Chapter 4, The Divine Mountain and the Ghost Sword
Han Lang's astonishment was beyond measure. With Xuanyuan's speed and strength, it was impossible to block Han Ru's path. Yet just now, Han Ru had effortlessly evaded Xuanyuan's obstruction. There was only one possibility—that Xuanyuan had deliberately allowed Han Ru to pass.
Han Ru let out a cold laugh of disdain, twisting his body and slipping past Xuanyuan's obstruction like a snake, effortlessly pursuing Bao Ruo, feeling even more contempt in his heart
Bao Ruo looked at Xuanyuan with a sulky expression, but did not know what to say. After a long pause, he finally spoke: "Aren't you coming with me? You killed them; will your people let you go?"
The person searching for the remains of Jiao You searched everywhere, yet did not find Jiao You's body, nor could any traces of blood be found at the bottom of the valley. However, the group did recover the python bone hairpin that was atop Jiao You's head
The details of each action, every little bit, flow like water, with the patterns clearly visible
No one has ever known Xuanyuan's true strength, just like the "Divine Mountain Ghost Sword" from earlier, which was an accident, and Han Lang died because of this accident. Sadly, people often overlook such a young man, yet that which is overlooked often poses the greatest threat
Jiao Meng was momentarily taken aback, realizing her own loss of composure, but she quickly displayed a face of indifference and said: "It is the sworn enemy of my clan"
On Xuanyuan's left hand was a barbed刺 tied with ice silkworm silk. While Hanlang was fully focused on the sword in Xuanyuan's hand, Xuanyuan shot out the barbed刺.
A trace of extremely fierce amusement flashed in Xuanyuan's eyes; with a flick of his left hand, Hanlang let out another pained groan, staggering even more beneath his feet
The wife of Jiao Meng, deeply affectionate towards her daughter, fainted upon learning that her beloved daughter had fallen from the rooftop. The rooftop reached high into the clouds; how could one survive such a fall from such a height without being shattered to pieces? The clan members, thinking of such a lovely girl being reduced to a bloody mess, could not help but feel a chill in their hearts and sigh. Many of them shed tears.
Perhaps the gaze of Xuanyuan was filled with even greater compassion.
"Did I help you kill him?" Bao Ruo said somewhat aggrievedly
"Xuanyuan, do you know what crime you have committed?" Han Ru asked coldly
I do not need your help! Xuanyuan said without any gratitude
Hanru had never seen such a fighting style before; Xuanyuan was simply acting like a rogue. However, he had to admit the finesse and effectiveness of Xuanyuan's strike
***
Bang... Xuanyuan kicked again at Hanru's body, which was wide-eyed in shock
"Father, who is Huye?" Jiao Long interrupted Jiao Meng's words, puzzled.
Xuanyuan revealed a hint of disdainful smile, and although he did not respond to Hanru's words, he said with a touch of pride: "Now it is your turn!"
Xuan Yuan and the gaze of the book turned towards Han Ru and Han Lang, somewhat indifferent, somewhat compassionate
At the waist of the Sword Peak, the child saw this snake, which we had never encountered before, so he brought it back
Jiao Meng fell into deep thought, her eyes flashing with two extremely cold glimmers. As she clenched her fist, her knuckles cracked with a few sharp sounds, yet she bitterly murmured to herself: "Hu Ye, you have finally come. I have been waiting for you for over ten years, over ten years..."
Jiao Long suddenly realized, but due to concern for Jiao You's whereabouts, he couldn't help but ask anxiously: "What about my sister's situation?"
Killing and plundering are the most primitive behaviors that emerged with the creation of this world, and the martial arts of Han Ru and Han Lang have developed and been integrated through such acts of slaughter.
Xuanyuan did not stop, walking away without even turning his head
"Did you kill him?" Han Ru could hardly believe his eyes, coldly stating.
The expression on the face of the dragon also became quite unpleasant, and unable to contain himself, he trembled slightly and asked, "Father, is this the legendary white serpent?"
Han Ru was also taken aback, and at that moment of his astonishment, Bao Ruo's foot suddenly pushed against his chest, and then his entire body was propelled backward by the force.
