At that moment, Yue Chengming was covered in charred black, having sustained serious injuries.
Had Murong Xiaoxiao not intervened in time, coupled with Chen Guo withdrawing the Flame Curse, Yue Chengming might well have been nothing more than a charred corpse.
"You've done enough; go and heal," Murong Xiaoxiao said with a wave of her hand to Yue Chengming.
"I apologize, my Lord. I have brought shame upon you," Yue Chengming admitted with remorse.
"Think nothing of it. Losing to a top disciple of Mount Maoshan is no disgrace," Murong Xiaoxiao reassured him.
Yue Chengming, unsteady on his feet, made his way to recover. His injuries were severe; prompt medical attention was essential.
For Chen Guo, besting Yue Chengming with a single move was hardly a challenge.
Yue Chengming was no legendary being, merely an elite. To Chen Guo, he was akin to a fragile creature.
With just half his strength and the swift technique of the Flying Thunder God Art, he could suppress him with ease.
Chen Guo's choice to defeat Yue Chengming in one fell swoop was strategic, aiming to leave a profound impression on Murong Xiaoxiao and the Yellow Wind Taoist by showcasing his might.
The impact, it appeared, was quite effective.
As Yue Chengming departed, Chen Guo offered a slight smile and inquired, "What do you think of my methods? Care to see more?"
The Yellow Wind Taoist, stroking his beard, expressed his astonishment, "This is the quintessential Flame Curse from the Mount Maoshan Dao Arts, executed to perfection. Such mastery is rare in my experience, perhaps only matched by the former Sect Elder of Mount Maoshan. Clearly, you are a distinguished disciple of Mount Maoshan; we were simply unprepared for your caliber."
Murong Xiaoxiao added, "Yue Chengming is one of my most trusted aides, and yet you, young hero, dispatched him with a single stroke. Your skill is truly without equal. I confess, I underestimated you and offered you less courtesy than you deserve. Please, take the seat of honor."
Both displayed a veneer of deference, but it was all for show. They recognized Chen Guo's value and sought to exploit it for their own ends.
Chen Guo was well aware of their act, but it didn't bother him. He confidently took his place at the head of the table with an air of nonchalance.
Murong Xiaoxiao had tea brought in and then remarked, "I must admit, my insight was lacking before; I failed to see the true nature of Mount Maoshan. It appears that you, young hero, are indeed a distinguished practitioner from Mount Maoshan. I had been under the impression that the sect had vanished from this world, unaware that your lineage continued to thrive."
Chen Guo replied, "City Lord Murong, we're all intelligent people here. There's no need for cryptic talk—it's simply inefficient. If you wish to know my origins, I'll be forthright. While Mount Maoshan may have departed, its legacy endures. I am a human survivor from the Cruel Camp within the Dusk Forest. We were once saved by the South Hero, Lin Suzhen... Have you, City Lord Murong, ever heard of the illustrious South Hero Lin Suzhen?"
"South Hero Lin Suzhen and Northern Hero Zhan Hongying were legendary heroes a century ago; their names are well known to me," Murong Xiaoxiao acknowledged. "So it was the great Lin Suzhen who preserved a haven of peace. You are a descendant of his Cruel Camp—now I understand."
"I was fortunate to inherit the teachings of Mount Maoshan and have cultivated the Mount Maoshan Dao Arts on my own. Though self-taught, I remain a disciple of the sect. Do you see any issue with that, City Lord Murong?"
"Absolutely not!" exclaimed Murong Xiaoxiao. "You are the sole legitimate representative of Mount Maoshan in this realm, and all recognize your authority. We accept you without question."
Chen Guo continued, "Regarding my visit to Acomb City, I suspect you both are quite eager to learn of my intentions, correct?"
"Please, speak freely, young hero," urged Murong Xiaoxiao. "If there's any way I can be of assistance, rest assured, I will spare no effort."
