A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 357 Thousand Spirit Chess Manual
Helian Ba ​​was already on guard when the voice rang out. He gathered his true energy in his palms, and his figure moved instantly. One after another, phantoms flew out from his body, and his powerful palm energy shattered several phantoms in an instant.

"Shadow clone, humph."

Guan Yutian stood on the high platform, his eyes coldly fixed on Helian Ba, who was several feet away.

"Alliance Leader, you are too hospitable to present me with such a large gift right away. I really cannot accept it."

Helian Ba ​​flicked his robes, his face calm but his heart was filled with vigilance. The Dragon Palm attack was just a test, but it had shattered several of his illusions. Guan Yutian's martial arts had improved considerably.

“Brother Helian, as the leader of a sect, how can you be so petty? If you have something to say, why can’t you come to my Supreme Alliance openly and honestly? Why do you have to act like a thief? If this gets out, it will not look good for Brother Helian. On the contrary, it will only add to the disgrace of my Supreme Alliance.”

Guan Yutian strode down from the high platform, staring intently at Helian Ba. Upon hearing this, the latter sneered and said, "The Supreme Alliance and the Sea Shark Palace have long been at odds. I only came today to test the strength of the Supreme Alliance, but tonight I have been greatly disappointed. With such poor defenses, how will the Supreme Alliance cope if an enemy launches a surprise attack?"

"Helian Ba, I won't beat around the bush with you. Now that we've come to the Supreme Alliance, we need to leave something behind. I've heard that you've already mastered the Distraction Palm to the eighth level. It's a good opportunity for me to test your skills."

Guan Yutian let out a deep shout, stepped forward, and leaped into the air, raising his palm to pounce on Helian Ba. Upon seeing this, the latter hurriedly turned half his body to the side, unleashing the Distraction Palm Qi that he had been accumulating for a long time. The cold palm force transformed into a roaring tiger, meeting Guan Yutian head-on.

"Well, good job!"

Upon seeing Helian Ba ​​unleash the Dividing Palm, Guan Yutian activated his palm energy and unleashed a Dragon God Palm. A golden dragon shot out and collided with the Dividing Palm. The sounds of dragon roars and tiger howls filled the air. Under the impact of the shockwave, both Guan Yutian and Helian Ba ​​were forced back a step, while Guan Yutian remained standing firm.

"This place is not safe to stay any longer, leaving is the best option!" Helian Ba's hands trembled slightly. After exchanging a move with Guan Yutian, Helian Ba ​​knew that he was no match for him unless he could master the Distracting Palm to the ninth level.

Moreover, the loud noise just now would surely attract the attention of the surrounding allies, and if they were surrounded and attacked, it would be extremely bad.

Thinking of this, Helian Ba ​​unleashed two more Dividing Palms with both palms. At the same time, his figure blurred, and dozens of phantoms scattered in all directions. Guan Yutian snorted coldly upon seeing this, raised his palm and swept outwards with the energy of the Mighty Dragon Palm, transforming into a majestic dragon several meters tall. The dragon coiled around Guan Yutian, shielding him within its body. The Dividing Palm energy struck the dragon's back simultaneously, causing a burst of light to flash and making the dragon phantoms uncertain in their reality. Taking advantage of this moment, Guan Yutian raised his palm and pushed outwards. The dragon's scales and claws flew, and its eyes shone brightly. After a swirl, the phantoms present shattered like glass, but Helian Ba's true form was nowhere to be seen.

"This Helian Ba's clone is quite extraordinary. Fortunately, he hasn't reached the ninth level. Otherwise, I might not be able to gain the upper hand in tonight's battle."

Guan Yutian looked at the empty training ground with a slightly solemn expression. He never underestimated any opponent in battle. He originally thought that his Mighty Dragon Palm was unparalleled in the world, but now it seems that it is far from being able to suppress Helian Ba. In addition, there is the Sword Master of Sword Casting City. That person's Dragon Riding Slash is much more difficult to deal with than Helian Ba.

Not to mention that mysterious Taoist priest, who was the only person he couldn't see through.

"The Mighty Dragon Palm is no longer sufficient to deal with the current situation; we need to put the cultivation of Innate Qi on the agenda."

Just as Guan Yutian was pondering, Ren Qianxing arrived with a group of allies. Seeing his master safe and sound, Ren Qianxing breathed a sigh of relief, waved to his subordinates, and came to Guan Yutian's side alone.

"Master, just now?"

"It's Helian Ba. He appeared for the Nine Dragon Stone. Qianxing, the martial world is not peaceful lately, so I'm afraid I can't fulfill your promise of leave. Tomorrow, take my letter to the Sword Forging City and retrieve the Bloodstained Sword."

"Yes, Master!"