On May 28th each year, the Jihe River swells, and the dragon will inevitably unleash its wild nature, causing disturbances and wreaking havoc upon the world. Therefore, every year on May 28th, the water pool at the entrance of the Sacred Mountain cave will rise dramatically, resulting in flooding and even water columns soaring into the sky
Bang ... ... Han Lang had no choice but to counter, simply because Xuanyuan's attack was too swift and fierce
"Second brother, go and bring that girl back. I'll take care of this madman!" Han Lang said with a smile to Han Ru
This is an extremely small and highly flexible gadget, yet Mu Ai and He Tian both suffered losses because of it, ultimately paying with their lives. At this moment, a large piece of flesh has been torn from Han Lang's left leg
The momentum of Xuanyuan's sword was even more intense, and somewhat eerie, showing no signs of hesitation despite Hanru's urgent shout
Indeed, in the world, only the Tiger Leaf can cultivate such a highly toxic creature, and within a radius of three hundred miles of our Qiao ethnic tribe, it is simply impossible for the white viper to survive, as this is a species of venomous snake that lives in the southern regions
Xuanyuan's speed in using his elbow is extremely fast, and the force seems to be astonishingly great
When Jiao Meng saw this snake, her face suddenly turned pale, and she murmured, "White Serpent!"
Han Ru seems to be much stronger than Han Lang. At the very least, he is like a cunning wolf, striking only from extremely unconventional angles. However, his opponent is Xuan Yuan, an alternative figure who cannot be understood through normal reasoning.
Xuanyuan
The dragon seemed to have sensed something about the *illustration* and asked with some concern, "Does this white serpent have any relation to the tiger leaf?"
Jiao Meng took a breath and said
The flow of water at the entrance of the cave that feeds into the Jihe River is exactly equal to that of these three springs.
Xuan Yuan's cold snort echoed in his ears, and Han Ru felt a surging momentum like a tide attempting to obstruct his path of detour
When Han Lang understood this point, it seemed somewhat late. The separation of Han Ru and Han Lang was precisely Xuan Yuan's hope. At this moment, Xuan Yuan's objective had already been achieved, and there was no longer a need to conceal his strength.
It is a sword, as swift as an arc of lightning.
Han Lang seemed to be struck by a massive wave, suddenly retreating five steps, while a shimmering light slipped out from Xuanyuan's sleeve.
When ... ... '' the Hanlang blocked Xuanyuan's sword, he let out a cry of agony as he was once again forced to retreat.
This year's sacrificial ceremony has just begun, and a series of disturbances have already occurred, which indeed does not bode well. However, the young people are not concerned with these matters; they only care about the life and death of Jiao You.
The sound of metal clashing echoed as Xuanyuan's sword struck the back of Hanru's blade. In a swift motion, he abandoned his sword and used his elbow instead.
Are you out of your mind? Han Lang glanced at Xuanyuan with a hint of extreme disdain and contempt in his expression
For Han Ru, killing is not a difficult task, nor is it the first time. In this ancient and confined world, the atmosphere is already filled with the scent of slaughter and death
Thank you! Baoruo observed Xuanyuan's sword strike just now very clearly, and she did not expect that Xuanyuan would actually kill his own kin
The Heaven Sacrifice, an annual grand event, requires the selection of the four most valiant and formidable warriors from the two clans, who will preside over the sacrificial rites alongside the three high priests. From that moment on, these four warriors will be known as the Four Spirit Children. A platform three zhang high serves as the altar for the Heaven Sacrifice, while a smaller platform one zhang high is designated for martial arts demonstrations. Representatives of the "Qiao Clan" and the "Guo Clan" will each send young warriors to compete on stage, and the ultimate victor will face the Four Spirit Children. This also becomes a significant honor, along with the reward of a mysterious bamboo sword.
She is not a weak woman who fears killing. Xuan Yuan also knows that when he captured this woman, he expended considerable effort. Therefore, he understands that this woman is not simple. The fact that she could so accurately seize the opportunity to eliminate Han Ru shows that she is certainly not an ordinary person
Han Ru also let out a burst of mocking laughter towards Xuanyuan, his body darting like a cunning squirrel, attempting to sneak around from the side to seize the weak Baoruo.
Han Ru acted because he knew that between him and Xuanyuan, only one of them could survive, so he no longer hesitated
With a low whistle, Xuanyuan's sharp sword stirred up layers of gleaming light, seizing the opportunity to strike without mercy against the books. In Xuanyuan's eyes, any close relative associated with the Earth Priest must die, and they deserved no less.
As if awakening from a dream, when he lunged towards Bao Ruo again, he felt a strong sense of murderous intent enveloping his entire body, as if the moment he moved, he would immediately be subjected to a storm of attacks
Bao Ruo's efforts calmed the turmoil in his heart, and he looked gratefully at Xuanyuan, only to see the Hanlang behind Xuanyuan suddenly collapse with a loud 'bang'
The Divine Mountain Ghost Sword! Han Lang finally recognized that this most terrifying move of Xuanyuan was so familiar.
