Chapter Nine, Nine Turns of the Intestines

Po Mo Wang looked at Rong Xiao Feng in surprise, seemingly not expecting this Hu person to possess such eloquence, yet still maintaining his composure: "General Ming is the pillar of the nation, with unparalleled martial prowess. You all, however, foolishly think that you can contend with him based on mere weaponry, which is no different from an ant trying to shake a tree. If I were to speak of selfish motives, there is indeed a slight one; both I and Brother Lin are renowned figures in the Eight Directions. If the King of Hidden Weapons overestimates himself, would it not cause the world to look down upon our Eight Directions? It would be better for me to first greet Brother Lin, to avoid being laughed at by the world... If I were to speak of selfish motives, there is indeed a slight one; both I and Brother Lin are renowned figures in the Eight Directions. If the King of Hidden Weapons overestimates himself, would it not cause the world to look down upon our Eight Directions? It would be better for me to first greet Brother Lin, to avoid being laughed at by the world..." He gazed at Lin Qing and sighed deeply: "Do you understand my heartfelt intentions, Brother Lin?"

Things are governed by the heart, and in the presence of Du Si, one cannot help but weep profusely: "It is all due to my lack of skill in the arts, foolishly saying that Du Lao is gradually revealing signs of decline amidst the flourishing vitality, and that hidden calamities loom even in times of great glory and success..."

Rong Xiaofeng sighed and said: "This is also the deep foresight of the master of both skill and clumsiness. If it were not for the general's strength far surpassing that of Xiaowang Mountain Manor, we could have used a surprise force to cut off their retreat from the Crossing Tribulation Valley."

Yang Shuang'er was taken aback and said: "My father often tells me that diligence can make up for lack of talent. Even if Uncle Lin, you cannot match General Ming right now, after years of hard training, you will naturally have a better chance..."

Du Si was struck in a vital area by Gu Qingfeng's whirlwind kick, blood gushing from his mouth, yet he still held the Stealing Sky Bow in his hand. His entire body, however, floated up like a kite with a severed string, heading straight towards Lin Qing.

The mechanism, though ingenious, may not be able to deceive the King of Mechanisms once he arrives in the army

His tone remained as gentle and pleasant as usual, yet the meaning behind it was extremely insidious and malicious. Not only did he make it clear to Gu Qingfeng that Lin Qing and General Ming were already at odds, compelling him to resolve to deal with Lin Qing, but he also hinted that Lin Qing could not escape the calamity of tonight. One could only see his ethereal and refined appearance, his humble and courteous demeanor, which bore no trace of malice; who could have anticipated the hidden malevolence within? The depth of his scheming was enough to send chills down one's spine.

Yang Shuang'er exclaimed, "Wouldn't that mean falling into the encirclement of the large army?"

For a moment, Gu Qingfeng was injured in the leg, and Po Mo Wang lost his weapon; both were disheartened and reluctant to accept their fate. Yet, seeing Lin Qing standing proudly in the arena, with a murderous intent radiating from his eyes, no one dared to act recklessly.

Lin Qing's mask was frosted over, facing Wang Gu Qingfeng directly. The objects moved slowly to the left and right, forming a siege. Although Gu Qingfeng was alone, he held the power over Du Si's life and death. Lin Qing was anxious about Du Si's safety, holding a handful of hidden weapons but dared not act rashly. Gu Qingfeng, despite his unparalleled lightness of foot, believed he could break through calmly, yet in the face of the world's foremost master of hidden weapons, he could not risk turning his back and exposing his vital points to the attacks of the King of Hidden Weapons. For a moment, both sides were at a standoff, resulting in a deadlock. Although Gu Qingfeng was unmatched in lightness of foot, he believed he could break through calmly, yet facing the world's foremost master of hidden weapons, he could not risk turning his back and exposing his vital points to the attacks of the King of Hidden Weapons. For a moment, both sides were at a standoff, resulting in a deadlock.

Gu Qingfeng shouted loudly, pressing his right palm against Du Si's shoulder, using the force to leap into the air to avoid the vital area of his lower abdomen. At this critical moment for his life, he unleashed his ultimate skills, kicking out fifteen or sixteen times with his legs like a whirlwind, all striking Du Si's back. The situation arose suddenly, and even with Deng Pingwang's incredibly swift movements, his left leg was cut open by Du Si's "Broken Xuan Blade," leaving a wound over three inches long. Although the blade did not cut deeply, it still caused him to grunt in pain and stagger back.

Oh! Lin Qing seemed to have just awakened from deep thought and casually replied: "This bowstring is strong and resilient, and the arrows fly with incredible speed; it is indeed a divine object. However, to say that this bow is the nemesis of General Ming is something I find hard to comprehend." Everyone was greatly disappointed, as they had expected that the bow, left behind at the cost of one's life, would be a weapon of significant deterrence against General Ming. But hearing Lin Qing's words, it seems that although the Stealing Heaven Bow is a divine bow, it does not possess the ability to counter General Ming's martial prowess.

Lin Qing held the bow in hand, standing in the center of the field, neither moving nor stirring, with a pair of tiger-like eyes fixed intently on Du Si, as if he were in a daze. After a long while, he suddenly let out a long howl towards the sky, causing the leaves in the forest to rustle and fall.

Lin Qingsu remarked: "Observing General Ming's agility, his movements are like lightning, graceful and composed, with swift turns and fluid transitions. If I were to confront him at this moment, I would undoubtedly be at a disadvantage. However, this bow is not to be underestimated; its power and the speed of the arrows would certainly give General Ming some reservations. If I were to disregard life and death and engage him in a contest of strength, I should have a seventy percent chance of inflicting injury upon him"

Po Mo Wang and Gu Qingfeng exchanged glances from a distance. Having just witnessed Lin Qing's valor, they now bore the air of mournful soldiers. The Heavenly Stealing Bow was no longer within reach, and with a mutual understanding, they prepared to retreat simultaneously.

Lin Qing fell into deep thought and then proceeded to walk ahead

Lin Qing smiled coldly and said sarcastically, "If there were wine at this moment, I would certainly toast to the second-rate demeanor of the ink-splashing king who stirs up controversy!"

Listening to the aggressive words of the Ink-splashing King, Lin Qing remained utterly unmoved, his cold and stern face revealing not a trace of fear: "If it is said that the Ink-splashing King acted solely for the sake of the Heavenly Bow, I do not believe it; but if it is said that Brother Bi has flattered the powerful and joined the General's residence, then it truly belies the years we have shared in reputation." His words served as a subtle reminder to Gu Qingfeng of the Crown Prince's faction not to be swayed by the Ink-splashing King's rhetoric, and to take the lead for General Ming.

Lin Qing smiled and turned to ask Wu Youxin, "What insights do you have regarding the design of this place?"

