Peerless Martial Soul Chapter 5: Select martial arts

"Chen Feng, you certainly kept me in the dark!"

As they distanced themselves from the gathering and strolled along the Waizong mountain path, Han Cong beamed at Chen Feng. There was no trace of resentment in his voice; he was genuinely thrilled for the young man.

"I apologize, Uncle Master. It wasn't my intention to deceive you..." Chen Feng replied with a bow of apology.

"I understand, I understand. You feared that the tallest tree attracts the wind," Han Cong chuckled. "No explanation is required. I am simply delighted for your success. However..."

His expression turned grave as he continued: "While your Master was alive, he made many enemies. Previously, they ignored you because they viewed you as trash. Now that you have shattered their perceptions, I fear your situation will become even more perilous. Mark my words: you must act with extreme caution."

A wave of warmth washed over Chen Feng's heart. "Please do not worry, Uncle Master! I will remain vigilant."

"What is your next move?" Han Cong inquired. "Are you still intending to visit the Resource Hall to claim your spirit stones?"

Chen Feng gave a slight shake of his head. "Not for the time being. Going now would only lead to an inevitable clash with Elder Sun. I have managed to save a decent amount of spirit stones over the years, so I am not in urgent need. I will wait until my Cultivation is sufficiently high before I settle accounts with Elder Sun."

Han Cong nodded, feeling a sense of relief.

He was gratified to see Chen Feng's restraint. A true powerhouse cannot rely solely on reckless aggression. After all, which of the mighty figures who rule their respective territories reached the top without facing setbacks?

"Uncle Han, I wish to visit the Martial Arts Pavilion to select a martial skill. While my Master taught me Cultivation methods, he never instructed me in martial arts techniques," Chen Feng explained.

"Very well, I shall escort you," Han Cong said with a smile. "As it happens, the Elder in charge of the pavilion is the same senior who held the post when I first joined the Sect."

The two departed from the main road, taking a narrow trail toward the Martial Arts Pavilion. The structure sat before a steep cliff, enveloped by mountain peaks, blossoming flora, and lush trees—a truly tranquil setting. Along the path, they encountered several Waizong disciples clutching thread-bound manuals as if they were priceless treasures. Having just chosen their techniques, these disciples were hurrying back to begin their practice.

Several disciples cast mocking glances at Chen Feng, but their tongues were silenced by the presence of Han Cong at his side.

At the pavilion's entrance, a disheveled old man sat leaning against the steps, drinking. His hair and beard were a tangled mess, giving him a neglected appearance. He tilted the wine gourd back, gulping greedily as the liquid spilled from the corners of his mouth. Even from a distance, the pungent aroma of alcohol clung to him.

Han Cong stepped forward and spoke in a low tone: "Grandmaster Uncle, I have brought a disciple here. He is the student of Senior Brother Yan Qingyu. Though previously thought to be untalented, he has successfully entered the third level of the Houtian Realm. According to Sect regulations, reaching the third level grants him the right to choose a martial skill."

The elder offered a couple of unintelligible grunts. Han Cong turned to Chen Feng and instructed, "Go inside. Do not linger; come back out as soon as you are finished."

"Thank you, Uncle Master." Without further questions, Chen Feng approached the entrance and bowed respectfully to the old man. "My thanks, Grandmaster Uncle."

With that, he stepped into the building.

The Martial Arts Pavilion was vast, spanning hundreds of meters. Rows upon rows of bookshelves were packed with tens of thousands of manuals and scrolls.

The Waizong branch of the pavilion was reserved for outer disciples, most of whom were in the Houtian Realm. Consequently, the highest-tier martial arts available here were only of the Yellow Rank, Grade Three.

Progress in martial arts is a gradual journey. Those between the first and third levels of the Houtian Realm are restricted to the first floor. Upon reaching the fourth level, one may access the second floor, while the third floor is reserved for those at the seventh level.

Chen Feng bypassed the first-floor techniques entirely, heading straight for the stairs to the second floor. Although he hadn't officially reached the fourth level—which requires a strength of one thousand catties—his current strength of eight hundred catties made him want to test his limits.

The moment his foot touched the first step, an invisible force blocked him, acting like a transparent barrier of air across the staircase.

Undeterred, Chen Feng channeled his internal Qi. He pushed against the barrier with all his might, attempting to force his way through. As he strained, the barrier began to indent under his pressure, yet it remained remarkably resilient. Beads of sweat formed on his brow and his Meridians throbbed from the intense surge of Qi, but he gritted his teeth and pushed forward with desperation.

Suddenly, a soft 'pop' echoed, like a bursting bubble, and the resistance vanished instantly. Chen Feng had to stop himself abruptly to avoid tumbling up the stairs.

Surprised by the sudden clearance, he didn't dwell on it and quickly ascended to the second floor.

"Clear goals and a tenacious spirit... a fine seedling indeed. Since he is a good seed, I naturally don't mind making things easier for him," the drunken Elder Taishang murmured outside. His eyes were suddenly sharp and clear, showing no signs of intoxication.

Han Cong bowed deeply. "I am grateful for your help, Grandmaster Uncle."

"His Master, back in those days... it truly was a tragedy," the Elder sighed heavily.

On the second floor, Chen Feng began his search. Since he already possessed the Golden Scriptures of the Bedoro Leaves for his internal Cultivation, he focused purely on finding a suitable martial technique.