Chapter Nine, The Turning of the Tide

The entire venue was silent as a grave

Chi Zunxin's face flushed with embarrassment; his intentions for this surprise attack were not honorable, as he aimed to take advantage of the situation to annihilate the enemy. He then candidly stated: "Brother Lang, do not mock me. Given the circumstances, if we continue to fight to the death, we will both suffer heavy losses, allowing Qian Luo to reap the benefits. This is detrimental to both you and me." His words were entirely reasonable, for Chi Zunxin had not truly been defeated. The remaining four great killing gods still possessed complete combat capabilities, and aside from those who had died in battle, his Red Turban bandits numbered over two thousand, maintaining formidable strength. The outcome of the battle was still uncertain.

The spear's force stirred up the dust in the square, and both sides' warriors felt a suffocating pressure bearing down on them. The distance between Lang and Yuan, who had left the center of the square, was at least 5 zhang, yet they still sensed the fierce might of this spear. One can only imagine the pressure that Lang Fanyun, at the core of the attack, was experiencing.

A subordinate stepped forward with large strides, holding a large iron shield that was within reach of a person, the shield covered in spikes, resembling a hedgehog with its back arched, its shape intimidating

A person strides out of the hall along the old path of conquering the heavens, and who else could it be but the most fearsome swordsman of the present, known for his rain-swept sword waves and cloud-turning prowess

Shangguan Ying cast a glance at Lang Fanyun and Ling Zhantian, both of whom showed no reaction, knowing that they respected him and allowed him to make the decision. He said loudly: "Alright! Lord Chi speaks frankly and his word is as good as gold, let us decide this way."

The sun rises in the east over the distant lake, illuminating the earth

The sword, covered in rain, was drawn from its sheath, resembling a dragon emerging from the sea, a roc spreading its wings. First, there was a burst of radiance, which suddenly exploded, transforming into a rain of light, filling the sky and the earth,迎向 the piercing shadows of spears.

At this moment, the members of the Angry Jiao Gang erupted in a chorus of calls, their cheers resounding like thunder. Yuan Zhirou had killed many of their beloved brothers, and with their great vengeance fulfilled, how could they not be overjoyed to the point of madness

Chi Zunxin let out a loud shout, swinging the large iron spear with great force in a horizontal sweep, causing the waves to surge and the clouds to scatter. Such a powerful sweep is the most exhausting to one's energy, and Chi Zunxin must have a follow-up plan.

Chi Zunxin took the iron shield in one hand, firmly gripping the handle behind the shield with his left hand, completely covering his body from the neck down

Chi Zunxin indeed possesses a unique insight when it comes to selecting weapons

Yuan Zhirou let out a tragic scream, the serpentine spear flew more than three zhang ahead after slipping from her hand, but her wildly charging body was knocked back by the wave from Lang Fanyun, causing her to spit out a mouthful of blood like an arrow. With a loud "peng," she fell to the ground, dying on the spot

Ling Zhantian finally revealed a smile as bright as the sun on his face. After this ordeal, the Angry Flood Dragon Gang will unite as one and restore its former glory.

Every drop of light rain collides with the tips of countless spear shadows

Shangguan Ying trembled all over, suddenly realizing that his identity as the leader had been truly acknowledged. He felt grateful in his heart, knowing that Lang Fanyun was using this matter to consolidate his own position. Taking a few steps forward, he met the blazing gaze of Chi Zunxin without fear and declared: "This time, due to your provocation and surprise attack, my gang has suffered losses and shed blood. If I were to let you retreat unscathed, the Angry Jiao Gang would surely be laughed at by the world." After a pause, he continued: "Unless the sect leader can outline conditions that our gang can accept, otherwise, all discussions are off."

The Rain Covering Sword is crafted with simplicity, devoid of any embellishments, and it strikes sideways just an inch behind the tip of the spear thrust by Yuan Zhirou.

Ling Zhantian placed his hand on his waist, ready to act with the ghostly rope.

This is the action of the waves crashing against the clouds

Chi Zun suddenly realized in his heart that he had already lost, while Lang Fan Yun was focused and determined, using his sword to confront the enemy. Meanwhile, he himself was indecisive about choosing a weapon, even unsure of what weapon to select, resulting in a scattered mind and weakened spirit

Lang Fanyun retreated seven steps in succession before he could stabilize his footing, and then he unleashed the Rain Covering Sword Technique with full force to counter the enemy's relentless attacks like a torrent of mercury.

Angry Dragon Island returns to peace

From the laborious appearance of this person lifting the iron shield, it is evident that the shield is quite heavy

Everything happened too quickly, and the incident occurred suddenly. The members of the Angry Flood Dragon Gang did not even have time to shout curses, as Yuan Zhirou's serpent spear was only five feet away from Lang Fanyun.

