Chapter 1, The Orphan in the Deep Mountains

Only then did Yan Beitian strike towards Yun Ya's back with a palm, followed by a backward pull of his hand. Yun Ya let out a startled cry as his body unexpectedly leaned back. He immediately employed the technique known as "Thousand-Jin Drop" to stabilize himself. Seizing this opportunity, Yan Beitian flipped forward and landed right in front of Yun Ya. He Xianweng and the others were all taken aback, not understanding what kind of extraordinary martial arts this was.

The Crane Immortal thought to himself, "This child is truly remarkable!" At that moment, he pointed with his left hand, and a burst of sword energy shot towards Yun Ya's "Heavenly Tapping Acupoint." Yun Ya thought, "Senior Crane has fought with my master before, and they exchanged over a thousand moves. He should be quite familiar with the 'Six Harmonies Sword Technique.' Given this, my chances of winning are not great; I need to come up with a strategy." As his thoughts turned, he executed a "Heavenly Walking Step" to evade this attack. The "Heavenly Walking Step" is the signature lightness skill of the Six Harmonies Sect. While ordinary lightness skills involve jumping, dodging, and running along walls, the "Heavenly Walking Step" is unique; it excels in mid-air situations, allowing one to shift positions while suspended in the air, something ordinary lightness skills cannot achieve. This technique bears a resemblance to the Tianshan Sect's "Eagle Pounce Technique." The internal cultivation of the Six Harmonies Sect is essential for the effectiveness of the "Heavenly Walking Step," which is why, despite his youth, Yun Ya is able to utilize this technique. The Crane Immortal secretly praised, "Old Taoist Xu's lightness skill is so impressive that even I cannot help but applaud. It is truly marvelous!"

Sun Wuba was momentarily caught off guard, flustered and in a state of disarray. However, he was ultimately a seasoned leader and a veteran of many battles, possessing rich experience in facing adversaries. He quickly suppressed the irritation rising within him and composed himself to confront the challenge. Sun Wuba not only excelled in martial arts but also had unique internal strength. Although the boxing and kicking techniques of the Fuhu Sect were characterized by their ferocity, the internal energy was notably soft and pure.

Yan Beitian shouted, "No one is allowed to leave!" His voice, infused with internal energy, caused everyone to halt in their tracks. Yun Ya, possessing significantly deeper skills than the others, merely trembled slightly but continued to move forward without pause. He Xianweng was secretly astonished, thinking, "This person is barely thirty, yet his skills are so profound. Each disciple taught by Old Daoist Xu is stronger than the last; it is no wonder Yun Ya has been avoiding him all along." Yan Beitian shouted again, his figure flashing as he pursued Yun Ya. Although his lightness skill was high, Yun Ya's was not weak either, and he had the advantage of having taken the lead. For a moment, Yan Beitian found it difficult to catch up with Yun Ya.

Yun Ya expressed deep gratitude and said, "Once this matter is resolved, I will report back. For now, I humbly ask you to demonstrate your skills, and I beg your pardon for my boldness in seeking your guidance." He Xianweng thought that continuing this entanglement would lead nowhere. This person was a senior disciple of Xu Xiao, ranked among the "Four Heroes of the Sword," known for his exceptional martial arts skills. Although he was not as strong as Xu Xiao, the difference was not significant. He then asked, "How many rounds do you usually last against Xu Laodao before losing?" Yun Ya replied, "The most recent time, I lost to my master after five hundred exchanges." He Xianweng nodded and said, "Very good. Few in the martial world can last five hundred exchanges with Xu Laodao. Does your master use a sword?" Yun Ya responded, "My master only uses a bamboo sword; I am using this Huaiqin sword." He Xianweng nodded and said, "Alright, I will not use a sword when we spar. If I can defeat you within five hundred exchanges, it will count as a victory over Xu Laodao. Conversely, if I cannot win within five hundred exchanges, I will have to concede defeat." Yun Ya's expression changed, "You won't use a sword?" He Xianweng replied proudly, "I have not used a sword since I was forty. If you can force me to draw my sword for defense, then you can be considered half of your master." Yun Ya sighed, "Well then, if that is the case, I will have to be bold." After saying this, he pointed his long sword to the ground and took a lower stance. He was of the same generation as Jin Guang, so he dared to be impudent, while He Xianweng was an elder who had social ties with his master, and he could not afford to lose his decorum.

Yun Ya pointed his sword to the ground and said loudly, "Master Sun, please make your move." Sun Wuba shook his head and replied, "You have already shown me courtesy once, fulfilling the obligations of a host. There is no need for further modesty this time; you may go ahead and strike first." Yun Ya thought to himself, "This man is indeed a true gentleman." He then said, "Since Master Sun has said so, I shall not be presumptuous." With that, he swiftly lifted his long sword and thrust it towards Sun Wuba's left shoulder.

In the northern sky, Yan Bei Tian witnessed the dual blades of Hai Chao Sheng and Tian Ji Yun striking simultaneously. He did not evade; instead, he employed both hands to execute the "Great Capture Technique" to seize the two men's swords. The "Twin Heroes of the Sea and Sky" had a decent reputation in the martial world, having performed some good deeds, which earned them the title of "Hero." The two were brothers of different surnames, sharing the same master, and their martial arts were derived from the same source. Their coordination in swordplay was exquisite, allowing them to make a name for themselves in the martial world despite their relatively low skill level. They had also defeated numerous martial heroes. Hai Chao Sheng turned his blade and executed the "Yin" technique of swordplay, while Tian Ji Yun, sensing the movement of the blade, immediately employed the "Pi" technique. Although these two moves were not particularly intricate, their combination was seamless. Yan Bei Tian thought to himself, "It seems I have underestimated them." Seeing no opportunity to engage, he contemplated retreating.

The horse-faced man angrily said: "Don't try that with me! I advise you to quickly hand over the 'Heavenly Bell Divine Skill.' You should know that your wife, Xu Ruolan, is currently in our hands. If anything goes wrong, heh heh! It might not end well for you." The implication was that if Yun Ya did not surrender the 'Heavenly Bell Divine Skill,' his wife's life would be in grave danger.

Yun Ya did not retreat but instead advanced, swiftly thrusting his long sword directly at Sun Wuba's "Danzhong point" on his chest. Sun Wuba was taken aback, not expecting Yun Ya to react so quickly. He had no time to change his move and, with a push of his toes, propelled himself backward. Yun Ya closed in, extending his palm to strike Sun Wuba's left shoulder. Sun Wuba's left shoulder sank, dissipating the force, and with a thunderous punch from his right hand, he struck Yun Ya squarely in the right chest. Xu Ruolan felt dizzy, nearly collapsing. Yun Ya closed in again, extending his palm to strike Sun Wuba's left shoulder. Sun Wuba's left shoulder sank, dissipating the force, and with a thunderous punch from his right hand, he struck Yun Ya squarely in the right chest. Xu Ruolan felt dizzy, nearly collapsing.

The Crane Immortal turned his head and said to Yun Ya: "Let us put our battle on hold for today; we shall meet again another day if fate allows, and I will offer my guidance then." Yun Ya was eager to hear these words, but as a junior, he had no right to speak. Upon hearing the Crane Immortal's words, he immediately responded, "Yes! I will remember your teachings, esteemed elder." The Crane Immortal nodded, turned towards the cliff's edge, took a deep breath, and called out, "Is the master of the Ghost Valley present? Please reveal yourself!" Given his status, such politeness was indeed rare. The cliff was silent, and the Crane Immortal repeated his words, but there was no response. Turning again to the cliff's edge, he took another deep breath and called out, "Is the master of the Ghost Valley present? Please reveal yourself!" The cliff remained silent, and the Crane Immortal repeated his words once more, but still, no one answered. Suddenly, Yun Ya felt a chill in his heart and thought, "This is not good!" He turned and rushed towards the small house. The Crane Immortal, seeing Yun Ya run, was momentarily taken aback, but then understood: "I see! We have fallen for that fellow's trick to lure the tiger away from its mountain lair. He first led us to believe that the master of the Ghost Valley was coming, and while we were distracted, he entered the house to steal something." He then also took off in pursuit. His lightness of foot was exceptional; although Yun Ya had set off first, he arrived at the wooden house first.

