Chapter 7, The Sword's Trace Like a Swallow

Xuan Yuan initially showed signs of struggle, but at this moment, he completely relaxed, seemingly falling into a state of slumber, the sword in his hand slowly drooping... The earth priest began to murmur something softly...

The one who has come is indeed Jiao Meng, which greatly exceeds Shennong's expectations. However, he knows that the visitor is certainly not just Jiao Meng; otherwise, how could all of his many subordinates suddenly be struck by arrows?

Hmph, no grudges or enmity? But do you remember that night two days before the sacrifice to the heavens ten years ago, when you knocked out that child holding a hunting knife? I have waited for ten years, ten years! Do you know why I have become an outlier in the eyes of my clan over these ten years? It is precisely to wait for this day. I have long known that you have been secretly observing every young person in the clan, which is why I have never sought to showcase myself or engage in meaningless actions. I speak very little, simply because I do not want you to perceive my inner thoughts. Too many words lead to mistakes, so I remain silent and speak less. It is all for the sake of waiting for this day. I have long known that you have been secretly observing every young person in the clan, which is why I have never sought to showcase myself or engage in meaningless actions. I speak very little, simply because I do not want you to perceive my inner thoughts. Too many words lead to mistakes, so I remain silent and speak less. Starting tomorrow, I can return to my true self. High Priest, shouldn't you congratulate me?

The priest struggled for a moment, barely managing to prop up his lower body, but was immediately drenched in sweat from the pain. Even more terrifying was the gradual onset of a tingling sensation in his lower abdomen. Due to excessive blood loss, he was unable to move, yet he quickly retrieved a porcelain bottle from his bosom, poured out seven or eight pills, and swallowed them all. He continued to take out three more bottles, nearly consuming over ten pills in total.

Xuan Yuan was taken aback, his mind buzzing with a sound, as if struck by a heavy blow, leaving his thoughts in complete disarray

The sword's trajectory is like a swallow in flight, smooth and natural, as if gently brushed by a spring breeze, yet also akin to a torrent in a narrow gap, and even more like a rainbow at the edge of the sky

Cough cough... A trace of regret flashed across the face of the priest, and he became even more enraged, causing his wound to throb and his body to tremble. Xuanyuan had indeed hit upon the pain in his heart. After mastering the "Spirit Gathering Technique," everything seemed to go smoothly for him. He was filled with confidence in the "Spirit Gathering Technique," as if he could become invincible in the world with this ultimate skill. In such circumstances, whenever he encountered an opponent, he would unconsciously think of using this infallible technique to fight. However, he had overestimated himself and underestimated his opponent. Xuanyuan had come prepared, and his intellect and depth were truly terrifying. As Xuanyuan had said, he had been calculating every one of his movements, every technique, and every habitual offensive during their encounters since three years ago, while he remained completely unaware of Xuanyuan's strategies, which sowed the seeds of his defeat. Xuanyuan had come prepared, and his intellect and depth were truly terrifying. As Xuanyuan had said, he had been calculating every one of his movements, every technique, and every habitual offensive during their encounters since three years ago, while he remained completely unaware of Xuanyuan's strategies, which sowed the seeds of his defeat.

It is important to understand that this is the territory of Jiao Meng, and he could not possibly appear here alone. If Shennong were to join forces with him, it is highly likely that it would provoke a collective attack from hidden adversaries. This would be absolutely detrimental to them with no benefits whatsoever. However, they are somewhat puzzled as to how Jiao Meng could appear here so punctually. Or perhaps Jiao Meng had already set up an ambush here long ago

Jiao Meng then slowly shifted her gaze to Shen Nong's face, quietly sighed, and asked leisurely: "Are you the son of Hu Ye?"

Xuan and * Tu * Shuyuan seemed to have entered a bewildering nightmare, moving forward in a daze at the gentle call of the earth priest

***

At the moment when Xuanyuan let out a howl, he did not forget to casually twist the dagger in his hand, and his body was thrown back three zhang, heavily crashing to the ground and knocking down two women

Jiang Yuan knew that what Jiao Meng said was true, and he also knew that the master would definitely come to pay respects to the lady

"You should feel pity for yourself; in fact, with your martial skills, you could have easily killed me, yet you still lost!" Xuan Yuan said with a mocking tone in his expression.

