A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 355 Nine Dragon Stone

Outside the Ancient Pine Courtyard, Sima Tian watched as Sai Huatuo and his wife were carried inside. He glanced at Ren Qianxing and said, "Master Ren, I heard that Liu Yiyi of the Food God's Abode has a close relationship with you."

Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Ren Qianxing's eyes, and he said calmly, "So what if it is?"

"Although the Alliance Leader ordered the imprisonment of the Sai Huatuo couple, you personally invited them from the Food God's Abode. If they don't return soon, Liu Yiyi will inevitably become suspicious. What will Hall Master Ren do then?"

Sima Tian laughed heartily, and without waiting for Ren Qianxing's response, waved to his subordinates who came out, and left with a calm and elegant demeanor.

"Hall Master?"

"It's nothing. Send someone to take good care of Sai Huatuo and his wife. They must not be neglected in the slightest."

"Yes, I obey."

Ren Qianxing glanced at the Ancient Pine Courtyard again, then left with his subordinates. After returning to the Supreme Hall, Ren Qianxing saw Guan Yutian reading documents, so he immediately slowed down and stood quietly to the side.

"Qianxing, I'm sorry you had to go through this, but those who achieve great things don't concern themselves with trifles. I hope you won't let personal feelings ruin my expectations of you." Guan Yutian put down the document in his hand and looked at Ren Qianxing.

"This disciple dares not, I will obey Master's orders in everything." Although Ren Qianxing had feelings for Liu Yiyi, reason prevailed in the end.

"That's good. There are no major events in the alliance recently, so you can take a good rest during this time. Go ahead."

Guan Yutian still valued his only disciple and didn't want to see Ren Qianxing feel disappointed, so he specially approved a rest period for him.

"Thank you Master!"

Upon hearing this, Ren Qianxing's face lit up with joy. After bowing once more, he turned and strode out of the main hall with light steps.

"His temperament still needs to be tempered."

Guan Yutian shook his head and chuckled, then picked up the document to read it.

In the backyard of the God of Food's residence, Liu Yiyi pushed open the door to the room of Sai Huatuo and his wife, and carefully walked in. When she came to the bed, she saw a bulging cloth bag on the bed. Liu Yiyi hurriedly went up and opened the cloth bag. Inside was a round stone with dragon patterns, milky white all over and as big as two fists. The surface looked as if it had been finely carved. The dragon patterns were lifelike. She counted them carefully and found that there were as many as nine.

"What is this? Is this the thing that Senior Sai told me to keep safe?"

Although Liu Yiyi did not recognize the object, she could tell at a glance that it was no ordinary item. With a thought, Liu Yiyi poured her true energy into it. Suddenly, her wrist went numb, and the round stone with dragon patterns suddenly lit up and floated in the air. A cloud of milky white light spread down, and Liu Yiyi, who was bathed in this light, felt comfortable and her true energy became active for no reason.

"Good baby!"

The light continued for a few moments before slowly dissipating. Liu Yiyi reacted quickly, catching the falling dragon-patterned round stone in her palm. After pondering for a while, she put the stone back into her cloth bag and then returned to her room with the bag.

After storing it in a wooden box and placing it in the secret room, Liu Yiyi finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Senior Hua Tuo must have known that this trip would not go smoothly, which is why he left this item behind. What is the origin of this thing?"

As Liu Yiyi pondered this, the voice of the waiter suddenly came from outside.

"Boss, Young Master Yan has arrived and is waiting in the lobby."

"Cang Feng!" Liu Yiyi was overjoyed upon hearing this and was about to push open the door to go out. However, after looking at the clothes she was wearing, she was immediately dissatisfied and instructed the person outside, "Prepare tea and snacks for Young Master Yan and tell him to wait a moment. I will be there soon."

"Yes."

After the waiter left, Liu Yiyi immediately opened the trunk and rummaged through it for clothes she needed. After fussing for a while, she finally chose a light blue shirt. After dressing up and looking in the mirror, Liu Yiyi left satisfied.