Yun Ya smiled and said, "Good! Dealing with you is not..." As he spoke, he extended his right hand, turning the back of it upward. Sun Wuba and the others immediately changed color; this gesture clearly indicated that dealing with Sun Wuba and the others was as easy as flipping a hand. Xu Ruolan couldn't help but feel anxious; she knew well that her husband was highly skilled in martial arts and had never encountered an opponent since he set out. However, today, the opponents were all top experts in the martial arts world, each with their own unique skills. Yun Ya's attitude was arrogant and self-assured; as the saying goes, underestimating the enemy by a little increases the danger threefold. How could Xu Ruolan not be worried?

Although Sun Wuba's few styles of boxing are exquisite, Yun Ya's ability to adapt is remarkably swift, and his speed in striking further demonstrates his skill. Sun Wuba is drenched in cold sweat, thinking to himself: "The Six Harmonies Daoist has had the reputation of a Sword Immortal for fifteen years; this person is only in his early twenties yet possesses such astonishing prowess. It seems that the martial arts of the Six Harmonies Sect are indeed profound and extensive." Yun Ya said: "Master Sun, your boxing skills are truly remarkable! I admire them greatly; let us continue." Sun Wuba replied: "Good! Hero Yun, you are indeed worthy of being a distinguished disciple of the late Elder Xu; I would like to experience your Six Harmonies Sword Technique." After this life-and-death exchange, both could not help but develop a mutual respect and admiration for each other, thus their tones softened considerably.

The man abandoned the deer and immediately turned to leave. When he entered, there was no one in front of the cliff, but upon exiting, he found a crowd gathered in front of the vegetable field, numbering around seven or eight people. These individuals were dressed in various colors, suggesting they were not from the same faction. As the man scanned the crowd, he noticed that standing in the center was a man with a horse-like face and a scholarly appearance, his thick eyebrows nearly meeting, with a robust build and a face that exuded a fierce and violent demeanor. To his left stood a man in a yellow shirt, adorned with a menacing tiger head embroidered on his chest. This individual had a rugged appearance and a short stature, yet his body was muscular and intertwined, making him seem formidable. On the far left was a Daoist in a red robe, whose features were delicate and complexion rosy, resembling that of an infant. He carried a long sword entirely made of gold on his back, which appeared quite peculiar at first glance. The man was taken aback, realizing that the Daoist's infant-like complexion was a result of practicing the "Chiyang Divine Skill," which required not only a youthful body but also the aid of specific herbs. The practice was extremely arduous, but once mastered, it would allow one to dominate the world. However, this skill was traditionally regarded as a heretical martial art by the sects of the Central Plains and had long been practiced overseas, rarely seen in the Central Plains. Observing the situation, it was clear that the three individuals standing at the forefront were the leaders of this group.

The man with a horse-like face rolled his eyes and said, "Yun Ya, stop pretending. A hundred years ago, the two great protectors of the demonic sect severely injured the martial arts community of the Central Plains. Their skills were truly unmatched. If it weren't for the Shaolin Tianshan Master gathering the strength of various experts from the Jianghu to counter them, how could the martial arts community of the Central Plains have escaped this calamity? Such extraordinary skills, who wouldn't want to obtain them?" As soon as he finished speaking, several people behind him began to shout in agreement.

With a thunderous shout, Yun Ya unleashed a burst of black light, causing his long sword to whirl. Sun Wuba let out a cry of agony as his right hand was slashed by Yun Ya's sword, leaving a long gash that bled profusely. This was still a show of mercy from Yun Ya; otherwise, with a thrust of his sword, Sun Wuba would have had no chance of survival. Sun Wuba was well aware of this. The black sword was a divine weapon, unmatched in sword energy. With his right hand's meridians severed, Sun Wuba was effectively crippled. Although he could still live as usual, it was impossible for him to execute the ultimate technique "Thunderstorm Fist" again. Sun Wuba had dedicated his life to mastering this fist technique, and now it had been rendered useless by Yun Ya, leaving him feeling that he could no longer survive in this world. As this thought crossed his mind, he suddenly raised his hand to strike his own head. The crowd gasped in shock, but Yun Ya was quick to react, swiftly pressing on the acupoint on Sun Wuba's hand. With his left hand incapacitated and his right hand injured, he was naturally unable to commit suicide.

Yun Ya was taken aback; his reaction was quite swift. He immediately executed a move called "Flowers Flying All Over the City," followed by another move, "Threading the Needle," aimed at the golden light. The golden light let out a deep shout, and the golden sword surged with brilliance, meeting the attack head-on. A muffled sound echoed, shaking the eardrums of those nearby, causing their heads to feel as if they were enveloped in golden light. When the two swords clashed, the golden sword of Daoist Jin Guang was surprisingly missing a corner, while Yun Ya's black sword remained unscathed, even shimmering with a faint green light. Daoist Jin Guang was greatly astonished; his sword, the Chiyang Sword, was crafted by the Chiyang Zhenren, the founder of the martial arts of Chiyang Island, from the unique Chiyang diamond found in the cliffs of Tianshan. In the past, the Chiyang Zhenren had relied on the sword's sharpness to defeat countless heroes of the martial world. This sword had been passed down for over a hundred years, remaining as sharp as new, retaining its former majesty, truly a "timeless treasure." However, today, he did not expect that a corner would be severed by Yun Ya's sword. Daoist Jin Guang was momentarily stunned, standing there for a while before finally saying, "Hero Yun, what a fine sword! I wonder what this sword is called, as I have never heard of it before."

Sun Wuba let out a howl towards the sky, then turned and descended the cliff. Qiu Buren, witnessing his dismal defeat, felt it inappropriate to detain him further and had no choice but to allow him to leave the mountain. This battle left Qiu Buren and the others astonished; Yun Ya's martial arts prowess exceeded their expectations. However, this confrontation also drained a significant amount of his true energy, prompting him to urgently circulate the "Six Harmonies Divine Skill." This "Six Harmonies Divine Skill" belongs to Taoist internal cultivation, where "Six" refers to the "six viscera" within the human body's "five organs and six viscera." Both "organs" and "viscera" are places where internal energy is stored. "Harmonies" signifies connectivity; after practicing the "Six Harmonies Divine Skill," the true energy within the body's meridians and viscera can flow freely, making recovery of internal energy superior to that of other internal skills. Yun Ya secretly circulated his true energy to restore his divine skill while speaking to Qiu Buren and the others: "Gentlemen, who is next? This matter must be resolved swiftly so that I can reunite with my wife and children soon." Although he was conversing with Qiu Buren and the others, his gaze remained fixed on his wife.

Yun Ya sighed, "I truly did not deceive you; I indeed do not possess the 'Heavenly Clock Divine Skill.' Your persistent coercion is of no use."

Yunya smiled and nodded, casually adopting a starting sword stance, and said: "Daoist Jin Guang, you are a guest here, so please make your move first." Although he said this, he positioned himself at the head of the line, showing no regard for Jin Guang as a guest. Jin Guang was so furious that smoke seemed to rise from his seven orifices, and fire blazed in his eyes. Qiu Burin suddenly spoke in a deep voice: "Daoist, do not fall for this little one's trick!" Jin Guang immediately became alert, thinking to himself: "Indeed! This little brat wants to provoke my anger to use it against me. I cannot be fooled like Sun Wuba." He then inhaled a breath of true energy; Jin Guang was so furious that smoke seemed to rise from his seven orifices, and fire blazed in his eyes. Qiu Burin suddenly spoke in a deep voice: "Daoist, do not fall for this little one's trick!" Jin Guang immediately became alert, thinking to himself: "Indeed! This little brat wants to provoke my anger to use it against me. I cannot be fooled like Sun Wuba." He then inhaled a breath of true energy; his Chiyang skill was a youthful technique, half of which originated from Taoism. Jin Guang was quick to anger but also quick to calm down.