Xuan Yuan finished speaking and laughed proudly and joyfully, "Ahem..." At the same time as he laughed, he spat out a small mouthful of fresh blood

This is your sorrow, but it is also the sorrow of humanity. Do you know? The reason I dare to challenge this time is that I bet you will amplify the sorrowful side of human nature!" At this point, Xuanyuan smiled leisurely and proudly, continuing: "When a person acquires a powerful tool, they will be eager to try it out. When some people taste success in a certain matter, they will place greater importance and preference on the way they achieved that success. Perhaps this is the greatest flaw in human evolution!" After a pause, he continued: "When a person acquires a powerful tool, they will be eager to try it out. When some people taste success in a certain matter, they will place greater importance and preference on the way they achieved that success. Perhaps this is the greatest flaw in human evolution!" After another pause, Xuanyuan continued: "You have learned the Gathering Spirit Technique, which is like obtaining a powerful tool. With this tool, killing becomes easier and effortless, allowing you to watch your enemies slowly perish without expending much effort. However, you have overlooked something very important: a person who excessively relies on powerful tools will inevitably neglect and even forget their inherent advantages. This is akin to a master swordsman neglecting their hand-to-hand combat skills, or a person who is too powerful overlooking dangers. These individuals do not realize that relying on external objects will one day lead to unforeseen accidents. Powerful tools can be lost, but one’s own skills are always with them; this is the true truth. Therefore, your defeat stems from the calamity you have sown yourself... Powerful tools can be lost, but one’s own skills are always with them; this is the true truth. Therefore, your defeat stems from the calamity you have sown yourself... Hahaha...

The dark priest smiled wickedly, and a faint, eerie blue light flickered in his eyes

This is the Sword of Xuanyuan

Xuanyuan suddenly halted, stopping his sword, the tip of the sword pointing coldly at the high priest's forehead, gazing at him with a chilling stare. He did not wish for his swordsmanship to be fully exposed to the opponent, as that could place him in a more disadvantageous position.

The earth priest also let out a wild howl, clutching the blood hole in his abdomen, staggering back several steps, bending over in pain like an old shrimp.

Meanwhile, a cold gleam had already penetrated the defenses of the earth priest without any obstruction

Xuan Yuan, however, found himself in a predicament. Although it seemed at this moment that he had gained some advantage, the Earth Priest moved with meticulous precision, showing no signs of panic. It even appeared as if the priest was leisurely observing his swordsmanship, waiting for him to exhaust his momentum before delivering a fatal counterattack. It was only at this moment that he realized there was still a gap between him and the Earth Priest. After all, he was still young and his martial skills were somewhat lacking. The only point of consolation was that he possessed innate divine strength. It was only at this moment that he realized there was still a gap between him and the Earth Priest. After all, he was still young and his martial skills were somewhat lacking. The only point of consolation was that he possessed innate divine strength.

Jiao Meng let out a sigh and said with a hint of melancholy

Why must we still hide our heads and expose our tails? Jiang Yuan, it has been over ten years since we last met, are you afraid to see an old friend? The tone of Jiao Meng was surprisingly calm

Hmph. You have come to know this far too late. That Blood Ruyi is precisely what I possess, and I have spent an entire year comprehending and experimenting with it. It is the demonic object for practicing the "Gathering Spirit Technique." Naturally, it harbors the essence of demonic power. Heaven does not disappoint those who are determined; after a year, I have finally discovered its flaw, which is to use magic against magic! Restore my clarity. I do not need to resist your demonic power; when I am attacked by it, the Blood Ruyi will naturally absorb the evil energy, and I will not be constrained at all. Hahaha... Heaven does not disappoint those who are determined; after a year, I have finally discovered its flaw, which is to use magic against magic! Restore my clarity. I do not need to resist your demonic power; when I am attacked by it, the Blood Ruyi will naturally absorb the evil energy, and I will not be constrained at all. Hahaha... Ahem... Ahem... High Priest, you should accept your fate. My Triple Blade is coated with Boiling Spirit Juice; after one hour, the potent poison will gradually flow into the heart with the blood, and by then, even a deity cannot save you... Ahem... Ahem..." Xuanyuan said, feeling triumphant, but could not help but cough up a small mouthful of fresh blood. The intense pain caused his complexion to turn somewhat waxy yellow, and large beads of sweat rolled down from his forehead. My Triple Blade is coated with Boiling Spirit Juice; after one hour, the potent poison will gradually flow into the heart with the blood, and by then, even a deity cannot save you... Ahem... Ahem..." Xuanyuan said, feeling triumphant, but could not help but cough up a small mouthful of fresh blood. The intense pain caused his complexion to turn somewhat waxy yellow, and large beads of sweat rolled down from his forehead.

