“Ooo eee.” The baby monkeys voice sounded in Qiu Zhen’s ear.

Qiu Zhen slowly opened his eyes. He got up from the ground and dust himself all, while the baby monkey made it’s way back to Qiu Zhen’s head. Qiu Zhen looked at the wall where the two jewels were suppose to be. However all he found were two eyes staring at him.

At first it was just two eyes with no glow staring at the ground where the three headed jade serpent was. Now those eyes seemed closer than before, not to mention they were glowing white. Qiu Zhen studied it closer, and it actually looked like a tortoise head that came out of it’s shell.

The two jewels and even the empty sockets that were on the wall were gone. In it’s place was a black wall. ‘How am I going to find some jewels that I don’t know where to look, nor how they look. Then again… It’s not my problem.’ Qiu Zhen thought to himself.

He turned around and was heading towards the exit, only to find it still shut. Qiu Zhen punched it and even used a martial skill on it, but it still did not break. ‘Am I trapped here?’

Qiu Zhen shook his head, he can’t be trapped in this place. If he was then why would that person tell him to find the other jewels? If he wanted Qiu Zhen to actually find them then he wouldn’t still be locked in here. Qiu Zhen went back to the wall where the jewels were suppose to be and analyzed it.

Nothing was there, not even a crack. Qiu Zhen even placed his hand on the wall thinking it might be an illusion. ‘There’s got to be a way!’ He said trying to motivate himself.

This time Qiu Zhen eyed the white eyes that came from the wall. He placed his hand on the tortoise’s head - which was made from stone. Nothing was normal about this head, it was made from stone but Qiu Zhen could not infuse qi in it. Even when he scanned it with his qi, he only found it rebound to himself. This stone was strange. Qiu Zhen didn’t notice it when he first woke up, but after trying to scan the stone with his qi he found out that he actually broke though. He broke through and is now at the eight Dao realm.

Qiu Zhen took his hand off the tortoise’s head, but as he did it’s eyes moved. The eyes that were staring at him before looked to the left, then right before it landed back on Qiu Zhen. Qiu Zhen who was staring at it already found himself having images placed in his head as the eyes looked at him.

The images showed him four jewels, one blue, white, bright red, and a multi colored jewel. Each jewel came along with a face, however the faces were blurry so Qiu Zhen couldn’t make out who they were. Then came a last image, it was a mountain. The images ended there, and the tortoise head made a clicking sound. Something started turning inside the cave wall as the tortoise head started turning upside down.

The cave entrance opened letting in a bunch of fresh air. Qiu Zhen didn’t wait around, he dashed out of the cave. He knew where the jewels were, or at least he had a general idea, and had a location for the next cave. Whether Qiu Zhen would complete this was up to him, it’s not like he got rewarded. Qiu Zhen darted off, heading back to the school - where Gan Fang and the others were waiting.

Along the way Qiu Zhen wondered if any days passed while he was stuck in that cave. It couldn’t have been long because there was not enough oxygen to support both him and the baby monkey for a long time. Finally the school was in full view as Qiu Zhen approached.

The first thing Qiu Zhen did after returning was go search for Gan Fang and the rest. He headed towards Black Tortoise Forest, since that was the last place they were at. Upon arrival there were a few elders at the entrance meditating. They sensed Qiu Zhen approach and one of them opened their eyes as he drew closer.

“Stop.” The elders voice called out to Qiu Zhen.

Qiu Zhen came to a stop as he was only a few feet away from the elder. Qiu Zhen looked at the elder confused. ‘Why did he stop me?’

“Did you not get the news or were you just eager to know what’s inside?” The elder asked in a calm tone.

“What are you talking about?” Qiu Zhen asked.

He really didn’t understand what was happening. When he left there were still eight days left until the hunt was over, and now that he’s back he can’t even go inside. Something strange is definitely happening.