Lin Qingdao said: "I am indeed concerned about this point. Just based on the fact that I killed Gu Qingfeng, General Ming has sufficient reason to mobilize troops and send generals to launch a large-scale hunt for us"

Rong Xiaofeng smiled and said, "As long as we avoid General Ming's main forces and do not engage him in direct confrontation, we will naturally find a way to escape"

Things are observed from the left and right by the heart, and I sincerely admire: "This mechanism appears to be a natural creation, crafted so ingeniously. If I were to meet the master of skill and ingenuity, I would certainly take him as my teacher"

Du Si collapsed in Lin Qing's arms, handing the Stealing Heaven Bow to Lin Qing, his lips moved slightly, yet he could not utter a single word, only fresh blood continuously gushed from his mouth. ... Wu Youxin and Rong Xiaofeng hurriedly stepped forward to take Du Si, channeling their energy to help him heal, but Gu Qingfeng's more than ten strikes aimed at preserving his life had already shattered Du Si's heart pulse with all their might.

Rong Xiaofeng looked at Lin Qing and said, "The Mechanism King Baishi belongs to the carefree faction of the capital, and he certainly does not wish to see the general's influence grow. Would he be willing to be used by General Ming?"

Po Mo Wang was in a dilemma. Observing the situation, Lin Qing had already formed a deadly enmity with Gu Qingfeng. If he were to assist Gu Qingfeng, even with the addition of the Six Colors of Spring and Autumn, victory would not be guaranteed. However, if he were to withdraw at this moment, there would be no assurance that Lin Qing would not seek out Qingxue Tower in the future.

Yang Shuang'er, being straightforward, said: "Uncle Lin, are you thinking about how to use the Stealing Heaven Bow to counter General Ming's Flowing Spirit Technique?"

Gu Qingfeng had just leaped from the thicket when he suddenly heard Lin Qing's whistle, accompanied by the sound of strings resonating like gold and stone. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he gathered all his strength in his right hand, twisting his waist in mid-air to turn around, intending to deflect the incoming arrow

Rong Xiaofeng sneered: "The Ink-splashing King has quite the face of righteousness in eliminating familial ties, yet how much of it is driven by his own selfish desires? It seems he has waited for several years to encounter this opportunity to please General Ming, and thus can no longer contain himself.

Rong Xiaofeng pondered, "The miasma within the Command Pavilion is gradually rising, which can obstruct the pursuers, but behind it lies a narrow valley spanning several dozen miles. If we were to fall into an ambush, it would be difficult to escape.

He was new to the military and was still unaware of such significant matters that could shake the martial world. Now, upon hearing the words of the Ink King, he speculated that General Ming would definitely not allow Lin Qing and the others to break through tonight. With his mind set at ease, he had already resolved to turn against the King of Hidden Weapons

Yang Shuang'er asked in surprise: "Why open an exit within the Crossing Tribulation Valley?"

In that authentic place, there is a unique world. Rong Xiao Feng had already prepared food and fire starters in advance, and at that moment, he lit the fire starter to lead the way ahead

Lin Qing had known Du Si for several decades since childhood and was well aware of the authenticity of his martial arts skills. Upon meeting the resolute gaze shot at him by Du Si, he immediately sensed danger, pushed off the ground with both feet, and charged straight towards Gu Qingfeng

Lin Qing faintly heard the soldiers' shouts outside, rising and falling, and suddenly recalled something, her expression changing: "What a ruthless master of mechanisms, is this how far they will go to eliminate all?"

Lin Qing did not pursue, standing still in place, her eyes filled with a chilling aura of killing intent

Who would have thought that the arrow would come with such urgency? Just as Gu Qingfeng turned around, the sound of the bowstring still lingered in his ears, and the soul-snatching arrow had already reached his face. As his right hand was raised to his chest, he was unexpectedly pierced through the skull by the incoming arrow, half a cry of anguish caught in his throat, ... like the mournful wail of a ghost and the long howl of a lone wolf, echoing far into the dark night ...

The eloquence of Po Mo Wang is indeed exceptional; his articulate discourse is marked by sincerity, seemingly reflecting a deep consideration for Lin Qing, while also subtly implying that Lin Qing is not his adversary.

At this moment, General Ming's intentions are unclear, and the situation is delicate. Lin Qingshi is unwilling to have further complications arise between the Ink King and the Six-Colored Spring and Autumn, which is why he wants the Ink King to clarify his stance

Xu Moyang noticed that Lin Qing seemed deep in thought and gently asked, "Brother Lin, what are you thinking about?"

Xu Moyang received it with tears, holding it close to his chest, and bowed in respect to the remains of Du Si, saying: "Rest assured, Old Du, I will not fail your trust!"

After several days of fierce battles, everyone now hears the surrounding tranquility, with only the sound of water flowing gently, in stark contrast to the clamor and shouts from outside, as if they have arrived in a secluded paradise, their minds gradually at ease. However, as they proceed, the terrain becomes lower, and they begin to feel the ground becoming damp and soft, where a moment's inattention could lead to their feet sinking into the mud, likely several zhang below the surface.

Rong Xiaofeng said in a low voice: "Although that is the case, General Ming is currently very powerful, and everyone wants to establish a relationship with him to seek fame and fortune. I have not met this person, but considering the treachery and cunning of the Ink-splashing King, it is better to be cautious."

After taking a few steps, I suddenly felt a slight tremor beneath my feet, and there was also a rumbling sound from deep within the tunnel. The group exchanged glances, each unsure of what had just occurred

How could I dare! The Ink Splash King said sternly: "The Hidden Weapon King has accumulated his power over the years; who would dare to underestimate him? As long as I, Bei, can exhaust a bit of Brother Lin's combat strength, I will leave you for a moment. Once the main army enters the village, we shall see how the Hidden Weapon King challenges the Bright General in this grand performance"

In that instant, Gu Qingfeng's mind raced. At this moment, all he needed to do was stretch out his hand slightly to reclaim the Stealing Heaven Bow. He surmised that Du Si, having just been struck by his palm and spitting blood, was already at the end of his strength, and this small knife might not be able to penetrate the protective divine skill he had refined for many years. However, seeing Lin Qing charging at him, although he could not see the hidden weapons being launched, the renowned master of hidden weapons could not be underestimated. He had no confidence that his Gale Leg Technique could withstand it, and moreover, he did not wish to engage in a direct confrontation with Lin Qing. Just as he hesitated, he suddenly felt a chilling wind emanating from Du Si's seemingly rusted knife, a wave of coldness piercing straight into his lower abdomen. A thought flashed through his mind: the weapons in the hands of the inheritor of military arms should not be taken lightly!

Lin Qing asked Xiang Rong with a smile: "Where is the exit of the tunnel?"

Everyone laughed, as the atmosphere of sorrow over Du Si's death was somewhat alleviated

Once Lin Qing makes a move that fails, it will immediately cost Du Si his life. Po Mo Wang and Gu Qingfeng, both seasoned in battle, understand this principle well and do not seek glory recklessly. As they witness time slipping away moment by moment, both sides have reached a stalemate.

Lin Qing tilted her head to avoid the left brush of the Ink Splash King, while her right hand, with fingers poised like those pressing on a guqin, swiftly flicked at the right brush of the Ink Splash King. Two beams of black light shot out from her right wrist; one struck the Ink Splash King's right elbow's Qu Chi acupoint, while the other traced an arc, first advancing straight before curving, targeting the Ink Splash King's temple.

Although Po Mo Wang appears to be full of ambition and satisfaction, his actions remain cautious and careful, keeping a distance of at least eight feet from Lin Qing, and his movements reveal not the slightest flaw; while Deng Ping Wang Gu Qingfeng has most of his body completely shielded by Du Si, both are well aware of the dangers posed by Lin Qing's hidden weapons and have long been on guard.

