Azure Heaven Saber
Chapter 265 - 265 28 Breaking Away from the Innate

Chapter 265: Chapter 28: Breaking Away from the Innate! Chapter 265: Chapter 28: Breaking Away from the Innate! Advancing another seventy miles, the Heavenly Horses were once again attacked. However, this time, among their ranks were high-level Dark Guards coming to the rescue. Both sides fought fiercely like dragons and tigers were clashing. They were all severely wounded, but at their level of cultivation, unless they were fighting for their lives, it was unlikely for any of them to lose their lives over something trivial.

Particularly the group of Heavenly Horses, these seventeen men moved as one, sharing the damage. Even though their injuries were shared amongst the group, leaving each of them to deal with their fair portion, they managed to survive without losing any comrades.

In contrast, the newcomers this time, although stronger than the Heavenly Horses, lacked the method of sharing and spreading out damage. Furthermore, due to the sudden intervention of the Dark Guards, they were caught off guard. Though they did not lose much, they still suffered a small loss.

With a loud roar, a few of the mysterious figures are severely injured and retreat like the receding tide. The high-level Dark Guards also disappeared without a trace.

Although it was clear that the journey ahead wouldn’t be easy, Feng Yin and his two companions felt more at ease knowing they were being followed by the Dark Guards.

Since they had the Dark Guards following all the way along protecting them, news of the attack was bound to get out.

Thus, the journey ahead should primarily be a continuous struggle between Feiyi Hall and the Dark Guards.

Who would prevail in the end was difficult to predict, but it was no longer absolutely certain that the Heavenly Horses were doomed to die.

Feng Yin was a little relieved, and seeing that it was high noon, he decided to make a fire and grill some meat under a large tree.

Zhu Weiran and Hu Lengyue, both seasoned warriors, were excellent at outdoor cooking. They grilled the centipede meat expertly, achieving a savory aroma and perfect texture. Moreover, Hu Lengyue had gathered many wild edibles and a variety of mushrooms and other mountain delicacies along the way, all of which were cooked to perfection, filling the air with a mouth-watering fragrance.

Apart from not having alcohol, they had meat, vegetables, mountain delicacies, and wild flavors. They enjoyed their meal heartily. It was truly a feast.

Feng Ying was already crouching in front of the grill, on the ground, ears pricked up, and his large eyes blinking without cease at the sizzling, oil-dripping meat. From time to time, he would lift his white paw and make a grabbing gesture, his impatience clearly evident to the others.

“It’s ready!”

Chuckling, Zhu Weiran announced, “Let’s eat.”

“Hmm, Uncle Zhuang, can you think of a way to send some medicine to the Heavenly Horses?”

Feng Yin asked.

After the recent battle, while none of the seventeen Heavenly Horses had lost their lives, all of them were injured, and not lightly either. Though Feng Yin and his companions were a considerable distance away, they could still make out the severity of their injuries.

Feng Yin truly admired this group of men and did not wish for any of them to die because of him, if it could be helped.

Being heavily injured, however, was likely to impact their performance in the upcoming battles.

While sharing damage can significantly mitigate the risk of death, consecutive battles can lead to an accumulation of wounds, potentially resulting in an extreme situation where everyone is severely injured. If even one person fails to hold up, it can cause a domino effect, wiping out the entire force.

“That won’t be a problem,” Zhu Weiran readily agreed, quickly took the medicine, left in a hurry, and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Meanwhile, Feng Yin and Hu Lengyue didn’t wait for him and started eating. Feng Ying, however, held a piece of centipede meat in his little paws that was four to five times larger than himself. With eyes closed, he chewed enthusiastically. His eating speed could only be described as astonishingly fast.

“You’re certainly a glutton, little guy,”

Hu Lengyue was amazed, adding, “But the speed at which this little guy digests spiritual energy is truly impressive.”

Feng Yin smiled bitterly, “With the way he eats, I’m almost unable to afford to feed him.”

Feng Ying instantly raised his head from the chunk of centipede meat with a large bite out of it and threw Feng Yin a grumpy glance. He waved his little paws around, seemingly protesting and showing off at the same time. Clearly, he was very unhappy with Feng Yin’s words.

I am self-reliant! The meat you’re eating is all hunted by me. I’m the one who’s feeding you, not the other way around!

“But even if I can’t afford it, I still have to feed him!” Feng Yin’s next sentence immediately made the young creature beam with delight. He lowered his head and continued to munch away.

“Comparatively, its cuteness is the main thing, not its appetite.”

Hu Lengyue looked at it with affection, and couldn’t help but reach out to pet it.

Dodging with a quick sleight of body, Feng Yin eyed Hu Lengyue with a toothy glare, indicating his distaste at being touched.

I only allow one person to touch me!

If Hu Lengyue wasn’t a familiar face, part of the gang, she would’ve been greeted with a gust of wind blade by now!

Hu Lengyue didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, “We’re so familiar by now, can’t I pet you just once? We’re all friends here!”

Feng Ying vigorously shook his head.

There was no room for negotiation, not even if they were very close.

Before, when I had no means of protest, I was forced to endure being touched by outsiders. Once was already too much, I can’t let that happen again!

Feng Ying quickly grabbed his centipede meat and moved behind Feng Yin, squatting down to continue eating.

Hu Lengyue kindly reminded, “Feng Ying is eating right behind you. Make sure not to fart.”

Feng Yin didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Just at this moment, Zhu Weiran returned. He nodded his head, indicating that he’d accomplished the task, and immediately started eating.

