Chapter Five: The World's Number One Sword vs. the Sword Demon
"Do you mean ... ... ?" Feng Luoyang felt a tightening in his heart and could not help but ask.
He set down the nine hundred taels of silver and slowly retreated into the shadows of the surrounding crowd, disappearing in the blink of an eye. It left one with the impression that his earlier appearance was merely a nightmarishly vivid illusion.
"My lord, do you have anything to say?" Song Wuhen slightly cupped his hands and asked in a deep voice
As everyone raised their eyes, they discovered that the one who entered through the door was a girl of merely eighteen years. Her hair was styled in a fresh and carefree cloud bun, with dark tresses swirling atop her head, dancing in the wind, exuding an ethereal grace. This particular hairstyle had not been seen in the bustling world for quite some time, instantly capturing everyone's attention. She wore a simple and unadorned yellow short-sleeved shirt, with white arm guards on her arms, and a light green shawl draped diagonally over her shoulders. Around her fair and delicate neck was tied a snow-white silk scarf. On her legs, she donned moon-yellow trousers, and her feet were clad in silver-gray cloth boots. Dressed in these fresh and light colors, she appeared as if she were a celestial being arriving with the morning light.
Oh... so you are my grandniece!" Tang Dou, upon hearing this, quickly walked to Zujing's side, wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and said affectionately
In the midst of a chilling atmosphere, the sudden appearance of such a celestial being left all the figures from the martial world within the Phoenix Gambling House momentarily stunned
It was unfortunate... Feng Luoyang did not expect that Meng Duanhun would break his Shadow Technique with this move, exposing him once again to the invincible edge of his sword, forcing him to dodge a strike aimed at his back. When Meng Duanhun landed on the ground, he immediately created a shallow pit in the earth. He did not rise; instead, he spun his feet, causing his body to roll on the ground, and a wave of azure sword light emerged, resembling a massive ice disc that covered all surrounding space, leaving Feng Luoyang with no place to stand. He did not rise; instead, he spun his feet, causing his body to roll on the ground, and a wave of azure sword light emerged, resembling a massive ice disc that covered all surrounding space, leaving Feng Luoyang with no place to stand.
Meng Duanhun wildly swung the long sword in his hand, his broad and sweeping sword techniques resembling the surging waters of a mighty river, fiercely and irresistibly crashing against the banks. The azure torrent engulfed everything on the Execution Cliff: the green pines, the verdant cypresses, the massive boulders, the earthen mounds, and the wild grasses were all ravaged. The mountain crows perched atop the cliff were intimidated by the murderous aura he exuded; before they could even take flight, they fell helplessly to the ground, shattered into pieces of blood and gore in the death net he wove.
No wonder you were dodging from the very beginning, unwilling to confront me directly, even too lazy to draw your sword. It turns out you had already guessed that I had fallen into darkness... Meng Duanhun realized this suddenly and let out a sinister laugh
"Good!" Zujing replied, leaping agilely onto the betting table. She swept aside the piles of silver and pearls with her legs, sat cross-legged, her body tilted to the side, her left arm resting on her thigh, and her pretty face resting on her left palm, calmly gazing into the distance along the mountain path. Although her desire to see Feng Luoyang remained urgent, she had already waited like this on Tianshan for ten years. When it comes to patience, she was far superior to everyone here.
The move "Left Seal, Right Close" from Meng Duanhun's Unchanging Sword Technique is a lethal strike that could have easily trapped the enemy within the optimal range for the technique's effectiveness. However, Feng Luoyang narrowly executed a change in his move, allowing him to evade to behind Meng Duanhun, a position beyond the reach of his sword's power.
Feng Luoyang struggled in the azure waves, desperately widening his eyes to observe the trajectory of Meng Duanhun's sword strike. The three-part sword technique, which he was reluctant to part with, was pushed to its utmost limit. Dense sword light enveloped him, forming a perfect sphere of light, fiercely resisting the impact of the azure light flow.
Hmph! Meng Duanhun let out a cold snort, his body spinning like a whirlwind, a streak of cold light rising around him, attempting to capture Feng Luoyang's trace. However, Feng Luoyang seemed to be like his own shadow, spinning along with him, and in the blink of an eye had already hidden behind him
Feng Luoyang had once witnessed the variations of this sword technique and understood that the second move of this swordplay involved a sudden thrust as the enemy charged forward, striking fiercely at one of the seven vital points. The only way to counter this was to launch a sword attack at Meng Duanhun's chest during the transition between these two moves, forcing him to defend. However, at this moment, Meng Duanhun's body was impervious, and how could such a sword strike penetrate
Feng Luoyang stared at him fiercely, wanting to say a few words to maintain the situation, but after much thought, he could only utter one sentence: "I have no way to escape."
Upon hearing the words "the Duke of Xue has passed away," a hint of mockery appeared on the face of the gray-clad man, but this smile was as fleeting as the morning frost of spring
I also received news that the amount released by the person who distributed the bonuses is at least five times the stake on the table said Tang Dou coldly
"Well, Ouyang, I didn't expect you to be a flower enthusiast as well. We should have a good exchange in the future." Tang Dou's eyes sparkled as he snatched the jade pendant from Ouyang Qingyun's hand, turned around, and quickly walked to the betting table, handing it to Zu Jing with a grin, saying, "Niece, it's our first meeting, and your uncle has brought you a little gift to play with."
