Martial Arts Overlord-Chapter 537 - 535: Bathing Together

The sky was as blue as jade, pristine white clouds floating unhurriedly with the gentle breeze. A sweeping panoramic view of the plains merging seamlessly with the blue sky offered a picture of splendor and grandeur beyond words.

WHEW... The breeze carried the heavy stench of blood. More than ten brutish rtiad bandits had Luo Feng and Yue Haitang encircled, locked in a fierce battle.

"Starry Moon Circle!"

Yue Haitang, seated on his horse, drew his Red Dragon Purple Gold Sword with a CLANG. With a flick of his wrist, Sword Qi, faintly tinged with red, poured out voluminously, like a torrent of countless stars.

SHINK! SHINK! SHINK! The flashes of Sword Qi were swift and piercing. Three or four rtiad bandits stared in stunned disbelief at the bloody holes appearing on their bodies before tumbling from their horses.

Simultaneously, screams of agony filled the air as Luo Feng’s punches instantly killed five or six rtiad bandits.

"Ah! They’re not ordinary experts! Run!"

"Run!"

Witnessing nearly ten of their companions die in mere moments, the remaining rtiad bandits were scared out of their wits, spurring their horses into a desperate retreat.

Luo Feng watched the fleeing rtiad bandits. He didn’t give chase on horseback. Instead, his eyes narrowed as he struck his horse on its back with his fist.

HUM! A circle of crimson ripples erupted from Luo Feng’s right fist, surging into the body of his Dark Cloud Treasure Horse.

The very next moment—BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Accompanied by earth-shattering rumbles, four crimson pillars of fire erupted into the sky in the distance.

The remaining few rtiad bandits, along with their horses, were blasted into the air before crashing back down, smashed into pulps of flesh and blood, utterly and irrevocably dead.

WHEW... Luo Feng exhaled slowly, quite satisfied with the power of his Eight Wildernesses Dominating Flame Fist.

Ever since his Eight Wildernesses Dominating Flame Fist had reached the Perfection Stage, he could control its power as he pleased, and its destructive force had increased severalfold.

Yue Haitang sheathed his Red Dragon Purple Gold Sword and looked at Luo Feng’s mount, the Dark Cloud Treasure Horse, inhaling softly.

To endure such a ferocious fist technique and yet the Black Cloud Horse is completely unharmed! Just what realm has his fist technique reached?

His bright eyes sparkled. Yue Haitang found Luo Feng increasingly unfathomable.

"This is the fifth time we’ve encountered rtiad bandits, isn’t it?"

Luo Feng glanced at the corpses of the rtiad horse bandits littering the ground and said slowly.

It had been two days since they left Wutie Town, and during this time, they had been frequently attacked by rtiad bandits.

Startled from his reverie, Yue Haitang rode his horse to Luo Feng’s side and said with a smile, "With the Golden Palace examinations imminent, many powerful figures in the martial world are looking to make a fortune by ambushing and robbing students en route. We’re only two people, and riding Dark Cloud Treasure Horses; it’s no wonder they’d be tempted by our wealth."

Hearing this, Luo Feng looked at the corpses strewn about and couldn’t help but give a wry smile.

Martial Artists were among the wealthiest people in the world. Participants of the Golden Palace examinations would invariably possess considerable family backing. These strong rtiad bandits certainly had the right idea.

Unfortunately for them, they had the bad luck of running into him and Yue Haitang.

"We’re already at the edge of the Qingyu Plain. A little further, and we’ll be out of the Canglang Dynasty’s territory," Yue Haitang said, looking ahead.

"Mm."

Luo Feng nodded, a hint of excitement flickering in his eyes. This was his first time leaving the Dynasty’s territory.

Tugging the reins, Luo Feng said, "Let’s go."

TAPTAPTAPTAPTAPTAP... Hooves flew as the two figures rode swiftly onward.

After riding hard for two hours, Luo Feng sensed the water-attribute Yuan Qi in the surroundings growing increasingly dense. He slowed his horse and asked Yue Haitang, "Is there a body of water nearby?"

