10. The Mystery Within the Womb

“Whoosh!”
“Whoosh!”
“Whoosh!”
The four figures in black robes drew their swords simultaneously and lunged at Bai Zongnan. Each wielded a different weapon: one brandished a great halberd, two gripped short blades, and the last two held daggers.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”
Bai Zongnan’s fists shot out swiftly, each punch perfectly timed and precisely striking their weapons. None of their arms could even brush against his body. This realization made their faces grow even darker, as if they were but children playing at swords.

With a final thunderous crack, Bai Zongnan’s fist landed squarely on the last attacker’s chest. The man’s ribcage caved in, and he was hurled backwards, landing ten meters away without a twitch.

“This bald monk is truly formidable!” The three remaining black-robed men exchanged glances, then drew the weapons from their backs and closed in around Bai Zongnan.

Suddenly, the clear, ethereal sound of a zither string cut through the air—a melody as heavenly as music from the immortal realms.

At once, the three black-robed men turned deathly pale. Their bodies froze, rigid as puppets, unable to move.

Bai Zongnan’s brows arched in surprise.

He knew someone had intervened to help him, but who could it be? Unless the newcomer was a master of the innate realm, none should pose a threat to him now.

Light footsteps sounded as a figure drifted into the courtyard. Witnessing the scene, the old man sighed and shook his head.

“Young monk, you handled yourself well, but you shouldn’t have provoked them,” the elder lamented. “By doing so, you’ve only invited greater trouble upon yourself.”

“I am no monk. I act decisively, without hesitation,” Bai Zongnan replied coolly. “If I dare kill them, I fear no retaliation—especially since they provoked me first.”

The old man’s brows furrowed. This young monk was brash indeed, with little respect for his elders.

“My young friend, I urge you to leave at once,” the elder said with a wry smile. “You’ve become entangled with the Demonic Sect. Though your skills are impressive, not even you can withstand their masters’ pursuit.”

“The Demonic Sect?” Bai Zongnan narrowed his eyes.

“That’s right. These men are assassins from Twin Dragon Mountain. Their leader is the Tiger Slayer, Li Zhong, a figure feared throughout the martial world.”

“Li Zhong!” Bai Zongnan’s pupils contracted. This man had once been an elite imperial guard of the Song Dynasty, entrusted with the safety of the palace. It was rumored that the Dragon Guard’s prowess was unmatched, and their command even more so.

Bai Zongnan fell silent for a moment. “Since they’ve come, I will see this matter through to the end.”

The old man nodded. “Very well.”

“May I ask your name, sir?” Bai Zongnan inquired.

“I am Mu Sheng.”

At that moment, two young girls woke up. Seeing the scene before them, they whispered timidly, “Brave sirs, could you please not leave us behind? Take us with you!”

Their faces were ashen, their bodies trembling. Though only ordinary folk, they understood well the ruthlessness of the martial world.

Sacred Domain of Kaiyang—Long City, Command Center.

Li Sikui’s hands trembled as she gripped the hem of her clothes, teeth biting her red lips, her gaze fixed on the central control display. The recent battles, though deftly resolved by Bai Zongnan, had truly been fights to the death. Though she’d seen much and was not easily shocked, she couldn’t help but worry for her brother within the world of myth.

Now that the crisis had passed, Li Sikui seemed to regain her composure. She cleared her throat and asked the nearby researcher, “Brother… Has Agent Bai Zongnan completed the first stage of his mission? Can we now activate the Mythic Crystal and help him unlock the Mystery of the Womb?”

“Director Li, rest assured—your brother has finished the first stage. From now on, as long as he wishes, he can complete this trial whenever he chooses!” a starry-eyed young woman replied, her gaze never leaving the main screen.

“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Li Sikui exclaimed with excitement. “So when will he unravel the Mystery of the Womb?”

“We can’t say—it will take time. Even though we’ve prepared thoroughly, we have no way of knowing if Agent Bai Zongnan has yet awakened the Mythic Crystal’s gift. So…” the researcher shook her head.

“I understand,” Li Sikui nodded, then asked, “But are these opponents truly so formidable? Even in the initial stage, they almost managed to harm Agent Bai Zongnan.”

“Yes, Director! I’ve never heard of such a thing before. Who would have thought such powerful figures were hidden in this world?” another young assistant chimed in, eyes alight with anticipation. “Director, why don’t we send someone to watch over him secretly, just in case?”

“No need,” Li Sikui replied, waving her hand.

“Why not?” the two women asked in confusion.

Li Sikui’s cheeks flushed. “Because… he’s remarkable—in every way.”

“What?” The two girls stared in wide-eyed astonishment at their beautiful director.

“I know this is only the beginning. I believe in him!” Li Sikui’s tongue flicked over her red lips, a sly smile playing about her mouth.