Chapter 34: Unexpected Gains

The fiery clouds were like flames, and the blazing sun cast golden rays across the lush mountains and forests. The green leaves began to turn slightly yellow under the summer heat.

Fortunately, the forest remained deep and tranquil. Bai Yichen walked leisurely, weaving through towering ancient trees and dappled shadows.

He took the opportunity to practice the modified Eight Trigrams Cloud Dragon Body technique, as the space in the quiet room was limited and made full-body training difficult.

This was a time of seclusion, and relying on the second level of the Sitting and Forgetting Heart Refinement method, along with his "Martial Arts Genius" talent, he integrated the Eight Trigrams Cicada Step from Xuanzhen Temple and the modified Cloud Dragon Leap he learned in his previous life.

By combining the strengths of both techniques, he maintained the principles of the Eight Trigrams while adding a touch of grace, making it more suited to his martial arts foundation.

Just as he immersed himself in this atmosphere of free flight,

suddenly, a flurry of hoofbeats echoed from the winding mountain path not far away, shattering this rare tranquility.

Bai Yichen furrowed his brow and looked in the direction of the sound. Dust swirled along the path as a magnificent horse galloped out.

Riding the horse was a middle-aged man with a long beard. His face was ashen, and his expression was one of fear. Beads of sweat as large as soybeans rolled down his cheeks, as if he was desperately trying to escape.

It seemed he had stumbled upon a chase in the martial world.

Behind him was a mysterious figure wearing a mask, resembling a vividly animated monkey's head, the corners of its mouth curling into a mischievous grin.

Oh, the twelve zodiac signs. Bai Yichen couldn't help but recall the toothless Zhang family master he encountered that night, as well as the ugly cow mask discovered in the secret chamber of the Heishi branch in Qingzhou.

Afterward, he had inquired and learned that this twelve zodiac organization was a mysterious group that had risen in the martial world over the past decade.

The organization lived up to its name, consisting of a total of twelve core members, each using a zodiac sign as their codename. During missions, they wore masks corresponding to their zodiac signs, and each possessed remarkable strength, with most being Acquired level experts and several being Innate masters.

It was said that as long as one could pay the corresponding price, they would help fulfill your requests. However, the entrusted tasks had to be vetted by them and were not just any tasks.

From the look of the mask, it seemed to be the Monkey of the twelve zodiac signs.

It was unclear how that bearded man had become involved with the zodiac organization.

Bai Yichen swiftly turned to find a lush ancient tree to hide behind.

When faced with uncertainty, it was best to wait and see.

As he crept closer, he saw the Monkey let out a fierce shout and leap toward the horse.

The bearded man initially intended to whip the horse and charge forward, but unexpectedly, the Monkey threw a flying knife that struck the horse's hoof.

Startled, the horse let out a sharp whinny.

Seeing the situation take a turn for the worse, the bearded man could only leap off to the side, gritting his teeth as he drew his sword to confront the Monkey.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

In an instant, the sounds of sword shadows and blade light clashed, ringing through the mountain path.

However, the bearded man was clearly at a disadvantage; after several exchanges, he was suppressed, causing him to sweat profusely and breathe heavily.

Trouble often comes in waves. The bearded man, now panicking, displayed a somewhat chaotic sword technique, leaving many openings.

In contrast, the Monkey, already more skilled, took advantage of this opportunity to attack fiercely, each strike carrying a lethal intent.

After just a few exchanges, the bearded man found himself struggling, appearing quite miserable.

With a disdainful smile, the Monkey seized the moment and struck down fiercely. The bearded man raised his sword to block, but with a "snap," his sword shattered into two pieces.

Taking advantage of this, the Monkey kicked him, sending the bearded man crashing heavily to the ground.

"I only transmitted the information about the treasure map of the Daming Palace back to Yukun Mountain. How did you find out? Who sent you?"

The bearded man seemed to realize his impending fate, a hint of sadness lacing his voice.

But he was still unwilling to give up, wanting to understand more.

The Monkey, however, only sneered and paid him no mind.

Seeing that he still wanted to struggle to get up, the Monkey didn't give him any chance.

With a swift motion, blood splattered, and the bearded man met his end on the spot.

Following that, the Monkey began to search him for something.

The mention of the Daming Palace treasure map in the bearded man's words stirred something within Bai Yichen.

The Daming Palace was established over two hundred years ago by a master known as "Mingzong."

During Mingzong's time, the Daming Palace often had people who acted arrogantly.

However, after Mingzong's passing, the Daming Palace lost this pillar of support, leading to a decline, and due to past grievances, it became a target for many sects, causing it to fall apart.

It was rumored that Mingzong, worried that future disciples would be inadequate, left behind a treasure for inheritance, said to conceal numerous riches and the mysteries of the master realm, allowing future generations to rise again.

In the past, when Bai Yichen was the leader of Heishi, he had also attempted to collect treasure maps, but unfortunately, he only acquired two fragments of the map.

Indeed, the treasure map was said to have been split into six pieces, and only by collecting them all could one uncover the location of the true treasure.

However, how did this connect to Yukun Mountain? Were they also collecting the treasure map of Mingzong's legacy?

Could it be that someone was seeking a breakthrough?

Lost in thought, he then saw the Monkey pull out a fragmented map from the folds of the bearded man's clothing.

Without hesitation, Bai Yichen retrieved the bull-headed mask he had acquired earlier and put it on. His bones cracked as his form subtly shifted.

Then he swiftly darted out, appearing before the Monkey in the blink of an eye.

Upon seeing the bull-headed mask, the Monkey was initially startled, but then spoke in a calm tone: "Why are you here, Ugly Bull?"

"I happened to pass by and saw your tracks, so I came to take a look."

Bai Yichen lowered his voice intentionally.

The Monkey chuckled and raised the fragmentary map in his hand: "Could it be that you're also interested in Mingzong's treasure?"

"So what if I am? Are you going to show it to me?" Bai Yichen teased in a tone befitting old friends.

"Of course, I have no reason not to." As he spoke, the Monkey directly handed the map in Bai Yichen's direction.

How simple?

Bai Yichen stepped forward to take it.

At that moment, a strong reflection suddenly flashed into his eyes, forcing Bai Yichen to squint.

Following that, the long knife that served as a mirror swung down toward him.

"I heard at the last meeting that Ugly Bull died on a mission. How could you dare to impersonate him!"

However, this attack didn't seem to have the effect the Monkey had anticipated. When it struck Bai Yichen, the force was easily neutralized and failed to inflict any damage.

As he tore open the robe, only a white mark was left behind.

"How is this possible? Who exactly are you?"

The Monkey was momentarily stunned.

"I initially wanted to use this identity to make friends with you, but why did you have to be so clever?"

The world of martial arts is perilous, but as long as I am strong, it's all good.

With a single palm strike, the Four Symbols, and the heavens perished!

The Monkey of the twelve zodiac signs is dead!

Immediately, Bai Yichen snatched the fragment of the treasure map from the Monkey's hand. This was his third piece. He then intended to leave.

Clap, clap, clap!

"What a splendid palm technique! Truly worthy of being the signature martial art of the Xuanzhen Temple—the Four Symbols Open Heaven Palm. The Monkey died beneath it, which is quite justified."

A figure clad in dark yellow stepped out from the shadows, applauding.