Chapter 206: Chapter 123: A Stunning Glance, Shaking Qinghe Again

Sensing his aura, Zhu Junfeng’s expression was none too pleased. The man before him wasn’t weak—about on par with Wu Chuan—but Zhu Junfeng didn’t think he was any match for Zhong Ming:

"You say you’re confident in dealing with Zhong Ming?"

Black Snake: "I do, yes."

Seemingly noticing Zhu Junfeng’s skepticism, Black Snake offered an explanation. "Zhong Ming’s greatest strength is his Pupil Technique. The Magic Technique I cultivate just so happens to be its nemesis."

Hearing that it was a counter, Zhu Junfeng was somewhat more convinced.

In the Cultivation Realm, apart from Sword Cultivators who were True Disciples and had truly mastered "One Sword Breaks Ten Thousand Techniques," every other Magic Technique had a counter.

Such as the relationship between fire and wood, or water and fire.

It was precisely because every technique in the world could be countered that everyone thought Zhong Ming was insane to challenge so many of Qinghe Commandery Mansion’s finest all by himself.

’No matter how strong you are, surely you can’t be immune to being targeted and countered.’

...

"What do you want?"

Now that he knew this man had a way to counter Zhong Ming, Zhu Junfeng did feel a glimmer of hope. But he was also keenly aware that someone who went out of their way to find him wouldn’t be doing it for free.

So, he asked him directly.

Black Snake didn’t beat around the bush. "I need you to introduce me to the Third Prince and swear on your sect’s patriarch that you will secure me a position among the Qinghe Heroes."

After giving Black Snake a long, hard look, Zhu Junfeng didn’t refuse, but he did set a condition.

"I can agree to your terms, but you must defeat Zhong Ming first... And don’t worry. We’ve already done our research. Zhong Ming’s only outstanding quality is his Divine Soul. He only began cultivating his physical body after arriving at Qinghe Commandery Mansion and joining Princess Qingyue’s ranks."

"It’s been less than three days since he started learning a Cultivation Technique."

"His Magical Power is meager as well. Princess Qingyue is still searching for a compatible Cultivation Technique for him."

"Therefore, as long as you can overcome his Pupil Technique, your chances of victory are extremely high."

"Deal!" Black Snake’s eyes flashed with elation as he responded.

"In that case, I wish you a triumphant return, Black Snake."

Their discussion concluded, and Black Snake immediately leaped toward the center of Crescent Lake. As he soared through the air, he seemed impatient, even exultant.

"I can’t believe my luck is this good! Hahaha..."

As Black Snake muttered to himself, he couldn’t hide the grin spreading across his face.

This scene did not go unnoticed by the onlookers on the Crescent Lake Shore, nor by the other True Disciples.

When they saw Black Snake leap toward Zhong Ming not with fear or worry, but with a face full of excitement and eagerness, the spectators exchanged glances, their interest piqued.

"Interesting. After witnessing Zhong Ming’s power, he doesn’t have a shred of worry. Is he that confident in his own strength?"

Ji Qingkang was surprised, and Ji Qinghui’s eyes lit up as well. "It was a good idea to come today after all. Qingyue may have recruited Zhong Ming, but the other prodigies are still available. If I can win over a prodigy with a hidden ace like this one, it’ll be quite the gain."

Black Snake’s expression filled the crowd with anticipation.

As for Black Snake himself, he was thrilled—and for good reason. He was well aware of his own niche:

’My Cultivation Technique may counter Pupil Techniques, but that’s my only real advantage. I only have an easy time against opponents who rely on them. Against anyone else, I’m just not strong enough. With my current abilities, I have almost no hope of becoming one of the Qinghe Heroes.’

With this in mind, his gaze upon Zhong Ming grew fervent.

’But the heavens must be smiling upon me! Someone whose primary technique is completely countered by mine has made a huge spectacle of himself. He’s even foolish enough to challenge everyone from the Qinghe Commandery Mansion and has angered the Major Sects.’

’Heh. So stupid. So arrogant. Your one trick might be powerful, but there are far too many people who can counter it!’

It was precisely this realization that made Black Snake so eager to step forward; he was terrified someone else would defeat Zhong Ming first.

He was so worked up by this train of thought that after paying the Spirit Stones and landing across from Zhong Ming, he even began to thank him.

"Zhong Ming, I have to thank you. It’s because of your stupidity that I have this chance to become one of the Qinghe Heroes. And don’t blame me for this. If you must blame someone, blame your own insufferable arrogance."

HUMMM...

Before his words had even faded, Black Snake formed a hand seal and opened his mouth. A billowing, ink-black mist erupted from him, spreading out in all directions.

WHOOSH...

The mist spread with incredible speed, shrouding hundreds of meters in the blink of an eye. Then, like a tidal wave, the black fog surged toward Zhong Ming.

Seeing this, both the ordinary Cultivators on the Crescent Lake Shore and the True Disciples from the Major Sects understood the source of Black Snake’s confidence.

"Is he using a mist that conceals everything to nullify Zhong Ming’s Pupil Technique? That actually could be an effective counter."

"Exactly. If you can’t see your enemy, a Pupil Technique is useless."

While the ordinary Cultivators remarked on how well the mist countered Zhong Ming, they weren’t particularly worried for him. In fact, they shook their heads in disapproval at Black Snake.

"I really don’t know where Black Snake gets the confidence to think he can beat Zhong Ming. Sure, his Fog Technique is powerful and can block Zhong Ming’s Pupil Technique."

"But a single, casual glance from Zhong Ming can seriously injure a late-stage Qi Cultivation Cultivator. Black Snake can’t possibly think that attacking with his eyes is all Zhong Ming can do, can he?"

"Exactly. If his gaze alone is that powerful, his other Magic Techniques and his Swordsmanship must be even more incredible."

"I can’t wait to see what other abilities Zhong Ming reveals."

While the ordinary Cultivators on the Crescent Lake Shore awaited Zhong Ming’s next move with anticipation, aboard the luxurious Flying Ship, Ji Chengping—who fancied himself an expert on Zhong Ming—let out a cold sneer.