Only then did everyone suddenly realize that Lin Qing's action was undoubtedly a brilliant strategic move. According to the usual thinking of ordinary people, when faced with the renowned General Ming's formidable army, they would certainly flee far away and would never expect that they would dare to take such a risk, hiding right under the noses of hundreds of thousands of troops. If they could stealthily enter the grave in the Valley of the Underworld without anyone noticing, they would at least be in a blind spot from the enemy's line of sight, which could provide them with a glimmer of respite

Rong Xiaofeng was also hesitant, looking towards Lin Qing: "What does Brother Lin think?" Throughout this journey, among everyone, regardless of martial arts or insight, Lin Qing was regarded as the best, and naturally, decisions were made by him.

Xu Moyang had a thought in his heart, observing that both he and Yang Shuang'er were still perplexed. He winked and smiled, saying: "Even if General Ming possesses great abilities, he surely cannot recognize the faces of every single one of his hundreds of thousands of subordinates."

Everyone thought of the stone formation that forced them to detour for several hours, and they all held a deep respect for the master of ingenuity.

Although Gu Qingfeng's martial arts were inferior to Lin Qing's, he still had some fighting strength. However, Deng Pingwang's skills were entirely reliant on his two legs, and at this moment, his left leg was bleeding profusely. Although the injury was not severe, it affected his combat effectiveness. Moreover, Gu Qingfeng caught a glimpse of Lin Qing's intimidating demeanor from the corner of his eye, which further diminished his fighting spirit. He only wished to rely on his unparalleled lightness skill to escape this calamity.

The object feigned anger and said: "Who says I am old? If I were to take good care of myself, I would surely overshadow you, this young pretty boy."

Yang Shuang'er said: "Uncle Lin has just acquired the Heavenly Bow, and he is certainly not very familiar with its capabilities. Moreover, I have never seen you practice archery. If you take some time to study it carefully, you will surely find a way to deal with General Ming."

Lin Qing took a deep breath, his complexion gradually returning to normal, and coldly said: "If Brother Bi is unwilling to engage in a life-and-death battle with me at this moment, I kindly request you to return to the capital. I, Lin Qing, will come to Qingxue Tower in the near future to seek your guidance in person." Hearing his indifferent and resolute tone, it was clear that he was determined to fight to the death with Gu Qingfeng

Yang Shuang'er laughed and said: "Otherwise, we can just stay in the tunnel; after all, I saw that Master Rong has a large supply of food, so we shouldn't go hungry."

Lin Qing let out a cold snort, her right hand swiftly grasping the Soul Hook Pen in a moment of urgency. She first sent it out and then retracted it. With a slight drop of her left shoulder, a small steel dart suddenly shot out from the left sleeve of her hand that was wrapped around Du Si's waist without any warning

Suddenly, they heard the shouts of soldiers and the neighing of horses from General Ming's camp, causing a commotion. It was feared that they would soon charge into the village. At that moment, everyone hesitated no longer and entered in single file through the entrance of the large tree, quickly making their way inside

Everyone secretly acknowledged this. Although the Stealing Heaven Bow had only recently been forged, during any spare moments in the past few days, each person must have thought of this bow, and Lin Qing was no exception. With his reputation as the King of Hidden Weapons, and having already used this bow, it is likely that, under heaven, apart from Du Si, no one else could match his understanding of the bow's capabilities.

Lin Qing's timing and angle with this arrow were exceptionally precise, striking just as Gu Qingfeng's figure sprang up from the forest, at the moment when the old strength had dissipated and the new strength had yet to arise, showcasing the astonishingly exquisite technique of the master of hidden weapons. However, what left everyone even more astonished was the formidable power of this arrow, capable of piercing gold and shattering stone, seemingly beyond the capabilities of human strength

Just as Du Si was captured, Lin Qing and the Ink-splashing King Gu Qingfeng were engaged in a war of words, while Xu Moyang and others could only watch and wait for an opportunity to act. Unexpectedly, Du Si suddenly attacked Gu Qingfeng, prompting Lin Qing and the Ink-splashing King to spring into action. The others, including Liu Se Chun Qiu, were completely unprepared to respond, and by the time they attempted to intervene, Lin Qing and the Ink-splashing King had already separated after a brief encounter

Du Si Zai gazed at Xu Mo Yang, pointing to his own chest, suddenly becoming still and motionless, and thus departed.

At that moment, Po Mo Wang let out a bitter laugh and said, "Brother Gu, take care of yourself. I, Bi, will take my leave first." With that, he whistled and, without looking back, left with the Six-Colored Spring and Autumn.

With a forced smile, Feng Qiang endured his sorrow. He took out an item from Du Si's embrace, which turned out to be a small booklet with yellowed pages, inscribed with four seal characters: "Records of the Divine Art of Weapon Forging." He handed it to Xu Moyang, saying: "Old Du must have intended for you to learn the art of weapon and armor forging from his school, so that you can later refine that Sun-Exchanging Arrow..."

Everyone fell silent for a moment. Lin Qing, known as the King of Hidden Weapons, had just demonstrated the divine bow, astonishingly shooting Gu Qingfeng dead with a single arrow. He certainly understood the performance of the Stealing Heaven Bow, yet he was unsure whether he could withstand General Ming with this bow.

It is precisely for this reason that Gu Qingfeng did not hear the conversation among Lin Qing and the others, unaware that the King of Hidden Weapons was involved. His acquaintance with the King of Hidden Weapons was shallow, having only met a few times, and due to the considerable distance, he failed to recognize him. He was further misled by the words of the King of Ink, believing that there were merely a few remnants of the Winter Return City here, and even if there were foreign masters from beyond the borders, he did not take them seriously. He thought that with his unparalleled lightness of foot, capturing the Heavenly Stealing Bow would be effortless, never anticipating that not only were there masters like Wu Youxin and Rong Xiaofeng among them, but also the King of Hidden Weapons, Lin Qing. This led to a significant miscalculation. At this moment, he began to faintly realize that he might have fallen into the trap set by the King of Ink, secretly regretting that he should not have acted so rashly. Now, caught in a difficult situation, he could only strive to stabilize the scene and wait for the King of Ink's support.

Yang Shuang'er was unconvinced: "Is that Mechanism King really that capable?"

Lin Qing, however, felt a pang of sympathy: "But by then, I fear you will have to suffer the indignity of cutting off all this signature white hair; otherwise, it would be difficult for anyone to not recognize such an old soldier like you."

Everyone knows that he has witnessed the divine bow being completed and his wishes fulfilled, leaving him without regrets even in death. However, after enduring hardships together and fighting against formidable enemies, how could they bear to part at this moment? They are all filled with sorrow. Yang Shuang'er and Wu Youxin are especially in tears, unable to speak due to their grief

A chill surged within him; at that moment, Lin Qing appeared to act in haste, yet his actions were calculated. He understood that in order to save Du Si, it was absolutely impossible to harm Gu Qingfeng. Therefore, he turned back with all his strength to confront his own opponent. This composure and calmness in the face of danger was truly terrifying, instilling fear in others.

