A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 350 Helian Ba

On the shore of the East China Sea, there is an isolated island shaped like a giant shark. A towering peak, several tens of feet high, pierces the sky like a sharp sword. Palaces are lined up on it, and the vegetation is lush and dazzling. From the air, it looks like a smooth mirror, reflecting everything around it. This is the residence of the Sea Shark Palace, the largest sect in the Eastern Martial Arts World.

At this moment, in a grand hall at the highest point of the mountain, Helian Ba, the master of the Sea Shark Palace, dressed in a robe with a blue wave pattern, sat on his throne, looking coldly at his kneeling subordinates below.

"Reporting to the Palace Master, I have learned that the Immortal of Wine has left the Wind and Dust Residence and is heading towards the Cloud Dream Marsh. I have already ordered my men to keep a close watch on him."

“Well done. This Immortal of Wine is hiding in the Brothel, and I can’t do anything to him. Now is a great opportunity.”

Upon hearing this, Helian Ba's previously sinister expression softened. This Immortal of Wine was indeed quite strong, but he was not worth Helian Ba's attention. What he wanted was nothing more than the Immortal of Wine's secret recipe for Overlord Wine. With this, he could quickly cultivate his Shadow Clone Technique to the ninth level.

"Godfather, let your son go and help you capture the Wine Immortal."

Below on the right, a beautiful woman with fierce eyes bowed to Helian Ba.

This woman is Helian Ba's adopted daughter, named Bai Yu'er. She is the orphan of Bai Ting, the leader of the Divine Fire Sect and Helian Ba's sworn brother. In order to successfully consolidate the legacy of the Divine Fire Sect, Helian Ba ​​adopted Bai Yu'er as his adopted daughter.

“Yu’er, your adoptive father knows your filial piety, but this Immortal of Wine is not easy to deal with. With your skills, you are not good enough to defeat him. This time, your adoptive father will have to take action himself.”

Helian Ba ​​stopped Bai Yu'er's request, firstly because Bai Yu'er's skill was insufficient, and secondly because he had a more important matter for Bai Yu'er to do.

"Yu'er, your godfather has something even more important to entrust to you. If you succeed in this matter, your godfather will give you a great reward, and you can ask for any conditions."

Upon hearing Helian Ba's words, not only Bai Yu'er but also Lian Chixue, who was standing to the side, changed their expressions. Since taking over the Sea Shark Palace, the Palace Master had never made such a promise. What could it be that would make the Palace Master make such a big move?

"Godfather, what is it?" Bai Yu'er suppressed her excitement and asked immediately.

"I want you to disguise yourself and go to the territory of the Supreme Alliance to get close to a man named Yan Zangfeng. This man is the son of Yan Zhongyang, the former chief protector of the Supreme Alliance. Yan Zhongyang is also involved in the Thousand Spirit Chess Manual. I want you to find the Thousand Spirit Chess Manual through Yan Zangfeng. Are you confident?"

Upon hearing this, Bai Yu'er's heart stirred. She knew of Yan Zhongyang. Her father, Bai Ting, had mentioned him before. In his lifetime, Yan Zhongyang and Guan Yutian fought side by side, one inside and one outside. Later, for some unknown reason, they parted ways. In the end, Yan Zhongyang disappeared without a trace. It was rumored that he had been killed by Guan Yutian. Now, hearing her adoptive father say this, she realized it was because of that Thousand Spirit Chess Manual.

"Don't worry, godfather, I will not fail in my mission and will bring back the Thousand Spirits Chess Manual to you."

Upon hearing this, Helian Ba ​​praised her for her ambition. He then handed Bai Yu'er a note with Yan Cangfeng's address on it, gave her a few more instructions, and told her to leave the mountain as soon as possible.

Bai Yu'er bowed again, nodded to Lian Chixue beside her, and turned to leave the main hall.

After Bai Yu'er left, Helian Ba ​​said to Lian Chixue, who was standing to the side, "Chixue, immediately dispatch sixteen elite troops to accompany me down the mountain. For the time being, you will be in full charge of all matters on the mountain."

