novelraw Chapter 175: Path Foundation
Chapter 175: Path Foundation
Shu Mountain, the mountain stronghold’s clearing.
The Demon-Path Messengers formed a circle, howling and shouting like apes. At the center of the clearing, Medicine Master Wen stood facing off against three Demon-Path Messengers. All three were Second-Stage Messengers, notorious across the Liang Kingdom as the Black Whirlwind Three Brothers, a trio whose brutal reputation reached even the peaks of Shu Mountain.
“Black-Big, didn’t you claim you killed a Third-Stage once? Prove it to us!”
“Great Guardian! Wolf Demoness! Great Guardian! Wolf Demoness!”
“Black-Big, Black-Second, Black-Third—your legs aren’t going weak, are they?”
“Kill them! Kill them!”
Medicine Master Wen wore armor with her face hidden behind a mask and hood, calm and unhurried as she twirled the Soul-Severing Spear, scattering sparks of spear-light. The Black Whirlwind Three Brothers gradually formed a triangle around her—Black-Big in front, Black-Second and Black-Third slipping into her blind spots. That was their way: when fighting one opponent, all three attacked together; if fighting a crowd… they ran for their lives.
They were already Demon-Path bandits—why care about chivalry? They never intended to truly defeat the Fourth Great Guardian Wolf Demoness, but if they could fight her to a draw—or gain even a brief upper hand—it would be enough to make their name resound across Shu Mountain.
If they truly defeated Wolf Demoness, that would be a miracle. Everyone knew that Wolf Demoness and Bunny Heroine had killed the Blood Minister’s younger brother. That deed alone could earn them unimaginable rewards from the Blood Minister.
Suddenly, Black-Third hurled a dart from the shadows. At the instant Medicine Master Wen dodged, Black-Big became a gust of black wind and charged, while Black-Second swung his soft whip from behind. One ahead, one behind—perfectly coordinated. Many Messengers, when faced with this combination, would be caught off guard and severely wounded—if not outright killed!But Medicine Master Wen was absolutely not among them!
She blocked Black-Second’s whip with the butt of her spear, turned the tip toward Black-Big’s incoming blade, then spun the Soul-Severing Spear like a revolving lamp, tracing a sharp arc toward the approaching Black-Third!
When the ambush failed, the brothers switched to surrounding attacks. The Black Whirlwind Three Brothers truly lived up to their nickname: fierce as a whirlwind, fast and relentless. Black-Big was swift, Black-Second supple, Black-Third sinister. Their attacks flowed endlessly, leaving no openings. One mistake could lead to death by their Demon-Path Tokens.
The onlooking Messengers gradually fell silent. They imagined themselves surrounded by the Black Whirlwind—could they break free? It would be hard. Forcing a breakthrough would mean enduring one or two Demon-Path Tokens, and once wounded by those, the results were unpredictable. The brothers weren’t fools—they’d always strike for vital points.
What if it were one of the Three Great Guardians instead?
If it were Beiyou, he’d simply leap away through the air.
If it were Boreuo, one thunderstorm strike would crush one brother to death.
If it were the Blood Minister… encirclement was meaningless; one breath from him and he’d already be gone.
But the newly appointed Great Guardian Wolf Demoness gave an entirely different answer—
She met attack with attack!
Though she held the Soul-Severing Spear and wore the Vajra Armor, she moved as lightly as a butterfly in the storm. In that flurry of blades and wind, she danced gracefully. Each thrust of her spear struck precisely against her opponents’ weapons, keeping all three brothers a spear’s length away even while encircled!
As time passed, the Black Whirlwind Three Brothers grew increasingly anxious; even their attacks began to repeat. Demon-Path duels were normally swift—one exchange to decide life or death. How had it dragged on this long? They were running out of tricks!
“Have you exhausted your petty skills?”
The Great Guardian Wolf Demoness coldly remarked, then the Soul-Severing Spear tapped each of them once—instantly detonating the protective barriers on their bodies!
Such terrifying destructive power!?
The Black Whirlwind Three Brothers were horrified. They hurriedly leapt back and bowed. “We’ve lost this time! Many thanks to the Great Guardian Wolf Demoness for showing mercy!”
“The Great Guardian Wolf Demoness truly deserves her seat as the Fourth Chair of Shu Mountain!”
The onlookers were dumbfounded. The brothers’ defensive tokens were at least Second-Stage, yet she shattered them with a single spear? Even if she weren’t a Demon-Path Messenger, she could still slaughter most of those present!
If anyone had thought before that Wolf Demoness only rose thanks to her sister’s fame, the Black Whirlwind Three Brothers had now become proof enough that she truly possessed the strength of a Great Guardian.
“You three are not bad,” said Medicine Master Wen calmly. “Join my team tomorrow.”
“Yes, Great Guardian! It would be an honor for us brothers to follow you in the assault on the Wolf Den!”
They ran off to the Demon-Slaying Hall and eagerly signed their names beneath Wolf Demoness’s.
“Anyone else wish to join my team tomorrow?” Medicine Master Wen asked, glancing around.
