Chapter 123: Clear Water

Yang Ze did not know much about the One-Water Sect. He only knew that it was one of the prominent disciple groups in District D, and it held a significant standing among the registered disciples across all ten districts.

Such a group was undeniably formidable. Its sect leader was one of the top hundred registered disciples in the previous martial arts tournament, which had helped the One-Water Sect establish its overwhelming influence. Beyond the sect leader, the deputy leader was also a master at the ninth stage of True Vitality, and there were many others within the ranks at the seventh and eighth stages, making their overall strength immense.

Few people in District D dared to provoke such a group, yet Yang Ze had done exactly that. However, Yang Ze knew even less about the sect leader, Shui Ziming. He only knew that Shui Ziming was among the top hundred from the last tournament, was a ninth-stage True Vitality master, and belonged to the elite tier of registered disciples who were on the verge of breaking through to the First-Grade Bone Tempering Realm.

Even so, Yang Ze felt no great apprehension toward Shui Ziming. Had he not made his own breakthrough, he might have hesitated to clash head-on, but given his own significant increase in strength, he saw no reason to fear him.

As he walked forward, drawing ever closer to the heart of District D, Yang Ze felt the gazes of more and more people watching him. These onlookers, all below the ninth stage of True Vitality, hid in the shadows, but they could not escape Yang Ze’s perception. It was obvious to him that they were from the One-Water Sect, but he paid them no mind.

Finally, upon reaching the depths of District D, he beheld the scene. There were only a few courtyards here, containing houses much larger and grander than the dwellings found in the outer areas. Only the strongest in District D were qualified to reside in such places.

Wu He led Yang Ze to the entrance of one of the courtyards and knocked on the door. "Master Shui Ziming, I have brought Yang Ze. Please, open the door."

Watching Wu He’s humble demeanor, Yang Ze felt a sense of disgust. For a master at the ninth stage of True Vitality to be so servile, completely devoid of the dignity befitting a martial artist, was pathetic. Shaking his head, Yang Ze wondered for a moment if he had misjudged the man, having never truly seen Wu He’s true colors until now.

As he pondered this, the door opened. Two One-Water Sect disciples stood behind it, gesturing for them to enter. Yang Ze glanced at Wu He and stepped inside first. Seeing this, Wu He bit the bullet and followed close behind.

Inside, Yang Ze saw that many people had already gathered. Even the weakest among them radiated an aura of at least the seventh stage of True Vitality. Among them were several familiar faces, including the fair-skinned young man. This youth was the deputy leader of the One-Water Sect, a figure of high status, yet today he could only stand in a secondary position. Only one person was qualified to stand at the head: the leader of the One-Water Sect, Shui Ziming.

Yang Ze finally laid eyes on Shui Ziming. As he stepped in, Shui Ziming’s gaze locked onto him. Yang Ze did not show weakness and stared right back. Their eyes met in the courtyard, and the others present watched with bated breath. This was inevitable; Yang Ze’s reputation had grown so great that before Shui Ziming had emerged from seclusion, they had suffered several setbacks at his hands.

After a standoff lasting more than ten breaths, a change appeared on Shui Ziming’s face. "Truly a talent. No wonder you reached the ninth stage of True Vitality within three months of joining; even I pale in comparison."

"Wu He, why are you still lingering? Get lost. Or do you need me to throw you out?" Shui Ziming barked upon noticing Wu He standing to the side. Upon hearing this, Wu He trembled instinctively and, without daring to utter a word, scrambled away.

"A master of the ninth stage acting like a dog before Sect Leader Shui. Your reach is indeed impressive. Everyone outside says you are at the ninth stage, but seeing you today, I realize they have underestimated you," Yang Ze said, enunciating each word. Upon seeing him, Yang Ze realized Shui Ziming had broken through; he was no longer just a ninth-stage registered disciple. The faint, fluctuating energy radiating from him was the signature of a half-step First-Grade martial artist.