In the main hall of the Food God's Residence, just as Yan Zangfeng had finished eating almost all the pastries and the tea had become lukewarm, Liu Yiyi finally appeared.

Upon seeing the handsome man in the light blue scholar's robe in the hall, Liu Yiyi smiled and walked over lightly.

"Conceal your strength!"

Upon hearing the voice, Yan Zangfeng immediately turned around and looked at the woman in a light blue dress, with a jade hairpin in her hair, a beautiful face, and shallow, sparkling eyes. He was also momentarily amazed. Then, looking at his own robes, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"Yiyi."

Yan Zangfeng hurriedly got up, and Liu Yiyi immediately grabbed his hand and said, "Let's go to the backyard. There are too many people here, and it's not convenient to talk."

As she spoke, Liu Yiyi pulled Yan Zangfeng inside, instructing the waiter to bring out a few delicate side dishes.

"Zang Feng, is there something you need this time?" Liu Yiyi poured a glass of water for Yan Zang Feng and pushed it in front of him.

Yan Zangfeng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "My father's sworn brother, Liao Rushen, has recently arrived at my house. He has been helping me review my studies these past few days in preparation for the upcoming imperial examination. My mother asked me to come here to ask if you are free tomorrow so we can all have a casual meal together and get to know each other."

"I see. I'm free tomorrow, so I'll be free." At this point, Liu Yiyi frowned again. Seeing this, Yan Zangfeng immediately asked, "Yiyi, what's wrong?"

“Cang Feng, to tell you the truth, a while ago, the two seniors Sai Huatuo and Sai Xi from the Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust arrived at the God of Food’s Abode. However, just four hours ago, they were invited by Guan Yutian to the Supreme Alliance. It’s getting dark, but they haven’t returned yet, and I’m a little worried.”

"What are Senior Sai and the others doing at the Supreme Alliance? Guan Yutian is no benevolent person. By the way, where is Qianxing? Have you asked him about him?"

Although Yan Zangfeng was somewhat displeased with Ren Qianxing joining Guan Yutian's sect, Ren Qianxing was, after all, his sworn brother. Moreover, it was because Ren Qianxing had influence in the Supreme Alliance that his family had not been specifically targeted by Guan Yutian. Otherwise, Guan Yutian would never have tolerated him simply because he was Yan Zhongyang's son.

"It was Qianxing who personally came to greet the two seniors. He was probably acting on Guan Yutian's orders. Whether he knew it or not, asking him would put him in a difficult position."

Liu Yiyi was not a fool. As Guan Yutian's only disciple, Ren Qianxing could tell her some things as long as it did not harm their interests. However, if it involved the interests of the Supreme Alliance, even if Ren Qianxing was the White Tiger Hall Master, he was powerless in some matters.

"You're right. We can't make things difficult for Qianxing. This matter is indeed a bit tricky."

Yan Zangfeng frowned. It was no exaggeration to say that the Supreme Alliance was a den of dragons and tigers. Trying to investigate under cover of night would be tantamount to courting death. Just as Yan Zangfeng was racking his brains, a flash of inspiration struck him.

“Yiyi, I have an idea. We can ask my uncle for help. He is very resourceful and wise. With his help, he will definitely come up with a good solution.”

During this time, Yan Zangfeng was impressed by the divine knowledge of the master, and only then did he realize that the praise his mother had given him that day was not unfounded.

"Without further ado, let's go see my uncle now. But we must not let my mother know about this. She hates it most when I get too involved with people in the martial arts world."

Yan Zangfeng solemnly instructed Liu Yiyi that since his father disappeared, his mother had forbidden him from learning martial arts and had even sealed away all the things his father had left behind.

Liu Yiyi nodded upon hearing this, and the two did not linger any longer. After Liu Yiyi gave the waiter a few instructions, she and Yan Cangfeng rode away from Shishenju.

Not long after Liu Yiyi and Yan Zangfeng left, Ren Qianxing appeared on a tall horse. The waiter from Shishenju obviously recognized Ren Qianxing and ran out before he could dismount.

