Chapter 48: The Terrifying Secret Art

A stream of information surged into Su Yi’s mind, allowing him to comprehend the true nature of this so-called secret technique. In simple terms, this metal plate possessed an extraordinary power—it could propel its wielder to break through their own martial realm by absorbing their source energy.

As for what exactly source energy was, the message transmitted by the metal plate gave no explanation. It merely warned that using the secret technique would diminish the user’s lifespan.

What a domineering secret technique, what a sinister method!

Su Yi’s heart trembled. At this point, he was almost entirely certain that the legendary Demon Lord Lu Sheng from three centuries ago had indeed reached the mythical Tianyuan realm. After all, the system had bestowed upon him comprehensive insight into all stages of the “Whale Devouring Method.” No matter how powerful a master at the Innate realm might be, they could never possess such unfathomable abilities.

Su Yi recalled that Chi Pengjin had mentioned his father once described the “Ultimate Truth Manual” as a somewhat sinister martial method. Now, it seemed likely that what his father referred to was precisely this secret technique.

He also pondered why Chi Xiaoling had chosen, decades ago, to sink this metal plate into Vermilion Bird Lake. Perhaps he had once used the technique to elevate his own cultivation, but was later troubled by its dangerous aftereffects, prompting him to abandon it with regret.

Thinking back, Chi Xiaoling’s death at little over fifty years of age—was it due to old injuries resurfacing, or had his lifespan been drastically shortened by using the secret technique from the “Ultimate Truth Manual” in his youth? The answer, it seemed, had become a complete mystery.

Su Yi withdrew his thoughts from the secret technique and imprinted all the contents of the “Ultimate Truth Manual” into his mind. Since Chi Pengjin had generously allowed him to examine the metal plate, he would not refuse the opportunity.

Because he was thoroughly familiar with the “Whale Devouring Method,” Su Yi immediately noticed traces of it throughout the “Ultimate Truth Manual.” Any disciple of the Yuan Mo Sect could easily switch to practicing this manual, and could continue to use the “Whale Devouring Method” to absorb others’ internal energy and thereby enhance their own cultivation.

No wonder Demon Lord Lu Sheng had mercilessly slaughtered the disciples of Yuan Mo Sect—the two methods complemented each other perfectly.

As the saying goes: never test the limits of human nature. Su Yi mused that any ordinary person would find it nearly impossible to resist such temptation, let alone those from the demonic sects who already viewed human life as worthless.

After a moment of dazed contemplation, Su Yi brought his mind back to reality.

Chi Pengjin was staring at him expectantly. When he saw Su Yi return to himself, he hurriedly asked, “Brother Su, well? Is that secret technique useful to you?”

Su Yi nodded, then shook his head. Chi Pengjin was instantly bewildered. “What does that mean? Brother Su, don’t mess with me!”

“I’m not messing with you.”

Su Yi’s expression grew serious. “Pengjin, your father was right. This secret technique is indeed sinister. Unless you are left with no other choice, you must never entertain the thought of using it.”

He explained the function and drawbacks of the technique.

“So that’s what it is,” Chi Pengjin murmured, his eyes suddenly reddening. “Could it be that my father—” He could not finish the sentence. Chi Pengjin was no fool; after a little thought, he arrived at the same speculation as Su Yi.

“Don’t dwell on it too much, and don’t be too sorrowful,” Su Yi comforted him, patting his shoulder. “In my homeland, there’s an old saying: ‘Though born as an ant, one should aspire to soar like a swan; though life is fragile as paper, one must possess an unyielding spirit.’ Your father rose from humble beginnings, fought all his life, and earned enduring fame. The chronicles of history will surely record his deeds in bold strokes. Perhaps this secret technique also played its part.”

Under Su Yi’s consolation, Chi Pengjin finally felt somewhat better.

“Brother Su, for the rest of our journey, I’ll leave this metal plate in your care.”

“You want me to keep it?”

“That’s right. Didn’t you say those demonic sect villains are after it? My martial skills are so weak—if I were caught off guard, I couldn’t protect it. I’ll feel much safer if you take charge.”

“Well, all right.” Su Yi agreed—it made sense. Since Chi Pengjin offered, he would take responsibility for it.

This kid truly trusts me now. If I told him I had connections to the demonic sects as well, I wonder if his worldview would shatter instantly. Su Yi mused silently.

The night passed quickly.

The next morning, at the military harbor outside Jiang Ting City, Su Yi awaited the arrival of two groups.

Lu Xiangling, supported by her maid Lin Yu, gracefully stepped out of the carriage and made her way toward Su Yi and the others.

This was the first time Lu Xiangling and Lin Yu had seen Su Yi’s true face; previously, he had always concealed it.

“Greetings, benefactor,” the two women exclaimed, their eyes lighting up as they gave a bow. A slight smile touched Lu Xiangling’s lips. “Our benefactor is indeed handsome and formidable. We two young ladies did not misjudge.”

Su Yi felt a bit awkward—was this being teased by these two young women? In this world, unburdened by rigid moral codes, ordinary women were not confined to deep courtyards nor forbidden from speaking freely with men.

“Is this youngster the descendant of your old friend?” Lu Xiangling looked at Chi Pengjin.

“This is Sister Lu Xiangling, and this is Sister Lin Yu,” Su Yi introduced them.

“Greetings, sisters,” Chi Pengjin replied politely with a bow.

“His name is Chi Pengjin. I’m sure you’ve heard of his father, Chi Xiaoling.”

“You mean General Chi Xiaoling, who subdued the northern Di tribes and pacified the southern wilds, whose achievements are legendary?” Lu Xiangling and Lin Yu were both taken aback. For ordinary folk of this era, Chi Xiaoling’s name was almost mythic; his fall from the stage was a cause for deep regret.

“Exactly.”

Chi Pengjin’s face flushed red. As a son, he was proud that his father was so widely admired.

Upon learning Chi Xiaoling’s identity, Lu Xiangling and Lin Yu, perhaps feeling a sense of kinship, allowed their naturally sentimental natures to take over. They took Chi Pengjin’s hand and showered him with concern. Since he was so young, they didn’t find it improper, though Chi Pengjin was left blushing furiously.

“All right, time to board the ship.” After some delay, Lu Xiangling and Lin Yu finally boarded a war vessel. For safety reasons, Su Yi suggested to Commander Pang that the two women be placed on a different ship from Chi Pengjin and the others.

Ever since he had guessed—erroneously—about Su Yi’s identity the day before, Commander Pang had readily followed Su Yi’s suggestions without hesitation.

Su Yi found this amusing. He had a fair idea of what Commander Pang suspected about his identity. With seasoned old officers like him, the best way to keep them in line was a mix of favor and authority.

After escorting Lu Xiangling and Lin Yu onto the ship, Su Yi remained on the pier—he had one more person to wait for.