That's great... Zujing began to like this considerate little uncle who thought of her in every way. She skipped over to the chair prepared for her by the disciples of the Tang Sect, ready to sit down
She has a delicate oval face, slender eyes resembling crescent moons, a petite and exquisite nose, and soft, warm lips, giving an impression of fragility and innocence. However, the brilliance shining in her eyes is captivating, akin to the shimmering waves of a river illuminated by moonlight, embodying boundless vitality and energy, instantly dispelling worries and evoking tender feelings upon first glance
The world's number one sword, hiss—"Meng Duanhun's frenzied tone revealed a hint of incongruous mockery, 'What a splendid title. Such a pity... hiss, today, you shall bid farewell to this name.'
"Feng Luoyang, you have long held the title of the world's number one sword, and indeed possess some skill, to have devised this method of delay. If this continues for an hour, I might truly be defeated by you." Meng Duanhun cracked his mouth open, revealing his pale blue teeth, and let out a beast-like chuckle.
"You are not the first to say this to me." Feng Luoyang's tone was neither hurried nor slow, as if he did not regard the enemy behind him at all
As soon as these words were spoken, even those in the gambling house who harbored the deepest hatred for the young master of the Tang family could not help but admire his perseverance and determination, nodding in silent agreement
Haha, Miss misunderstood, the "斗" refers to struggle, and it is also the greatest joy of my life as Tang Dou. Fighting against heaven, fighting against earth, fighting against people. Competing in the court and with officials, breaking into the green forest and battling with bandits, entering the rivers and lakes and contending with the people, ascending to the heavenly court and clashing with gods, descending to the underworld and fighting with ghosts, heading west to Kunlun and battling with demons, and east to the vast sea and contending with dragons..." Tang Dou spoke with great excitement, his face showing no signs of anger, but rather proudly displaying a folding fan, with a "pop" revealing four large characters on the fan surface: "Harmony and Joy," "...the more I fight, the happier I become, that is Tang Dou." Competing in the court and with officials, breaking into the green forest and battling with bandits, entering the rivers and lakes and contending with the people, ascending to the heavenly court and clashing with gods, descending to the underworld and fighting with ghosts, heading west to Kunlun and battling with demons, and east to the vast sea and contending with dragons..." Tang Dou spoke with great excitement, his face showing no signs of anger, but rather proudly displaying a folding fan, with a "pop" revealing four large characters on the fan surface: "Harmony and Joy," "...the more I fight, the happier I become, that is Tang Dou.
Hehe... Meng Duanhun raised his hand to sheathe the sword behind his back, then took out six shimmering bone needles from his bosom. He aimed them at the six acupoints on his forehead: Mei Chong, Shang Xing, Shen Ting, Qu Cha, Bai Hui, and Yin Tang, and pierced them. Then, with a swift motion, he drew his sword again. After the six bone needles pierced the corresponding acupoints, the throbbing veins on his forehead suddenly calmed down, and the fierce expression on his face receded. The black in his eyes gradually transformed into a strange golden hue. At this moment, Meng Duanhun stood with his sword raised, calm and composed, exuding the demeanor of an unparalleled master.
As the sound of coughing arose, a middle-aged man dressed in gray gently parted the crowd of the gang and slowly walked to the front of the betting table, carefully taking out a property deed from his bosom and placing it squarely on the table.
Feng Luoyang shook his head: "To break your skills, having a sword in hand is too cumbersome"
"No need for that, draw your sword." Feng Luoyang said in a deep voice
At that time, the most cherished junior disciple of the Tianshan Sect clung to his waist, crying and pleading with him not to descend the mountain. However, his heart had long since departed from Tianshan. He remembered that he had once asked the junior disciple to sing the Song of the Tianshan Traveler in the loudest and most resonant voice, deceiving her by saying that no matter how far he traveled to the ends of the earth, once she heard this song again, he would return to her side.
It is rather amusing to mention that in last night's dream, I once again heard this song of the traveler. As Feng Luoyang thought of this, a sudden softness filled his heart. I wonder how my little apprentice is faring in Tianshan. It has been ten years; she must have grown into a young lady by now
It used to be." The Gray Man corrected softly
Meng Duanhun's sword strike missed its target, the blade flipped and swept horizontally. Had it landed, Feng Luoyang's splendid head would have soared into the clouds. Suddenly, Feng Luoyang let out a thunderous roar, his sword trembled, transforming into two streaks of snow-white sword light, piercing towards Meng Duanhun's glittering demonic eye, a move that was indeed a desperate gamble for mutual destruction.
Ah! Upon seeing this scene, Zu Jing could not help but exclaim.
Meng Duanhun, before succumbing to demonic influence, your lightness skill had not yet reached the realm of Qingxiao. Succumbing to the demonic influence can only lead to a sudden increase in your power, but it cannot enhance your lightness skill. You cannot catch up to me, so give up. I have some acquaintance with Divine Doctor Jiang and can take you to see him. The demonic affliction of the Southern Wilderness is not without remedy.
