Chapter 182: Chapter Nine: Wind Drives the Sudden Rain to Sprinkle the High City

Suddenly, the table and chairs swayed and jolted, the wine cup overturned, and the roof tiles shook violently, emitting a crackling sound.

The thunderclap in the empty air was like a massive Kui ox-hide drum, emitting a sudden, earth-shattering roar when struck—booming and magnificent.

It shook the clouds in all directions until they shattered, and the birds in the forest scurried about in panic...

Yet, this sound of heaven and earth, which one had grown accustomed to hearing in the past,

when it entered the ears again today,

actually carried a sense that made one's heart jump with fear...

Mi Hui subconsciously retreated half a step, looking at the person opposite him, his gaze filled with uncertainty and shock.

After a long while,

he seemed to regain his senses and shouted in a low voice:

"You intend to personally challenge those people from the noble clans? Chen Chen Shidi, have you gone mad? For the sake of a moment's pride, could it be that you don't even want your own life?!"

Mi Hui could not help but grow anxious; he hurriedly grabbed Chen Hang's sleeve, his pupils constricting, and began to earnestly try to dissuade him.

Yet, no matter how dry his mouth became from speaking, and even though he had exhausted all the words in his belly,

Chen Hang's expression remained flat, unmoved.

"Xiao Xiao Shixiong Mi, even if I do not take the initiative to challenge them, do you think these people from the noble clans will let me off out of kindness and leave me a way out?"

Only after Mi Hui finished speaking,

did Chen Hang lift his eyes and speak calmly:

"Either way, it is already difficult to reconcile; we must fight. Rather than being controlled by others when that time comes, it is better to strike early and seize the initiative!"

"But... but you..."

Mi Hui had never seen such a situation before and subconsciously wanted to argue back.

But when he opened his mouth, he stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.

He slowly took a deep breath, suppressing the trace of trepidation in his heart, and then said:

"Chen Chen Shidi... what you say has merit, but what if you lose?"

"Then I can only blame myself for not having mastered the craft, or perhaps it is simply fate."

Chen Hang shook his head.

"But Chen Chen Shidi..."

Mi Hui grew anxious upon hearing this and wanted to persuade him further.

However, he saw Chen Hang suddenly flick his sleeve, and a divine light as thick as a finger shot out, illuminating the entire room—brilliant, radiant, and incomparably sharp.

Where the divine light passed,

the atmosphere instantly surged with flames, scorching and unbearable.

It was as if a true fire-element dragon had suddenly flown in to kill, burying all objects within a scorching realm, intending to burn everything into charred ash.

Mi Hui was stunned at the sight.

Even though this divine light was not aimed at him and he was quite far away, he still felt a wave of smoke and fire rushing toward him—scorching and hot enough to make his skin ache.

He was startled and hurriedly drew several strands of true Qi from his Qi sea, activating his profound arts to protect the acupuncture points all over his body.

Only then did the feeling of being in a subterranean fire cave, a heat that felt like it could kill, ease slightly.

"This Daoist technique... could it be a superior Daoist technique? Judging by its power, even among superior Daoist techniques, it must be considered to have great killing potential!"

Mi Hui did not rush to speak for a moment, but pondered carefully for a while before saying in a deep voice.

One must know that above Daoist techniques are divine abilities.

And divine abilities,

barring any accidents, can only be freely unleashed by those who have cultivated a Jin Dan and refined their true Qi into magic power.

Even for a Cave-Mystic Lianshi who is only one step away from forming a Jin Dan, unless they are truly gifted, their true Qi would find it extremely difficult to support the consumption of unleashing a divine ability.

Therefore, in battles between those below the Jin Dan level, Daoist techniques are often the primary means.

And superior Daoist techniques

are the outstanding ones among them, arguably the closest Daoist arts to divine abilities!

However, although superior Daoist techniques have extraordinary power, they are also extremely difficult to cultivate.

Take Mi Hui, for example.

