A Useless Person's Rise to Power

Chapter 7: Exploring the Secret Realm to Seize Combat Skills, Planning Before the Move to Shock the

On the outer mountain path, the news that Qin Zhan had knocked back Chen Fei, a disciple of the Qi Gathering Realm, with a single punch swept through the entire Qingyun Sect like a whirlwind.

The once-bullied good-for-nothing has now not only swept through the outer sect but also fought against opponents of higher levels. In an instant, countless disciples were filled with awe and respect, and even many inner sect disciples remembered the name "Qin Zhan".

Qin Zhan didn't care about this at all. He knew in his heart that only strength and trump cards were the foundation for survival. No one in the outer sect could stop him anymore, and his gaze had already been set on the Qingyun Sect's outer sect secret realm, which would open in three days.

This secret realm is a fragment of an ancient battlefield. It contains not only spirit stones and pills, but also lost ancient combat techniques, making it the greatest opportunity for outer disciples to ascend to the highest level.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

At dawn, the sky was ablaze with the glow of dawn.

The entrance to the outer sect's secret realm of the Qingyun Sect was already packed with people. Hundreds of outer sect disciples had gathered here, their expressions excited, their eyes burning as they gazed at the hazy gate of light ahead. The gate of light shimmered with a faint spiritual glow, as if it led to another world.

On the high platform, several elders sat upright, and some of them looked at Qin Zhan with obvious appreciation and anticipation.

On one side of the crowd, Su Qingyuan, dressed in white, stood quietly. Her black hair cascaded down her back, her skin was as white as snow, and her cool and aloof face appeared even more peerless in the morning light. Her gaze was slightly lowered, seemingly calm, but her mind was unconsciously drawn to the tall and upright figure in the crowd.

Today, Qin Zhan was still dressed in a simple gray outer sect uniform. His figure was as straight as a spear, his face was cold and stern, and his brows and eyes carried a calmness that came from experiencing life and death. Unlike the other disciples who were restless, he stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze calmly sweeping across the entire scene, as if the surrounding noise had nothing to do with him.

Many disciples glanced at him furtively, their expressions complex.

Some were in awe, some were jealous, some were wary, and some secretly resolved to join forces to suppress Qin Zhan and seize his opportunities in the secret realm.

Qin Zhan took in all these gazes and sneered inwardly.

He understood perfectly well:

Within the secret realm, the law of the jungle is even more brutal than outside. Many believe his sudden rise to power indicates a lack of resources, and they seek to take advantage of the chaos to ambush and seize his treasures. Some, even members of Wang Teng and Chen Fei's faction, are preparing to secretly kill him.

But far from being afraid, he was actually quite pleased with what he had in store for him.

This is his first layer of strategy—

By deliberately keeping a low profile, he makes the enemy think there's an opportunity and voluntarily jump out to their deaths, allowing him to conveniently clean up the mess and plunder resources at the same time—killing two birds with one stone.

Before long, the chief elder shouted:

"The secret realm has opened, with a one-hour time limit. Opportunities will be determined by individual skill. Fighting to the death is strictly prohibited; violators will be expelled from the sect!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the light gate shone brightly.

"Charge!"

With a roar, the disciples rushed into the gate of light like madmen.

Qin Zhan, unhurried and unhurried, mingled at the back of the crowd and slowly stepped into the secret realm.

The scene before my eyes suddenly changed.

Ancient trees reach for the sky, exuding a rich spiritual energy. Broken weapons and bones are scattered on the ground, and an ancient and desolate atmosphere permeates the air.

As soon as they entered, many disciples scattered and ran wildly, searching for treasures everywhere.

Several figures exchanged a quick glance and quietly followed behind Qin Zhan.

It was Wang Teng's close associates and the disciples Chen Fei had arranged to take revenge, a total of five people. Their cultivation levels were all at least at the eighth level of Body Tempering, and the two leaders were even at the peak of the ninth level of Body Tempering.

