Volume 1, Chapter 173: Those Who Fight Beyond Their Realm Are Called Prodigies

At the edge of Lin Yu's vision, several figures soared through the air. 

They were the Manggu Continent warriors who had arrived at the Great Han Imperial City, demanding the handover of an unknown person. Lin Yu hadn't expected them to track their target all the way to Spirit Mountain. Their hurried demeanor suggested they'd found who they sought. 

"Wonder who they're so desperate to capture from Manggu Continent?" 

Curious, Lin Yu transformed into a streak of light, trailing far behind Elder Huang and his group. 

Suddenly, Elder Huang and the others plunged toward a valley like shooting stars. Lin Yu followed, landing silently on the mountain peak and peering down. 

In the valley, a stunning maiden in a white dress was surrounded by Elder Huang's men. 

"Tu Shan Yue, didn't expect this! Even fleeing to Spirit Mountain couldn't hide you from us!" 

"Better surrender now and come quietly, or you'll suffer." 

"You're quite the escape artist, Tu Shan Yue. Where will you run today?" 

The black-robed men laughed triumphantly, eyeing the maiden as easy prey. 

Tu Shan Yue's face turned icy, her brows furrowing. "Flee? Why would I flee? Is Fumeng Sacred Mountain declaring war on Qingqiu Sacred Mountain by daring to capture me?" 

"Hehe! In Manggu Continent, we might not dare, but this is Spirit Mountain. You entered from Shenzhou Continent—who will know if we take you here?" Elder Huang's laughter echoed like a tiger's roar, dislodging rocks from the valley walls. 

Tu Shan Yue snorted. "I see Hu Wei didn't learn his lesson last time. He still covets me?" 

"Our young master's hope of reaching Spirit Condensation Realm lies with you, Tu Shan Yue. Come willingly, and you'll be his primary wife. Resist, and we'll take you by force—then you'll be nothing but a nameless cauldron." Elder Huang preferred avoiding conflict; a willing Tu Shan Yue would forge an alliance between their sacred mountains. Forcing her could spark war and carnage if word leaked. 

Watching Tu Shan Yue surrounded, Lin Yu frowned. He'd never met her, yet a strange familiarity and warmth surged at first sight, as if they'd known each other for ages. 

"Marry Hu Wei? In your dreams!" Tu Shan Yue scoffed. 

"Then don't blame us." Elder Huang signaled the black-robed warriors. "Seize her!" 

Tu Shan Yue had left Qingqiu at Myriad Manifestation Realm Level 7. Now, two Level 7 and one Level 8 warrior—Wang Wu—surrounded her. Capturing her should be simple. 

"Pardon us, Miss Tu Shan!" 

The men lunged from all sides, but as they reached for her, Tu Shan Yue hummed softly. Icy ripples erupted from her, freezing the warriors into statues. Even Wang Wu, Level 8, couldn't evade the玄冰 (mystic ice) power. 

"Powerful freezing qi—she's grasped the essence of Mystic Ice!" Lin Yu nodded in approval. Mastery of Mystic Ice in swordplay birthed Ice Sword Intent. 

"Myriad Manifestation Realm Level 9?" Elder Huang gaped in shock. How had she advanced from Level 7 to 9 since leaving Manggu? 

Tu Shan Yue smiled. "Elder Huang, this is Spirit Mountain—where miracles happen. Why be surprised?" After consuming a lotus seed by the lake, she'd slept embraced by ice, awakening at Level 9 with Mystic Ice掌控 (control). Without it, she'd have fallen captive. 

"Indeed, I underestimated you." Elder Huang waved, and flame ripples thawed the valley. Icicles melted, freeing Wang Wu and the others, who shivered in terror. 

"Stand back. I'll handle her." Elder Huang drew a black spear from his Sumeru Ring, its blade igniting with red flames. "Last chance, Tu Shan Yue. I'm a Void Transformation Realm warrior. You can't win. Surrender to avoid pain." 

"Void Transformation Realm? What of it? If I can't fight beyond my realm, how dare I call myself a Qingqiu prodigy?" Tu Shan Yue drew a sword, her laughter clear. "Only those who fight beyond their realm and prevail deserve the name 'prodigy'!" 

Lin Yu nodded, impressed. Could she truly defeat Elder Huang, a Void Transformation Realm Level 1? 

"Bold words. Let me see your strength." Elder Huang remembered a previous encounter, his face darkening as he thrust his spear. Flames surged like a tiger pouncing, roaring silently toward Tu Shan Yue.