"Yes, Master."

Lian Chixue responded that it was true.

The next morning, Bai Yu'er left the Sea Shark Palace with minimal entourage, traveling by boat southwest along the Chengjiang River. Meanwhile, Helian Ba ​​and his entourage boarded a multi-story ship and headed east along the inland river.

In the Sword Forging City, on the Heavenly Sword Square, the Sword Master, dressed in military attire, held the Bloodstained Sword and stared intently at Gu Xu opposite him. Upon seeing this, the latter slowly drew the Azure Thunder Sword from its sheath.

The moment the sword was drawn, it immediately attracted the attention of the Sword Master and the spectators.
"The long sword in the Taoist priest's hand is no ordinary object; it must have a remarkable history."

The Sword Master is obsessed with swords, and he can tell the quality of a sword at a glance. This azure longsword has delicate patterns and shines brightly, as if it were cast from a pool of clear water and tempered by ten thousand cold stars. It seems that there is lightning running inside. There are few swords in the Sword Forging City that can compare with it.

"Lord of the City has a good eye. This sword is called Azure Thunder. I spent a great deal of effort to forge it. To show my respect, I am drawing my sword to fight you."

With a flick of his wrist, Gu Xu caused the Azure Thunder Sword to hum, and a sound like a dragon's roar echoed through the abyss, like the sound of a clear spring flowing. Upon hearing this sound, the Sword Master's expression changed slightly. The sword sound was clear and melodious, cutting through the clouds and soaring into the sky. Compared to it, his own Bloodstained Sword was far inferior.

However, the Sword Master was unwilling to diminish his prestige. He held the Bloodstained Sword horizontally, and with two fingers together, he traced the blade. A crimson light flowed slowly, and instantly, another phoenix cry rang out in the arena, soaring and resounding, shaking the heavens. The two sword cries collided and reverberated. Although the sword moves had not yet been executed, the probing had already begun.

Several feet away from the square, Jian Xiong and the four sword masters were all watching intently. Such a battle between peerless masters was a rare sight, and if they could gain some inspiration from it, it would be of great benefit to them.

"The swords clashed fiercely, but judging from the sound, it seems that Father has already fallen into a disadvantageous position."

Jianxiong's senses were more acute than the four great swordsmen, and he noticed that the sword cry belonging to the Fierce Blood Sword in the air was gradually being suppressed.

In the arena, Sword Master frowned, then turned the Blazing Blood Sword, reflecting the sun, and a crimson light shone towards Gu Xu. Upon seeing this, Gu Xu drew his sword, and the sword gleamed slightly. Before the crimson light could get close, it was slowly swallowed up by the water-like sword light.

"Taoist priest, be careful."

Seeing that Gu Xu had taken his attack, the Sword Master's expression hardened. He moved instantly, and a crimson light flashed on his longsword, transforming into a streak of crimson lightning that rushed towards Gu Xu. Gu Xu sensed the intense sword energy opposite him and followed the sword, leaping forward to meet it. Two sword lights, one crimson and one azure, collided in the sky, bursting out bursts of flames that flew down and landed on the plaza, cratering the smooth bluestone slabs.

"What a powerful sword technique! The city lord has already used the seventh level of the Dragon Riding Slash, yet he is still at a disadvantage. I did not expect that this Daoist Gu Xu's swordsmanship is also quite formidable."

Looking at the two sides fighting in the sky, the Dragon Sword Master's expression turned solemn. Previously, when the city lord fought against others, he could at most use the seventh level of the Dragon Riding Slash to finish them off. However, this blazing sword energy that filled the sky was like being trapped in a quagmire when it came to Gu Xu.

The Crimson Blood Sword shone even brighter. The Sword Master raised his brow and let out a deep shout. Instantly, the sword energy that filled the sky was withdrawn. Then, he slashed forward with his longsword, and a giant sword phantom took shape. Countless tiny sword energy appeared beside it. With a thought from the Sword Master, they converged into a mighty sword stream that rushed towards Gu Xu.

"The eighth level! The city lord has indeed mastered the eighth level of the Dragon Riding Slash!"

