Desolate Devouring Art-Chapter 800 - Will

If Heavenly Gate Peak had such a terrible reputation, Liu Wuxie couldn't help but wonder why it hadn’t been replaced after so many years.

Logically speaking, a peak with so few disciples was a complete waste of resources and should have been removed. Its continued existence was unusual, especially considering its prime location.

While Heavenly Gate Peak wasn’t situated at the academy’s core, it was close to the Myriad Phase Cavern, granting it abundant spiritual energy and profound laws.

"Our master's real name is Fu Wanheng. Two centuries ago, he was the youngest person to have reached the Earth Profound Realm, and he also had the highest hope of reaching the Heaven Profound Realm," Jiang Le said. Having spent five years at Heavenly Gate Peak, he had heard much about his master from the other disciples.

Liu Wuxie was inwardly shocked. The fact Fu Wanheng was the youngest to reach the Earth Profound Realm spoke enough of his talent. At the very least, he was invincible among his peers.

After all, Elder Madman was only in his fifties two centuries ago, and it was impressive he could reach the Earth Profound Realm at such a young age.

"So, why does everyone call our master a madman?" Liu Wuxie asked. If Fu Wanheng was once a peerless genius, there had to be a reason why he had earned the title Elder Madman.

Many disciples had once coveted Heavenly Gate Peak’s resources—after all, with only three disciples, the peak had an abundance of cultivation resources to spare. However, those who joined soon found themselves either injured or crippled at the hands of their own master.

Though there were no deaths, many were injured and crippled. Since then, no one has been willing to join the Heavenly Gate Peak.

"Two centuries ago, our master attempted to break through to the Heaven Profound Realm at the Heavenly Gate Platform," Jiang Le explained. "But something went wrong during his tribulation. His wife intervened to protect him, taking the brunt of the tribulation on his behalf. Because of that, she lost her life... and our master was never the same again."

The Heavenly Gate Platform was located in one of the most perilous areas of Heavenly Gate Peak. Surrounded by cliffs, it stood atop a lone mountain, its jagged peak rising like a finger pointing toward the sky, forming a natural platform.

Liu Wuxie nodded, finally understanding Elder Madman’s tragic past. Fu Wanheng had attempted to ascend to the Heaven Profound Realm, but he was unprepared for the tribulation that followed. As he faced imminent death, his beloved wife had stepped in to shield him, taking the full force of the heavenly punishment meant for him—at the cost of her own life.

Liu Wuxie sighed, at a loss for words. Such grief would haunt anyone for a lifetime.

"Although Master failed his breakthrough, his physique was tempered by the tribulation, leaving him at Quasi-Heaven Profound Realm. Even so, his strength far exceeds the other Earth Profound Realm elders," Jiang Le said, filled with admiration and respect for his master.

Liu Wuxie finally understood why Qu Su and the other examiners had reacted so strangely upon seeing the referral letter. They were fearful of Elder Madman. Not only was Elder Madman strong, but his unpredictable nature made provoking him a dangerous prospect.

"Senior Brother, did our Master break your legs?" Liu Wuxie asked. They had walked for a full day, resting intermittently. By now, Liu Wuxie could tell that Jiang Le's injuries weren't congenital but were inflicted by someone. The bones in his legs were crushed, and his true essence was sealed.

"That's right. Our Master has been shattering the bones in my legs every three months once they heal completely," Jiang Le said with a bitter smile.

"You mean to say that for the past five years, the bones in your legs were shattered every three months?" Liu Wuxie asked, utterly shocked. What kind of willpower did Jiang Le have to endure such torment for five years?

"Yeah," Jiang Le nodded. He had undergone unimaginable pain in the past five years.

"Then why do you all choose to stay at Heavenly Gate Peak?" Liu Wuxie asked, bewildered. He had only accepted it out of obligation and for the solitude it provided—he had no desire for needless suffering.

"Master told us this was for our own good. He said that only after six years of tempering would we be able to cultivate freely," Jiang Le explained. He had questioned those words countless times over the years, yet each time he reached the brink of giving up, something deep inside told him that their master wouldn't truly harm them.

Now, with only six months left until the six-year mark, he had already endured five and a half years—what was another half-year?

"What about the other two Senior Brothers?" Liu Wuxie asked. He took a deep breath and could feel a chill running down his spine.

"Whenever the Second Junior Brother regains consciousness, Master knocks him out, resulting in him becoming mentally challenged. As for the Third Junior Brother, Master beats him and shatters all his bones whenever he heals. This results in him being bedridden for most of the year," Jiang Le said. His other two junior brothers shared the same fate.

His legs were ruined, his second junior brother had lost his mind, and his third junior brother was battered beyond recognition. For most of the year, they remained confined to their beds, unable to move.

A cold chill ran down Liu Wuxie's spine. He knew he stood no chance against Elder Madman based on his strength, and resistance would be futile if Elder Madman wanted to break him. He also couldn't afford to waste six years lying in bed as he would lose his mind.

"Junior Brother, you don't have to worry. Our master is quite easygoing normally," Jiang Le said. He could tell Liu Wuxie was worried, and perhaps he was special enough. After all, not anyone could achieve first place in all four stages.