"Master Ren, the boss has gone out on business."

"Do you know where we're going?"

"I don't know about the younger one."

Ren Qianxing frowned slightly upon hearing this. It was almost dark; what could Yiyi be in such a hurry about? After a moment's thought, Ren Qianxing turned his horse around and rode back the way he came. On the other side, Yan Zangfeng and Liu Yiyi spurred their horses and arrived at their doorstep in less than half an hour. As soon as they dismounted, before they could even enter, they heard a knock at the door, and a middle-aged man with a resolute face, dressed in coarse cloth and holding a feather fan slowly walked out. The moment he appeared, Liu Yiyi took a second look.

"Just now, I couldn't detect this person's footsteps at all. This person's skill is even above that of Senior Sai and the other two."

"Uncle."

Upon seeing Ru Shen appear, Yan Zangfeng immediately stepped forward and bowed. Ru Shen nodded slightly. Yan Zangfeng then pulled Liu Yiyi over and introduced her to Ru Shen, saying, "Uncle, this is Liu Yiyi from Shishenju, whom I mentioned to you. Yiyi, this is my uncle, Ru Shen."

"Greetings, senior." Although Liu Yiyi was engaged to Yan Zangfeng, they had not yet formally married, so she addressed him as "senior."

"So you're Yiyi. Zangfeng, you have good taste. Your mother has just rested. If you have anything to say, go outside and talk to her. Don't disturb her."

Before Yan Zangfeng could speak, Liao Rushen pointed his feather fan outwards and walked ahead. Yan Zangfeng and Liu Yiyi exchanged a glance and hurriedly followed. The three of them arrived at a stream, where Liao Rushen stopped, turned around to look at the two of them, and said in a low voice, "Speak, what is it?"

Upon hearing Liao Rushen's words, Yan Zangfeng was not surprised, but Liu Yiyi was a little puzzled and immediately asked, "How did you know that we two had something to ask each other?"

"Just now, on a whim, I cast a divination, and the result was an image of an immortal pointing the way. In addition, the two of you arrived overnight, so you must have something to ask of us. Moreover, this matter is of great importance, and the slightest mistake could lead to our deaths."

With a light wave of his feather fan, Liao Rushen appeared confident and in control, which made Liu Yiyi admire him. Her uncle, Cang Feng, was indeed quite capable. But this was even better, as it seemed that the matter between Senior Sai and the other two would surely be resolved properly.

"Uncle's divination skills have become increasingly refined. To make a long story short, Yiyi, you should tell Uncle about this matter and let him give us some advice." Yan Zangfeng heard his uncle's tone and knew that he was already planning to help, so he immediately said to Liu Yiyi.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yiyi immediately recounted the whole story in detail. After listening, Liao Rushen frowned slightly, then closed his eyes and calculated with his fingers. After a moment of silence, Liao Rushen's expression relaxed slightly. He opened his eyes and, amidst the expectant looks of the two, slowly said, "Don't worry, although Sai Huatuo and his wife will face imprisonment, they will not be killed. However, they will inevitably suffer some hardship."

"Does the senior have any way to break this deadlock?" Liu Yiyi asked anxiously. Although she had guessed before, hearing Liao Rushen say with certainty that the two of them were trapped, Liu Yiyi couldn't help but worry. The Supreme Alliance was not a good place, and it would be best to get out as soon as possible.

“This situation isn’t difficult to solve. Yiyi, did Sai Huatuo leave something behind before he left?” Although Liao Rushen asked, his tone was very certain.

"To be honest, Senior, Senior Sai did give me something before he left. Senior, could it be that this thing can..."

"This is the key, and it's what Guan Yutian wants to obtain. If he doesn't get it, Sai Huatuo and his wife won't be able to leave the Supreme Alliance for a day."

As soon as Liao Rushen finished speaking, Liu Yiyi's expression changed drastically. She turned to look at Yan Zangfeng, who then asked Liao Rushen, "Uncle, is this the only way? If we give the item to Guan Yutian, can we guarantee that Senior Sai and the others will be safe?"

