Chapter 7, The First Encounter with Ao Xue
Lu Yun's expression changed slightly, for he had learned from the information he received that there was a gathering of sinister energy deep within the forest, which was quite strong yet extremely concealed. If it were not for his cultivation of "Heaven and Earth Boundless" and having already entered the seventh realm, "Heaven and Earth in Harmony," he would have found it very difficult to detect this. Additionally, another powerful aura also appeared at the location where the sinister energy was gathering; the aura felt somewhat familiar, yet it was exceedingly strong, indicating a profound level of cultivation.
Lu Yun listened carefully and indeed heard a very peculiar sound coming from deep within the woods, a sound that was inaudible unless one paid close attention. He did not expect Lin Yunfeng to have such keen hearing. With a somewhat surprised expression, Lu Yun asked, "Yunfeng, do you know who that person is? From the sound, it seems quite formidable. If we go in like this, will we be discovered by her or misunderstood by others?"
This forest is not very large, but the trees within it are quite dense, creating a somewhat dim atmosphere. Lu Yun carefully glanced around, and in an instant, everything here was vividly imprinted in his mind. At that moment, a concealed seven-colored glow flashed in his eyes, and the thoughts in his mind oscillated at a rapid speed of six thousand four hundred times per second, clearly reflecting everything around him in his heart
Lu Yun was just about to dodge and demand the other party clarify the situation, but unfortunately, the opponent's attack came again, and this time it was exceptionally powerful. With just one strike, Lu Yun was forced to retreat violently, immediately finding himself in a predicament. The "Fiery Heavenly Gang Sword Technique" in his hand was unexpectedly suppressed by the opponent's incredibly mysterious sword technique, rendering him unable to lift his head. This truly astonished Lu Yun.
Just after the two left, Xuan Yu Zhen Ren and four院主 suddenly appeared at the same spot. The five of them looked at the two small figures in the distance, their eyes revealing a hint of astonishment. Xuan Yu Zhen Ren smiled and said: "It seems that this time, our Yi Yuan has the greatest harvest. Qian院 has Li Hongfei, Kun院 has Zhang Aoxue, Yin院 has now produced Lin Yunfeng, and Yang院's Lu Yun is even a rare talent, able to fly with a sword in just one year. This is truly exceptional. This time's Six院 Martial Arts Conference may belong to our Yi Yuan. Haha, we can finally hold our heads high once again."
In the tranquility of cultivation, the days passed swiftly, and time slipped away unnoticed. In the blink of an eye, the three-month period set by Master Ziyang had arrived. On this day, Master Ziyang once again entered the courtyard, surveying his surroundings before finally resting his gaze on Lu Yun. As he looked at Lu Yun, a flame ignited in Master Ziyang's eyes, and a look of immense surprise and joy appeared on his face, truly expressing his delight.
Lu Yun smiled faintly upon hearing this and scolded, "You little rascal, instead of doing good deeds, you only think of devious ways. I truly admire you. It has been a long time since we last met, and since you want to take a look, I can only accompany you on this trip. After all, I have been bored for quite a while; it is time to get some fresh air. Let's go." With that, he stood up.
Lu Yun smiled and said: "Alright, stop talking nonsense. Over the past year, how has your skill with the Demon-Slaying Sword improved? Have you managed to slay any monsters? In a year’s time, your ability to catch ghosts must have progressed quite a bit, have you had the chance to practice it yourself?"
Lin Yunfeng smiled broadly and said: "Lu Yun, how is it that after more than a year of not seeing you, you've become like this? How have you been this past year? I have been thoroughly dealt with by that old Taoist; he is even more formidable than my previous old master. I have suffered greatly at his hands. However, my cultivation has indeed increased significantly. How about you?"
Lu Yun looked at everyone, a glimmer of curiosity appearing in his eyes. He slightly raised his head to gaze at the horizon, a hint of a smile emerging in his eyes, containing an expression that outsiders might find puzzling; perhaps he was whispering something to the heavens. From this moment on, the name Lu Yun began to spread in the Yi Garden, and two years later, it would shake the world and become renowned in the realm of cultivation.
Lin Yunfeng exclaimed in surprise: "Lu Yun, how did you know where I was hiding? That is my unique skill, and you were able to see through it. Just how much have you learned in this past year?"