The Cloud Edge Sword Technique became increasingly swift, ultimately revealing only a flurry of light and shadow. The two engaged in a fierce exchange, having already surpassed a hundred moves. Wherever the Cloud Edge's black sword swept, grass and trees were uprooted, and solid stones shattered, demonstrating its unparalleled sharpness. Sun Wuba, unarmed against his opponent, was already at a disadvantage, and with the ferocity of the Cloud Edge's black sword, he had truly fallen into a losing position

At this moment, one could hear Sun Wuba's deep voice as he shouted, tightening his waist and abdomen, as if he were collapsing. Yun Ya's palm strike fell into empty space, and he faintly sensed a force drawing his own palm energy away. Yun Ya was taken aback and hurriedly retreated, but Sun Wuba would not allow him to escape easily. He immediately executed the move "Evening Drum Morning Bell," striking towards Yun Ya's throat with an iron fist. Yun Ya leaned back, twisting his elbow, and extended his palm to seize Sun Wuba's wrist. Unexpectedly, Sun Wuba's momentum was not yet exhausted; with a downward motion of his shoulder and arm, his fist struck towards Yun Ya's soft waist. Yun Ya gathered his true energy and leaped into the air. Sun Wuba had anticipated this move, and with a technique called "Twin Dragons Emerge from the Sea," he forced Yun Ya into a corner. Xu Ruolan gasped in surprise, while Qiu Burin and others showed expressions of delight.

As soon as Yun Ya saw his wife come out, he hurriedly asked, "Alan, are you alright?" His concern was evident in his words

In a deep and tranquil bamboo forest, a clear whistle echoed from afar, followed by a large roe deer leaping out from the grass. The grass swayed in the wind, and then a figure sprang forth, moving like the wind, agile as a rabbit. It was a man in his twenties, handsome in appearance, dressed in a long white robe, with a heavy black sword strapped to his back. The weight of the sword was quite noticeable. The man closely followed the roe deer, demonstrating his exceptional lightness of foot. The roe deer, attempting to evade capture, suddenly leaped with all its might. The man smiled lightly, pushed off the ground, performed a flip in mid-air, and struck the top of the roe deer's head with both palms. Before the deer could react, it had already lost its breath. The man picked up the deer, weighed it in his hands, and said with a smile, "What a plump roe deer!" After saying this, he turned and entered the forest.

Xu Ruolan remained calm and composed. Upon hearing her husband speak, she smiled slightly and said: "They still expect to use me as leverage against you; how could they possibly treat me poorly?"

Sun Wuba shouted, "Where do you think you're going!" Yun Ya laughed heartily and replied, "I'm heading to your home." Sun Wuba, being a master of martial arts and the leader of a sect, had rarely been mocked in such a manner. Enraged, he shouted, "Dare you mock me... ah..." At that moment, Yun Ya seized the opportunity as Sun Wuba was provoked and suddenly launched an attack. He had been retreating, but at this moment, he swiftly turned and moved, instantly appearing in front of Sun Wuba, striking with his palm. Sun Wuba was taken aback and hurriedly tried to retreat, but Yun Ya had the upper hand, launching a continuous series of three palm strikes without giving Sun Wuba a moment to catch his breath, causing Sun Wuba to fall into a disadvantageous position.

Yunya shook his head and said, "Although the demonic sect's divine skills are formidable, they are ultimately not righteous. Are you not afraid of being besieged by martial artists from all over the world, just like the two demons, Heiyin and Baiyang, a hundred years ago?"

Yun Ya thrust forward with his sword, executing the move "Wild Goose Piercing Through Clouds and Mist." Sun Wuba shouted, "Well done!" He flipped his elbow and struck the back of Yun Ya's sword with his palm. Yun Ya's long sword trembled and was deflected at an angle. Seizing the opportunity, Sun Wuba launched into the move "Rowing Against the Current." Yun Ya's figure swayed, and his long sword traced a circle, countering Sun Wuba's attack as if it were second nature. Sun Wuba felt a chill in his heart; with his left hand, he executed "Rising Sun in the East," and with his right hand, he performed "Embracing the Moon at the Waist," sealing off Yun Ya's escape routes. Yun Ya's figure swayed again, and his long sword traced a circle, countering Sun Wuba's attack as if it were second nature. Sun Wuba felt a chill in his heart; with his left hand, he executed "Rising Sun in the East," and with his right hand, he performed "Embracing the Moon at the Waist," sealing off Yun Ya's escape routes. Yun Ya thought to himself, "This set of 'Thunderstorm Wind Shape Fist' consumes a lot of internal energy; he intends to confront me head-on."

The horse-faced man let out a cold laugh and said: "Having mastered unparalleled martial arts, who can contend with me? We have plenty of means to dominate the martial world! There is no need for Hero Yun to worry about this. Hero Yun only needs to hand over the 'Heavenly Bell Divine Skill', and we will release your wife and children, allowing your family to reunite."

Hearing this, the man with the horse face let out a cold laugh and said, "Hero Yun, there is no need to pretend. Who in the world does not know that the Eastern Sword, Yun Ya, one of the Four Heroes of the Sword, is a distinguished disciple of the Sword Immortal, Elder Xu Xiao? And who does not know that the 'Heavenly Bell Divine Skill' is in the hands of Elder Xu? Now that Elder Xu has retired from the martial world for many years, it is only natural that the 'Heavenly Bell Divine Skill' is in your possession, Hero Yun. We have long admired it from afar and hope to have the fortune to witness it."

Yun Ya laughed wildly at the sky, and the Crane Immortal angrily said: "What are you laughing at!" Yun Ya replied: "If you cannot even defeat me, how can you be a match for my master?" The Crane Immortal retorted: "In my younger years, I fought your master in a thousand bouts; can you, a mere child, compare?" Yun Ya laughed and said: "My master often praises me for surpassing him, but I do not know if that is true or not." The Crane Immortal angrily exclaimed: "You are audacious, what a bold claim!" Yun Ya responded: "Senior, my master has retreated from the martial world for many years due to certain matters, and he cannot duel with you again. If you cannot let go of this old grudge, then you may as well come after me." The Crane Immortal hurriedly asked: "Has Xu Laodao been injured? With his high martial skills, how many in the world can harm him? Could it be his disciple, the Sword Saint? With such high martial prowess, how many can injure him? Or perhaps the Sword Demon? Or that Sword God Xie Feiyan, who is said to be the sword of the seas?" Although he could not forget the shame of that sword, he could not hide his concern upon hearing that Xu Xiao was in trouble.

Yun Ya shouted, "Look at the sword!" As he spoke, he sent his left hand forward, and the long sword in his hand flew swiftly towards He Xianweng. He Xianweng replied, "What tricks are you up to, little brat? I am not afraid of any tricks; just go ahead and use them!" Saying this, he pointed with his middle finger, and the energy sword struck towards Huaiqin's sword. His index finger had just become somewhat numb from gathering internal energy, so he switched to using his middle finger. Yun Ya clapped his left hand, using his palm strength to deflect the sword, and with his right hand, he executed the technique "Five Ding Open the Mountain" towards He Xianweng. He Xianweng, with a quick movement, thrust his finger towards Yun Ya's "Zhi Shi Xue". The frequent use of the "Qi Zhi Sword" consumed a great deal of internal energy, so unless absolutely necessary, He Xianweng generally did not easily employ the ultimate technique of the "Qi Zhi Sword". He then used the move "Water Falls and Stones Emerge". As Yun Ya's palm came down, he suddenly changed his move midway, turned around, grasped the sword handle with his right hand, and rolled his body, instantly unleashing several sword strikes. He Xianweng was relatively close to Yun Ya, and with Yun Ya's palm preceding the sword, the attack came unexpectedly, making it difficult for He Xianweng to respond despite his exceptional lightness of foot. Moreover, Yun Ya had learned the sword techniques of Jin Guang Dao Ren, using his own rotation to accelerate the speed of his sword strikes. He Xianweng could not change his move in time; his figure flickered and vanished, only to see a slight stir of dust as he was already several zhang away. Even though he had unparalleled lightness of foot, he still received several cuts from Yun Ya's long sword. Fortunately, he dodged in time, and only the layers of his clothing were torn, without injuring his flesh. Yun Ya secretly thought it was a pity.

