Chapter 27: Advanced Mystical Martial Arts

Lu Han took the scroll. "You little brat, open it and take a look. The treasures left by the Earth King shouldn’t be too shabby," old Ling said with a shrug, unimpressed by the Earth King's offerings.

Lu Han slowly unfurled the scroll, feeling a surge of excitement. Obtaining this scroll had indeed been a near-death experience, and he felt a sense of anticipation as he immersed himself in its contents.

"The Celestial Garment, a defensive high-level profound martial technique. Once cultivated successfully, it forms a thin veil around the body, hence the name. It also has the effect of body refinement, enhancing physical strength beyond the same level." After reading the introduction, Lu Han appeared enlightened.

No wonder the Celestial Garment was considered exceptional among the Earth King's formidable techniques; an additional layer of defensive veil and increased physical strength could mean the difference between victory and defeat in the martial world.

"Kid, what is it? Is it too low-level for you to care? No worries, your master…"

"Master, that's not it; it’s like this…" Before old Ling could finish, Lu Han interrupted him.

After hearing Lu Han's explanation, old Ling's expression shifted, disbelief evident. "Kid, let me see that scroll. A high-level profound martial technique is so powerful? Even if it’s a rare defensive technique, it shouldn’t be this strong."

Lu Han immediately tossed the scroll to old Ling.

"Haha… Kid, you’ve struck gold this time," old Ling laughed heartily after examining it.

Lu Han felt confused.

"If I’m not mistaken, this Celestial Garment is probably only the first volume. Just think, even a fragment is high-level profound; if it were complete, at the very least it would be earth-ranked. Plus, being a rare defensive technique with body-refining effects, it’s on par with an initial earth-ranked martial technique," old Ling explained, noticing Lu Han's puzzled expression.

"Is it really that impressive?" Lu Han responded with surprise at old Ling's words.

"Let’s just say your luck is extraordinary. It would be perfect if there was a second volume, but it’s best to let things progress naturally. Just having the first volume is already great," old Ling reassured him.

"I’m very satisfied. Besides, I won't be cultivating martial techniques in the future. Does that mean you won’t either? Master, don’t you think I’m right?" Lu Han said, his eyes sparkling as he looked at old Ling.

"Right… uh, no, not right. You almost got me there, kid. Don’t have designs on my martial techniques; first, let’s deal with those two outside," old Ling chuckled.

"What two people?" Lu Han asked, somewhat confused.

"The two mercenaries, of course! They're looking for you, and since you seem to have designs on my martial techniques, why not think about how to deal with them?" old Ling teased Lu Han, clearly enjoying the irony.

"Old Ling, why didn’t you tell me earlier? What else can you do besides getting your disciple into trouble?" Lu Han replied, unfazed. Having cultivated the Frosty Aether Technique, he felt several times stronger than before and was looking for someone to test his skills against. It was a perfect opportunity.

"What do you mean trouble? Look, you’re fine now, right? Plus, you got the Celestial Garment. So you should thank me. And remember, I’m your master! If you call me old Ling again, I might get angry. Do you believe I’ll give you a couple of knocks?" old Ling threatened, as if the kid thought he couldn’t manage him.

Lu Han sighed in response.

"I say, Zhu Jian, that brat has probably run off who knows where, maybe even out of Cloud Crystal Mountain and back to Greenstone Town. What’s the point of us wandering around here?" one of the men said, resting their swords on their shoulders as they strolled through the forest, a hint of frustration in his tone.

"Don’t worry. Do you think Deputy Captain Zheng… Captain Zheng took so long to return yesterday for nothing? He’s already sent brothers to block the way back. That brat is now a turtle in a jar. If we catch him, heh heh…" the other man responded, sounding somewhat eager. Zheng Qi had already mentioned that whoever captured Lu Han would become the deputy captain. Those who had been reluctant were now filled with zeal.