Although he was able to enter the Changying Courtyard to cultivate because Fu Lao exerted great effort and paid a heavy price,

he himself

at least possessed some natural talent.

In small sects and families in the Southern Territory like the Five Light Sect, Spirit Fire Cliff, or Flower God Mansion, he would be considered an outstanding talent.

But even so, Mi Hui had pondered a superior Daoist technique called "Sishan Battle Decision" for several years without finding a way in.

For this, Fu Lao even appeared personally to guide him a few times, but the results remained minimal.

Later, after much painstaking effort, he finally managed to find the path and cultivated it to minor completion.

Yet, there was always a sense of obscurity, unable to use it as he pleased or with ease.

"Chen Chen Shidi's divine light is not only a superior Daoist technique, but his attainment in it is also not low? I fear it is not just at minor completion, is it?"

Mi Hui's eyes flashed, and he said in a deep voice.

"By a stroke of luck, a few days ago, I barely managed to cultivate it to the medium completion realm."

"Medium completion..." Mi Hui said: "I wonder what this technique is called?"

"Innate Great Sun Divine Light."

Mi Hui was slightly stunned upon hearing this.

But after pondering for a moment, he still slowly shook his head.

Although he prided himself on having extraordinary vision, he had never heard of this Daoist technique.

Even though the scripture pavilion on Qin Wangfeng contained books as vast as the sea, it truly had not recorded this method.

"However, this Innate Great Sun Divine Light certainly has a heavy killing power! If the 'Sishan Battle Decision' I studied were compared with it, it would truly be inferior by quite a bit..."

Mi Hui narrowed his eyes.

But after hesitating repeatedly, he still advised:

"But Chen Chen Shidi, just one superior Daoist technique is still..."

"Xiao Xiao Shixiong, I know your concerns, but things have reached this point, and there is truly no room for retreat. If I refuse to accept the challenge, it will be seen as fearing these people from the noble clans, and it will surely be spread far and wide, making it difficult for me to stand in the courtyard in the future. If I accept the challenge, I fall into their trap and calculations.

Either way, the people from the noble clans are coming to cause trouble; it cannot be avoided.

Then why should I sit and wait for the situation to develop? Just watch them act? How could I ever let them have their way!"

Chen Hang's voice was generous, like rolling waves, fiercely striking the four walls:

"Only by taking the initiative to challenge them and seizing the upper hand can I truly satisfy my own heart, Chen Heng!"

Mi Hui heard the sense of moving forward without hesitation and being unstoppable contained in that voice; his lips moved a few times, as if he wanted to persuade him.

But in the end, he silently stopped and did not speak.

"If this matter fails, younger brother, I fear your days in the academy hereafter will not be easy..."

He shook his head and said.

"And if it succeeds, I can also shake Changying and let all four lower courtyards hear of my name." Chen Hang smiled slightly and said:

"Ever since I stepped into the gate of cultivation, my situation has always been difficult, like walking on thin ice... Today's matter may seem dangerous, but in reality, it is just thunder with little rain. Xiao Xiao Shixiong, do not worry; I have my own sense of proportion!"

"..."

Mi Hui was silent for a long while, then helplessly nodded, signaling that he understood.

"However, knowing oneself and the enemy is the way to victory. Just now, Xiao Xiao Shixiong mentioned the names Jiang Daolian and Wang Dian. I wonder what is so extraordinary about them that makes Xiao Xiao Shixiong value them so highly?"

Chen Hang took a step back, bowed to Mi Hui, and said:

"I ask Xiao Xiao Shixiong Mi to teach me."

"Your elder brother Chen Wei is the son-in-law of Elder Mi, and I am a relative of Elder Mi. By this reckoning, we are family. Since we are family, why be so polite! If outsiders see it, it will be a joke!"

Mi Hui hurriedly stepped forward to support Chen Hang upon seeing this.

A look of helplessness appeared on his face as he said:

"Chen Chen Shidi, I am a useless person. If not for Elder Mi's help, I fear I wouldn't even be able to enter the Changying Courtyard... The situation in the courtyard is very treacherous now, and with my meager cultivation, I fear I cannot help you with anything. I am truly ashamed."

