Chapter 664: Unstoppable
After walking a few hundred meters, Xiao Shun found himself at a clearing with a sudden, expansive view. The distant cliffside that had previously been a mere silhouette on the horizon was now imposingly close. Shrouded in mist at its peak, the cliff pierced the sky with formidable majesty. The lush greenery enveloping the belly of the mountain assaulted the eyes with a vivid splash of color, providing a stark visual impact.
As his gaze drifted downward, the base of the mountain was an extensive wild. Walking while observing his surroundings, Xiao Shun soon reached the foot of the mountain. A narrow path, like a python clinging to the mountain’s form, snaked upward from the base all the way to the summit.
Before he could start his ascent, faint voices carried to his ears. Xiao Shun cracked a slight smile, suspecting they belonged to the guards from the Old School Society stationed here. “More than eighty top-notch fighters guarding this path, interesting!” he chuckled to himself as his steps hit the mountain trail.
Meanwhile, in a bamboo grove at the mountain’s base, over ten figures stood side by side, their gazes fixed on the figure of Xiao Shun not far away. An elderly man with white hair turned to a distinguished middle-aged man beside him and remarked, “Mr. Ye, this young man really is formidable, isn’t he?” The middle-aged man, Ye Nantian, was the branch head of the Eastbrook Old School Society, while the elderly speaker was Jiang Jian, a deputy branch head.
Before Ye Nantian could respond, someone impatiently interjected, “There are hundreds of people scattered along this path. Relying solely on himself to ascend seems as difficult as scaling the heavens!” This comment sparked a wave of agreement among the senior members of the Old School Society, who doubted Xiao Shun’s chances of success.
Despite Xiao Shun’s impressive display in the “Hero Cup,” which had led to a significant defeat for the Old School Society, this time they were personally led by Master Nie. Amidst the murmuring crowd, Ye Nantian finally spoke up, “You may think he’s overestimating himself, but I don’t believe that’s the case.”
Jiang Jian, puzzled, asked, “Branch head, may I know your thoughts?”
“Recently, there’s been talk within our society that Xiao Shun is arrogant and overbearing. However, I think that’s just a facade. Consider this: despite knowing that the cliffside is a dragon’s den, he still chooses to forge ahead. Does that seem like mere foolhardiness to you?”
After a brief pause, Ye Nantian continued, “I believe it’s not just about bravery. Xiao Shun likely sees this as an opportunity to make a name for himself.”
As the group digested his words, Ye Nantian added with a smile, “I actually had a chance to meet Mr. Xiao last night.”
This revelation left everyone, including Jiang Jian, visibly stunned, unsure of the implication behind those words. Ye Nantian nodded slightly and shifted the topic, “Initially, I shared the same view as you all, seeing Xiao Shun as reckless. But after meeting him, I realized he’s not just a rash fighter but a man of great talent and extraordinary martial prowess.”
He chose not to disclose why he had met with Xiao Shun, as it involved personal matters he preferred to keep private. Soon, he began discussing the policies and governance of the New School Society, which left Jiang Jian frozen in place.
As they pondered, Ye Nantian concluded, “You know the current management style of the Old School Society. Under this system, Eastbrook can only sustain itself for another three years before financial troubles arise. It’s time we consider our options.”
Hearing this, Jiang Jian looked shocked and speechless. Ye Nantian smiled lightly, explaining, “Of course, these are just my thoughts. The specifics of any action must wait.”Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.
Turning his gaze towards the cliffside trail where Xiao Shun had headed, he hinted, “Perhaps Xiao Shun’s journey up the cliffside could eventually dictate our final decision for Eastbrook’s future.”
As this conversation unfolded, a panicked shout drew everyone’s attention to a previously lush area of the cliffside that now lay bare, with trees knocked down and the devastation still spreading. Shocked and speechless, the group watched as Ye Nantian’s smile widened.
In the forest, a burly man charged at Xiao Shun, bellowing, “Xiao Shun, prepare to die!” Xiao Shun responded with a contemptuous smirk, sweeping his hand to release a burst of energy that knocked the attacker back like a leaf in the wind, crashing through several trees.
The battlefield had shifted from the trail to an open area cleared by Xiao Shun’s sheer power, where over forty Old School Society masters now lay defeated. “Don’t waste my time, comeat me all at once!” Xiao Shun shouted, full of provocation.
Gulps were heard from the thirty or so Old School Society members as they stared, not just at Xiao Shun but at the devastation behind him. Moments ago, this area was densely wooded, but now it was a cleared battlefield with their comrades strewn about.
The reality of the situation struck them hard. Xiao Shun had single-handedly defeated forty martial arts masters and cleared a large area instantaneously, leaving no tree standing. Could this even be the work of a human?
This thought echoed among the members of the Old School Society as they exchanged looks, their courage draining. Even if they attacked as a group, they lacked the conviction to face him.
At that moment, the man closest to Xiao Shun, his face pale, stepped aside to clear the path. Then, another followed, and then another… Eventually, all thirty-plus members of the Old School Society, none daring to block Xiao Shun’s ascent, silently conceded passage.