Chapter 529 - 250: Xu Qingshan’s Relief, the Giant Spirit Assassin Returns, Jiang Che Breaks Through to the Fifth Layer of the True Master Realm

This was a Wind Chasing Falcon, specially trained by the Great Yan Kingdom. It was incredibly fast, highly intelligent, and used exclusively for secret communications.

The black-robed man rolled up the letter, tucked it into the miniature bamboo tube on the Wind Chasing Falcon’s leg, and then raised his arm.

"Go! Take the message back!"

"CHIRP!"

The Wind Chasing Falcon let out a crisp cry, beat its wings, and instantly transformed into a streak of gray-white light. It shot straight into the heavens, vanishing over the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Watching the falcon fly away, the black-robed man finally breathed a small sigh of relief.

This time, he had requested reinforcements from headquarters—Giant Spirit War Generals at the Tenth Layer of the True Master Realm or higher, perhaps even at Half-Step True Mastery!

Once these powerful experts arrived, he could continue his grand work!

He then scanned his surroundings to ensure he had left no traces. With a flicker of his form, he once again dissolved into a cloud of black mist and vanished into the forest.

He had to leave quickly. It would be troublesome if the Sect’s Law Enforcement Hall managed to track him down.

However, what this cautious and cunning mole could never have expected was that just as the Wind Chasing Falcon flew out of the Black Mist Wood and headed toward the Great Yan Kingdom...

High above, in the clouds, a pair of cold, sharp, golden eagle eyes had already locked onto it!

It was none other than Xiaohei, the Shadow Iron Eagle, currently on its way back after escorting Xu Qingshan!

"SCREECH—"

Xiaohei, who had been soaring through the clouds, suddenly received a command from its master:

’Intercept it! Kill it!’

Xiaohei instantly grew excited.

"SCREECH!"

It let out a screech, abruptly tucked its wings, and dove down from its great height!

Although the Wind Chasing Falcon was extremely fast, it was pathetically weak.

It only registered the sky above darkening as a terrifying killing intent locked onto its body. Its feathers bristled in terror as it desperately beat its wings, trying to escape.

But unfortunately, it could not escape Xiaohei’s sharp talons.

"PSHCHT!"

It was a soft sound.

Xiaohei’s steel-like talons had instantly closed around the Wind Chasing Falcon’s body.

With just a slight squeeze, it was crushed into a mist of blood.

Then, Xiaohei skillfully used its beak to peck off the severed leg with the bamboo tube tied to it.

It then spread its wings, cut an elegant arc through the sky, and sped off toward Spirit Void Peak.

...

「In Tingtai Garden.」

"FLAP FLAP FLAP—"

A dark shadow descended from the sky, landing steadily in the courtyard.

Jiang Che pushed open the door and took the miniature bamboo tube from under Xiaohei’s talon.

He took out the letter and unfolded it.

Although the text was written in the Great Yan Kingdom’s secret script, Jiang Che had read widely in the Scripture Pavilion and had some knowledge of such ciphers.

"Tenth Layer of the True Master Realm... Half-Step True Mastery... Giant Spirit War General?"

Jiang Che stared at the contents of the letter, startled.

’Damn, the Tenth Layer of the True Master Realm and above... Those are beings who could be Elders in the Sect!’

’If an expert of that level were to sneak in for an assassination, I’m afraid no one besides the few True Disciples would be able to handle it!’

Although he had intercepted this request for reinforcements, he knew this was only a temporary solution, not a cure for the underlying problem.

Sooner or later, the mole would realize that headquarters hadn’t responded and would send another request for help.

And the Great Yan Kingdom, too, would eventually notice something was amiss and take the initiative to send people to investigate.

New enemies would come, one way or another!

’But every day I can delay them is another day gained!’

’As long as I can disrupt their rhythm, I can buy myself more time to grow stronger!’

With a slight movement of his palm, Jiang Che channeled a surge of True Qi, instantly turning the letter to dust.

’I must become stronger!’

Jiang Che narrowed his eyes, a murderous glint appearing within them.

’Strong enough to ignore all their plots and schemes!’

’No matter who comes in the future.’

’Whether they’re at the Tenth Layer of the True Master Realm or even the True Mastery Realm...’

’As long as I stack enough Talents, as long as my trump cards are strong enough...’

’Even if the Emperor of the Great Yan Kingdom himself shows up, I’ll beat him until he’s spitting teeth!’

Pulling back his thoughts, Jiang Che turned and went back inside.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he sat down cross-legged again, took out a newly acquired bottle of Elixir Pills, and swallowed them.

Cultivation!

More cultivation!

In this treacherous Martial Arts World, only strength was the absolute truth!

...

Time flowed by like water, passing in silence.

Ever since intercepting the secret message from the Great Yan Kingdom, Jiang Che had completely focused his mind and entered a state of seclusion.

The turmoil of the outside world seemed to have nothing to do with him.

「In the Practice Room.」

The Spirit Gathering Array was operating at full power. The dense Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi had almost condensed into a tangible white mist, completely enveloping Jiang Che’s figure.

He sat cross-legged, his breathing long and rhythmic.

With every breath, the surrounding Spiritual Mist would form two vortexes, rushing into his body through his nostrils.

An unknown amount of time passed.

Suddenly, Jiang Che’s aura began to fluctuate violently!

The Myriad Phenomena True Qi within him, like a river bursting its banks, began to frantically batter the invisible Realm Barrier!

Once, twice, three times...

With his profound foundation supporting him, the barrier didn’t hold him back for long.

"Break!"

Jiang Che roared in his mind.

BOOM!

It was as if a clap of muffled thunder exploded within his body!

The invisible shackle shattered in an instant!

The surging True Qi poured into the new space like a torrent, rapidly filling it, expanding, and undergoing a qualitative change!

"Hooo..."

After a long while, Jiang Che slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a puff of turbid air that shot out like a sharp arrow.

An aura even more profound than before suddenly emanated from his body.

’Finally... I’ve broken through.’

Jiang Che felt the ceaselessly surging True Qi in his body, which was now significantly stronger than before, and a smile touched his lips.

Fifth Layer of the True Master Realm!

’If I combine this with my Passive Talents and trump cards...’

A sharp glint flashed in Jiang Che’s eyes.

If he were to again face that Giant Spirit Assassin who had temporarily broken through to the Ninth Layer Peak of the True Master Realm...

...while it would still be a tough fight...

...it absolutely wouldn’t be as difficult as last time!

After taking a moment to stabilize his new Realm, Jiang Che stood up.

’I’ve mastered the first layer of the Cultivation Technique. It’s time to find Senior Brother Song and get the second layer...’

Jiang Che straightened his clothes, pushed open the door, and walked out into the afternoon sun, heading toward Tingfeng Pavilion.

...