A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 307 Dragon Balls Unleash Their Power
When the white-headed eagle saw Ni Qingfeng appear, its expression changed drastically. It quickened its pace and hurriedly ran in another direction, while simultaneously flicking its right hand, sending several hidden weapons flying towards Ni Qingfeng, trying to gain a slight chance. However, when Ni Qingfeng saw the hidden weapons, he sneered, flicked his sleeve, and a gust of wind blew over, causing the hidden weapons to spin rapidly. They were then redirected, changing direction and striking the white-headed eagle at an even faster speed than before.

With a few soft hissing sounds, the white-headed eagle hurriedly dodged, and all the hidden weapons were embedded in several green bamboos not far away. The green bamboos instantly turned yellow, and then became charred black, and fell to the ground with a crack. Just then, the white-headed eagle suddenly felt a powerful aura coming from behind. Startled, before it could turn around, it ducked down and a sword light slashed horizontally, cutting dozens of green bamboos in half at the waist, with a smooth and flat cut.

“Master Ni, if you spare my life, I am willing to submit to the Tianshan Sect and help them deal with the Zhongxin Hall.”

White-headed Eagle watched as Ni Qingfeng slowly approached, retreating as he spoke. After struggling for a few breaths, he begged for mercy, but Ni Qingfeng ignored him. Even if White-headed Eagle genuinely submitted to the Tianshan Sect, Ni Qingfeng would not accept it. Moreover, he could clearly see the scheming in the man's eyes. In the end, he was just trying to save his own life.

"There is no place for you in the Tianshan Sect, Bai Tou. You have committed many evils, and today is the day you meet your end. However, considering that you were once the leader of a sect, I will allow you to commit suicide."

Hearing Ni Qingfeng's words, the white-headed eagle's eyes were filled with hatred, and his face was contorted with malice as he said, "Ni Qingfeng, don't think that you can do whatever you want just because you have martial arts skills. When I was roaming the martial world, you didn't even know where you were. You have humiliated me like this. I will take you down with me even if I die!"

Ni Qingfeng listened to the white-headed eagle's blustering words with a blank expression and said calmly, "The Yangtze River's back waves push the front waves, and a new generation replaces the old."

As soon as he finished speaking, White-Headed Eagle saw Ni Qingfeng suddenly disappear from his side. When he sensed him again, a silver light flashed and a sword light streaked towards him. White-Headed Eagle was shocked and instinctively raised his protective aura. However, his mind went blank and his thoughts froze. When he heard the sound of the sword returning to its sheath, a clear sword wound was left on his left chest. The hissing sound of blood made White-Headed Eagle smile bitterly.

"Good swordsmanship!"

After uttering those three words, the white-headed eagle's eyes widened, and it breathed its last, scattering bamboo leaves all over the ground, which then fell onto its face, obscuring its features.

"To die from this move is too good for you."

Ni Qingfeng's move is a killing move created based on the Tianshan Sword Technique. It emphasizes that the intention precedes the sword. If the opponent is not prepared, it will be too late when they see the sword light. This move is close to the Dao. Although the effect is extraordinary, it consumes a lot of true energy. Although Ni Qingfeng himself does not consume much when he uses it, others who do not understand this move can only use their true energy as the source to drive this move. Otherwise, if they force it, they will burn their life essence and damage their foundation.

After looting all the valuables from the bald eagle, Ni Qingfeng dripped the prepared elixir onto its body. A pungent white smoke rose, and in no time, the bald eagle's corpse had turned into a pool of blood.

Ni Qingfeng swept his palm, and a gust of wind blew, causing dust and bamboo leaves to fly up, covering up all the bloodstains. After cleaning up the traces, Ni Qingfeng used his lightness skill to move around and turn to leave in another direction of the bamboo forest.

Outside the bamboo forest, Shangguan Yun and Lu Aotian stood on opposite sides, quietly waiting for the white-headed eagle to appear. However, after waiting for a while, they still did not see the white-headed eagle. They were puzzled. Shangguan Yun frowned and thought to himself.