Xuan Yuan hurried a few steps, his body swayed slightly, and his vision darkened. He had to stop, lean against the stone wall, and take a deep breath. It seemed that the price he had paid was not insignificant

Xuan Yuan nearly lost consciousness; if the high priest's heavy blow had struck his chest, he would likely have met his end at this moment. However, being hit on the shoulder is certainly no better; half of his body felt somewhat numb due to the intense shock from the sudden external force.

The group of women, who had originally been cowering, now seemed to sense a glimmer of hope, unable to contain their excitement, with some even shouting: "Kill this demon..."

The group of women, having suffered serious injuries due to the local priest, also regained their senses

With a loud thud, Xuanyuan slightly shifted his body, and the earth priest's palm struck heavily on his shoulder, while the five-inch blade of the cold dagger completely pierced into the earth priest's lower abdomen

The heart of the earth priest felt as if it had been immersed in an ice cellar; he had truly underestimated Xuanyuan. All along, he had looked down upon the young people of the Qiao ethnic group, but today he had to pay a heavy price for it

At this moment, how could he still be unaware that all of Xuanyuan's previous actions were merely a trap, including the act of discarding the short sword, which was simply a ploy to lure the enemy? Moreover, Xuanyuan's performance was indeed somewhat unexpected.

"Bah, my father only taught me how to treat old friends!" Shennong said disdainfully

Let me do it! Shennong took a big step forward and said in a deep voice

Xuanyuan approached the earth priest step by step with his sword drawn, the murderous intent in his eyes growing ever stronger

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Suddenly, a cold light flashed, and Xuanyuan's eyes became as clear and cold as autumn water, imbued with a heavy and intense killing intent

"Hmph, the grand high priest, reduced to merely dodging, is truly pitiable and lamentable!" Xuanyuan said disdainfully

Jiao Meng smiled faintly and said, "It is not that I had set up defenses long ago; I simply arrived a step earlier than you."

"How did you know we would appear here?" Shennong asked, somewhat puzzled.

That was a three-edged dagger measuring eight inches in length, extremely sharp, with a blade length of five inches, held in the hand of Xuanyuan.

"What a pity?" Jiang Yuan asked

Xuanyuan smiled again, a smile that carried a hint of wickedness. He then picked up the short sword that had fallen not far away and cast a cold glance at the earth priest, saying with resentment: "After ten years of honing a sword, your death is not in vain!" As he spoke, he surprisingly managed to rise to his feet.

Seeing Xuanyuan seriously injured and bleeding, everyone couldn't help but panic and turn pale. They hurriedly stepped forward to support the struggling Xuanyuan as he tried to rise, asking with concern: "Are you alright, young master?"

The expression on the high priest's face grew increasingly grim, and he slowly retreated. As death approached, he unexpectedly summoned his remaining strength to turn and flee. He could no longer withstand any of Xuanyuan's strikes; now, the only thing he could do was to quickly find a safe place to detoxify and heal his wounds

As Jiang Yuan's hand reached out towards Shennong, he lightly tapped his arm a few times with the tip of his index finger, signaling Shennong to look for an opportunity to break free

The priest knelt on one knee, his eyes revealing a painful and ferocious light akin to that of a wounded beast, yet there was also a hint of disbelief that all of this was real

In the depths of Jiao Meng's eyes flashed an endless killing intent, and he looked up to the sky with a sorrowful smile, before coldly saying after a moment: "Very well, Jiang Yuan, make your move and see if your martial arts have improved over these seventeen years!"

Jiang Yuan's expression changed, and he let out a cold snort, yet he did not respond.