Sun Wuba stepped forward and said loudly: "Alright! Yun Ya, let me, Sun, experience the high-level skills of the Liuhe Sect first." Qiu Burin glanced at Sun Wuba and stepped back. Yun Ya sealed his palms and established a stance, saying: "Then please, 'Invincible Overlord Fist,' Master Sun, make your move." Sun Wuba replied: "Alright! Prepare to receive my attack." After saying this, he assumed a hand position; although he was the one to initiate the attack, he still maintained proper etiquette, embodying the demeanor of a sect leader.

Sun Wuba gritted his teeth and unleashed his lifelong ultimate skill, "Thunderstorm Fist." This set of martial arts is indeed the supreme treasure of the Fuhu Sect, characterized by its unparalleled ferocity, making one feel as if struck by a thousand pounds of force, overwhelming in its pressure. However, this technique consumes an immense amount of internal energy; often, practitioners find themselves exhausted before completing a full set of moves. Yet, it is also true that by the time the technique is not fully executed, the opponent may already be defeated. Since Sun Wuba became the sect leader, he had never used this technique again. Now, faced with the pressing challenge from Jiao Yunya, he had no choice but to employ this set of moves.

In the midst of the fierce battle, the Crane Immortal extended his two fingers, pointing towards the "Yu Mansion Acupoint" on Yun Ya's collarbone. Yun Ya swiftly executed the move "Turning Clouds and Locking the Moon" with his long sword. This technique was intricately designed, combining defense with offense. However, the Crane Immortal, utilizing his exceptional lightness skill, performed a "Hawk's Flip" and leaped over Yun Ya's head, simultaneously aiming his fingers at Yun Ya's "Temple Acupoint." Yun Ya let out a long howl and unleashed three consecutive sword strikes. These three strikes were the lethal moves from the "Six Harmonies Sword Technique." In the past, when Xu Xiao was cornered by the Crane Immortal, it was these three sword techniques that allowed him to turn the tide. The Crane Immortal thought to himself, "I apologize, little one. If it weren't for the fact that Xu the Elder had used these three moves in the past, it would indeed be difficult to deal with you." He then concentrated his internal energy into the tip of his right index finger. As soon as he landed, he flicked his finger, and a faint beam of white light shot out, striking the back of Yun Ya's Huaiqin sword. Yun Ya's long sword trembled in his hand and flew out of his grasp. The onlookers gasped in astonishment. They saw Yun Ya leap swiftly, catching the Huaiqin sword with his left hand, and countering the Crane Immortal with the aerial move "Ascension to Immortality." The Crane Immortal was taken aback; he had anticipated that this move would knock Yun Ya's sword away and end the contest. However, he did not expect Yun Ya to react so quickly, seamlessly catching the sword and executing his move in one fluid motion. The Crane Immortal had calculated that Yun Ya would use the final transformation, which was a reverse sword style, with the sword's back angled upward, precisely at the point where it would not bear force, thus allowing the Crane Immortal's strike to succeed.

Yun Ya respectfully said, "May I ask if the senior is acquainted with my master?" The voice replied, "Indeed!" Upon hearing this, Qiu Bu Ren felt a chill in his heart, as if it had risen to his throat. The voice paused slightly and then continued, "Fifteen years ago, I had a sword duel with Xu Xiao. At that time, I was arrogant and careless, which led to my defeat. Today, I have come to avenge that sword." At this point, Qiu Bu Ren could no longer suppress a smile. Yun Ya fell silent for a moment, and Xu Ruo Lan suddenly said, "I wondered who it was; it turns out to be you, Crane Immortal!" The voice laughed heartily and said, "I never expected that this little girl with yellow hair would still remember me!" Xu Ruo Lan spat at him and then said, "You are so unserious!" Qiu Bu Ren's expression changed as he observed their demeanor and tone, as if Xu Xiao and the Crane Immortal were old acquaintances. The heart he had momentarily set at ease began to race again. The voice declared, "I am here!" As the words were spoken, the voice came from behind the people, yet the figure appeared before them. It was an old man with a youthful face, over fifty years old, displaying a capricious demeanor. One of the individuals who had come with Qiu Bu Ren, seeing that it was an old man and unaware of the danger, shouted, "You old man dare to meddle in our affairs!" With that, he drew out a pair of hooks from his waist, leaped into the air, and struck down.

Yunya's expression changed slightly, yet he remained silent, thinking: "Aside from me, Alan, and that traitor, no one should know about Master’s death. If the news of Master’s demise were to spread in the martial world, who knows how many would lose their lives for the 'Heavenly Bell Divine Skill,' and it would surely incite a bloody storm in the martial realm." This 'Heavenly Bell Divine Skill' was something Xu Xiao obtained by chance. Relying on the reputation of the 'Sword Immortal,' no one in the martial world dared to covet this divine skill. However, if the people in the martial world were to learn of Xu Xiao's death, they would surely cause chaos in their attempts to seize this skill, leading to turmoil and smoke rising everywhere. Yunya had always kept this secret from outsiders, but now that the Crane Immortal had come looking for someone, revealing it was certainly not an option, yet he could not lie to his elders either. Yunya found himself at a loss for a moment.

Yunya chuckled and said, "Where is the sword? Well, it’s fine." Xu Ruolan replied, "Very well, the sword is quite well-behaved. Upon seeing so many unfamiliar faces, it didn’t cry or fuss at all, and is sleeping soundly." The two exchanged words as if discussing family matters, completely disregarding the others. Their tone was gentle and sweet, yet laced with veiled sarcasm, causing even those standing on the cliff, made of stone, to feel a flush of heat on their faces

Qiu Buren observed the situation had reached a stalemate, and immediately shouted: "Yun Ya! Do not be so arrogant; let me take you on for a few rounds!" Yun Ya laughed heartily and replied: "Aren't you using my beloved wife to threaten me?" Before Qiu Buren could respond, Sun Wuba had already interjected: "Yun Ya! We are holding your wife and child to prevent you from escaping or scheming. Today, you only need to defeat the three of us, and we will no longer trouble you and your wife." After he finished speaking, Qiu Buren could no longer use Xu Ruolan and her child as hostages, so he had to say: "Yun Ya, rest assured, we will absolutely not harm your wife and child." After saying this, he directed a palm strike towards Xu Ruolan in the air, and Sun Wuba had already shouted: "Yun Ya! We are holding your wife and child to prevent you from escaping or scheming. Today, you only need to defeat the three of us, and we will no longer trouble you and your wife." After he finished speaking, Qiu Buren could no longer use Xu Ruolan and her child as hostages, so he had to say: "Yun Ya, rest assured, we will absolutely not harm your wife and child." After saying this, he directed a palm strike towards Xu Ruolan, and she immediately soared into the air. Everyone was taken aback, thinking how could this person say one thing and do another. Sun Wuba angrily exclaimed: "You... you..." Before he could finish, Xu Ruolan had already landed safely under a tree. It turned out that Qiu Buren's palm strike was executed with great skill, merely sending her away without causing any harm.

Yun Ya nodded and said: "I have long heard that the 'Returning Wind and Willow Sword Technique' of Chiyang Island is renowned for its light footwork and extraordinary swordplay. Today, it is indeed a good opportunity to witness it and broaden my horizons." Jin Guang snorted coldly from his nostrils and said: "Enough with the nonsense, let us see who is superior under our hands." Yun Ya sighed and said: "Well, since you refuse to listen to reason and come here to seek death, I will not force you. Considering that your Chiyang skills are hard-earned, I will spare your life for now, so that your skills may be passed on to others." Upon hearing this, Jin Guang was furious and said sternly: "What a presumptuous tone! In this battle, if you, Hero Yun, are defeated under my sword, what will you have to say?" Yun Ya laughed wildly and replied: "Very well, since you refuse to listen to reason and come here to seek death, I will not force you. Considering that your Chiyang skills are hard-earned, I will spare your life for now, so that your skills may be passed on to others." Jin Guang, upon hearing this, was enraged and said sternly: "What a presumptuous tone! In this battle, if you, Hero Yun, are defeated under my sword, what will you have to say?" Yun Ya laughed wildly and said to Jin Guang: "If I am defeated, I will let you dispose of me. But what if you, Daoist, are the one who is defeated?" Jin Guang, in a moment of bravado, immediately replied without hesitation: "I will vanish from the Central Plains from this day forth! My disciples of Chiyang Island will do the same."

