Chapter 27: The Grand Assembly at Mount Yi

Yishan was not a particularly notable mountain range, but the disciples of the Soaring Dragon Sect had already transformed it, constructing numerous buildings in the vicinity. After Zhang Xianba consumed Nuotian’s pill, his wounds healed swiftly, and he sensed a breakthrough in his internal strength, leaving him utterly astonished. What kind of pill could possess such extraordinary effects?

The pills that Nuotian carried were gifted by Linglong, each a spirit elixir; however, the one he had offered was quite ordinary. Yet, even the most common of these pills was a rare treasure among ordinary folk.

Once recovered, Zhang Xianba no longer dared underestimate the young pair. After instructing his subordinates to depart, he personally led the two toward Yishan.

Qin Yixin, curious, asked Zhang Xianba beside her, “You’re a bandit, yet you dare to walk openly to Yishan? Aren’t you afraid the righteous sects will kill you on sight?”

Zhang Xianba replied courteously, “My little lady, you may not know, but this Yishan Assembly is convened by Master Guo Tian, the foremost expert of Yunteng Nation. Master Guo has already decreed that during the months of the assembly, large-scale killings in the martial world are forbidden, lest one wishes to cross the Soaring Dragon Sect. No one in the martial world would dare defy his command; Master Guo’s word holds far more authority than the imperial family.” His tone even carried a hint of flattery.

Qin Yixin was unimpressed. “Speak properly! So, Master Guo is truly formidable?”

Zhang Xianba replied, “Formidable hardly begins to describe Master Guo. He has surpassed the limits of martial artists—rumor has it he’s connected to legendary cultivators. Otherwise, in just ten years, how could the Soaring Dragon Sect have become the greatest faction in the martial world? The number of experts who’ve fallen at his hand is countless.” Yet, Zhang Xianba secretly suspected that the young lady before him was no less extraordinary. He himself was no world-class master, but few could match his skill. Yet he’d been gravely wounded, nearly killed, by a casual palm strike from her—she was clearly exceptional.

Now Zhang Xianba dared not harbor any stray thoughts. Who knew if these two unfathomable youths could see through his mind? Should they discover anything amiss, he might die without a trace.

Moreover, the mysterious young master beside them, though he hadn’t acted, likely wasn’t weaker than his maidservant. If such a pair appeared in the martial world, they would be invincible. Alas, he had truly misjudged this time.

After half a day, the trio reached the outskirts of Yishan, where many martial artists could be seen. Clearly, the Yishan Assembly had drawn considerable attention.

With crowds came commerce. Many hastily constructed commercial streets and temporary inns had sprung up. Upon inquiry, they learned the Yishan Assembly would be held in ten days, and many martial artists had seized the opportunity to trade rare items beforehand.

Zhang Xianba was quite interested in such exchanges; he had originally intended to acquire materials for his cultivation here. However, he had not expected the mysterious young master’s pill to advance his realm. Still, he hoped to pick up some items and tactfully expressed his intent.

Qin Yixin immediately refused, but Nuotian said, “If you perform well these days, I won’t mind giving you another pill like the one you took.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xianba was overjoyed, abandoning all thought of visiting the trade fair.

The three found an inn on the outskirts of Yishan, arranged entirely by Zhang Xianba, who was eager to display his competence.

Nuotian sat on his bed, preparing to cultivate until the assembly began. His Dragon Path had entered its second stage; he needed to deepen his understanding of the technique.

Cultivating such methods depended greatly on personal comprehension. Even if an ordinary person were given a coveted top-tier cultivation technique, they would gain nothing—someone unable to absorb the energy of heaven and earth could never master such arts.

For cultivators with limited comprehension, even receiving a high-level technique would result in vastly slower progress compared to those with keen insight. This was tied to each cultivator’s ability to comprehend; of course, aptitude and comprehension were not the same. Those with poor aptitude, even with a top-tier method, would struggle to unleash its true power due to their limitations.

Each cultivator’s neglect of understanding and insight into their method would hamper their progress.

