Chapter 17: Xiao Yuanshan Takes Action

Chapter 17: Xiao Yuanshan Takes Action

For Zhang Fang, the two hidden effects of the “Eight Oaths of Brotherhood” were somewhat complicated.

The “Sharing Blessings Together” was undoubtedly a blessing. Although the 20,000 points of martial arts proficiency were a huge gain at his current stage, it would help him rapidly build his strength, allowing his power to snowball more effectively.

However, the “Sharing Hardships Together” was a double-edged sword, with more drawbacks than benefits.

On the bright side, it granted him three high-level missions out of nowhere. Completing them would surely bring considerable rewards. But on the downside, the penalties attached to these missions were troubling.

Though Zhang Fang didn’t fully understand what the so-called “Divine Punishment” of the Reincarnation Tower entailed, the name alone was enough to tell him it was no good.

Still, since he had become sworn brothers with Qiao Feng, Zhang Fang didn’t dwell too much on the pros and cons.

That said, it meant his original plan to solve the problem needed some adjustment.

Fortunately, from his previous conversation with Qiao Feng, he had gained clarity on many things. From these clues, he discovered an alternative solution beyond just facilitating Qiao Feng and Xue Muhua’s alliance.

But for now, the priority was to use the “Random Martial Arts Upgrade Card” to convert it into tangible strength.

[Successfully used “Random Martial Arts Upgrade Card.” Your “Thirty-Six Heavenly Shield Techniques” proficiency increases by 20,000 points.]

[Your “Thirty-Six Heavenly Shield Techniques” level has increased. Current level: Lv8.]

Thirty-Six Heavenly Shield Techniques (Lv8)
Proficiency: 2,983/4,500
...
Strength +8, Constitution +16, Agility +8, Spirit +8
Special Effect: Aerial Shield Control

Aerial Shield Control: Using specially crafted chains to remotely wield the shield, enabling it to fly and strike enemies!

...

The “Aerial Shield Control” skill only appeared after reaching Lv5 in the Thirty-Six Heavenly Shield Techniques. The famous You brothers earned their great reputation in the martial world thanks to this technique.

Only after mastering this skill could the Thirty-Six Heavenly Shield Techniques truly combine offense and defense, making it nearly impossible to defend against.

But the problem was...

Why did such a promising “Random Martial Arts Upgrade Card” randomly boost this technique?

Compared to this skill with the lowest potential ceiling, Zhang Fang had hoped the 20,000 proficiency points would be randomly applied to something like “Eternal Sacred Qi” or “Regret of the Arrogant Dragon”—true masterpieces.

At least in terms of base attributes, if the 20,000 points went into his “Eternal Sacred Qi,” even a single level increase would bring far greater benefits than the shield technique. Considering he had already accumulated 7,000 points, he could soon raise it to Lv3, gaining the compounded attribute boost from two level-ups, which was truly enviable.

Even upgrading “Regret of the Arrogant Dragon” would be preferable.

The proficiency needed to raise the Thirty-Six Heavenly Shield Techniques to Lv8 could likely boost “Regret of the Arrogant Dragon” to around Lv5 or Lv6.

For Zhang Fang, Lv5 “Regret of the Arrogant Dragon” surpassed Lv8 Thirty-Six Heavenly Shield Techniques both in base attribute boosts and practical combat effectiveness.

More importantly, both “Eternal Sacred Qi” and “Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms” had far greater potential, making it worthwhile to invest limited resources there.

In contrast, the Thirty-Six Heavenly Shield Techniques had much less potential. Zhang Fang had even prepared himself to abandon this skill entirely when the dungeon world ended.

But now...

Out of three choices, the system had ruled out two of the correct answers for him?

Was this a cruel joke?

“System, I don’t want this critical reward effect anymore. Can you change it back to the previous Martial Arts Insight Card?”

The system remained silent. Suddenly, Qiao Feng noticed something and sharply turned to look in a certain direction.

He saw a figure hastily running along the mountain path toward them. Upon recognizing the two, he shouted angrily, “Qiao Feng, release my nephew You Tanzhi immediately!”

Following the voice, they saw a tall man staggering weakly. His left hand held a round shield, and his right gripped a short spear. It was You Ju, the second master of the You Clan’s Pavilion.

You Ju’s appearance was unexpected yet not surprising. Before Zhang Fang and Qiao Feng could react, the second master suddenly spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, staggering like a fallen pillar, collapsing to the ground.

Startled, the two rushed forward. Zhang Fang bent down to support You Ju, while Qiao Feng placed his hand on You Ju’s chest, channeling his internal energy to aid his recovery.

With Qiao Feng’s internal energy, the severely wounded You Ju gradually stabilized but then glared angrily at Qiao Feng, saying, “Take your hand away! I, You Ju, don’t need a Khitan like you pretending to cry over a mouse!”

Qiao Feng frowned. Always intolerant of insults, he instinctively wanted to withdraw, but remembering You Ju was his sworn brother’s uncle, he restrained himself.

Turning away from You Ju’s hostile gaze, he continued to pour internal energy into him.

After a moment, having smoothed the meridians, Qiao Feng withdrew his hand and said gravely, “He’s out of immediate danger. If you hurry to find Doctor Xue for treatment, his life can be saved.”

Zhang Fang nodded and asked You Ju, “Uncle, who did this to you?”

You Ju glanced once more at Qiao Feng, then weakly recounted his ordeal.

The You brothers had been uneasy about You Tanzhi being abducted by Qiao Feng. After putting out a fire, they gathered over a dozen experts to search outside the pavilion. After much inquiry, they finally learned the whereabouts of the two from a passerby.

As they rushed to rescue them, their team was suddenly ambushed by a man dressed in black.

This black-clad warrior was extremely skilled; the group was overwhelmed in minutes. Only You Ju escaped by luck and came here. The others, including You Tanzhi’s father, You Ji, and a dozen experts, were all killed.

When Zhang Fang asked about the attacker’s appearance, You Ju turned and glared fiercely at Qiao Feng.

“It was him!”

At this, both Zhang Fang and Qiao Feng were shocked.

Zhang Fang couldn’t believe Xiao Yuanshan would interfere in this matter. Qiao Feng immediately thought of the villain who had murdered Qiao Sanhuai and his wife, as well as Master Xuanku.

Realizing this, Zhang Fang quickly explained, “That’s impossible. Qiao Feng has been with me the entire time, never out of my sight. He couldn’t have gone ten miles away to kill anyone.”

But before he finished speaking, You Ju fainted.

At this moment, Qiao Feng said calmly, “Don’t worry, he’s only unconscious. This will help stabilize his injuries. Your uncle’s internal foundation is strong; he won’t die anytime soon. The urgent matter now is to get him back to You Clan’s Pavilion quickly and let Doctor Xue treat him.”

“While we’re at it, we should check the site of the previous battle for any other survivors.”

(End of Chapter)