Seeing this, Yang Ze’s heart sank. He had not expected Shui Ziming to succeed. A half-step First-Grade meant Shui Ziming had cultivated true essence, not just True Vitality.

"Hahaha, keen eyes! You noticed I’ve broken through. That’s right, I have cultivated true essence. Now, surely you understand the massive gap between us? With your current strength, you have no hope of winning against me."

"If you have something to say, Sect Leader Shui, just say it. There’s no need to beat around the bush," Yang Ze replied coldly.

"Fine. Since you’re a straightforward man, I won’t waste your time. Tell me the secret of how you broke through so quickly, and I will wipe the slate clean regarding our grievances. Otherwise..." Shui Ziming’s voice trailed off as he slowly opened his palm. A orb of energy condensed there, and as it appeared, the sand and stones on the ground began to crumble.

Yang Ze stared at Shui Ziming’s right hand. He was no stranger to that energy; it was true essence, something only a graded martial artist could possess. Although it looked unstable and could not compare to the true essence of a fully established First-Grade martial artist, the energy it emitted was far beyond that of mere True Vitality.

"Otherwise, what? You'll attack me in private? If you aren't afraid of the Enforcement Hall, feel free to try. But I advise you to weigh whether you can withstand the wrath of the Enforcement Hall before you make your move." Yang Ze’s eyes were devoid of fear.

Shui Ziming’s expression turned ugly. Had it not been for the Enforcement Hall, he would have attacked Yang Ze immediately. But with that institution looming over them, even he dared not act.

"Yang Ze, the Enforcement Hall can protect you for a moment, but not for a lifetime. You will not have a good end by opposing me. Reveal your secret and share it with me; whatever I have in the future, you shall have a share."

"Spare me the useless talk. Do you take me for a child who would believe such nonsense? Keep your petty schemes to yourself," Yang Ze said dismissively.

Shui Ziming’s face flushed red and pale in turns, stunned that Yang Ze showed him no shred of face.

"If that is all the useless drivel you have to offer, I’m leaving." Yang Ze turned to go, but the One-Water Sect disciples in the courtyard moved to block his path.

"Yang Ze, you are still just a registered disciple. Consider your position carefully; you cannot defeat me," Shui Ziming said, refusing to give up.

"More useless tricks. In that case, I’m off."

Yang Ze flicked his sleeve and walked away. The disciples blocking his path felt the aura he released, and none dared to stop him. They retreated to the sides, and not a single person dared to challenge him until he had passed through the gates. Seeing Yang Ze leave unscathed, Shui Ziming struck out in a fit of rage, creating a deep crater in the ground with a loud boom.

Hearing the sound behind him, Yang Ze sneered. A half-step First-Grade was nothing. The martial arts tournament would be the moment he truly unleashed his power.

After returning, Yang Ze did not rest. Shui Ziming’s breakthrough had put significant pressure on him. One Shui Ziming was not much, but there were hundreds of thousands of registered disciples on Qingyang Peak. Who knew how many hidden masters were among them? Yang Ze did not want to rely on luck; he wanted to rely on his own strength to carve out a name for himself at the tournament.

As time passed, with only a few days left before the tournament, the ten districts of the registered disciples regained their usual hustle and bustle. With the event approaching, those who had successfully broken through emerged from seclusion, as did those who had failed, as further training in the final days would yield little result.

Yet, Yang Ze remained in seclusion, training. In the practice room, his figure darted back and forth, every punch and palm strike carrying a formidable force. Only when he was drenched in sweat did he stop and walk out.

After washing up, Yang Ze changed into a fresh set of registered disciple robes and visited the Pill Hall to exchange his remaining contribution points for healing supplies.

With everything prepared, at the first light of dawn the next morning, the sound of a bell rang out from the mountain peak, echoing across the entire Qingyang Peak. Every registered disciple heard the tolling of the bell.