"This Soul-Locking Miasma should have spread not far from here, so why hasn't the White-Headed Eagle come out yet? According to its nature, it shouldn't be like this. Could something have happened?"

Shangguan Yun felt increasingly suspicious. She glanced at Lu Aotian, then raised her protective aura and walked towards the bamboo forest. Lu Aotian's expression changed slightly upon seeing this, but he didn't say anything and also raised his aura and walked in.

Just after Shangguan Yun and Lu Aotian entered the bamboo forest, they were surprised to find that the Soul-Locking Miasma had not spread to this place. The reason was that the green bamboo next to them was completely unharmed.

"The miasma hasn't arrived yet, could it be that this old demon has returned to the depths of the bamboo forest?"

Lu Aotian couldn't help but guess, and the more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Bai Tou's internal strength was less than 30%, and he wouldn't stand a chance against even one of them, let alone both of them.

Shangguan Yun did not respond to these words and continued to walk deeper into the bamboo forest. After walking for several feet, the two of them saw the clean cut of the broken bamboo in front of them, and their expressions changed. They hurriedly ran forward.

"The sword energy has dissipated, making it impossible to discern its mysteries. However, it is not difficult to see that this was just a casual strike. The cut is so clean, this person must be a master swordsman."

Lu Aotian secretly guessed, filtering through the sword masters in his mind one by one, and finally locked onto the Tianshan Sect.

"Sect Leader Xue is the head of a sect and will not easily descend the mountain. Apart from him, there are only Shen Henian and Ni Qingfeng. Although Shen Henian's swordsmanship is high, his internal strength is only about the same as mine. He has no way of having such a method. Based on this deduction, it can only be that person."

Thinking of this, Lu Aotian felt relieved. With Ni Qingfeng making a move, the fate of the white-headed eagle was already predictable. He glanced at Shangguan Yun, who was stroking the cut on the bamboo, and bowed to him, saying solemnly, "Hall Master Shangguan, now that a master has made a move, whether the white-headed eagle is alive or dead is a mystery. I have important matters to attend to, so I will take my leave."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yun straightened up, cupped his hands in a salute to Lu Aotian, and said, "Brother Lu, farewell. I won't see you off any further."

Shangguan Yun originally wanted to take action against Lu Aotian, but firstly, the other party had saved his wife and daughter, and although he was not a benevolent person, he could not repay kindness with enmity. Secondly, there was the sight of the broken bamboo in front of him.

Lu Aotian nodded, then turned and left, leaving Shangguan Yun standing there.

"Ni Qingfeng, is this your way of showing me power? Hmph, times have changed, and the outcome is still uncertain!"

Lu Aotian could deduce that it was Ni Qingfeng's doing, and Shangguan Yun could naturally see it too. Thinking of the humiliation he suffered at Bailing Mountain, a burning anger remained in Shangguan Yun's heart.

"With the Dragon Ball in my hand, I refuse to believe I can't deal with you."

With a cold snort, Shangguan Yun swept his palm out, and the powerful palm wind was like a tornado, directly lifting the broken bamboo into the air. With another burst of force, the broken bamboo turned into a cloud of dust, which fell from the sky. With a gentle breeze, Shangguan Yun's figure gracefully left, and the dust spread out in a thick layer, covering the spot where the white-headed eagle had died.

Inside the Hall of Loyalty and Trust, Moon Demon finished handling the affairs of the hall in the shortest possible time. Just as he was about to return to the treasury, Sun Demon walked in from outside, looking exhausted.

"How is things going with the sect leader?"

"Everything went smoothly. The hall master told me to come back first. On the way here, I met Madam Lu. She went to chase the white-headed eagle."

After Sun Fiend finished speaking, Moon Fiend nodded and said, "With the Hall Master and the Black and White Heroes taking action, White-Headed Eagle is nothing to worry about. I've almost finished dealing with things here. I'll go check on Madam and Miss first."