Ouyang Qingyun glanced at Zu Jing once more and found that the young girl was indeed sitting steadily at the betting table, treating herself as an object placed on the betting platform, which instantly ignited a strong desire within him
The two members of the Tang Sect were exceptionally astute, immediately sensing the unusual expression of the man in gray, and simultaneously felt a bone-chilling cold in their hearts
Who ultimately won
"No problem..." Tang Dou took a step forward to stand before Zu Jing, spread his arms, and declared proudly, "I am the current leader of the Tang Sect in Shu, my surname is Tang and my given name is Dou."
Just as the entire gambling house was about to fall into silence, a faint cough suddenly broke the stillness
Meng Duanhun was furious, roaring like a madman, soaring into the sky. His body spun in mid-air, and sword light rained down, scattering across the horizon. Amidst the flying blue lightning, the chaotic rocks boiled, and yellow dust rolled in waves, with the sword howling like a dragon. It seemed that the cliff had been further reduced by several inches under his invincible sword edge. However, Feng Luoyang skillfully adjusted his dodging angle, perfectly hiding in the only safe space behind Meng Duanhun.
In order to find a glimmer of life from Meng Duanhun's mad sword, the enemy strikes with one sword, while Feng Luoyang must at least counter with two swords simultaneously: one to dissipate the force using the "sticky" technique, and the other to deflect using the "push" technique. At times, when Meng Duanhun's attacks are too fierce, he is compelled to unleash three or even four swords at once to dissipate the force. If he fails to neutralize the power, he will bear an additional scar on his body
She actually came to find the world's number one sword, Feng Luoyang! The room full of martial arts figures exchanged glances, suddenly feeling a sense of profound mystery about this unexpected young girl
"My lord, this is the residence of General Xue Guogong Ashina Zhong of the Right Guard," Tang Bing said softly
Ah! In mid-air, Feng Luoyang's body suddenly trembled, shifting from a forward charge to a retreat. A series of graceful and fluid backward somersaults allowed him to traverse the space between the two blades that were almost touching, flying towards Meng Duanhun's back.
"Hiss—where is your sword?" Meng Duanhun glanced at Feng Luoyang's empty hands and suddenly asked.
"I do not wish for your defeat," the man in black raised his head, staring at Tang Dou with a pair of hollow black eyes, "I am merely afraid of your victory"
Amidst the flurry of azure blades, a massive pine tree was unexpectedly shredded into countless greenish-brown fragments after encountering the sword energy of Meng Duanhun, raining down like a torrential downpour upon the entire Headless Cliff. Taking advantage of this perilous moment, Feng Luoyang escaped from Meng Duanhun's rain of swords, yet his body bore four or five deep wounds visible to the bone, and his left arm, which had just struck the tree, was now dislocated. He leaped with all his might to another pine tree, raised his hand to draw the Qingfeng sword that had long been lodged in the tree hollow, and traced a sword seal in the air, positioning the sword horizontally to face Meng Duanhun's demonic blade.
My name is Zu Jing, and I have always called him "Little Master Uncle" since I was young. I have known him since childhood, the young girl said honestly
Oh, is that so? Tang Dou had no understanding of the current officialdom, and turned to ask Tang Bing.
"What is so remarkable about this property deed?" Tang Dou impatiently snatched the deed from Tang Bing's hand, glanced at it, and said, "A residence in the Shangshan Fang of Luoyang, East Capital... this location... seems so familiar?"
You are quite honest! Meng Duanhun let out a sinister laugh, and with a flash of blue light from his long sword, he thrust it towards Feng Luoyang's left shoulder. Feng Luoyang gritted his teeth, suddenly bending at the waist, and with his right hand, he flicked his sword, sending a streak of starlight rapidly towards Meng Duanhun's left abdomen at the Wai Ling acupoint. This was the greatest flaw in this move of the Impermanence Sword Technique. However, when the Qingfeng Sword struck Meng Duanhun's Wai Ling acupoint, it felt as if it had hit a broken leather, producing only a 'pop' sound, and then the entire sword body helplessly slid to the left. Meanwhile, Meng Duanhun's long sword had already pierced Feng Luoyang's shoulder, blood gushing forth. Feng Luoyang's Qingfeng Sword spun around, following the sliding motion of the sword, and at the critical moment, it deflected Meng Duanhun's urgent thrust, leaving only a shallow wound on his shoulder.
"How bold!" Meng Duanhun suddenly let out a wild howl, and Feng Luoyang felt a torrent of air surge through the entire space of Duantou Cliff, as if the Milky Way had been turned upside down, with mud and stones flowing chaotically, unstoppable.
The sound of footsteps echoed all the way to the front of the gambling house, where the two doors, shaken down by the two formidable masters Ouyang Murong, suddenly came to a halt. Immediately after, a creaking sound of a stiff wooden board was heard, as the two already crooked doors were gently pushed open, crashing down to the ground like piles of gold and jade columns with a resounding thud, sending up a cloud of dust
Seeing that Zu Jing was settled, Tang Dou secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He rubbed his face with his hand, turned his head, and walked heavily towards Song Wuhen and the others, letting out a long sigh.