"Although Guan Yutian acts recklessly, he still has some bottom lines. Now that he has the goods, he has no reason to continue to make things difficult for Sai Huatuo and his wife. On the contrary, if he really did make a move against Sai Huatuo and his wife, it would provoke public anger. If this matter were to be leaked, there would definitely be a large-scale denunciation of the Supreme Alliance in the martial arts world, which would be a significant blow to the reputation of the Supreme Alliance. In addition, the Sea Shark Palace and the Sword Casting City would also take the opportunity to spread the word, which would ultimately harm Guan Yutian's interests. He is a smart man and will not do such a losing deal."

After listening to Ru Shen's explanation, Yan Zangfeng nodded and looked at Liu Yiyi. After thinking it over, Liu Yiyi said to Ru Shen, "If we can exchange something for Senior Sai, I am willing to give this item to Guan Yutian."

“It’s not appropriate for you to handle this matter. Fine, I’ll help you to the end. I still have some face with Guan Yutian. I’ll leave this matter to me. Yiyi, I will go to the Food God’s Residence in three days. Give me the things then, and I will personally go to the Supreme Alliance to bring back Sai Huatuo and his wife.”

"If my uncle could step in, that would be ideal, but what if this Guan Yutian..."

Yan Zangfeng knew his uncle's abilities. It would be safer for him to go to the Supreme Alliance than for Yiyi. However, he was still a little worried about Guan Yutian. After all, Guan Yutian's reputation in the martial arts world was not good. If something happened to his uncle, his mother would not know how to explain it.

"Although this journey has been fraught with difficulties, there is no danger to your lives, so you two can rest assured. However, this matter must not be known to a fourth person, no matter who it is. Once it is leaked, the secrets of heaven will change, and the consequences will be unpredictable."

"Uncle, don't worry, Yiyi and I will keep it a secret."

Yan Zangfeng immediately gave his assurance, and Liu Yiyi, who was standing to the side, nodded repeatedly, her face beaming with a knowing smile, her feather fan waving lightly in her hand.

In the Heavenly Sword Hall of Sword Forging City, Sword Master and Gu Xu sat facing each other, with a pill furnace about the height of two people in between. The flames inside the furnace turned blue in an instant. As the blue flames rose, the surrounding temperature rose rapidly, and everything was dyed green.

"Master, it's about time."

Sword Master looked at the blue flames appearing in the furnace and whispered to Gu Xu, who replied, "We can begin."

Upon hearing this, the Sword Master took a deep breath, his expression immediately becoming solemn. He sat cross-legged, his hands supporting his chest, silently circulating his true energy. At the same time, Gu Xu, opposite him, flicked his finger, and a white light shot into the cauldron. The originally blue flames suddenly showed a hint of white light. In just two or three breaths, the white light gradually merged with the blue flames. Just as the two reached a certain balance point, Gu Xu shouted, and the Sword Master opened his mouth and spat out a sharp true energy that condensed into a long sword, flying into the cauldron. The moment the true energy sword entered the cauldron, it was immediately enveloped by two colors of light, one white and one blue.

"Lord, it takes an hour to master the sword essence. You must not relax during this hour, otherwise all your efforts will be in vain. At best, you will lose all your martial arts skills, and at worst, you will die on the spot. However, once you master it, the sword essence will be planted in your dantian, and you will be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort when cultivating the ninth level of the Dragon Riding Slash."

As Gu Xu transmitted his voice to the Sword Master, he continuously made hand seals with his right hand, sending streaks of white light into the alchemy furnace to maintain the balance between the two.

Upon hearing this, the Sword Master dared not be negligent. This matter concerned his future, and he could not afford to fail. He channeled his true energy to his entire body, relieving the burning and stinging sensation from the true energy sword.