“Strange… it seems you don’t know.” The elder said before sighing. “Two days ago something appeared within the forest. When some disciples checked it out, they got drawn in and died. When we heard this we also went to check it out, however two did not make it back alive. Therefore until we find out what’s causing this the hunt is cancelled.” The elder explained.

“The Demon Ape King?” Qiu Zhen asked.

“No. That beast appeared four days ago, like I said two days ago this thing appeared. Can you not count the days boy?”

Four days ago the Demon Ape King appeared, and a day after that Qiu Zhen woke up. He left to go place the jewel in the socket the same day, so that meant two days have passed! He wondered how could two days pass by so soon, but then he thought about what the elder said. Some disciples got drawn into whatever was in the forest and died! What if it was Gan Fang and them?

Qiu Zhen thought about it for a moment, but they couldn’t have died. Gan Fang was smart enough not to approach something that seemed dangerous. Li Haun already had enough demon cores, so she would more than likely meditate until everyone else was ready. As for Hu Jun, Qiu Zhen doubted she would approach anything she didn’t know about after what happened with the Demon Ape King.

Qiu Zhen slightly nodded to the elder showing that he understood. As much as he would have liked to find out what was going on inside the forest, he wouldn’t risk his life. At least not until he had his revenge. Qiu Zhen headed back into the school, he went to visit his master.

-----

Arriving at Fang Wei’s place, Qiu Zhen opened the door. He walked in, only to find Fang Wei meditating. Fang Wei opened his eyes and looked at Qiu Zhen.

“Why didn’t you come back sooner? I thought you might have died during the hunt.” Fang Wei said.

Qiu Zhen lightly laughed. “Master, you truly think this disciple would die so soon? I can’t die just yet, I still haven’t gotten all of your belongings!”

Fang Wei shook his head. “Shameless. You truly are trying to drive this man to his death aren’t you.”

Qiu Zhen grinned while he nodded his head. “Of course! The disciple must surpass the master, even in his death.”

Fang Wei didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, this disciple of his was going to drive him insane or die. Whichever one happened would not be a good one. Since he gave Qiu Zhen that body skill he wondered how far he mastered it. Fang Wei couldn’t help but ask, “How is progression going with the 9 Revolving Heaven?”

Qiu Zhen walked over to the Asura Demon Blade and stared at it. “No idea master, this disciple only cultivated to the first stage. To be honest I don’t understand the second stage at all.”

Of course Qiu Zhen was joking. It didn’t matter if he understood the second stage or not, because with the help of his tattoo then it would help him cultivate regardless. It’s true that he only cultivated up to the first stage because he really hasn’t had much time. Besides even if he did try to cultivate it, he would still need cultivation pills to fill his dantian. If he wanted to master this skill then he would do it in one go.

Fang Wei was somewhat shocked, he was surprised that in only a few months Qiu Zhen already cultivated up to the first stage. The speed was slightly faster than other disciples, but the 9 Revolving Heaven body skill is different. It is difficult to cultivate in which is why the effects it gives are good. Fang Wei gave up, no matter how he thought of Qiu Zhen he could only be called a genius among genius’.

Noticing that Qiu Zhen approached the Asura Demon Blade again Fang Wei slightly grinned. He wouldn’t teach his disciple a lesson, but the sword sure will. Fang Wei couldn’t wait to see Qiu Zhen get blasted back again.

Qiu Zhen’s back glowed red for a moment, before he opened the first eye. Qiu Zhen’s vision increased by an insane amount, and he could even see the black qi coming off of the sword. He reached his hand for the sword and grabbed it. He already knew the blade would not reject him this time because he had demon sword qi.

Fang Wei’s jaw dropped. He felt like banging his head against a brick wall, this disciple of his held the Asura Demon Blade in his hand. It has only been a few months since he even told Qiu Zhen about it, but he already had it. This was on a whole nother level than any person he has ever seen.

Qiu Zhen turned around and grinned at Fang Wei. He swung the sword and it created a black arc. The vibrations in the air seemed like it would shatter space. After swinging it once Qiu Zhen placed the blade in his ring, while he closed the eye on his back.

