The Eternal Heart

Chapter 14: Bronze Statue Art

Translator: Alsey

Editor: Chrissy

At this moment, there was a hint of grudge in Mu Xueqing’s words as she confronted the extravagant man in front of her, but she couldn’t rashly offend him.

This was because he was the ‘Seventh Prince’ of the state of Chu. With a noble position, the imperial family behind him possessed great power, enough to affect the rise and fall of her own family.

For example, the rankings of the three great families in Xiangyang city were simply out of his scope.

At the same time, Chen Yu was one step away from entering the second floor of the Heavenly Martial Pavilion.

On the contrary, the second floor had a smaller space. The number of rare volumes on exhibit were less than half of that on the first floor.

But the rare martial arts here were mostly high-leveled techniques. In fact, there were a few top-notch martial arts, and these required sky-high numbers of contribution points.

[Graceful Sword]: A graceful sword to extinguish demons and devils! When perfected, this sword technique could cut through gold in water and wound people from the other side of the shore. Practiced to its peak, it could produce ‘Graceful Sword Qi’, which could conquer every obstacle. The technique is helpful towards breaking through to the Qi Shifting stage!

Contribution points needed: 15000

Chen Yu was astonished when he finished reading its description.

This martial art had formidable might and it could possibly slaughter the Metal Brown Bear King in a split second when successful. The final realm it reached when perfected surpassed the Organ Tempering stage, entering a more limitless realm.

But this was a top-notch martial art. The fifteen thousand contribution points it required was not something Chen Yu could afford.

Chen Yu shook his head. While his gaze searched the area, he stopped at a ‘high-leveled martial art’ suitable for himself.

[Fiendish Cloud Fist]: As a branching article from Yunyue Sect’s key technique [Divine Fiendish Yuan Technique], this fighting technique could produce the might of a baleful qi when coordinated with the Fiendish Cloud Mental Technique. Its valor could be increased and it would have the power to sweep away ten thousand soldiers. In addition, the fiendish qi integrated within the cultivator becomes stronger the more the cultivator kills. When cultivated to perfection, the probability of this technique producing ‘True Fiendish Cloud Qi’ was greater. This could shatter gold and metal, as well as corrode flesh upon contact. It was incomparably potent! Afterwards, one could even proceed further and practice [Divine Fiendish Yuan Technique].

Contribution points needed: 6000

Chen Yu’s eyes sparkled after reading the description.

As a high-leveled martial art, this [Fiendish Cloud Fist] had a domineering might almost as superior as those from top-notch martial arts. Furthermore, one could even choose Yunyue Sect’s key technique [Divine Fiendish Yuan Technique] to advance this technique further!

Compared to other high-leveled martial arts, which required four or five thousand contribution points, this [Fiendish Cloud Fist] had a decently high cost to performance ratio.

But soon enough, Chen Yu could see why.

There was a note below the description for [Fiendish Cloud Fist].

Note: This technique has a particular defect. As the [Divine Fiendish Yuan Technique] isn’t an original copy, one’s mind could easily be affected by the fiendish qi while practicing it, and there’s a danger of going overboard with it. Those without a tenacious willpower need to be cautious when practicing it.

Chen Yu couldn’t help but feel slightly hesitant after reading this.

The might of [Fiendish Cloud Fist] was potent and its cost to performance ratio was quite high, but its defect was that there was a life risk.

Following this, Chen Yu searched once more for other high-leveled martial arts.

The martial arts on the second floor were all high-levelled, some even being top-notch martial arts, but there weren’t many of these.

For the top-notch martial arts, Chen Yu’s contribution points were insufficient.

As for the high-leveled martial arts, they normally required four to five thousand points. The prospects for the might of these were inferior to [Fiendish Cloud Fist].

Of course, it wasn’t that there weren’t any high-levelled martial arts on the same level as [Fiendish Cloud Fist].

[Golden Wave Sword]: The sword produced has edges like gold waves, sweeping across the autumn leaves. This technique is equipped with both offensive and defensive aspects. When perfected, the waves from its blade could sever bridges and waterfalls. It could produce the ultimate ‘Golden-Patterned Sword Radiance’, which could behead people from the other side of the wall. It is almost comparable to true qi!

Contribution points needed: 7000

This technique was well-known amongst the high-leveled techniques. Its might was not too far behind from [Fiendish Cloud Fist].