Feng Luoyang stood alone on the edge of the Execution Cliff, quietly awaiting the appearance of Meng Duanhun. He wore a warrior's outfit that had faded to a grayish-white, with the sleeves rolled up high at the elbows, exposing his iron-like muscular arms. His arms were crossed behind his back, allowing the morning breeze to caress him. His pant legs were tightly bound, and he wore sturdy straw sandals. His hair was neatly combed and tightly secured with a hair tie. His entire appearance was sharp and tidy, with no loose fabric or stray hair to hinder him while wielding his sword. His pant legs were tightly bound, and he wore sturdy straw sandals. His hair was neatly combed and tightly secured with a hair tie. His entire appearance was sharp and tidy, with no loose fabric or stray hair to hinder him while wielding his sword.
Meng Duanhun, you have fallen deeply into the abyss; go seek Jiang Shenyi, there may still be hope! Seeing the invincible sword light of Meng Duanhun, Feng Luoyang further confirmed his suspicions and could not help but speak out in advice
Feng Luoyang was taken aback as he observed the changes: "You can actually control the depth of your demonic transformation?"
"Yes, the Duke of Xueguo has passed away." Tang Bing nodded in response
Ah, how could this happen, I am sorry..." A clear and gentle female voice suddenly resonated in the ears of the crowd
He suddenly gritted his teeth, took out a jade pendant that was a vibrant green from his bosom, and pressed it into Tang Dou's hand, saying in a deep voice: "This is the family heirloom of the Ouyang family, worth a fortune. I would never part with it under normal circumstances. But now, for Miss Zuojing, what do I have to hold back? Take it to offset that nine hundred taels of silver. If Feng Luoyang loses this battle, she must come with me."
"Yes, Master!" The disciples of the Tang Sect around them knelt on one knee in unison and responded loudly
"Niece... so you are...?" Zuojing raised her eyebrows, pondering the identity of Tang Dou.
The gray-clad man's face revealed a hint of a smile for the second time: "Do you have any other choices?"
"Feng Luoyang, accept your death!" Meng Duanhun's long sword drew a circle, and a beam of azure light immediately surrounded Feng Luoyang.
Feng Luoyang let out a long howl, lifted a leg, and kicked the sole of Meng Duanhun's shoe that was soaring in the air. His body soared upward, not only evading Meng Duanhun's ground-splitting sword technique but also using the force of that kick to halt the continuous flow of sword moves from Meng Duanhun, forcing him to change his tactics midway, with his overwhelming momentum having nowhere to release.
Shh... Tang Dou raised his hand, made a gesture for silence, glanced back at Zu Jing, and in a low voice, with a sorrowful expression, said, "It truly breaks the heart of those who hear it and brings tears to the eyes of those who see it"
Feng Luoyang only reacted when the opponent charged right in front of him. In an instant, he twisted his body to evade the direct strike, but Meng Duanhun's sword was too swift. Despite pushing his lightness skill to the limit, he could not escape the calamity of being severely injured. The gray-white warrior's outfit on his chest was slashed open, revealing a gruesome sight of blood and flesh.
In the hall, Tang Dou, Tang Bing, Song Wuhen, Ouyang Qingyun, Murong Liu, and Tan Heng exchanged glances, each harboring their own confusion, yet none dared to speak up and reveal their true thoughts
Meng Duanhun smiled slightly at him: "Since you are undoubtedly destined to die today, it is of no harm to tell you. This skill is known as the Heavenly Demon Disintegration Technique, a secret art that can stimulate one's internal potential in a short period. What I just demonstrated was merely the first level of the technique; this is the second level. You just said that my lightness skill has not yet reached the realm of the azure sky, so what about now?" Before his words had finished, his body flashed and he was already in front of Feng Luoyang, thrusting a sword towards his left chest. You just said that my lightness skill has not yet reached the realm of the azure sky, so what about now?" Before his words had finished, his body flashed and he was already in front of Feng Luoyang, thrusting a sword towards his left chest
You are exerting yourself so recklessly; when the time comes, your spirit will be damaged, and the effects of the demonic arts will corrode your very bones, leading to a death that is truly unbearable to witness
Hahaha, Meng Duanhun laughed heartily towards the sky. "Feng Luoyang, do you really think that my skills are granted by the demonic transformations of the Southern Wilderness? Little do you know, the world is filled with extraordinary skills and secret techniques, as numerous as the fish crossing the river, and there are countless talented individuals with unique abilities. The current martial world is precisely the domain where we roam freely. We are destined to replace you antiquated traditionalists who cling to the old ways and dominate the martial arts realm. This is the trend of the times; to resist it with your solitary strength is akin to a mantis trying to stop a chariot, utterly overestimating your own capabilities."
Young Master!" Tang Bing's legs went weak, and she knelt beside Tang Dou, earnestly persuading him, "As long as the green mountains remain, we need not fear the absence of firewood. This time, let us concede defeat and withdraw from Jiangnan. We should not continue fighting. The disciples of the Tang family can be without their heads, the elders of the Tang family can be without a homeland, but the Young Master of the Tang family must not be without his hands.
"Tang Dou? Sugar Bean?" Upon hearing this name, Zu Jing couldn't help but chuckle, "What a cute name." As soon as these words were spoken, the members of the Tang Sect in the gambling house immediately felt a chill run down their spines, their bodies going numb. When Tang Dou first took control of the Tang Sect, he suffered a great deal of humiliation due to the pun in his name, which led him to unleash a bloody massacre, causing those in the martial world who mocked him to cry out in despair. In the end, there were hardly any petty individuals in the Jianghu who dared to mock him so directly. Now, this little girl was provoking his taboo; she would either die or suffer greatly.