Po Mo Wang walked out slowly, lightly twisting his beard with three fingers, and laughed, "The King of Hidden Weapons challenges General Ming, such a once-in-a-thousand-years battle is something no one would want to miss. Tonight, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with Brother Gu to watch the fight, and I am sure we will gain a lot from it. If everyone is so eager and impatient, why not let me, Xie, take up my brush now to draw Brother Lin's heroic figure, for future admiration."

It is known that in the forging of divine weapons and armor, it is not only necessary to have the fortune to gather materials, but also to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth in order to achieve great success. If the forging is not done properly, or if the right time and place are not present, one must rely on the essence and blood of the human body to assist in the process, which at times can even backfire on the forger. Hence, there exists the tale of the swordsmith who leaped into the furnace, sacrificing himself for the sword.

With a smile that belies the sorrow in Lin Qing's heart, he pointed to the two diverging paths before him and shifted the topic, saying: "This path leads through the heart of the mountain, extending all the way to the eastern foothills of the Ge Yun mountain range, beyond which lies a vast desert. The other path, however, leads to the entrance of the Crossing Tribulation Valley. Just imagine, if we had a contingent of elite soldiers, we could intercept General Ming's army from behind and thoroughly defeat them, leaving them in disarray."

Things arise from the heart and also possess understanding: "This is not good. This must be the order of the Mechanism King to have the soldiers block the spring, causing the underground water to have no place to drain, and it is about to flood into the tunnel..."

The crowd buried Du Si, inevitably expressing their sighs and sentiments. However, considering that Du Si had spent his life solely in pursuit of creating a divine weapon, and at this moment had fulfilled his long-cherished wish, passing away with a smile, it can be regarded as a small consolation.

Lin Qing suddenly halted, his left hand grasping Du Si's body that had collided into him. With a swift turn, he dissipated the residual force of the whirlwind kick. The Soul Snatching Brush, which was aimed at his back, was now merely a foot away from his chest, the fierce wind rushing in, piercing like needles to the bone

Lin Qing smiled wryly and said, "Although I have not practiced archery, I have long been immersed in the art of hidden weapons, and the principles are also applicable. Otherwise, I would not have been able to kill Gu Qingfeng with a single arrow."

At this moment, Du Siyuan saw himself captured, while the Ink King and the Ascending Ping King had gradually taken control of the situation. Lin Qing and the others, concerned for their own safety, were bound hand and foot, not daring to make any movements. As dawn approached and General Ming's troops could attack at any time, they knew that if things continued this way, there would be no hope for survival. He regarded Lin Qing as both a father and a friend, with deep feelings for him, and could not bear to see him subjected to others because of himself. Moreover, due to the mutual appreciation with Rong Xiaofeng and the affinity born from the heart, he was even more determined to protect his close friend, the heir of the master of skill and clumsiness, Xu Moyang. In any case, now that the divine bow had been perfected and his wish fulfilled, he resolutely made up his mind, bit his tongue, and activated the "Wedding Dress" divine skill, sacrificing his own life in exchange for the safety of his comrades.

The sound grew louder, coming from afar and drawing closer, as if some monstrous creature were roaring in a muffled manner, attempting to break through from beneath the ground

The essence of the matter lies in the heart: "I saw a stone formation at the entrance of the Tribulation Valley, could it possibly be arranged by the Master of Skill and Ingenuity?"

Lin Qing observed the situation in silence: even if the opponent had no reinforcements, considering the current strength of both sides, with decades of cultivation, he should be able to withstand the attacks of King Dengping, Gu Qingfeng. Although Xu Moyang, Yang Shuang'er, and Rong Xiaofeng often faced defeat when confronting the Six-Colored Spring and Autumn, they could at least hold on for a while. Over the years, he had been keeping a low profile, gradually achieving great success in martial arts. Although he rarely engaged in combat, he had already surpassed many renowned figures in martial arts, possessing a 90% certainty of defeating the Ink Splash King within a few moves. Thus, if they were to engage in a direct confrontation, their chances of victory were quite high. However, with Du Si falling into enemy hands, he could not remain indifferent no matter what.

The Ink-splashing King pretentiously sighed, "Although I cannot claim to be close friends with the Hidden Weapon King, we have at least shared the same capital and often met. I have always admired Brother Lin's fearless attitude towards power and indifference to fame and fortune. How could I bear to see him being pressured at this moment?" At this point, the Ink-splashing King suddenly changed his tone and sternly declared, "However, Lin Qing, you have colluded with foreign tribes and opposed General Ming's army at Xiaowang Mountain Villa, plotting treachery. As a prominent figure in the capital, supported by the emperor's grace, I cannot stand idly by."

As if responding to the words from the heart: with a sudden "whoosh," a chunk of rock unexpectedly leaped from the mountainside, and several streams of water surged in like a rushing waterfall, splashing against the opposite rock and stirring up a fine mist of white smoke.

Xu Moyang recalled the scene of meeting the Mechanism King, deep in thought: "I see this person values trust and keeps his promises, with quite a high ambition, and he may not necessarily collude with the general."

While others did not understand its meaning, Xu Moyang, however, noticed the smile mark left on Du Si's palm from the clash with Rong Xiaofeng. With tears in his eyes, he said: "Did Old Du allow Wu Lao to see that palm print?"

The Way of Ink Splattering: "Brother Gu, rest assured. Lin Qing personally shot and killed a court official, which is no different from treason. If he were to be executed today under your fierce leg technique, it would be a great achievement upon returning to the capital." He knew that Gu Qingfeng was keen on fame and fortune, thus he lured him in this manner, clearly skilled in scheming.

Rong Xiaofeng locked the mechanism inside the tunnel and carefully conveyed the method of unlocking it to everyone for future use. After a period of delay, a commotion was suddenly heard from above. Although it was not clearly audible, it was likely the army of General Ming entering the village to conduct a search

Upon hearing his words, everyone felt a trace of doubt in their hearts: Why did the master of skill and clumsiness not leave behind the "Heavenly Mandate Manual"? Could it be hidden in the underground passage?

Lin Qing said in a deep voice: "Although Bai Shi usually remains aloof from the affairs of the capital, presenting himself as a carefree hermit, and has had some interactions with me, human hearts are difficult to gauge. Moreover, having killed Gu Qingfeng, I truly do not know whether, under these circumstances, he will assist General Ming or stand against us."

In the Yingbing Pavilion of Xiaowang Mountain Villa, a gentle breeze caresses, and thick fog gradually rises. The flames of the Ding of Destiny have weakened, casting an uncertain glow on both faces amidst the vast mist

At this moment, Lin Qingxin had made up her mind and smiled brightly: "Brother Bi, you have always been gentle and refined, conducting yourself discreetly. Yet today, your fierce demeanor is fully revealed, and you speak directly with threats. I wonder what the reason for this is?"

Du Si coughed and, gathering his remaining strength, raised his hand in front of the object with a hint of a sorrowful smile on his face

The Hidden Weapon King issued a challenge to General Ming! Gu Qingfeng was taken aback and looked up, only to see Lin Qing appearing calm and composed, showing no signs of opposition, clearly indicating tacit approval.