"Do either of you have knowledge of the Earth Ancestor Temple?" Chen Guo inquired, prompting a visible shift in Murong Xiaoxiao and the Yellow Wind Taoist's demeanors as they exchanged a glance.
Murong Xiaoxiao inquired, "Does the Earth Ancestor Temple pique your interest, Young Master?"
Chen Guo replied, "Indeed, the Temple harbors a Fire Feather Stone that I find quite useful."
Murong Xiaoxiao explained, "True, the Earth Ancestor Temple does contain Fire Feather Stones, but regrettably, it's under the control of a formidable demon—the very one that subjugates our Acomb City. Known as the Black Mountain King, his power is immeasurable."
The Yellow Wind Taoist interjected, "To keep the Black Mountain King at bay and prevent his assault, our Acomb City must make annual sacrifices to him. His might is beyond our comprehension, and not only is he a force we cannot reckon with, but his legions of demonic beasts are equally formidable. Outside the day of sacrifice, we wouldn't dare approach the Earth Ancestor Temple."
Chen Guo mused, "Securing the Fire Feather Stone won't be simple, yet I'm inclined to attempt it. Could you possibly direct me to the Temple's location?"
Murong Xiaoxiao cautioned, "Knowing the way to the Earth Ancestor Temple is one thing, but venturing there alone is tantamount to suicide. The Fire Feather Stone would be nearly impossible to obtain. However, should you agree to assist me, you'll not only secure the Stone, but I'll also bestow upon you a precious artifact."
With a snap of her fingers, Murong Xiaoxiao summoned a Dark Guard who leaned in closely as she whispered instructions. The guard departed with a look of astonishment.
Shortly thereafter, the Dark Guard returned with several others, presenting a golden box to Murong Xiaoxiao.
Opening the box with a smile, Murong Xiaoxiao declared, "This artifact is immensely beneficial to cultivators, particularly those from Mount Maoshan. Aid us in this matter, Young Hero, and the artifact, along with the Fire Feather Stone, shall be yours."
Peering inside the box, Chen Guo observed a gourd seed radiating with a spectrum of hues.
This seven-colored gourd seed, when planted, had a slim chance of maturing into a legendary Seven-Colored Gourd, an Immortal Weapon. It could also be used in concocting elixirs. Used directly, it would bolster one's mana capacity by a staggering 8,000 points!
Upon reviewing the system's explanation, Chen Guo realized that the item in question was indeed a treasure. The chance of it being an Immortal Weapon was exceedingly low, not to mention its irrelevance in pill refinement. However, the sheer ability to boost one's mana capacity by 8000 points made it incredibly valuable!
For any spellcaster, such an item was an unparalleled treasure.
Chen Guo expressed his astonishment, "City Lord Murong, your generosity knows no bounds. To offer up the Seven-colored Gourd Seed is no small gesture. What assistance might you need from me?"
Murong Xiaoxiao's expression contorted as she spoke with intensity, "Together, we shall slay the Black Mountain King!"
"Ah?" Chen Guo responded, "You're set on killing the Black Mountain King?"
Murong Xiaoxiao explained, "For years, the Black Mountain King has been insatiable in his demands, insisting on live sacrifices, which has hindered the growth of Acomb City's population. We've reached our limit with the Black Mountain King and seek to eliminate him. Once he's gone, the Fire Feather Stone will be easily within our reach. Plus, I'll bestow upon you the Seven-colored Gourd Seed! From then on, you will be hailed as a hero in Acomb City! What are your thoughts on this?"
Chen Guo inquired with curiosity, "But you mentioned that the Black Mountain King's power is immeasurable. Am I truly capable of confronting such a foe?"
Murong Xiaoxiao confidently stated, "In my previous plans, I discovered that even in alliance with the Yellow Wind Taoist, we fell short against the Black Mountain King. Yet, your skills surpass both of ours. With your intervention, we will undoubtedly vanquish the Black Mountain King!"