Chu Feng arrived at Chongxu Temple, only to find that Tang Old Freak’s daughter, Song Ge, was no longer there.
It turned out that the people from Chongxu Temple had gone to an ancient ruin.
The ruin wasn’t far from here, so Chu Feng set off to find it.
His efforts paid off. Not only did he locate the Chongxu Temple group, but he also found Song Ge.
The ancient ruin, built deep underground, was intricate and fraught with danger.
At that moment, since the Chongxu group had split up, Song Ge ventured alone into a hidden passage.
Seeing this, Chu Feng followed discreetly, choosing not to reveal himself or engage her directly.
He had a plan in mind.
Chu Feng figured Song Ge might encounter danger, and if he stepped in to save her, she’d be grateful.
In such a scenario, Song Ge would lower her guard, making communication easier.
Once they were on better terms, it wouldn’t be too late to bring up Tang Old Freak.
Though it seemed somewhat underhanded, Chu Feng had no choice. Tang Old Freak’s curse techniques were crucial to him.
Moreover, Tang Old Freak’s days were numbered, and he’d soon pass away.
If Chu Feng missed this chance, he might never learn the method to break the curse.
However, he underestimated Song Ge. Along the way, she faced numerous obstacles, yet without needing Chu Feng’s help, she overcame them all on her own.
Cutting through challenges, Song Ge reached a grand hall.
Upon entering, it was clear the hall had multiple entrances.
The path Song Ge took was just one of them, but that wasn’t the main point.
“There’s something in this hall.”
Chu Feng instantly noticed something hidden within, and he identified it—a secret technique.
A living secret technique, unclaimed by anyone.
Though not of high level, it would still be tricky for Song Ge.
Roar—
Sure enough, shortly after Song Ge entered, a roar echoed.
The hall trembled violently, and emerald flames surged from all directions, coalescing into a beast over three hundred meters long.
The beast floated in the air, majestic and imposing, like a king descending.
Song Ge was startled, retreating several steps.
“I am the secret technique, the Jade Sky Beast.”
“I reside here, awaiting a destined one.”
“But to claim my power, you must prove your worth,” the technique said to Song Ge.
“Senior, how can I prove myself to gain your power?” Song Ge asked politely.
“Another one?”
Chu Feng’s expression shifted. He sensed another presence at a different entrance, approaching quickly.
“Someone beat me to it.”
As expected, a man soon emerged from another hidden passage.
He was about Song Ge’s age, with the same cultivation level—First Rank Heavenly Immortal.
He was strikingly handsome, though his attire showed he wasn’t from Chongxu Temple.
“Who are you?” Song Ge asked warily, not recognizing him.
“Don’t be nervous, miss. I’m here for the secret technique too, but since you arrived first, it’s rightfully yours,” the man said with a radiant smile.
“You’re really giving it to me?” Song Ge was surprised he’d yield so easily.
“Of course. I, Ma Liang, always keep my word.”
“Especially to a beautiful lady like you,” the man, calling himself Ma Liang, said.
Song Ge’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she said nothing.
“You brats, who do you think I am? Something you can just hand over?” The secret technique beast was enraged by their exchange.
Swish—
Unexpectedly, Ma Liang swung his arm, sending a beam of light toward the beast.
Screech—
Roar—
The light struck, and the beast let out a pained roar.
White steam began rising from its body.
It was a formation, one designed to suppress the beast’s power.
“You bastard, I’ll slaughter you!”
Enraged and weakened by the formation, the beast’s strength and body faltered, losing its earlier grandeur.
Clang, clang, clang—
Prepared, Ma Liang drew his weapon and charged, engaging the beast in combat.
The furious beast showed no mercy.
But Ma Liang was no pushover, holding his own.
Their battle was evenly matched.
“Miss, please help. If we subdue this technique, it’s yours,” Ma Liang called to Song Ge, struggling to defeat the beast alone.
Hearing this, Song Ge drew her weapon and rushed at the beast.
Together, they quickly gained the upper hand. Though the beast resisted fiercely, Chu Feng knew it was only a matter of time before they subdued it.
Watching this, Chu Feng’s thoughts drifted back to Jiuzhou Continent.
He recalled that year…
Back when he was a disciple of the Azure Dragon Sect.
In a ruin, he encountered the White Tiger Slaughter Technique and, by chance, Zi Ling.
At the time, he and Zi Ling were strangers, clashing over the technique.
In a way, he’d made an enemy of her then.
Who could’ve guessed she’d later become his beloved?
Reflecting on his past and seeing Ma Liang and Song Ge, a seemingly perfect pair, Chu Feng thought this might be another fated romance.
At least Ma Liang seemed far more generous than Chu Feng had been, willing to give the technique to Song Ge.
Roar—
A miserable cry rang out. Ma Liang and Song Ge had defeated the beast.
Using a treasure, Ma Liang subdued it.
“Miss, this is yours,” Ma Liang said, handing the tamed technique to Song Ge.
“You’re really giving it to me?” Song Ge asked, wanting it but feeling uneasy.
“First come, first served. Don’t be shy,” Ma Liang said with a smile.
“Thank you, then.”
Though hesitant, Song Ge’s desire won out, and she reached for the technique.
Bang—
But the moment she took it, Ma Liang struck, his palm hitting her dantian.
Caught off guard, Song Ge was sent flying several meters, crashing into the hall’s wall.
She landed, blood at her lips, her aura critically weak, nearly drained of fighting strength.
Yet, more than her pained expression, her eyes held a look of betrayal.
“What are you doing?” she asked, bewildered.
“Hahaha, miss, can’t you see?”
“I never planned to give this to you,” Ma Liang said, picking up the technique and merging it into his body.
“You… despicable scum!”
Song Ge’s face paled with rage. In her fury, she coughed up a mouthful of blood, growing even weaker.
“Chongxu Temple, who’d have thought they’d have a beauty like you?”
Ma Liang sneered at the weakened Song Ge.
As he spoke, he began undressing.
“What… what are you doing?” Song Ge’s anger turned to fear as he approached.
“You called me despicable, so I might as well act the part.”
“You’re going to die today anyway, so why not let me have some fun first? I’ll let you taste what a man’s like.”
“I’ve yet to play with a female elder from Chongxu Temple,” Ma Liang said with a wicked grin.
“You…”
Song Ge was stunned.
But soon, determination flashed in her eyes.
She raised her hand, gathering all her martial power into her palm.
Yet, this desperate strike wasn’t aimed at Ma Liang.
She knew, gravely injured, she couldn’t fight him.
Her strike was for herself.
She’d rather die than let Ma Liang defile her.
Slap—
But before her palm could land, a strong hand grabbed her wrist.
Not only was her wrist caught, but the martial power she’d gathered was instantly dispersed.
The situation nearly broke Song Ge.
She couldn’t escape, couldn’t die—what was she to do?
Was she doomed to be defiled by Ma Liang before death?
“Who are you?”
A sudden, awkward roar snapped her back.
She realised Ma Liang hadn’t yet approached.
The one holding her wrist was someone else.
This person looked ordinary, a stark contrast to the handsome Ma Liang.
Yet, his appearance sparked a glimmer of hope in Song Ge.
He didn’t seem to be with Ma Liang.
Perhaps he’d save her.
But alongside that hope, another thought lingered in her mind.
Could this person actually save her?