Po Mo Wang had never seen Lin Qing make a move, having only heard of the Dark Weapon King's swift and unpredictable strikes that left one defenseless. Yet, he could not have anticipated such strangeness; both of their right hands were tightly gripping their own pens, yet the opponent could seemingly conjure two hidden weapons out of thin air, with each weapon's force and direction entirely different, targeting different parts of the body. ... With the two of them so close together, there was simply no time to change tactics. If they did not want the hidden weapons to penetrate their skulls, the only option was to let go and retreat ... yet he could not have anticipated such strangeness; both of their right hands were tightly gripping their own pens, yet the opponent could seemingly conjure two hidden weapons out of thin air, with each weapon's force and direction entirely different, targeting different parts of the body. ... With the two of them so close together, there was simply no time to change tactics. If they did not want the hidden weapons to penetrate their skulls, the only option was to let go and retreat ...

However, upon hearing Lin Qing's words, it was evident that one must fight without regard for life or death, risking everything for a chance to win. To boldly claim that one could injure General Ming, the distinction between high and low was clear at a glance, and deep down, there was an unsettling feeling.

To know that the renowned figures from all directions possess unparalleled skills, such as the paintings of the Ink Splash King, the lightness of foot of Gu Qingfeng, and the mechanisms and intelligence of Bai Shi, while the Hidden Weapon King Lin Qing stands out as the only one who has gained fame through martial prowess. Several years ago, he had already made a name for himself in the martial world, naturally causing discontent among others. The words of the Ink Splash King not only revealed his jealousy but also provoked Gu Qingfeng's hostility towards Lin Qing

Gu Qingfeng trembled all over, intimidated by Lin Qing's imposing presence, and raised his eyes to look at the Ink Splashing King: "Brother Bi..." His voice even quivered slightly

Xu Moyang looked at the sky, which was about to brighten, and said in a low voice: "I fear that the general's troops are about to attack the village. We should set off now. The only question is whether we should pass through the underground tunnel to cross the Ge Yun Mountain Range or retreat from the back of the village."

The city of Donggui was not breached until nearly three years later. Wang Gu Qingfeng, sent by the Emperor to convey orders and reward the three armies, learned that General Ming had arrived at the Xiaowang Mountain Villa in the Crossing Tribulation Valley. He hurriedly came over tonight but was intercepted by the Ink-splashing King first. After listening to the Ink-splashing King's vague remarks, he roughly understood some of the background and was also tempted by the Stealing Heaven Bow. He belonged to the Crown Prince's faction in the capital and was aware that the Crown Prince, seeing General Ming's growing power, intended to curtail his military authority. However, due to General Ming's extraordinary martial skills, he had long hesitated to take action. If he could obtain the Stealing Heaven Bow, which posed a significant threat to General Ming, it would indeed be a great achievement, thus he was motivated to come and seize the bow.

With a sigh from the heart: "Just the thought that all the intricate mechanisms in my tomb were effortlessly dismantled by him makes me truly wary of this person. If you all do not wish to engage in a fierce battle with the general's troops, it would be wise not to linger here for too long"

Upon hearing his words, the crowd began to gain some understanding. With a high level of insight, Wu remarked, "This statement is indeed reasonable. However, I wonder how much confidence Brother Lin has in battling General Ming now that he possesses the Heavenly Bow?"

In just three or four breaths, the exchanges were swift and fierce, like a rabbit springing and a hawk diving, as fast as lightning, leaving the onlookers breathless and dazzled. One could only hear the Ink Splashing King let out a sigh, stepping back more than ten paces. Lin Qing supported Lin Si with one hand while holding the renowned weapon of the Ink Splashing King in the other, his bones creaking lightly, his eyes shining brightly, exuding an imposing presence without anger, making it difficult for anyone to meet his gaze.

Gu Qingfeng's thoughts raced, and he had already made a decision. He tightened his grip, sealing Du Si's acupoint, and chuckled: "Since this is the case, if I can witness the battle between General Ming and the King of Hidden Weapons, what harm is there in waiting a little longer?"

Yang Shuang'er hesitated and said, "The Mechanism King has been to the Nether Valley. If he cannot find us after searching everywhere, he will eventually think of this place."

Lin Qing gazed at Du Si's grave, standing in contemplation for a while: "Let us take the underground path! Since it is left by the master of both skill and clumsiness, perhaps there is still some mystery within it."

The arrow's momentum did not dissipate; after piercing through Gu Qingfeng's skull, it was embedded in the trunk of an old tree, penetrating three feet deep, with only a small section remaining exposed, quivering incessantly. Following this, Gu Qingfeng's corpse was forcefully propelled against the tree by the arrow's residual force, causing a torrential rain of blood to erupt, which, under the cold moonlight, appeared all the more tragic and beautiful.

Du Siming was on the brink of death, yet still wore a smile, his pair of vacant eyes staring blankly at the stolen heavenly bow held in Lin Qing's hand

Gu Qingfeng is also a master of his generation, and just now he was loudly accused by Rong Xiaofeng of sneak attacking, losing all face and feeling ashamed. At this moment, seeing that both Wu Youxin and Rong Xiaofeng were encircling him from both sides, his gaze was sharp and unwavering, his movements were graceful, agile, and nimble, exuding the demeanor of a skilled master in every gesture. Moreover, he was only facing the renowned King of Hidden Weapons, who was famous solely for his martial arts, leaving him with no confidence whatsoever, and he felt a deep sense of despair in his heart.

With a bitter smile, he said: "What you say is true. But where can we hide in these few days? We cannot truly become invisible."

Lin Qingsi pondered for a moment and slowly shook her head: "Bai Shi is adept at mechanisms and intelligence; it is only a matter of time before he finds this place. Staying here is certainly not a solution. The current plan is either to cross the Ge Yun Mountain Range and escape north to a place beyond the general's influence; or to enter the Du Jie Valley..."

Gu Qingfeng shouted loudly, leaped into the air, and jumped onto a large tree. He lightly tapped the branch with his right foot and then sprang up again, soaring through the forest

Yang Shuang'er said: "The current Crossing Tribulation Valley is likely filled with General Ming's troops, we can only take another route"

The object is perceived through the heart, and along the way, one observes the intricate layout of this underground passage, having a fundamental understanding of the terrain: "The master of skill and clumsiness is truly a learned individual, this underground waterway is winding and twisting, constantly changing, with no fixed direction, yet it allows him to discern the flow of the spring water, resulting in the creation of this passage. I believe even the king of mechanisms would not surpass this."

At this moment, Yang Shuang'er finally cast aside all her fondness for the Ink-splashing King, and said resentfully: "Ink-splashing King, how can you, as a master of your sect, still boast of your second-rate demeanor? With such honeyed words and a dagger hidden behind your smile, I am determined to let the world know your hypocritical face that seeks fame and reputation..."

Everyone had actually been concerned about this for a long time. If General Ming were to mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops, it would indeed be possible to completely encircle the entire Ge Yun Mountain Range, leaving no room for water to leak through. However, the previous battles had been so intense that no one had thought of this. At this moment, after Xu Moyang pointed it out with a single remark, coupled with Lin Qing's analysis, everyone appeared worried.

The initial trial of the Stealing Heaven Bow showcased its brilliance, as a shocking arrow stunned everyone!

Yang Shuang'er, with her beautiful eyes already swollen from crying, softly said: "General Ming may not necessarily let us go. The fact that he hasn't attacked the village in the past few days might just mean he is sending troops to block our retreat."