Ren Qianxing was also able to distinguish between what was important and what was urgent. With Helian Ba ​​personally coming to the Supreme Alliance, a battle between the two sides was imminent.

However, Ren Qianxing was puzzled. Sword Forging City was supposed to be an enemy of the Supreme Alliance, so why would Sword Forging City forge the Bloodstained Sword for the Supreme Alliance? Wouldn't that strengthen their own side?

"On the surface, Sword Forging City will maintain neutrality. As long as it is not specifically targeted, all forging agreements will be honored. Besides, this Bloodstained Sword was already ordered five years ago. Sword Forging City does not want to break its promise and lose its reputation, so this is the only way."

Guan Yutian noticed Ren Qianxing's confusion and explained it simply. In fact, there were also interests involved. In the martial arts world, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. If the interests are big enough, anything can be sold. Moreover, Sword Casting City did not believe that the Supreme Alliance could pose a threat to it with just a Bloodstained Sword.

On the other side, Helian Ba ​​used his Shadow Clone Technique to finally escape the Supreme Alliance and return to the depths of the dense forest. Helian Ba ​​leaned against a tree trunk with one hand, his face gloomy and uncertain. Guan Yutian's Dragon Palm was indeed incredibly powerful, worthy of being called the number one palm in the world. His own Distracting Palm was still slightly inferior.

"Only by cultivating both the Shadow Clone Technique and the Mind-Distracting Palm to the ninth level can I compete with Guan Yutian. The Nine Dragon Stone is out of the question; now, only the Overlord Wine remains."

Helian Ba ​​let out a breath and secretly resolved that after returning to the Sea Shark Palace, he would do everything in his power to make the Wine Immortal reveal the secret recipe.

After a short rest, Helian Ba ​​mounted his horse and galloped away.

Inside the God of Food's residence, the lights were on. Sai Huatuo sighed. In the end, the Nine Dragon Stone could not be saved. However, he did not blame Liu Yiyi, after all, this item had saved the lives of the couple.

"Guan Yutian was already exceptionally strong, and now that he has obtained the Nine Dragon Stone, he is even more powerful. The martial world will never have a peaceful day again."

Sai Huatuo shook his head and sighed, while Sai Xishi beside him snorted.

“Although we live in seclusion in the mountains, we are generally aware of the happenings in the martial arts world. Since the establishment of the Supreme Alliance, there has never been a peaceful time. Every day is filled with fighting and killing. Many sects have been scattered and disappeared. Those that have survived to this day are either of ancient lineage or powerful. Old man, the great calamity of the martial arts world is yet to come.”

"Although the Supreme Alliance rules over the martial arts world of Jiangnan, the Sword Casting City in the north and the Sea Shark Palace in the east are not to be underestimated. If these three forces were to fight each other, it would be the common people who would suffer. I don't know when things would finally settle down."

Although Yan Zangfeng rarely ventured into the martial arts world because of his mother, he knew that if the martial arts world were thrown into turmoil, it would inevitably bring unpredictable consequences.

"Uncle, what are you thinking about?"

Yan Zangfeng looked at the man who had been silent since returning and asked him a question.

Hearing this, the others also looked over. If it were to be said that among them, the one with the most schemes was none other than Liao Rushen.

Upon hearing this, Liao Rushen lightly waved his feather fan and said calmly, "I just used my divine calculations to foresee that the martial world will be peaceful and the people will live in peace and prosperity for the next few years, but..."

At this point, Liao Rushen's expression also became solemn. Looking at the expectant gazes of everyone, he stood up and said in a deep voice, "After the hexagram of Heaven and Earth Intercourse, comes the hexagram of Water and Fire Conflicting, which is an ominous sign."

Sai Huatuo and the others' expressions changed slightly upon hearing this. Seeing this, Yan Cangfeng hurriedly asked, "Uncle, is there a way to break this?"

Upon hearing this, Liao Rushen stared intently at Yan Zangfeng, making the latter uncomfortable. He shifted his body and asked in confusion, "Uncle, what's wrong? Is something amiss?"

"Of the fifty great principles, one has been lost. This lost one is the turning point, and in the end, this turning point came to you, Cangfeng."

When Liao Rushen uttered these words, everyone present was astonished, and Yan Zangfeng looked on with disbelief.

"How could I be a turning point, Uncle? My martial arts skills are mediocre. I can handle ordinary people, but if I were to face someone like Guan Yutian, I would be doomed to defeat. Uncle, is there something wrong with the interpretation of this divination?"

"No, the divination is correct, and I believe in its authenticity. Cangfeng, your martial arts are mediocre, but your foundation is very solid. As the saying goes, a tall building starts from the ground up. Only with a solid foundation can one go further. Guan Yutian has reached the limit of his cultivation, but you are different. Your journey has only just begun. Don't worry, with your uncle here, I will definitely cultivate you into a promising young talent during these few years of peace."