Xuan Yuan is indeed like this, the Xuan Yuan Sword strikes like the wind, and the chosen angles are more cunning than Han Ru, surpassing it without exception. The killing intent surges forth, and he does not wish to entangle too much with Han Ru; otherwise, when the earth priest returns, everything is likely to change, including Xuan Yuan's fate
The face of the dragon was ashen, as it grasped a snake with a grayish-white back. Its head was shaped like a diamond triangle, and the snake's body suddenly narrowed at the tail tip, measuring eight inches. The slender tail resembled a prosthetic limb inserted into the snake's body, strange and inexplicable
If Jiao You fell into the bottomless abyss at the entrance of the divine mountain cave, then it would be no different from falling to the ground.
Han Lang was well aware of Xuanyuan's usual performance, which is why he looked down on Xuanyuan from the very beginning, considering him a lesser opponent. This led Han Ru to pursue the weak, but at this moment, he realized that he had been gravely mistaken.
The aura of death is not solely produced by the beasts of the primordial era; rather, it predominantly arises from the conflicts between individuals.
Han Ru felt a sense of wanting to cry, unable to believe that his opportunity had been so easily deceived by Xuanyuan's strange trick, yet he found himself helpless in the face of it
"Not bad, where did you catch this poison?" Jiao Meng's voice turned somewhat cold as she asked.
With a loud crash, Han suddenly spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. He could hardly believe that he would die in such a manner, not only at the hands of a woman but also under the blade of his own brother.
The sword of Hanlang was unleashed, extremely swift and fierce, yet at this moment he was entirely in a passive state, having lost all initiative. Although he had not yet exhausted his retreat, he was utterly unable to resist the overwhelming momentum of Xuanyuan, which surged like a tidal wave.
The group of people busy with the heavenly sacrifice all set aside their tasks to search for the body of Jiao You in the valley, as it is an undeniable fact that Jiao You fell from the Tian Tai. The altar is built at the foot of the cliff beneath the Tian Tai, adjacent to the Ji River. The altar is five zhang square in height, and below this high platform, there is another square platform approximately one zhang high and three zhang five chi wide.
To awaken the benevolence of the giant dragon, the two clans must offer a living sacrifice on May 28th of each year to ensure a year of peace, which is the origin of the annual heavenly sacrifice.
"Why are you still here?" Xuanyuan did not feel pleased that Bao Ruo had helped him kill Han Ru; he merely asked coldly.
You may leave now! Xuanyuan spoke to Bao Ruo in a tone that was both imperious and gentle.
At this moment, Han Ru could only retreat, as his sword was blocked by Xuanyuan. Only at the moment of withdrawal could he retract his weapon to evade Xuanyuan's elbow.
With a call, Xuanyuan's arm extended straight. Although Hanru retreated in surprise, Xuanyuan's five fingers still tore away the fabric of his chest, leaving several claw marks on his front.
The hairpin fell onto the pile of stones by the pool at the entrance of the Sacred Mountain Cave, casting a shadow over everyone's hearts. The pool at the entrance of the cave is unfathomably deep, with water flowing into the divine cave and merging with the Ji River. Three springs continuously feed into the pool, cascading down from a height of ten zhang on the Tiantai Cliff, resembling three ribbons of silk. The fine water droplets in the wind appear like smoke and mist, creating an exceptionally beautiful scene. At another exit of the Sacred Mountain, the pool water rushes through an opening two zhang wide and about three feet high, pouring into the Ji River with the force of ten thousand galloping horses, descending five zhang, presenting a magnificent and imposing sight. Three springs continuously feed into the pool, cascading down from a height of ten zhang on the Tiantai Cliff, resembling three ribbons of silk. The fine water droplets in the wind appear like smoke and mist, creating an exceptionally beautiful scene. At another exit of the Sacred Mountain, the pool water rushes through an opening two zhang wide and about three feet high, pouring into the Ji River with the force of ten thousand galloping horses, descending five zhang, presenting a magnificent and imposing sight.
Certainly, if Han Lang had known that Mu Ai was already dead, he would never have been so careless, nor would he have allowed Han Ru to part ways with him. However, at this moment, the situation is already set, and he can only draw his sword to block.
Do not ... ... "Han Ru obviously heard Han Lang's cries. Brothers share a bond; how could he still have the heart to care about the captured 'sacrifice' Bao Ruo? But by the time he rushed back, it was already too late. Everything happened too quickly, too quickly!