Gu Qingfeng possessed exceptional lightness of foot, stealthily approaching from a distance without anyone noticing. However, he was not the unparalleled master Wang Guanyue, who could vanish without a trace; stealth and concealment were not his strengths. He feared that if he got too close, he would be discovered by the others, so he chose to observe their movements from afar. He was not afraid to take action, but rather concerned about his inability to refine the Heavenly Stealing Bow. Only when he saw that the divine bow was complete did he decide to strike.

General Rong Xiaofeng said: "Now General Ming must have ordered the troops to enter the village and search for us. Even if he is strict in his military discipline, there will inevitably be some chaos when they break camp early in the morning. We just need to be careful not to be discovered when we exit the tunnel and avoid ambushes. This plan should succeed."

Lin Qingwu stood proudly in place, maintaining her shooting posture, her chest rising and falling erratically, with tears glistening in her eyes. This arrow not only released the resentment of her friend's death but also ignited her grand ambition to challenge General Ming, her heart in turmoil, making it difficult for her to remain composed

Rong Xiaofeng slowly nodded, stating that Wu Youxin had the most research on this mechanism, and sighed: "The master of skill and clumsiness encompasses all phenomena and is learned in the ways of heaven and man, truly beyond the reach of us ordinary mortals."

"Gu Qingfeng!" Lin Qing shouted loudly, as if striking a thunderbolt in mid-air, causing everyone's hearts to race. Upon seeing Lin Qing's furious glare, his face shrouded in frost, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor of humility, everyone felt a jolt in their hearts.

The "Bridal Garment" technique is originally used for self-mutilation during the forging of weapons and armor, simultaneously triggering the latent potential of the human body. Once the technique is activated, it gathers the dispersed energy of the eight meridians into one, often enhancing internal strength several times during normal practice. However, it inevitably results in severe depletion of vital energy, significant loss of true essence, and even a reduction in longevity. Practitioners of weaponry and armor would never resort to this technique unless absolutely necessary.

Lin Qing continued to ask: "If you were the King of the Organization and found this passage but couldn't see us, what would you do?"

Things arise from the essence of the heart and follow the path of reality, which is indeed interesting, yet recalling the death of Du Si brings a heavy gloom to my heart, rendering me speechless.

Lin Qing sighed without saying a word, as Yang Shuang'er's words stirred up countless thoughts in his mind. The path of martial arts is like all other principles in the world. In the beginning, one must work hard to make up for one's deficiencies. However, once a certain level of proficiency is reached, it is difficult to make progress without encountering some fortuitous opportunity. Moreover, General Ming's martial arts, as recorded in the *He Tu* Book, will not remain stagnant. With the rising tide, it is feared that even decades of effort may not surpass General Ming's achievements.

Po Mo Wang laughed heartily: "With the unparalleled lightness of foot of Deng Ping Wang, these few rebels truly cannot escape whether they ascend to the heavens or descend to the earth." The two of them were confident that their side held a significant advantage, treating the opponent as if they were nonexistent.

The ink-splashing king remained unchanged and chuckled: "My dear niece, you are really inexperienced in the world. If you say so, won't you force me to kill and silence you?" Although he was accused by Yang Shuang'er mercilessly, he remained calm and composed due to his deep scheming. He believed that with his cooperation with Gu Qingfeng, the Six Colors of Spring and Autumn, and the hostage Du Si in hand, the opponent would be difficult to escape. His words revealed a fierce expression. Moreover, he had always been versatile in the capital and had a good reputation. Gu Qingfeng was indecisive and far less intelligent than him. Although he had excellent light skills, he was insignificant in the capital where there were many masters. It was also difficult to destroy his image as a gentleman that he had worked hard to maintain for many years.

On that day, General Ming entered the village alone. Although he did not display his martial skills, he already demonstrated an exceptionally keen insight. His every gesture exuded a powerful pressure, and his martial arts had reached a profound level. Since General Ming rose to fame, he has fought numerous battles without sustaining a single injury, which is why he has been able to maintain his position as the foremost expert in the martial world for so long. Looking across the world, there are only a handful of individuals who could contend with him, and for the King of Hidden Weapons to express such sentiments is indeed quite rare.

Unexpectedly, Po Mo Wang found that Lin Qing's strength transformed so rapidly; his forward momentum suddenly became as steady as a rock. His movements were agile and natural, with no sign of hesitation in his techniques. Moreover, his strikes were as swift as lightning, immediately securing the Soul Hook Pen as if he had been fully prepared to deal with him all along. A slight fear arose in his heart, and his strength had already diminished by three parts. However, he was ranked second among the renowned figures, and his fame was not merely a stroke of luck. He understood that although Du Si's fate was uncertain, if he could not use this opportunity to injure Lin Qing, the opponent's hostage would escape, and they would gain the upper hand in strength. Therefore, he did not retreat at all; his left hand raised another Soul Hook Pen, his shoulder sank and wrist flicked, first executing the move "Pointing at the River and Mountains" to knock the steel dart away, followed by the move "Dotting the Dragon's Eye" aimed at Lin Qing's right eye. Yet, his right hand still tightly gripped the pen's tip, and decades of internal strength surged forth like a river breaking through a dam, attacking Lin Qing along the pen's body. He speculated that although the King of Hidden Weapons had sharp and intricate techniques, he was still over ten years younger than himself, and his internal strength must be lacking.

With a heart full of sorrow, he cried out, "Old Du, you promised to take me along to enjoy the mountains and waters. What will I do if you leave?" Although his words were childishly stubborn, the tears in his old eyes were blurred, revealing genuine feelings that were hard to bear.

Lin Qingshuang clapped her hands and said: "I will make General Ming suspicious and paranoid. The situation outside the pass is complex, and his tens of thousands of troops cannot possibly stay here for long. After a few days, if they cannot find us, they will naturally think that we have retreated to another place, and will have no choice but to withdraw their forces."

Gu Qingfeng listened to Wang Pomoke's words, and Lin Qing accepted them calmly, showing no signs of disagreement, which was naturally unquestionable. With no further hesitation in his heart, he smiled faintly and said: "With Brother Bi's soul-drawing brush in front, how could I dare to present my clumsy Wind Leg technique? I only need to sweep the battlefield for you and keep an eye on the remaining few rebels."

The two engaged in a battle of wits, their words laced with sharpness, each concealing their own mysteries. On the surface, it appeared mundane, yet beneath it all, tensions were high, each on guard, waiting for the opportune moment to deliver a fatal blow to the other

The object is a reflection of the heart, and with a sudden realization, he exclaimed: "Brother Lin, your reminder is indeed very pertinent. Fortunately, I will never see the Master of Skill and Craft again." Though he had a thick head of hair and beard, he never admitted to aging. Lin Qing was at least thirty or forty years younger than him, yet he still insisted on addressing him as "Brother Lin"

Gu Qingfeng was taken aback, feeling that Du Si, who had been struck at the acupoint, was trembling uncontrollably. It seemed as if waves of power surged through the meridians within his body, crashing against Gu Qingfeng's left palm pressed against his back. In an instant, Du Si's entire figure appeared to swell unexpectedly, and despite exerting all his strength, he could not contain it.