The Dragon Path was perhaps the most elite technique on the continent, and its difficulty was extreme. Thus, Nuotian spent long hours daily meditating on its mysteries.

The Dragon Path included three martial arts: the first was movement, of which Dragon Shadow in Step was a demonstration—further cultivation would yield greater power.

The second was boxing, emphasizing close combat. Each breakthrough in the Dragon Path greatly enhanced bodily strength, making its boxing techniques suited to those with superior physique.

The third was kicking; unlike movement techniques, mastering movement required insight into the rules of heaven, but the kicking technique was a powerful offensive method.

Thus, the martial arts of the Dragon Path were the pinnacle of close combat. Ultimately, practitioners would possess bodies stronger than dragons and martial arts suited to their unmatched physique.

Ten days passed swiftly. Nuotian’s door was gently opened, and someone quietly approached the bed without making a sound.

Zhang Xianba appeared at the entrance, about to speak, but was silenced by Yixin’s gesture—nothing was more important than the young master’s cultivation.

Soon, Nuotian opened his eyes, saw the figure before him, and nodded. Yixin picked up a robe and helped Nuotian dress, performing the duties of a maid perfectly.

Zhang Xianba was surprised; it seemed this powerful young girl truly was the mysterious man’s maid—her service was genuine, not feigned.

Once dressed, Nuotian led the two outside.

All martial artists attending the Yishan Assembly resided on the outskirts; only disciples of major sects were invited to lodge within Yishan itself. The outskirts were a sea of people, all entering Yishan in an orderly fashion.

A grand, imposing building appeared before the crowd, its golden characters radiating prestige. The crowd entered through its gates into a vast plaza surrounded by walls.

Zhang Xianba murmured to Nuotian, “Young master, if you want to participate in the martial arts tournament for marriage, you need to register over there.”

Nuotian nodded. Zhang Xianba didn’t quite understand the meaning, but sensing permission, he slipped through the crowd to register.

At the front of the vast plaza was a newly constructed platform with three tiers. At the top, dozens of chairs were carved with fierce beast motifs, clearly reserved for the distinguished. The platform was covered in red carpet, with rows of disciples flanking either side, each holding a long sword.

Around the plaza were several large tents filled with people—these were clearly disciples of major sects, with exclusive seating arranged by the Soaring Dragon Sect. Martial artists like Zhang Xianba had no such privilege and could only stand in the plaza before the platform. Despite the crowd, the plaza was so large that even ten thousand people did not feel cramped.

Soon, Zhang Xianba returned to the pair; without needing to ask, Nuotian already knew he had registered. Nuotian cared little for mundane affairs—if Zhang Xianba managed to win and marry a beautiful bride, he had no objection. Over these days, Zhang Xianba had made a good impression: he knew his place and seemed genuinely devoted to his subordinates.

Suddenly, a deafening drumroll sounded. Dozens of figures appeared atop the platform—men and women, most older, but one stood out in particular. Clad in a regal golden robe, with a resolute face and eyes sharp as swords, Nuotian glanced at Zhang Xianba.

Zhang Xianba wisely explained, “Everyone up there is a sect leader; the one in the golden robe is Master Guo Tian of the Soaring Dragon Sect.”

Everyone except the three cheered in unison, “Greetings, Master Guo Tian!”—a tribute to strength, for Guo Tian’s achievements over the past decade commanded the respect of all martial artists.

Yet Nuotian harbored doubts about this Master Guo Tian—did he truly know cultivators? Nuotian had already sensed that Guo Tian possessed a soul fluctuation at the Human Hero rank, unstable but far above the Mortal level.

Guo Tian walked forward with a smile, saying, “Thank you all for coming. I, Guo Tian, am most grateful. This gathering is for two matters: first, my daughter Guo Yue's marriage; second, the life-and-death affairs of Yunteng Nation’s martial world.” At this, his expression turned solemn.

The crowd erupted first in excitement—confirmation that the martial arts tournament for marriage was real. If one could win, their future would be secured.

Then came a wave of murmurs, for Guo Tian’s tone was grave, hinting at major events unknown to the crowd, prompting them to seek information from one another.