"Why must Xiao Xiao Shixiong be like this?" Chen Hang frowned.

"However, although I am not known for my cultivation, I can still manage to gather some information for you."

At this moment,

Mi Hui's expression turned solemn, and he said in a deep voice:

"That Jiang Daolian and Wang Dian are both geniuses; Chen Chen Shidi, you must never underestimate them..."

And as Mi Hui's voice came through,

Chen Hang also understood in his heart.

Jiang Daolian came from the Tianchi Jiang clan and was a member of the noble clans; she was even of the nephew generation to Jiang Tongyuan.

This woman had grown up in the Tianchi Xuanzhu Fudi since she was young, her cultivation was exquisite, her Dao foundation was solid, and she was an outstanding talent among the younger generation of the Jiang clan. She was repeatedly praised by the clan leader of the Jiang clan and even had her name spread by him personally.

As for that Wang Dian, his background was even more novel.

He was merely the offspring of a fisherman from the North Sea and did not come from a great surname, but he had been granted a great opportunity by an ancient strange person in his youth—drinking red clouds and obtaining divine fire... Later, he was accidentally noticed by a Jiang clan member traveling outside, who brought him back to the Tianchi Xuanzhu Fudi, and from then on, he stepped into the gate of cultivation and soared into the sky!

Although Wang Dian was of an outside surname, his status within the Jiang clan was extremely high, not inferior in the slightest to those direct descendants of the Jiang clan.

This was actually a common method for noble clans in the world to thicken their own foundation and not let their family style fall.

Either recruiting sons-in-law, absorbing people of outside surnames to cultivate from a young age, or forming marriage alliances between noble clans to act as mutual support.

Such examples were already common.

And while Chen Hang was pondering,

Mi Hui smacked his lips and looked around.

Seeing that the doors were already closed and the servants had long since retreated far away, not daring to eavesdrop.

At this time,

he stepped forward and lowered his voice:

"With the same Foundation Establishment cultivation, why did these two come to Changying Courtyard at this time, neither early nor late? Chen Chen Shidi, do you know what thoughts they hold?"

"Presumably, it is the elders of the Jiang clan who want these two to suppress me. Since I and they are both Foundation Establishment cultivators, it is just right for a battle of skills."

Chen Hang said.

"That is exactly the logic! However, heaven never closes all doors. Although I don't know if it is true or false, I did manage to find a piece of good news."

Mi Hui smiled and said:

"I heard that the Jiang clan wants Jiang Daolian and Wang Dian to marry to deepen their connection, and Wang Dian also has this intention and is happy to see it happen, but..."

"But, is Jiang Daolian not willing?" Chen Hang said.

Mi Hui nodded repeatedly and added:

"I heard that because of the marriage, Jiang Daolian had a big falling out with the clan. Perhaps this time on White Stone Peak, Chen Chen Shidi only needs to face Wang Dian and doesn't need to fight Jiang Daolian. That is a good thing!"

Chen Hang was thoughtful upon hearing this.

After a few breaths,

he slowly shook his head.

"Thank you for telling me, but even if Jiang Daolian has a falling out with the clan, she is ultimately of noble clan origin. Whether she will take action is truly another matter... However, judging by your words, Xiao Xiao Shixiong, it seems Jiang Daolian is still stronger than Wang Dian?"

"I heard that she and Wang Dian have fought three times, with one win, one loss, and one draw. It is truly hard to say who is stronger and who is weaker..."

Mi Hui said:

"However, Jiang Daolian often compares herself to the true disciple Wei Lingjiang of the Chiming Sect, and even said that if she had been born a few years earlier, she wouldn't have let Wei Lingjiang take all the glory. Oh, right, there is also Pei Zhi of the Grand Talisman Palace; Jiang Daolian is also not very convinced by her.

These noble ladies are all very proud and arrogant, unwilling to be inferior to others. I don't know who would be stronger if they really fought?"