Ri Sha nodded, and the two headed towards the treasure vault. When they entered the vault, Lu Yi was talking to Shangguan Feiyan, his face very pale, while He Yanrong was unconscious and placed on a sandalwood table.

"Miss, what about Madam?"

"It's all over now. I'll get some sleep and wake up tomorrow."

Lu Yi stood up and bowed to the Sun and Moon Duo, his voice somewhat hoarse.

Because he had transferred a large amount of true energy to He Yanrong, Lu Yi was exhausted even with the Dragon Pearl on him. If it weren't for the spiritual medicines stored in the treasure vault that could replenish his energy at any time, he would have damaged his own essence and shortened his lifespan.

Upon hearing this, the Twin Demons of the Sun and Moon straightened their expressions and solemnly bowed to Lu Yi.

"Thank you very much for your help, Young Master Lu. The entire Zhongxin Hall is extremely grateful. Miss, the air circulation in this place is poor. How about we move Madam to the front courtyard?"

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Feiyan glanced at Lu Yi and asked, "Lu Yi, will my mother moving her body cause any problems?"

"That's fine, but we still need to be careful. After all, the lady's internal energy is circulating. If she moves too vigorously, it could break her meridians, and that would be bad."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Feiyan turned to Yue Sha and said, "Uncles, let's wait for Father to return before we talk about this."

The situation is not urgent, but Shangguan Feiyan should be careful about the consequences. Although both the Sun and Moon Fiends are her father's right-hand men, men and women should not be too close. She is weak and alone, and if she is not careful, it could cause irreparable damage. In that case, it is better to maintain the status quo or wait for her father to return before making any arrangements.

Yue Sha was quick-witted and understood in a moment. She cursed herself for being so foolish and cupped her hands, saying, "Miss is very thoughtful. Let's wait for the hall master to return before we talk about it. However, the air here is stagnant and not conducive to Madam's recuperation."

As he spoke, Yue Sha swept his palm, sending a pure white palm energy towards a wall. Lu Yi's expression hardened slightly upon seeing this. He turned around and saw that the wall was instantly riddled with tiny holes, but without making a sound. At the same time, a faint stream of air began to flow in from the outside.

"What an amazing Thousand Silk Soft Palm technique."

Lu Yi sighed softly. This "Thousand Threads Soft Palm" was a common martial art, but to have mastered it to such a profound level meant that Yue Sha's internal strength far surpassed that of some sect leaders. She was no less capable than her parents. Given time, if her cultivation advanced further, she might even be able to glimpse the Innate Realm.

"Young Master Lu is too kind. My skills are merely barely up to the level of the Hall Master."

Although Yue Sha spoke modestly, he was extremely proud in his heart. Being able to master ordinary martial arts to the extreme was enough to be considered a genius.

"Miss, we'll leave this place to you and Young Master Lu. We'll take our leave now." Seeing that Shangguan Feiyan had no further instructions, Yue Sha left with Ri Sha.

Outside Zhongxin Hall, Lu Aotian and Lü Fengming looked at the barely repaired gate and the manpower deployed, and couldn't help but marvel at how quickly Zhongxin Hall had acted. An ordinary sect would have fallen apart long ago after such an attack.

"Please inform the two elders that Mr. and Mrs. Lu Aotian have arrived."

Now that things have calmed down, everything should be done according to the rules. Lu Aotian was unwilling to take advantage of the life-saving grace to act recklessly here.

Upon hearing this, the gatekeeper immediately bowed respectfully, then gave a few instructions to his companion before quickly walking inside. A short while later, Yue Sha followed the gatekeeper out.

"Please come in, gentlemen."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Yue Sha gestured and led Lu Aotian and his wife inside, asking as they walked, "Master Lu, may I ask who my master is?"

"Hall Master Shangguan is alright. He still has some matters to attend to and should be back by now. Elder Yue, where is my son Lu Yi?"