The Dragon Sword Master looked excitedly at the blazing sword stream in the sky. Apart from the direct descendants of the Sword Clan, only the City Guardian Sword Master could learn the Dragon Riding Slash. However, throughout history, those who could reach the eighth level of the Dragon Riding Slash were already extremely talented. Apart from the founding lord of Sword Forging City, no one else had ever reached the ninth level. The highest level was only the eighth. Now that the city lord had reached the eighth level at the age of forty, given time, he might be able to glimpse the ninth level. If he could reach the highest level, Sword Forging City would no longer need to worry about the Supreme Alliance.

Gu Xu looked at the blazing sword energy rushing towards him, and his eyes flashed with a sharp light. This Dragon Riding Slash was indeed worthy of being a superior sword technique second only to "One Sword Separates the World". On the surface, there was only this giant sword and countless tiny sword energy, but Gu Xu could sense that there was another power within the giant sword that was not yet released. When the giant sword shattered, it would be the moment when another deadly move would arrive.

Gu Xu reached out and swung his longsword. With a sweep of sword light, an upside-down river appeared in mid-air. Its color was blue-green, and its surface was sparkling like a shimmering mirror. The tiny sword energy rushed into it and quickly disappeared. The moment the giant sword phantom struck the "river," its speed suddenly slowed down, and the river seemed to have the ability to devour, slowly sucking the giant sword in.

"not good!"

Sword Master understood that Gu Xu must have seen through this hidden killing move. If he didn't act now, he might not have another chance to use it. Sword Master stopped thinking and immediately shook the Blood Sword. With a flick of his two fingers, a crimson light flashed, and the giant sword that was being swallowed by the "river" exploded with a bang. The giant sword and the river disappeared at the same time, leaving only a faint crimson light floating in the sky. With a flick of the wrist, the crimson light condensed into a sword shape and swiftly stabbed at Gu Xu.

"Hidden Sword Style".

Gu Xu's eyes lit up as he watched the incoming crimson sword light. He swept his Azure Thunder Sword, and a cyan sword light met it head-on. The two forces collided, and the cyan sword light, unstoppable, tore through the crimson sword light and headed straight for the Sword Master.

"It is impolite not to reciprocate. I am ashamed to admit that I am inferior to Daoist in this move, but I still have one move that I would like to ask Daoist for some pointers on."

As the sword master watched the sword light fly towards him, he took a deep breath. The "Sword-Boosting Pill" he had already taken was immediately crushed by his true energy. A sharp and incomparable aura suddenly rose from the sword master's body. The cyan sword light stopped half a foot away from him. The sword master held the long sword upside down in his hand. His body trembled, and the sword light shattered inch by inch until it disappeared.

"Borrowing external force to forcibly raise the Dragon Riding Slash to the ninth level, what a bold move."

Looking at the soaring sword aura opposite him, Gu Xu couldn't help but admire it. This Sword Master had gone to such lengths to please him; it was truly admirable. "The City Lord..."

When the Dragon Sword Envoy saw the Sword Master's aura suddenly rise, his expression changed drastically. However, he then remembered something and immediately shut his mouth.

The other three envoys also changed color, but seeing the solemn expressions on the faces of the young city lord and the dragon sword envoy, they exchanged a glance and then looked up at the battle in mid-air.

"Father must have taken the Sword-Boosting Pill to be able to unleash the Ninth Level Dragon-Riding Slash in such a short time!"

Jianxiong looked worriedly at the Sword Master whose aura was constantly rising. This pill had many drawbacks. Was it really worth it to do this for an uncertain promise?

As the effects of the Sword-Piercing Pill spread, the Sword Master felt his entire body brimming with power. His internal energy seemed inexhaustible, and the long-dormant Ninth Realm breakthrough was finally unlocked. A wondrous sensation surfaced in his mind. Before he could process all this information, the Sword Master's mind went blank for a moment. He quickly regained his composure, opened his eyes, and looked at Gu Xu, who remained motionless opposite him. He first offered a solemn sword salute to him, then proclaimed in a loud voice, "Daoist Gu Xu, I welcome your guidance on the Ninth Realm Dragon-Riding Slash!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Sword Master slashed forward with his Bloodstained Sword, sending nine beams of light piercing through the air. The void trembled, and the sound of the Sword Soaring to the Heavens resounded throughout the sky. The force of the sword swept across all things, and at the same time, a sword aura enveloped the surroundings, causing all living things to slow down.

