Chapter 40

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Martial Arts: Mountain Splitting Saber Technique (Second Level Greater Mastery 65%; Upgradeable; Special Effect: Explosive Level 2)

Han Zhao looked at the martial arts column and muttered in his heart, “Upgrade the Mountain Splitting Saber Technique.”

In a flash, his attribute points decreased from 3 to 2.

The progress of the Mountain Splitting Saber Technique jumped to Second Level Perfection 21%.

Another 1 point of attributes was consumed, and the progress became Second Level Perfection 72%.

The last attribute point returned to zero, and the words in the martial arts column became blurry.

Han Zhao felt the muscles in his arm heat up and swell. Blood qi continuously surged from all parts of his body and finally gathered in his arm.

Martial Arts: Mountain Splitting Saber Technique (Second Level Perfection 100%; Upgradeable; Special Effect: Explosive Level 3)

“Is this the bottleneck?”

Han Zhao raised his eyebrows. He had been hoping that he could rely on the three attribute points to break through to the Mountain Splitting Saber Technique.

However, the process of adding points to the Life Nurturing Technique had already made him mentally prepared.

If the bottleneck was so easy to break through, Li Fei, Zhang Tianwen, Xu Ling, and Su Yun, who had long reached the perfected Bone Tempering Realm, would not have been stuck for so many years.

“I still have to simulate it once before I can break through.”

“I think I’ll have enough Yin energy when I get there.”

Han Zhao calmed down.

Before adding points, he had successfully overcome the difficulties in the simulation. Now, he only lacked some Yin energy.

If he simulated it again, he could rely on the Mountain Splitting Saber Technique to break through to the Blood Tempering Realm.

At that time, his blood qi would double again, and his combat strength would increase significantly.

Unfortunately, the special effect of the Mountain Splitting Saber Technique from the Entry Level of the Second Level to the Greater Mastery stage was “Explosion Level 2”.

Now that it had reached the Perfection stage, the special effects had finally increased by one level.

It was indeed far inferior to the Life Nurturing Technique.

Han Zhao tidied up his clothes and prepared to go out to see Xu Ling.

His saber technique progress had increased greatly, and he felt hungry again.

“Yu Niang, I’m going out for a while. Prepare some food. I’ll come back to eat.”

Before leaving, Han Zhao instructed Yu Niang.

…

Han Zhao arrived at the Xu residence in the inner city. The gatekeeper told him that there was no need to report and that he could go straight to the backyard.

When he arrived at the backyard, Xu Ling and Su Yun were still sitting at the stone table in the courtyard. However, this time, there was a young man in a brocade robe—Zhang Wu.

“Senior Sister Xu, Senior Sister Su, Brother Zhang.”

Han Zhao greeted them.

“Junior Brother Han.” Xu Ling nodded with a smile.

“Junior Martial Brother Han.” Su Yun’s attitude was much better than before.

“Junior Brother Han, you’re finally here. We were waiting for you.” Zhang Wu stood up and pulled Han Zhao to sit beside him.

He was clearly not from the Mountain Shaking Fist Academy, but looking at his attitude and address, those who didn’t know better would think that he was from the same sect as Han Zhao and had an extremely good relationship.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” Han Zhao smiled and sat down. He was not used to Zhang Wu’s enthusiasm.

He had always felt that Zhang Wu was overly enthusiastic and a little fake, so he had always been on guard.

However, as the saying went, one should not slap a smiling face. He could not do anything to Zhang Wu. After all, he had gained some benefits from the Zhang family.

He just had to be careful.

Han Zhao sat down and asked, “Senior Sister Xu, why did you call me here?”

“Let me explain!” Zhang Wu smiled and said, “This time, our Zhang family has accepted a big business and wants to escort a batch of goods to Jade Wind City. However, because we’re a little short on manpower, we want to invite the Su family and the Xu family to work together. We called Brother Han here because we want you to follow the team. Of course, we won’t force you.”

“Okay.” Han Zhao nodded.

“Brother Han is indeed straightforward!” Zhang Wu laughed and added, “Don’t worry, the Zhang family and the Su family will each send two registered elders at the Blood Tempering Realm to accompany you on this mission. The Xu family will also send one.”

“In that case, I’m relieved.” Han Zhao smiled, but he was puzzled. The simulation showed that there were six Blood Tempering Realm martial artists accompanying them.

“Alright, it’s settled then. We’ll gather at the east gate in five days. I still have something to deal with, so I’ll take my leave first.” Zhang Wu looked smug as he stood up and was about to leave.

It seemed like he was waiting for Han Zhao to inform him of this news.

“Brother Zhang, goodbye.” Han Zhao stood up to send him off.

“Brother Han, see you.” Zhang Wu smiled and waved his hand.