Initially, they had envied those who returned the bodies of the two captains, but now only a fool would consider going back. With a stroke of luck, catching Lu Han meant becoming deputy captain, and besides Zheng Qi, he would be the highest authority in the whole group. The two groups had merged under Zheng Qi, making them the absolute first force in Greenstone Town. Just thinking about being the deputy captain of the first force was something everyone wanted.

With that thought, their pace quickened.

"Hey, are you two looking for me?" Lu Han stood provocatively on a large rock in the distance, questioning them.

"Didn’t expect you to come out on your own? Saves us the trouble of searching. Good, I’ve decided to let you suffer a bit less," the two were surprised. Was this brat foolish enough to come out when so many were searching for him instead of hiding?

Lu Han slowly approached, stopping about ten meters away. With one hand crossed over his chest and the other touching his nose, he said, "Why should I run? Is it just because of you two?"

"You brat, don’t think that just because you defeated that waste, Hu Xingfu, you’re invincible. Today, I’ll show you that there’s always someone better. Watch out for my blade!" Zhu Jian, angered by Lu Han’s provocation, couldn’t hold back any longer and charged at him with his sword drawn.

Instead of retreating, Lu Han met his charge with renewed vigor.

"Take this!" Zhu Jian shouted.

Infusing his internal energy into the blade, a faint red glow appeared as he swiftly slashed towards Lu Han.

Lu Han sidestepped the attack, evading the strike.

The Frosty Aether Technique surged within him, and he struck out towards Zhu Jian with a palm, a faint white cold air emanating from it. This was the unique energy of the Frosty Aether Technique, said to rival high-level profound techniques when fully mastered.

Zhu Jian was taken aback by Lu Han’s swift reaction and hastily blocked with his palm.

Thud, thud…

Zhu Jian was astonished as he staggered back from Lu Han's palm strike. Not only did his arm feel numb, but he could also sense a layer of frost forming on it.

"This big brother, wasn’t it supposed to teach me that there’s always someone better?" Lu Han smiled at Zhu Jian.

"Zhu Jian, are you even capable? You’ve been at the seventh level of the acquired realm for so long, and you can’t even handle a brat?" the other man mocked as he watched Zhu Jian being pushed back by Lu Han.

"Hmph, I was just careless!" Zhu Jian shot a glare at the man.

"I don’t believe a kid like you can stir up any big waves!" Zhu Jian, feeling humiliated by Lu Han's taunt and his companion's ridicule, grew increasingly frustrated.

With a low growl, Zhu Jian stomped the ground, his long knife trembling, as he charged at Lu Han.

A shadow of the blade swung towards Lu Han’s head.

This time was different from before. Lu Han watched the tricky blade shadow, quickly leaning back, kicking off the ground to retreat.

Lu Han frowned. Not having a weapon was his weakness; he didn’t dare to confront Zhu Jian head-on.

"You fool, your technique is far superior to his. Your internal energy is naturally stronger. Just evade his blade and focus your internal energy on him. Why are you acting so timid? How did I end up with such a foolish disciple?" Old Ling's voice echoed in Lu Han’s ears.

It wasn’t entirely Lu Han’s fault; his combat experience was limited, especially with the opponent wielding a long knife and such aggressive attacks.

In a moment of distraction, another blade struck out.

Lu Han steadied himself, bending his legs, his internal energy enveloping him as a thin layer of frost formed on the ground. He leaped up, soaring into the air, rotating mid-flight to land behind Zhu Jian. Just as he touched the ground, he swiftly changed his stance and pushed forward with a palm.

"Star Shattering Palm!" Lu Han called out in his mind.

Channeling the Frosty Aether Technique, this chapter was more powerful than before by several times.

Zhu Jian turned to see a one-meter-wide white cold energy hand flying towards him, and he raised his long knife to defend.

As the blade made contact with the white energy hand, Zhu Jian felt the overwhelming force, and his expression changed.

"Boom!"

Zhu Jian was sent flying backward.