The spectators, including Jianxiong, were seeing the Ninefold Dragon Riding Slash for the first time. Their eyes were fixed on the sky, and when they saw the void freeze in place, they were immediately shocked. Sword cultivators emphasize strength and speed. If an opponent gets stuck in a quagmire, they are at the mercy of the sword cultivator. Jianxiong was willing to bet that even Guan Yutian would only be defeated if he encountered this move.

"This Daoist Gu Xu is hiding his true abilities; will he be able to break this move?"

Although Jianxiong hoped that Jianzun could win this game, Gu Xu's previous performance made her unsure of herself.

At this moment, seeing the nine light blades coming, Gu Xu ignored them. These nine light blades looked powerful, but in reality, they were not much stronger than the previous giant sword move. The nine invisible sword energies hidden in the shadows were the most powerful.

The Dragon Riding Slash is said to allow one to seek out and slay the spirit when cultivated to its highest level, severing the illusion from the real. As long as the clone is struck by it, one can borrow the energy to ascend and find the true body. When the clone is slain, all the damage will be returned to the true body. When the clone is destroyed, it is the moment when the true body perishes.

Although the Sword Master's enhancement was merely a forced one, the sword energy already posed a threat to Gu Xu. With a flick of his wrist, the Azure Thunder Sword shone with a clear, bright light, clashing and fighting with the nine incoming light blades. The light flickered and continued for quite a while until both dissipated. Then, the nine invisible sword energies hidden in the shadows rushed in from all directions, their soaring sword momentum resembling a wave of fire, attempting to engulf Gu Xu.

In mid-air, after the Sword Master unleashed the Ninefold Dragon Riding Slash, his eyes were fixed on Gu Xu, who was trapped by the blazing sword energy. He knew that his move would most likely fail, because Gu Xu did not flinch when he unleashed his sword technique, as if he did not care.

When a master like him faces an enemy, he will sense the attack. There is only one reason why Gu Xu did this: he did not take Gu Xu's move seriously.

As expected, just as the Sword Master's pupils contracted, the blazing sword energy transformed from illusion to reality. Gu Xu reached out and absorbed the blazing sword energy, condensing it into a three-foot-long fire dragon that spewed flames.

"Refine the illusory into the real!"

Sword Master's pupils widened; this method...

"Lord of the city, let's end this battle here. The Dragon Riding Slash technique truly lives up to its reputation. Let's consider this a draw."

Gu Xu nodded to the Sword Master, then descended from mid-air. With a flick of his wrist, the fire dragon flew towards the Sword Master. The Sword Master was startled, but then a sudden inspiration struck him. He flung the Bloodstained Blaze Sword at the fire dragon. The fire dragon's eyes lit up, and it spun around, instantly entangling the oncoming Bloodstained Blaze Sword. The fire dragon spewed flames, continuously refining the Bloodstained Blaze Sword. Wisps of black smoke rose from the sword's body, representing impurities within the blade. The Sword Master landed, looking at the scene with excitement. Sword Xiong and the others were also filled with astonishment. Such a sword-forging technique was unheard of, seemingly the work of immortals.

After a short while, the fire dragon slowly dissipated, while the Blood Sword became like blood jade, its blade gleaming and flashing with a red light.

"Thank you, Taoist Priest!"

Sword Master reached out and immediately took the transformed Bloodstained Sword in his hand, stroking it carefully. A mysterious feeling arose in his heart, as if the Bloodstained Sword had gained a spirit.

"This Bloodstained Sword is a rare and precious sword. I was also eager to acquire it and couldn't bear to see it go to waste, so I helped it out. However, as the saying goes, even a sharp sword needs constant nurturing. Sword Forging City is an expert in this field, so I won't presume to teach you."

