Chapter 7: Sharpening the Sword

Chutian focused intently and observed that Quanshi Nai's swordsmanship was ethereal and grand. Although the techniques were vastly different from the Qiaoqiao Six Swords, the essence of the swordplay shared a remarkable similarity. The former was graceful while the latter was domineering, akin to a recluse versus a hero

Quan Shidai smiled slightly and said: "Are you troubled that every time you make a move, Huan Changge always gets there first, leaving you with formidable skills yet constrained by others?"

Chutian's heart stirred, faintly guessing the thoughts of Quan Shidai and Yuan Shiheng, and nodded, saying: "Come on!"

Too strong, too tough, too fierce... The true essence of the Six Swords of Liqiao will certainly not be like this

Down

Chutian Dao: "I am reminiscing about the situation of the battle with Huan Changge, and there is one thing that I have never been able to comprehend. If I cannot unravel this puzzle, the next time I encounter him, I will still be defeated."

At the moment when the Jinhun Sword was thrust out, Cangyun Yuancheng suddenly changed his move

Ah? Qin Guan's expression suddenly changed, and without caring to harm others with his palm, he hurriedly revealed the Judge's Pen and exerted all his strength to defend himself

When Quan Shinao had a sudden inspiration, he simply collaborated with Yuan Shiheng to disguise themselves as members of the Ironclad Gang and infiltrate.

The sound of the Cangyun Yuanchan Sword roared like a lion and howled like a tiger, shaking the long night. A flash of white lightning seemed to illuminate the ages, yet it was merely a momentary brilliance that faded in the eyes of the night

"Brother Chu, are you hungry?" Quan Shidai took a roasted rabbit leg from the shelf and handed it to Chu Tian

Last night, they infiltrated the headquarters of the Ironclad Gang, only to find it heavily guarded, and they had no idea where Yin Hong'e was being held.

There is a spy! Qin Guantian was taken aback, and he leaped forward, striking towards the young man who was trying to rescue the crimson goose.

Yuan Shiheng wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "Fortunately, the roof has collapsed; if I had to keep going, I would surely work myself to death!"

Six hundred years of vicissitudes, unparalleled solitude, flowing in and out like a torrent in the long river of history

Chutian paid no heed to the cries of battle from outside, gazing intently and said: "It seems you do not mind if I kill him"

When the Cangyun Yuancheng Sword, like a celestial being descending from the heavens, pierced through the air, it forcefully severed the Judge's Pen into four segments

Fool! It was only after everything settled that he cast a disdainful glance at Qin Guantian's corpse and spoke.

He did not wait for the long song to finish before speaking, loudly counting: "One!"

With a loud bang, both individuals' bodies trembled violently, each being propelled backward.

From now on, it will no longer be driven purely by strength to wield the Six Swords of the Dawn, but rather guided with the heart

The sound of pines outside is continuous, the moonlight is bright and clear, the insects chirp, and the night breeze gently arrives

The Chu River is like a sudden enlightenment, leading to a complete awakening

Chutian reached out to catch the spinning Cangyun Yuancheng Sword, only to be astonished to find that Huan Changge had not made a move.

Oh? Huan Changge was surprised to notice the change in Chu Tianjian's aura and once again employed the Soul Searching technique to probe into his heart

The two trusted aides understood each other instantly and suddenly drew their swords, placing them against the neck of the crimson goose

The murderous intent is like a thorn in the back, and the sword's aura is like a fishbone in the throat

"Excessive force leads to damage, while humility brings benefits. Your sword techniques are too forceful; while they are indeed strong, excessive rigidity makes them prone to breaking. Moreover, the angles are too sharp and defined, making it easy for a skilled opponent to find weaknesses in your techniques during transitions, thereby breaking through your swordplay."

It turns out that these two individuals are indeed played by Quan Shidai and Yuan Shiheng

The spirit platform of Chutian is devoid of joy and anger, nearly free of thought, with only the cold, desolate figure dancing in the moonlight alongside the vast clouds and primordial stars

The strength is finite, yet the heart is boundless; human life has its beginnings and ends, but the Dao is limitless—this is how the true Liao Qiao Six Swords should be.