Lin Yunfeng did not know where he had hidden himself; he must be using the Yin-Yang Escape Technique to conceal himself nearby, secretly laughing. Lu Yun's body kept dodging incessantly, while the opponent's attacks grew increasingly fierce. The entire forest had been ravaged by the opponent's sword energy, with broken branches flying everywhere, creating a large clearing of approximately thirty zhang in circumference on the ground
Lu Yun shouted loudly: "Yun Feng, why aren't you coming out? Explain clearly what is going on, why we were attacked for no reason, and who those attackers are? Hurry up, or when we return, I will see how to deal with you." At this moment, he had already understood why Lin Yunfeng had reminded him to prepare his sword when they entered the woods; it turned out he had known such a result would occur. Lu Yun's body flashed, moving a zhang away, avoiding a silent sword strike that came from the opponent. He had already understood why Lin Yunfeng had reminded him to prepare his sword when they entered the woods; it turned out he had known such a result would occur. Lu Yun's body flashed, moving a zhang away, avoiding a silent sword strike that came from the opponent. The large tree at the original spot was shattered by the powerful sword energy, turning into fine powder that scattered in the forest.
Lin Yunfeng smiled and said: "That little cold pool is just ahead; I have been there three times. On one occasion, I inadvertently saw a beautiful woman practicing swordsmanship right here. Her sword technique was extremely domineering and astonishing. Hehe, you will know when you see her. She is here again today; did you hear that sound?"
Since the last time when Master Ziyang announced the teaching of the Luyun Sword Technique, Luyun has been here for a year. Throughout this year, Luyun has devoted all his energy to cultivating his spiritual practice. In addition to practicing the techniques of Yiyuan, he has also been secretly cultivating his own five superior techniques, along with the unique creation of his ancestor, "Heaven and Earth Boundless." Over the past year, he has made rapid progress. The five extraordinary techniques taught by his eccentric master during his childhood have also seen swift advancement. At this moment, his cultivation has reached the late stage of the Returning Void realm, and he is on the verge of breaking through to the ninth level, the "Indestructible" realm. However, Luyun has also realized that he has reached a bottleneck in his cultivation, and any further advancement may not be achievable in a short period.
After practicing swordsmanship for the entire morning, Lu Yun no longer wished to continue. He ran alone to the grassy area outside the courtyard and lay down there to bask in the sun. Not long after he lay down, he suddenly saw a figure appear out of nowhere beside him, startling him.
Ziyang Zhenren glanced at the others and, with a smile on his face, said: "I am very pleased to be here this time, as I have discovered the future hope of our Yang Academy. This hope is Lu Yun. He has been here for exactly one hundred days, and if everyone observes carefully, they will find that in this one hundred days, he has actually mastered the first six techniques of our 'Twelve Techniques of Yitian' in the Yiyuan. This has never happened before in Yiyuan. Given his talent, it won't be long before he can catch up to Li Hongfei and Zhang Aoxue, becoming the third most outstanding person in this cohort of Yiyuan, bringing unparalleled glory to our Yang Academy. I am truly delighted!"
Lin Yunfeng smiled and said, "Don't worry, I won't be driven away by you; otherwise, all my previous efforts would have been in vain. Now, let's not talk about that. I will share a little secret with you. Ten miles east of Yiyuan, there is a cold pool, and the water there is extremely frigid. It is said that there is a type of fish called 'Yuebai' that emits a white glow under the moonlight at night, which is incredibly beautiful. It is said that this fish tastes exquisite, and after consuming it, a warm sensation spreads throughout the body, gradually transforming into a form of true energy. The more you eat, the more abundant the true energy becomes, which can enhance one's cultivation. I heard that a beautiful woman has recently appeared there; she is said to be extraordinarily lovely. Shall we go take a look?"
When everyone saw Master Ziyang Zhenren arrive, they all stopped and slowly walked to his side to stand properly. Master Ziyang smiled with joy and said, "It has been three months since we last met. It seems that you have made rapid progress during this time. Lu Yun, come here and let me see how your cultivation has progressed now"
Lin Yunfeng exclaimed, "What more is there to say? Of course, I am much more formidable now. No matter what demons or monsters come my way, they are nothing but a piece of cake for me, easily within my grasp. I am now one of the few top experts in our Yin Academy, far ahead of the rest. In a year, I will have the opportunity to participate in the martial arts competition of the Six Academies of the World. How about that? Impressive, right?" After saying this, he raised his chin high, looking quite pleased with himself, which was rather comical and made Lu Yun unable to hold back a laugh.
