Chapter Ten: Like a Torrent Unstoppable

The burly man furrowed his brow, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. Seeing this, Lu Qingyun added, “Moreover, we can guarantee that every time we pass through here in the future, we will leave behind a portion of resources.”

“Alright, I agree!” The burly man finally made up his mind and waved for his men to lower their weapons.

“But first, you have to show us your goods,” he said.

Lu Qingyun signaled for his group to display some of the spirit herbs and materials. After inspecting them, the burly man and his men broke into satisfied smiles.

“Not bad. You may leave,” he said, waving them through, though his gaze lingered on Lu Qingyun for a moment longer.

“You’re clever, kid. Perhaps one day, you’ll have a place in Windstorm Gorge,” he remarked.

Lu Qingyun smiled and nodded in thanks, leading his group away slowly. Only after they had put some distance between themselves and the greedy eyes did everyone finally breathe a sigh of relief.

“Brother Lu, you’re incredible. You managed to turn danger into safety so smoothly,” Jing Yun exclaimed in admiration.

Lu Qingyun shook his head. “This is merely a temporary measure. Windstorm Gorge is riddled with dangers; we must remain vigilant.”

After the bandits who claimed to be the masters of Windstorm Gorge let them pass, Lu Qingyun stopped and faced his companions.

“They are not the true masters of Windstorm Gorge,” he said calmly but with undeniable conviction.

The previously dispirited team members lifted their heads, looking at Lu Qingyun with puzzled expressions.

“Brother Lu, if we know they’re not the real masters, why did we give them the spirit herbs and materials?” Jing Yun asked, confused.

Lu Qingyun glanced around, then spoke slowly. “They are numerous and powerful, clearly a group accustomed to this sort of extortion. I’m certain there are many more like them here.”

Unease rippled through the group. “Then what do we do? If we leave now, we gain nothing, and we’ve already handed over what we collected,” Wang Pangzi said anxiously.

Lu Qingyun smiled subtly, confident. “I have a plan. You have to fatten the pig before you slaughter it—that’s when it tastes best. Those people like to take what they want without effort. We must work even harder.”

The others looked at him, puzzled.

Lu Qingyun explained, “Those bandits won’t leave anytime soon. We can temporarily use their camp as a warehouse. Once we grow stronger, we’ll defeat them and reclaim what’s ours.”

The group’s eyes brightened with understanding and respect.

“Brother Lu, you are truly far-sighted!” “Why didn’t I think of this?” “But how do we become stronger?”

Lu Qingyun patted his chest. “With my powerful martial soul and our united efforts, there’s no challenge in Windstorm Gorge we can’t overcome.”

His words warmed their hearts like a gentle current. They knew that under Lu Qingyun’s leadership, greater rewards awaited.

“Alright, we’ll follow Brother Lu’s lead!” Wang Pangzi was the first to voice his support.

“Yes, we follow Brother Lu…” the others echoed.

Lu Qingyun nodded and gestured for them to continue forward. “Let’s keep going. To become stronger, everyone must keep working hard!”

Led by Lu Qingyun, the group resumed their journey. They knew countless dangers lurked deep in Windstorm Gorge, but also infinite opportunities.

Lu Qingyun’s plan took root in everyone’s hearts. They trained harder and moved more cautiously. Under his guidance, they learned to hunt beasts more effectively and gather spirit herbs more safely.

Time passed, and their strength grew quietly. They became more synchronized and united. Each action more skillful, each battle more composed.

Lu Qingyun’s martial soul also matured, becoming more powerful. He began experimenting with new abilities, not yet fully mastered, but each attempt brought him closer to success.

Finally, one day, Lu Qingyun felt the time was right. He gathered everyone and announced their plan.

“It’s time. We return!”

“To reclaim what belongs to us!”

His voice brimmed with resolve. The group nodded in agreement.

---

Under Lu Qingyun’s lead, they silently returned to the bandits’ territory. The bandits were still reveling in their ill-gotten gains, oblivious to the doom approaching.