Chi Zunxin withdrew to his own formation, feeling a moment of hesitation within his heart, unsure of which weapon to choose. Lang Fanyun's swordsmanship could be both gentle and fierce, clumsy and skillful, having already transcended the limitations of the long sword

The red deity worships Tianchang with a smile, and before a response could be given, a person from the Zunxin Sect suddenly leaped out, charging directly at Lang Fanyun, shouting: "While others may fear you, Lang Fanyun, I, Yuan Zhirou, do not fear you in the slightest. Watch as I take your dog life."

Even the formidable Red Lord of the West, who had witnessed countless grand scenes of banditry and tyranny, was momentarily stunned by this brutal transformation.

The story of "The Reversal of Rain and Clouds" comes to a conclusion at this point

A simple reach to the treasure.

The tip of the sword points at the tip of the spear

The furious dragon makes people so anxious that they are left speechless.

Chi Zunxin said: "Good! Let me experience your brilliance." He signaled to his subordinate behind him who was retrieving a weapon.

Even Lian Ling is worried about Lang Fanyun, as there are no false heroes beneath the great reputation. Chi Zunxin has remained undefeated for many years, indeed possessing extraordinary skills and making a strong first impression

Lang Fan Yun Dan Ran said: "Leader Shangguan, whether to fight or to make peace, now depends on your word to decide"

The sound of the iron spear breaking through the wind reverberated throughout the entire venue

The Red Turbans saw the leader's imposing demeanor, which could not help but revive their fighting spirit, and they all shouted and cheered, their voices echoing across the square

The waves surged while the clouds stood still, yet no matter how fiercely the Crimson Sovereign attacked, the sword rain that erupted from his hands always managed to strike upon the shadow of the spear, firmly sealing its momentum.

In countless battles, Chi Zunxin was always able to swiftly determine the best weapon to use, but this time, faced with the terrifying Rain-Overturning Sword, he hesitated for the first time

The entire venue was silent, with the sound of a pin dropping clearly audible

Each spear is imbued with the astonishing energy of unwavering faith, rendering it invincible.

Shangguan Ying turned to look at the imposing Nu Jiao Hall and called out in his heart: "Father, rest assured, I will definitely follow your last words, strive diligently, and ensure that my gang flourishes and maintains its illustrious reputation!"

This is the battle that will determine the fate of the two factions

The waves surged, and the corner of the eye did not glance at the "Serpent God" Yuan Zhirou, who was desperately charging with the "Serpent-shaped Spear". The gaze was fixed on Chi Zunxin, guarding against any opportunity he might seize to strike.

Chi Zunxin shouted loudly, unleashing several powerful strikes with all his might, and suddenly retreated. It seemed he had gained the upper hand and could leave at will.

The Red Turban Bandits of the Zunxin Gate also breathed a sigh of relief. With Lang Fanyun and Ling Zhantian present, continuing this battle would be no different from sending oneself to death

The other red-scarf bandits turned pale, unable to speak a word.

Another voice spoke up, saying: "Brother Ling, let this battle be left to the elder brother."

The fierce wind generated by the sweeping of the great iron spear caused his entire body to resonate with a rustling sound. As he swung his sword to deflect the heavy blow of the great iron spear, the sword's edge struck the spear, and he suddenly felt as if it was weightless and effortless. In an instant, a figure appeared before him; it was none other than Chi Zunxin, who had forcefully seized the spear.

Chi Zunxin maintained a powerful offensive while secretly lamenting that heavy weapons were only effective for breaching defenses and not suitable for prolonged battles. If he were forced to remain at this distance, he would exhaust his strength within a hundred moves. The moment he revealed any opening, Lang Fanyun would seize the opportunity to strike. Once the initiative was lost, he would find himself in a defensive position. With this thought in mind, he decided to change his strategy

Ling Zhantian and Lang Fanyun, who passed each other by chance, exchanged a glance, their bond forged through life and death evident in that fleeting moment

Chi Zunxin, armed with a spear and a shield, stands at an impressive height of seven feet, draped in a long black robe, with a face adorned by a thick beard, exuding a formidable presence

When the spear was only four feet away from the waves, Yuan Zhirou's androgynous voice let out another loud shout, gathering all her strength and striking at full speed

The heavens and the earth change color

A series of sounds erupted, resembling a sudden downpour striking against the wind chimes

Chi Zunxin smiled and said, "Even if our entire army is annihilated, the Angry Flood Gang will also suffer significant damage. In today's world, who does not wish to take our positions and rise to power? The destruction of the Angry Flood Gang is merely a matter of time compared to my Zunxin Sect. I wonder if Brother Ling agrees with this?" This person spoke with sharpness, analyzing the consequences in vivid detail. If Ling Zhantian were to argue further, it would appear lacking in grace.

