Chapter 299: Astral Warfare

"You’re telling me, you got into a fight with a girl your age, who’s nearly at the peak of the Physique Transformation realm, without considering how powerful a background she would need to have for a cultivation base that high at this age-"

"Who even considers that sort of stuff before getting into a fight? What kind of dumbass would wait to think through so many unnecessary details when your enemy is about to slash you to death?"

Seeing the thick bandages wrapped around Mu Ran’s forehead and jaw, stuffed to the brim with medicinal pastes, Han Xuhan really wanted to ask what good it did to not think before getting into the fight.

But considering a girl was involved in the story, it made sense in a way. After all, Mu Ran would lose the few working brain cells in his head the moment he came across a girl he could hit on. Asking him to act wisely in such a situation was like asking a dog not to eat shit.

In the end, he just asked resignedly, "What exactly were you two fighting over?"

"...It was a saber, with edges so sharp that it could cut through huge boulders like slicing through mud," Mu Ran said, three parts of his voice reverent, seven parts tinged with trauma.

"The smithing was so incredibly advanced that I couldn’t even identify what materials were used to create it. The blade was so thin and flexible that you could twist it into a knot and carry it around in your pocket!"

That description was downright impossible to believe. How could blades like that even exist? Even back on earth where science had advanced so far, Han Xuhan didn’t remember any type of alloy being so terrifying.

Maybe something similar could have been created using nanotechnology, but making a pure slab of refined metal gain such properties was out of the question.

Wait... Why was he trying to find a scientific explanation where cultivation magic was involved? Han Xuhan ended up cursing himself for his foolish thoughts.

"Not only were its materials and craftsmanship exquisite, but it also had a requirement for its wielder! A pure, untainted mind, a heart dedicated to the great Dao, a soul untouched by the worldly sins; that saber’s wielder must meet those requirements to unlock its full potential and gain its allegiance!"

"Heavens! Don’t tell me you snatched it from her and became its master?!" Han Xuhan asked, wide-eyed.

Mu Ran: "...."

Realizing that he had screwed up, Han Xuhan instantly employed his best skills in the field.

"What’s wrong? Did the sword refuse to recognize you? Was the saber blind or what? How could it not see Mountain Tai?"

"....Let’s not talk about it, Underling."

Mu Ran’s helpless countenance gave Han Xuhan a lot to think about. This guy wasn’t one to back away from such a challenge. Was it just the beating that had forced him to acknowledge his own inferiority compared to the saber-wielding girl?

Or was something else involved? Perhaps Mu Ran was hiding a few crucial details of the story...

Nevertheless, learning the story behind Mu Ran’s injuries wasn’t what he was after. Han Xuhan had come over to his hut for something else. This seemed like a good opportunity to shill for his new golden thigh, Elder Kong Ye.

"Boss, you are aware of the apprenticeship tradition in this sect, aren’t you?"

Mu Ran nodded, looking relieved at the change of topic.

"Boss, I’ve recently gathered some inside intelligence involving this tradition. So if there are any particular sets of skills that you’d like to develop by relying on it, feel free to tell me. I’ll help you find the best master in the Crimson Snow Sect! It’s my duty as your underling, after all."

Mu Ran’s eyes lit up in appreciation. Clapping Han Xuhan on the shoulder like a satisfied elder of the family, he said delightedly, "Wonderful work, underling! This is why I like having you around.

"I was already about to make some inquiries myself. The worldwide tournament is coming closer and closer every day, and I plan to make some big moves to broaden the horizons of those so-called top-level Sects. It would be quite convenient to have the guidance of a skilled Elder!"

"...What did you say? You plan to broaden the horizons of the top-level Sects?"

"Correct! Why else would I even participate in the tournament?"

Han Xuhan couldn’t believe his ears. Was this human speech? Even as a veteran reader of the xianxia genre, he couldn’t help but find that boast arrogant beyond reason.

Young man-lady-whatever, you’re barely halfway past the Physique Transformation realm!

The horizons of the top level sects aren’t yours to broaden. Leave that job to eccentric old monsters, or you’ll get squashed like the insignificant ant that you really are!

But of course, he couldn’t say those admonishments out loud. What came out of his mouth instead was, "Just name your goals and leave the rest to me, boss. You don’t even need to grovel under the feet of those obnoxious Elders like our fellow disciples have to. I’ll handle everything!"

"Really?" Mu Ran’s delight grew a notch higher. "Mm, the first skill I want to learn is... Astral Warfare!"

Han Xuhan racked his brain trying to figure out what it could mean before realization dawned on him. Mu Ran had always been rather focused on spells related to souls, something that was greatly reflected in his performance in the Holy Land of Laws.

Since the word ’Astral’ was involved, it would clearly be something to do with souls, too.

"Is this a distinguished name of a known skill, or just a rough area of expertise?" He asked, taking out a list to note it down.

"I don’t know for sure. I heard the phrase somewhere. It sounded cool. And I already have a bit of foundation in it. So I thought developing this skill could give me an edge over those who have no experience in dealing with Mystic Arts in that field," Mu Ran said, keeping his answer rather vague.

Han Xuhan noted it down with a serious expression. He felt a little curious about this new, novel mode of warfare as well. It sounded rather unorthodox, a perfect skill for someone like him...