Du Si, with his light gray hair, gently patted the object with his heart. He then looked towards Lin Qing, a glimmer of joy flashing in his eyes, murmuring: "Steal... steal... steal... steal..."

Rong Xiaofeng arrived in front of a large tree, tapping and knocking on it, triggering a mechanism. He heard a series of sounds coming from within the tree, and upon pushing the trunk, a small door unexpectedly opened. The inside of the tree was hollow, large enough for a person to enter, but the bottom was shrouded in darkness. It turned out that the entrance to the underground passage was located beneath the tree. Rong Xiaofeng remarked, "This large tree appears no different from any other; if one does not trigger the mechanism, even if the tree were cut down to the ground, the underground passage would remain undiscovered. Truly a masterpiece of a master of both skill and ingenuity"

Although Lin Qing merely waved her hand casually, there was an effortless grace about her that seemed innate. Even those accustomed to the carefree and indulgent nature of the worldly games were momentarily taken aback, coming to a halt, finding it difficult to resist her presence

Wu Youxin let out a cold snort, just as she was about to step forward, but was stopped by Lin Qing who raised a hand

On the surface, Lin Qing appeared calm, but internally he was secretly anxious. He was well aware that General Ming was a man of his word, and as soon as dawn broke, he would undoubtedly lead his army into the village. The moon hung in the eastern sky, and it was already the third watch of the night. If he could not escape early, the consequences would be dire

He originally had a strong sense of discontent towards the skills of the King of Hidden Weapons, but after just a few exchanges, he was filled with fear and realized that he had no hope of winning in a fair fight. Resolving himself, he thought that he had no deep-seated enmity with Lin Qing, and moreover, Lin Qing had boldly declared a challenge to General Ming, who would inevitably not be able to enter the capital safely in the future. At this moment, observing the situation, it was wiser not to intervene.

Lin Qing observed the expressions on everyone's faces and naturally understood their thoughts. After a brief contemplation, he chuckled and said: "Although I have not formally engaged in combat with General Ming, I believe that the Flowing Divine Skill circulates throughout the body without interruption, seamlessly and completely, much like a spinning top. Any external force applied to it is dissipated, thus it cannot be harmed in the slightest. However, the Stealing Heaven Bow concentrates all its strength at the tip of the arrow, which could potentially overwhelm the Flowing Divine Skill, preventing it from dissipating the immense power contained in the arrow..."

The crowd dared not laugh out loud, only able to endure in silence as they made their way towards the fork leading to the Crossing Tribulation Valley. They had all held the mindset of preferring to be shattered like jade, but at this moment, witnessing the resurgence of hope, they were all filled with a sense of relief.

For a moment, Du Si's face was flushed, and suddenly he exhaled and shouted loudly. The acupoint was already opened, and with a twist of his right hand, he retrieved the stolen Heavenly Bow into his embrace. With a flip of his left hand, the "Breaking Mysterious Blade" was already in his grasp, and he thrust it towards Gu Qingfeng's lower abdomen.

Even with the intelligence of Duke Deng Ping Wang, and judging by common sense, it is utterly unimaginable that General Ming would tolerate the people of Xiaowang Mountain Villa crafting the Stealing Heaven Bow. Although he is somewhat wary of the words of Duke Po Mo Wang, he cannot help but believe them to an extent. In the capital, he belongs to the faction of the Crown Prince and has little connection with Lin Qing, who has always regarded power and wealth as insignificant. On the other hand, Duke Po Mo Wang is adept at navigating relationships and often has dealings with others. Moreover, General Ming holds significant power, being second only to one in the court, and even if the Crown Prince and Prince Tai harbor resentment, they do not dare to show any dissatisfaction towards General Ming on the surface. Although he cannot obtain the Stealing Heaven Bow right under General Ming's nose, it is still his wish to take this opportunity to cultivate a good relationship with General Ming.

Gu Qingfeng, being renowned across the eight directions, is indeed someone who can take up and let go. He understands that the situation is difficult to change. Even with the addition of the Ink Splash King and the Six-Colored Spring and Autumn, if he cannot defeat Lin Qing in one fell swoop, it will not be a trivial matter to guard against the countless hidden weapons that are renowned throughout the world and difficult to defend against. Moreover, whether the Stealing Heaven Bow can truly restrain General Ming is also a matter that is hard to resolve. At this moment, he lightly coughed, intending to leave a few polite remarks, when he heard a soft and pleasant voice coming from the forest: "Brother Lin, first issue a challenge to General Ming in front of the three armies, and then to coerce King Deng Ping on the spot, truly shows a disregard for the heroes of the world. Moreover, whether the Stealing Heaven Bow can truly restrain General Ming is also a matter that is hard to resolve. If there were wine at this moment, I would drink three cups with Brother Lin, in honor of the spirit that does not fear life and death!"

These words were neither servile nor overbearing, granting Gu Qingfeng a measure of face while also containing an implicit threat. Gu Qingfeng hesitated slightly in his heart, considering that with the Dark Weapon King's formidable reputation, it would be unwise to turn against him on the spot and create such a powerful enemy.

He is well aware that Gu Qingfeng is a suspicious person and has always been partial to the Crown Prince, holding a significant prejudice against General Ming. If he can persuade him to stand by and watch, it would be the best outcome; if this plan fails, it would be wise to first stabilize the situation with the other party, waiting for an opportunity to suddenly strike and rescue Du Si, and then seek a way to break free from the encirclement

Lin Qing felt a chill in his heart. Although he believed that General Ming would not take action tonight, in his anxiety, he could not discern the truth of the words spoken by the Ink King. Seeing Du Si captured by Gu Qingfeng, bound hand and foot, it seemed inevitable that they would have to confront these two here. As soon as dawn broke, General Ming's army would surely invade the villa. At that time, even if General Ming wished to let them go, once the military order was issued, how could they allow the Laughing Wang Mountain Villa to escape unscathed?

Lin Qing smiled slightly, saying: "I have long heard of the great name of the Hero's Tomb. Would you be willing to take us for a visit?"

Thoughts shape reality: "I am certain there are hidden mysteries within, perhaps concealed paths or secret passages."

Upon hearing these words, everyone felt a weight in their hearts. Although they had successfully forged the Stealing Sky Bow at this moment, they were surrounded by enemies on all sides. Even if they could safely escape through the underground passage, there was still no certainty of evading General Ming's pursuing troops. If they were to fall into the encirclement of thousands of soldiers, no matter how high their martial arts skills, they would ultimately be exhausted and meet their demise.

Yang Shuang'er said: "Even if the Mechanism King can find the entrance to the tunnel, a large group of people cannot maneuver in such a narrow tunnel, and we can hold out for quite a while."

Lin Qing took another deep breath and let out a long howl. With her left palm gripping the handle of the Stealing Sky Bow, her right hand pulled the bowstring, pushing and resisting, stretching and tearing, her gaze like a flash of lightning, her posture as if cradling the moon. The entire movement flowed seamlessly, executed in one breath, as if using the soul-capturing brush of the Ink Splash King as an arrow, shooting directly at Gu Qingfeng

Xu Moyang said, "I found that the underground passage in Zhuangzhong is extremely secretive and I don't think it will be discovered by the general's troops. If we recapture Xiaowang Mountain Villa in the future, it can be used as a surprise attack. I suggest keeping it."

