Returning to the Mysterious Era

Chapter 252 - Spiral-Eye Sword

"The Southern Dipper Red Falcon Fist focuses on killing. It relies on the development of acupoints, and its true power lies in the Death's Fang technique. I'm not too familiar with the other Southern Dipper fist techniques, but since they are on par with the Southern Dipper Red Falcon Fist, they must be of the same level." Feng Liusi caught Cassius’s eye. "Needless to say, mastering different styles of fist techniques may cause some conflicts, but those are nothing compared to the effects of multiple body training methods. The impact on techniques is minimal.

"It's not uncommon to find masters capable of mastering multiple fist techniques or styles in the realm of Covert Martial Arts. There's value in learning from them." Feng Liusi crossed his arms in front of his chest, allowing the red mist surrounding him to withdraw back into his body as he calmly basked in the sunlight. He gave Cassius a moment to think.

After a while, Cassius said solemnly, "Compared to the other options, it sounds like the Southern Dipper Covert Martial Inheritance is the best solution to my current problem."

Feng Liusi smiled and nodded. "I found some old friends this time around and gathered a lot of information, some of which pertains to the Southern Dipper Covert Martial Inheritance."

Cassius cast a slightly dubious look at Feng Liusi.

This old guy has friends other than Saint Feinan?

But then he remembered Feng Liusi was a combat artist at his peak and a renowned figure in the eastern Covert Martial Arts world. It was possible he had connections and an intelligence network. After all, Cassius recalled that Feng Liusi had once pursued, and destroyed, the supernatural assassin group Nightingale in the eastern regions. That feat required not only strength but also accurate intelligence.

Cassius pondered for a moment and sat up to listen.

Feng Liusi left the window and sat back down on a nearby chair. "When I left the Loka Mountains, I told you that a large number of ancient artifacts suddenly appeared in the six counties of the East ten years ago.

"They were similar in design to the ones I found in the ancient ruins where I obtained the Southern Dipper Red Falcon Fist in the thick fog of the Loka Mountains. I had some people keep an eye on the antique world in the Hongli Federation. Whenever they came across relics with similar patterns, they would note them down and inform me. I also have a few treasure-hunter friends who help me gather related information from within their circles."

Feng Liusi paused briefly. "Over the past ten years, two possible cases have come up, but we realized later they were only vaguely similar. Then, two months ago, during the Tulip Antique Exhibition in Kura City, the second-largest city in East Sea County, there was a third case. It was an unidentified cross sword with unique spiral eye-like patterns on the blade and hilt. Since then, four to five other antiques with similar patterns have popped up. It reminded me of the ancient ruins on Eternal Island from ten years ago."

He exhaled lightly. "I don't know if these antiques are related to the ruins there. After witnessing that horrific explosion on the main island and escaping by the skin of my teeth, Eternal Island seems to have been erased from the mysterious seas. I've sent people to search for it many times, but they have all come up empty-handed. The most we could find were fragments of the Eternal Archipelago. It's as if some unknown force has cut it off."

There was a trace of regret in Feng Liusi's voice, but he quickly perked up. "However, I am certain that the Spiral-Eye Sword from the Tulip Antique Exhibition is most likely connected to the ancient era of the Southern Dipper Covert Martial Inheritance. I heard the Blade Demon, who claims to be a core member of the Gate Organization, has shown interest in it. Traces of Gate Organization members have already appeared in Kura City. It seems Blade Demon is after the Spiral-Eye Sword and its origins."

He narrowed his eyes slightly. "However, the forces behind the Tulip Antique Exhibition are not to be underestimated either. They seem to be connected to the overseas businesses of Cloud Dog Fist in East Sea County. Since Blade Demon hasn't made a move yet, he likely has something planned for later."

"Truthfully, I'd love to face the man who beat me ten years ago. He's missing a hand, and I have yet to return to my peak. But with the Gate Organization backing him and the Cloud Dog Fist holding the antique, I'm alone and outmatched. That's why I invited Saint Feinan, but even that's not enough."

Feng Liusi turned his gaze back to Cassius. Cassius smiled in understanding.

