615 Qin Huai Is Brutal
“Everyone’s progress these past years is commendable,” Xiang Mingfeng said, sweeping his gaze across the group as if sizing them up.

“And Blackwater River Zun’s legend seems to be everywhere. I heard he consumed a river, defeated a river demon, and rescued countless soldiers,” Hua Yanli teased, a knowing glint in his eyes.

Yun Qi, trying to hide his embarrassment, added, “As for dominating tales, the sect master of Skyglow Sect takes the prize. Traveling solo across numerous cities, gathering a formidable force of wanderers, and aspiring to overthrow the Sacred Heart Sect and rule as the supreme religion.”

Hua Yanli continued, “With the constant expectations from our peers, the looming shadow of the alliance master, and the white-robed king in the Heart’s Eye Pavilion, how can any of us afford to relax?” His eyes sparkled with mischief as he gazed at the city gates, now wide open, revealing a familiar figure leading a group to greet them.

“Brother Gou!” Everyone greeted with cupped fists.

Gou Jie, eyes surveying the changed faces before him, responded, “It’s been too long.” His voice held a note of nostalgia. “In our time apart, you all seem a step away from reaching the king realm.”

“Isn’t it all just fate’s play?” Hua Yanli responded with his signature tease. Eagerly, he added, “Where’s the alliance master? I had hoped to spar with him upon my return.”

Gou Jie hesitated before replying, “The alliance master is currently unconscious.”

Shock rippled through the group. “Was it the white-robed king? We should’ve returned sooner,” they murmured, guilt evident in their expressions.

“No, it wasn’t the white-robed king,” Gou Jie clarified. “It was sheer exhaustion.”

Relief replaced Hua Yanli’s concern. “The alliance master has indeed shouldered much,” he sighed. Considering their enhanced abilities, being rendered unconscious from exhaustion spoke volumes of the pressure faced by the alliance master.

Xiang Mingfeng then produced a pill, offering, “This is a recovery spirit pill from the True Path Sect in Pingwang county. It can rejuvenate and mend the spirit.”

One by one, the rest followed suit, presenting their treasured remedies.

“There’s no need,” Gou Jie quickly said. “Alliance Master just needs rest. He’s fine.”

The group made their way to the pavilion atop the city gate. As they settled in, Xiang Mingfeng started, “Let’s talk about the white-robed king first. We need a plan.”

She Wanshan nodded in agreement. “Qingzhou City seems oddly empty of the Sacred Heart Sect members. Have they all converged somewhere?”

Gou Jie, seeing the anticipation on their faces, chuckled. “No need to worry. The white-robed king is already dead.”

At this moment, the door creaked open to reveal Qin Huai, clad in a black woolen coat. His pale face and slightly haggard appearance were evident.

“Alliance Master!” The group rose, saluting him with respect. As they observed him, a collective sense of unease spread among them. The alliance master seemed different, as unfathomable as a still lake.

Hua Yanli couldn’t contain his surprise. “The white-robed king is dead?”

Gasps and murmurs of astonishment echoed among the group. The idea of defeating a king was beyond their wildest imaginations. They had witnessed the devastating power of a king in battle, turning the tides single-handedly. But to hear that their own alliance master had bested one was hard to digest.

Xiang Mingfeng reassured him, “Brother Qin wouldn’t lie about this.”

Hua Yanli, overwhelmed, sunk to a squatting position. “He’s unbelievable.”

Yun Qi nodded in agreement. Suddenly, both of them jumped up, almost simultaneously announcing, “If Qingzhou is secure, we’ll head back.”

Their synchronized response, a testament to their bond from the bronze world years ago, drew smiles from the rest of the group. These prodigies had come back not only to address threats but also to challenge Qin Huai, in a bid to prove their prowess. Their pride, formed from years of martial achievements, was an inherent part of their nature, driving their intense dedication to their craft.

Hua Yanli and Yun Qi didn’t get far before they turned back. “Alliance Master, let’s have a match!” they exclaimed together. Their fervent desire to spar was evident.

Before Qin Huai could respond, Fang Huo and several others were already in position, eager to test their skills against him.

Gou Jie and Qin Huai exchanged a wry smile as they observed the enthusiastic group. They made their way to a secluded mountainside.

All gathered, eyes on Qin Huai. Even Xiang Mingfeng, usually more reserved, began to warm up. It was clear the group needed this, a chance to measure their growth against their leader.

“One at a time,” Qin Huai directed as he slowly took off his black woolen coat.

The mountains echoed with their combat for ten days. On the eleventh, part of the mountain range crumbled.

“I’ve had enough of this place,” Hua Yanli declared, clearly winded.

Xiang Mingfeng said to Qin Huai, “We’re short on hands in the Pingwang secret realm. With Qingzhou stable, perhaps it’s time we return.” He then added, “The conflict between humans and demons is at a tipping point. We have an abundance of spirit stones in the secret realm, which might aid in forging the spiritual altar.”

Le Ji’an chimed in, emphasizing the need to ascend in power. “There’s great strength in the upper echelons of the clans and sects.”

Qin Huai agreed, “I’ll go, but after a couple of days of rest.”

The group shared a happy moment, with She Wanshan mentioning the challenges posed by the clans’ prodigies. “Yes, yes, yes… Third Young Master Qiong and the Fourth Generation Fairy were very arrogant. When the alliance master comes, he will teach them a lesson just like how he taught us!”

Yun Qi added eagerly, “When our Alliance Master faces them, they’ll learn respect.”

When Qin Huai heard these familiar names, a strange expression appeared on his face. He had already taught these people a lesson, and it wasn’t just once. However, he remained silent.

Soon after, the group dispersed, each heading to their next destination.
As Qin Huai put on his robe again, Gou Jie remarked, “Seeing their enthusiasm, I think they’ll push their training even harder now.” He then glanced at Qin Huai, the realization of the alliance master’s true strength dawning on him — his strength was beyond human.”

Qin Huai said thoughtfully, “That drive is good for them.” He paused, gazing toward his distant homeland, which he had not stepped into for many years. “It won’t be too late for me to go to Pingwang’s secret realm after I’ve seen the golden age of East Qingzhou.”