“I will!”
“Great Guardian, we—the Dog, Wolf, and Bear trio—have attacked the Wolf Den many times. We have rich experience!”
“Great Guardian, our Black Wolf Guild also wishes to—”
Today was the fourth day of rest. Medicine Master Wen, restless from idleness—and since Bunny Heroine had proposed exploring the Wolf Den several times—came to the Demon-Slaying Hall to recruit Messengers.
However, she barely knew the Messengers here—their strengths and weaknesses alike were mysteries. And though she held the title of Great Guardian, she was still a newcomer. Why would Demon-Path Messengers trust her? At best, they’d join her to avoid paying the entry tax for Wolf Den expeditions.
Hence the duel in the clearing. Once Medicine Master Wen mentioned wanting to “spar a little,” the Black Whirlwind Three Brothers volunteered at once.
It had been a risky move. Though the brothers were Demon-Path Messengers, she herself was a Third-Stage Messenger. A Third-Stage fighting Seconds—everyone would compare her to the other Great Guardians. Even the slightest sign of weakness would make her reputation on Shu Mountain plummet.
But not only did Medicine Master Wen win—she won easily and beautifully.
The reason she could explode the brothers’ protective barriers in a single strike was, of course, due to the Soul-Severing Spear’s “Sixty-Four Thrusts” authority. While defending earlier, she had been quietly stacking combo counts. Yet to those unaware, it looked as though she had simply toyed with them—only choosing to end the fight when she grew bored.
At that moment, the Black Whirlwind Three Brothers volunteered again: “Great Guardian, you don’t need to test each of them one by one. We can assess everyone’s skills for you!”
Medicine Master Wen agreed readily. Since her might was already established, it was time to assert authority. She didn’t particularly care to dominate Shu Mountain, but she was used to the respect and obedience of those around her. Wherever she went, she was naturally the leader.
There were only two exceptions—the Thieves’ House, and the Bunny Heroine.
Thinking of Bunny Heroine brought to mind their conversation three days ago, after returning from the Forest of Corpses.
During the loot distribution in the Central Courtyard, Medicine Master Wen had actually desired “Path Foundation Explained” the most, since her understanding of Path Foundations was limited. That book would have been greatly beneficial to her future Foundation Building. But since Bunny Heroine signaled her to take the “Secret Technique Research Book” instead, she naturally obeyed her sister.
Let alone a mere research book—even if Bunny Heroine wanted to take the Earthly Fiend · Immobilizing Stone back, Medicine Master Wen would have given it to her without hesitation.
However, Bunny Heroine didn’t want the Secret Technique Research Book for herself. She merely thought there was no need to take Path Foundation Explained—because she already knew every Path Foundation in existence, as well as all Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiend pairings.
“My brother forced me to memorize them. If I failed, he’d feed me Bitter Melon,” she explained.
Medicine Master Wen had not doubted her—and for the first time, she thought her brother had done exactly the right thing.
According to Bunny Heroine’s explanation, the Immobilizing Stone corresponded to two high-grade Path Foundations and one perfect Path Foundation:
—the Nine-Abyss Mountain-Suppressing Path Foundation, paired with Heavenly Gang · Tremor-of-Mountains-and-Earth;
—the Ten-Thousand-Edge Howling-Peaks Path Foundation, paired with Heavenly Gang · Mountain-Whipping-Stone-Shifting;
—and the Greedy-Wolf Conquering-General Path Foundation, paired with Heavenly Gang · Star-Shifting-Constellation-Changing.
That’s right—using the Mountain-Whipping-Stone-Shifting Seal she just obtained, together with her Immobilizing Stone, Bunny Heroine could already assemble the Ten-Thousand-Edge Howling-Peaks Path Foundation!
Although Bunny Heroine did not know the detailed information of the Path Foundations, just from the name alone she could tell that this Path Foundation specialized in offense—perfect for the valiant and battle-hardened Medicine Master Wen.
Bunny Heroine thought so as well. When she shared the Path Foundation information, she even brought out the Mountain-Whipping-Stone-Shifting Seal, staring directly at her.
But Medicine Master Wen said nothing.
She understood what Bunny Heroine meant, and Bunny Heroine knew she understood—so their conversation ended there. Even after three days, neither of them mentioned it again.
Because Medicine Master Wen could not afford the price.
She could not imagine what she could offer in return for such a gift of enlightenment. On the contrary, if she handed the Immobilizing Stone to Bunny Heroine to help her build her foundation, that would make much more sense—Medicine Master Wen would give it willingly, and Bunny Heroine could accept it without guilt.
For the past three days, Medicine Master Wen had been considering her decision and finally chose to wait for the right moment.
If before Bunny Heroine’s Third Job Change she still hadn’t obtained another Heavenly Gang, Medicine Master Wen would give her the Immobilizing Stone. If she had, then Medicine Master Wen would trade something for the Mountain-Whipping-Stone-Shifting Seal.
It might sound like saying, “I’ll give it back when the child grows up,” but knowing Bunny Heroine as she did, she believed her breakthrough to Third-Stage wasn’t far—perhaps she would even reach it during the battle against the Demon Lord of the Forest of Corpses.