Yue Haitang nodded. "The Cangyuan River should be just ahead. Once we cross it, we’ll have left the Canglang Dynasty."

"Then let’s hurry over. We also need to refill our waterskins. Giddyup!"

Hearing there was a river, Luo Feng’s eyes lit up. He flicked the reins, and his Dark Cloud Treasure Horse let out a long neigh, surging forward like lightning. Yue Haitang followed closely behind.

A moment later, Luo Feng heard the roaring sound of rushing water. Through the sparse trees, he could vaguely see a large river.

The river was so wide its other bank couldn’t be seen at a glance. The torrential river water thundered as it flowed downstream. Within the clear depths, enormous shadows could occasionally be seen rising and falling.

Their icy scales and sharp claws sent a chill to the very bone; even from the riverbank, one could feel their ferocious aura.

The oncoming breeze carried a moist, cool air, prompting Luo Feng to take a long, comfortable breath.

"Let’s rest here for a bit before continuing our journey."

Luo Feng dismounted and tied his Dark Cloud Treasure Horse to a nearby tree.

"Alright."

Yue Haitang looked at the river, a flicker of excitement in his bright eyes, and nodded.

After securing the horses, the two walked towards the river.

Under the sunlight, the river’s surface shimmered and sparkled. The trees on the riverbank cast their reflections on the water, swaying with the gentle waves.

SWOOSH! SWOOSH! As the two neared the river, several huge shadows rapidly approached them, stirring up whirlpools on the water’s surface.

"Scram!"

Luo Feng halted at the river’s edge. A blade-like glint flashed in his eyes as a seemingly substantial, transparent ripple of power spread forward from him.

A muffled WHIMPER came from the river. The few shadows that had been approaching instantly fled into the distance as swift as lightning, kicking up huge white waves on the river’s surface.

Clearly visible within the churning waves were several monstrous fish, each the size of a house and covered in tough black scales.

"Black-fin Giant Fish! Those are Level Five Demon Beasts, and you actually scared them away... No wonder every Martial Artist dreams of comprehending Grand Momentum..."

Luo Feng rubbed his nose. "I was just lucky."

Yue Haitang pursed his lips. Comprehending Grand Momentum isn’t something achievable through mere luck.

Without asking further, Yue Haitang walked to the riverbank. He brushed away a few fallen leaves floating on the water, then took out his waterskin and filled it. Cupping some clear river water in his hands, he gently splashed it on his face.

AHH... The cool water made Yue Haitang raise his eyebrows in comfort. Seeing his own reflection in the water, he couldn’t help but purse his lips in a suppressed smile. Then, with a light tap of his hand, the water rippled, and his jade-like reflection shattered.

Just then, a rustling sound came from nearby. Yue Haitang turned to look and suddenly cried out in surprise.

"Luo Feng, what are you doing?"

Yue Haitang scrambled to his feet, so flustered he nearly stumbled into the river. He stared at Luo Feng, a look of astonishment on his face.

At this moment, Luo Feng had already removed his outer shirt and was bare-chested.

Luo Feng placed his clothes aside, smiled at Yue Haitang, and said, "We’ve been on the road for two days. Now that we’ve finally found a river, of course I’m going to take a bath. You should join too. The journey ahead is still long; who knows when we’ll get another chance like this."

Seeing Luo Feng bare-chested, Yue Haitang hurriedly averted his gaze, his eyes flickering as a faint blush crept onto his face. He stammered, "N-no... no need. You go ahead and wash. There might still be rtiad bandits around. I’ll go watch over the Dark Cloud Treasure Horses."

Saying this, Yue Haitang executed his Qinggong. With a flicker, his figure vanished into the trees.

This guy is more bashful than a girl. He’s not angry, is he...?

Luo Feng watched Yue Haitang’s rapidly retreating back and gave a wry smile.

If Yue Haitang weren’t the foremost of the Four Young Masters of Red Maple Ridge, I really would have mistaken him for a woman.

Shaking his head, Luo Feng finished undressing, then leaped and plunged into the river, sending up a huge splash.