The opponent's cultivation is exceptionally high, and their swordsmanship is merely proficient. Among those Lu Yun has encountered, aside from his master, this person is the most formidable, at least up to this point. Lu Yun looked around, finding no one in sight, unable to determine where the opponent was hiding. At the same time, he glanced around, wondering where that kid Lin Yunfeng had gone; not even a trace of him could be found.
After praising Lu Yun, Master Ziyang glanced at the cultivation levels of the other four disciples, all of which were quite impressive, which made him very satisfied. Looking at everyone, Master Ziyang smiled and said: "I have now decided to immediately teach Lu Yun the latter part of our sect's techniques, and at the same time, begin to instruct him in the 'Fiery Heaven and Earth Sword Technique.' I hope he will strive diligently and catch up with the others as soon as possible. The other four disciples also have commendable cultivation levels, so let us all learn the sword technique together. This time, our Yang Academy will compete with the Qian and Kun Academies, so that they will know that our Yang Academy also has outstanding talents. Therefore, Lu Yun, you must work hard and not let us all down! Tomorrow, we will start practicing the sword technique, and I hope that at the martial arts conference of the six academies in two years, you will have the opportunity to participate. Everyone else, let us also work hard together to promote our Yang Academy." After these words, everyone shouted loudly, their expressions excited and exceedingly happy.
Lin Yunfeng chuckled softly and said, "Don't speak so loudly. I guarantee that after you see this, you will never forget it. We are the best of friends, and that's why I brought you here. If it were someone else, I wouldn't tell them. Now, let's be careful and sneak in quietly. We mustn't make any noise when we leave, so we need to cast a little spell; otherwise, she will discover us. At that point, well, you'll find out soon enough. It would be best to draw your sword. Hehe, let's go." After saying this, he pulled Lu Yun's hand and chanted, "Heaven and Earth are boundless, Yin and Yang borrow the law, conceal!" As the words fell, a wisp of faint smoke flashed by, and the two of them vanished from sight.
Lin Yunfeng, accompanied by Lu Yun, quickly traversed through layers of trees and appeared near a small pond. As soon as the two emerged, an incredibly powerful sword aura surged towards them, its might astonishing and extraordinary, leaving both of them greatly alarmed. Lu Yun was particularly shocked; they had barely seen any figures before being discovered, which was truly unexpected.
Lu Yun's expression changed slightly as he shouted, "Yun Feng, you despicable brat, how could you escape alone? You brought me here, and when we encountered a formidable enemy, you disregarded my safety. You truly are a heartless fellow." As he spoke, Lu Yun raised his long sword, and in an instant, a burst of flames erupted, illuminating the dark forest.
The head of the Qianyuan Sect, Qian Yuan Zhenren, spoke: "This matter is indeed difficult to say. Every time the Six Sects hold their martial arts competition, the first place is either taken by the Tianjian Academy or the Putid Zen Academy. This time, we have received news that the Tianjian Academy has produced an extraordinary talent, a once-in-a-century genius; and the Phoenix Academy has also unveiled a peerless woman, said to be a beauty not seen in hundreds of years, with unparalleled cultivation strength, rare in the world. As for the other Daoist Gardens, Confucian Gardens, and the Putid Zen Academy, they remain enigmatic, with no information available, but it is likely they will not be lacking in talent. This time, we must give our all, hoping that Hong Fei and Ao Xue can bring glory to the Yi Academy."
Lu Yun smiled faintly, raised his right hand to point at the sky, and the long sword beside him suddenly shot into the air, directly striking at Lin Yunfeng. Lin Yunfeng let out a strange cry, and the long sword beneath his feet swiftly turned, instantly moving six feet away to evade Lu Yun's flying sword. At the same time, he cursed loudly, "Well, you dare to launch a sneak attack on me, just wait and see how I deal with you." With that, he charged downwards, rushing towards Lu Yun.
