Subduing Dragon Mountain stretched for tens of thousands of miles, bisecting the land with its peaks and valleys. Nestled at the foot of one of its sections were the seven Martial Cities: Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Thunder, relatively close to each other.
For martial artists seeking training, Subduing Dragon Mountain was not only the preferred choice but also an essential one.
Despite its vastness, Subduing Dragon Mountain was merely a branch of the Hundred Beasts Mountain Range. Chen Zong was stunned when he learned this.
If Subduing Dragon Mountain was so immense, what must the Hundred Beasts Mountain Range be like?
The mountain teemed with countless demon beasts. The weakest were naturally low-grade level one creatures, but rumors spoke of level four and even higher-grade beasts roaming its depths—creatures that only powerful martial artists who had surpassed the Qi Blood Realm could hope to confront.
Led by a Hall Elder from the Chen Clan Hall, ten members departed Wind Martial City on foot, swiftly heading toward Subduing Dragon Mountain. Along the way, the Hall Elder briefed them on the mountain's features, with particular emphasis on the Chen Clan's Iron Mine.
The mine was located within Subduing Dragon Mountain, though not deep inside. Situated slightly beyond the outer fringes, the area was said to be frequented by level one and two demon beasts, with occasional rare sightings of level three creatures.
"The ten of you will be divided into five teams, each stationed at a strategic point along the iron vein. Remember, always keep at least one person at the base; never leave it unguarded," Hall Elder Chen Shaojie instructed sternly. "You're already familiar with the other regulations from the mission briefing."
The forest was dense and lush, carpeted in vibrant green grass. Though the path was rugged, it posed no challenge to the martial artists.
For Chen Zong, this was his first venture into the mountains—and not just any mountain, but Subduing Dragon Mountain, far grander than Wind Howl Mountain outside Small Lake Town. An indescribable mix of emotions stirred within him.
Perhaps it was excitement.
He couldn't tear his eyes from the surrounding scenery, utterly captivated by the immersive experience. It felt like suddenly being released from a cage—the vast expanse of sky and earth filling his heart with boundless freedom.
A faint sense of inspiration flickered through him, yet it remained elusive.
As they continued, the vegetation gradually thinned until it disappeared completely, signaling their arrival at the Chen Clan's iron mine.
The mine yielded pig iron and small quantities of heavy iron, both of which could be refined. Refined pig iron became crude iron, which could then be forged into common iron ingots, refined iron ingots, and other materials.
Though heavy iron was scarcer, its limited applications meant it held little value.
"Hall Elder Shao Jie, it's your turn to lead this mission."
A group of ten men approached, each clad in light iron armor and carrying a long saber at his waist. They appeared to be in their late twenties or older, their expressions stern and radiating a faint aura of murderous intent. Their presence immediately exerted an invisible pressure on Chen Zong and his group.
This was genuine killing intent, the kind that could only be forged through life-and-death battles.
These ten were the Chen Clan Iron Guard, the elite martial artists stationed to guard the mine. Each member possessed a cultivation base of at least the seventh layer of the Qi Blood Realm, and some were even stronger.
The leader of the group, Captain Tie San, a man in his early thirties with a grave demeanor, spoke first. His forced smile looked awkward, as if he rarely smiled.
"Indeed, Captain Tie San. Has anything unusual occurred at the mine recently?" Hall Elder Chen Shaojie responded with a smile.
"With the Chen Clan Iron Guard on patrol, any trouble would be dealt with swiftly," Captain Tie San replied, his voice brimming with confidence.
"That's reassuring," Chen Shaojie said, his tone equally assured.
After a brief exchange, Captain Tie San led his team back to their patrol.
Seizing the opportunity, Hall Elder Chen Shaojie began introducing the Chen Clan Iron Guard to his group.
The Chen Clan Iron Guard was the clan's elite personal guard, comprised of martial artists who had reached at least the seventh layer of the Qi Blood Realm. Numbering just over one hundred and twenty, they were organized into twelve squads under a commander-in-chief. Three squads were rotated annually to guard the mine.
Thirty elite martial artists, each at least at the seventh layer of the Qi Blood Realm and seasoned through countless life-or-death battles, not only possessed formidable individual strength but also excelled in teamwork. With an elder whose cultivation surpassed the Qi Blood Realm overseeing operations, securing the mine was a relatively straightforward task.
This explained why, despite numerous incidents over the decades, the mine remained firmly under the Chen Clan's control.
Chen Zong and the others couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for the Chen Clan Iron Guard.
The ten newcomers were led to the heart of the mine, where two rows of buildings stood. One row housed the miners, while the other served as quarters for the elders overseeing the mine and the Iron Guard.
After meeting the clan elder and the Iron Guard members, the ten newcomers were assigned their duties.
"Chen Zong, I'm giving you one last chance. Hand over the sword," Chen Kaiyue whispered, sidling up to him. "The favor I owe you still stands, and you can join my squad. I'll protect you and ensure you complete your mission smoothly."
Chen Zong didn't even bother to reply. He simply walked over to stand beside Chen Zhong.
"Brother Chen Zhong, let's team up," Chen Zong suggested.
"Perfect," Chen Zhong replied, already thinking the same thing. After all, they both hailed from Small Lake Town and shared a closer bond than the others.
Chen Kaiyue's face turned livid, his teeth grinding so hard he nearly cracked them. How dare Chen Zong dismiss him so casually?
