Faced with Elder Huo's invitation, Nie Feng did not hesitate for long before nodding in agreement. Opportunities like this, a stroke of incredible fortune that didn't compromise his principles, were not to be missed.
"Hahaha! Good! A man should hold onto his principles, but a wise man grabs hold of opportunities that don't contradict those principles. You've done well, boy!" Elder Huo burst into laughter, his booming voice echoing through the jade bamboo forest, causing the surrounding trees to sway violently.
It had been about half a year since Elder Huo left seclusion. Upon his return, he had stumbled upon Nie Feng, furiously training amidst an aura of intense killing intent. At first, Elder Huo was only mildly intrigued; after all, many members of the Shadow Sect exuded such deadly intent. But as he observed Nie Feng over time, Elder Huo realized something remarkable—Nie Feng's determination and unyielding spirit were extraordinary.
Discovering that Nie Feng bore a blood feud only heightened Elder Huo's interest. He knew only those driven by unrelenting hatred could push themselves beyond their limits. Today's encounter was a deliberate test of Nie Feng's character, and Nie Feng's response was exactly what Elder Huo had hoped for.
After a hearty laugh, Elder Huo's eyes gleamed with a savage light as he turned toward Han Ziyue and Lin Qingfeng. The two disciples stiffened under Elder Huo's gaze, their former arrogance crumbling. While they were used to being treated as prodigies—pampered and praised even by the sect master—today, they faced the raw power and authority of one of the sect's leaders.
"You looked down on this boy, didn't you?" Elder Huo said, patting Nie Feng's shoulder.
Neither Han Ziyue nor Lin Qingfeng dared to respond.
"Three years!" Elder Huo declared. "Three years from now, at the sect tournament, this boy will defeat both of you fair and square. That's my promise. You think yourselves unmatched prodigies? Just wait."
Before anyone could react, Elder Huo grabbed Nie Feng's arm. A surge of energy enveloped them, and in the blink of an eye, they disappeared.
The Shadow Sect's Domain
Elder Chi Yan shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "That old lunatic hasn't changed. The boy joins his Shadow Sect, and he immediately stirs trouble for the rest of us."
Cang Yun Elder laughed as well. "Looks like we need to toughen up Han Ziyue and Lin Qingfeng. The old man never makes empty promises. If he says three years, that's all it'll take."
Despite their words, both elders had their doubts. It seemed impossible for someone like Nie Feng, who had yet to reach the Body Tempering Realm, to surpass their disciples in just three years.
Elder Huo and Nie Feng ascended through the gale-laden winds of the void. Shielded by Elder Huo's energy, Nie Feng marveled at the surreal landscape before him. Gradually, the clouds cleared, revealing an awe-inspiring sight: a colossal mountain peak surrounded by a vast valley.
The peak was unlike anything Nie Feng had seen before. Perfectly vertical, it rose straight into the heavens, resembling a massive sword embedded in the earth. At its summit was a flat expanse of land dotted with streams and vegetation, forming the base of the Shadow Sect. In the center of this land stood a towering, cylindrical stone tower—the sect's heart and soul.
From afar, the entire structure resembled an enormous sword: the peak as the blade, the sect's grounds as the guard, and the stone tower as the hilt.
"Welcome to the Divine Sword Peak, the Shadow Sect's domain," Elder Huo said with a grin, his voice tinged with pride. "This is also one of the twin spiritual springs of the Celestial Moon Realm."
"Twin springs?" Nie Feng repeated, startled.
Elder Huo explained, "The Celestial Moon Realm is unique, hosting two spiritual springs. One lies at the Celestial Moon Peak, supplying seven external sect peaks, while the other resides here, exclusively nourishing the Divine Sword Peak. It's the foundation of our Shadow Sect's power."
As they approached, Nie Feng noticed the peak's black stone surface emanated an oppressive aura. Massive black iron chains crisscrossed the peak, anchoring it to the surrounding mountains like a giant spider web. Wisps of ethereal white mist rose from the chains, lending the scene an otherworldly quality.
When they landed on the sect grounds, four figures dressed in black robes embroidered with silver thread swiftly approached. Their presence exuded a chilling killing intent, and they bowed deeply upon seeing Elder Huo.
"Greetings, Sect Master!"
"This is Nie Feng," Elder Huo announced, gesturing toward him. "From today onward, he's one of us. Make sure you remember that."
"Yes, Sect Master!" The four black-robed figures answered in unison, their voices sharp and precise.
Satisfied, Elder Huo turned to Nie Feng and beckoned him forward. "Come with me. I'll show you to your training ground."