Chapter 22: The Dark Emperor

Chapter 22: Chapter 22: The Dark Emperor

"The so-called secret code means that whenever I mention it, you must listen to me, no matter how unwilling you are. Otherwise, I will report to the sect master that you didn't follow my instructions," Zhong Shan said seriously.

"What's so fun about that? No, I don't want to play," Tian Ling'er immediately refused, her face showing her reluctance.

"No, this needs to be agreed upon beforehand. If what I ask you to do is unreasonable, you can inform the sect master. Even if he punishes me, I'll accept it. But if you don't agree to this, we won't leave," Zhong Shan insisted, his expression grave.

"Fine, fine, you're so nagging. I'll listen to you," Tian Ling'er replied, still unwilling.

Seeing her expression, Zhong Shan smiled slightly. She truly had the demeanor of a young lady.

"Let's choose something unique. Hmm, you like to eat 'osmanthus cakes,' so we'll use 'osmanthus cake' as the code. Whenever I mention osmanthus cake, it means I'm very serious, and you must listen to me. Absolutely must," Zhong Shan said solemnly.

"Alright, alright, osmanthus cake, hehe!" Tian Ling'er couldn't help but laugh at the peculiar code. Who uses such a code?

"Good. Since that's settled, wait here. I'll get my luggage, and we can leave together," Zhong Shan nodded and said.

After speaking, Zhong Shan went into the house and returned with a massive bundle weighing at least fifty pounds. Carrying the bundle on his back and holding a large knife, he said, "Alright, let's go."

"Give it to me. I'll put it in my storage bracelet. You look so tired," Tian Ling'er offered with a smile.

Zhong Shan didn't hesitate and handed her the bundle, keeping only the large knife in his hand.

"Alas, my Red Silk is only a second-grade item and can only carry me. You use the Wind-Chasing Boots, and we'll move quickly together," Tian Ling'er said.

"Alright." With the large knife on his back, Zhong Shan channeled his qi and shot off in a particular direction.

Tian Ling'er stepped onto a piece of red silk and flew alongside him, feeling incredibly happy about leaving.

Knowing the way out of the mountain, Tian Ling'er quickly led Zhong Shan past the grand formation and out of the Kaiyang Sect.

Outside the Kaiyang Sect, Zhong Shan glanced at the small thatched hut, feeling a mix of emotions. He was now a member of the immortal sect.

Zhong Shan didn't greet the 'mountain guardian' in the hut. Instead, he led Tian Ling'er and swiftly ran in a specific direction.

"Master, Anhuang owes his life to you. It's because of you that Anhuang was able to avenge his family and clan. Anhuang has sworn loyalty to you for life, without complaint or regret. There's no question of unfairness," Anhuang said respectfully.

"You're now the Lord of Dark Night Hall. The aristocratic families and royal families of the surrounding countries all fear you," Zhongshan said, smiling and shaking his head.

"Everything is because of Master. Dark Night Hall will always be loyal to you," Anhuang replied immediately.

"Well, I won't say much more to prevent you from calling me 'Master' incessantly. It feels awkward. Here, continue practicing this innate technique." Zhongshan handed the booklet to Anhuang.

"Innate technique?" Anhuang exclaimed in surprise as he took the booklet, which bore the three characters "Dark Assault Technique" on its cover.

"I've also been practicing an innate technique now, different from yours though. This one is a top-notch innate technique, divided into ten levels. It can be cultivated to the Golden Core stage. Work hard in your cultivation. When you reach the Golden Core stage in the future, I'll find another one for you," Zhongshan said earnestly.

"Yes, I will practice diligently and also train the best assassins for Master," Anhuang replied respectfully.

"By the way, there's a portrait in the Dark Assault Technique depicting an innate master. Search everywhere for this person. Whether alive or dead, just inform me when you find them," Zhongshan instructed.

"Yes, I will spare no effort in finding this person," Anhuang bowed.

"Alright, I'll leave you to your tasks. I'll be on my way." Zhongshan then slowly walked out of sight, transforming into a shadow and swiftly retracing his steps.

As Anhuang looked at the Dark Assault Technique in his hand, he sighed inwardly. Then, his gaze shifted to the place where Zhongshan had disappeared, determination gleaming in his eyes.

As for Zhongshan's true self, the next day before dawn, he woke up and saw Tianlinger, who had stayed excitedly awake for most of the night. Zhongshan didn't wake her up but instead packed up the hammock, took his big knife, and began practicing his swordsmanship not far away.

"Splitting the Mountain with Force! Slaughtering All Enemies!"

Practicing on a large rock, Zhongshan's goal was to slice it open like tofu, relying on his intuition to find its weak points. It was something only Zhongshan would dare to imagine; even the creator of the sword technique didn't have such a terrifying idea. Carving patterns on wood was one thing, but finding weak points on stone?

After practicing for an hour, Zhongshan took a break and quickly sat down to meditate.

At this moment, Tianlinger also woke up. Seeing Zhongshan diligently practicing, she felt ashamed. Tianlinger's aptitude was the opposite of Zhongshan's; her talent was so good that she didn't need to work hard to progress faster than ordinary people.

In this desolate mountainous area, Zhongshan didn't dare to indulge for long; he only summarized his insights from breaking the stones. Gently opening his eyes, he happened to see Tianlinger's sparkling eyes, with the morning sun reflecting on her porcelain-like face, making her appear like a radiant masterpiece.