Most importantly, this technique had both offensive and defensive points, and didn’t have any defects.

Unfortunately, this was a sword technique.

The advanced techniques most suitable for Chen Yu were those inclined towards boxing and fists. The connotation and style of [Fiendish Cloud Fist] was also fitting as an advancement to [Metal Plow Fist].

“Amongst the techniques suitable for me, [Fiendish Cloud Fist] has a better cost-performance ratio, as well as might.”

Chen Yu’s eyes glistened.

As he was ready to make a selection, a voice came from behind him.

“Xueqing, the amount of contribution points you have seem to be insufficient to exchange for [Wind Shadow Steps]. How about I give you two thousand points?”

The voice of the Seventh Prince came through.

“Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. [Wind Shadow Steps] is the best high-leveled movement-based martial art here. I am only lacking one thousand or so contribution points, and it’ll be enough if I go and finish a round of missions,” Mu Xueqing said courteously.

Eh?

Chen Yu couldn’t help but turn around. He just happened to see the beautiful, flattering young woman from his memories.

“Brother Chen?”

Mu Xueqing’s pretty body froze as her beautiful eyes met just at the right time with Chen Yu’s eyes.

It wasn’t that she didn’t see his figure when she first entered the second floor. She just thought he looked a bit familiar, but did not recognize it to be Chen Yu.

Now she was slightly shocked at the change in Chen Yu’s form.

They hadn’t seen each other for a dozen or so days. The young, immature man from her impression had unexpectedly grown a couple centimeters taller, his skin becoming fairer as well. Not only that, there was also a kind of masculinity and maturity in his grace and aura.

So much so that Mu Queqing almost didn’t recognize him immediately.

Maybe even Chen Yu himself was unaware of this. After merging together with the mysterious heart, his own body and heart was utterly transformed inside and out.

In that instant, Mu Xueqing’s heartbeat unconsciously accelerated.

“Xueqing, are you here to select a martial art as well?”

Chen Yu’s emotions settled.

The next moment after, he finally made a decision and without any hesitation, he grabbed the rare volume of [Fiendish Cloud Fist] that was in front of him.

“[Fiendish Cloud Fist]?”

The Seventh Prince’s gaze was sharp as the corner of his mouth induced a playful touch. “You, an outer sect disciple, have enough contribution points to purchase this almost-top-notch martial art?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

Chen Yu’s countenance remained unchanged. He didn’t recognize the Seventh Prince, but he could tell that this person was extraordinary from his clothing and aura.

When he finished speaking, he walked out, holding the [Fiendish Cloud Fist].

Bewilderment flashed in Mu Xueqing’s eyes. Did Chen Yu really have that many contribution points?

One should know that the [Wind Shadow Steps] she wanted to exchange for was the best high-leveled movement-based martial art here. It only required four or five thousand contribution points.

“Youngster, are you sure you want to exchange your points for this martial art and intend to major in it?”

The red-faced elder appeared unpredictably like a ghost.

“Yes, Senior,” said Chen Yu solemnly.

The red-faced elder couldn’t refrain from shaking his head. “Nevermind that [Fiendish Cloud Fist] is in itself dangerous, this martial art is a branch from the sect’s key technique, so the martial art aptitude required for it is quite high.”

Nonetheless, his words did not sway Chen Yu.

The red-faced elder spoke no more. He gave Chen Yu the full copy of [Fiendish Cloud Fist] and deducted his contribution points.

Seeing Chen Yu exchange for [Fiendish Cloud Fist], the Seventh Prince and Mu Xueqing were in awe.

“Heh, your friend is truly remarkable.”

The Seventh Prince squinted his eyes and seemed to gain a bit of interest in Chen Yu.

Of course, as the Seventh Prince in the state of Chu, it was not worthwhile for him to find faults in an outer sect disciple without cause or reason. He would not even regard the other as a rival.

He was only slightly intrigued by the young man in front of him, that was all.

After obtaining the full copy of the rare volume, the red-faced elder gave Chen Yu the relevant warnings according to the usual practices.

Firstly, borrowed volumes must be returned within two months. Copying them is not permitted.

Secondly, volumes are for one’s own use and one cannot tell others.