"Young Master Lu is in the treasure vault. This way, please, Master Lu."

Lu Aotian nodded upon hearing this, glanced at Lü Fengming, and the two followed Yue Sha to the outside of the treasure vault. Just then, Lu Yi, who was meditating in the treasure vault, suddenly sensed the presence of his parents. He immediately gathered his energy, opened his eyes, slowly stood up, gave Shangguan Feiyan a wink, and the two walked towards the outside of the hall.

"Father, mother."

Lu Yi took Shangguan Feiyan's hand and went down the steps, his face beaming with joy as he greeted her.

Shangguan Feiyan blushed and followed behind Lu Yi with her right hand in his, looking shy and with her head slightly lowered.

Upon seeing this, Yue Sha's heart skipped a beat, and she instantly understood. Her young lady was of marriageable age, and with the prestige of Zhongxin Hall, she could practically choose any of the most talented men in the martial arts world. However, her young lady had chosen Lu Yi, which greatly troubled Yue Sha.

"What should we do about the relationship between the hall master, Lu Aotian, and his wife?"

Yue Sha shook his head, quickly banishing the thought from his mind. This was not something he needed to consider yet. With that thought, Yue Sha returned to his calm and indifferent demeanor.

When Lu Aotian and his wife saw their son's actions, they exchanged a glance and smiled. Lu Aotian looked like he was pleased with his son's growth, while Lü Fengming glanced at Shangguan Feiyan and found her to be very likable.

"Yi'er, when Hall Master Shangguan returns, your father and I will propose marriage for you, okay?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yi's face flushed instantly, and he nodded repeatedly, his hand holding Shangguan Feiyan's trembling involuntarily.

"By the way, how is Madam Shangguan?" Lu Fengming glanced into the treasure vault and then asked Lu Yi.

Lu Yi then explained He Yanrong's situation in detail, which put Lu Fengming at ease. He glanced at Lu Aotian beside him, who looked embarrassed and just stroked his beard without saying a word.

Just as the group was talking, Yue Sha saw the disciple approaching and knew there was something important. He excused himself and went to the side. The disciple said that the hall master had returned. Yue Sha's face lit up with joy. He then waved and turned to Lu Aotian's side.

"Master Lu, the Hall Master has returned. What is it? Why don't we go to the main hall first?"

Lu Aotian and Lü Fengming exchanged a glance, then nodded, letting Lu Yi and Shangguan Feiyan stay there. The two of them followed Yue Sha to the outside of the main hall. Although the traces had been cleaned up, Lu Aotian and his wife could still smell a faint scent of blood.

"You two, please!"

Lu Aotian and his wife stepped into the main hall, but did not see Shangguan Yun. Lu Aotian turned to look at Yue Sha, who said, "Please wait a moment, the hall master will be here soon."

Lu Aotian and his wife had come to ask for a favor, so they didn't say much and quietly sat in their chairs to wait. Yue Sha immediately had tea and snacks served. After a while, Shangguan Yun, dressed in a black patterned robe, led Ri Sha into the hall.

"Hall Master."

Yue Sha hurried a few steps and came to Shangguan Yun's side. Upon seeing this, Lu Aotian and his wife also stood up and bowed to Shangguan Yun.

"I will never forget your great kindness. Please have a seat."

Shangguan Yun returned the greeting and gave the Sun and Moon Duo a wink. The two were startled and immediately withdrew, closing the palace door behind them. This action made Lu Aotian and his wife frown, and Lu Aotian became even more vigilant, watching Shangguan Yun sitting on the throne.

"Master Shangguan, let's cut to the chase. My wife and I have come here today to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage on behalf of our son. What do you think, Master Shangguan?"

Lu Aotian sensed that something was amiss and stood up to speak. At the same time, he secretly made a hand gesture to Lü Fengming, who immediately stopped in his tracks as he was about to get up.