Lin Yunfeng, realizing that his whereabouts had been exposed, no longer concealed himself and immediately appeared alongside Lu Yun. After glancing around and seeing nothing, Lin Yunfeng exclaimed, "Ah, there are monsters! Quickly, flee for your lives!" With that, he swayed his body and instantly vanished, leaving Lu Yun alone to confront the immensely powerful sword energy.
Who is this? Lu Yun was filled with questions as he gazed at the extraordinarily beautiful girl, unmatched in the world. He could not fathom who she was. A glance at Lin Yunfenfeng revealed a flicker of panic in his eyes, as if he were somewhat afraid of this girl. Could it be that he knew who she was and was acquainted with her?
In the forest, a fierce wind arose, and in an instant, hundreds of colorful sword energies converged into a dense sword net, resembling a five-colored cloud, descending upon Lu Yun and enveloping him within. Lu Yun's expression changed, and he shouted, "Yun Feng, if you continue to hide behind that large tree on the left and do not come to help, I will surely perish. Why don't you take action to assist me in dealing with this hidden mysterious opponent?"
Only a figure in white, as pure as snow, slowly descended. The gentle breeze caressed the snow-white gown, making it appear like a snow lotus swaying in the wind, immaculate and flawless. It quietly settled on a large tree, its cold gaze silently observing Lu Yun and Lin Yunfeng, devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
Lin Yunfeng exclaimed, "You wouldn't be lying to me, would you? You originally had no foundation at all, yet you have cultivated to the Seventh Formula in just one year. Don't scare me; I'm really afraid. In our place, many senior brothers have been cultivating for decades and still haven't broken through to the Seventh Formula, but you did it in a year. Truly a genius! It seems you want to catch up with Li Hongfei. I've heard that he has already reached the Tenth Formula. You must work hard; that guy is said to be very formidable, on par with Zhang Aoxue from the Kun Academy."
Through the clouds and chasing the moon, soaring proudly in the azure sky. Lu Yun's sword transformed into a long wind, propelling him forward with unparalleled speed. Lin Yunfeng, with his garments billowing wildly, pursued him with all his might from behind. In the sky, two streaks of light flashed by, and two figures, like a dream, vanished in an instant into the heavens. A distance of ten miles was traversed in the blink of an eye for Lu Yun and Lin Yunfeng, who were flying on their swords.
Xuan Yu Zhenren glanced at everyone and noticed that Xuan Yin also had an expression of discontent. He was about to speak when he slightly shook his head and said: "Alright, I understand what you all are saying. Since we all come from the Yi Academy, there is no need to say those meaningless words. Now, with one year left until the Martial Discussion Conference, the most important thing is how to enhance their cultivation during this final year. Additionally, there is another matter regarding the frequent appearances of Yin spirits and ghosts in the southern region of Shu. Xuan Yin, you should take the time to personally investigate this. The area is close to Fengdu Ghost City, which is the only entrance to the Ghost Domain. Although it was sealed by the Six Academies a thousand years ago, it has always been the place with the heaviest ghostly aura. Given that so many years have passed, we must be cautious. Our Yi Academy has been stationed here, and everyone should understand that it is primarily to guard this entrance to the Ghost Domain, preventing the invasion of ghostly beings into the human realm. Alright, everyone, please return to your respective places. I will make a trip to the Confucian Academy and will be back in one or two days at most." After saying this, Xuan Yu Zhenren's body suddenly became faint and disappeared in an instant. What a marvelous technique.
Lu Yun looked at his expression and understood that he had already perceived something. Stepping slightly forward, Lu Yun smiled and said, "Master, do you think your disciple is doing well like this now?" A hint of brilliance sparkled in Lu Yun's eyes, making him exceptionally alluring
Lin Yunfeng looked at Lu Yun and smiled, saying: "You have been studying for a year now, so let me see how your cultivation has progressed over this time. Let us have a competition; I want to see how well you have mastered your sword techniques and whether you can wield your sword. " After saying this, Lin Yunfeng raised his left hand to perform a sword technique, and a long sword on his back immediately flew out, spinning around him in a most marvelous manner. Following that, he floated slightly, tapped the sword hilt with the tip of his right foot, and instantly soared into the air on the sword, flying a circle in the air before stopping mid-flight to look at Lu Yun. The long sword on his back flew out again, spinning around him in a most marvelous manner. Following that, he floated slightly, tapped the sword hilt with the tip of his right foot, and instantly soared into the air on the sword, flying a circle in the air before stopping mid-flight to look at Lu Yun.
