A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 358 The Gate of Despair

Gu Xu looked at Jian Xiong and slowly said, "I have a Heaven-Mending Pill here, which is very effective for congenital deficiencies. If the young city lord can take this pill and cultivate diligently, he can make up for his physical deficiencies, build a solid foundation, and his future achievements may not be weaker than the city lord's."

Upon hearing this, Jianxiong was initially delighted, but her expression quickly turned serious. She had no doubt about what the Taoist priest said, but the elixir's effects were so extraordinary that it must be extremely rare. She couldn't accept such a large favor from the Taoist priest just to resolve her health problems. She had already benefited greatly from his guidance, and if she accepted this elixir, it would seem like she was taking advantage of him.

"Master, this junior..."

After much deliberation, Jianxiong was about to refuse, but before she could finish speaking, Gu Xu stopped her with a gesture. Gu Xu said, "I'm not giving you this pill without any conditions. If you can cultivate the Dragon Riding Slash to the sixth level within four years, I need you to do something that doesn't violate your principles. How about it?"

"This junior agrees, thank you, Daoist Master."

Jianxiong knew all too well that she had gotten a great deal. She had already cultivated to the third level, and with the help of that elixir, she was confident that she could break through to the sixth level within four years, and perhaps even glimpse the seventh level.

As for the conditions proposed by the Taoist priest, Jianxiong didn't take them too seriously. After all, over the past few days, she had come to understand his character and found him to be neither a ruthless, murderous, treacherous, nor cunning person.

"Young City Lord, I already have the main ingredient, but you will need to find the other medicinal herbs. Once you have them all, the pill should be ready in half a month, barring any unforeseen circumstances." Gu Xu reached into his robes and took out a piece of snow-white silk cloth covered with the names of various medicinal herbs, which he then handed to Jian Xiong.

Jianxiong took a look and was immediately shocked, not because of the quantity of medicinal herbs, but because of their rarity. One of them, "Centennial Danshen," was already extremely rare in the martial arts world, but it was only ranked third here. The "Lingying Flower" and "Five Finger Root" ranked ahead of it were completely unheard of.

"Rest assured, Daoist Master, I will send people to search for the herbs as soon as possible. Once we have gathered all the herbs, I will inform you immediately." Jianxiong carefully put away the silk cloth. Although the herbs were precious, they were nothing in the eyes of Zhujian City. However, to prevent any mistakes, he still needed to find an expert who could identify the herbs.

"Perhaps he would be suitable." A name popped into Jianxiong's mind. This person was skilled in both medicine and poison, and was known as one of the three great medical masters in the martial arts world, along with the Thousand-Handed Poison King and Sai Huatuo. However, this person had an eccentric personality and his behavior was both righteous and evil. If you wanted to ask him for help, you would have to cater to his preferences.

"If that's the case, then I'll await the young city lord's good news."

Gu Xu nodded to Jian Xiong and turned to leave. Jian Xiong bowed solemnly and then returned to the side hall next to the Supreme Hall. After dealing with the mundane affairs of the city, he wrote a letter, sealed it with sealing wax, and then summoned the Dragon Sword Envoy.

"Take this letter, gather a few skilled men, and quietly go to Medicine King Valley. Find Yao Yuansheng, who is skilled in both medicine and poison, and hand this letter to him. After he has read the letter, you can return."

"Yes, Young City Lord."

The Dragon Sword Envoy solemnly accepted the letter sealed with fire lacquer, tucked it into his robes, and seeing that the Sword Hero had no further instructions, bowed and turned to leave. A moment later, the gates of Sword Forging City opened, and six fine horses galloped out, kicking up a cloud of dust.

After bidding farewell to Jianxiong, Gu Xu returned to his residence, a secluded courtyard with pavilions, towers, green pines and bamboos, exotic rocks and rare flowers, a babbling brook, and melodious birdsong. As soon as he stepped inside, he felt a cool and refreshing breeze rush to his head, and the fiery energy on his body was swept away. In the scorching heat of Sword Forging City, it was quite rare to find such a refreshing and natural place.

What Gu Xu didn't know was that although this independent courtyard only occupied a few acres, it took six generations to build. The courtyard was buried with ice that had never melted for thousands of years. Cultivating here allowed one to use the ice energy to dissolve excess fiery energy in the body and maintain yin-yang balance.