"I happen to be quite interested in the core members of the Gate Organization myself."

He was telling the truth. Cassius had encountered a Gate Organization expert in the real world, Peacock. In the time-travel era, Li Wei had once been part of the organization's outer circle. Although he had interacted with them already, Cassius still didn't truly understand the Gate Organization, their core objectives, or their members.

In order to defeat a foe, one must first understand them. Since the Gate Organization had already made its existence known to him in the real world, Cassius figured it was time to make the first move and establish contact with them.

Feng Liusi had anticipated Cassius's response and nodded. With three combat artists on their side, they now had enough strength to intervene in any matter within the Hongli Federation. Moreover, since they only had three people, they had far more mobility than larger forces.

Feng Liusi's many connections and organizations would provide intelligence from the shadows while the three of them handled the action.

A clean Cassius came down to the villa's first floor half an hour later, dressed in fresh clothes. He had just practiced the second stage of the Death's Fang technique and could feel that both its power and control had improved significantly. But that improvement had come with an increased difficulty in managing it. Cassius still felt a bit uneasy.

As he descended the stairs into the spacious living room, decorated in a simple white theme, he noticed Saint Feinan, his white hair tied into a braid, elegantly making coffee. He sat on a brown leather sofa with his legs crossed, occasionally sipping from a white porcelain cup.

"Where's Feng Liusi?" Cassius asked, steam rising from his head as his technique dried his damp blond hair like a blow dryer.

"In the study." Saint Feinan gestured toward the hallway on the right.

Cassius walked over. It was noon, so the hallway was well-lit. The floor tiles were printed with rose patterns, and paintings of landscapes were spaced evenly along the white walls. The villa's decor was both elegant and artistic.

After passing two doors, he stopped at the third one. He knocked lightly before entering. Inside, he saw Luen dialing an old rotary phone, the clicking of the rotary mechanism filling the room. Feng Liusi was seated by the desk, arms crossed, enjoying the sunlight streaming through the open window behind him.

His gaze passed over the open book on the desk before he looked up. "Ah, Cassius, you're just in time. Could you fetch Saint Feinan for me... No, on second thought, do me a favor and head to the Red Falcon Fist hall in Mia City. And while you're at it..."

Feng Liusi gave Cassius a brief rundown.

He had just learned about the current situation with the Eastern Covert Martial Arts world and Red Falcon Fist. The Eastern Nine Sects were expanding their influence and had recently proposed the formation of the Eastern Alliance. This alliance would bring together various Covert Martial Arts sects from different counties. Wenxia County was the Evil Eye Fist’s domain. Luen had complained to his father about Red Falcon Fist’s struggles and how much pressure it had endured in recent months. In light of this, Red Falcon Fist needed a combat artist to stabilize the situation.

Originally, this should have been Feng Liusi's role, but he didn't want to reveal that he had emerged from seclusion or that he had gotten younger. This could attract attention from the Gate Organization and Blade Demon. It was best for him to stay hidden for now.

However, since Cassius had already made a name for himself in Wenxia County's Covert Martial Arts world with his recent challenges, sending him would be ideal. Cassius’s appearance would likely deter the Eastern Nine Sects from making any rash moves. Once Feng Liusi's matters were settled, he could announce his return.

Luen was already making the call as the two continued talking. After a brief exchange, his once-relaxed expression suddenly darkened. He quickly hung up with a click and turned to Feng Liusi.

"Father, Great Elder Dyson is causing trouble at the hall headquarters. He's gathered some of the elders and is forcing a meeting. They’re temporarily preventing Neve from leaving the entrance. It seems like a coup attempt! Just about an hour ago, I was in a meeting with the Wenxia County Covert Martial Arts sect masters and elder representatives at the Evil Eye Fist headquarters. There might be a connection between the two."

Luen frowned deeply. There were some long-standing tensions between him and Great Elder Dyson, so Dyson's recent strange actions had made him suspicious. But he had never expected Dyson to make his move so quickly.

Ring... ring... ring...

