Chapter 3, the easily obtained number one sword in the world

You big men simply do not understand the thoughts of young girls! The head of the Chasing Moon Pavilion, Rong Qian, smiled slightly and said, "Do you think Jing'er has any reason to descend the mountain?"

The gray-clad man seemed momentarily taken aback, then helplessly chuckled and changed the subject, "The sword song was quite good, from the people of Tianshan?"

Zuqing quietly stood up, firmly securing the package on her back. She turned around silently and, amidst the crisp and melodious voices of children echoing through the mountains, strode down the mountain path. Her graceful silhouette gradually disappeared among the lush green peaks. Meanwhile, the beautiful melody continued to drift leisurely through the mountain mist.

Senior! Senior! Please come back! Looking at the figure of the man in gray disappearing into the distance, Feng Luoyang felt as if all the heat in his body was fading away with that person. He tore at his throat, desperately shouting, wanting nothing more than to bring him back, but that vigorous figure grew more distant, increasingly unattainable.

There are still two hours until the hour of the rabbit. Since he can no longer fall asleep, Feng Luoyang decides to continue his unfinished work. He lifts the oil lamp and approaches the wall of his bedroom, carefully examining the remnants of the Meng family's sword techniques once more, while continuously sketching with a charcoal pencil the variations he imagines these techniques could develop into.

The beauty of Yangzhou has brows like paintings, most fond of the white-clad hero of Tianshan. On the fifth day, longing enters my dreams, and on the sixth, I see her in Jiangdu.

How does this make sense?" Feng Luoyang said in a lost voice

Hmph, at such an advanced age, how could one possibly comprehend the supreme sword technique of the Tianshan Sect—the City-Toppling Sword Technique!" Rong Qian raised her head, speaking with a look of pride.

At the beginning, I always thought that monk was merely seeking convenience, but if he was simply depicting the truth, then those completely black pupils are not they a sign of ordinary people being possessed? Feng Luoyang thought of this and struck his right fist against his left palm, feeling that the doubts that had troubled him for a long time were suddenly resolved.

What kind of changes did he make to the Impermanence Sword Technique? What made this sword technique, which had flaws everywhere, suddenly perfect? Over the past three days, he purchased all the available materials on the Meng Family Sword Technique from the wind merchants, covering the walls of his bedroom with them, attempting to discover the extraordinary aspects of the Impermanence Sword Technique, but his gains were minimal

Ah? Not willing to part with three minutes? Is this not fundamentally about being willing to part with something? The gray-clad man shook his head repeatedly upon hearing this

"Call... cough cough, call it the Three-Point Reluctance Sword." After Feng Luoyang finished speaking, he felt a sudden warmth in his neck

Indeed, this is also the reason why we must find a talented young man to undertake this significant task, as only such a person has the opportunity to master the Qingcheng Sword Technique. Jing'er..." Rong Qian snatched the letter from Zu Jing's hand and carefully tucked it into her bosom, "Your understanding of swordsmanship has not yet reached its peak; the Qingcheng Sword Technique is too profound for you. Perhaps you will never be able to master it in your lifetime. Merely looking at it will hinder your further cultivation in swordsmanship. We have already reiterated this point to you repeatedly.

Are you really going to let your father die with resentment? The gray-cloaked man did not relent

Feng Luoyang extended his fingers as if they were a sword, employing the Three-Point Reluctance Sword Technique that he had painstakingly researched. With each move, he dismantled the impermanent sword techniques displayed on the wall. As he danced faster and faster within the room, the dozens of sword techniques on the wall seemed to come alive, swirling and fluttering before his eyes, breathtaking and thrilling.

The dream was still shrouded in a deep azure mist, much like the countless dreams of the past decade. However, today everything seemed somewhat different. As the clear song of the Tianshan traveler resonated, the thick mist began to recede to the sides of his vision, revealing a path that led straight through the mountains. The echoes of the song gradually faded away, replaced by the bright sound of a shepherd's flute at the foot of Tianshan. The flute's melody was warm and inviting, as if urging him to move forward

"Nonsense, the generational hierarchy is incorrect!" Wei Buping exclaimed once again, and before his words had fully left his mouth, both of his feet were simultaneously stepped on heavily by Feng Linchuan and Rong Qian.