With a flash of golden light, he struck out with a palm, and his right hand wielded the long sword to urgently thrust several times. Yun Ya managed to block each attack. However, just as the golden light's sword was about to collide with Yun Ya's, it swiftly turned and evaded, and in the process of turning, the sword technique suddenly accelerated, with each move becoming elusive and difficult to grasp. Yun Ya found it challenging to discover a way to counter this, and could only respond with great effort. Although he occasionally countered with a strike or two, they failed to connect with the golden light's sword, which would evade effortlessly. The two engaged in a rolling exchange of blows, barely surpassing a hundred moves. No matter how extraordinary the golden light's techniques became or how intensified the attacks were, Yun Ya never showed any signs of defeat. The golden light could not help but feel anxious; it turned out that although his "Returning Wind and Willow Sword Technique" was peculiar and executed with great speed, it was mostly a display of tricks. When faced with a master like Yun Ya, any previously used moves could be seen through at a glance if repeated. This set of "Returning Wind and Willow Sword" contained a total of one hundred thirty-seven moves, making it one of the most extensive sword techniques. Now, having gone through over a hundred moves, thirty moves had passed in the blink of an eye. Thus, in a duel between masters, one must never repeat previously used techniques to avoid revealing flaws that the opponent could exploit.

The Crane Immortal, seeing that Yun Ya had not spoken for a long time, could not help but feel a slight anger. He then shouted, "Are you deaf, boy? I asked you to call out Xu Laodao, why have you not left yet?" Yun Ya gritted his teeth and replied, "I am merely repaying my master's debt; you can come at me directly, senior." The Crane Immortal was taken aback and said, "Nonsense! I have only heard of children repaying their parents' debts; where is there a case of disciples repaying their master's debts?" Yun Ya responded, "Have you not heard the saying, 'Once a teacher, always a father'?" The Crane Immortal replied, "Of course I have heard that." Yun Ya continued, "Then it is only right for a disciple to repay their master's debts." The Crane Immortal was momentarily stunned, then slowly nodded and said, "That is indeed true." However, thinking of his fifteen years of hard training, which was solely to avenge this one sword, he could not possibly abandon his aspirations. The Crane Immortal suddenly shouted loudly, "No way! No way! How can you, boy, be my match? Competing with you in swordplay would tarnish my great name!"

Only then did Yun Ya's left hand cover Sun Wuba's head, while his right palm struck towards Sun Wuba's chest like lightning. If Sun Wuba were to retreat, he would undoubtedly be struck by the palm aimed at his head; if he did not retreat, he would find it impossible to evade the fierce blow that was already nearly upon him. Qiu Burin and the others could not help but exclaim in surprise, yet only the Daoist Jin Guang gave a cold smile, neither affirming nor denying. Xu Ruolan's charming face could not help but break into a smile. Qiu Burin and the others could not help but exclaim in surprise, yet only the Daoist Jin Guang gave a cold smile, neither affirming nor denying. Xu Ruolan's charming face could not help but break into a smile

Jin Guang slowly said: "Yun Daxia is too polite." After saying this, he flicked his finger, and the sound of the long sword echoed through the valley. Yun Ya praised, "Good sword! Please show me your move." Jin Guang replied, "In that case, I shall be presumptuous." After saying this, he thrust his long sword swiftly, targeting the center line. His swordsmanship is known for its agility and lightness, often using unexpected angles to injure the enemy, unlike the straightforward approach of saber techniques. It is indeed rare for a sword technique, like Jin Guang's, to directly target the center line upon execution. Yun Ya thought to himself: "His martial arts from Chiyang Island are truly unique, and his sword techniques greatly defy common logic." As his thoughts shifted, he swung his sword to parry, but just as his sword was about to meet Jin Guang's, Jin Guang suddenly slipped, spinning like a top, and in an instant, his long sword launched seven or eight consecutive attacks. Jin Guang's movements sparkled, almost enveloping Yun Ya entirely.

Yun Ya shouted, "Good!" and suddenly drew the long sword from his back, thrusting it towards Sun Wuba's "Baihui acupoint." This move was indeed a double-edged tactic. Although Yun Ya would inevitably suffer serious injuries from two punches delivered by Sun Wuba while in mid-air, he might not necessarily die; however, if Sun Wuba were to be struck at the "Baihui acupoint," his death would be certain. Naturally, Sun Wuba prioritized his life, quickly retracting his force, leaning back to evade the sword, and then retreating a few steps to dissipate the returning momentum. Yun Ya seized this opportunity to roll backward and regain his footing.

The sky over Yanbei was ominously dark: "Today, I fear no one will be able to leave." Haichao Sheng changed color and said: "What..." Before he could finish his sentence, Yanbei Tian had already lunged at him. Haichao Sheng was taken aback, hurriedly drawing the dagger at his waist, he slashed across the air towards Yanbei Tian. Tianji Yun, upon seeing Haichao Sheng take action, also drew his dagger and struck at Yanbei Tian. Yanbei Tian sneered: "You dare to flaunt such trivial skills? Junior brother, you have exhausted much of your internal energy in your battle with Crane Immortal. After I deal with these people, I will fight you, so you won't die with regrets." Yun Ya thought to himself: "What a boastful attitude!" Yet he knew in his heart that Yanbei Tian's martial arts were far superior to his own, and realizing it would be difficult to defeat him, he resolved to fight to the death, secretly channeling the "Six Harmonies Divine Skill" to recover the internal energy he had expended in the battle with Crane Immortal.

Jin Guangdao: "So that's how it is! However, even though your sword is a divine weapon, it does not guarantee your victory over me." Yun Ya replied: "Indeed, your swordsmanship is extremely peculiar, and it is indeed difficult to defeat you at this moment." Jin Guang thought to himself: "You are trying to use tricks to provoke me. Hmph! I will not fall for your scheme." Jin Guang formed a sword technique with his left hand and executed the move "Three Parts of the Huai River" with his right hand, targeting the three vital points in front of Yun Ya: "Tian Tu," "Dan Zhong," and "Ju Que." Yun Ya leaped into the air, employing the ultimate move "Ascend to Immortality" from the "Six Harmonies Sword Technique," and a dazzling array of sword lights and shadows filled the sky. Jin Guang extended his palm and struck, watching as his palm gradually turned deep red. Yun Ya felt that within the range of his palm's power, he could not even advance his sword, and he was greatly alarmed, thinking: "Looking at Jin Guang's expression, he should not have practiced the Red Sun Technique to the seventh level, but this Red Sun Divine Skill, even at the sixth level, possesses such power; it is truly remarkable." Yun Ya, who initially harbored a hint of disdain, immediately retracted it and did not dare to be careless.

Qiu Buren and Jin Guang's expressions changed slightly. Although Jin Guang resided overseas, his reputation was well-known in the Central Plains. Upon his arrival, he was continuously mocked and ridiculed by Yun Ya, which was hard for him to endure, as he was usually held in high esteem. He thought to himself, "This person previously boasted that I would not be his match unless I had mastered the seventh level of the Chiyang Divine Skill. Little did he know that he was merely spouting empty words and trying to intimidate me, hoping to eliminate a rival. How could he expect to scare me off with such trivial remarks? Where would he put his face afterward?" Regarding fame and fortune, Jin Guang resolved to take a bold step forward. He took a few steps ahead, drew out his golden sword from his back, and said, "Let me experience the extraordinary swordsmanship of the great hero Yun." Qiu Buren, cunning and shrewd, held back his anger and remained silent. He allowed Jin Guang to fight Yun Ya first, knowing he could later take advantage of the situation. Thus, he was pleased to let Jin Guang and Yun Ya engage in a life-and-death struggle while he sat back and watched the tiger fight, reaping the benefits.

Yun Ya let out a cold laugh and said, "You have a good idea!" After a pause in his tone, he continued, "I truly cannot understand, you are all prominent figures in the martial world, why would you engage in such shameless acts for that harmful thing?"