Chi Zunxin retreated after gathering his strength, and for the first time, his face changed color

The waves surge and the clouds roll, yet with a single sword in hand, one can master the transformations of all weapons in the world

(End of Volume One)

The people in the square stopped breathing, leaving only thousands of anxious and restless hearts beating.

Chi Zunxin faced the waves two zhang away, letting out a long laugh and said: "What a thrill! For over thirty years, I, Chi, have never had a general capable of ten matches under my command. Brother Lang, please!"

The entire venue was enveloped in silence, awaiting the decision of this "bandit overlord" who shakes the western frontier, which would determine the fate of the future

At this moment, another strong man rushed out, carrying a large iron spear that was two zhang long

The red nobleman displays an imposing demeanor, and the world is enveloped in a chilling atmosphere.

Lang Fan Yun strode to a distance of two zhang in front of Chi Zun Xin and said with a chuckle, "Brother Chi, instead of enjoying a peaceful life at home, you have mobilized your forces to disturb the foundation of my assistance. If things go awry, it could lead to a complete rout for you. Why go through such trouble?"

The members of the Angry Dragon Gang were filled with joyous cheers.

Conversely, upon witnessing the formidable presence of Chi Zunxin, the members of the Angry Flood Dragon Gang were momentarily left dumbfounded. Consider that both individuals possess similar levels of skill; how could Lang Fanyun, wielding a long sword, possibly contend with this massive shield that is as impenetrable as an iron gate, or with the great iron spear capable of shattering gold and stone in its assault

With a swift motion of the Rain-Covering Sword, it struck against the rapidly thrusting serpentine spear

It is difficult to make even a small advance in the face of great respect and trust.

The autumn sun hangs in the sky, and the earth is enveloped in a serene stillness

A simple entry by Bo

Due to Chi Zunxin's candid admission that the Angry Flood Dragon Gang possesses the power to cause his military defeat and loss of life, his attitude is sincere

Yuan Zhirou sensed that the situation was dire, and as she summoned her divine strength to attempt to deflect the sword, she thrust forward. Little did she know that Lang Fanyun's sword, seemingly clumsy yet truly skillful, exhibited subtle changes. Although it was a horizontal slash, it concealed an astonishing force that propelled the snake-shaped spear forward, plunging Yuan Zhirou into an irretrievable predicament. It is important to note that as she lunged forward with a fierce thrust, her entire momentum was directed ahead. Lang Fanyun's clever maneuver effectively combined their forces, pushing Yuan Zhirou forward. In this moment, how could Yuan Zhirou resist? It was as if a raging bull, driven forward, was propelled directly past Lang Fanyun.

Yuan Zhirou watched as the spear was about to strike Lang Fanyun, but in the blink of an eye, Lang Fanyun's Rain-Covering Sword had already slashed at her spear, which had long been soaked in human blood, with a speed that was difficult for the naked eye to perceive

Ling Zhantian interjected, "Not at all, not at all. Brother Chi, although you possess the strength to fight again, you have no hope of victory. At the foot of the mountain, I have already deployed an elite force, personally led by my general, 'Mountain-Piercing Tiger' Pang Guo, to cut off your retreat. You must be aware of this."

The wave surged, and with the momentum, it struck fiercely against the ambiguous figure beneath.

The spear clattered to the ground, raising a cloud of dust. Waves surged, and at the corner of the eye, a dark cloud came crashing towards me. The Rain-Covering Sword was drawn swiftly; upon colliding with the dark cloud, I felt as if I had been electrocuted and could not help but take a step back. The dark cloud moved as swiftly as smoke, sweeping past. It was then that I clearly saw Chi Zunxin, whose hands were wielding a massive iron shield, six feet tall, its surface covered with sharp spikes. The edges of the shield glimmered with silver light, extremely sharp, resembling a deadly axe.

Two top-tier masters of the underworld have reached the inevitable moment of confrontation

Chi Zunxin raised his right hand and walked forward to exchange three handshakes with Shangguan Ying, the two major figures of the underworld established a vow of non-aggression

Ling Zhantian returned to the main formation; for such a tough battle, it is naturally appropriate for Lang Fanyun to take the lead.