"Master Dao, you are too kind to me. Master Dao, let's talk inside. Xiong'er, have someone prepare a feast. I want to have a good drink with you, Master Dao."

Sword Master knew that Gu Xu was saying this on purpose, and he appreciated the gesture. Regardless of whether the promise was true or not, he had already benefited greatly today and needed to treat Gu Xu well.

"Yes, Dad!"

Jianxiong responded, then bowed to the two of them before leading the four, including the still excited Dragon Sword Envoy, outside. Sword Venerable then gestured for Gu Xu to head towards the main hall.

Dust Valley, Dust Abode

The Sai Huatuo couple looked at the note left on the table, picked it up and read:

I'm going to Yunmeng to find the Fire Toad to brew wine. Don't worry about me.

"Why is the Immortal of Wine in such a hurry? Didn't we agree that the three of us would go together? This..."

Sai Xishi looked displeased. The Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust always advanced and retreated together, and the Wine Immortal left without a word, which really displeased her.

"It's no use saying all this now. The secret recipe for Overlord Wine in the hands of the Wine Immortal has attracted the covetous eyes of countless people. Living in Wind and Dust Valley, we are not afraid of outsiders coming to find us, but once we leave the valley, the situation may not be good."

Sai Huatuo also felt a little regretful. He shouldn't have mentioned the news of the Hundred-Year Fire Toad appearing in Yunmeng a few days ago. This Hundred-Year Fire Toad is ten times more effective than the ordinary Fire Toad. If it were refined into the Overlord Wine, it might even make the Overlord Wine of the Wine Immortal even better.

"No way, the Wine Immortal is the strongest of the three of us. There are very few people in the martial arts world who can beat him. Guan Yutian was injured by the mysterious Taoist and went into seclusion. Helian Ba ​​is busy rebuilding the Sea Shark Palace. The Sword Master is focused on forging swords and has never left the Sword Forging City. Apart from these three, who else can be his opponent?"

Sai Xishi thought Sai Huatuo was making a mountain out of a molehill, but Sai Huatuo's expression changed upon hearing this, and he said in a deep voice, "The martial arts world is vast and full of extraordinary people. Let's not talk about anything else, but just take that mysterious Taoist who injured Guan Yutian, do you know his background?"

Seeing Sai Xishi speechless, Sai Huatuo sighed, "The world is full of wonders, we must not be narrow-minded. Let's pack up quickly and set off for Yunmeng immediately to help the Wine Immortal find the Hundred-Year Fire Toad, and then return to Fengchen Valley to continue our carefree life."

Sai Xishi nodded immediately upon hearing this. After packing some essentials, the two immediately boarded a boat and sailed down the river. Three days later, they arrived at the edge of Yunmeng Marsh.

At that very moment, deep within the Yunmeng Marsh, a fierce battle had already begun.

"Immortal of Wine, you have no way to escape now. Surrender now, and I might spare you some physical pain!"

Helian Ba ​​spoke coldly, his right hand behind his back throbbing slightly. This was because he had just exchanged blows with the Immortal of Wine and was shaken by the force of the Overlord Fist. However, the Immortal of Wine did not fare well either. He was not only hit by the Distracting Palm and his tendons were damaged, but he was also cut by two steel knives. If it weren't for the support of the Overlord Wine, he would have been a prisoner by now.

"Helian Ba, I never thought you were also secretly coveting the secret recipe of the Overlord Wine. You are a grandmaster, yet your methods are so despicable. In order to obtain the secret recipe, you are going to bury all these people here."

The Wine Immortal was dressed in five-colored clothes, and an unnatural blush appeared on his ruddy face. He tightly clutched a red lacquered gourd in his hand.

"Great men don't concern themselves with trifles. They died for my great cause, and they died a worthy death. Let's make our move!"

Helian Ba ​​felt the force of his right fist dissipate. He let out a deep shout, and the remaining eight men, each wielding a weapon, attacked simultaneously. Their chilling killing intent made even the Drunken Immortal change color.

(End of this chapter)