Yue Haitang dashed out of the forest, finally stopping to lean against a tree, panting lightly. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

That guy... Biting his lip, Yue Haitang lightly stomped his foot.

After a moment, Yue Haitang gradually calmed himself. Hearing the faint sound of flowing water behind him, a hint of longing flickered in his eyes.

After an invigorating swim, Luo Feng changed into a clean set of academy clothes and returned to the forest.

Yue Haitang was sitting under a tree, hugging his knees and staring blankly. Hearing footsteps, he immediately stood up. "Luo Feng."

Luo Feng nodded and smiled at Yue Haitang. "I thought you were angry."

Embarrassment flickered across Yue Haitang’s face as he pouted, "I’m not that petty!"

Luo Feng walked to the side, started a campfire, and took out several silver-striped fish from his storage ring. He laughed, "Looks like our luck is good! I caught some Starline Fish in the river. We’re in for a treat today!"

Saying that, Luo Feng skewered the fish and began roasting them over the campfire.

Yue Haitang looked at Luo Feng, his eyes glinting. Suddenly, he slapped his own forehead as if in sudden realization. "Oh, Luo Feng, I forgot to fill my waterskin! I’ll go down to the river and be right back..."

Luo Feng watched Yue Haitang’s departing figure, feeling a bit puzzled. Didn’t I see him fill his waterskin earlier?

Shaking his head, Luo Feng didn’t dwell on it and focused on roasting the fish.

After running some distance, Yue Haitang glanced back at Luo Feng, let out a soft sigh, and a smile touched his lips. With a flash, his figure darted towards the upstream riverbank.

Why has he been gone so long? He still hasn’t come back...

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Yue Haitang still hadn’t returned, and Luo Feng couldn’t help but start to worry.

Frowning, Luo Feng stuck the roasted fish into the ground beside the fire, stood up, and was about to go check by the river.

Just then, footsteps approached from the woods. Yue Haitang emerged, now wearing a fresh, clean Changxin Academy uniform.

"Why were you gone so long? I was starting to think something had happened to you," Luo Feng said, sighing in relief at the sight of Yue Haitang.

An apologetic look appeared on Yue Haitang’s face. He pursed his lips slightly and said, "While I was fetching water, I was ambushed by an Icearrow Spearfish. My clothes got wet, so I changed."

Luo Feng nodded. The Icearrow Spearfish was a Level Four Demon Beast. It could shoot water arrows at its enemies from within the water and was known for its sneak attacks.

"The fish is roasted. Let’s eat quickly. We need to get back on the road," Luo Feng said, not suspecting a thing.

Seeing that Luo Feng didn’t press further, Yue Haitang seemed to let out a silent sigh of relief and smiled. "Alright."

Taking the roasted fish, Yue Haitang tore off a piece of meat and put it in his mouth. His eyes lit up slightly.

Noticing his expression, Luo Feng smiled. "Tastes good, right? Starline Fish are a rare delicacy."

Yue Haitang nodded. He recalled the miserable days when he had left Red Maple Ridge alone and gone without food for days. He couldn’t help but ask, "Luo Feng, do you often travel and explore?"

"More or less," Luo Feng replied with a smile, then fell silent, closing his eyes to sense the condition within his body.

In his Dantian, two spirit vortexes spun rapidly, constantly absorbing Yuan Qi from the heavens and earth. Their speed was noticeably faster than two days prior, and the wisps of crimson Yuan Qi within them were particularly striking.

Although Luo Feng hadn’t used the crimson jade pearl for cultivation these past two days, his cultivation speed, likely due to the crimson Yuan Qi, was still much faster than before. Now, the Yuan Qi within the spirit vortexes in his Dantian already felt like it was on the verge of overflowing.

It looks like I’ll be able to attempt breaking through to the Second Level of the Spiritual Rotation Realm very soon...

Just as this joyful thought crossed Luo Feng’s mind, he abruptly sensed an approaching danger. His eyes snapped open, his sharp gaze shooting towards a spot a thousand meters ahead.

"Who goes there?!"