They celebrated around the campfire, drinking heartily and feasting on meat, unaware of the danger closing in.

Lu Qingyun and his group approached like phantoms in the night, their eyes gleaming with calm determination.

“Prepare…” Lu Qingyun whispered, his words clear and firm in each person’s ear.

Everyone nodded, hearts pounding, weapons gripped tightly.

“Attack!”

At Lu Qingyun’s command, battle erupted instantly. He led from the front, his figure a lightning bolt striking into the bandits’ ranks.

Behind him, the Azure Dragon martial soul appeared, its massive spectral form striking unprecedented fear into the bandits.

“What’s that?” a bandit stammered, pointing at the dragon silhouette.

“A dragon! My God, he has a dragon martial soul!” another screamed in terror.

Lu Qingyun gave them no time to think. His Azure Cloud Sword traced brilliant arcs in the air, each strike precise and lethal, targeting the bandits’ vital points.

“No, this can’t be!” The burly leader swung his giant axe, trying to strike Lu Qingyun, but his moves seemed sluggish as a snail in Lu Qingyun’s eyes.

“Too slow,” Lu Qingyun murmured, sidestepping effortlessly and countering with a sword tip pressed against the leader’s chest.

“Pfft!” The leader spat blood, staring in disbelief. He hadn’t expected to be defeated so easily.

The battle raged swiftly. Lu Qingyun and his team were like tigers descending the mountain; the bandits stood no chance.

Each attack thundered with power; every dodge was deft and graceful.

“Sword strike!” Jing Yun wielded her longsword, its light streaking like a meteor through the night, aiming for a bandit’s throat.

“Watch your back!” Wang Pangzi shouted, punching a sneaking bandit away.

Every member showcased their strengths, their teamwork seamless like a disciplined army.

Lu Qingyun moved like a dancer, each strike deadly and elegant. His Azure Dragon martial soul shone brilliantly in the night sky, its overwhelming presence terrifying the bandits into avoiding eye contact.

The fight ended quickly, the bandits utterly crushed.

Not only did Lu Qingyun’s team retrieve the spirit herbs and materials they had handed over, but they also gained many spoils.

“Brother Lu, you’re incredible!” Wang Pangzi panted, admiring him.

Lu Qingyun smiled faintly. “Ding! Congratulations to the mediocre fighter for defeating the bandit gang, gaining experience, and enhancing martial soul abilities.”

They exchanged looks, their faces radiating triumphant smiles.

“Brother Lu, you’re truly our leader!” Wang Pangzi wiped sweat from his brow, heartfelt admiration shining in his eyes.

Lu Qingyun waved it off. “This is the result of everyone’s efforts.”

As the dust settled, Lu Qingyun stood amid the camp, the Azure Dragon martial soul looming behind him, surrounded by his comrades.

Their gazes held awe, gratitude, and deep reliance.

This battle not only cemented Lu Qingyun’s status among them but also made him realize the weight of his responsibilities.

“Brother Lu, thanks to you, we’ve gained so much,” Wang Pangzi said, smiling broadly.

Lu Qingyun smiled and shook his head. “It’s a collective achievement. I couldn’t have done it alone.”

However, as they divided the spoils, a subtle shift occurred in the group’s atmosphere.

Some felt they had gained enough and worried that pressing deeper would confront stronger foes, risking all they had earned.

“Brother Lu, perhaps it’s time we head back?” Jing Yun hesitated, her eyes filled with reluctance and concern.

Lu Qingyun looked at her and then at the others, finally nodding.

“If you’re worried, you may return. The path through Windstorm Gorge is not something to force.”

The time for parting had come, and their hearts were heavy.

They had fought side by side, shared life and death, yet now must go separate ways.

“Brother Lu, take care!” Jing Yun grasped Lu Qingyun’s hand tightly, tears glistening in her eyes.

Lu Qingyun gently patted her shoulder. “You too. Be careful on your way back.”

As Qing Yi, Jing Yun, and others left, only Wang Pangzi and Han Man remained by Lu Qingyun’s side.