"Chen Zhong, teaming up with someone at the fourth level of the Qi Blood Realm? Aren't you afraid of being dragged down?" Chen Waixiu sneered.
"And aren't you at the fourth level yourself?" Chen Zhong retorted.
"Heh heh heh, your information is outdated. I've already reached the fifth level of the Qi Blood Realm," Chen Waixiu said smugly.
"Alright, now that you've formed your groups, each of you should choose a direction and head out to find your designated lodging. You'll stay there for three months. If you run out of food, you can return here to resupply. If you encounter any insurmountable problems, you can also seek assistance here. And remember, if you encounter a demon beast you can't handle, send up a distress signal immediately," Hall Elder Chen Shaojie announced, clapping his hands to signal the start of the mission.
"Clan Brother, shall we take this way?" Chen Zhong asked, pointing west. Chen Waixiu, seemingly determined to be contrary, led his group westward as well.
Unfazed, Chen Zong and Chen Zhong shrugged it off and headed north instead.
Nestled in the mountains was a small courtyard, one side bordered by sparse vegetation, the other by barren land, as if marked by an invisible dividing line.
Chen Zong and Chen Zhong resided in this courtyard, each with their own bedroom, while other rooms served practical purposes like the kitchen.
The mountain air was crisp and refreshing, the scenery breathtaking, yet a faint metallic tang lingered, perhaps due to the proximity of a mineral vein.
Having secured enough provisions for ten days, Chen Zong and Chen Zhong settled into the courtyard. Between their cultivation sessions, they took turns patrolling the surrounding area.
Today, it was Chen Zong's turn.
After circling the perimeter, he ventured forward. Gradually, the sparse vegetation thickened into lush foliage.
Suddenly, Chen Zong detected a peculiar, pungent stench, its intensity steadily increasing. He immediately realized something was approaching.
An inexplicable surge of excitement welled up within him.
Perhaps it's a demon beast, Chen Zong thought, tightening his grip on the sword in his left hand.
Having cultivated for years to become a martial artist, reaching the fifth layer of the Qi Blood Realm, Chen Zong had only ever engaged in friendly sparring. He had never experienced a true life-or-death battle.
His father had once said that a truly exceptional martial artist must face mortal danger; only through such trials could one truly grow.
Chen Zong thought of the Chen Clan's Iron Guards. While he didn't know about the others, the ten he had personally witnessed radiated a chilling aura of lethal intent, making him feel acutely threatened.
"Demon beast, come on," he muttered, holding his breath. His eyes sharpened to a razor's edge, piercing through the dense foliage ahead as if determined to see through countless plants and trees.
As the stench of blood grew stronger, the vegetation ahead began to sway violently. The creature was getting closer.
A crimson pattern emerged, growing clearer with each passing moment.
Dark yellow fur adorned with crimson spots marked it as a massive mountain cat.
"Red-Spotted Leopard," Chen Zong recognized instantly. The moment he saw it, countless entries from the Martial Repository's miscellaneous records flashed through his mind, instantly identifying its name and all relevant information.
The Red-Spotted Leopard, a low-grade, first-tier demon beast, typically measures around 1.5 meters in length as an adult. Renowned for its exceptional speed and explosive power, its razor-sharp claws rival Fine Iron Grade swords.
This predator has no glaring weaknesses. If pressed, one might say its brute strength is merely adequate, but that's relative. Against opponents below the fourth level of the Qi Blood Realm, it's pure slaughter. Even a fourth-level Qi Blood Realm martial artist unleashing their full power would struggle to match its ferocity.
After all, demon beasts possess naturally robust bodies, a degree of intelligence, and unmatched hunting skills honed in the wild.
The Red-Spotted Leopard before Chen Zong stretched roughly 1.6 meters—unmistakably a fully mature specimen.
Its body crouched low, taut like a drawn bow, its molten-gold eyes locked onto Chen Zong with chilling intensity, brimming with savage intent. Its forepaws lightly scratched deep gouges into the ground, its muscles coiling with explosive power, ready to unleash a lethal strike.
The overwhelming aura of savagery and those pitiless golden eyes could send even inexperienced fourth-level Qi Blood Realm martial artists trembling, their combat prowess crumbling. Even fifth-level practitioners would fare little better.
Chen Zong's heart raced uncontrollably, a chill sweeping through him as his skin prickled with goosebumps. He realized with a start that he had never faced a true life-or-death battle before, putting him at a fundamental disadvantage against these demon beasts, hardened by countless slaughters.
Adopting the opening stance of the Hidden Sword Stance, Chen Zong fixed his gaze intently on the Red-Spotted Leopard, scrutinizing its every minute movement. He took deep breaths, striving to calm himself. The world around him seemed to fade into the distance, leaving only the thunderous pounding of his heart, as loud as a war drum.
The tip of his sword trembled faintly as the Silver Azure Dragon materialized, its radiant light enveloping his entire being. Chen Zong's breathing deepened, his mind sharpened to a razor's edge, and his muscles settled into a state of relaxed readiness. In that instant, he could unleash terrifying power.
Man and beast faced off in tense silence.
Chen Zong waited for the Red-Spotted Leopard to strike first, while the leopard studied the human before it, searching for an opening. Like a patient hunter, it held its position without wavering, its savage eyes unchanging, as if it had transformed into a living sculpture.