What a good idea! With the world's number one sword by her side as a bodyguard, she will be safer. If we can also find her a suitable husband, then we will have no more worries. I will write a letter right away!" Feng Linchuan exclaimed excitedly, clapping his hands.

Indeed, Xiao Feng is her master's uncle, and he holds a sufficient seniority, so it shall be settled like this

The young disciples of Tianshan looked up at her, nodding vigorously.

Oh," the Gray-clad Man nodded slightly, "It makes sense. This is a new skill you have comprehended based on our sword technique and the secrets of Tianshan. It should have its own name. Tell me, what is it called?"

However, the development of events is often unexpected. Recently, a renowned master named Meng Duanhun suddenly emerged from the Meng family in the southwest. The Meng family's Unchanging Sword Technique, under his command, transformed from mere dross to a brilliant display. The top swordsman of the Yue Nu Palace, Liu Qingyuan, who had comprehended the essence of the Super Sea Sword Technique, was unexpectedly defeated by his sword, losing his right arm. In the Shaolin Temple, the two heads of the Luohan Hall and the Damo Hall, the solitary monk Master Bei, were struck by his sword into the wall of the main courtyard, resulting in their bodies being shattered. The top expert of the Qiu Hall, who managed the affairs of the six halls, Shuangyue Jinhuan, was killed by him within the main hall, along with twelve heads and deputy heads from the six halls of the Qiu Hall.

He approached the bedside table, opened the drawer, and took out a thick stack of documents from the Wind and Storm Society. As he flipped through them, he came across a report detailing a massacre that occurred in a village in southwestern Tubo. The report stated that this village, located on the edge of the ghostly region of the southern frontier, had experienced a tragedy five years ago when a hunter accidentally wandered into the ghostly area while hunting. Upon returning to the village, he went into a frenzy and single-handedly slaughtered over one hundred villagers, both young and old. When the wind messenger found him, he had already collapsed from exhaustion, his eyes streaming with black blood, his pupils dilated, as if possessed by a demon. ... The report noted that this village, due to its location on the edge of the ghostly region of the southern frontier, had suffered this calamity five years ago when a hunter accidentally entered the ghostly area while hunting. Upon returning to the village, he went into a frenzy and single-handedly slaughtered over one hundred villagers, both young and old. When the wind messenger discovered him, he had already collapsed from exhaustion, his eyes streaming with black blood, his pupils dilated, as if possessed by a demon. ... Southern frontier ghostly region ... !

The once dust-laden world of martial arts has become rife with bloodshed due to the activities of Meng Duanhun, as if the end of days has arrived. Now, a challenge letter has reached Feng Luoyang, and at the hour of the rabbit tomorrow, Meng Duanhun is set to determine the rightful owner of the title of the world's number one sword.

"Tenfold Reluctance to Part with the Sword... At the moment of life and death, when the two exceptional talents of that year faced separation, a sense of attachment arose, wishing only for a single meeting. The swordsmanship earned its name from this reluctance. Moreover, the time required to execute a strike is merely one-tenth of that of ordinary sword techniques, thus the swordsmanship also earned its name from this tenfold efficiency. Combined, it is 'Tenfold Reluctance,' truly a name with profound connotations. Zheng has long harbored a yearning for its true power..." The gray-clad man said this with an impassioned tone, seemingly very excited about it. Combined, it is 'Tenfold Reluctance,' truly a name with profound connotations. Zheng has long harbored a yearning for its true power..." The gray-clad man said this with an impassioned tone, seemingly very excited about it.

This girl has truly made up her mind to descend the mountain this time. Although she has comprehended the realm of Qingxiao, with her cunning and martial skills, once she steps into the Jianghu, she will be like a roast duck carrying spices, wandering among the hungry ghosts, and it is only a matter of time before something goes wrong. Wei Buping said anxiously, "Master, we absolutely cannot let her descend the mountain."