Before he could finish speaking, the phone rang again. Luen hurriedly answered it. After hanging up, he raised his head and said, "Father, Dyson has made his move. The Second Elder is already fighting them, but Dyson's side has numerous gunmen, the assassins from the Evil Eye Fist faction, supporting them!"

"Evil Eye Fist..."

Feng Liusi remained seated behind his desk, his expression unchanged despite the tense developments. However, a dangerous aura started to emanate from him. He pondered for a moment before suddenly rising to his full height.

"Cassius, take Luen and help me deal with the scum over at Red Falcon Fist. Anyone who resists, whether they belong to Red Falcon Fist or not, kill them as you see fit." A wave of killing intent that was as cold as the harshest winter wind filled the study.

"No problem." Cassius turned slightly. A hint of crimson seemed to flash in his eyes. Killing was his specialty.

Feng Liusi turned to Luen. "The assassins working for Evil Eye Fist are likely from that training camp called White Rose. It’s on the outskirts of Mia City. I'll have Saint Feinan make a quick trip over there."

His eyes narrowed. "And as for me, I'll pay the Evil Eye Fist headquarters another visit. Seeing how I just saved that old dog Buck's life, taking one of his arms now shouldn't be too much of an ask. I would’ve killed at least one of their combat artists for messing with my Red Falcon Fist had it not been for the more pressing matters in East Sea County!"

Feng Liusi opened the door and strode out of the study. Cassius and Luen followed closely behind.

Five minutes later, a boxy car sped along smoothly on the road toward downtown Mia City, overtaking several slower vehicles like a sleek black fish in water. Luen was behind the wheel, occasionally eyeing Cassius, who was seated comfortably in the back.

The events that took place just hours ago in the Evil Eye Fist arena were still fresh in his mind. Cassius had effortlessly defeated two of the Eastern Three Stars, who were stronger than Luen. He had then easily overpowered Justin, the sect master of Evil Eye Fist, who had fought with all his might. He had also defeated the veteran combat artist, Great Elder Buck of Evil Eye Fist. In the final moments of battle, Cassius had gone berserk, turning into a tank that crushed everything in his path within the arena.

Yet, somehow, this powerful individual had inexplicably joined their side. Though Luen knew Cassius's techniques were connected to his father, he couldn't help but feel curiosity from shooting through him. From time to time, the gaze he turned to Cassius with was tinged with respect.

His anger at Great Elder Dyson for betraying Red Falcon Fist was now slowly dissipating. When he remembered how terrifying scenes Cassius was in the arena, Luen spared a few seconds to silently mourn the traitors back at the Red Falcon Fist headquarters. He even felt a tinge of pity for them.

Taking a deep breath, he noticed his palms and feet were growing warm. Dyson had indeed served Red Falcon Fist for decades and had achieved a lot. Still, Dyson was nothing but old bones now; it was better for him to die sooner rather than later. Luen slammed his foot down on the accelerator, causing the tires to grip the road harder as the car sped up even more.

Meanwhile, Cassius, seated in the backseat, was focused on the eleven acupoints in his body. The energy, known as Death's Fang Force, was slowly circulating through these acupoints, like a flowing stream. He could feel the tearing power within it. It was now at least thirty percent stronger than the first stage.

The number of acupoints had increased after reaching the second stage of Southern Dipper Red Falcon Fist. The quality and recovery speed were now roughly thirty percent better than the first stage. He had clearly grown stronger.

If he continued to develop his acupoints at this pace, it wouldn't take long for him to reach the third or even fourth stage. At that point, Death's Fang's power would be 1.7 to 2.3 times stronger than it was in the first stage. If he added the massive increase in energy brought by breakthroughs in acupoints, the destructive power would multiply. At that point, Death's Fang could serve as one of Cassius's ultimate techniques, and one he could use at any moment.

For now, Death's Fang in its second stage could only be considered part of his killing moves. Cassius's true trump card was still his Golem state, which was an explosive-type technique. But he could still use the Death's Fang as a regular move.

Unfortunately, Cassius still needed to resolve the issue with the Killer Persona, which required him to temporarily slow down his progress in Red Falcon Fist. This all depended on whether he could acquire a new Southern Dipper Covert Martial Inheritance.