Hmph! Meng Duanhun flicked his wrist, conjuring three sword shadows that swiftly pierced towards Feng Luoyang's chest, targeting the Shen Cang and Qi Men acupoints. Feng Luoyang, following suit, raised his hand to unleash three sword shadows, each tightly adhering to Meng Duanhun's demonic sword. Through the techniques of sticking, falling, pushing, and unbinding, he managed to neutralize Meng Duanhun's seemingly overwhelming assault, akin to a mountain torrent. Nevertheless, his entire right arm, along with half of his body, was numbed by Meng Duanhun's formidable true energy, leaving him with almost no sensation.
On the precipice of the Execution Cliff, the sound of swords howls like thunder, with a torrent of killing intent rolling forth. Occasionally, deafening roars of dragons and tigers resonate, as if a malevolent dragon is wreaking havoc, conjuring clouds and rain in the mountains. At this moment, the people of the martial world in the Phoenix Gambling House are all silent, not uttering a word; no one dares to disturb the attention of those in the hall who are focused on the duel of masters atop the Execution Cliff.
If you know Feng Luoyang, then you should know me. Everyone knows that I am his one and only sworn brother. " At this point, Tang Dou looked arrogantly at the other figures in the gambling house.
I... I apologize. My junior master did not mention you when he went up the mountain to learn his craft in the past." Zu Jing glanced apologetically at Tang Dou and said softly
The lights have yet to rise, but on the quiet mountain path, a series of light and rhythmic footsteps can be heard
"Well, even if the young master speaks reasonably, I would like to see who would come to your rescue in these times." Song Wuhen remained silent for a long time, finally shaking his head slightly and sighing.
Tang Dou instead burst into laughter: "Recently, the wind has been carrying a rumor that someone has paid a hefty sum for my hands. Who would have thought, who would have thought, that even the people from the departure platform have gotten involved." After saying this, his eyes shone brightly as he fixed a fierce gaze on the mysterious gray-clad guest
The young girl stared at the room full of fierce-looking heroes of the martial world, momentarily taken aback. After hesitating for a moment, she finally mustered her courage, cleared her throat, and softly asked: "Excuse me... may I ask where I can find Feng Luoyang?"
"Hey, let's see how many swords you can block!" Meng Duanhun sneered as he raised his hand, the long sword tracing a brilliant long arc. With a single move, he enveloped Feng Luoyang's seven vital points, the sharp sword energy radiating fiercely. Given Feng Luoyang's current level of power, if he were to clash the Qingfeng Sword with the Demon Sword, he would immediately face the danger of breaking it. He could only lunge towards Meng Duanhun, using this action to evade the force of the arc drawn by the sword.
After a while, Nian Bangbang, the leader of the Nian Gang, coughed and said: "Young Master, all of Tangmen's assets have already been staked on the table, and there is no principal left to cover this 900 taels. According to the rules of the gambling house, your Phoenix Gambling House must close. The remaining matters will be handled by my Nian Gang on behalf of Tangmen. There is no gambling without loss; Young Master, when you next enter Jiangnan, do not be so ostentatious."
Haha! Take this! Meng Duanhun calmly received this sword strike. The demonic sword flipped and aimed at Feng Luoyang's throat. In a critical moment, Feng Luoyang twisted his wrist, causing the Qingfeng sword to turn in front of Meng Duanhun's chest. Using the momentum, he managed to dodge the fatal blow to his throat, but Meng Duanhun's sword still left a long gash on the right side of his neck.
"I wager this priceless residence on the hands of the young master." The man in gray said with an air of nonchalance. Upon hearing this, the entire assembly was taken aback.
Hahaha, young lady, are you here to find Old Feng? Then you have indeed found the right person. May I ask, what is your relationship with him?" Tang Dou laughed heartily, parting the crowd, twirling the closed folding fan in his hand like a windmill, and swaggered over to the side of the young girl
Here it comes! Everyone in the square felt a jolt in their hearts, knowing that a good show was about to begin
A chill ran through his heart: "So it is..." As his thoughts surged, his body seemed to transform into a light and agile leaf, soaring upward with the rushing air, racing forward. A cold gleam, sharp as frost and snow, traced a delicate and intricate arc in the air, instantly slicing diagonally from his right side, sealing off nearly all his escape routes on that side and forcing him to retreat hastily to the left. Immediately after, another imposing cold gleam carved out a half-elliptical arc, sweeping in from the left. The two gleams converged, resembling an ice ball, trapping Feng Luoyang, who was attempting to escape, in the narrow space atop the execution cliff.
Ah, it seems that the chairs here are as flimsy as the walls and windows. Do not be afraid, my dear niece, you can sit on this table. This table is high, sturdy, offers a good view, and is quite conspicuous. The old wind comes down from the mountain, and at first glance, it will be able to see you clearly. " As Tang Dou spoke, he pulled Zhuo Jing's hand and led her to the betting table in the center of the gambling house, while communicating through a secret method.