“Phew~” After Zhang Wu left the courtyard and his footsteps faded away, Han Zhao let out a long sigh.

“What is it, Junior Martial Brother Han? Are you also afraid of dealing with Zhang Wu?” Xu Ling blinked.

“This Zhang Wu is so hypocritical.” Su Yun curled her lips.

Seeing that the three of them had a rare consensus, Han Zhao couldn’t help but sigh. “Compared to Zhang Wu, I still like Zhang Tianwen’s unruly appearance. The person whose emotions are written on his face is very easy to understand.”

“Junior Martial Brother Han, your words are truly amusing!” Xu Ling covered her mouth and giggled.

‘How are Han Zhao’s words amusing? It’s obvious that you like him!’

Unable to stand Xu Ling’s flirtatious gaze, Su Yun said angrily, “Xu Ling, don’t you have something important to tell Junior Brother Han?”

“Right, I almost forgot about the important matter.” Xu Ling glared at Su Yun before she said with a serious expression, “Junior Brother Han, you know my situation.”

“I don’t have many people with me. There’s only one registered elder who supports me in the Blood Tempering Realm. The other two support my second brother.”

“Eldest Senior Brother had just gotten married. This mission would take at least a month to get back and forth, so he wanted to stay in the city.”

“I don’t want my second brother to interfere in this matter, so I want to invite Senior Song through you.”

“Don’t worry, the reward is very generous. It won’t be less than the other registered elders.”

Han Zhao came to his senses. With an additional Blood Tempering martial artist, he would naturally get an additional share of the reward. Xu Ling didn’t want to give this benefit to her second brother, so she thought of Song Que.

However, Xu Ling did not know that this was a life-threatening mission.

Originally, she was still thinking about what to do if Zhao Yuantu went as well. Now that Zhao Yuantu was not going, although she lost a high-end combatant she could trust, she had fewer scruples.

“I’m sorry, Senior Sister Xu. Senior Song left Blackrock City some time ago. I haven’t contacted him in a long time.”

Han Zhao found an excuse. He had been cultivating in the city for the past eight months, so “Song Que” naturally disappeared.

“Is that so?” Xu Ling was a little disappointed, but she still smiled and nodded. “I understand.”

“Senior Sister Xu, are you going with the team this time?” Han Zhao asked. He hoped that it would be best if Xu Ling didn’t go with them. This way, he could completely relax.

Other than Xu Ling, he did not care if the others died.

“Of course, I have to go! After all, there’s one less Blood Tempering Realm expert. If I don’t go, won’t the reward be even lower?” Xu Ling said seriously. Then, she pretended to be angry and said, “Junior Brother Han, are you looking down on me? I’m already at the perfected Bone Tempering Realm. If we really fight seriously, you might not be my match.”

“How would I dare to look down on you?” Han Zhao raised his hands in surrender. Since Xu Ling had already made up her mind, he couldn’t persuade her anymore.

Xu Ling was considered powerful among Bone Tempering Realm martial artists. If he used the Mountain Splitting Saber Technique alone, Han Zhao did not dare to say that he could easily defeat her.

Moreover, if Xu Ling went, he would have another companion to rely on.

“If there’s really no other way, let another registered elder of the Xu family participate.” Han Zhao changed the topic and said seriously, “I’m afraid this matter might not be able to be hidden from Xu Jin. Zhang Wu might invite him along. Instead of that, why don’t you take the initiative to mention it?”

His thoughts were very simple. Since the Blood Tempering Realm martial artist was not on Xu Ling’s side, it would be easier for her to fight for the family assets in the future if they could get rid of him in this mission.

In the end, this mission was about strength. The strong lived, and the weak died.

Anyway, he didn’t harm anyone.

Su Yun nodded and said, “Xu Ling, Junior Martial Brother Han’s words make sense. Some time ago, when the Zhang family proposed marriage to your family, didn’t you refuse? Zhang Wu might not offend either side, but he should be able to tell your second brother.”

Han Zhao was a little surprised. He did not expect Su Yun to agree with him.

It seemed that Su Yun’s attitude towards him had improved a lot since the last time.

How realistic.

“Su Yun, what nonsense are you spouting? The Zhang family only mentioned it at the banquet. It’s not as exaggerated as a marriage proposal. I don’t even like the Zhang brothers.” Xu Ling rebuked and secretly glanced at Han Zhao from the corner of her eye.

“Is that the main point of my words?” Su Yun teased.

“I know, I know! I’ll inform them when I get back,” Xu Ling said unhappily.

“All you do is shout at me! Why don’t you dare… Boohoo!” Xu Ling covered Su Yun’s mouth.

The two women began to play around.

Seeing this, Han Zhao stood up and bid them farewell.

They would set off in five days so he had to go back and make some preparations first.