Liao Rushen confidently gave his assurance, but Liu Yiyi spoke up, "Senior, Zang Feng is currently focusing all his efforts on the imperial examinations. If he were to also practice martial arts with you, wouldn't the time be a bit tight? Besides, Auntie dislikes Zang Feng practicing martial arts the most. What if she finds out?" After Liu Yiyi finished speaking, Yan Zang Feng turned to look at Liao Rushen. Seeing this, Sai Huatuo and his wife felt a pang of sympathy. Putting themselves in his shoes, they wondered what outrageous things their own child might do if they were dragged into a bloody world.

“Zang Feng, your mother is indeed causing some trouble, but as long as you can pass the imperial examination, it will be a relief. In a month, your uncle will gradually increase your studies so that you can pass the imperial examination this year. With this talisman, we can practice martial arts while studying, and we can just say to outsiders that it is a martial art for self-cultivation.”

Liao Rushen was clearly prepared, and calmly explained his plan. Sai Huatuo, who was standing to the side, was full of admiration. Liao Rushen truly lived up to his name; he was a master strategist.

"If that's the case, then that would be wonderful, but in the end it still goes against the promise I made to my mother." Yan Zangfeng was initially delighted, but then he remembered his mother's advice not to let him practice martial arts, and a look of guilt appeared on his face.

"Martial arts are inherently neither good nor evil; it all depends on the practitioner's actions. The virtuous practice evil arts to protect their territory, which is righteous. The wicked cultivate good arts to commit evil deeds, which is evil. The distinction between righteous and evil is inherently difficult. Only by adhering to one's own heart and upholding the righteous path can one live up to the principles of us martial artists. Besides, Cang Feng, your father has disappeared. Don't you want to find his whereabouts?"

With his fan slung behind his back, Liao Rushen stared intently at Yan Zangfeng. Upon hearing this, the latter immediately stood up excitedly and asked, "Uncle, do you already know my father's whereabouts?"

"We've only found some clues, Zang Feng. You need to be prepared; your father may no longer be alive."

Liao Rushen sighed, reached into his robes and took out a piece of yellowed silk cloth, placing it on the table. Yan Cangfeng hurriedly leaned over to look at it, only to see a few blurry ink characters written on it. Due to the passage of time, only the words "Qian*qi*", "Divine Fire", and "Treasure" could be roughly discerned.

"Senior, these characters?"

Liu Yiyi looked at it carefully but found that she had no clue. However, Sai Huatuo pointed to the words "divine fire" and slowly said, "This divine fire should refer to the already destroyed Divine Fire Sect."

"The Divine Fire Cult?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Zangfeng immediately turned his gaze over. Sai Huatuo continued, "The Divine Fire Sect was also a major martial arts sect with a long history. It was located in Huiyang Mountain in the southeast, facing the Sea Shark Palace across the sea. The people in the sect were most skilled in using various fire techniques, especially their ultimate technique, the Heavenly Yang Heart Sutra, which was an extremely yang and powerful martial art. However, more than twenty years ago, the Divine Fire Sect was destroyed by the Supreme Alliance, and the remaining members were all taken over by the Sea Shark Palace."

“The Supreme Alliance and the Divine Fire Sect are far apart, and the Divine Fire Sect and the Sea Shark Palace are interdependent. The Supreme Alliance must have destroyed this sect for huge profits. Uncle, is there any reason for this?” Yan Zangfeng quickly realized the key point.

“Zang Feng, now that things have come to this, your uncle will not hide it from you anymore. Back then, your father, Yan Zhongyang, was the chief protector of the Supreme Alliance, second only to Guan Yutian in status. The battle that destroyed the Divine Fire Sect was personally orchestrated by your father, all for this reason!”

As he spoke, Liao Rushen pointed with his feather fan at the blurry characters “Qian*qi*” and said, word by word, “Qianling Chess Manual!”

"The Thousand Spirits Chess Manual!"

Upon hearing this, Sai Huatuo and his wife immediately stood up in shock, their faces showing horror. They exchanged a glance, never expecting that the information about the Thousand Spirits Chess Manual was recorded on this small piece of silk.

"Senior, what is the Thousand Spirits Chess Manual? Judging from the name, it seems to be a chess manual. Is there anything unique about this chess manual?"

Seeing the dramatic change in the expressions of Senior Sai and his wife, Liu Yiyi knew that this thing was no ordinary object. She glanced at Cang Feng and asked him the question on his behalf.