But there was no turning back now. Liu Wuxie supported Jiang Le as they continued to walk, and they finally reached Heavenly Gate Peak by the third evening.

The mountain was bare, filled with jagged rocks, unlike the lush greenery of the other mountains, which were home to profound beasts and celestial cranes.

However, Heavenly Gate Peak was overgrown with brush and left untended with patches of bare stone exposed to the elements.

The summit was smaller than Liu Wuxie had expected. In the distance, a few shabby huts stood, looking incredibly humble. There were no training grounds, no cultivation chambers, no blacksmithing facilities—only the bare essentials.

In the past two centuries, less than fifty disciples had joined the Heavenly Gate Peak, and only three had persevered. This place could be improved with some effort, but it was rich with spiritual energy.

Liu Wuxie wasn't concerned about finding a place to train in martial techniques; the Heavenly Gate Platform was perfect for him.

Just as they arrived, a disheveled man approached them, letting out foolish grins as he followed behind Jiang Le with his mouth drooling.

"Zhibai, come and meet your junior brother!" Jiang Le caressed Zhibai's head.

"J-Junior Brother..." Yu Zhibai said, his drool drenching his clothes.

But Jiang Le wasn't bothered. He took out a handkerchief to wipe Yu Zhibai's drool carefully. Such a simple act had touched Liu Wuxie deeply.

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As the chief disciple, Jiang Le showed unwavering kindness to his junior brothers and patiently cared for them. Cultivation wasn't all about strength; it was also about character.

Liu Wuxie began to understand Elder Madman's intentions as those with a perfect heart could cultivate the body. Without a firm heart, it was futile even if one had a high cultivation.

"Junior Brother, I'll take you to see your second senior brother," Jiang Le said, leaning on his crutch as he walked toward a thatched hut.

Liu Wuxie followed closely behind, and Yu Zhibai hummed a cheerful tune, skipping alongside them.

Fifteen minutes later, they pushed the door open, and a foul stench gushed out, nearly knocking them backward.

"I'm sorry, Second Junior Brother. I'm late," Jiang Le said as he entered the room. The room was in complete disarray, with filth scattered around.

"Is Junior Brother here? I can't wait to see him!" Shen Rong tumbled off the bed, and Liu Wuxie stepped forward to help him up, unfazed by the filth on him.

As he set foot deeper into Heavenly Gate Peak, Liu Wuxie felt something intangible—a force that could only be described as unyielding will. These were people with unshakable belief, and if they ever rose, they would become legendary figures, their names etched into history.

Moreover, their bond was stronger than anything found in the cavern, courts, institutions, or other peaks.

"Zhibai, fetch a basin of clean water and tidy up the room," Jiang Le instructed, sending Yu Zhibai to fetch water.

"Let me do it," Liu Wuxie volunteered. He took a wooden bucket and went to the mountain spring. When he returned, he quickly cleaned the room using the most traditional method instead of the Cleansing Talisman.

Jiang Le and Shen Rong observed Liu Wuxie's every action, and there was a hint of surprise in the depth of their eyes when they exchanged a look.

Over the past two years, some disciples had volunteered to join Heavenly Gate Peak, drawn by the abundant resources. However, each time they arrived, disdain was evident on their faces as they looked down on the peak and its few inhabitants.

However, Liu Wuxie was different, as his eyes showed no hint of contempt.

"Junior Brother, it's getting late. You should rest in the hut on the left, and I'll stay here tonight. I'll take you to see our master tomorrow and build a hut for you," Jiang Le said. Their humble thatched huts were built with their own hands, and Liu Wuxie would be no exception.

"Alright," Liu Wuxie did not refuse, as he truly needed rest. After ten days of assessment and three days of walking with Jiang Le, he was exhausted.

When he stepped out of the hut and entered the hut on the left, a dim oil lamp flickered. He removed his soiled clothes and changed into fresh ones.

However, Liu Wuxie was unaware that his every action was being watched intently.

A hundred meters away, an elderly figure stood before a crumbling hut, his faintly glowing eyes piercing through the dark night. From the moment Liu Wuxie had set foot on Heavenly Gate Peak, the elder had been observing his every move.

"As expected of the chosen one. I hope you don't disappoint me," said the elder, muttering as he began to form intricate gestures with his fingers as if calculating fate.

Only a few outsiders knew that besides his formidable cultivation, Elder Madman was also gifted in divination, and even the elders in the Thousand Mechanism Court held him in high regard.

After changing his clothes, Liu Wuxie stretched briefly before he tidied up the small hut. Only then did he sit cross-legged on the bed, adjusting his breathing. He circulated the Desolate Devouring Art, absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy. His cultivation advanced rapidly with every moment, and cultivating here was several times stronger than the platform where the recruitment test was held.

"This is truly a heaven for cultivation!" Liu Wuxie murmured to himself. He knew he could make a rapid breakthrough in his cultivation here as it wasn't a long-term option in the Liu Clan.

The sudden scream jerked Liu Wuxie from his meditation. He sprang to his feet and rushed out immediately.

"Second Senior Brother, are you alright?" Liu Wuxie called out anxiously as he saw his second senior brother accidentally drop a large rock on his right foot.