Chen Hang's eyes flickered upon hearing this, and he smiled faintly without answering.

"Alright, Chen Chen Shidi, I have said what I needed to say, so I will not ramble on anymore..."

After sighing,

Mi Hui finally returned to the original topic, his expression serious:

"Do you really want me to send out the magic message tonight to everyone in the courtyard? You must know that if this step is taken, there will be no room for reconciliation!"

"Please help me, Xiao Xiao Shixiong Mi!"

Chen Hang bowed his hands and said solemnly.

He had just arrived at Changying Courtyard and did not know the human stories in the courtyard, nor did he know the exact cave dwellings of the inner disciples.

Even if he wanted to send the magic message himself, it would be inevitable to have omissions.

But Mi Hui was an old man in Changying Courtyard and was already familiar with everything in the courtyard. Having him do these things was naturally easy for him.

In fact, in the final analysis—

The reason Chen Hang wanted to challenge the people from the noble clans was nothing more than to stir up trouble and attract attention from many sides.

Afterwards, the battle was won.

To make a name for himself in the four courtyards!

Only by earning enough fame before Junyao passes away,

could he perhaps be valued by the Yuchen Sect's upper sect, gain the appreciation of some true person, and avoid the killing tribulation when it descends in the future.

Compared to his own life,

as for earning cultivation resources like Elixir Mother Sand, or crushing the prestige of the noble clans and venting the evil in his heart, these were all minor matters done in passing.

Only by living

can one have the luxury of thinking about the future!

In Mi Hui's eyes, Chen Hang's move might be too risky and quite reckless.

But such risk-taking was truly something that had to be done; there was no other way.

At this time,

seeing that Chen Hang's mind was clearly made up, Mi Hui sighed deeply in his heart and did not try to persuade him further. After discussing the wording of the magic message with Chen Hang, he prepared to take his leave.

However,

before stepping over the threshold, he said worriedly:

"Chen Chen Shidi, there are still ten days until the battle. How do you intend to spend this time? Do you want to cultivate in seclusion, or what?"

"I want to refine elixirs."

"Refine elixirs?"

Hearing this, Mi Hui was somewhat confused.

"Is Scripture Master Shen Hunsu Yuan Zhi not a master of alchemy?"

Chen Hang lifted his eyes and smiled slightly.

"Wait, you..."

Mi Hui's brain seemed to have been struck by a thunderbolt, as if he had understood something. He was stunned.

I don't know how much time passed.

When he walked out of the cottage where Chen Hang lived in a daze,

the sky, which had been dim,

was now filled with dense clouds, and cold winds were howling.

One could see electric snakes slithering from time to time, emitting brilliant colors and tearing through the sky.

Mi Hui silently looked up, watching this drizzle like silk.

And gradually, with another thunderclap, this small drizzle like silk gradually grew larger, pouring down like a waterfall, as if a river of water from the Milky Way had overturned, intending to drag the entire Jin Tingshan into a world-drowning flood!

The cold and damp Qi surged upward, vigorous like gray smoke, chilling the soul.

As far as the eye could see,

the objects before him were only vaguely shrouded in a layer of soft gauze, a vast expanse of white.

"Thunder is loud, rain is small... is it actually Scripture Master Shen Hunsu Yuan Zhi? Chen Chen Shidi, your plans are not small..."

Recalling Chen Hang's previous words and his calculations,

Mi Hui suddenly had some inexplicable feelings in his heart.

Immediately, he spread his hands, slowly forcing away the rain, and a smoke light rose from under his feet.

In just a moment,

he escaped into the clouds, and his figure disappeared.

And in the main hall,

after Mi Hui took his leave,

Chen Hang was just about to return to the inner room when he was suddenly called out by the Escape Realm Shuttle.

"Kid, if you face those people from the noble clans, what percentage of certainty do you have?"

The old voice said slowly.

"Senior is knowledgeable and experienced. In your opinion, what percentage of certainty do I have?"

Chen Hang asked.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 183 =====