Lin Yunfeng smiled and said, "Alright, you truly are a genius. In just one year, you have elevated your cultivation to such a level; it is indeed astonishing. I fear that the entire realm of cultivation cannot find another talent like you. Well, we have arrived, so let us disembark." After saying this, he sheathed his long sword, which automatically flew back into its scabbard on his back, and he slowly descended towards the forest below.
Lu Yun looked at Lin Yunfeng, feeling quite astonished by his mastery of Taoist techniques. He did not expect Lin to be so well-versed in these methods, particularly in the mysterious art of "Yin-Yang Borrowing Technique." Together with Lin Yunfeng, the two moved swiftly and silently into the depths of the forest, making not a sound as the surroundings remained completely quiet.
Lu Yun smiled and said: "Well done, truly impressive, much stronger than I am. Let us work hard together. In a year, let us have a competition to see whose cultivation is deeper. By then, don't let this beginner surpass you."
Lu Yundan smiled faintly, a peculiar light flickering in his eyes. With a slight push from his toes, he instantly soared into the air. At the same moment, his long sword flew back, perfectly appearing beneath him. He gently landed on the sword, as if weightless, and his body shot forward at an astonishing speed, covering a distance of a hundred zhang in an instant. Lin Yunfeng shouted loudly and also took to the sword in pursuit, and in the blink of an eye, the two vanished from their original spot
Lu Yun stepped out three zhang, and shouted, "Who is it? Why attack innocently? Come out, this could be a misunderstanding." As soon as he finished speaking, there was no response, but a more powerful sword energy surged towards him, instantly shattering the protective qi barrier around Lu Yun. His expression changed slightly, and in an instant, he vanished from his original position, reappearing under a large tree four zhang to the right.
Lu Yun unleashed one of the four supreme techniques of the Yi Garden, the "Fiery Heavenly Gang Sword Technique." A dazzling red light erupted from the long sword, resembling flames and extremely eye-catching. The long sword hovered in the air like a fire dragon, exuding an incredibly powerful aura, instantly blocking in front of Lu Yun and forcefully intercepting the opponent's formidable strike. When the two sword energies collided, a massive explosion occurred, and the surrounding trees were ruthlessly destroyed by the overwhelming sword energy, creating an open area of ten zhang in diameter. Weeds flew in all directions, and a deep pit suddenly appeared, quite terrifying. The collision of the two sword energies resulted in another massive explosion, with the surrounding trees being forcefully obliterated, once again revealing an open area of ten zhang in diameter. Weeds were scattered everywhere, and a deep pit emerged out of nowhere, truly alarming.
Lu Yun stared at the girl before him, astonished. Dressed in white, she was as pure as snow, ethereal like an immortal, with cool, clear eyes and a hint of aloofness. What a face it was, cold like the moon on a winter night, noble like a lotus in a snowy realm, with exquisite features, a beautiful countenance, skin as smooth as snow jade, and a slender figure. Everything indicated that she was an extraordinarily beautiful girl, rare to find in the world. At the age of twenty-one or twenty-two, she possessed an elegance akin to that of a celestial being, her bright eyes containing both purity and pride. A sword radiating a faint purple light quietly hovered above her head, like a protective umbrella, silently and firmly guarding her within.
In the span of a year, many things can change. At this moment, Lu Yun has already completed the ninth formula of the "Twelve Techniques of Yitian" in the Yiyuan and is beginning to enter the tenth formula. This is primarily due to his own formidable cultivation. Meanwhile, the "Liuhuo Tiangang Sword Technique" he has learned has also been perfected, allowing him to unleash its full power at ten levels of intensity. However, Lu Yun has intentionally held back a bit, as he does not wish to draw too much attention to himself, lest he be noticed by others. At the same time, the "Liuhuo Tiangang Sword Technique" he has learned has also been perfected, allowing him to unleash its full power at ten levels of intensity. However, Lu Yun has intentionally held back a bit, as he does not wish to draw too much attention to himself, lest he be noticed by others
Upon hearing this, everyone displayed expressions of surprise, and soon many eyes revealed a look of delight. After so many years, the Yang Academy had finally encountered a remarkably gifted young man; what a joyous occasion it was. Everyone looked at Lu Yun with encouraging and supportive gazes, hoping that he would continue to work hard and bring glory to the Yang Academy in the future. Looking at the many senior brothers, Lu Yun smiled slightly, as if to reciprocate their concern and expectations for him
Lu Yun circled in the air, gazing at the forest below, his eyes revealing a hint of peculiar expression. Lu Yun discovered that, from above, the forest formed an extraordinary formation, unlike any other in the world. Could there be something hidden within? Observing this formation, it appeared to be encircling something, as if it were meant to seal something away. Noticing that Lin Yunfeng had already descended, Lu Yun also floated down gracefully, landing softly beside Lin Yunfeng.