The blood seeping from the fingertips of the earth priest is entirely a dark brown color, which indicates that Xuanyuan's words are not mere nonsense, but rather a fact, and this fact indeed seems somewhat cruel

"How can you not fear my Spirit Gathering Technique?" The tone of the earth priest was slightly breathless as he spoke

The priest of the earth had to admit that Xuanyuan was the most formidable opponent he had ever encountered. The fearsome aspect was not Xuanyuan's martial skills, but rather his unparalleled resilience, patience, and perseverance, as well as his intellect and depth of understanding of matters

Shennong trembled slightly and snorted, saying: "So what?"

Three years ago, Xuanyuan was merely a fourteen-year-old child, yet he knew how to scheme against others, possessed extraordinary patience, and was remarkably familiar with human nature, far deeper than an elder who had experienced the vicissitudes of life. The Earth Priest could not help but recall Xuanyuan's unusual demeanor as he sat in contemplation by the Jishui River, on the divine peak's terrace, and beside the Dragon Pool. At this moment, he profoundly realized that what appeared to be dull and uninteresting on the surface was not without merit; it was precisely that quiet meditation that cultivated Xuanyuan's depth and wisdom far beyond his years. However, is regret of any use? A wave of bitterness surged within the Earth Priest, yet he was unwilling to accept it, truly unwilling.

I have no idea who Mu Ai is, or who You Er is?" Shennong felt a tightness in his heart, and did not take it seriously.

So it was you who stole it! the earth priest said with a sorrowful smile

Although Shennong is self-assured, he is aware that Jiao Meng is the leader of the Qiao clan, and indeed the foremost expert of the Qiao clan. This status has remained unchanged for the past twenty years. After all, Shennong has only practiced martial arts for a little over ten years; no matter how intelligent he is, he cannot be a match for Jiao Meng. Furthermore, he knows that Jiang Yuan's martial skills are definitely superior to his own; otherwise, he would not have been able to become one of the four great generals under his father.

Jiao Meng's expression turned cold, yet she did not show any reaction. She simply asked coldly, "Did you all cause the incidents involving Mu Ai and You Er?"

I have no grievances or enmity with you, so why are you treating me this way

In fact, this sword leaves no trace to be found, like flowing water, without beginning or end, continuously flowing without cessation

Indeed, let it go, be good... let it go, yes, come here, walk over..." The priest's eyes glowed with an increasingly intense, sinister green light, as he murmured in a low, dreamlike voice.

Make your move! Jiao Meng seemed unwilling to engage in further entanglement, speaking somewhat indifferently.

Xuanyuan ceased his attack because he understood that if he were to traverse this passage and enter the spacious area, he would likely be subjected to a joint assault by others. In this narrow passage, it is simply not feasible for many to engage in battle; rather, having more people would only hinder their movements.

The high priest was taken aback, and in the midst of his gasping breaths, he actually stood up, his garments that were wrapped around the wound completely stained a dark brown.

This was still the case where the earth priest could not exert his full strength, as he had to allocate half of his mental energy to activate the sorcery. Upon suddenly discovering that Xuanyuan was out of control, he was taken aback and exerted all his effort in a strike, but at most he could only channel seventy percent of his power to hit Xuanyuan, and he had no ability to stop Xuanyuan's three sharp blades.

Xuan Yuan felt as if the left half of his body had detached, yet there remained a faint sensation. However, his left shoulder bore a black mark as if seared by fire. Xuan Yuan could more clearly sense that his arm was dislocated, and it was quite possible that it was fractured; after all, that strike had indeed been overwhelmingly powerful. Yet, there was not a trace of regret in Xuan Yuan's heart, but rather an indescribable sense of comfort. For the past ten years, he had been waiting for this strike, and at this moment, he had finally achieved his wish.

"It has been seventeen years, and I have yet to forget this old friend of mine; I suppose it can be considered a kind of honor for me." The man said with a somewhat unnatural smile.

Jiao Meng let out a light laugh, and with a hint of sorrow, said: "Whether it is twenty years, thirty years, or a lifetime, I will never forget the existence of old friends, and I have always been looking forward to the possibility of reuniting with them. It is just a pity..."

