At the peak of Mount Gu ci stood a sect that followed the righteous path. Founded by Li Hao about seventy years ago, the sect was named the Star Sword Sect. Over time, Li Hao managed to transform the Star Sword Sect into a respected establishment in the martial arts world. Although not the largest, the sect at least ranked among the top ten and was sought after by aspiring disciples eager to train in martial arts. On a cool morning, hundreds of Star Sword Sect members trained enthusiastically in a vast open field. They were divided into several groups based on their respective levels. An elderly man with long white hair emerged from a chamber, holding a sword with a black hilt. He was the founder and caretaker of the Star Sword Sect, Li Hao. "Ho Chen, come here quickly!" he called, his gaze fixed on a handsome young man of average build who was stacking firewood behind a chamber used as a kitchen. The young man’s name was Ho Chen. His skin was slightly tanned from frequent expos

"Damn it!" cursed Ho Chen in his heart. The twenty-year-old young man thought that he had to endure as much as possible. Although he had never received direct martial arts training, he had often observed the training conducted by other students. He secretly memorized each movement and practiced them alone in the forest while collecting firewood. That was why he often returned to the sect only when night fell. A punch aimed at his head was reflexively dodged. Likewise, a follow-up kick from Song Im targeting his stomach was successfully blocked. "Who taught you martial arts, you bastard? Just wait, we will report you for stealing techniques that you have no right to learn!" Song Im shouted. Fang Yun’s close friend still couldn't believe that Ho Chen had managed to block his kick. Despite his fear, Ho Chen forced a smirk. "I am also a student of the Star Sword Sect, Song Im! It’s not my fault if I observe your movements while you train. I have been in the sect for a year, yet I was

Li Hao and Ho Chen instantly turned their eyes toward the door, which had lost its panels. They both stared at the figure of an old man with a pale face and long, white hair reaching his back. His attire was entirely black, without exception. Even his headband was black, contrasting sharply with his white hair. The pale-faced man’s lips and chin were smeared with fresh blood. Occasionally, he licked it as if savoring the taste. "Wayward Fang!" Li Hao exclaimed, recognizing the figure standing before him. Wayward Fang was the nickname of the leader of the Black Panther Sect. The old man was infamous for his peculiar habit of drinking the blood of his victims, particularly from their necks. "Why are you so surprised to see me, Li Hao? You should have realized that your sect was already my target!" said Wayward Fang, flashing his elongated fangs—far longer than an average person’s. Perhaps that was why he was given the moniker Wayward Fang by dark sect warriors. Li Hao had long anti

Ho Chen turned his body to check on Fang Yun. However, the person he was looking for was no longer in his original place. A bad thought quickly flashed through Ho Chen’s mind. He suspected that Fang Yun had left while he was still asleep. "Damn it! So ungrateful!" he muttered. Ho Chen stood up. After brushing off the leaves stuck to his body, he tied back the black-hilted sword that had been given to him by Li Hao. Ho Chen did a few light exercises to loosen his muscles. After that, he walked towards the large banyan tree where he had buried the dried scroll. But after taking only a few steps, he heard Fang Yun shouting from behind. "Ho Chen, wait!" Ho Chen turned his head back. He saw Fang Yun walking towards him at a slightly hurried pace, clutching his right ribs with his left hand while carrying a bundle of cloth in the other. Ho Chen scratched his head, feeling embarrassed for having thought poorly of Fang Yun. "I thought you had left," Ho Chen said once Fang Yun was clo

Grrrrrghh! The same growling sound echoed once more, causing the six creatures to back away from Ho Chen. They seemed terrified of something whose presence was yet to be seen. Ho Chen did hear the growl, but he still couldn't determine what kind of creature had made the six red wolf-like beings retreat in fear. "Ho Chen, climb up quickly!" Fang Yun shouted as loud as he could. Ho Chen snapped back to reality and hurriedly sheathed his sword. Then, he climbed the tree as fast as he could until he reached the top. "Look at that!" Fang Yun pointed to a specific spot. Ho Chen followed the direction of Fang Yun’s finger. His eyes squinted, then widened in an instant. His brows furrowed deeply, unable to believe what he was witnessing. Yes. The two tigers he had encountered a few days ago in the forest near the Star Sword Sect were now standing at the foot of Gobi Mountain. "Why are those two tigers here?" he wondered aloud. "You've met those tigers before?" Fang Yun asked in aston