan Batian's intentions, Zhong Shan discerned no malice. Moreover, he saw this as an opportunity to gauge his recent progress. Without hesitation, he responded, "Very well."
Picking up his broadsword from beside the kiln, Zhong Shan launched himself at Nan Batian with a sharp battle cry.
"Splitting the Mountain!"
With a powerful leap, Zhong Shan brought his blade down in a fierce arc.
Nan Batian's eyes narrowed as he raised his broadsword to meet the strike.
Boom!
The clash forced Zhong Shan back slightly, while Nan Batian remained firmly planted. Undeterred, Zhong Shan swung again.
"Extinguish and Annihilate!"
"Well done!" Nan Batian roared, parrying the attack effortlessly.
Boom!
Zhong Shan was sent flying but quickly stabilized himself mid-air. Landing with renewed determination, he prepared for another assault.
Strike after strike, Zhong Shan's ferocity intensified. Each blow was faster, stronger, and more relentless than the last. Within the circle, Nan Batian skillfully deflected every attack, though his brow furrowed as Zhong Shan's force escalated.
From a nearby corner, Tian Ling'er observed the battle. Her delicate fists clenched, her lips pressing into a tight line as she struggled to maintain her composure.
Boom!
An hour later, Zhong Shan was drenched in sweat, his body trembling from exertion. Yet, his resolve burned brighter than ever. If he couldn't overcome Nan Batian today, how could he hope to face the Crown Prince of Heaven-Splitting tomorrow?
Determined, Zhong Shan charged forward again.
Nan Batian, still astounded by Zhong Shan's strength, noted that his opponent was only at the first level of the Innate Realm. Yet the sheer momentum of Zhong Shan's strikes felt overwhelming, even primal.
"A fierce one," Nan Batian thought. "This man is a fierce one."
Suddenly, Zhong Shan's muscles surged, a crimson glow enveloping his body.
Heavenly Demon Tempering Technique!
With renewed vigor, Zhong Shan unleashed another devastating blow.
Splitting the Mountain!
Boom!
Nan Batian staggered, his stance finally faltering.
Unrelenting, Zhong Shan pressed his advantage.
A stick of incense later, Zhong Shan delivered a final, thunderous strike.
Nan Batian was forced a single step outside the circle.
Panting heavily, Zhong Shan stood victorious, though his hands trembled from the strain of gripping his blade. Nan Batian, equally astonished and impressed, stared at him in disbelief.
"Thank you, Ninth Senior Brother," Zhong Shan said earnestly, his gratitude genuine. This duel had provided him invaluable insights.
"Zhong Shan… you are truly fierce," Nan Batian muttered, his words carrying profound respect.
In the distance, Tian Ling'er's astonishment mirrored Nan Batian's. Originally, Nan Batian had planned to feign defeat, yet Zhong Shan had driven him out of the circle through sheer determination and strength.
"Didn't Father say his talent was mediocre? How could he achieve this?" Tian Ling'er wondered.
Zhong Shan smiled humbly. "Senior Brother, your skill is remarkable."
"No need to call me Senior Brother. In Kaiyang Sect, rankings shift constantly. Just call me Nan Batian or Batian," he replied with a hearty laugh.
"Very well. May I ask the reason for your visit today?" Zhong Shan inquired solemnly.
"To deliver an apology," Nan Batian said with a grin.
"An apology?" Zhong Shan asked, puzzled.
"Yes, on behalf of Tian Ling'er. She felt guilty for breaking your wooden carving but was too embarrassed to come herself."
Not far away, Tian Ling'er clenched her fists again, watching the scene unfold.
"Tian Ling'er? I never blamed her. If anything, I owe her an apology," Zhong Shan said, recalling his earlier deception.
Hearing this, Nan Batian chuckled. "In that case, I'll leave her to express her regrets herself."
Moments later, Tian Ling'er descended gracefully on her crimson sash.
"Zhong Shan, I'm sorry for breaking your carving that day," she said earnestly.
Seeing her porcelain-doll-like face and contrite expression, Zhong Shan felt his irritation melt away. He waved a hand dismissively. "It's nothing. Wait here—I have something for you."
When he returned, he held out a small wooden carving resembling Tian Ling'er.
"For you," he said simply.
Tian Ling'er's eyes lit up as she accepted the delicate sculpture.
"Did you make this?" Nan Batian asked, incredulous.
"No, just a little practice while wielding my blade," Zhong Shan replied.
Nan Batian studied the intricate carving, then Zhong Shan's massive sword, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're fierce. Truly fierce."