How could this be? Seeing that even Tang Dou was so moved, Ouyang Qingyun's expression changed dramatically. Such a peerless beauty should not fall into the hands of the mediocre; it is truly a waste of heavenly gifts. Observing Ouyang Qingyun's excited demeanor, Murong Liu, Song Wuhen, and Tan Heng knowingly raised their eyebrows, slightly shook their heads, and remained silent.
Oh, Zujing placed a finger on her pointed chin, listening with great interest. "Since you are the sworn brother of my little master uncle, you must know where he is now, right?"
The surrounding shadows of swords seemed like a rain of stars from the heavens, sweeping in from all directions. Feng Luoyang felt as if the air around him had been instantly drained away. He could almost see the Grim Reaper at the gates of hell, smiling and waving at him.
"What a bold claim. I initially intended to leave you with a complete corpse, but since you are so arrogant, do not blame me for being merciless." Meng Duanhun's tone grew increasingly fierce, "Turn around."
Tang Bing took the property deed from the side, glanced at it, and her eyes involuntarily widened in shock: "This is..."
Did the old wind forget to light the lantern before going down the cliff
The four walls and the main entrance of the Phoenix Gambling House had been severely damaged in succession by the masters of the Ouyang and Murong families, as well as the experts from the Xuanwu Camp and the Chunjiu Formation. The entire structure was already on the verge of collapse. At this moment, as the two large doors were pushed down, the tremendous noise triggered a chain reaction. Half of the Phoenix Gambling House, along with the ceiling of the gambling hall, collapsed with a resounding crash, instantly exposing a room full of fierce and menacing figures, glaring at each other, to the beautiful morning glow of Nanshan.
Tang Dou smiled faintly, suddenly turned around, and said loudly: "Now the capital of this gambling house is sufficient, everyone please wait together for the results of the sword competition."
Feng Luoyang
You think you can exhaust my strength by running away? How naive! Meng Duanhun laughed heartily, suddenly leaping high into the air, his back facing the ground as he came crashing down.
Tang Dou, upon reaching this point, raised his head, gestured with his hand, and called out loudly, "Someone, bring a chair for my niece!" He then turned back and, using a secretive tone, said to Zu Jing, "Niece, since Old Feng has defeated Meng Duanhun, he will naturally descend the mountain path directly facing us. You and Tushu should sit by the door, so you can be the first to see him."
I am different from others!" Meng Duanhun shouted furiously.
At that moment, a sudden sound of soft footsteps echoed on the mountain path, accompanied by a malevolent aura as fierce as that of a vengeful spirit. If Feng Luoyang had not already known that the newcomer was the rising star of the martial world, Meng Duanhun, he might have thought that a beast from hell had broken through to the human realm. This made his heart involuntarily contract, forcing him to pull himself away from the warm memories of Tianshan.
I use this property deed to buy Feng Luoyang's loss! The voice of this gray-clad man is monotonous and ordinary, lacking any distinctive features even in the way he speaks about luck. His face is also an unremarkable square-shaped face, devoid of any notable expressions. A person like this, even if seen several times a day, would likely be forgotten and not remembered at all.
Zuqing took the jade pendant and was immediately captivated by its exquisite and ancient craftsmanship: "Wow, such delicate workmanship, it must be an antique, thank you."
Oh, is that so? The Gray Cloak touched his nose, noncommittal.
Everything, for a person about to engage in a life-and-death duel, has been achieved with one hundred percent perfection. The only aspect that is somewhat perplexing is that the three-foot-long green blade, which he always carries with him, is not by his side but is instead inserted far away into a tree hollow of a green pine on the execution cliff. He is not facing the uphill path but is standing with his back to the way he came.
Feng Luoyang quietly glanced at Meng Duanhun's triumphant expression, remained silent for a long time, and finally said, "I am here merely to compete in swordsmanship"
Hmph, my brother, if you wish for my Tang Sect to meet with misfortune, why not simply wait until the sword duel concludes? If Feng Luoyang truly loses, I, Tang Dou, would be willing to sever my own hands at any moment. Is that not more thrilling than merely expelling me from Jiangnan?" As he saw his carefully orchestrated gamble about to come to naught, Tang Dou could not help but make one last desperate struggle
"Hahaha, what a thrill!" Meng Duanhun exclaimed with delight, as the magic sword spun, stirring up a fierce wind, unleashing a wave of green light across the fields, charging towards Feng Luoyang.
As Meng Duanhun opened his mouth, it seemed he could no longer suppress the surging restlessness coursing through his entire body, letting out a low growl, "Feng Luoyang?"
Feng Luoyang, after enduring countless hardships, finally seized a glimmer of opportunity. With a vigorous shake of his right arm, a myriad of sword shadows rose into the air, howling as they swept toward Meng Duanhun
"Go up and take your seat; the old wind may come down the mountain at any moment." Tang Dou continued to communicate through secret sound transmission.
Zhu Jing arrived at the betting table, glanced at the mountains of gold bricks and jewels piled on both sides of the platform, and couldn't help but exclaim sincerely: "This table is indeed very eye-catching"
Did Meng Duanhun not know the rules of the Yangming Lantern upon first entering the martial world, having already fallen off the cliff without lighting the lantern?
Feng Luoyang's mind was racing, and the sword in his hand thrust out uncontrollably, piercing fiercely into Meng Duanhun's chest.