"Five hundred years ago, a peerless master emerged in the martial arts world. His swordsmanship was divine, and his chess skills were astonishing. He was revered as the Chess Saint and Sword Ancestor. This Thousand Spirits Chess Manual was passed down by him. It contains detailed records of various mysterious and unpredictable chess games. Moreover, it is said that this thing is also related to the secret of a treasure. Only by solving the mystery can the treasure be found. Whoever obtains this treasure will not only have the martial arts world under their control, but will also be able to attain the first-class supreme position. Later, the news of the Thousand Spirits Chess Manual in the Divine Fire Sect reached Guan Yutian's ears, which led to what happened later."

After Liao Rushen explained everything, Sai Huatuo and his wife calmed down. On the contrary, Yan Zangfeng and Liu Yiyi felt more and more that the martial arts world was really too deep. Especially Yan Zangfeng, who had not yet officially entered the martial arts world, but had heard these secrets one after another. He didn't know whether it was good or bad.

"Uncle, I just heard you say that my father was ordered to attack and destroy the Divine Fire Sect back then. Did the Thousand Spirit Chess Manual end up in Guan Yutian's hands?"

"No, otherwise Guan Yutian wouldn't have mobilized all his resources to find your father at all costs. The Thousand Spirit Chess Manual is most likely with your father..."

Although the myth was left unsaid, Yan Zangfeng understood perfectly. He sighed inwardly, took one last look at the silk cloth, sat down quietly, and said nothing more.

“Senior, let’s put the matter of the Thousand Spirits Chess Manual aside for now. This matter cannot be rushed. What’s important now is to conceal our strength.”

“Yiyi is right, she’s incredibly insightful. You must have a plan for nurturing Cangfeng, right? Why don’t you share it with everyone?”

"Alright."

Sword Forging City, Martial Arts Arena

Gu Xu watched Jian Xiong, who was dueling with the four sword masters in the arena, and nodded from time to time. Although Jian Xiong was a woman, her hard work and perseverance were touching. In a short period of time, under Gu Xu's guidance, she had already grasped the basics of the third level of the Dragon Riding Slash. With a little more time to accumulate experience, she would be able to stabilize her realm.

With a few soft "clinks", the four Dragon Sword Masters took three steps back. Their four longswords were broken in half, the cuts were smooth and clean, and there was still a lingering heat.

"Young City Lord's swordsmanship is superb; your subordinates are truly impressed," the four Dragon Sword Envoys said with heartfelt admiration.

The four Dragon Sword Masters were among the best in Sword Forging City; otherwise, they wouldn't have become the Sword Master's guards. Previously, they were more respectful than aweful towards Sword Xiong, mainly because of his status. But after this sword fight, they truly acknowledged Sword Xiong's position.

"My swordsmanship is far inferior to that of my father and Daoist Gu Xu. How could I be worthy of the title 'exquisite'? You must never say such a thing again."

Jianxiong was overjoyed to have defeated the four sword masters. She had sparred with them before and won every time, but she knew it was because they were holding back. This time was different. To ensure fairness, Jianxiong did not use her own Bloodstained Sword, but instead took the same standard longsword as the Dragon Sword Masters.

"The Daoist's knowledge is as vast as the sea. It is an opportunity that the young city lord would not even dare to dream of for the Daoist to guide him. If I may be so bold as to suggest, the young city lord, when you are about to take charge of the Sword Forging City, please try to make time to seek guidance from the Daoist. The Daoist is always approachable and will not refuse the young city lord."

The Dragon Sword Envoy was now in high spirits. The city lord was in seclusion, and the young city lord's cultivation had greatly improved. It seemed that the Sword Forging City was about to prosper. With the immortal Daoist Gu Xu in the city, they naturally wanted to learn some skills as much as possible. What was insignificant to the Daoist might bring them unexpected benefits in their hands.

"Okay, you can go down now."

Upon hearing this, Jianxiong pondered for a moment, then waved his hand. The four sword masters bowed again and turned to leave the training ground. They went to the outer room and solemnly bowed to Gu Xu, who nodded slightly.

"Master, is there anything about that sword move that could be improved?"

Jianxiong walked up to Gu Xu and sincerely asked him for advice. Gu Xu replied without hesitation, "Sword techniques have form but no weakness. If you encounter someone whose cultivation is not as good as yours, you can fight and win. If your cultivation is similar, you can have the advantage for a short time, but you will definitely lose in the long run."

Upon hearing this, Jianxiong sighed slightly. She knew her own shortcomings, but hearing it from Daoist Guxu still made her feel a sense of loss. Was it because she was a woman that she couldn't perfectly unleash the power of the Dragon Riding Slash?

Seeing Jianxiong's disappointed expression, Gu Xu said calmly, "The reason for this situation is that your innate foundation is damaged. In addition, the Dragon Riding Slash is fierce and swift, and has extremely high requirements for the body, which makes your power insufficient. However, there is a solution."

"Master, what method is it?!"

Jianxiong's eyes lit up, and he looked at Gu Xu expectantly.

(End of this chapter)