The leader was named Zhao Xuan, with a sinister face, ruthless eyes, and a murderous intent churning within him.

Qin Zhan will definitely go treasure hunting alone. When the five of us join forces, no matter how strong he is, he will surely die! As long as we kill him, the resources from the first place in the competition, plus the secrets he possesses, will all be ours!

The others also looked greedy, each with their own plans.

A barely perceptible smile appeared on Qin Zhan's lips.

He had long noticed the tail behind him, but pretended not to notice and continued to walk alone into the depths of the secret realm, deliberately exposing his back to the enemy's view.

This is his second game—

Let the wolf into the house, then close the door and beat the dog.

As you venture deeper into the depths, the number of people around you gradually decreases, and ancient trees provide ample shade.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Zhao Xuan's eyes flashed with murderous intent: "Attack! Kill him!"

The five people suddenly sprang into action, attacking from all directions with swirling spiritual energy and ruthless moves.

"Qin Zhan, you've offended someone you shouldn't have. This secret realm will be your burial ground!"

"Hand over the opportunities you possess, and perhaps we can grant you a quick death!"

Several disciples passing by were terrified at the sight and quickly moved away, thinking to themselves: Qin Zhan is doomed this time. Five against one, and against a ninth-level Body Tempering expert, there is no chance of victory!

Zhao Xuan and his four companions were even more smug, as if they could already see Qin Zhan being killed on the spot.

But the next moment, Qin Zhan moved.

He suddenly turned around, his previously calm eyes instantly bursting with fierce fighting spirit. He activated his Chaos Battle Soul at full power, and an invincible pressure spread out.

"I've been waiting for you for a long time."

His voice was cold, with a hint of mockery.

Qin Zhan neither dodged nor avoided the attack, but instead charged into the fray.

Driven to his limit by the "Burning Heaven Battle Emperor Technique," his physical strength exploded, each punch carrying the power to shatter mountains and rocks. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's; under the discerning gaze of the Chaos Battle Soul, the flaws in the five people's moves were all exposed in his eyes.

One person came straight at him, but Qin Zhan dodged to the side and struck the opponent's dantian with his palm.

"puff!"

The man coughed up blood and flew backward, his cultivation completely destroyed.

Another person launched a sneak attack from the side. Qin Zhan took a step and his figure disappeared like a ghost. When he reappeared, he was already behind the other person, and he lightly touched the acupoint with his fingertips.

The man's body went limp, and he collapsed to the ground.

In less than three breaths, three of the five men collapsed.

Zhao Xuan turned deathly pale with fright, his heart filled with utter terror:

How is this possible? His speed and strength are actually this powerful? The five of us combined are like clay chickens and earthenware dogs!

The remaining two were so terrified that they turned and tried to run away.

"It's too late to run now."

Qin Zhan flashed forward, blocking their path. He unleashed both fists simultaneously, and with two muffled thuds, the two men were instantly knocked unconscious to the ground.

In the end, only Zhao Xuan remained, trembling as he looked at Qin Zhan, his legs weak and his heart filled with endless fear.

What kind of monster did I mess with?

Qin Zhan slowly walked forward, looking down at him with an indifferent expression:

"Who sent you?"

Zhao Xuan dared not hide anything any longer and immediately kowtowed, begging for mercy: "It was Wang Teng! It was Chen Fei! They ordered us to kill you in the secret realm. I was just following orders. Please spare my life!"

Qin Zhan understood, but his face remained expressionless.

He didn't kill him, but only crippled Zhao Xuan's cultivation before turning and leaving.

It wasn't out of soft-heartedness, but rather a strategic plan.

Keeping him alive to relay messages and keep Wang Teng and Chen Fei in a state of constant fear is more satisfying than killing him outright, and it will also serve as a greater deterrent to other people with ill intentions.