Sun Wuba shouted a greeting, sidestepped to avoid, and struck towards Yun Ya's chest with the back of his palm. Yun Ya slipped and dodged at an angle, his black sword swinging down towards Sun Wuba's neck. Sun Wuba lowered his head to evade, quickly launching a punch, his movements swift as the wind, fast as lightning. Yun Ya's long sword vibrated, scattering a flurry of sword flowers. Sun Wuba's punch was fierce, and for the moment, he showed no fear of Yun Ya's black sword. The two exchanged blows, and when the sword wind and punch wind collided, a series of "hiss" sounds erupted, as if striking at the strings of one's heart. Yun Ya's long sword vibrated again, scattering another flurry of sword flowers. Sun Wuba's punch remained fierce, and for the moment, he showed no fear of Yun Ya's black sword. The two exchanged blows, and when the sword wind and punch wind collided, a series of "hiss" sounds erupted, as if striking at the strings of one's heart.

Yun Ya smiled faintly and said, "This sword is named 'Huaijin Sword,' and it was passed down to me by my master. When my master obtained this sword, his swordsmanship had already reached an extraordinary level, rendering this sword unnecessary. Therefore, it has never appeared in the martial world, and it is not surprising that you have not heard of it." After saying this, he couldn't help but glance at Xu Ruolan. It turned out that the name of this sword was given by Xu Xiaohuai in memory of his wife, Wang Qin, hence the name 'Huaijin Sword.' Xu Ruolan lost her mother at a young age, so when Yun Ya spoke of this sword, he couldn't help but observe his wife's expression, fearing that it might evoke her sorrow.

The Crane Immortal slowly said: "This person is not a good individual; killing him would not be a loss." Upon hearing this, Chong Yunya smiled and said: "You, young man, have a good heart. Just now, I saw you fighting with that Taoist for quite a while. In the end, when that Taoist unleashed a peculiar move and was about to strike you, I couldn't help but lend you a hand. It is indeed fortunate that you did not kill him; otherwise, I would have incurred more sins, and I would have had to kill you to atone for them." Yunya and Jinguang exchanged glances and respectfully bowed to the Crane Immortal, saying: "Thank you, senior, for your rescue!" The Crane Immortal, rather nonchalantly, accepted their bow and waved his hand, saying: "Enough, enough! This is also your fortune." Jinguang said: "Yes, I shall take my leave first. The worldly fame and fortune are but smoke and dust. For those who cultivate the Dao, harboring evil thoughts is truly a crime deserving of death a thousand times over." After saying this, he turned back and descended the cliff. After this battle, Jinguang had nearly lost his life in a foreign land, but now that he had returned safely, his arrogance had completely dissipated, and he had gained a deeper understanding of the Daoist perspective on life and death.

In less than half a moment, the man had arrived at the top of the cliff. He saw a refined dwelling hidden amidst the swirling clouds and mist. Opposite the cliff was a range of towering mountains, while below lay an unfathomable abyss. In front of the house was a small vegetable garden. The man crossed the garden, pushed open the door to the small pavilion, and called out, "Ah Lan, I am back!" Upon entering the house, his expression suddenly changed drastically. The interior was in utter disarray, as if the entire home had been turned upside down, and the bamboo cradle was still swaying.

The man felt a slight chill in his heart and thought to himself: "Why have these people come here? Could it be for the 'Heavenly Bell Divine Skill'? But Alan and I have lived in seclusion here, and no one has ever known of our presence. How did these people get this information?"

Qiu Buren shouted sternly: "Who is playing tricks! Come out!" He shouted until his voice was hoarse, yet the laughter continued to echo intermittently. Yun Ya's mind stirred, and he blurted out: "Heavenly Sound Transmission Technique!" Everyone was taken aback; this "Heavenly Sound Transmission Technique" is an ancient martial art, said to have been created during the late Eastern Han Dynasty when the world was in chaos. Some skilled martial artists, seeking to avoid the turmoil, secluded themselves in the countryside and developed this technique to scare away the strong bandits and officials who came to disturb them. This technique is essentially a form of ventriloquism, requiring profound internal energy to disperse the sound. Those with deep internal strength can manipulate the direction of sound transmission at will, creating the illusion of "sound present but person absent." After Yun Ya mentioned "Heavenly Sound Transmission Technique," the laughter immediately ceased, and the cliff fell into silence. After a while, the laughter resumed, accompanied by a few words: "Good! Truly worthy of being a disciple of the Sword Immortal! A renowned master produces outstanding disciples, excellent! Excellent! Truly excellent!"

Yun Ya was secretly astonished and thought to himself: "This person is known for his 'Divine Power of Splitting the Void'; it seems he is not merely a name without substance. I could achieve such skill as well, but I cannot be as composed as he is." Before his thoughts could settle, he heard Sun Wuba say again: "Yun Ya, what do you intend to do? Let me make it clear first: if you lose, you must hand over the 'Heavenly Bell Divine Skill'! In the martial world, people place great importance on trust; a gentleman's word is his bond, and swift action follows. We have made a decision with this statement; you must respond, whether you agree or not."

It turns out that the "Chiyang Divine Skill" requires a youthful body; if one breaks this rule, their martial arts will be completely wasted. Therefore, it is said that this skill can ruin a person's life. Yun Ya's words were quite arrogant, and although Jin Guang felt angry, he did not dare to express it. As it happens, he had only practiced the sixth level of the Chiyang Divine Skill. According to Yun Ya's claims, there was no chance of victory for him in a fight against Yun Ya. Jin Guang was a suspicious person; although he doubted the truth of Yun Ya's words, he was also unwilling to act recklessly.

Yun Ya's thoughts: "This person possesses profound skills and exceptional boxing techniques, surpassing my expectations. If I were to engage him in hand techniques, I might not have a chance of winning. Since he wishes to experience my swordsmanship, I might as well go along with it and accept his request." Yun Ya is known for his "Eastern Sword," and his swordsmanship is indeed unparalleled.

Sun Wuba's left foot arched, his right hand delivered a powerful strike, and his left hand turned to establish a stance. It was evident that he was aware of the reputation of "East Sword" Yun Ya, and before understanding the depth of his opponent's skills, he dared not advance recklessly. Yun Ya crossed his palms, striking towards Sun Wuba's right wrist with his right hand while pressing towards Sun Wuba's chest with his left. Sun Wuba executed a move called "Turning Rivers and Overturning Seas" to seize Yun Ya's wrist. Yun Ya withdrew his hand and turned, gracefully retreating; his left hand was a feint, and upon sensing the unfavorable situation, he immediately withdrew. Yun Ya crossed his palms again, striking towards Sun Wuba's right wrist with his right hand while pressing towards Sun Wuba's chest with his left. Sun Wuba executed a move called "Turning Rivers and Overturning Seas" to seize Yun Ya's wrist. Yun Ya withdrew his hand and turned, gracefully retreating; his left hand was a feint, and upon sensing the unfavorable situation, he immediately withdrew.

Yun Ya said, "Master Sun, if you are unwilling to fight this battle, let us agree on a pact for seventeen years. Seventeen years later, my son will compete with your disciple. What do you think?" Sun Wuba was stirred by his words and immediately replied, "Good! Hero Yun, I am honored by your regard. I, Sun, hereby agree with you that we will settle our differences in seventeen years." Sun Wuba's life was changed by Yun Ya's words; thereafter, he withdrew from the martial world, focusing on finding a successor and teaching martial arts. Although the Fuhu Sect had disciples, each was of mediocre talent and difficult to cultivate into great figures. Consequently, Sun Wuba became a generation's grandmaster, and the disciples he taught later became renowned heroes in the martial world. This is a story for another time, and shall not be elaborated upon.

