After fully recovering, Ai Xia turned to Bing and asked, "Bing, what do you think of Madara's performance in the match?"
"He is exceptionally skilled for a sword cultivator his age," Bing replied calmly. "Between the two of you, I can say you didn't stand a chance."
"Didn't stand a chance?" Ai Xia asked, curious and a bit incredulous.
"Yes," Bing said firmly. "Even if you had used all your hidden techniques and the full extent of your power, you still wouldn't have been able to defeat him. His swordsmanship is highly refined, and his sword intent is far stronger than that of the two other sword cultivators here in the sect. What's more, he only used two techniques during your sparring match—I believe he's still holding back, with at least one more technique linked to his elemental affinities."
"You're right, Bing. He has three elemental affinities, and he also possesses a bloodline. But Bing, do you know anything about his bloodline?"
"No, I don't," Bing answered. "This is the first time I've ever heard of such a bloodline."
With no more questions, Ai Xia took a moment to rest, then eventually fell asleep. Meanwhile, within the inner realm where Bing dwelled, the sword spirit silently watched over the sleeping Ai Xia.
"Uchiha bloodline… hmm…" Bing murmured thoughtfully.
...
Late into the night, in a secluded and silent area far from the sect's reach, the flickering glow of torches mounted on the stone walls cast dancing shadows over a wide, deep crater. In its center sat a solitary figure, cloaked in the stillness of intense meditation.
From the right cave emerged a man with a distinctive half-up, half-down hairstyle, dressed in a flowing black hanfu detailed with red embroidery along the cuffs and collar. A red dragon insignia was stitched on the sleeve of his left arm—marking both identity and danger. He was seated cross-legged, his breathing calm yet powerful, as he cultivated using a forbidden technique: the Blood Essence Devouring Art.
---Blood Essence Devouring Art: Absorbs the target's blood essence (the life source within blood) and converts it directly into qi or strengthens the cultivator's foundation. ---
At the base of the crater, faint traces of crimson liquid shimmered dimly—what little remained slowly being drawn into the man's body. Hours passed. Then, suddenly, an overwhelming surge of energy erupted from him, red and black aura spiraling violently around his form. A moment later, he opened his eyes, a glint of satisfaction in them.
"Not bad…" he muttered, staring at his clenched right hand. "I've broken through to the mid-stage Soul Realm."
As he stepped out of the hidden chamber, a figure was already waiting outside.
"Boss," greeted Hu Liebao, bowing slightly. He leaned closer and whispered something discreetly into the man's ear.
Upon hearing the news, Mo Tianxue's eyes sharpened. Without delay, he turned and made his way toward a reinforced chamber at the far end of the underground complex. The door was forged from rare ore and heavy metal, surrounded by glowing crimson runes etched into the frame—radiating an ominous pressure.
He placed his left palm gently on the door. In response, all the runes around the frame instantly faded, allowing the door to creak open.
Inside, the chamber was pitch-black. With a subtle wave of his right finger, the torches fixed to the walls ignited one by one, casting golden light across the stone floor. At the center of the room lay a naked human body, unmoving, within the very center of a drained ritual crater.
Seeing that, Mo Tianxue issued a mental command.
The lifeless body stirred… then slowly rose to its feet and walked toward him like a puppet. As the figure approached, Mo Tianxue reached out and brushed aside the long, disheveled hair that partially covered its face. When his eyes settled on a mark etched into the figure's forehead, a cold smile curved his lips.
"This is good news…" he whispered to himself.
...
The next morning, Madara sat in a meditative position, his breathing calm and steady. A faint glow surrounded his body as his Yin-Yang Qi Absorption Technique remained active. Suddenly, the spirit orb placed beside his bed pulsed with light.
Opening his eyes, he picked up the orb and scanned its contents. His expression shifted slightly—whatever was written inside had clearly caught his attention. Without delay, he stood up and swiftly left his quarters, heading straight for the Mission Hall.
As he approached, the grand structure came into full view—the Mission Hall, located at the heart of the outer sect grounds. It was an imposing building made from dark jade stone, its heavy spiritwood pillars supporting an atmosphere of solemnity and authority. Flanking the entrance were two majestic beast statues—often tigers, lions, or qilins—symbols of courage and duty.
In front of the hall, a growing number of disciples were already gathered, patiently waiting for the day's assignments. Madara's gaze swept the area, looking for his partner, but she was nowhere in sight. With a sigh, he retrieved the last yellow apple from his storage ring and casually took a bite.
Just as he finished, a light taps on his shoulder made him turn.
"Sorry I'm late, Madara," Feiyan said, catching her breath. "Have they started giving out missions yet?"
"Not yet," Madara replied simply.
A few more moments passed before the Mission Hall doors opened. To avoid disorder, the disciples were instructed—per the elder's command the night before—to line up in pairs.
At the reception desk stood a frail-looking old woman with long, silvery-white hair tied in a simple low bun. Her eyes, a piercing shade of pale lavender, were half-lidded, as if in constant rest, yet no detail escaped her notice. Her wrinkled skin resembled ancient bark, but a faint rosy hue hinted at the vitality and spiritual strength she still held within.
She wore elegant indigo robes embroidered with cranes and drifting clouds—symbols of wisdom and longevity. Around her neck hung a chain of spirit beast teeth, clearly remnants of battles fought in her younger days.
"A promising pair… both sword cultivators," she said softly, a faint smile gracing her lips as she handed them a Task Medallion and a map detailing the entire southern domain.
Once outside, Madara inspected the medallion. The mission engraved on it read:
"Eliminate 10 Ghostleaf Mantises and retrieve 10 beast cores."
Feiyan unfolded the map, eyes narrowing. "This will be quite a journey. If I'm not mistaken, these mantises dwell deep within the jungle region of the Yunwun Senlin Forest." She pointed at the area on the map and showed it to Madara.
Leaving the sect grounds, they saw other disciples soaring through the skies—some riding their spiritual weapons, others mounted on rental beasts that were exclusive to inner sect disciples. Since neither Madara nor Feiyan possessed spiritual weapons nor qualified for rental mounts, they made a mutual decision: they would run the distance, qi reinforcing their legs, conserving energy, and keeping their movements swift and light.
Hours passed in silence. Eventually, they found a serene clearing and agreed to take a short rest. Feiyan leaned against a thick tree trunk and retrieved a yellow apple from her storage ring. She turned to speak—but Madara was gone.
Alarmed, she stood up and scanned the area. Seconds later, she sensed something behind her. Instinctively, she summoned her sword from her storage ring and spun around.
To her surprise, it was just Madara—calmly preparing a fire pit. Tied to his belt were two freshly caught rabbits.
"If I were you," Madara said without looking up, "I'd lower that sword."
Feiyan let out a breath, both relieved and irritated. "Next time you sneak off like that, at least give me a heads-up," she said with a huff.
"I'll remember that" Madara replied flatly, focused on arranging firewood.
She returned to her spot and resumed eating her apple. Meanwhile, Madara worked efficiently cleaning the rabbits, removing their skins and organs, seasoning the meat, and placing them on skewers over the fire.
Soon, the savory scent of roasted meat filled the air, catching Feiyan's attention. She paused mid-bite, glancing toward the fire.
"I didn't expect him to know how to cook," she thought, slightly impressed.
After eating and resting, they resumed their journey. Days passed. Then one morning, they finally reached the edge of the jungle within the Yunwun Senlin Forest—the known territory of the elusive and deadly Ghostleaf Mantis.
---Ghostleaf Mantis : a jungle-dwelling predator that possesses a set of stealthy and lethal techniques. ---