The inheritance of Si Wuxie would determine the fate of many.
Suddenly, Medicine Master Wen noticed something and walked over to the wine table in the Demon-Slaying Hall. Everyone thought the Great Guardian was going for a drink, so no one paid attention. A few wondered, though, how she planned to drink with her mask on—would she pour it through her nose?
Beside the table stood a servant pouring wine. Medicine Master Wen handed him a piece of Hundred-Jade. After receiving it, the servant lowered his voice and said, “In the past two days, all three Great Guardians have sent people down the mountain. Boreuo only sent Fu Nan, probably to check the restaurant accounts, and he returned yesterday. Beiyou and the Blood Minister both sent many men, but few came back. I don’t know their intent.”
Medicine Master Wen gave him another Hundred-Jade, then returned to her seat with a wine cup in hand. She hadn’t been idle these days. After some observation, she discovered that the servants here were quite well-informed. So she chose one who looked weak and often bullied by the others, turning him into an informant to investigate whether the Three Great Guardians had sent subordinates for any secret dealings.
Just as the Three Great Guardians worried she and her allies might call in outsiders to rob them of the spoils, Medicine Master Wen likewise feared that they might invite outsiders to wipe them out completely.
And from the looks of it, all three seemed suspicious. When the time came to attack the Forest of Corpses, it would inevitably be a fire-snatching gamble.
Still, as long as they were quick—seize the inheritance and escape into the mountains… besides, I have the Thieves’ House, and Bunny Heroine has the Return Token. No matter what happens, we won’t be cornered…
“Seriously? That glove’s worth two hundred thousand Spirit Jade?”
“It’s not the glove itself—it’s the information about its owner that’s worth two hundred thousand. But if it’s that valuable, the glove must be at least a Second-Stage Token, probably a Rare one or higher.”
Hearing the nearby Demon-Path Messengers talking, Medicine Master Wen glanced over—and her expression instantly turned serious.
She reached out and took the Commission Token from one of the Messengers’ hands. “What’s this?” she asked.
Faced with the Great Guardian Wolf Demoness, the Messenger dared not hide anything. “It’s a Commission Token from the Black Market in the city. Sometimes the Righteous Path wants to do dirty work quietly, so they post commissions there. Complete the job, and you get paid.”
He paused, then added, “This particular commission came from Old Zhou’s network. He mostly deals with the Liang Kingdom, so it’s probably from their side.”
Medicine Master Wen studied the Commission Token. Its contents were simple: whoever discovered the person possessing these gloves and reported it to the commissioner would receive one hundred thousand Spirit Jade. Few recognized the gloves, since they hadn’t appeared in over a century—but Medicine Master Wen had once seen their sketch. They represented the eternal humiliation of the Royal Family of Liang, for even Emperor Taizu of Liang had lost two Foundation Tokens to their power.
Hands of Hundredfold Refinement!
People of Liang Kingdom were offering a bounty for its owner? Why?
“This kind of commission is common,” the Demon-Path Messenger explained. “Probably someone stole or robbed the gloves, and Liang Kingdom wants to save face.” He eyed Medicine Master Wen’s Tiger Armguards and added, “If the Great Guardian recognizes them, don’t miss the chance. If Liang Kingdom offers two hundred thousand for a bounty, the gloves must be worth at least five hundred thousand.”
Five hundred thousand? Far more than that—if it were the original Hands of Hundredfold Refinement, Liang Kingdom would gladly trade an entire year’s tax revenue for it.
But the original Hands of Hundredfold Refinement were a Fourth-Stage Token, usable only by Foundation Messengers, and had long been destroyed—likely sealed somewhere in the Royal Family of Liang’s Secret Treasury…
Medicine Master Wen’s heart stirred.
She had always believed that Bunny Heroine’s Hands of Hundredfold Refinement had nothing to do with the legendary gauntlets from a century ago. After all, who would be foolish enough to downgrade a Fourth-Stage Legendary to a Second-Stage Legendary? The former was priceless; the latter, though precious, was merely worth a few million Spirit Jade—with plenty of possible substitutes.
More importantly, the Royal Family of Liang must have guarded the Hands of Hundredfold Refinement with utmost secrecy, hidden in a place known to no one. Could a thief really steal a national treasure from under the royal family’s nose?
Yes—there really was such a thief.
Medicine Master Wen knew this all too well, because she herself had personally rescued those two audacious thieves from the Imperial Secret Treasury of Liang.
The theft had happened only days ago, and this Commission Token had just reached Shu Mountain—the timing matched perfectly.
If Bunny Heroine’s gloves truly were the Hands of Hundredfold Refinement stolen from Liang Kingdom…
If someone had really degraded a Fourth-Stage Legendary into a Second-Stage Legendary…
“Could it be that what you’re wearing are the repaired Hands of Hundredfold Refinement?”
“I don’t know. My brother picked them up.”
“Picked them up?”
“He said he picked them up. He often picks up lots of good things from outside.”