Above

Qin Guan felt a tremor in his heart under the cold gaze of Huan Changge, but recalling the tragic scene of his son dying before his eyes, his anger surged. He boldly declared: "Huan Shengshi, the enmity of killing my son cannot be reconciled - it is a matter of life and death. This is a personal grievance of mine, Qin!"

The middle-aged man who had just launched the hidden weapon laughed heartily and said, "Junior sister, I hope I didn't scare you just now"

Three days and two nights? Chu Tian was taken aback; in his perception, it should have only been a matter of a few hours

Chutian, perplexed, saw Quan Shidai and Yuan Shiheng simultaneously draw their swords and take their positions, opening the gateway and saying: "Please!"

Suddenly, the main door swung wide open, revealing nearly a hundred members of the Iron Clothes Gang in the courtyard, with swords drawn and arrows nocked, standing menacingly on either side.

Kill them, to avenge the leader!" A voice shouted from the crowd, and nearly a hundred masters from the Iron Armor Gang charged towards Quan Shidai, Yuan Shiheng, and Yin Hong'e, yet they seemed to have an unspoken agreement to overlook Chu Tian

Under the dripping eaves of the Iron Clothes Gang's conference hall, Huan Changge stood with his hands clasped behind his back, while Qin Guantian stood behind him.

In the blink of an eye, the transition from "parting the seas and halting the currents" to "gazing down upon the six directions" occurs as naturally and smoothly as the wind gliding over water, without a trace of the roughness of axe or chisel.

The land of Chu

He does not perceive the opportunity, but rather your intentions!" Quan Shidai said slowly: "The North Sea Divine Mansion possesses a unique and unparalleled skill known as 'Soul Searching Technique', which can utilize a thread of spiritual awareness to infiltrate the opponent's spiritual platform and glimpse their thoughts and fluctuations, thereby knowing oneself and the enemy to gain the upper hand.

Just now, everyone's attention was focused on Chu Tian, and no one expected that Quan Shidai and Yuan Shiheng had already blended in. As a result, the two suddenly launched an attack and successfully rescued Yin Hong'e

Huan Changge smiled and said, "Borrowing a line from Qin Guan, once you enter this door, whether you are a person or a dog is not up to you"

Puff! The two trusted aides of Qin Guantian in front of the iron stake were struck in the chest by hidden weapons and fell to the ground with a thud

Chutian knew that at this moment, Huan Changge was mostly peering into his thoughts. He did not care at all and coldly said: "Do as you please"

He opened his eyes, and a bonfire illuminated the temple, dispelling the darkness outside. Quan Shidai and Yuan Shiheng were sitting nearby, engaged in a low conversation.

He shook his head again and said, "Unfortunately, you may not like my suggestion."

Why not forget to bring a sword when going for a walk? "You want to go to the headquarters of the Ironclad Gang!"

His mind was clear and empty, yet filled with a powerful belief in victory.

Chutian slowly approached, the Cangyun Yuancheng sword slung diagonally behind him. Judging by his expression, he had no intention of striking anyone.

Yuan Shiheng also benefited immensely, feeling as though he was being overwhelmed by wave after wave, with almost no opportunity to catch his breath before facing the next, even more intense onslaught. On one side was the excruciating struggle to resist, while on the other was the exhilarating realization of life and death. In this simultaneous experience of pain and pleasure, his resolve continued to grow.

The announcement was issued by the Iron Clothes Gang, claiming that they have captured a female arsonist from the Heavenly Intent Sect. If Chu Tian does not surrender to the Iron Clothes Gang within three days, the crimson goose will be executed as a burial companion for Qin Jin

"You!" Qin Guan glared at Chu Tian, his face filled with resentment as he said, "This girl was captured by me to save you. Now her life and death are entirely in your hands!"

The sword light swept across like a rainbow, moving without any hesitation, while Qin Guantian stood motionless in place, his face displaying an expression of disbelief

In front of the two individuals stood an iron stake, to which the pale and disheveled red goose was tightly bound.

Uncertain how much time had passed, Chu Tian heard a faint call of night birds coming from a distance

The incident occurred suddenly, and Chu Tian was also taken aback. At the moment when the Cangyun Yuanchan Sword was about to strike, the target was changed to Qin Guantian.