Oh, I see... No wonder, no wonder! The elders suddenly realized and nodded in agreement

"The name of the world's number one sword, how shall I let you have it today?" The gray-clad man stepped forward and spoke loudly

"Yes, Master Zhangmen, the disciple has noted it down," said Zu Jing solemnly

I am ashamed! Feng Luoyang could not help but lower his head

"Senior, please listen to me..." For some reason, Feng Luoyang was afraid that the gray-clad man before him had overly high expectations of him. "The Xiaowuxiang skill combined with our school's sword techniques can only allow me to achieve a sword-drawing speed three times that of ordinary swordsmanship, so... the sword technique I have been practicing cannot conveniently be called the Ten Unwilling Swords."

Alright, Senior Sister hopes that you will sing this Traveler's Song to see me off

Feeling that there was no threat around, Feng Luoyang finally let out a breath he had been holding in his chest. It had been a long time since he had slept so deeply, especially before the decisive battle. Although he dreamed each time of the scene from that day when he met the former number one swordsman, it was merely fragmented snippets, disjointed phrases, never as complete as today, as if he had returned to ten years ago. And that song of the wanderer! It suddenly intruded into his dream, making him uncontrollably long for Tianshan, his second homeland. Although he dreamed each time of the scene from that day when he met the former number one swordsman, it was merely fragmented snippets, disjointed phrases, never as complete as today, as if he had returned to ten years ago. And that song of the wanderer! It suddenly intruded into his dream, making him uncontrollably long for Tianshan, his second homeland.

He felt as if struck by lightning, suddenly halting his movements, his entire body tingling.

Uh, I got a bit carried away. Feng Linchuan quickly tilted his head back, took a step back, and rubbed his eyes. "That’s it, Jing'er, you must be extremely careful on your journey. Do not say a word more, and do not take a single wrong step. You must understand that you bear the important mission of saving the world and helping others, and any harm is absolutely unacceptable"

On the ninth day, the moonlight fills the empty space, recalling the cantaloupes of my hometown, chasing clouds and pursuing the moon like lightning, on the fifteenth I return home!

The clear and distant howl of Zuqing resembles the call of the mystical phoenix from the heavens, echoing above the snow-capped peaks of Tianshan. Within the Sword Pavilion by the Yaochi, the elders of Tianshan appear pale as if covered in dust

"That being said, with such a name, how can my heart find peace?" Feng Luoyang retorted.

We believe that this person must be young and accomplished, highly skilled in martial arts, full of vigor, from a distinguished family, possessing integrity, and remarkable in appearance, truly a paragon among men

Good! Little Long stepped out of the ranks, straightened his chest, and began to sing loudly, "On the first day, the wild geese call, the wind fills my hair, recalling Chang'an and Xiao A-da. Riding the wind down from Tianshan at night, on the third day, I drunkenly sleep at Old Xiao's house"

"It is not your heart that is at peace! Rather, it is my heart that is troubled." A hint of barely perceptible sympathy emerged in the gray-clad man's tone, "Over the years, I too have grown weary and wish to take a rest. This archway of the world's number one sword is better off in your hands; consider it a favor to me, will you?"

I truly did not expect this; as expected of a member of the ancestral family, to comprehend the realm of the azure sky at such a young age. Now..." The Master of Tianshan, Feng Linchuan, stood up, opened the window, and gazed at the snow-capped peaks to the north

"Having obtained a son like this, what more could one desire?" The gray-clad man sighed deeply, suddenly turning his head.

"It is settled then." The gray-clad man no longer paid attention to Feng Luoyang, turning and striding towards a Kongming lantern on the cliff of the mountain. He picked up a brush from the prepared writing tools beside the lantern, dipped it in ink, and wrote the three large characters "Feng Luoyang" in a flamboyant style on the snow-white lantern paper. Then, he discarded the brush, grasped the lantern with his left hand, and with his right hand, he reached in, releasing a surge of hot air that instantly ignited the Kongming lantern. He let go with both hands, and the half-person-high lantern floated gracefully upward, quickly carried away by the mountain breeze.

"Hahaha, if you don't say it, do you think I can't guess?" The man in gray laughed heartily, "Surname Feng, given name Luoyang. Your ancestors must have forgotten the Luoyang challenge until their dying day. Let me think, could it be that your father is no longer long for this world?"