Just then, an abrupt voice echoed, “What a wonderful aroma.”

The three of them were taken aback, their faces filled with shock.

Even little Feng Ying immediately lifted his head and began to scan the surroundings with caution.

The nearby grand tree, a creature with an exceptional sixth sense, a cautious mountain climber, and two old worldly-wise men, somehow hadn’t noticed that someone had approached!

This is not just frightful upon careful thought, but truly terrifying.

Feng Yin creased his brows, “Who? If you appreciate the aroma, why don’t you join us for a bite?”

“That’s my wish indeed, I wouldn’t dare to invite such a guest.”

A figure gracefully descended, clad in a grey robe, appearing around forty years old, with a tall stature and a clear face.

The face was full of gentle smiles, yet his eyes were clearly attentive to the centipede meat on the skewer, as he lightly sighed, “Indeed a delicious delicacy, how tantalizing.”

The three quickly puzzled, as their martial instincts could not sense any hostile intent. It seemed that the newcomer was simply mooching off their meal.

Zhu Weiran attempted to gauge the other’s strength, but his efforts were immediately repelled, leaving him shocked.

The strength of the individual was colossal and impenetrable, beyond measure.

However, Feng Yin became even more composed, saying, “Please, take a seat, sir. A chance meeting in such wilderness is fate. Join us for a meal and make a beautiful memory.”

“Excellent, well said!”

The newcomer laughed heartily, unceremoniously grabbing a piece of centipede meat and took a bite.

He remarked, “Deserving of its reputation as a top-notch delicacy, this is indeed tasty. It has been a long time since I’ve tasted something so delicious.”

Feng Yin replied, “If you like it, feel free to have more, we have plenty.”

“Very delightful.”

The man, while eating, turned to Feng Yin and smiled, “You are a kind-hearted young man, harboring benevolent intentions. In the future, you will undoubtedly save and relieve many, your potential is limitless.”

Upon hearing this, the faces of Zhu Weiran and his wife changed dramatically.

However, Feng Yin simply laughed it off, “I wouldn’t dare accept such high praise, sir. You flatter me.”

The man, while chewing on the centipede meat, said, “It’s no flattery, no flattery at all. It’s rare to find someone both skilled and kind-hearted. Those with skills often chase fame and fortune, gradually forgetting their initial aspirations. Those without skills may be kind-hearted, but they lack the ability to save others, leading to frustration and helplessness. You, possessing both qualities, truly embody kindness and benevolence! Be at ease, with me around on this journey, there will be no problem with those Heavenly Horses.”

A hint of curiosity flickered in Feng Yin’s gaze, “Oh?”

“But you cannot continue to follow me, you should take the proper path immediately.”

The grey-robed man, with unusually clear eyes, looked at Feng Yin admiringly, “Make your way through the forest, just like when you broke through the siege of Tiangdang Mountain.”

Finally, the three could no longer play dumb, “May I ask, who are you?”

The man in the grey robe, while chewing on the centipede meat with his eyes half-closed, said, “Since you left the Western Army camp, I’ve been trailing behind you. This includes that time when you changed clothes and came back this way…haha, you’re clever, but your power still lacks.”

“Speaking of which, your cat is pretty impressive, it nearly discovered me during one of your patrols.”

The man in grey glanced at Feng Ying and smiled, “If I’m not mistaken, this is a direct descendant of the Nine-Tails Heavenly Cat, right?”

Feng Yin nodded, “You indeed have discerning eyes, sir. May I know your name?”

The man in grey raised an eyebrow, saying, “My surname is Bu, and my name is Bu Changkong. I think you may have heard of me?”

He sized up Feng Yin, but failed to figure out where those items I mentioned earlier had been hidden by Feng Yin.

I should have heard of him?

It’s more than just ‘should’!

I am all too familiar, I have heard it so often that my ears may develop calluses.

The Head of the Great Qin’s Dark Guards, universally recognized as the most cunning figure in Anping continent!

His cultivation is not only deeply unpredictable, his maneuvers and schemes are endless, his reputation even surpassing his cultivation!

The Chief of the Dark Guards, Bu Changkong!

“So it is the Chief himself!” Feng Yin rose to show respect, but found that he couldn’t stand up.

He had been immobilized by Bu Changkong’s profound cultivation from across the distance.

“No need for formalities. You saved the Western Army Marshal, equivalent to saving the entire West of Great Qin. It should be me expressing gratitude.”

Bu Changkong looked at Feng Yin’s eyes with admiration, “Although you didn’t choose to follow the safe path, which disappointed me a bit, I appreciate you even more because of it.”

Feng Yin blushed as he fully understood the meaning behind his words.

“Since I’m here, I’ll take advantage of your meal and also give you a small gift!”

“This gift should have been given long ago, but it was delayed by the two Marshal Mas…”

Bu Changkong smiled faintly, “I see your cultivation has reached the peak of the Innate third tier. But increasing your cultivation rank from Innate to Human-Level is not only a major hurdle but also the watershed of the martial arts world. I’m deeply indebted to you and have no way to repay your great kindness, so today, I’ll assist you in breaking through to the next stage, as a token of my gratitude.”

Saying that, he slowly extended a finger and touched Feng Yin’s forehead.

While Bu Changkong’s gesture was gentle, neither Feng Yin nor Zhu Weiran and his wife felt any desire to resist – not because they trusted him, but because they simply couldn’t!