Chapter 42: Niu Wuji's Past

The slaying of three fifth-level Martial Master assassins, coupled with an assassin leader at the first-level Martial Spirit realm, might not be surprising if attributed to disciples from the Qi Tian Sect's headquarters or elders. However, witnessing such prowess in a branch disciple is indeed astonishing.

"Are you certain, disciple, that Wu Tian single-handedly killed an assassin at the first-level Martial Spirit realm? I find it hard to believe," the woman questioned her disciple with a hint of skepticism.

"Master, both Senior Brother and I are certain. Wu Tian truly eliminated four assassins on his own. We were both astonished at his formidable cultivation. Even Senior Brother admits that Wu Tian's prowess surpasses his own!" The disciple shook his head with a wry smile.

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! How could Wu Tian possess such formidable cultivation? I know precisely about that kid's capabilities. You and your Senior Brother must have been mistaken! It's either that, or someone is secretly assisting Wu Tian!" He Jiang vehemently expressed disbelief.

"Master, at this moment, we need not dwell on whether Wu Tian truly possesses such cultivation. If he does, he will naturally pass the first trial. During the second stage of the arena competition, his true strength will undoubtedly be revealed," Haoke from the Punishment Hall suggested.

"Haoke's point is valid. If the Pingyang City branch has a disciple capable of defeating a first-level Martial Spirit expert, it would be a tremendous asset for the headquarters!" The woman's eyes gleamed with a hint of anticipation, as if she had glimpsed a precious gem.

"Yes, but there's one thing we must pay extra attention to. Wu Tian was targeted by an assassin from the Shura Gate. This is a significant trouble. Shura Gate's assassins are highly skilled, and if this operation failed, they may continue to send killers. We cannot underestimate the Shura Gate; they don't make idle threats," the Sect Master Ye frowned and stated.

"Sect Master, Shura Gate is unlikely to attempt a second assassination so soon after a failure, at least not before the Sect Competition. After the competition, I will report this incident to the headquarters in the imperial city, and they should handle it," the woman bowed to Sect Master Ye.

"That's the only way. During this period, I will strengthen our defenses to prevent similar incidents from occurring again," Sect Master Ye nodded.

At this moment, He Jiang clenched his fists silently. He was unwilling to accept the fact that Wu Tian, even against a first-level Martial Spirit assassin, proved elusive. He had initially planned to use Shura Gate to eliminate Wu Tian, ensuring no one traced it back to him. However, with Shura Gate's failure, it seemed he would have to take matters into his own hands.

...

While the prominent figures of the sect discussed Wu Tian, Wu Tian and Niu Wuji had already entered the depths of the Hengduan Mountains. Along the way, Wu Tian continuously fought monsters, and in just one day, Niu Wuji had advanced from a sixth-level Martial Novice to a ninth-level Martial Novice. This further convinced Niu Wuji that Wu Tian was his lucky star.

"Boss, it's getting late. Let's find a place to rest; otherwise, we won't have the energy to continue tomorrow," Niu Wuji suggested as he observed the fading daylight.

Wu Tian glanced at the sky, realizing that it was already evening. He nodded, "Sure, let's find a place to rest."

Soon, they found a cave. Wu Tian set up a trap at the entrance, ensuring immediate detection if anyone or any beast approached. Inside the cave, they lit a fire.

"After a day of hunting monsters, we can finally rest. Haha..." Niu Wuji sprawled by the fire, exclaiming in relief.

"Just a day of hunting, and you're already exhausted. You're not up to par!" Wu Tian shook his head.

Niu Wuji's face turned bitter, "Boss, you're too formidable! Since entering the Hengduan Mountains, I've basically been dealing with monsters on my own. I know you're training me, but my strength has its limits. I've already reached my peak."

Wu Tian took out a high-grade Vitality-Enhancing Pill and a high-grade Qi Gathering Pill from the system's backpack and tossed them to Niu Wuji, "Take these."

Niu Wuji received the pills, widened his eyes, and exclaimed, "Boss, these are... Vitality-Enhancing Pill and Qi Gathering Pill! Judging by their quality, they are at least top-grade. They are extremely precious!"

"Are they valuable?" Wu Tian dismissed it.

Niu Wuji immediately sat up, talking excitedly, "Boss, do you know how much a top-grade Vitality-Enhancing Pill is sold for at the Ji Min Pharmacy? Twelve thousand taels! My goodness, the silver I saved up for a year isn't even enough to buy one! Boss, I appreciate the gift, but these are too valuable; I should return them to you!"

"Eat them if I give them to you. Don't act like a woman fussing over every little thing! Do you think your boss would care about these two pills? Let me tell you, I have plenty more!" Wu Tian sternly said.

"Alright, Boss, I sincerely thank you for these precious pills! I'll take them..." Niu Wuji hesitated for a moment, struggling, before finally swallowing the two pills. After ingesting them, he felt a warm flow spreading through his body, revitalizing him completely.

"Incredible! Truly incredible! I feel full of vitality now, and my entire true qi is replenished!" Niu Wuji exclaimed.

Wu Tian shook his head in silence. It was just two pills; he had plenty more in his backpack, and he often treated them like pebbles. 

"Xiao Niu, when did you join the Qi Tian Sect?" Wu Tian asked as he threw firewood into the flames.

Niu Wuji's expression suddenly turned serious, as if recalling something, "I am an orphan. My master found me outside and brought me to the Qi Tian Sect. I grew up in the sect, and truth be told, I've always been a mediocre disciple. If it weren't for following you, Boss, I would still be a sixth-level Martial Novice. Many disciples who joined the sect after me have already surpassed me. In summary, I'm just a useless person."

"I can relate to that," Wu Tian smiled and nodded. During the year when his cultivation was crippled, he experienced countless disdainful gazes.

"However, I've never blamed others. If I had to blame someone, it would be myself for not working hard enough, not being strong enough. So, I swear to give my all to enter the Qi Tian Sect headquarters, not for anything else, but to repay my master who raised me!" Niu Wuji clenched his fist and declared.

"You can do it; I believe in you," Wu Tian patted Niu Wuji's shoulder.

Creak! At this moment, there was movement in the trap Wu Tian had set.

"Something's approaching; be cautious," Wu Tian stood up, the Black Dragon Blade instantly appearing in his hand.

"Yo! Isn't this Wu Tian, the

 top talent of the Qi Tian Sect? Tsk tsk... already reached the depths of the Hengduan Mountains. Impressive, truly impressive! Here, I have to applaud you." A familiar voice reached Wu Tian's ears.