However, history does not repeat itself verbatim, and fate does not always favor the same individual

Little brother, are you awake?" All Shidai reached out to check Chu Tian's pulse and observe the flow of internal energy, smiling as he said, "Congratulations, your injuries have recovered at least eighty percent; with a few more days of rest, you will be fine.

Chutian had already calculated the distance when he entered the courtyard, estimating that it was about thirty meters from where he stood to the iron stake binding the crimson goose. At this distance, he was confident that he could execute the technique "Flying Immortal from Beyond the Heavens" from the Six Swords of Qiaoqiao, using the Cangyun Yuancheng Sword to slice through the iron stake and rescue the crimson goose

Quan Shidai and Yuan Shiheng stood at a distance, seemingly understanding what Chu Tian was doing, their eyes simultaneously revealing astonishment and admiration—this person is truly a genius. If he could receive guidance from a renowned master, rather than groping in the dark alone, who knows how astonishing his current achievements would be.

Time seems to stand still, and space is infinitely compressed

He spent almost an entire night with three hundred and forty-five fallen ancient pines, gaining insight into their profound truth

He is merely a dog raised by the North Sea Divine Mansion, and a disobedient mad dog at that

The masters of the Iron Clothes Gang surrounding them were dumbfounded, unable to believe that their leader had been beheaded by a single sword strike from Chu Tian

How could this happen? Just as the technique of searching for gods in "The Long Song" had just caught a glimpse of the information regarding the changes in Chu Tian's moves, Cang Yun Yuan Chen had already swept over, arriving so quickly that he had no time to react in advance

Boom, boom, boom—one by one, the pine trees fell, startling countless birds in the forest

Quanshenai said: "Tomorrow is the final deadline. My junior brother Yuan and I plan to go to the Ironclad Gang tonight to rescue people"

The pair of "Meridian Judge Pens" he used to rely on was twisted and deformed by Chu Tian, forcing him to replace them with a makeshift pair. However, how could they withstand the devastating strike of Cangyun Yuancheng's flying sword?

Then is there another one?" Chu Tian inquired

Yuan Shiheng sincerely said: "This is the third method to break the Great Art of Soul Searching, using unpredictable sword techniques that come from the heart's desires, making it futile for Huan Changge to see through your thoughts. If you yourself have not even considered how your sword techniques will change in the next moment, how can his Soul Searching Art gain any insight?"

You have been in seclusion for a full three days and two nights," Quan Shidai subtly corrected Chu Tian's wording, "and left us brothers waiting in great distress.

Huan Changge paused for a moment and said, "Talents are hard to come by; I would very much like to recruit you to serve in the Divine Mansion."

Though there are thousands of people, I shall go!

Chutian strode into the courtyard as if no one were around, the eyes of the crimson goose sparkling with both concern and surprise

Does the elder brother know how to break his divine search technique

Chutian smiled without saying a word, his gaze directed towards Quan Shidai

The three men engaged in a fierce battle in the Taoist temple, resembling a revolving lantern. Chu Tian was aware that Quan Shidai and Yuan Shiheng were feeding him moves, and fortunately, in this near-combat situation, he was able to further comprehend the intricacies of the Qiaoqiao Six Swords, seeking a way to defeat Huan Changge.

Chutian bitterly smiled and said, "Could it be that Huan Changge's cultivation has already reached the realm of being able to perceive the premonitions?"

Fierceness does not equate to strength, and violence does not equate to toughness

His sword left not a single mark on the surface of the pine tree, all its power was locked in at the final moment

Chutian sidestepped completely, evading the area enveloped by the momentum of the Jinhua Sword. The sword's edge suddenly changed direction along with his movement, aiming directly at Huan Changge's throat

Chutian responded with a cold laugh: "You are not me, so my matters are not for you to decide"

When the Cangyun Yuancheng Sword, with its magnificent momentum capable of swallowing the world, cleaved through the air, it ultimately came to a halt at the three hundred and forty-sixth pine tree. At that moment, Chu Tian knew he had succeeded

The red sun rises in the east and the books remain, while the green pines stand tall as ever

Chutian slowly raised the Cangyun Yuancheng Sword, took two steps forward, and fixed his gaze on a towering pine tree before him, standing still like an old monk in meditation for a long time

However, the eight guards of the Iron Shirt Gang did not dare to be negligent. As Chu Tian stepped up the stairs, they retreated step by step, as if standing there would cost them their lives

Chutian, already famished, did not hold back as he took the food and began to devour it. He asked, "How long have I been asleep?"