In accordance with the sect’s rules, one’s cultivation would be abolished if they violated any of these warnings. They would then be expelled from the sect!

“Xueqing, even this young man could exchange for [Fiendish Cloud Fist]. As an inner sect disciple how could you be inferior to him! If you need to, I can help you pay the contribution points you lack at any time!”

The Seventh Prince smiled warmly, his elegance no less.

He could vaguely guess Chen Yu’s identity and so, was using this to provoke Mu Xueqing.

“No.”

Still, Mu Xueqing shook her head and didn’t accept the Seventh Prince’s favor.

The Seventh Prince didn’t get angry. A smile appeared on his face as he watched Mu Xueqing descend down the stairs. “Very interesting. How many times will she resist the temptation of material goods? Her disposition is unexpectedly high, but this kind of woman gives a greater sense of accomplishment when procured.”

…

With [Fiendish Cloud Fist] in his arms, Chen Yu came down from the Heavenly Martial Pavilion’s second floor.

He was just about ready to leave, yet his body paused all of a sudden.

He waited on the spot for a moment, his eyes following the Seventh Prince and Mu Xueqing as they left. It looked as if Mu Xueqing did not accept the Seventh Prince’s favor.

“Junior.”

The red-faced elder appeared at his side with a small wooden box in his hands.

“Senior, you called?” Chen Yu said respectfully.

As it turned out, when he was walking down the stairs, he suddenly heard the other’s secret transmission, where he had something to keep him behind for.

“I just can’t stand by idly and watch someone like you, with a fine foundation, get wrecked. Here. This is a special technique that you can perhaps have a go at.”

As he finished saying this, the red-faced elder opened the small wooden box he held.

The small wooden box revealed an old, yellowing volume. In fact, there was a layer of dust on top.

“[Bronze Statue Technique]?”

Chen Yu took the volume and blew off the thick layer of dust to see the name of the technique on the volume.

He couldn’t help but look on with doubt. If it was indeed a good technique, why was it covered in dust for so long? It looked as if no one had moved it in many years.

“Cough!”

The red-faced elder coughed gently. “Young man, what’s with your expression? If perfected, this technique has a greater might than your newly purchased [Fiendish Cloud Fist].”

It was that magnificent?

Chen Yu was greatly surprised. If its might was higher than [Fiendish Cloud Fist], then isn’t it a top-notch martial art?

“But.”

The red- faced elder paused, then continued to say, “I can’t give this martial art to you for nothing. On the basis of its original price point, it’s worth at least seven thousand points. I’ll make the decision and give you half off, for three thousand five hundred.”

“But how come I’ve never heard of this [Bronze Statue Technique]? I don’t think I’ve seen anyone practice it either?”

Chen Yu couldn’t help but ask.

Whichever way one looked at it, the volume was covered with dust, giving people the idea that it was unreliable.

What was more coincidental was that Chen Yu’s contributions would be just about exhausted after paying three thousand five hundred contribution points.

“The choice is yours. This [Bronze Statue Technique] is indeed unofficial, and it has extremely demanding requirements with regards to the cultivator’s constitution. Moreover, it is hard to succeed in practicing it if you don’t have a strong perseverance.”

The red-faced elder appeared stern as he waited for Chen Yu’s final decision.

“Alright.”

Chen Yu finally agreed. He thought of the other’s status as a high leveled individual within the sect. It was unlikely that he would frame him.

Furthermore, he didn’t dare reject the other’s kindness too much. How would he continue on in Yunyue Sect if he offended one of the sect’s elders?

“Very good.”

The red-faced elder showed a satisfied smile and gave the [Bronze Statue Technique] to Chen Yu.

It was like this that Chen Yu departed from the Heavenly Martial Pavilion with the two volumes, [Fiendish Cloud Fist] and [Bronze Statue Technique], in his possession.

Shua!

Chen Yu had just left when a white-bearded elder appeared by the red-faced elder’s side.

“You actually gave an outer sect disciple the [Bronze Statue Technique]? But no one has successfully cultivated this in the last twenty years,” the white-bearded elder said.

“Hehe, take it as a small gamble. If successful, it will be a great help towards that plan.”

The red-faced elder had a devious look on his face.

“Alright. It’s my turn to be on duty,” the white-bearded elder said disapprovingly. It was evident that he did not think highly of the red-faced elder.