Hmm! Zujing is well aware of her own abilities and nodded in agreement. "Thinking about it this way, my junior master has never been able to comprehend the mysteries of the Qincheng Sword Technique. It seems that the person I am looking for is definitely not him"

The light illuminated the four walls of the bedroom, as well as the densely packed sword diagrams on those walls. This was a style of swordsmanship characterized by wide, sweeping movements, embodying the fierce techniques of the northern frontier while also possessing the smoothness and clarity of the sword techniques from Guanzhong. Since the renowned swordsman Guan Siyu from Guanzhong established a martial art that combined both sword and saber several decades ago, many practitioners from the Jiang and Tushuhu regions have sought to break conventional sword techniques following his ideas.

The green mountains remain unchanged, their peaks like indigo; the flowing green waters bring dreams anew. In the future, we shall meet again, with flowers as before; there will be a time for reunion, with fragrance filling our hearts... The faint echoes of the Tianshan wanderer's song resemble the melting snow of Tianshan in spring, carrying a hint of fragrance and a touch of coolness, winding and turning, seeping into the dim and murky dreams of Luoyang.

"Feng Luoyang?" The voice of the man in gray was loud and deep, which made him feel invigorated

"Senior..." Feng Luoyang called out, suddenly startled, awakening from his dream. He pressed his lips tightly together and glanced around. In his bedroom, there was no one else, only the four walls remaining. He closed his eyes and listened to the sounds outside the window. Apart from the intermittent snoring of the other guests, the mournful cries of a few summer cicadas, and the cooing of a nest of fledgling swallows on the eaves, there were no other sounds. The moonlight outside was hazy, always partially obscured by a few wisps of light clouds, which dimmed the brilliance of the moon, making the night even more profound. He closed his eyes and listened to the sounds outside the window. Apart from the intermittent snoring of the other guests, the mournful cries of a few summer cicadas, and the cooing of a nest of fledgling swallows on the eaves, there were no other sounds. The moonlight outside was hazy, always partially obscured by a few wisps of light clouds, which dimmed the brilliance of the moon, making the night even more profound.

Twenty years ago, a master of the Meng surname emerged from the Southwest, who combined the ethereal Kunlun Demon Technique with the Sunset Swordplay of the Guanzhong Sword Sect, creating a uniquely innovative sword technique— the Impermanence Sword Technique. In terms of swordplay alone, this divine sword has already possessed the foundation to establish its own sect in the martial world. However, this sword technique is based on the Kunlun Demon Technique, and practitioners often experience a surge of madness and a drastic change in temperament three years after mastering it, becoming obsessed with bravery and violence, engaging in conquest and slaughter, and losing the inclination to diligently study swordplay. Therefore, this sword technique remains fraught with various flaws to this day, unable to ascend to prominence and stand alongside the sword techniques of other major sects.

"Xiao Feng, is he... is he able to come over?" Feng Linchuan asked hesitantly

"The... the Qincheng Sword Technique!" Upon hearing these four words, Zu Jing felt her mind swell, her feet lightened, and a mottled pattern of red and blue appeared before her eyes. She involuntarily stepped forward, "Master Rong... are you saying that this letter actually contains the formula for the Qincheng Sword Technique, the first divine sword technique of the Tianshan Sect?"

At this moment, the young disciples of Tianshan had long been growing impatient. Upon seeing the sect leader finish speaking, they immediately swarmed around Zu Jing. With a tender expression, Zu Jing spread her arms and gathered her younger brothers and sisters close, gently stroking their hair one by one. "Everyone must remember, when the senior sister is not around, you should diligently practice the morning lessons and work hard on your martial arts, so that you can soon comprehend the realm of Qingxiao. The senior sister promises you that she will definitely take you to the most bustling and exciting places for a good time, alright?"

When the sun once again shines upon the snowy peaks of Tianshan, the usually tranquil and serene Jiejian Pool has unexpectedly come to life. All the principal and deputy leaders of the two pavilions and two halls, the Tianshan Sect Master, and all the disciples of Tianshan have gathered at the foot of the mountain by the Jiejian Pool, surrounding the ancestral figure, Zhuo Jing, who is about to descend the mountain, like stars encircling the moon.

But where can we find such a person?" Zu Jing furrowed her brows, deep in thought. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands excitedly, saying, "I have it! Isn't the little master uncle the number one swordsman in the world? He might just be the person we are looking for!"