Chutian was taken aback; he could tell that Quan Shidai's words were not a compliment, so he asked, "Is there something wrong?"

Quan Shidai replied: "As far as I know, there are three methods. One is to reach the ninth level of the True Stage, the 'Perfect Harmony' realm, where a master can render their opponent's traces undetectable; the second is to similarly excel in a certain type of mental manipulation technique, capable of countering their magical skills with poison."

Unexpectedly, the brilliance of the Cangyun Yuanchan Sword erupted fiercely, engulfing even the Shou Zhuo Sword within its radiance

He focused intently on the thoughts of Chu Tian, and before Cang Yun Yuan Chen could strike down, Jin Qian Jian lunged towards Chu Tian's chest.

A circle of crimson blood slowly seeped from his neck, as his entire head had been severed by the Cangyun Yuancheng Sword

With a loud crash, a pine tree with a diameter of over half a meter fell to the ground, its cut surface smooth as a mirror

Just a moment ago, there was still a distance of nearly 100 meters between the two individuals; but in the next instant, Cangyun Yuancheng was already looming large before them

The crimson goose over there gazed at the young man who came to her rescue and asked in astonishment: "You are ... ... "

"Alright, I will kill her first and then kill you!" Qin Guantian shouted in anger: "Three!"

Quan Shina took the lead, unleashing the swordsmanship masterpiece "Thirteen Styles of Mending the Heavens" from the Heavenly Intent Gate, wielding his sword to attack Chu Tian

"In front, there are no ancient figures; behind, there are no future ones; contemplating the vastness of heaven and earth, I am left alone, sorrowful, and tears fall down"

The "Sourcing the Divine Techniques"? That is to say, it is not that one's own cultivation is inferior to Huan Changge; the reason for passively enduring the blows is entirely due to this peculiar technique.

Chutian lowered his head in contemplation of Quanshi Nai's words, and by correlating them with various signs from the battle with Huan Changge, he gradually began to comprehend their meaning

But what should that look like

How should I put it? The entire world is truly a reflection of words, seeking an appropriate way of expression so that Chu Tian can understand

Chutian suddenly released his sword intent, and Yuan Shiheng and Quan Shidai felt a weight lifted off their shoulders, stumbling as they freed their dual swords from confinement

Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed, and the clay statue of the deity in the temple could not withstand the pressure of the sword energy from the two individuals, shattering into pieces. Following this, the surrounding pillars and walls began to crack, and the roof trembled, on the verge of collapse

The cold light in Chu Tian's eyes flashed like lightning as he gazed at Huan Changge and said: "It seems that your subordinates have other intentions."

"Senior Brother Yuan!" Yin Hong'e exclaimed with delight, "How did you end up looking like this... Oh, I understand now; it must be another one of Senior Brother Quan's ideas"

Not seeing Quan Shina and Yuan Shiheng captured, Chu Tian felt a slight sense of relief, yet also found it somewhat strange

The young man broke the chains and laughed, "Junior sister, do you not recognize me anymore?"

Receiving and sending with ease, residing in a single heart

A snow wave surged into the sky, trailing a silver glow through the air, its overwhelming killing intent felt even by the iron-clad members standing a hundred meters away.

At almost the same time, a young man dressed as a member of the Iron Shirt Gang leaped out from the crowd and drew his sword to strike at the iron stake

Yuan Shiheng said: "Brother Chu, the day before yesterday while I was gathering information about our junior sister in Huaiyang City, I also heard about the grievances between you and the Ironclad Gang. It is the mark of a true man to act justly when witnessing injustice!"