As Han Ru retreated again and again, his body suddenly trembled, and a sharp sword pierced into his back.
On Xuanyuan's sword, there was an additional trace of blood, and in his eyes, a hint of madness, yet he cast a look of approval towards Baoruo.
The murderer is precisely the one who praises weakness, and the sword used to praise weakness is the sword of Hanlang
Han Lang let out a surprised exclamation of "Oh!" as he saw Xuanyuan's arm strike out like the tail of a giant snake, sweeping past Han Ru and aiming at him, while at that moment, Han Ru had already swiftly retreated.
The serpent's body continued to writhe, yet the Mosquito Dragon's grip tightened even more, its fingers nearly sinking into the flesh of the snake
You must immediately instruct all the clan members to be cautious of the stealthy attacks of poison
The God of the Ji River is a colossal dragon from the heavenly palace. It is said that it once assisted the goddess Nüwa in repairing the sky by carrying stones. However, after exhausting its divine power, it fell into the Ji River, and the divine stone it held in its mouth fell to the riverbank, becoming the Sacred Mountain.
The dragon paused for a moment, gazing at the expression on his father's face. He understood that saying more would be futile, so he turned to leave, secretly resolving that regardless of who Huye was, since this venomous snake had appeared on Sword Peak, he must have been there and was likely connected to You'er’s disappearance. Perhaps it was this person who had pushed You'er off the cliff. Therefore, he was determined to obtain Huye's head to honor You'er’s spirit in the heavens. He must have been to Sword Peak and was likely connected to You'er’s disappearance. Perhaps it was this person who had pushed You'er off the cliff. Therefore, he was determined to obtain Huye's head to honor You'er’s spirit in the heavens
I know! Therefore, I will eliminate everyone who is aware of this matter
Bao Ruo's face appeared somewhat pale, yet he felt helpless. He kicked Han Ru's corpse with frustration before running off towards the east
Jiao Meng sighed and said, "Life and death are determined by fate. If heaven has decreed that You'er must die, no one can prevent it. I have already sent several elders to search for You'er's body; you just need to instruct them to be cautious in dealing with this poison. Additionally, send this white snake to the Sky Priest and let the Sky Priest see if there are any remedies to counteract the toxicity of the white snake."
The altar erected is not directly facing the divine cave, but rather positioned at its side, making it impossible to see the conditions within the cave. This is due to the fact that during the heavenly sacrifice, the water pool must be filled with columns of water shooting into the sky, with massive waves surging, as if ravaged by whirlwinds and storms
The gratitude in her heart was indescribable, for she believed that Xuanyuan had killed his own kin for her sake; how could she not feel grateful? There was no doubt regarding the promises Xuanyuan had made to her.
The clansmen all know that it is the dwelling place of the God of the Ji River. The legends surrounding the God of the Ji River seem to be extremely ancient and vividly depicted
At the moment Han Ru was startled, he also noticed that Xuanyuan's foot silently swept in, like a nimble great snake, and it seemed that there was not a single part of Xuanyuan's body that was not a lethal weapon
Xuanyuan smiled in a somewhat peculiar manner, yet there was an inherent chilling power that emanated from him
Speed is relative; compared to inanimate objects, it is undoubtedly swift beyond measure. However, in comparison to Xuanyuan's gaze, Hanru's actions seem almost laughably slow
However, at that time, everyone busy at the altar heard the long, despairing cry of Jiao You.
The tip of the sword pierced through the back of Han like a sharp blade.
Therefore, the altar cannot be constructed directly opposite the divine cave; rather, it appears to be a structure that is entirely unrelated to the divine cave.
Han Ru and Han Lang's expressions turned extremely grim, but they soon exchanged a strange laugh, as if they had heard an exceedingly amusing joke, which also carried a hint of cruelty
This is not your concern. If you do not leave now, I fear it may be too late!" As Xuanyuan spoke, he walked towards Longgang, no longer paying attention to Baoruo. Baoruo was taken aback, watching Xuanyuan's retreating figure, and called out anxiously:
Xuan Yuan was not surprised by Han Ru's movements and speed. Among the warriors of the clan, some could run at speeds comparable to leopards and wolves, which seemed to be innate. At the same time, Xuan Yuan had witnessed the speed of a flood dragon's strike, which was definitely faster than Han Ru's current actions
This ensures that the water in the bottomless abyss at the entrance of the sacred mountain cave will never overflow, nor will it ever diminish