Peerless Martial Soul Chapter 3: Oppress

The middle of April had arrived.

Each month, the 15th marks the specific day that the disciples of the Qian Yuanzong gather to collect their cultivation resources.

Within the vast Longmai Continent, the warrior reigns supreme. These practitioners absorb the spiritual energy of the world, refining it into true energy and eventually true essence. At the zenith of martial arts, a warrior possesses the supreme power to shatter the very world itself.

Beyond drawing aura directly from the environment, a vital method of progression involves absorbing aura from spirit stones. Because the spiritual energy density within these stones far exceeds the natural atmospheric levels, utilizing them can accelerate one's cultivation speed to an incredible degree.

Every disciple within the Qian Yuanzong outer sect is entitled to receive three spirit stones per month.

Chen Feng, holding the status of an Outer Sect disciple, was no exception to this rule.

When the day came, he gathered his things and made his way toward the outer sect grounds of the Qian Yuanzong.

The Qian Yuanzong claims seven or eight majestic peaks on the western edge of the Aomori Mountains. Broken Arrow Peak, the seat of the outer sect, pierces the clouds at a height of over 3,000 feet, adorned with a continuous sprawl of palaces. Social standing is reflected by altitude; the higher one lives, the more noble their status. Complementing the mountain residences, a bustling town has flourished at the base, housing the many guards and servants who serve the outer sect disciples.

Following the winding mountain path, Chen Feng reached a crowded square teeming with activity. Beyond this lively hub lay the official mountain gate of the outer sect.

“Chen Feng.” A soft, familiar voice called out from behind him.

A grin touched Chen Feng’s lips as he turned around. The man speaking was in his thirties and possessed a very plain face, currently wearing a warm smile as he looked at the youth.

Approaching him, Chen Feng offered a respectful bow: “Uncle Han.”

This was Han Cong. Much like Yan Qingyu, he served as an Elder of the outer sect. As Yan Qingyu’s junior brother, he had once deeply admired his brother's staggering talent. Even after Yan Qingyu fell into disgrace, Han Cong remained a loyal friend. Following Yan Qingyu’s passing, he had acted as Chen Feng's protector. Chen Feng knew well that without Han Cong’s intervention, his life over the last few years would have been far more precarious.

Han Cong offered a faint smile before sighing. “Chen Feng, I’m afraid my ability to look after your resource distribution is coming to an end.”

Startled, Chen Feng asked, “What has happened?”

“I have been reassigned. I will no longer be managing the Resource Hall.”

In his role at the Resource Hall, Han Cong had overseen the monthly distribution for all outer sect disciples. He had always ensured Chen Feng received high-quality spirit stones. With a new person taking over, such favoritism was unlikely to continue. Chen Feng felt a pang of sadness—not because of the potential loss of premium stones, but because he hated to see the only elder who truly cared for him moved away.

Sensing the boy's distress, Han Cong offered a comforting word. “Don't be troubled. Though I am leaving the Resource Hall, I remain within the outer sect. We shall still see one another.”

Lowering his voice to a whisper, he cautioned, “Elder Sun has taken command of the Resource Hall now. Your master humiliated him years ago during a lesson, and he has nursed that grudge ever since. Furthermore, you’ve had your own run-ins with his son. You must be vigilant; he will likely try to make things difficult for you.”

With a heavy heart, Chen Feng nodded solemnly.

He understood the necessity of endurance. For now, he would bow his head under the pressure, waiting for the day his strength was sufficient to reclaim everything that was rightfully his.

As if summoned by the mention of his name, a mocking voice suddenly drifted from behind them: “Well, look who we have here. If it isn't the pathetic apprentice of that trash Master. What, are you here to drain the resources of our outer sect once again?”

Chen Feng turned to see a youth of sixteen or seventeen dressed in fine silk. Though handsome, the boy had thin, cruel lips and an air of arrogance. Standing beside him was a middle-aged man in his forties.

The youth was Sun Xin, and the man beside him was Elder Sun, a figure of significant influence among the outer sect elders.

Before Chen Feng could respond, Han Cong fixed a freezing glare on Sun Xin. “Sun Xin, I dare you to repeat that!”

His gaze was as sharp as a cold needle, forcing Sun Xin to avert his eyes, unable to face Han Cong’s intensity.

“Hmph…” A cold snort erupted as Elder Sun sneered. “Junior Brother Han, you really are regressing, aren't you? Bulling a member of the younger generation? Is that the extent of your skills? It’s no wonder the sect leadership lost faith in you and placed me in charge of the Resource Hall. Haha!”