Jiang Yuan reached out and pulled Shennong over, standing in front of him, and took a deep breath, saying: "You are no match for him"

Shennong could not help but cast a glance at the man opposite him, his expression revealing an unmistakable shock. The man knew that there was no way to escape the past, and he let out a hearty laugh, stepping out boldly from behind the tree to face Jiaomeng directly, while Shennong also emerged from behind the tree at the same time

Jiang Yuan's expression fell upon Jiao Meng's face, and Jiang Yuan said with a smirk: "We indeed do not know who Mu Ai is, but that girl fell off the cliff by herself!"

Just because of the appearance of the white snake, if Huye were to come, the most important thing he would do is to meet Ji Meng, I know him too well

The face of the earth priest changed unpredictably, ultimately turning a dark blue with a purplish hue

Did you set this trap long ago?" Jiang Yuan asked coldly

Xuan Yuan suddenly came to a halt, causing the earth priest to pause in surprise, somewhat puzzled, not understanding what Xuan Yuan was up to, and merely coldly gazing at him.

The wound inflicted by this three-edged blade is significantly larger than that caused by a double-edged blade, and after Xuanyuan twisted it, a large gaping hole formed in the abdomen of the earth priest, with intestines protruding out.

Shennong cast a cold glance at Jiaomeng and, maintaining a firm attitude, asked: "What do you want?"

The priest of the earth felt a twinge of regret; he naturally understood that Xuanyuan spoke the truth, yet he had still been defeated, not by martial prowess, but by the inertia of human nature

Jiao Meng let out a long sigh and said, "It's a pity that after seventeen years, you still haven't changed your habit of hiding your true feelings and being evasive." As she spoke, Jiao Meng revealed a somewhat sarcastic smile towards Jiang Yuan.

Clang... the Xuanyuan sword finally fell to the ground, as if it had lost the soul of its body. Its eyes were vacant, and the entire person appeared extremely dazed.

The valley and the graveyard were suddenly filled with a strong sense of battle intent, and the murderous aura enveloped every corner of the graveyard like an invisible net

The green glow in the eyes of the earth priest grew increasingly intense, and the group of women who had originally huddled in a corner became dazed and bewildered at the moment they met the gaze of the earth priest, rendered at a loss for what to do

Jiao Meng couldn't help but smile and said, "Young man, you seem to have a very stubborn temperament. Surely your father did not teach you how to treat your elders?"

Xuanyuan smiled, a smile tinged with a sense of pride and satisfaction. The earth priest, in a state of desperation, recklessly consumed any antidote available, which struck Xuanyuan as amusing

The high priest was taken aback, and his palm struck swiftly, landing directly on Xuanyuan's chest

The earth priest began to retreat immediately, moving at an astonishing speed and with great mystery. However, he did not retaliate, which was somewhat unexpected for Xuanyuan. Nevertheless, Xuanyuan had no time to ponder or analyze all of this, as all his thoughts were focused on the sword

A cold and triumphant smile appeared at the corner of the high priest's mouth as he slowly advanced a step towards Xuanyuan, his eyes glowing with a renewed green light

The smile at the corner of the priest's mouth continued to widen, and the sense of pride was self-evident. At the same time, his palm slowly lifted, gradually moving towards the approaching Xuanyuan Seal, while he continued to murmur softly.

Xuanyuan, with his right hand still able to move while gripping the Three-Edge Blade, pushed aside those women. He slightly furrowed his brow, struggled to sit up, and revealed a smile that was both comforting and somewhat painful, saying: "Didn’t expect this, did you? High Priest!"

Do you know? For the past three years, I have been calculating your every move, every technique, and constantly devising strategies to counter you. As for your magical skills, I truly cannot decipher them, so I have delayed this strike time and again, and finally today, my wish has been fulfilled. Do you remember the blood talisman you lost during the heavenly sacrifice last year?

The earth priest let out a long sigh after swallowing more than ten pills, sitting quietly on the ground. He tore off his ceremonial robe and tightly bound the wound, asking in a weak voice.

Xuanyuan did not wish to pursue, but at this moment, even if he wanted to chase after, he found himself unable to do so. When the footsteps of the local priest faded away, he could no longer hold on; his legs gave way, and he instantly lost consciousness