The red nobleman uses the weapons of the world for his own purposes

The waves do not pursue the clouds

A seemingly inaudible low murmur arose in the hands of the wave-turning cloud, which could not be overshadowed even by the powerful sound of the great iron spear slicing through the wind

Chi Zunxin looked at Lang Fanyun and said, "Brother Lang, the title of the world's number one swordsman is well-deserved. When you visit the western border in the future, I will certainly extend my hospitality and we shall conspire to indulge in a drink together"

This is the essence of Yuan Zhirou's lifelong spear technique. She has gained fame for many years and is revered as the top expert among the Seven Killing Gods. Aware of the exquisite and clever nature of Lang Fanyun's Rain-Overturning Sword, she knows that comparing herself to him in this regard would undoubtedly lead to her own demise. Therefore, she transforms her finesse into clumsiness, employing a straightforward approach with her spear, relying purely on speed, angle, and momentum to achieve victory, which is exceptionally fierce

Chi Zunxin shouted loudly, his figure darting swiftly to the left and right like lightning. With each movement, a multitude of spear shadows surged forth, resembling a torrential rainstorm, attacking Lang Fan Yun from various angles

In the blink of an eye, a distance of two zhang was crossed, and the great iron spear transformed into layers of spear shadows, enveloping every vital point on Lang Fan Yun's body.

The crowd was perplexed and could not understand why Chi Zunxin would abandon the hard-won advantage after such a fierce battle. Only those with keen insight could see that although Chi Zunxin had the upper hand, victory was not assured. This style of play was the most exhausting, so it was wise to retreat while there was still an opportunity to do so, in order to avoid becoming mired in a difficult situation.

This great iron shield, in the hands of the Crimson Sovereign, feels as light as a feather, resembling a weightless black smoke cloud. It can launch attacks from any angle and at any speed; sometimes it rolls forward like a wheel, while at other times it descends like Mount Tai, with techniques that are continuous and ever-changing, leaving both sides in a state of astonishment.

Waves crash and clouds roll, yet the mind remains calm and composed, with the sword sheathed within

The red deity worshippers first look to the heavens, where the sky is clear and vast. In two days, it will be the Mid-Autumn Festival. If I persist and continue to fight, who knows how many disciples of the red deity will be able to witness the full moon after this battle. I momentarily fell into contemplation

The members of the Angry Dragon Gang then remembered to cheer loudly

The waves rolled and the clouds were light, yet he calmly said, "Brother Chi, you are being too polite." However, in his heart, he was thinking that in two days, it would be the anniversary of Xi Xi's passing, and at that time, he would take a boat on Dongting Lake and first plan to get drunk!

Moreover, the underworld is divided into three factions; once the balance is lost, the weak will be preyed upon by the strong, and conflict will arise, leading to a perpetual state of unrest

Lang Fanyun seemed to have completed a trivial task, turning to Chi Zunxin with a smile and saying: "Please!"

Chi Zunxin, with his deep foresight and careful planning, understood that regardless of the circumstances, as long as it was reported afterward that he sought peace while firmly holding the upper hand, he would gain considerable prestige.

Chi Zunxin, seizing the moment, laughed wildly and said, "Brother Lang, do we really have to part ways in life and death before we can stop?"

The entire venue was silent as a grave

Like Gan Luo, he strives to avoid a direct confrontation with Lang Fanyun, but unfortunately, things do not go as planned. Having gained fame in the martial world for several decades, he instantly gathers his focus at this moment, preparing to resist a formidable opponent

Chi Zunxin cast his gaze over both the enemy and his own side, and suddenly said, "Very well! I, Chi Zunxin, will retreat to the western border from this day forth. As long as you, Chief Shangguan Ying, live for one more day, I shall no longer invade. What is your esteemed opinion, Chief Shangguan?" This was tantamount to publicly admitting defeat

The Red Turban bandits were frenzied and mad, their shouts of encouragement deafening.

In an instant, both sides shouted in unison, the atmosphere charged with murderous intent, and the situation was tense

The seven malevolent deities of the Zhenxin Gate, two dead and one injured

The red dignitary led the crowd in retreat

Yet the story of the Sword of Rain and the Waves of Cloud has only just begun

A dull and uncomfortable sound emerged during the clash of swords and spears, with sound waves shooting into the eardrums of everyone present, causing their hearts to race and feel restless

Chi Zunxin let out a loud shout, instantly drowning out the cheers from his supporters. Following this, he flicked his wrist, causing the large iron spear to transform into a series of cold glimmers, wildly dancing in the space two zhang in front of him. With a shield in his left hand, he moved with a combination of stillness and motion, advancing step by step like waves crashing against the clouds. Taking advantage of the cheers from his subordinates to bolster his momentum, he launched his attack with the force of a thunderous strike.

Lang Fan Yun chuckled in disbelief and said, "Brother Chi, you have hands and feet, and no one is forcing you to come to our island. Such ridiculous words, I can't believe you would say them."