---

“Brother Lu, wherever you decide to go, I, Wang Pangzi, will follow you!” Wang Pangzi puffed out his chest, loyal and resolute.

Han Man nodded in agreement. “Qingyun, I’m willing to follow you deeper into the heart of the gorge.”

Lu Qingyun looked at them, a warm feeling swelling within.

“Good. Then let’s continue forward and explore the core of Windstorm Gorge.”

He clenched his fist, eyes shining with determination.

Suddenly, Han Man spoke up. “Qingyun, before I came here, I heard there’s a sacred ground in the core of Windstorm Gorge. A cataclysmic battle once took place there. Though now it’s ruins, it’s said many treasures, cultivation methods, and spirit weapons can be found.”

Lu Qingyun’s interest was piqued. As a transmigrator, much about this world was unfamiliar, and such mysteries intrigued him.

“A sacred ground? Then let’s go see it. Maybe we’ll find something useful.”

He made the decision.

That night, just as Lu Qingyun drifted into sleep, a strange phenomenon occurred.

A shadow, which had been following them silently, entered his dream without a sound.

In the dream, Lu Qingyun stood amidst desolate ruins, surrounded by shattered walls and ancient stones, the air thick with an aged, melancholic aura.

The shadow stood before him, its form indistinct and unclear.

“Who are you?” Lu Qingyun asked cautiously, even in slumber.

The shadow remained silent, slowly extending a hand toward the depths of the ruins.

There, a strange energy fluctuated, drawing his attention.

“Lu Qingyun, the secrets of Windstorm Gorge run deeper than you imagine. Are you truly prepared to face them?” The shadow’s voice was hollow and elusive.

“I am ready. Whatever Windstorm Gorge hides, I must see it,” Lu Qingyun replied firmly.

The shadow seemed to smile, then gradually faded away into the dream.

When Lu Qingyun awoke, dawn was breaking, but his heart was still filled with longing to delve into the depths.

As for the shadow, he dismissed it as a mere nightmare.

“Brother Lu, you’re awake?” Wang Pangzi hurried over.

Lu Qingyun nodded. “Let’s go to that legendary sacred ground.”

They packed their belongings and set off toward the core of Windstorm Gorge.

As they ventured deeper, the scenery changed gradually—from dense outer forests to treacherous mid-mountain ranges, and finally to ancient ruins at the core—each place hiding untold stories.

Lu Qingyun’s group tread carefully through the ruins, searching for treasures.

Indeed, they found some broken weapons and damaged cultivation manuals. Though mostly ruined, these relics revealed glimpses of past glory.

After days of exploration, their harvest was considerable.

They discovered precious materials and several incomplete cultivation methods. Though these required time to restore and comprehend, it was an invaluable gain.

Yet, the deeper they went, Lu Qingyun felt an inexplicable pressure mounting.

He knew the core of Windstorm Gorge concealed greater secrets and dangers.

One night, as Lu Qingyun fell asleep again, the shadow reappeared in his dream.

“Lu Qingyun, you have come this far, but do you know what you truly seek?” The shadow’s voice was tinged with temptation.

Lu Qingyun took a deep breath and answered calmly. “What I seek?”

He was uncertain but could not articulate it.

The shadow seemed to smile as its form faded, leaving a final message echoing in Lu Qingyun’s ears:

“Keep moving forward. In the depths of Windstorm Gorge lies the answer you desire.”

Lu Qingyun awoke, his heart brimming with resolve.

But who was this shadow? Why did it speak to him so?

It was a strange feeling, yet he could not pinpoint why.

When Lu Qingyun and his companions finally reached the sacred ground, the sight before them stunned every soul.

Shattered stone pillars, collapsed palaces, and scattered ancient weapons all bore witness to the cataclysmic battle that once shook the world.

The air still carried an ancient, deadly aura that sent chills down their spines.

Yet, amidst this heavy atmosphere, a group appeared, breaking the silence.

They were neatly dressed, their faces bearing warm smiles, but beneath those smiles lurked a chilling menace.

“Welcome to the sacred ground. We have been waiting for you,” they said.