High Martial Arts: Invincible Starts from Basic Archery Chapter 786 - 614: That was just now, it doesn’t count anymore

Secret Realm of the Red Dragon Sect.

Apart from sporadic disturbances from demon beasts in the rear mountains, tranquility usually reigned here.

The old site of the Red Dragon Sect lacked even the slightest trace of ghostly figures.

All at once, a disturbance rippled through the void, like waves on a pond, and a silhouette materialized within the secret realm.

In that instant, the entire secret realm stirred to life, particularly amid the sect's dilapidated remains. Multiple dark forms surfaced, some rising from the earth, others slinking out from wall crevices, their gazes locked hungrily on the fresh arrival.

Chen Fan picked up on this immediately.

Prior to mastering the Observing the Universe Technique, he had merely detected a handful of watchful stares upon him.

Their exact nature remained a mystery to him then.

Now, though, he "perceived" various shadowy wisps of dark fog eyeing him intently, their foggy visages displaying a distinctly human avarice.

He ascended the stone steps steadily.

This move sent the shadows into a frenzy of excitement.

"He's approaching, he's coming our way! He's heading straight for us!"

"Is it possible he's truly entering?"

As delight washed over the shadows, their attention shifted to Hei Yu, filled with disbelief.

"I warned you ages ago—he'd seek me out, and I was spot on, wasn't I?"

That particular shadow boasted with pride.

He figured there was no downside to Chen Fan's slightly delayed arrival. After all, a true hunter prized patience above all.

Yet Chen Fan showed up after just two days, catching him off guard with the swiftness.

"Hei Yu, hold off on celebrating. Perhaps he's only scouting around and has no real plan to step inside?"

A voice laced with annoyance echoed.

"We'll observe and find out."

Hei Yu let out a chilly huff, "But keep in mind, he's my target, so keep your distance from this, understand?"

Though hesitant, the shadows yielded with grudging nods.

By now, Chen Fan stood at the threshold, and a timely voice echoed in his thoughts.

"You've arrived, young friend?"

The tone carried a warm, affable quality, reminiscent of a kindly neighborhood elder.

"Indeed, senior," Chen Fan found it rather droll. The foe had no inkling that he'd pierced their scheme. Still, he kept it hidden, opting instead for a sigh and a reluctant expression.

"Struggling with your cultivation path?"

Hei Yu grinned, brimming with assured triumph.

"As I suspected, senior, your insight is unmatched."

Chen Fan answered honestly, "That Great Vajra Divine Power you shared before—after practicing it some, I realized its strength falls short, so I wondered if you possess a mightier cultivation method?"

"Haven't I made this clear already?"

The shadow sounded irritated, "The Great Vajra Divine Power ranks as the most basic martial art in my collection. I hold numerous Divine Demon-level ones, such as the Longevity Technique. Step through, and they're yours for the taking. But your persistent distrust toward me leaves me helpless."

"You're absolutely correct, senior. I'll enter to claim those techniques."

Saying so, Chen Fan strode inside.

The moment he crossed the threshold, an icy chill wrapped around him tightly.

"?"

Hei Yu froze in shock.

He hadn't anticipated Chen Fan's such effortless entry.

He'd braced for more coaxing, like in the prior two encounters.

Reflecting briefly, clarity dawned on him.

Humanity's flaws—greed and dread—held sway. At first, fear of him had blocked Chen Fan's ears to his words.

But once the Great Vajra Divine Power's advantages tempted him, greed surged forth, casting aside all wariness.

"The fool actually entered!"

"What spell did Hei Yu cast on him?"

"Curses!"

Envy and bitterness gripped the other shadows, though they mostly accepted their lot.

"Senior, where might you be?"

Chen Fan's call reverberated.

Hei Yu swiftly shifted into the guise of a benevolent white-robed elder, approaching Chen Fan with a serene demeanor.

As spectral beings, they harbored deep malice against the living.

Thus, even when slaughter was possible, they preferred luring prey into utter desperation for true gratification.

"You sought me out, young friend."

"Senior!"

Chen Fan's face brightened, and he advanced a couple of paces, "My respects, senior."

"Hehe, dispense with the ceremony."

Hei Yu chuckled warmly, "You're after the Divine Demon-level Martial Arts, aren't you, young friend? Come along with me."

In the centuries past, countless souls akin to Chen Fan had ventured here.

Lured by avarice, they were guided to realms of profound grudge, enduring agonizing trials of body and soul.

Yet this occasion diverged sharply.

Chen Fan held his ground and proposed, "Senior, why not simply share the techniques right here?"

"???"

Bewilderment crossed Hei Yu's features, followed by a furrowed brow in mock offense, "Such impoliteness! The storage for the techniques lies just a short way off, but you balk at this minor trek? Your resolve lacks steel. Very well, depart if you wish."

With a dismissive gesture, he flicked his hand.

Chen Fan could only shake his head inwardly.

This shadow excelled at pretense.

Having ensnared so many, it still posed as a lofty recluse, now even shooing him off dramatically.

Noting Chen Fan's unmoving stance, Hei Yu snorted icily, "What holds you back from going?"

Chen Fan gave a casual shrug, "If I truly meant to exit, would you permit it?"