Chapter 106: The Arrival of the Black Malevolence

"I suspect you might be one of them yourself, aren't you?"

A thought stirred within Hu San. He had formed a vague assessment of the old man's identity, though he kept it well-hidden. Instead, he displayed a look of mingled ecstasy and apprehension. "The Infinite Scripture? That is a supreme manual that leads directly to the pinnacle of power. But, elder, according to what you say, there must be a great many powerful sects and masters here. For those of us who are weak and isolated, is there truly any chance of success?"

"Heh, treasure is a natural creation, and it belongs to those who have the virtue to possess it. Looking back at the history of the four great canons, those who obtained them were never the most powerful or the highest-cultivation individuals; rather, it was often the inconspicuous, lowly martial artists who found the greatest opportunity. Now that both the righteous and demonic factions have appeared, you and I are perfectly placed to fish in these troubled waters. As for whether we can actually obtain the Infinite Scripture, that will depend on each person's own destiny."

The old man’s expression suddenly shifted as he looked toward the perimeter. "The Black Fiend Corps has arrived; the real show is about to begin. Kid, if you want to keep your life, you’d better move closer into the crowd. These demonic brats aren't as polite as the Chushan Sect."

Hu San followed the old man’s gaze and saw a group of figures dressed in black, led by four grim-faced elders, marching forward to surround the area.

These four elders possessed an extraordinary aura; their every movement seemed in harmony with the heavens and the earth. Their cultivation was profound—they were likely the so-called Four Fiends of Black Blood.

Wherever they passed, everyone in the crowd retreated hastily, as if terrified that a moment's hesitation would cost them their lives.

The old man crouched slightly and, taking advantage of the shifting crowd, moved further inward, stopping very close to the members of the Chushan Sect. Hu San followed suit without delay. Seeing this, the old man merely frowned but offered no further reaction; he seemed to have resigned himself to the boy's company.

At the appearance of the Four Fiends of Black Blood, the previously steady formation of the Chushan Sect began to stir. A moment later, a young man dressed in a silk jacket and tight-fitting warrior’s trousers stepped out. He bowed to the four fiends and asked, "Junior Zong Liang of the Chushan Sect pays his respects to the four seniors. May I ask why the seniors have gone to such lengths to come here?"

"I never imagined Zong Liang of the Four Talents of Chushan would actually be here. It seems the rumors are largely true..."

"This Zong Liang is formidable. Although only twenty, his cultivation has already reached the peak of the Eighth Heaven. His Kui-Water Sword Qi is said to be peerlessly sharp. It is rumored he once held his ground for a hundred moves against the supreme master, Old Man Dabei, before retreating with ease..."

"Zong Liang is the pride of the Chushan Sect’s younger generation. If even he has come, perhaps the Infinite Scripture is truly about to manifest."

As the young man emerged, a stir ran through the crowd. Everyone had something to say, but they all shared one common sentiment: deep admiration for his cultivation. Clearly, his reputation in the martial arts world was significant.

"Heh, kid, don't tell me you don't even recognize Zong Liang, the Canglan Sword among the Ten Great Swordsmen of the martial arts world?"

Hu San showed a slight look of confusion, prompting the white-clad old man beside him to sneer and sigh. "I don't know what hole you crawled out of, daring to wander the pugilistic world without knowing anything. It’s a miracle you’ve survived this long. This Zong Liang is the representative of the Chushan Sect’s younger generation."

"He is only twenty, and while his cultivation is only at the peak of the Eighth Heaven, his Kui-Water Sword Qi has a solid foundation. Even when facing ordinary supreme masters, he has the strength to escape. He is the most likely candidate for the next sect leader of Chushan. Since he has appeared, it means the rumors are likely true."

"I have been in deep seclusion and know little of the affairs of the martial arts world; you have made me look foolish, elder. Still, Zong Liang is indeed impressive. To reach the peak of the Eighth Heaven at twenty—he is worthy of the Chushan lineage. But with only him here, can he truly force the Four Fiends of Black Blood to retreat?"

Hu San smiled, ignoring the old man's skepticism. In his view, this old man was quite mysterious and likely a hidden supreme master; having him as a temporary shield could not be better.

If Hu San had previously been observing with a casual attitude, the news that the Infinite Scripture could help a supreme master advance further had genuinely piqued his interest.

In his understanding, martial artists were essentially unrefined sorcerers. Anything that could help a martial artist advance further could only be sorcery-related techniques. As for why no one from the cultivation world had come to seek this "Infinite Scripture" after such a long time, Hu San could only assume the technique was too mundane to be worth their attention, or perhaps there were other reasons.

Even so, he was determined to obtain the scripture. After all, while it was highly probable that the Wu Family Manor contained a true codex of sorcery, Hu San wasn't sure how genuine it was, nor could he guarantee he would successfully acquire the so-called Bear Fist. Everything was an unknown, making the Infinite Scripture a much more tangible prospect.