Meng Duanhun let out a furious shout, his body sprang up, leaping like a fish. At the same time, Feng Luoyang performed a somersault, landing directly opposite him
This young woman is the niece of Feng Luoyang, and she holds the utmost admiration and respect for the elder Feng. Upon hearing about the wager I have with everyone, she resolutely decided to stake herself as a bet, wagering nine hundred taels of silver on Feng Luoyang's victory for the honor of her sect and for Feng Luoyang himself. Alas, this young woman is extraordinarily talented, yet her temperament is exceedingly strong-willed; no matter how I tried to persuade her, she insisted on this course of action. It is pitiful that if Feng Luoyang unfortunately loses, she would fall into the hands of that unknown, lecherous man in black, suffering a terrible fate. At this point, Tang Dou looked up to the sky and gently sighed, a tear slowly sliding down from his left eye.
On Wutong Ridge, the green pines stand like umbrellas, clustered in groups of three to five, arranged in a pleasing disorder. Occasionally, the piercing and chilling cries of monkeys break the silence. The entire mountain range undulates like waves, with uneven terrain. Only at one peak does the landscape change dramatically, as if a colossal sword from the heavens has cleaved through the hills, leaving the mountaintop flat like a stage. Here and there, a few green pines and cypress trees are interspersed, their shadows cast by the cold light of the dark moon upon the smooth hilltop, resembling the claw marks of a celestial dragon etched into the ground, sending shivers down one's spine. This place is known as the Headless Cliff.
"Everyone says that." Feng Luoyang's words contained not a trace of emotion, no mockery, no disdain, no jesting; they were merely delivered in a calm and flat manner, as if a pedantic old scholar were recounting an irrefutable fact to his students
As the battle reached its climax, Meng Duanhun let out a long howl. A long azure glow surged from the magic sword. He raised his hand to spin the sword above his head, forming a blue disc. Then, with a flick of his wrist, a dragon-like beam of azure light shot over a distance of more than ten feet, striking towards Feng Luoyang's chest
Who else dares to gamble? If you have the guts, come place your bets. I, the young master of the Tang family, will take them all on. Tang Dou raised his hand triumphantly and shouted loudly, as if the hands that had just been placed on the table belonged to someone else.
Haha, haha! Tang Dou laughed heartily twice, bringing his hands to his mouth and giving two loud kisses. Then, with a bang, he slammed them down on the betting table, declaring, "I bet."
At the critical moment of life and death, he gritted his teeth fiercely, quickly retreated backward, and suddenly backed up against a green pine tree. With a loud shout, he exerted all his strength and swept his left arm backward. A loud cracking sound was heard as the trunk of the pine tree behind him was swept off in one stroke, the upper half of the tree and its massive crown resembling a giant hammer, directly facing Meng Duanhun's unstoppable flurry of attacks.
As soon as he spoke, everyone in the Tang Sect erupted in an uproar
He remembers that, years ago, he descended from the Xie Jian Pool alone with his sword, heading to Luoyang for the sword discussion held once every twelve years, in search of that elusive glory that immortality cannot attain. The mountain wind from ten years ago was just as hauntingly beautiful, stirring his imagination and making his heart race. At that time, his heart was still filled with ambition for the future, as if he had just bid farewell to the mountains and was rushing toward the sea like a wave, grand and unrestrained
Who is it
"What happened, my lord? Who is this young lady? What brings her here to seek Feng Luoyang?" Ouyang Qingyun, growing older, found his desires intensifying. Although he was still troubled by the matter of his beloved concubine being taken from him, the moment he laid eyes on Zu Jing's grace, he immediately cast Ji Ruyu from his mind and became wholly focused on inquiring about Zu Jing's background.
Meng Duanhun's Impermanence Sword Technique, enhanced by the application of the Heavenly Demon Disintegration Method, eliminates the need to guard vital points around his body. The power inherent in the *Diagram* *Book* is magnified tenfold, with each sword strike embodying an unstoppable offensive force, invulnerable and overwhelming. His only flaw lies in his eyes; however, his sword style effectively shields the area between them, rendering it impenetrable. No matter how swift Feng Luoyang's sword may be, it cannot breach this defense. A person's entire body is a vital point, while an individual has only one critical vulnerability. From the very beginning, this duel was destined to end in tragedy for Feng Luoyang.
Tang Dou jumped to the front of the chair and raised his sleeve to dust off the dirt on it: "Be careful, niece, the chair is a bit dirty." However, with this gentle sweep, the entire chair suddenly cracked with a loud "bang" and shattered into a pile of wooden pieces
"Wait a moment," Tang Dou waved his hand and pointed to the cliff on Wutong Ridge. "Do you see? The Yangming Lantern has not yet been raised, the gambling has not yet concluded, and guests can still place their bets. I refuse to believe that today no one will bet on Feng Luoyang to win. Unless the Yangming Lantern is raised and the duel determines a victor, no one can drive me, Tang Men, to extinction!"
"Bastard!" Tang Doubo was furious. He lifted a foot and kicked Tang Bing to the ground. "Everyone listen to me, Feng Luoyang is my brother, and I know he will definitely win. Anyone who dares to advise me against betting will be expelled from the Tang Clan. Do you hear me?"