After casually collecting the spirit stones and storage bags from the group, Qin Zhan continued deeper into the area.

Deep within the secret realm, a dilapidated altar slowly emerged.

Above the altar, a beam of spiritual light shot into the sky, and an ancient jade talisman floated in the air, exuding a vast and ancient aura.

"It's an ancient combat technique!"

"That's an unparalleled opportunity!"

Several exclamations rang out, and several outer disciples who had arrived first rushed toward the altar like madmen, trying to snatch the jade talisman.

But just as they approached the altar, barriers of spiritual light suddenly erupted from the ground, and the powerful recoil sent them flying, spitting out blood.

"It's protected by an array!"

The crowd's expressions changed drastically, and they retreated hastily, their eyes filled with resentment yet helplessness.

When Qin Zhan arrived, he witnessed this scene.

His gaze fell upon the altar formation, and his Chaos Battle Soul trembled slightly, instantly discerning the formation's weakness.

I secretly said:

This ancient formation appears formidable, but its core is actually located at the very top of the altar. An ordinary person would surely die if they forced their way in, but for me, it would be as easy as taking candy from a baby.

Unlike the others who rushed to grab it, he walked forward slowly and calmly.

Upon seeing Qin Zhan, everyone's expression changed, and they instinctively stepped back.

The scene of the five people being instantly killed was still deeply imprinted in their minds.

Ignoring everyone's gaze, Qin Zhan walked straight to the altar.

Instead of forcing his way through, he followed the guidance of the battle spirit, precisely stepping on the weak points of the formation, and walked step by step onto the altar.

The barrier of spiritual light was completely ineffective in front of him, offering no resistance whatsoever.

Everyone was stunned and utterly shocked:

He can actually see through ancient formations? What kind of heaven-defying ability is this?

Qin Zhan reached out and grabbed the ancient jade talisman in his hand.

The jade talisman felt warm to the touch, and a vast amount of information flooded into my mind—

"Burning Heaven and Splitting Earth Fist" is a top-tier Yellow-rank combat skill that can kill enemies of higher ranks. It uses battle intent to unleash power to burn the heavens and split the earth!

This is exactly the kind of offensive combat technique he needs most!

Qin Zhan was overjoyed, but remained calm on the surface and quickly put away the jade talisman.

The disciples below were all extremely envious, but none of them dared to step forward and snatch it.

What a joke! Five experts at the ninth level of Body Tempering were instantly killed. What difference would it make if they went up there to their deaths?

Just then, a figure in white slowly walked over from a distance.

Su Qingyuan had also arrived at the depths of the secret realm at some point. She looked at Qin Zhan, who held ancient battle techniques and stood tall like a war god on the altar. Her cold eyes shone with a strange light, and her expression was slightly moved.

She originally only wanted to come to the secret realm to find a spiritual herb, but she never expected to witness Qin Zhan break through the enemy's trap, see through the formation, and seize the treasure.

He is courageous, resourceful, shrewd, and has a trump card.

Calm, ruthless, composed, and low-key.

Su Qingyuan sighed softly in her heart:

This child is no ordinary person.

Qin Zhan also noticed Su Qingyuan, and their eyes met across the distance.

He nodded slightly, as if to acknowledge it.

Su Qingyuan nodded slightly, a faint yet exquisite smile playing on her lips. Without disturbing her, she turned and quietly left.

Qin Zhan withdrew his gaze, feeling the surging power within his body and the confidence brought by the ancient battle technique in his hands, his fighting spirit burning fiercely.

Seize combat skills, establish authority, and eliminate enemies.

His gains from this trip to the secret realm far exceeded his expectations.

And this is just the beginning.

Once he leaves the secret realm, he will officially enter the inner sect and open up a wider world.

Qin Zhan leaped off the altar, his figure disappearing into the depths of the dense forest, leaving behind a group of outer disciples who stood there in awe, gazing up in disbelief, unable to recover for a long time...