With the introduction provided by this old man—whose motives remained unknown—Hu San could save himself a great deal of trouble. He wouldn't have to blunder into the situation blindly. After all, although the ordinary world of martial arts seemed to hold no threat for him, after witnessing the collusion between martial artists and demons, Hu San understood that the lack of threats was merely a superficial illusion.

This time, the white-clad old man did not mock him. He shook his head and said, "That is impossible. Although Zong Liang has a reputation, how could he be a match for the Four Fiends of Black Blood? His ability to survive a hundred moves against Old Man Dabei was only because they were in the Chushan Sect’s own territory, and Dabei was only using thirty percent of his strength. It doesn't mean he can truly contend with him. Furthermore, there are levels among supreme masters; the likes of Old Man Dabei are only at the bottom, and they are nothing compared to the Four Fiends of Black Blood."

"However, since Zong Liang is here, his master, the 'Gathering Sea Sword King' Shan, must have arrived as well. Shan is no ordinary man. In terms of Sword Qi alone, those who can surpass him in the martial arts world can be counted on one hand. With Shan here, unless Black Giant Spirit himself arrives, the Four Fiends of Black Blood will have to weigh the cost of offending the Chushan Sect."

As the two spoke, the elder on the far left of the Four Fiends—a man so withered and bald that his face resembled a skull—gave a sinister laugh. He suddenly flicked his sleeve, and before even reaching Zong Liang, a thick, black vapor erupted from it.

"Where did this junior come from, daring to block your grandfather's path? You must be tired of living. Old man Shan, I have come in person, and yet you are so arrogant? Do you really think you’ve become a Sword Immortal?"

His voice was as raspy and harsh as a saw cutting wood. The black aura he projected swirled in mid-air, solidifying into a black skull that emitted a mournful wail. With its dark, gaping maw, it lunged toward Zong Liang amidst the sounds of ghosts crying and wolves howling.

Faced with this strike, even Zong Liang, who had seen many supreme techniques over his years, felt his spirit tremble. By the time he reacted and channeled his Kui-Water Qi into his Cloud-Piercing Sword to form a defensive barrier of sword energy, the massive black skull had already bitten down.

The bright, silver sword energy danced like a silvery dragon, emitting a teeth-gritting screech upon contact with the black skull.

When they looked again, the massive black skull had completely expanded, and the previously ferocious silver dragon was now entirely swallowed within it. The silver light was rapidly being eroded by the black aura, and Zong Liang, who stood trapped within, wore an expression of shock.

At that moment, a gleam of water-colored light suddenly shot out from the ancestral hall. It circled the black mist rapidly before burying itself into the ground in front of the withered old man with a metallic *clang*.

When everyone looked, they realized the water-colored light was merely an ordinary longsword, now buried up to the hilt in the ground. As for the black skull that had trapped Zong Liang, it split perfectly down the middle, as if its head had been cleaved open.

Seizing the opportunity, Zong Liang turned his defensive sword energy into an offensive strike and lunged out through the gap in the skull. However, having escaped, he retreated back into the ranks of his fellow disciples; it was clear he had no courage to remain in the open.

The decisiveness and lethality of the Four Fiends of Black Blood sent a chill through the hearts of these high-minded disciples of the righteous path. If not for Shan's timely rescue, Zong Liang would likely have perished in that single blow.

"Heh, Old Man Shan’s 'Heaven and Earth Throw' is still as sharp as ever. It seems these past ten years were not spent in vain."

The withered elder among the Four Fiends did not pursue. Instead, he looked at the vibrating sword hilt with a solemn expression.

"The Skull Divine Lord's 'Great Skull Hand' is also truly formidable. But to use such a technique against a junior—is that not beneath the dignity of a senior? Does it not smack of bullying the weak?"

The Chushan Sect disciples standing before the hall parted to make way. Two men and one woman emerged slowly. Zong Liang, who had just been forced back, followed behind the middle-aged scholar in green robes, his face still pale, clearly not yet recovered from his brush with death.

"Chu Tian, Bai Ling! To think the two of you have come as well. It seems the news that the Chushan Sect has obtained the Infinite Scripture is true."

An elderly, short man standing beside the Skull Divine Lord narrowed his eyes. He glanced past Shan and fixed his gaze on the middle-aged man and woman who appeared to be a couple.

"I didn't expect to meet the Short-Statured Divine Lord here. It has been many years, and you still retain your old style—truly worth celebrating. My wife and I were merely passing through, and we did not expect to encounter the four divine lords. We know nothing of any Infinite Scripture. Could it be that you have news of it? If so, I am all ears."

The man in grey Daoist robes smiled slightly. Though his face showed no signs of age, his greying temples betrayed that he was no longer young. As for the woman beside him, while she was well-preserved and her face was free of wrinkles, her eyebrows were already snow-white.