108. Breakthrough to Grandmaster

Feng Tianbao only felt a strong aura merging into his body. Then his body was reinforced, and the true qi inside his meridians began to transform into origin qi—the inner strength possessed only by martial dao grandmasters.

Boom...

Immediately afterward, a massive aura surged into the sky. The surrounding heaven and earth spiritual energies rapidly converged on Feng Tianbao, merging into his body to accelerate the conversion of true qi into inner qi and origin qi.

At this moment, Chen Yunfeng had already ceased his cultivation. If he continued, Feng Tianbao would fail to absorb sufficient heavenly and earthly spiritual energies for his breakthrough. Moreover, Chen Yunfeng had shielded the entire small courtyard, preventing Feng Tianbao’s aura from dispersing. This ensured that no martial dao masters in the town would learn of the Southern School’s sudden emergence of a martial dao grandmaster.

“My heavens, second brother actually broke through!”

“I saw Mr. Chen give him something earlier. Maybe that’s what made the breakthrough possible.”

“It’s wonderful! Second brother breaking through now will greatly boost our strength, sparing us any worry about the old man from the Northern School.”

“Indeed. There are likely many martial dao grandmaster-level experts secretly arriving this time. Our Southern School finally has its own grandmaster, and our odds of victory have increased dramatically.”

“We owe Mr. Chen so much. Without his aid, second brother wouldn’t have reached this realm so swiftly.”

“Mr. Chen is truly formidable. He can help others attain martial dao grandmaster status. I wonder if we might have a chance as well?”

Those outside remained unaware of the events inside the courtyard, yet every member of the Southern School observed clearly. They sensed the formidable aura radiating from Feng Tianbao and witnessed the mysterious liquid Chen Yunfeng administered. Their discussions grew fervent, with some hearts aflame with excitement.

Changes continued to ripple across Feng Tianbao’s form. Unlike an ordinary martial artist’s breakthrough, he not only absorbed abundant heaven and earth spiritual energies during his night of cultivation but also consumed the spiritual spring. The transformative energies acted upon his body for over half an hour.

Once Feng Tianbao’s aura stabilized, he felt his body and spirit never in better condition. Inexhaustible power surged through him, and his perception of the surroundings sharpened dramatically.

Moreover, black impurities seeped from the pores across his skin—the residues expelled from within. The scent was foul and unpleasant.

“Thank you, Mr. Chen,” Feng Tianbao said, rising and bowing with even greater respect.

“No need for further words. Go wash first; otherwise, no one will remain comfortable.” Chen Yunfeng smiled. When Feng Tianbao retreated to the rear courtyard to rinse, he waved a hand. A clear breeze swept through, carrying away every trace of stench from the courtyard.

After a night of cultivation, all except Chen Yunfeng felt hungry. Breakfast took an hour, after which they boarded the vehicle and resumed their journey. Chen Yunfeng noticed that others from the town followed in batches.

“Mr. Chen, someone appears to be trailing us. What should we do?” Feng Tianbao inquired shortly after departure.

“What are your thoughts?”

“Some may belong to the Northern School, but most seem to be martial dao masters from various regions seeking the Changbai Mountain underground palace. We can ignore them to prevent enemies or conflict that might diminish our strength.” Feng Tianbao suggested thoughtfully.

“Then ignore them and push onward at full speed.” Chen Yunfeng showed no interest in the martial dao masters, caring only if provoked.

As for the underground palace, outcomes remained unknown. Additional companions might prove beneficial, yet any needed cultivation resources inside would be beyond reach of others.

Furthermore, Chen Yunfeng’s assistance in elevating Feng Tianbao to grandmaster status relieved him of much responsibility. Feng Tianbao could manage his own group, leaving Chen Yunfeng to focus solely on Chu Wangshu.

After half a day, the convoy halted at the edge of a valley. Chen Yunfeng had expected arrival, yet his divine sense revealed no trace of the Northern School.

“Mr. Chen, the road ends here. We must proceed on foot. The destination lies more than twenty kilometers ahead.” Feng Tianbao reported.

“Let us begin, then.” Chen Yunfeng nodded.

Ultimately, ordinary martial artists remained to guard the convoy. Only Feng Tianbao and his six companions, together with Chen Yunfeng, ventured deeper into the mountains. The terrain ahead offered no easy passage; ordinary warriors would struggle to keep pace.

The initial stretch featured mountain trails, but after an hour, they carved paths through rugged peaks. Feng Tianbao clutched a specially customized mobile phone, consulting its navigation to maintain direction toward a precise bearing.

Soon after their departure, martial artists reached the convoy’s position and followed the fresh footprints. The Southern School members paid them no heed and instead pitched tents on a nearby flat stretch to rest.

Half a day later, however, many weaker warriors turned back. Only those nearing martial dao grandmaster strength could persist in seeking clues.

Throughout that span, powerful auras occasionally sliced across the sky, leaping from treetop to treetop—martial dao grandmaster-level experts.

Alone, Chen Yunfeng could cover twenty-plus kilometers in minutes. With weaker companions, he could not travel independently.

“This pace is too slow. Our heading remains true, correct?” Chen Yunfeng asked after an hour, when they had covered roughly ten kilometers.

“The direction holds. Fifteen kilometers more lie ahead.” Feng Tianbao checked his phone.

“Do not resist. I will guide our pace; it will quicken.” Chen Yunfeng addressed the group. He lightly stamped his foot and uttered a command.

A surge of massive earth vein qi erupted, enveloping them like a drifting mist that lifted their bodies half a meter above the ground.

“Go.”

Chen Yunfeng swept a hand through the air. A fierce wind rose from behind, propelling the mist-formed cloud forward at several times the prior speed.

“Mr. Chen, does this constitute the technique of a martial dao great grandmaster—riding mist to soar?” Ye Mingfu asked, astonished.

“This is merely an ordinary method, not the fastest for long journeys. When I returned from Hangzhou to Chengdu, I accomplished it in a single day.” Chen Yunfeng replied indifferently.