The battle in Falling Wind City concluded, but its echoes resonated far and wide. Mộc Phàm's reputation, now known as the "Mortal Body Berserker," was no longer confined to a single small city. He had defeated Ye Feng, a Late Foundation Establishment genius of the Heavenly Sword Sect, purely with the strength of a mortal body. This event quickly spread through neighboring sects, sending a massive shockwave through the cultivation world.
For the Heavenly Sword Sect, this was an unacceptable humiliation. A mortal had broken Ye Feng's sword, causing immense loss of face for the sect. News of Ye Feng's defeat reached the elders and even the Sect Master. A bounty was issued for Mộc Phàm, not for recruitment, but to capture him alive for dissection and research, or to eliminate this anomaly.
Conversely, the Profound Yin Valley welcomed Mộc Phàm as a savior. His victory had given the Profound Yin Valley an overwhelming advantage in the conflict over Falling Wind City. Elder Phù Dung became even more resolute in protecting Mộc Phàm, though she too began to worry about the consequences. She realized that Mộc Phàm was not merely a "Mortal Iron Fist" but a hidden treasure, capable of altering the cultivation landscape.
However, Mộc Phàm understood clearly. The Profound Yin Valley's protection was only temporary. He had become too prominent. Even if the Heavenly Sword Sect didn't act, other cultivation powers, those greedy for strength or curious about his secret, wouldn't leave him be. Furthermore, the battle with Ye Feng, though victorious, showed him that his Blood Body True Art was still insufficient to contend with even stronger cultivators. Ye Feng was only Late Foundation Establishment, and beyond him lay Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and even Soul Transformation realms.
That night, Mộc Phàm meditated, clutching the nameless stone tightly. His Body Core emitted a soft silver glow, but he sensed a deficiency. His strength had increased significantly, but it still lacked a "soul," lacking a method for more flexible application, beyond just crude punches and defenses. He needed something to fully unleash the potential of his "blood qi" and Body Core.
And more importantly, he hadn't forgotten his family's revenge. The Black Wind cultivator and the power behind him—that was Mộc Phàm's ultimate goal. He couldn't afford to be perpetually entangled in the petty disputes of sects.
The next morning, Mộc Phàm made a bold decision. He went to see Elder Phù Dung.
"Elder, this junior requests leave from Falling Wind City," Mộc Phàm said, his tone resolute.
Elder Phù Dung frowned. "Where do you intend to go? Do you know that the Heavenly Sword Sect has issued a bounty for you? Leaving the Profound Yin Valley's protection will put your life in grave danger!"
"This junior knows," Mộc Phàm replied, "but this junior cannot forever rely on the Profound Yin Valley's protection. This junior has a task to complete, a path to walk. This junior needs to find a place not bound by sects, a place where this junior can continue to cultivate and explore the secrets of my strength."
Elder Phù Dung remained silent for a moment, looking deeply into Mộc Phàm's determined eyes. She knew he was no ordinary person. She also understood that keeping him might invite even greater trouble from the Heavenly Sword Sect.
"Have you thought this through?" she asked.
"I have."
Finally, Elder Phù Dung sighed. "If you have made your decision, I will not stop you. But remember, the Profound Yin Valley owes you a favor. Should you encounter difficulties in the future, you may seek our help." She handed Mộc Phàm a small jade pendant. "This is a token of the Profound Yin Valley; it can help you escape danger once in an extremely critical situation. Take care."
Mộc Phàm bowed in gratitude. He was thankful for the Profound Yin Valley's help, but he also understood that his path was that of a lone wolf.
With the jade pendant in hand and the nameless stone in his pouch, Mộc Phàm left Falling Wind City. He didn't take the main roads but instead threaded through less-traveled paths, heading west, towards ancient mountain ranges rumored to hold many secrets. He needed a quiet place to continue exploring the Mortal Body Hundred Forgings Art and to find a method for his Body Core to unleash its full power.
The Heavenly Sword Sect's bounty quickly spread. The image of "Mortal Iron Fist," lacking spirit roots yet possessing terrifying strength, became a haunting presence for many cultivators. Mộc Phàm became a hunted target.
But he felt no fear. On the contrary, a sense of exhilaration surged within him. He was no longer passively hunted. He was a hunter, seeking larger prey. His goal wasn't to flee, but to grow stronger with every confrontation, every life-or-death moment.
The road ahead would certainly be many times more arduous, but Mộc Phàm now possessed enough Dao Heart and strength to continue.