“Your son is first-rate in both literature and martial arts, which I admire. However, Feiyan is my only beloved daughter, and I do not want her to be far away from me. This will inevitably cause your son some hardship.”

Upon hearing Shangguan Yun's words, Lu Aotian's expression immediately changed. It turned out that Shangguan Yun was actually planning to have Yi'er marry into the family. Taking a deep breath, Lu Aotian looked at Shangguan Yun and slowly said, "If Hall Master Shangguan has any other requests, you may also raise them. I am all ears."

Shangguan Yun clapped his hands approvingly and said, "Hero Lu is quick-witted and to my liking. Since that's the case, there is a way to resolve this matter. As long as you and your wife agree to join Zhongxin Hall, the previous conditions will be null and void. What do you think, Brother Lu?"

"So that's the plan."

Lu Aotian's expression suddenly turned cold. He had originally thought highly of Shangguan Yun, but today's trip had made him see through Shangguan Yun's true nature and realize that he was no different from those evil people like the White-headed Eagle who were vying for fame and fortune.

"Please forgive me for being unable to agree to this, Master Shangguan. I am sincerely proposing marriage for my son. It is a good deed to help him achieve a happy marriage. Why does Master Shangguan insist on mixing in some self-interest? It is truly incomprehensible."

"Humph!"

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yun's face immediately darkened. He stood up and walked downstairs, saying in a deep voice, "Brother Lu, now that we're at Zhongxin Hall, the decision is no longer in your hands."

As soon as he finished speaking, a flash of crimson-gold light appeared on Shangguan Yun's hand, and a palm wind capable of splitting gold and severing jade struck towards Lu Aotian. The tables and chairs along the way were instantly shattered by the fierce palm wind. Upon seeing this, Lu Aotian's expression remained unchanged. He raised his right hand, and a sharp sword qi shot out. The sword qi collided with the palm wind. In the blink of an eye, the wind stopped and the qi dissipated, but the force of the recoil still made Lu Aotian's body tremble slightly. In contrast, Shangguan Yun remained calm and composed.

"What a fine Golden Palm technique! I am ashamed to admit my inferiority." Lu Aotian looked at Shangguan Yun with a solemn expression. He had only been testing the waters, but he could still see the difference between the two.

Seeing her husband's setback, Lü Fengming's face turned slightly cold. With a clear cry, her long sword transformed into a white light and pierced Shangguan Yun. At the same time, Lu Aotian also attacked with his sword. The couple cooperated perfectly, using the Lingxi Sword Technique to suppress Shangguan Yun. After exchanging more than ten moves, Shangguan Yun's robes were torn in three places, while Lu Aotian and his wife were slightly panting.

"If you don't eat the toast, you will be punished with a drink."

Shangguan Yun's eyes flashed with a sharp light. These two were no ordinary opponents. Even if he could subdue them, it would take at least several hundred moves. He didn't have that much time to waste with them. He forced back their two swords with a palm strike, then reached into his robes and pulled out a dragon pearl that floated in front of him, shimmering with dazzling golden light.

"Dragon Ball!"

Upon seeing the Dragon Pearl appear, Lu Aotian and his wife's expressions changed drastically. They exchanged a glance, then leaped into the air and simultaneously drew their swords. Spiritual light emanated from their two swords, gradually merging into one, and they slashed down at Shangguan Yun. This move was a killing technique they had mastered using the unique characteristics of their black and white swords, and they had never used it in front of others before. Knowing the power of the Dragon Pearl, they dared not be careless and used their ultimate move from the very beginning.

"Like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, it's futile and overestimating one's own strength."

Seeing the sword light approaching, Shangguan Yun smiled disdainfully and urged the dragon pearl forward. The white sword light collided with the golden light of the dragon pearl, and a loud bang was heard. The entire hall shook, and all the decorations were shattered. Two muffled groans were clearly heard. Lu Aotian and his wife both coughed up blood, their faces turned pale, and they staggered backward, crashing into the wall.

(End of this chapter)