Thus, he only used 50% of his strength, but the power of the Cangyun Yuancheng Sword was truly immense, still beyond what the two could contend with

When he was in the colorful misty mountains, he had also secluded himself in this manner to cultivate with books, but within the mountains, there were no sun or moon, and upon waking, he had no idea how many days had passed

Ding! As the twin swords clashed, a bone-chilling cold surged into the Jinhui Sword, directly pressing against the meridians of Huan Changge's right arm

Chutian embraced the essence of unity, as the demonic energy of the Brahman flowed continuously to protect his entire being. He slowly said: "Not everyone enjoys being a dog of the North Sea Divine Mansion; for instance, I find that being a person is more comfortable than being a dog"

A cloud drifts across the bright moon in the sky, while the shadows dance gracefully among the pine trees

Even so, the strength and talent displayed by Chutian are already sufficient to impress them

The three individuals looked at the Taoist temple suffering from an unforeseen disaster and, without any prior agreement, began to laugh.

With a rumble, the temple collapsed, sending a cloud of dust and debris swirling into the air.

Finally, Chu Tian stopped and said to the eight guards, "Tell Chief Qin that I have arrived"

In Chutian's mind, the image of dancing with a sword under the cold, bright moon involuntarily reappeared

Chu Tian and Yuan Shiheng simultaneously withdrew their hands and leaped out of the temple, followed closely by Quan Shidai who also rushed out.

With the sword of Chutian sweeping out, another move "Gazing Down at the Six Directions" was executed, demonstrating an unmatched momentum in a one-against-two scenario

Quan Shidai and Yuan Shiheng exchanged a glance and said: "Brother Chu, we would like to ask for your guidance on a couple of matters."

I forgot to introduce myself; I am Quan Shidai, a disciple of the Heavenly Intent Sect, and this is my junior brother, Yuan Shiheng

"Brother Chu, where are you going?" Quan Shidai asked, holding down Chu Tian's hand that was gripping the sword.

Oh no! At the moment the sword was drawn, the spiritual platform of Huan Changge sensed the change in Chu Tian's thoughts, realizing that the opponent was about to change tactics again

Qin Guan sneered, "I will count to three; either you die, or she dies"

However, he is not comparable to the likes of Qin Guan, instantly displaying his flawless dharma body as he falls backward, wielding his sword to slash diagonally at the sky of Chu.

Seeing Chu Tiantian lost in thought, Quan Shidai inquired: "Brother Chu, what are you thinking about?"

Chutian returned the notice to Yuan Shiheng and asked, "Is this what you were just discussing?"

At three shafts of the sun, eight black-clad guards stood at the entrance of the Iron Clothes Gang's headquarters, as if facing a formidable enemy

Chutian executed the Six Swords of the Qiao with each move, gaining a deeper understanding of the sword intent in his heart. His application of the techniques became increasingly proficient and effortless, and their power correspondingly grew.

On that day, she infiltrated the headquarters of the Iron Garment Gang to set it on fire. Initially, she was successful, but she wanted to ignite a few more spots to provide cover for Quan Shidai and the others to escape. Unexpectedly, Huan Changge descended from the sky and captured her alive in a single round.

Huan Changge first felt the threat from the Chu sky, as if the call of the Underworld God was palpable in the air

Qin Guan was taken aback by the darkening sky, fearing that Huan Changge would agree to it. In that case, regardless of victory or defeat, he would be unable to kill Chu Tian to avenge his son

Chutian broke free from Quan Shidai's hand and asked, "Has your junior sister fallen into Qin Guantian's hands?"

After he finished the rabbit legs in a few bites, he felt invigorated. He reached for the Cangyun Yuanchan sword that was stuck in the ground and said, "I will go out for a walk"

This is what I saw in Huaiyang City the day before yesterday. Yuan Shiheng stood up and handed a notice to Chu Tian

He knew that Quan Shidai's abilities were inferior to his own, so he deliberately restrained his true energy and executed a move called "Reversing Destiny"

Chutian casually remarked, "The moonlight outside is quite nice; I would like to take a walk."

It seems that Brother Chu no longer requires our assistance. Quan Shidai withdrew his gaze from Chu Tian, looking up at the bright moon in the sky, and said, "It is getting late; we should also set off."

The Cangyun Yuancheng Sword rotates like a wheel, instantly locking onto the long sword thrusting from the entire world, causing it to spin rapidly.

Chutian gazed at the incision for a moment, shook his head without saying a word, and walked towards another ancient pine a few steps away

Chutian tested and found that the magical energy of the Brahman was circulating smoothly within the body, with only a slight stagnation remaining in the left rib area

Chutian stood tall and unleashed a powerful punch, the force of the blow was solid and rounded, striking towards the lower abdomen of Huan Changge

Chutian shook his head and said: "What Qin Guantian is looking for is me; what use is it for you to go?"