Lin Yunfeng's body suddenly flickered in mid-air. He shouted loudly, and then with his left hand he formed a seal, while his right hand, unbeknownst to him, produced a talisman. He chanted: "The universe is boundless, the yin and yang borrow the law, manifest!" As soon as he finished speaking, an incredibly powerful sword aura surged forth, resembling a phoenix spreading its wings, and struck down fiercely towards Lin Yunfeng. At the same moment, a white figure appeared in mid-air not far away.
Upon hearing this, Master Xuan Yu merely nodded slightly, while Master Xuan Yin and Master Zi Yang displayed expressions of discontent. It seemed they were blaming Master Qian Yuan for only mentioning the disciples from the Qian Kun Academy, completely disregarding the students from the other two academies. It was as if every honor was solely achieved by the Qian Kun Academy. Master Zi Yang let out a slight cold snort and said: "There is still a year until the competition. I believe that with my disciple Lu Yun's natural talent and rapid progress, by that time he will surely enhance his cultivation significantly, mastering the ninth or even the tenth formula of the Twelve Formulas. If that happens, there will be hope for us to make a name for Yi Garden in the Martial Arts Conference."
Lu Yun shouted loudly: "Stop talking nonsense, hurry up and take action, I can barely hold on any longer." As he finished speaking, the long sword in his hand trembled, and the ground around him instantly rippled. A powerful and unparalleled crimson sword energy was unleashed in an instant, colliding with the countless sword energies, producing a dazzling brilliance and a thunderous roar that shook the heavens. A brilliant light spread outwards in an instant, its speed so swift and its force so immense that in the blink of an eye, it severed hundreds of large trees in half, causing them to fall one after another, creating a terrifying spectacle.
Lu Yun was greatly astonished by this hidden opponent, having been secretly tracking their movements. In order to uncover the opponent's whereabouts, the vital energy surrounding his body surged at an astonishing speed of 4,800 times per breath, probing everything concealed in the vicinity. Eventually, he discovered the hidden Lin Yunfeng along with that opponent. It was a woman, which surprised Lu Yun immensely; however, her speed of movement was so rapid that he could not discern her features. In order to uncover the opponent's whereabouts, the vital energy surrounding his body surged at an astonishing speed of 4,800 times per breath, probing everything concealed in the vicinity. Eventually, he discovered the hidden Lin Yunfeng along with that opponent. It was a woman, which surprised Lu Yun immensely; however, her speed of movement was so rapid that he could not discern her features
Lu Yun looked at Lin Yunfeng. After a year apart, he was still the same, wearing a mischievous grin and looking quite quirky. However, upon closer inspection, it was evident that his cultivation had indeed improved significantly compared to before. It seemed that he had already mastered the eighth formula of the techniques from Yi Garden, which was no small feat. With a slight smile, Lu Yun said, "Why don't you lie down and rest for a while? I have missed you a lot over the past year. Now that we meet again, I can see that your cultivation has made great progress, far surpassing mine. I am genuinely happy for you. As for me, I have also made some minor progress. I have cultivated our sect's techniques to the seventh formula and am beginning to enter the eighth formula."
Lu Yun's body flipped and rotated sideways, and with each full rotation of the long sword in his hand, he unleashed nine immensely powerful Heavenly Gang sword energies, hoping to thwart the opponent's attack. Unfortunately, the opponent's offensive was exceedingly strong, and that overwhelming sword energy even made it difficult for Lu Yun to breathe, which was truly astonishing. With Lin Yunfeng present, Lu Yun did not dare to unleash his true abilities and could only rely on the cultivation techniques he had learned over the past year in the Yi Garden to cope.