There were a few light sounds coming from the grass around, and the six-colored spring and autumn each held unique weapons, swaying incessantly in the forest, but they did not rush forward to besiege, instead occupying key positions. It seemed that they had received the order from the ink-splashing king, not allowing anyone to easily break through.

Here is the translated content: This tunnel is half artificial and half natural. It mostly utilizes the rich underground springs in the Ge Yun mountain range. Although it is narrow and can only accommodate two people walking side by side, it has many passages. It is dimly lit and does not feel stuffy. Occasionally, dripping springs can be seen on the cliff walls, with sweet and refreshing water to drink. The air is clear and invigorating, and there is moss and vines everywhere. Occasionally, a few groundhogs startle and flee, causing Wu Youxin and Yang Shuang'er to forget their previous sadness and chase after them. However, they dare not laugh out loud, only enduring it with their hands covering their mouths.

The tunnel was originally formed by the underground springs flowing beneath the Ge Yun Mountain Range. It is extensive and interconnected, yet most of the passages are extremely narrow, making it difficult for people to traverse. After careful observation and design by the Master of Craftsmanship, two exits were created: one located in a desolate area at the foot of the Ge Yun Mountain Range, and the other at the entrance of the Crossing Tribulation Valley.

Lin Qing's face twitched, his gaze locked onto Gu Qingfeng as he pondered his next move. Suddenly, a thought occurred to him and he sensed the presence of another skilled fighter approaching. Without needing to ask, he knew it was the enemy's reinforcement. Assessing the situation, he realized it would be best to avoid conflict with Gu Qingfeng if possible. He remained calm and said, "If Brother Gu doesn't want to flee in such a sorry state, leave behind Du Lao and the Sky Stealing Bow. I can guarantee you a safe departure and we can leave room for each other when we meet again."

Gu Qingfeng indeed hesitated again, looking towards Po Mo Wang: "Brother Bi, do you possess General Ming's military order?" His hesitation was not without reason. Although Lin Qing was not a minister in the court, he held considerable influence in the capital and was on good terms with prominent figures such as Young Master Ling Xiao and Luo Qingyou, the leader of the Jianjia Sect. Without General Ming's support, even if he was generally unwilling to submit to the might of the King of Hidden Weapons, he would still not dare to take the initiative to act against him.

Lin Qing smiled gently: "It seems that in Brother Bi's eyes, I am no different from a dead person..."

The Ink Splashing King was greatly shaken, never having anticipated that the Hidden Weapon King had reached such a profound level of martial arts. Moreover, he had strategically calculated that he would inevitably launch a surprise attack, which was why he feigned an assault on Gu Qingfeng while actually targeting himself. In just a few exchanges, even his renowned weapons were seized. To his dismay, the internal energy he had cultivated for decades could not be unleashed at all; that feeling of being constrained and hindered by a single misstep was what truly left him utterly frustrated

Things are governed by a righteous heart and proper conduct: "It is not that I wish to undermine the enemy's prestige. Although this path is concealed, it is likely that it will not escape the eyes of the master of mechanisms"

Things are determined by the heart: "Now everyone knows that the general is our enemy, and everyone wants to add insult to injury. I fear that we can only escape to the desolate areas beyond the frontier where the general's influence does not reach, in order to catch our breath.

With a thud, Du Si spat out a mouthful of fresh blood onto the handle of the Stealing Heaven Bow. The handle was still hot, and a wave of blood energy rose up, making the originally dark red Stealing Heaven Bow appear even more hauntingly beautiful. However, Du Si tightly pressed his lips together, remaining silent, while his right hand still firmly grasped the Stealing Heaven Bow.

The Ink-splashing King has vanished without a trace, yet his voice continues to resonate as usual: "Brother Lin, you are too courteous! If you can break through General Ming's encirclement tonight, please come to Qingxue Tower for a discussion, and I, Bi, will certainly welcome you with open arms." The Ink-splashing King resides in Qingxue Tower in the capital.

The Armored Sect possesses a form of internal skill known as "Bridal Garment." It is said that the inheritors of the Armored Sect dedicate their entire lives to forging divine weapons and precious armors, yet they themselves are destined to never use them, much like sewing a bridal gown for another. Hence, it derives its name.

Gu Qingfeng truly lives up to the title of the King of Ascending the Waves. In just a few leaps, he had created a distance of over ten zhang. Hearing no movement from Lin Qing, he felt a surge of joy in his heart, believing that with his lightness skill, even with an injury to his leg, it was unlikely that anyone could catch up to him in a short period of time

Lin Qingdao: "Are you not afraid of taking on another master? Will your sect no longer allow you to re-enter its gates?"

Po Mo Wang was aware that in a one-on-one martial arts contest, he might not be able to defeat Lin Qing. Therefore, despite appearing calm and self-satisfied, he remained vigilant against any sudden attack from Lin Qing. He was cunning and had a deep understanding of strategy, predicting that Lin Qing would not remain in a stalemate for long and would first attempt to rescue Du Si. He waited for Lin Qing to make a move against Gu Qingfeng before launching his own surprise attack. At this moment, upon noticing Du Si's unusual demeanor, he immediately sensed a change. With a loud shout, he produced a pair of dark, brush-like objects over three feet long in each hand, which were his unique weapons, the "Soul Hook Pens." The left pen guarded his chest while the right pen aimed directly at Lin Qing's heart. His movements were graceful, his demeanor composed, his sleeves billowing in the wind, resembling an immortal from a painting. However, his attack was vicious and ruthless, with a heavy and forceful strike. Although he was a master in his own right, his loud shout was accompanied by the swift movement of his pen, making it no different from a sneak attack, lacking the demeanor of a true expert.

Everyone debated for a while, all eyes fixed on Lin Qing, waiting for him to make a decisive statement

Suddenly, the throat of Du Si emitted a series of cracking sounds, and his gaze slowly swept over the crowd. His right hand, still gripping the Stealing Heaven Bow, abruptly tightened, with veins bulging.

General Ming is well-versed in military strategy and often employs unexpected tactics. We have been trapped here for several days, completely cut off from external news, unable to assess the enemy situation in a timely manner. I am concerned that he may have intentionally put us at ease last time, while secretly dispatching a large army to surround the entire Ge Yun Mountain range. Even if we manage to pass through the tunnels, who knows if we will encounter a large contingent of enemy troops

A ray of dawn broke through the eastern sky, and the daylight had already brightened. Several individuals, led by Rong Xiao Feng, returned to the Xiao Wang Mountain Villa, arriving at a vacant forested area on the right side of the villa.

Gu Qingfeng did not expect that Du Sishen's bravery would reach such a level, being able to counterattack even when his vital point was under threat, and his strength was remarkably different from that of an ordinary person, astonishingly great. Caught off guard, the Heavenly Stealing Bow had slipped from his hand, and he saw a rusted small knife aimed directly at his lower abdomen.

It was only then that he understood, laughing heartily: "Indeed, indeed, the terrain of the Nether Valley is complex, with dense trees, making it an excellent place for stealth and ambush. We can take the opportunity to capture a few soldiers, disguise ourselves in their uniforms, and if General Ming intends to meet each of the hundreds of thousands of troops face to face, it would surely exhaust him to death."