Chapter 50: Nameless Expert |
"Where? Take us there now!"
Jiang Baishan shuddered as realization struck him instantly. A trace of horror flashed in his eyes.
The others quickly grasped the situation too, unable to restrain themselves from rushing toward the location.
Ning Qi sighed inwardly. He obviously knew what had happened - after killing Feitian Eagle, he'd hurried to provide reinforcements without disposing of the body, which must have been discovered by disciples now. His eyes flickered briefly, but he ultimately remained silent.
Soon, the group arrived at the site where Ning Qi had battled Iron Eagle. The conspicuous battle scars made everyone gasp - the nearly collapsed pavilion and crisscrossing marks on the ground all testified to a battle at least at the Qi Origin Realm level.
"A Qi Origin Realm expert infiltrated us!"
"Was River Dragon just distracting us?"
The enemy's scheme became clear - while pretending to attack openly, they'd secretly advanced toward the Sutra Pavilion! Such wolfish ambition, actually coveting the Zhenwu Sect's martial inheritance!
Both shock and fury gripped the crowd.
Astonishment filled everyone's eyes. A renowned Qi Origin Realm expert, dead just like that?
Xiong Shi crouched down. Yanking off the corpse's mask revealed a gaunt, sinister face frozen in terror and disbelief, the widened eyes still retaining their horrified expression.
"Is it Feitian Eagle?" others pressed urgently.
Xiong Shi frowned and slowly shook his head. "Can't tell."
Suddenly remembering something, he grabbed a dagger from a nearby disciple and sliced open the corpse's black garments. A faint pattern emerged. His eyes brightened as he fully exposed the design on the corpse's back - a majestic tiger descending the mountain, radiating extraordinary presence and unique charm.
Taking a deep breath, Xiong Shi declared solemnly: "It is Feitian Eagle."
Jiang Baishan asked, "Second Senior Brother, how can you tell?"
Seeing everyone's confusion, Xiong Shi explained: "You all know of the Three Iron Ridge Villains, but do you know their origins?"
The crowd shook their heads, except Ye Qinghe who frowned and said, "Rumors say they're not blood brothers, just from Iron Ridge who later became sworn brothers."
Xiong Shi nodded. "Correct. It seems the rumors hold truth. These three emerged from Iron Ridge after some fortuitous encounter, but lacking mutual trust, they became sworn brothers. Moreover, they reportedly obtained three martial arts related to dragon, tiger and eagle, hence renaming themselves Iron Dragon, Iron Tiger and Iron Eagle."
Ning Qi was studying the tiger pattern intently, having discerned its profundity. Concentrating on it made the tiger seem alive, traversing mountain forests with every movement embodying martial truths.
Hearing Xiong Shi's words, Ning Qi instinctively asked, "Senior Brother means this pattern confirms Feitian Eagle's identity?"
Xiong Shi affirmed, "Indeed. These three committed countless evils, even distrusting each other. To guard against betrayal, they tattooed their three True Meaning Diagrams on themselves." He paused, eyes glinting with amusement. "But not their own martial arts - each bore the others' diagrams."
Understanding dawned on everyone. "So Feitian Eagle carries the other two villains' martial arts?"
"If I'm not mistaken," Xiong Shi nodded, "this should be Land Tiger's Tyrant Tiger True Meaning Diagram! By that logic, River Dragon would have the Sky Eagle Diagram, while Land Tiger bears the Raging Dragon Diagram."
Now everyone was convinced this was Feitian Eagle's corpse. No wonder Iron Tiger had been so furious earlier, even reluctant to leave - with Feitian Eagle dead at Zhenwu Sect, Land Tiger had permanently lost his True Meaning Diagram. His rage was understandable.
True Meaning Diagrams differed from recorded martial arts. Constant observation and comprehension provided sudden enlightenment, facilitating mastery and even inspiring new techniques. Only Heavenly Realm experts who perfected a martial art could create such treasures.
Covetous gazes fell upon the Tyrant Tiger Diagram. What a precious treasure!
But then Jiang Baishan's question sent shivers through everyone: "Then... who killed Feitian Eagle?"
In identifying the corpse, they'd overlooked this crucial question. Who had fought and slain Feitian Eagle here?
Jiang Baishan's gaze turned profound. As the only Qi Origin Realm present, he examined the battle scars more carefully. Crouching, he traced the two wounds on Iron Eagle's chest and neck before declaring gravely: "Unless I'm mistaken, this unknown expert killed Feitian Eagle with one sword strike! Even without the neck wound, Feitian Eagle would have died."
He felt tremendous pressure. Mentally placing himself in Feitian Eagle's position, he realized he'd fare no better - perhaps just one or two strikes. Such a swordmaster appearing suddenly on Zhenwu Mountain unsettled him deeply.
Silence fell over the group, minds reeling. Though infamous, the Three Iron Ridge Villains' strength was undeniable - Qi Origin Realm experts ranked among Qingzhou's elite. Yet someone had slain Feitian Eagle effortlessly. The assailant's power was unimaginable.
"Could it be another infiltrator targeting our sect?" This thought filled everyone with dread.
But then a disciple reported: "Senior Brothers, the Sutra Pavilion shows no signs of intrusion. No other battle traces exist elsewhere."
They exchanged bewildered glances. If this unknown expert meant harm, Zhenwu Sect would be defenseless - places like the Sutra Pavilion would be freely accessible unless their master emerged from seclusion. Yet with no disturbances, the expert likely bore no ill intent.
"Could it be... this unknown expert is one of our sect's hidden guardians?" someone suggested. "Discovering Feitian Eagle's infiltration, he eliminated the threat."
Eyes lit up as they collectively envisioned an immortal-like elder.
"Highly possible! There's no other explanation!"
Watching his senior brothers, sisters and fellow disciples grow increasingly excited, Ning Qi finally looked up from the Tiger Diagram with an odd expression.
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