A few days ago, Sword Master digested all the insights he had previously sealed in his mind about the Ninth Level of Dragon Riding Slash. After discussing with Gu Xu, the two finally agreed on this plan: to condense a wisp of sword essence as a sword guide, and then feed it with the sword energy of Dragon Riding Slash to gradually strengthen it. Once all the true energy in his body has been transformed into sword essence, he will not only be able to master the Ninth Level of Dragon Riding Slash, but also enhance its power several times over.

Although there are some risks involved, it is worth trying for the Sword Master. Moreover, in his view, since Gu Xu approves of this method, the chances of success are relatively high.

A few moments later, the blue and white light in the alchemy furnace grew brighter and brighter, and the true energy sword inside had shrunk by half, to the size of a chopstick, and was still shrinking.

Sword Master's face was already flushed red. The sweat evaporated as soon as it appeared, and his internal energy could not keep up with the rate of consumption. The burning pain became clearer and clearer. Just as Sword Master was gritting his teeth and persevering, he suddenly felt a slight coolness in his dantian. Sword Master hurriedly drew out the cool energy, which relieved the pain a little. Looking at the true energy sword that had become the size of a thumb in the furnace, Sword Master took a deep breath and mustered his spirits to persevere.

Gu Xu, on the other side, withdrew his left hand, looked at the changing flames inside the furnace, made a quick estimate, and immediately understood the situation. He flicked his right hand with five fingers, and five white rays flew in one after another. The white light inside the furnace suddenly intensified, instantly suppressing the blue flames. The originally colorless sword essence instantly turned red. The Sword Venerable, who was circulating his true energy, was caught off guard, and his true energy surged. He accidentally vomited crimson blood, but to prevent his true energy from dissipating, the Sword Venerable forcibly swallowed it.

"Lord, sheathe your sword!"

Just as the Sword Master was about to give up, Gu Xu's voice was as beautiful as heavenly music. He immediately gathered his energy and returned it to the furnace. A wisp of crimson light flew out and landed in the Sword Master's mouth. The latter felt a burning sensation on his lips and hurriedly wrapped the sword essence with his true energy, which slowly fell into his dantian.

"call."

Sword Master slowly exhaled a breath of hot air, and beads of sweat dripped down his face, soaking his clothes.

Feeling the different true energy within his body, the Sword Master was overjoyed, realizing that his efforts had not been in vain.

"Thank you for your help, Daoist Master. Otherwise, I would probably be in grave danger by now."

Sword Master stood up and bowed solemnly to Gu Xu. Upon seeing this, Gu Xu said, "Lord of the City, there is no need for such formality. Since I have come to your aid, I will naturally do my utmost to protect you. Now that your sword essence is complete, your cultivation will surely improve within three years."

"It's all thanks to the Daoist Master." The Sword Master knew his own situation. If it weren't for Gu Xu's help, he wouldn't have had such good fortune. Although he knew that the other party wouldn't help him for no reason, the benefits he had received during this period were all real.

"Master, I will be going into seclusion in a few days and will not emerge until I have mastered the ninth level. Xiong'er is still young and I hope you can give him some guidance."

Gu Xu pondered for a moment after hearing this, and finally nodded. Upon seeing this, the Sword Master was overjoyed and bowed again.

In the Sea Shark Palace, Helian Ba, as usual, tormented the Wine Fairy Queen again, but returned to the main hall in vain. Just then, Lian Chixue walked in.

"Master, Yu'er's message by carrier pigeon."

"Bring it up."

Upon hearing this, Lian Chixue immediately presented the secret letter. Helian Ba ​​opened it and was overjoyed. It turned out that Bai Yu'er had inadvertently learned that the Nine Dragon Stone had fallen into the hands of Liu Yiyi of the Food God Residence.

"With the Nine Dragon Stone in hand, why would I need the Overlord Wine? No, this matter is of great importance, and I must personally go to the Supreme Alliance."

After a moment's thought, Helian Ba ​​gave Lian Chixue a few instructions, rested briefly, and then left Sea Shark Island alone, heading straight for the Supreme Alliance.

(End of this chapter)