Chapter 169 – Mountain Path Obstacles That Could Break One's Spirit

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Just as everyone remained unsettled and doubtful, thunderous drumbeats suddenly echoed from the end of the mountain path.

The grand spectacle resembled ancient war drums, roaring like thunderclaps that pierced straight into the heart, terrifying enough to make one’s courage shatter.

“To ascend the mountain, first break through the layers of obstacles!”

“To ascend the mountain, first break through the layers of obstacles!”

“To ascend the mountain, first break through the layers of obstacles!”

At that very moment, unified roars descended from the mountaintop once more, instantly deafening the crowd with their overwhelming force.

Even the fluttering goose-feather snowflakes seemed to tremble under the impact of the soundwaves.

A murderous aura abruptly filled the Mountain Forest, interwoven with the rising and falling shouts of hundreds, startling the mountain birds into flight and silencing all other life.

In that instant, the sect masters forgot to move, exchanging hesitant glances with one another.

“Roar!!!”

But then, Ye Kuang threw his head back and let out a piercing roar, sharp enough to pierce metal and shatter stone, charging straight up the winding mountain path toward the summit.

The shrill sound, fiercer than a tiger’s roar and mightier than a dragon’s cry, was utterly audacious.

Only then did the others belatedly realize that Ye Kuang dared to defy all odds, taking such an unwise action.

The consequences of such overconfidence were no different from an ant trying to shake a tree or a mantis trying to block a chariot.

Yet, as his roar echoed through the Mountain Forest, it carried an unyielding will, brimming with boundless rage, frenzy, and pent-up frustration, miraculously dispelling the fear in their hearts and igniting their long-suppressed fervor!

One by one, they fixed their gazes on that slender figure.

Was this Ye Kuang?

They were deeply perplexed!

What could drive a mere junior to muster such courage to challenge the Xingyi Sect?

They found it utterly unbelievable!

What could compel a junior to persist in the face of certain failure?

They dared not believe it!

For what reason would a junior, with his frail body, dare to oppose a mountain that had stood unshaken for a century?

Though they did not approve of Ye Kuang’s actions, his fearless spirit made these sect masters and prodigies secretly ashamed.

They could only stand and watch, for regardless of the outcome, Ye Kuang had already proven himself the boldest of the younger generation.

It could be said that even if Ye Kuang were defeated, his name would forever be crowned with the title “Fearless.”

At that moment, hundreds of figures swarmed down from the mountaintop.

Wuxin: “Amitabha… This humble monk shall clear the obstacles for Benefactor Ye, rescuing others from peril…”

Before his words faded, a dazzling golden flash shot upward.

His fist struck out like a Vajra Subduing Pestle, thunderous echoes igniting the entire scene.

Even Ling Piaoyun understood that if they were to rescue Ling Yun, only Ye Kuang could accomplish it.

Once she grasped this, she too floated in front of the frenzied crowd, engaging in combat against the tide of opponents.

Fists, palms, and kicks unleashed simultaneously, she momentarily held her own against the hundreds.

In contrast, Ye Kuang stood firm as a mountain, proud and unyielding, gazing upward toward the distant summit.But then, he suddenly stepped forward, ascending the mountain path one step at a time.

Whenever anyone dared approach, they were all forcefully intercepted by Wuxin and Ling Piaoyun.

The vivid scene was as shocking as it could possibly be.

And this mountain path, seemingly treacherous as drifting snow threatening to sever the soul, appeared as though it were paved solely for Ye Kuang to reach the peak.

His cold eyes remained indifferent, as if detached from the world around him.

Even as dozens of figures fell beside him, his resolve to climb the mountain remained unshaken.

Instead, Ye Kuang simply focused on what he needed to do—ascend step by step to the summit!

“Ahhh, charge, everyone charge! Stop him!”

“If you want to climb this mountain, you’ll have to get through us first! Roar!”

“Arrogant brat, we’re not like those weaklings at the foot of the mountain! Thinking you can pass here is pure delusion!”

It could be said that the chaotic clamor was nothing but mutual incitement, the jeering voices engulfing the entire mountain.

When three figures leaped out, they were abruptly intercepted by a flash of golden light.

No need to guess—it was Wuxin!

The young monk unleashed his full martial power. A gleam of light swept past, and the three figures were sent flying backward, soaring dozens of feet before crashing into the crowd behind.

But before the young monk could even chant a Buddhist mantra, he was instantly surrounded and attacked by dozens of people.

In no time, Ling Piaoyun was also besieged by dozens, fighting desperately against them.

Meanwhile, Ye Kuang’s figure was now fully exposed to the sight of hundreds.

Yet he still strode forward, as if nothing existed in his eyes but the mountain path.

Step!

Step, step!

Seeing more people charging at him with furious roars, their ferocious momentum resembled a pack of tigers and wolves, eager to devour him in one fell swoop.

In the blink of an eye!

With no one left to shield Ye Kuang, several dark figures suddenly emerged, each assuming a combat stance. In an instant, they unleashed countless punches, blocking another wave of attacks.

“Li Xiao, you brat, get back here! Are you trying to get our Jeet Kune Do Temple killed?”

“And you, you reckless fool, get back here too!”

“Senior Brother Qin Feiyao, we’re here to help you!”

“Bastards, all of you, get back here now!”

In that moment, the space before Ye Kuang was filled with former opponents turned comrades, each burning with fervor, seemingly casting life and death aside.

This scene thoroughly enraged the disciples of Southern Yuan and Northern Ma.

“Jeet Kune Do Temple, are you declaring war on our Xingyi Sect?”

“Fine, fine! And you, Qilin Hall… after we deal with these juniors, your elders won’t escape either!”

“Hahaha…”

At that moment, the entire scene descended into utter chaos.

The various school masters were so infuriated by the rampant jeers that their faces turned ashen, yet they couldn’t immediately intervene. They could only watch helplessly as their disciples sank deeper into the fray.

But they understood one thing clearly: if the younger generation intervened, it might still be explainable, but once the elders stepped in, the nature of the conflict would change entirely.

Moreover, none of the martial arts schools wanted to completely sever ties with Southern Yuan and Northern Ma, as the consequences of being the first to strike would be unbearable.

Nevertheless, the disciples of Southern Yuan and Northern Ma thought differently—their ruthlessness only grew more vicious by the moment.At the moment, groups of three or five were closing in from all sides, swarming forward one after another. Even an elephant would meet a tragic end under such circumstances.