The Crane Immortal made a sound of acknowledgment and said, "Go ahead and make your move!" Yun Ya bowed his head and replied, "Yes, senior." With a swift thrust of his long sword, the Crane Immortal waved his sleeve, causing Yun Ya to pivot his body, and with a flick of his sword, he aimed at the pressure point on the Crane Immortal's waist. The Crane Immortal slid his feet apart and sidestepped to avoid the attack. Yun Ya's wrist twisted as he launched several thrusts, all of which were effortlessly evaded by the Crane Immortal. The Crane Immortal remarked, "You have already used three feints, showing the courtesy of a junior. These three moves are as fluid as flowing clouds and running water, leaving no trace, demonstrating your skill. I shall return the favor now. Do your best." Yun Ya responded affirmatively, and his swordplay immediately became faster and more ferocious. Relying on his unparalleled lightness of foot, the Crane Immortal remained composed under Yun Ya's tempestuous assault. Suddenly, the Crane Immortal exclaimed, "Receive my attack!" He swiftly extended his finger, pointing at Yun Ya's right hand at the "Qu Chi" acupoint. Yun Ya countered with a reverse thrust towards the Crane Immortal's "Qi Men" acupoint. The Crane Immortal praised, "I did not expect you to be so precise in using your sword to strike at acupoints!" As he spoke, he unleashed several more moves, each aimed at significant acupoints on the human body.

The Liuhe Sect is renowned in the martial world for its three exceptional skills: swordsmanship, lightness skill, and internal power. In comparison to the Crane Immortal, Yun Ya falls short in all three aspects, making this battle quite challenging for him. The two engaged in a swift exchange, with over a hundred moves passing in the blink of an eye. Qiu Burin, watching from the side, was secretly astonished, thinking to himself: "Fortunately, I did not confront this old monster earlier; otherwise, with his level of attack, how could I possibly last through a hundred moves?" While Qiu Burin was worried yet relieved for himself, Xu Ruolan was concerned for her husband. Xu Ruolan thought: "This old man was only slightly inferior to my father fifteen years ago, and now he has diligently practiced swordsmanship for another fifteen years. How could Yun Lang possibly be his match? No, I must find a way to assist Yun Lang." Although the two were testing their martial skills, the moves were perilous and executed with great speed, making it difficult to ensure that neither would be harmed, thus Xu Ruolan's concerns were not unfounded. Fifteen years ago, she had witnessed the match between Xu Xiao and the Crane Immortal, and was somewhat familiar with the Crane Immortal's sword techniques, but after such a long time, it was hard to recall them all at once. However, the moves were dangerous and executed quickly, making it difficult to guarantee that neither would be injured, thus Xu Ruolan's worries were indeed justified. Fifteen years ago, she had witnessed the match between Xu Xiao and the Crane Immortal, and was somewhat familiar with the Crane Immortal's sword techniques, but after such a long time, it was hard to recall them all at once.

Yun Ya pondered to himself: "This set of martial arts is truly formidable! If I do not unleash my ultimate move, I will surely be defeated within thirty moves." After making up his mind, he took a deep breath of true energy and employed the "Six Harmonies Sword Technique." This "Six Harmonies Sword Technique" is the most powerful in the Six Harmonies School's swordsmanship and is also Xu Xiao's signature sword technique. Years ago, Xu Xiao gained the reputation of "Sword Immortal" by relying on this unparalleled sword technique, becoming one of the "Three Absolute Swords of the Central Plains." This "Six Harmonies Sword Technique" encompasses everything and spans the six harmonies. It reaches the "Great Six Harmonies" above and descends to the "Small Six Harmonies" below. The "Great Six Harmonies" refers to the universe's six harmonies and the eight desolations of the world; the "Small Six Harmonies" refers to the human body's six harmonies, which are further divided into the inner three harmonies and the outer three harmonies. The inner three harmonies refer to the unity of heart and intention, intention and energy, and energy and strength; the outer three harmonies refer to the unity of hands and feet, elbows and knees, and shoulders and hips. There are also six aspects of coordination: eyes, heart, intention, energy, skill, and strength. The inner three harmonies refer to the unity of heart and intention, intention and energy, and energy and strength; the outer three harmonies refer to the unity of hands and feet, elbows and knees, and shoulders and hips. Additionally, there is the outer three harmonies of hands, eyes, and body, and the inner three harmonies of essence, energy, and spirit. In summary, the essence of this sword technique is the unity of man and sword, and the convergence of heart and spirit. When the heart moves, the intention moves; when the intention moves, the hands move; when the hands move, the sword moves, achieving the realm of "self-forgetfulness" and "naturalness."

The man with the horse face angrily said: "Alright! You refuse a toast only to drink a penalty drink, bring his wife and children here!" After saying this, he clapped his hands, and a man dressed in a light yellow shirt appeared, bringing with him a beautiful woman. That young woman was Xu Ruolan, the daughter of Xu Xiao, and she was holding a one-year-old baby in her arms, who was sleeping soundly.

Yunya Dao: "I apologize for the inconvenience, but my master did not pass on any divine skills to me." He thought to himself: "It seems they are still unaware of my master's passing; otherwise, they would not have waited all these years and would have come to seize the divine skills long ago"

A glint flashed in Sun Wuba's eyes as he said, "Hero Yun, do not divert the topic with irrelevant chatter to distract us. No matter what tricks you employ, do not think you can stop us from obtaining the 'Heavenly Bell Divine Skill'!" Jin Guang Dao Ren's eyes rolled as he spoke in a sinister tone, "Hero Yun, let us speak plainly; if you intend to play tricks, do not blame us for being ruthless and harming your delicate wife and precious books." Yun Ya turned his gaze towards Jin Guang and asked, "Daoist Jin Guang, how many levels have you mastered in your 'Chiyang Divine Skill'?" Jin Guang replied, "Why do you ask this? My martial arts have nothing to do with you." Yun Ya fixed his gaze on Jin Guang and said in a low voice, "Daoist, what I mean is, if your divine skill has not yet reached the seventh level, it would be better not to wade into these murky waters, lest you foolishly lose your life. My master once told me that the martial arts of Chiyang Island are unique, taking a different path, with exceptional attainments in martial arts, especially the 'Chiyang Divine Skill', but this skill will ultimately bring harm throughout one's life. It is not a righteous path of study."

Once this set of martial arts is unleashed, the situation changes dramatically. One can see the winds of the Eight Directions boxing rushing towards them, with flying sand and rolling stones, stirring up waves of smoke. Those watching from the cliff cannot help but step back a few paces. If the onlookers are like this, it is even more difficult for Yun Ya to remain composed.

The man with the tiger head on his chest could not help but exclaim, "You two as a couple are quite arrogant!" Yun Ya suddenly burst into laughter and said, "Indeed!" Pointing at the horse-faced man, he continued, "You are Qiu Buren, the leader of the Qiu Gang from the Yangtze River and the Sand Sea!" He then pointed at the short man with the tiger head and said, "You are Sun Wuba, the master of the Fuhu Sect from Shanxi." After that, he gestured towards the man in the red robe and said, "Among these individuals, you have the highest status; if I am not mistaken, you must be Daoist Jinguang from Chiyang Island in the East China Sea." After a slight pause, he added, "Indeed!" He pointed at the horse-faced man again, saying, "You are Qiu Buren, the leader of the Qiu Gang from the Yangtze River and the Sand Sea!" He then pointed at the short man with the tiger head, saying, "You are Sun Wuba, the master of the Fuhu Sect from Shanxi." After that, he gestured towards the man in the red robe and said, "Among these individuals, you have the highest status; if I am not mistaken, you must be Daoist Jinguang from Chiyang Island in the East China Sea." After a slight pause, he continued, "You are all significant figures; how could we as a couple dare to underestimate you?" This statement not only clarified the identities of the visitors but also served as a great satire against them, leaving the three men with faces alternating between green and red.

