Chapter Forty-Three: The Gate of Heavenly Ruin

“There’s no need for that. If this old man has received a treasure bestowed by the heavens, it is his own fortune. As disciples of prestigious sects, how could we forcibly take what belongs to others?”
The woman shook her head, disagreeing with the man’s suggestion.
“So what if we do? All martial arts manuals in the world ought to belong to the Eight Great Sects. What right do others have to possess them? At most, I’ll offer him a handful of rice grains in exchange!”
The handsome man was indifferent, his sense of superiority as a disciple of a top sect deeply ingrained since childhood.
“Brother Zhao, don’t forget we carry an important mission entrusted by our sect. We cannot afford any mistakes. The disciples of the other major sects set out before us; they’ve likely already arrived. We should hurry and meet up with them, lest we delay the real business.”
The woman spoke, her brows slightly furrowed, her voice as crisp and soft as an oriole. As she spoke, she glanced at Fang Zhuowei. “Besides, although this man appears elderly, his bearing is extraordinary, and he possesses a martial arts manual of unknown origin. He must have cultivated for many years, hardly an ordinary person. We’d best avoid unnecessary trouble.”
“He’s just an old man; there won’t be any trouble. Besides, nearly all martial arts manuals in this world have already been divided among the Eight Great Sects. Whatever remains in circulation are merely flashy but useless techniques, nothing worth fearing.”
The handsome man waved his hand dismissively, determined to impress the woman he admired, hoping to win her favor.
He was exceptionally confident in his own strength. As the leading disciple of the Infinity Sect, aside from his master and a handful of prodigies, he had never lost to anyone.
With those words,
Before the woman could respond, the man strode purposefully toward Fang Zhuowei.
“Old man, I’ll trade you five catties of fresh wheat for the manual in your hand. Do you agree?”
The handsome man approached quickly, stopping before Fang Zhuowei.
Standing above him, he tossed five catties of wheat grains from his belt, letting them fall at Fang Zhuowei’s feet. Though phrased as a question, his tone brooked no refusal.
“Sorry, my manual is only for teaching, not for sale.”
Fang Zhuowei lifted his head slightly, his expression calm.
He had overheard the conversation between the man and the woman in full. Though somewhat speechless that such a cliché scenario was happening to him, he felt little anger.
The difference in their levels was vast, like ants and gods. Besides, who gets angry with their own creations?
“Only for teaching, not for sale? Such arrogance!” Zhao Yang snorted coldly. “Old man, do you know who I am? I am the chief disciple of Infinity Sect. Today, whether you wish to sell your manual or not, you will sell it.”
“Tsk, tsk. What an eye-opener. You think five catties of wheat can buy an old man’s martial arts manual? How is this any different from outright robbery? Is this what your famous sects are known for?”
Before Fang Zhuowei could speak, the young man before him spoke first, filled with righteous indignation.
“Where did this brat come from? Say one more word and I swear you’ll regret ever coming into this world.”
Zhao Yang crossed his arms behind his back, eyes narrowing dangerously, his voice cold as ice as he glared fiercely at the young man.
“Hahaha, I’d like to see how you intend to make me regret it.”
The young man laughed lightly, utterly unafraid.

“You truly won’t cry until you see your own coffin,” Zhao Yang snorted, and with those words, he attacked swiftly and decisively.
His hands became like eagle talons, fingertips glowing with a dark hue. In a flash, he lunged at the young man’s chest.
If that strike landed, it would cost the young man half his life at least.
The handsome man, once he moved, was ruthless and merciless.
But—
The expected scene of blood spraying did not occur.
In the arena,
The young man flipped like a carp, narrowly dodging the attack.
“Hahaha, so the chief disciple of Infinity Sect is no better than this!”
Dodging to the side, the young man mocked him openly.
“No wonder you dared to speak up—you’re a trained fighter, after all.”
Zhao Yang’s brow twitched, surprised.
“However, if that’s all you’re capable of, then you’ll go no further.”
He snorted, then let out a long roar, his eyes wide like a leopard’s, changing claws to palms and charging forward like a beast.
In an instant,
The young man felt his breath choke. Zhao Yang’s palm force surged like raging tides, unstoppable, both hands forming an invisible wall.
He realized he had underestimated the power of a top sect’s chief disciple.
His opponent’s martial prowess far surpassed his own.
Startled, the young man had no time to devise a countermeasure, and quickly pushed off with his toes, retreating at speed.
But he was not nearly as fast as Zhao Yang. Forced to fall back, he could only defend with his hands.
In the arena,
Two figures leapt and dodged among sand and stone, fists and feet flying, fierce palm strikes scattering dust and debris, the ground shaking with the impact—utter chaos reigned.
“Bang…”
Finally,
With a dull thud, the battle was decided. The young man was sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground.

Fortunately, the young man had some skill. Though defeated, he was not seriously injured.
“If I’m not mistaken, you’re using the unique martial art of the Broken Heaven Sect—Broken Heaven Kick, from over a decade ago. Who would have thought, after my Infinity Sect’s Grand Elder displayed his unrivaled might, the Broken Heaven Sect would still have descendants clinging to life. No matter, I’ll finish the job and uproot you completely!”
Zhao Yang emerged slowly from the swirling dust, staring at the young man with a smile that was not quite a smile.

…

…

Li Dynasty.

Royal Palace.

Music and dance halls, grand and magnificent.

Inside a splendid palace,

“Your Majesty, we’ve just received word—the disciples of the Eight Great Sects have suddenly appeared in the capital.”
In the vast hall, two figures could be discerned.
One, an elder with a head of gray hair; the other, a middle-aged man whose mere presence commanded respect.
At this moment,
The gray-haired elder was reporting a matter of utmost importance with a respectful demeanor.
“Oh? The Eight Great Sects have all appeared? That’s rare! Have you discovered why they’ve suddenly gathered in our Li Dynasty’s capital? And… did the sect leaders come as well?”
After the elder spoke, the middle-aged man was first taken aback, then his brows knit tightly, his tone grave.
He knew well the weight behind the phrase “the Eight Great Sects gather.”
“We’re not certain yet, Your Majesty, but it seems they’re searching for someone.”
The old man pondered briefly.
“Looking for someone? Who?” The middle-aged man was puzzled. “Any further information?”
“There’s no definite news yet, Your Majesty. Our men dare not get too close for fear of being discovered.”
The gray-haired elder spoke slowly.
“It’s wise to avoid alerting them, but no matter what, keep a close watch.” The middle-aged man nodded, his expression shadowed.