This move represents the moment when a master swordsman wields their sword with utmost proficiency, comprehending the way of heaven. The true energy within their body merges with the heavenly principle, and the sword aura that bursts forth signifies that the fierce battle has reached its climax. Facing the overwhelming sword aura, Feng Luoyang desperately swings his Qingfeng sword, blocking three times in front of his chest. However, the turbulent airflow is too fierce; his arm grows weak, and the long sword flies high into the air, shooting upwards. His body tilts back, propelled over three zhang by the residual sword energy, crashing heavily against the trunk of a surviving green pine on the cliff of severed heads, before softly sliding down to the ground.
The southern mountain of Runzhou was originally a place of beautiful forests, serene and tranquil. However, the solitary Wutong Ridge, with its sheer cliffs, harbors hidden dangers and is filled with malevolence, evoking dark thoughts in the heart. Even the mountain winds here carry a chilling aura, completely ruining the charm of the entire southern mountain, making it an unparalleled site of great misfortune in terms of geomancy. Ordinary people avoid it as much as possible, yet the children of the rivers and lakes are particularly fond of this place, where generations of heroes and legends have chosen to confront life and death amidst the lingering spirits of the wronged.
Meng Duanhun let out a furious howl, unprecedentedly abandoning his offensive. With a sweep of his sword, he thwarted Feng Luoyang's attack. At this moment, his golden, shining eyes were his only vulnerability
The terrifying sounds of the battle lasted for nearly an hour, and suddenly fell silent, plunging the entire Wutong Ridge into a heart-stirring stillness. Everyone's heart began to race, and every pair of eyes focused on the sky above the Execution Cliff, waiting for the beacon that would determine the outcome of this duel.
"Hush—" Tang Dou suddenly darted to Zujing's side, covering her lips with a fan. He used a secret communication technique, directing his voice to her ear, and said, "Niece, Old Feng is currently engaged in a duel with the Demon Sword Meng Duanhun at the Headless Cliff of Wutong Ridge. Everyone in the martial world, except for me, hopes for his defeat. Therefore, our situation is extremely perilous, and we must exercise utmost caution. You must communicate with me using this secret method, or there will be grave danger."
The two individuals stood silently facing each other, illuminated by the increasingly bright morning light on the horizon. Feng Luoyang could clearly see Meng Duanhun's eyes. As he had guessed, the whites of this demon's eyes had turned a dark brown, making it impossible to discern where his pupils were. The veins on his head resembled the roots of an ancient tree, protruding prominently and quivering vigorously. It seemed as if a demon was about to break free from within his body. The veins on his head resembled the roots of an ancient tree, protruding prominently and quivering vigorously. It seemed as if a demon was about to break free from within his body
The mountain wind wailed softly by his ear as he trembled and closed his eyes, striving with all his might to concentrate his spirit in one place. However, the morning breeze from thousands of miles away made it impossible for him to escape his longing for the Tianshan Mountains. This yearning had surged uncontrollably in his heart ever since that dream of the South.
"Feng Luoyang! Is the lightness skill of the Tianshan Sect, which comes like a wave, meant to help you hide like a turtle?" Meng Duanhun shouted angrily while changing his form.
"Hehe, are you finally going to make your move? Feng Luoyang's three-point sword is not to be trifled with." Meng Duanhun let out a low, cold laugh, casually spinning his long sword a few times in the palm of his hand, as if a rider were playing with the whip in his hand. "Do you know that once you confront my Unchanging Sword Technique head-on, there will be no chance of survival"
"Hmph, whether you understand or not is no longer important." Meng Duanhun let out a cold laugh, "I admit, it is indeed remarkable that you could anticipate my use of demonic means to master an unparalleled sword technique. But do you really think that Liu Qingyuan, who has comprehended the Super Sea Sword Technique, would not have considered this? Have you ever thought about why he still lost an arm?"
I do not wish for it to be this way either, but now the young man is struggling to protect himself and cannot afford to be concerned about much else. Tang Dou sighed and spread his hands.
I do not understand what you are saying, " Feng Luoyang said with a frown
Meng Duanhun... Feng Luoyang replied faintly
This person does not reveal their intentions, and even the stakes they put forth are not particularly conspicuous. However, this moderately sized wager is precisely an amount that the disciples of the Tang Sect cannot afford to pay, causing the already precarious gambling situation of the Tang Sect to collapse utterly.
Do you still not understand? A new power is rising, and this world is about to undergo a tremendous upheaval. The old sects and their regulations are on the verge of disappearing. The current world resembles a house engulfed in flames, teetering on the brink of collapse, and you, Feng Luoyang, are merely the last pillar. If you fall, the last hope of those antiquated fools in this world will also perish.
As soon as he finished speaking, another person emerged from the crowd. This individual was dressed entirely in black, thin and emaciated, with a face full of wrinkles and deeply sunken eyes, making it difficult to discern the whites of his eyes. He exuded an unsettling presence. The person hunched his neck, with both hands hidden in his sleeves, as if extremely afraid of the cold, and trembled as he approached Tang Dou. He took out a stack of flying money from his bosom, placed it gently on the table, and whispered, "Nine hundred taels of silver, to buy Feng Luoyang's loss!"
The room fell silent for a moment, and suddenly a burst of hearty laughter erupted from the gambling table in the center of the casino
This residence is priceless," Tang Dou shook the property deed in his hand, "Let's get to the point, what do you want to bet with me?