He looked at Han Cong, laughing with unrestrained arrogance and pride.

Elder Sun’s hatred for Yan Qingyu was long-standing, and that bitterness extended freely to both Han Cong and Chen Feng.

Taking a step forward, Han Cong said coldly, “Elder Sun, if you think I lack ability, then let us settle it through action! Do you have the courage to exchange blows with me?”

A flicker of hesitation crossed Elder Sun’s eyes, and he instinctively retreated a step.

He was painfully aware that his Cultivation was inferior to Han Cong’s; a direct confrontation was the last thing he wanted.

However, with so many disciples watching in the square, refusing the challenge would mean a total loss of face, making it impossible for him to maintain his authority in the outer sect.

Just then, an emotionless, indifferent voice cut through the tension: “What is the meaning of this?”

The crowd immediately offered their salutes as the newcomer was recognized; even Han Cong and Elder Sun showed their respect.

An old man with hair and a beard as white as snow approached. This was Su Zhaodong, the Supreme Elder of the outer sect—a man of immense status and power. His cold eyes swept over the two elders, his brow furrowing. “You are both elders of this sect. How can you behave so disgracefully in front of the juniors? Especially you, Han Cong. Initiating a fight over nothing? It seems my decision to move you from the Resource Hall to monster hunting was the correct one. You are useless!”

He then turned his gaze toward Chen Feng. “And you, trash. Why aren't you staying at the grave of your trash master? Why have you come here to cause trouble?”

Su Zhaodong’s bias toward Elder Sun and his son was blatant. Elder Sun wore a smug, malicious grin as he glanced at Han Cong.

Publicly humiliated, Han Cong’s face turned bright red, his frame trembling with suppressed rage. He had managed the Resource Hall with fairness and integrity for years, only to be branded worthless in a single moment.

Yet, he dared not argue. The man before him was a Supreme Elder whose Cultivation was beyond measure; he could end Han Cong’s life in a single strike.

Chen Feng kept his head down, his teeth clenched so hard they might break, a fire of fury burning in his eyes.

“Su Zhaodong, for the shame you’ve heaped upon my Uncle Han today, I will eventually demand satisfaction!” he swore silently.

With a final cold snort and a lingering look at Han Cong, Su Zhaodong turned and departed.

Elder Sun looked at Han Cong with a mix of mockery and malice, hissing, “Han Cong, I promise your life will only get more miserable from here. Mark my words, you won't survive this. Perhaps during a hunt, an 'accidental' blade will find your back!”

He then shifted his glare to Chen Feng. “As for you, your monthly resources are finished! You little trash, once Han Cong is out of the picture, let's see how long your arrogance lasts!”

“You!” Han Cong barked, “Don't push this too far!”

Unexpectedly, Chen Feng let out a soft, mocking chuckle, his expression full of contempt.

Elder Sun flared with anger. “Trash, what are you laughing at?”

“I am laughing at what a waste you are!”

Chen Feng’s voice was dripping with disdain as he sneered, “Years ago, you tried to use your age and Cultivation to bully my master, only to be thrashed by him. Even after my master’s Meridians were shattered, you still weren't his equal! Now you only dare to act like a grand figure in front of a junior. Haha, how impressive! Truly remarkable!”

“Furthermore, my master has been gone for years, leaving me with no one to guide my practice. Your son, Sun Xin, has had the benefit of your personal tutelage. You keep calling me trash, but if I were to defeat Sun Xin, then what does that make you and your son? Are you both not the ultimate trash?”

“What? You, defeat me?” Sun Xin stared at Chen Feng in disbelief before bursting into hysterical laughter, shouting to the onlookers, “Did you hear that? This piece of garbage says he’ll beat me! A nobody wants to defeat me, a warrior at the third layer of the Houtian realm!”

The surrounding outer sect disciples joined in, their voices filled with mockery and scorn.

“Chen Feng has lost his mind. A loser who hasn't even reached the first layer of the Houtian realm wants to challenge Sun Xin?”

“Unbelievable. Sun Xin is at the third layer, practically a mid-tier power among us outer disciples. Plus, Elder Sun has taught him several advanced martial arts!”

“Chen Feng is literally begging for death!”

Chen Feng acted as if the insults didn't exist. He simply smiled, tore a strip of cloth from his sleeve, and flung it at Sun Xin’s feet—the formal sign of a challenge.

“Sun Xin, do you have the courage to fight me?”