He found his master staring at him weirdly that it almost freaked Qiu Zhen out. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Fang Wei floated over to Qiu Zhen while looking him in the eye. ‘His eyes… clearly were golden a moment ago… no… maybe I was seeing things.’ Fang Wei thought as he patted Qiu Zhen on the head.

“Good, you have not let this man down. Obtaining demon sword qi in such a short time is not easy, and for a human to do it… is something else. However it’s best if you keep this a secret, otherwise you’ll be hunted down.” Fang Wei explained.

“Ha, let them try. Let this disciple tell master a secret, I have something that would destroy anyone at the mystic realm or below.”

Fang Wei nodded his head. “Indeed, the qi released from the Asura Demon Blade surely is good enough to kill those at the Mystical realm.”

Qiu Zhen was laughing inwardly, he was not talking about the blade. When he opened the first eye the method for a martial skill instantly flashed in his head. The name made it seem simple, but complicated at the same time. The name of the technique was called ‘Slaughter: King’s fatal blow’. This skill was the same one the dragon of chaos and destruction imparted on him.

After closing the first eye Qiu Zhen thought he would receive some heavy backlash like the first time. He didn’t, it only felt like something stabbed him in the chest. It was probably due to him having a higher cultivation so his body could handle it now, or because he only used it for the span of two breaths.

“Alright master, this disciple will be leaving with brother Gan Fang for abit. Sadly this disciple also broke his sword, so i’ll need a new one!” Qiu Zhen said.

“You have the Demon Asura Blade, what do you need another sword for?” Fang Wei asked as he crossed his legs trying to meditate.

Qiu Zhen’s jaws dropped. “Master! You yourself said keep it a secret, and now you want me to use it? You really want me to have my own grave don't you?” Qiu Zhen shook his head. “Master, this disciple doesn’t even ask you for much. All I want is a new sword, hopefully it’s one that can compare to the Asura Demon Blade. As long as you give me that, i’ll be happy… and a few medical herbs…” Qiu Zhen added the last bit in quickly.

“Right… you’ll get something since I am the one who said it.” Fang Wei said. “But if it was up to me it would be a stick…” Fang Wei mumbled to himself as he closed his eyes,

“What? You said something?” Qiu Zhen asked.

Fang Wei shook his head. Qiu Zhen decided it was time for him to leave, he doubted his master would even give him anything that cost. That man is cheap and poor, couldn’t even buy the things on his list. Qiu Zhen’s next stop was Gan Fangs home.

-----

Arriving at his house Qiu Zhen knocked on the door. Gan Fang’s house was similar to Qiu Zhen’s expect it was slightly bigger. Gan Fang opened the door, and he had some different clothes on other than his grey robe.

“Brother Qiu Zhen! I thought you wouldn’t return before it was time for me to return.”

“Naturally I would return. However I did not expect I would need to disguise myself..” Qiu Zhen said as he glanced over Gan Fangs outfit.

Gan Fang laughed. “No need, It’s just so whoever hunted down my clan won’t find recognize me.”

Disguising himself so others won’t recognize him was a good idea. If they were searching for him then they wouldn’t expect him to be in a small village. If Gan Fang wore his school robes or even the robes of his clan that would be making him a big target. For Qiu Zhen he didn’t have someone hunting him, so he didn’t need a disguise. As for the Scarlet clan, or Ye Che Qiu Zhen didn’t even think of them. The Scarlet clan didn’t act up all this time, so they must have forgotten about him. As for Ye Che, he only sent people after Qiu Zhen and never came himself.

“Well then brother, if you have nothing else to do, we should leave. It’s not that far, only a week's ride away.” Gan Fang said.

The reason Gan Fang said ride instead of run was because riding a horse is slower than them walking/running. If they were to run to a small village that had mortals in it that would attract attention, therefore it’s better to ride on a horse. Had to fit the part to play the role.

Qiu Zhen nodded as they both began to walk towards the entrance of the school.