A roar echoed as the magical energy surged within Chutian's dantian, his entire body faintly radiating a golden-red mist, exuding a chilling aura like frost and ice. The Cangyun Yuancheng Sword howled like thunder, rising amidst a swirling mass of white mist, resembling chaotic clouds in flight, with the sword's edge reflecting the snow as it pointed towards the center of Huan Changge's brow

Huan Changge said: "You killed him for me, very well. Next, we should resolve the matter between you and me"

Upon seeing Chu Tian wake up, the two individuals immediately ceased their conversation and approached.

After more than twenty rounds of combat, Quan Shidai could no longer withstand the pressure of the sword energy and withdrew from the battle, leaving Yuan Shiheng to face Chu Tian alone.

Yuan Shiheng, upon witnessing this, launched a side attack. In his hand, the long sword "Shou Zhuo" was wielded with a heavy and solemn demeanor, slashing diagonally with great force. However, the technique employed was another sword style from the Tianyi Sect, known as "Qing Tian Jiu Jue".

Quan Shidai sighed and said, "Brother Chu, your swordsmanship is truly remarkable"

Quan Shidai felt that his long sword could be easily wrested from his hand at any moment, yet he was mired in a quagmire, unable to extricate himself. He sincerely praised, "Good!"

Their hands rested on the knife handles, and the usual fierce demeanor akin to that of wolves and tigers had completely vanished, as they looked down at Chu Tian with fear.

The three swords intertwined in the air, producing a continuous series of crisp sounds like "ding ding". Seeing that he could no longer hold on, Quan Shidai let out a sharp whistle and flicked his fingers, sending a stream of finger wind that pierced through the swirling snow light, aiming to disrupt the operation of the Cangyun Yuanchan Sword.

In summary, I have an indescribable feeling that if your sword techniques could become a bit more relaxed, a bit more rounded, with less of a fierce energy and more of a broad demeanor, perhaps you would reach a higher level.

Did they leave the pine forest last night not to rescue the crimson goose, or did some other unexpected event occur?

He shouted before Huan Changge could speak: "Dream on! Since you have entered this door, life and death are no longer in your hands!" As he spoke, he exchanged a glance with two of his trusted subordinates.

Quan Shidai, upon hearing Chu Tian's question, hesitated for a moment and turned his gaze towards Yuan Shiheng

However, throughout the entire time, Huan Changge did not show any reaction; he appeared as an outsider, observing everything that was happening here with a cold gaze

Yuan Shiheng nodded slightly, and the figures of the two quietly disappeared into the depths of the night.

The clang of swords! The azure clouds and the primordial dawn seem to have returned to the glorious era of yore, as the radiant sword energy cleaves through the sea, carving a brilliant scar across the firmament.

As Chu Tian was about to strike with the Cangyun Yuancheng Sword, he suddenly noticed an unremarkable middle-aged man in the crowd of the Iron Clothes Gang on his left, who swiftly unleashed two beams of brilliance with a flick of his hand

"Chutian, although you have killed my son, I must admire your courage— you actually came!" Qin Guantian's eyes were filled with deep-seated hatred, "A life for a life; as long as you take your own life immediately, I can spare this girl!"

Chutian seemed oblivious, gazing towards Huan Changge and asking, "Do you think so too?"

Chutian Dao: "That is because I have a better suggestion. Do you dare to fight me again? If you win, I will let you handle it as you wish; if you lose, you will release the person!"

Full of losses, humility brings benefits

Indeed, as the "Gaze Over the Six Directions" of Chutian was halfway through its operation, the Cangyun Yuanchan Sword unexpectedly returned to the front of the body.

The crimson-faced goose, with a pale complexion, exclaimed: "Little brother, you must leave quickly. These fellows have no sense of loyalty; even if you die, they will not spare me!"

Huan Changge hurriedly played the song, kicking with his legs and striking with an iron fist towards Chutian

Huan Changge let out a cold hum and looked at Qin Guantian, saying: "Qin Gangzh主, do you think I am not a match for this kid?"