The young girl is coming of age; Jing'er is already eighteen years old. Every day on the mountain, she is either facing you few old folks or a group of young children, which is utterly boring for her. That is why she wants to come down from the mountain.

"Why?" the crowd asked in unison

I have been contemplating the flaws in the swordsmanship. If... if these flaws are not actually flaws, or cannot be broken, then the power of these more than ten moves of the Impermanence Sword Technique...

Feng Luoyang tightly pressed his lips together, unwilling to admit it, yet unable to deny it

Alright, I am leaving! Zujing reluctantly gazed intently at the people before her, as if she wanted to deeply imprint them in her heart, "Everyone... does everyone still remember our song of the travelers from Tianshan?"

The lychees in Lingnan are as large as a fist, fragrant, tender, and juicy, sliding smoothly into the mouth. The mountains are steep and the waters winding, and by the time they are harvested, it is already the eighth day of the lunar month

"Help? This is the greatest honor in the world, how could it be... ?" Feng Luoyang felt utterly perplexed

Senior Zheng? Feng Luoyang stood tall, not daring to show the slightest hint of relaxation in his imposing demeanor

The southwestern Meng family is also located near the ghostly region of the southern border. Could it be that Meng Duanhun has also fallen under a spell?" Feng Luoyang tore down the portrait of Meng Duanhun from the wall and placed it alongside the documents in his hand, murmuring to himself

On the fourth day of the new year, I recall the flowers of Luoyang, as I lift my foot and arrive in the Eastern Capital. Under the cover of night, I venture into the southern market with its three thousand shops, purchasing all the peonies to adorn my head.

Master Zhangmen... I am looking for a savior for the world of Jianghu, not a husband. What is this nonsense about flying together as a pair? I am truly not afraid of being ugly! Upon hearing this, Zu Jing wrinkled her nose and playfully scolded.

In this way, let her go find Feng Luoyang. We will write him a confidential letter, instructing him to help Jing'er find a suitable husband. Once a partner is found, he should immediately escort them back to Tianshan.

Good! All the senior and junior disciples exclaimed in unison

The disciples all nodded in agreement

I have an additional point to make. If Xiaofeng finds a suitable husband for Jing'er, we should dispense with the outdated customs of formal matchmaking and simply let him take charge of the wedding. Then, they can return to Tianshan to avoid prolonged delays and complications

This is the portrait of Meng Duanhun, purchased from a monk skilled in painting at Shaolin. The image captures Meng Duanhun at the moment he killed the solitary monk, Master Bei, with a single sword strike. Meng Duanhun has an unremarkable oval face, with deep-set eyes, a stubbly beard, and several horizontal lines etched across his forehead. Although he is only thirty years old, he bears the weariness of a man in his forties. Most chilling are his eyes; the Shaolin monk who painted him did not depict any whites in his eyes, but simply filled them in completely with black, making him appear as if he were a demon that had emerged from the darkness.

Therefore, you must deliver the letter to your junior master. He has roamed the martial world for ten years, has encountered countless individuals, and has even sparred with heroes aspiring to become the number one swordsman in the world. He will surely be able to help you find this person. In this way, the two of you can join forces, work in harmony, and naturally, you will face no obstacles and achieve your desires. At this point, Feng Linchuan could no longer contain himself and began to shake his head and nod.

What kind of mysterious letter is this? Zujing took the letter, raised her hand to the bright sunlight to take a look, and upon seeing the thick paper inside the envelope, her curiosity was instantly piqued

"Why is it important to achieve success at a young age? Is it not acceptable to do so when one is older?" Zujing asked in confusion

Cold sweat rolled down along the hair at both temples of Feng Luoyang, causing a wave of heat to wash over him. He suddenly darted to the southeast corner of the room, crouched down, and stared intently at a portrait of a figure affixed to the wall.

