Chapter Two: Zhuang Zhuang, the Supreme!

Lianyun Mountain Range, atop a lofty peak, the six Cold Sky brothers stood together.

“Big Brother, what blade technique did you use that day?” Xiao Han recalled the battle when Cold Sky fought the demon, his heart full of admiration and longing.

“Yes, Brother, could you teach Little Ke?” She tugged at Cold Sky’s sleeve, her large eyes shimmering with hope.

The others’ faces betrayed their true feelings as well.

Cold Sky affectionately patted Little Ke’s head and smiled, “Of course. As long as Little Ke wishes to learn, your brother will teach you.”

He looked up at Xiao Han and the others. “If you all want to learn, I’ll teach you as well. The style is called Rapid Slash, but not just yet. I intend first to teach you a technique I created myself.”

The blade technique Cold Sky used against the demon—Rapid Slash—was something he had comprehended while battling thousands of flaming giant wolves. Its essence could be summed up in three words: swift, precise, ruthless.

Simple and direct, the Spiral Explosive Slash was the ultimate expression of this blade technique.

With golden brilliance flashing from his right hand, Cold Sky unleashed a streak of blade energy from his fingertips. With a thunderous crack, a massive boulder shattered into dust.

“Brother, have you advanced to the True Martial Realm?” The excitement in Fire Dance’s gaze was unmistakable; Cold Sky’s strike had clearly generated blade energy.

The four Flame Dragons were equally invigorated, their eyes fixed on Cold Sky.

He laughed lightly. “This is my own creation—a technique called ‘Ninefold Heaven-Shaking Force.’ The blade energy you saw was formed from the sharpness radiating from my flesh and blood.”

He swept his gaze across the five, pride rising in his heart. “I haven’t advanced to the Profound Realm, but with this technique, I can cultivate blade energy comparable to that of a Profound-level martial artist.”

“Wow! Is Brother going to teach us this technique?” Little Ke jumped up and down in delight.

“Yes, I will ensure you all learn this method to enhance your bodies.” Cold Sky promised them. “In just two days, our journey across the continent will begin. Tonight, brothers, let us drink to our hearts’ content!”

He leapt down from the peak, the five followed, their faces bright with laughter. Six figures, robes fluttering, sped through the great mountain.

Cold Sky led the way, his steps rhythmic and brisk, his blue silhouette gliding swiftly ahead, leaving behind afterimages. The five behind him strained to keep up.

They ran fast, smiles on their faces, all gazing at Cold Sky’s back, as if chasing after the footsteps of the strong. Mischievous Little Ke reached out to swipe through Cold Sky’s trailing shadows, her laughter ringing like silver bells.

Along the way, they caught several wild beasts and stopped by a small river. Cold Sky handled the preparations while the three Flame Dragons fetched dry wood.

Fire Dance and Little Ke ran to the riverbank, slipped off their shoes and socks, and dangled their delicate white feet in the water, splashing and playing cheerfully.

Soon the grill was set up. Cold Sky carefully roasted the skinned, cleaned beasts over the fire. The six sat in a circle, brought out the fine wine they’d prepared, and drank heartily.

A resounding roar echoed as the great dragon Max descended from the sky. He had caught four or five spirit beasts and gazed pitifully at Cold Sky with his massive dragon eyes, drooling as he eyed the sizzling meat.

At the urging of Fire Dance and Little Ke, the three Flame Dragons set up more grills and together processed the spirit beasts.

In high spirits, Cold Sky patiently skewered Max’s spirit beasts. Max hovered nearby, drooling as he watched his roasting feast.

After a long while, all the spirit beasts were cooked. Cold Sky tossed the roasted creatures to Max, who quickly retreated with his meal.

His mountainous form turned away from the group, tail swaying, humming contentedly as he devoured his food.

Fire Dance and Little Ke giggled playfully, while the four men drank and discussed the mission ahead.

“The employer for this task is the Ye family from Windshadow City, a prominent clan there. I’ve heard we’re to transport ores for trade with the Skylark Guild,” Zhixuan explained.

“We’ll be gone for quite a while. Come…” Cold Sky raised his wine jug to his brothers, drank deeply, and laughed heartily.

“Kid, why didn’t you tell Bear Lord there was wine to be had?” Suddenly, Stout Stout appeared at Cold Sky’s side, rudely tearing off a leg of meat and chewing heartily, praising, “Not bad, not bad!”

Fire Dance and Little Ke couldn’t take their eyes off Stout Stout from the moment he appeared, marveling, “What an adorable bear!”

The three Flame Dragons, however, were stunned. A talking spirit beast—what did that mean? That was a holy beast! How did Cold Sky know such a legendary creature?

Cold Sky wasn’t surprised by Stout Stout’s sudden appearance. Instead, he noticed the bear seemed addicted to wearing bellybands, this time sporting a purple-red one with a flower clipped to his ear.

Glancing at Stout Stout, Cold Sky said, “You’re always coming and going. Where am I supposed to find you?”

“Heh heh…” Stout Stout grinned, “Bear Lord is everywhere!” He snatched the wine jug from Cold Sky and took several gulps.

Noticing Fire Dance and Little Ke watching him, his black eyes flashed mischievously. He spoke to the two beauties, “Ladies, want Bear Lord to entertain you?”

“Get lost…” Cold Sky kicked Stout Stout far away.

“Just kidding, look how worked up you get. Bear Lord’s been tormented by women these days!” He pulled the flower from his ear, sniffed it, and waved goodbye with flair.

In an instant, he vanished.

Cold Sky inwardly scoffed, “I wonder if this guy’s been entangled by some amorous she-bear…” wicked thoughts creeping in.

“Big Brother, was that a holy beast?” Xiao Han asked, gazing at where Stout Stout had disappeared.

“A talking bear, so adorable!” Fire Dance stared at Cold Sky. “Brother, is he your friend?”

“Consider him a friend.”

“A holy beast?” Cold Sky smiled mysteriously. “If I told you he’s a being comparable to a Saint, would you believe it?”

The five all drew sharp breaths. “Comparable to a Saint—that’s Emperor-level!”

Spirit beasts have nine grades; a grade nine spirit beast equals a martial artist’s Profound Realm. King-level holy beasts and Emperor-level holy beasts correspond to the martial artist’s Transcendent and Saintly ranks.

“Wow! That’s an ultimate powerhouse!” Little Ke’s big eyes blinked, her mouth forming an adorable walnut shape.

Martial Dao: Ultimate Edge, Chapter Two—Stout Stout, Supreme Powerhouse! End of update.