The Crane Immortal nodded and said, "This path indeed reflects the saying 'A child can be taught!'" Suddenly, he addressed the "Twin Heroes of the Sea and Sky," saying, "You two, step aside! Do not stand next to my niece!" Hai Chao Sheng and Tian Ji Yun exchanged glances and slowly moved away. Qiu Bu Ren watched this unfold, feeling anxious but also fearful of the Crane Immortal's elusive martial arts, thus refraining from acting recklessly. Xu Ruo Lan performed half a bow and said, "Forgive my niece for bearing an illegitimate child, hence she cannot perform the full courtesy." The Crane Immortal chuckled, "My dear niece, you are too courteous!" His tone suddenly shifted as he slowly walked away. Qiu Bu Ren observed with concern, yet he was still wary of the Crane Immortal's unpredictable skills and dared not act openly. Xu Ruo Lan performed half a bow and said, "Forgive my niece for bearing an illegitimate child, hence she cannot perform the full courtesy." The Crane Immortal chuckled, "My dear niece, you are too courteous!" His tone suddenly shifted, saying, "But while kinship is kinship, debts must be settled. Call that old Taoist Xu out! I searched high and low for him, and after much effort, I finally found my way here. Is it necessary for me to drag him out myself?" It turned out that fifteen years ago, upon hearing that Xu Xiao had become one of the 'Three Absolute Swords' of the Central Plains, known as the 'Sword Immortal,' the Crane Immortal, who prided himself as the foremost swordsman throughout history, sought Xu Xiao for a duel. After exchanging over a thousand moves, Xu Xiao ultimately emerged victorious, and the two became close friends. The Crane Immortal roamed the seas, acting with righteousness, yet always "leaving sound without a name." Those he saved often only heard his ghostly voice but never saw his figure, which is why, despite his formidable martial arts, few knew of him. He had a peculiar temperament; after losing to Xu Xiao in their duel, he retreated to cultivate his swordsmanship, achieving great mastery only in recent years. He spent fifteen years honing his sword skills to avenge his previous humiliation.

Although Yun Ya appeared arrogant and overconfident on the surface, he understood deep down that facing three skilled opponents alone was a formidable challenge. Sun Wuba believed he could win, but battling two more would not be easy. Therefore, he began by employing strategy, feigning weakness at first, then provoking with words, and finally launching a sudden attack to catch Sun Wuba off guard, aiming for a swift resolution. Although Sun Wuba possessed high martial skills, his temper was volatile; indeed, he became enraged when provoked. In a duel between masters, it is most crucial to maintain composure. Moreover, the three palm techniques employed by Yun Ya were the ultimate moves from the "Six Harmonies Palm" known as "Three Flying Geese in the Clouds." These three palm techniques flowed seamlessly into one another, each move interlocking with the next, exhibiting unparalleled ferocity.

Sun Wuba roared, "You have rendered my right hand useless, making it impossible for me to use my martial arts for the rest of my life. You don't want me to die, do you... what do you want from me?" Yun Ya sneered, "How foolish of you, as the leader of a sect, to entertain thoughts of ending your life after facing some setbacks. If you cannot use it yourself, can you not teach it to others?" Sun Wuba felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him, and he suddenly awakened to the realization: "Indeed! As the esteemed leader of my sect, how can I just die like this? If I were to die now, and the Fuhu Sect were to decline as a result, how could I face my late master?" Upon thinking of this, he could not help but break out in a cold sweat.

Qiu Buren stepped forward and shouted, "Yun Ya! Don't be too arrogant." After saying this, he struck out with his left hand, and a tree standing a yard away fell in response. Although this tree was not large, the force of his palm from a yard away was indeed rare in the martial world. Many people present cheered at this display, but Sun Wuba and Daoist Jinguang wore expressions of disdain, clearly indicating that the three of them were not on the same side.

Jin Guangxin knew that Yun Ya had spared him under the sword, as that sword had not pierced him. He sighed, saying, "Thank you, Hero Yun, for your mercy!" Unexpectedly, Yun Ya almost simultaneously uttered the same words: "Thank you, Daoist, for your mercy!" Both were momentarily stunned, left speechless in front of each other. Everyone present was equally perplexed. Qiu Burin thought to himself, "Could it be that a master is assisting them?" Just as the crowd was in doubt, a piercing laughter suddenly echoed from the western cliff, as if it originated from the depths of the human heart. Everyone instinctively turned to the west, but the laughter abruptly came from behind them, startling everyone as they turned back to the east, only to find barren stones and weeds. Where was the shadow of a person? A shared thought flashed through everyone's minds: "Is it a ghost?" If it were not a ghost, then this person could have circled to the opposite side without anyone noticing in the instant they turned around, indicating that this person's lightness skill was almost beyond comprehension. Yun Ya was also secretly astonished, reflecting on the entire situation. The thought had not yet settled when the laughter floated up again, now from the west, then the north, and in the blink of an eye, it was coming from the south. Just as the crowd was about to react, the laughter had already sounded from the east. In an instant, the entire cliff was enveloped in this terrifying laughter. Although it was broad daylight, a layer of frost crept into everyone's hearts.

Yun Ya clapped his hands and laughed, "What a remarkable Empty Split Palm, truly worthy of... why?" After saying this, he turned his gaze towards Xu Ruolan. Xu Ruolan smiled and said, "You’ve forgotten again! The nickname of the Qiu Gang Leader is 'Divine Splitter.'" Yun Ya appeared to suddenly understand, nodding as he said, "Yes, yes, yes! It is indeed 'Divine Splitter.' Look, even the divine can be split, let alone a small tree." His words implied the bullying nature of Qiu Burin and others who had taken his wife hostage. Qiu Burin and the others were seasoned veterans; how could they not hear the underlying meaning? Qiu Burin felt mocked by the couple as if it were child’s play, his anger boiling, yet he was powerless to retaliate.

In the midst of the fierce battle, the golden sword arced and sliced into Yun Ya's left chest. Yun Ya blocked it with his sword, but the golden sword suddenly pivoted, thrusting into Yun Ya's right rib. This move was exceedingly abrupt, making it difficult to anticipate, yet it was also extremely perilous; if the attack missed, Yun Ya would be countered by his opponent. The golden sword's execution of this move could be described as a last-ditch effort, having exhausted all options. Yun Ya thought to himself: "So be it! I, Yun, have wielded a sword my entire life, yet now I am to perish by one. How tragic!" In the midst of his thoughts, the long sword shifted from a horizontal slash to a direct thrust. With a 'thud,' it pierced into the right chest of the golden figure, who let out a muffled groan. The long sword also penetrated Yun Ya's right rib, but strangely, just as the sword was about to penetrate, a faint sound of stone shattering was heard. The tip of the golden sword trembled slightly and slid past Yun Ya's rib. Although Yun Ya was injured, this minor deviation saved his life. The golden figure felt a jolt of fear and thought, "It's over!" Yet, instead of seizing the opportunity to attack, Yun Ya gently withdrew the sword that had already pierced the golden figure's body, thus allowing the golden figure to preserve his life as well. With a shift in thought, both men leaped back simultaneously. It turned out that the golden sword had lost its aim due to external force and failed to strike Yun Ya, while Yun Ya mistakenly believed that the golden figure had spared him out of compassion to avoid mutual destruction, thus missing the chance to kill the golden figure and leaving him with a life spared.

The Crane Immortal did not evade; as the double hooks approached, he suddenly shot up straight, performing a somersault over the head of the man wielding the hooks, landing behind him. The man had just landed and immediately turned around to execute the move "Divine Dragon's Fury." Without looking back, the Crane Immortal flicked his hand, striking the man's "Dan Zhong Acupoint," causing him to fall to the ground, lifeless. The man wielding the hooks was a master of the Huaiyang School, the very same man who had been escorting Xu Ruolan, dressed in yellow. Witnessing the ease with which he killed a master with a mere gesture, the onlookers were profoundly shaken.

This remarkable skill is indeed astonishing, yet it also serves as a demonstration towards Yun Ya. Qiu Bu Ren turned to the two men in plain clothes behind him and clasped his fists, saying: "I would like to ask the 'Sea and Sky Twin Heroes' to help keep an eye on Madam Yun. Although she has been struck at her acupoint and cannot exert her power, we must still guard against her escape." The elder brother of the 'Sea and Sky Twin Heroes', Hai Chao Sheng, immediately returned the gesture and said: "Your words are too kind, Chief Qiu. My brother and I will certainly do our utmost." The other member of the 'Sea and Sky Twin Heroes', Tian Ji Yun, also said: "Indeed!" Thereupon, the two turned and walked towards Xu Ruo Lan, standing guard on either side.

He pondered in his heart, yet his gaze coldly swept over the faces of these individuals, and he said: "I, Yun, am in seclusion here. I wonder what brings you esteemed guests to this place?"