He walked slowly along the faintly discernible yellow earth path, not knowing how long it had been. Finally, he saw a towering figure clad in gray, standing proudly atop a barren hill, with a long sword held upside down. His disheveled hair danced in the wind, his gray attire resembled mist, standing tall at seven feet, with a sword as frosty as the moonlight. This was the first hero since the Tang Dynasty to be bestowed the title of the world's number one swordsman in the martial world. People gave him many elaborate titles: Sword King, Sword God, Star Plucking Recluse. Since Guo Chongjiu continued the record of the world's number one and grandly introduced the title of the world's number one sword, there was little dispute among the people of the martial world, who directly conferred this title upon him. As the titles bestowed upon him grew more numerous and heavier, over the decades, people had almost forgotten his original name. At least, throughout his life, Feng Luoyang had never heard anyone mention the true name of this hero. He only knew that his surname was Zheng, and because he had held the title of the world's number one sword for twenty years, people always referred to him simply as the First Sword.

Uh, Feng Luoyang felt his tongue inexplicably tied in a knot. After hesitating for a moment, he finally said honestly, "Actually... I learned a peculiar internal energy breathing technique at the Sword Pavilion on Tianshan, called the Lesser Formless Skill. By using this technique to activate the Ten Unwilling Sword Style, although the sword technique cannot be as swift as the core method of my school, it will not have the backlash of burning the eight meridians."

"It seems that your swordsmanship is still insufficient to contend with me. You have just entered the martial world, barely over eighteen, and you have plenty of time to hone your skills. Come back to challenge me in ten years; by then, you might be able to compete with me. Why are you so eager to arrange a duel with me?" The man in gray scratched his head and asked in a deep voice.

Feng Luoyang raised his head, attempting to see the face of the man in gray, but what met his eyes was a vague silhouette shrouded in green mist

A clear and crisp crow of the golden rooster resounded through the sky, and before one knew it, the hour of the rabbit had arrived

The man in gray seemed unwilling to linger on this issue for too long, and spoke again: "I have heard that you are the first person in history to be able to freely use the Ten Reluctant Sword without being harmed by its mental techniques"

Does this mean that tomorrow's decisive battle will be the last battle of my life? Feng Luoyang felt a wave of warmth surge through his heart, causing him to shudder. Realizing his weakness at this moment, he rubbed his eyes vigorously, gathered all his spirit, and approached the bedside table to light the oil lamp

He came to Tianshan to learn the art back then. If it weren't for us taking him in as a disciple and teaching him so many Tianshan sword techniques, could he have become the number one swordsman in the world? He owes us a favor, and this time it will come in handy. Rest assured, this young man respects his teachers and understands the esteemed status of Zuqing in Tianshan. He knows how to prioritize matters.

As Xiao Long's clear and high-pitched singing resonated, all the young disciples of Tianshan joined in harmony with the melody of the song, participating in the chorus

Jing'er, the leader of Tianshan, Feng Linchuan, called the excited and flushed Zu Jing to his side, solemnly handing her a letter sealed with wax, and said seriously, "This is a letter I wrote to Xiao Feng. You must personally deliver it to him. This matter is of great importance, and you must not be negligent in any way"

The reasons behind this matter are not to be disclosed to outsiders" Feng Luoyang said in a deep voice

"Good, sing with all your heart, sing loudly. Senior sister hopes that until we reach the foot of Tianshan Mountain, we can still hear your songs, alright?" Zu Jing said softly, her voice trembling.

Sword Song? Feng Luoyang was momentarily taken aback; he could no longer recall how he had mustered the courage to arrive at this place of certain death. Could it be that in his confusion, he had once again sung the ballads of Tianshan?

He imagined how he would execute the various techniques of body movement, parrying, blocking, and dodging in this set of over ten sword techniques. However, he discovered that the Unchanging Sword Technique, while appearing simple and straightforward at first glance, was in fact profoundly intricate. The sword moved in a rounded manner, encompassing the universe, seemingly direct yet actually drawing a vast net between heaven and earth, leaving no room for evasion or avoidance. If he could not break through this sword technique head-on, what awaited him would be death

Jing'er, do you know that in the current world of martial arts, chaos reigns, the righteous path is hard to maintain, and the young disciples of the martial world are disheartened? It is essential for someone to rise and call out, awakening the world. This person must possess the courage that can withstand a thousand men and the respect of the entire world, only then can they gather like-minded individuals to jointly undertake a righteous cause. Restoring order and rectifying the martial arts community is the only way forward

From now on, the number one sword in the world will be you, Feng Luoyang!" The gray-clad man said this and laughed heartily three times before soaring into the sky