However, Sword Master was grateful for Gu Xu's guidance and specially ordered people to tidy up the place and added many elegant decorations.

"The Sword Master has put in a lot of effort."

Gu Xu sat upright on the cloud platform, silently absorbing the icy energy from the earth and drawing it into his dantian. He then slowly circulated it through his meridians, dissipating the barely perceptible fiery energy within them.

"Sword Forging City is now under our control. Although the Frost Sword is not yet complete, we should start preparing for the early stages. The Supreme Alliance and the Sea Shark Palace are not worth mentioning, but that 'Godlike' is."

Gu Xu's eyes flickered slightly. This Liao Rushen was the chief disciple of the Tianji Sect. Although he had been expelled from the sect, his skills were still quite astonishing. Moreover, he was most skilled in divination and calculation. If he discovered any clues, it would be troublesome.

"Perhaps we should find him something to do, and Dreamless Limitless would be a good bait."

After a moment's thought, Gu Xu made up his mind. This Liao Ru Shen had always wanted to obtain the Dreamlike Limitless, so he would grant his wish.

"Ming Shi Valley, Huangfu Changhen."

……，……

After leaving the Supreme Alliance on horseback, Helian Ba ​​originally intended to head straight for the Jian River and return to the Sea Shark Palace by boat. However, he then thought of an old friend and, on a whim, turned his horse around and galloped off in a certain direction.

Inside the Death Heart Sect, after giving instructions to her disciples, Abbess Death Heart left the sect with her Seven Absolute Zither on her back amidst their reluctant gazes. Her purpose in this trip was merely to find successors for the Death Heart Sect, emphasizing quality over quantity. However, she never expected that her departure would lead to the deaths of several of her disciples.

Meanwhile, outside the Supreme Alliance, Ren Qianxing left alone on horseback, heading straight north. Sima Tian watched Ren Qianxing's departing figure with a sinister gaze, snorted coldly, ordered the gate to be closed, and returned to the Azure Dragon Hall. When he arrived inside, he found several elders sitting there. Upon seeing this, Sima Tian quickly took a few steps forward, bowed, and respectfully asked, "What brings you elders to the hall? Is there anything you wish to instruct this junior?"

Sima Tian dared not neglect these white-haired elders in the slightest, and his tone was extremely flattering. After all, these elders had contributed a lot to his becoming the head of the Azure Dragon Hall and securing his position, so he had no choice but to serve them carefully.

"Xiao Tian, ​​we old fogies have come here to tell you that the Shennong Sect and the Jade Goddess Palace must be taken down this month, otherwise it will be difficult to explain to the Alliance Leader. Now that the White Tiger Hall Master has left the Supreme Alliance, it is your time to show your skills. You must not disappoint the Alliance Leader and us."

The elderly man at the head of the group looked at Sima Tian, ​​put down his teacup, and spoke slowly.

"Yes, junior understands."

Sima Tian's heart sank, but at the same time he felt somewhat helpless. It wasn't that he didn't want to resolve the issues between Shennong Sect and Jade Goddess Palace as soon as possible; the key was that although he was the hall master, he had very few people at his disposal. Those branch masters and altar masters were either family members of elders or arrogant and conceited, and he couldn't control them at all. They were never a hindrance in important matters, but when it came to specific tasks, everyone wanted to take credit but was unwilling to contribute. Otherwise, with the strength of the Azure Dragon Hall alone, Shennong Sect and Jade Goddess Palace would have been taken down long ago.

"This time, do your best. I will make sure your men cooperate with you as much as possible."

After saying one more word, the Grand Elder patted Sima Tian on the shoulder, turned and left. The other elders also said a few words of encouragement before following him.

Sima Tian watched the elders leave, his face growing solemn. Although the Grand Elder rarely spoke, once he did, his words were law and could not be refused. He could only obey orders now. Fortunately, with the Grand Elder's support, he was sure he could take down those two factions this time.

Inside the Supreme Hall, Guan Yutian sat cross-legged on the training platform. The light emanating from the Nine Dragon Stone made him appear like a god. After a while, Guan Yutian slowly opened his eyes, exhaled a breath of turbid air, reached out and took the Nine Dragon Stone. The spiritual light of the stone subsided and landed in his hand.

"As expected of the number one divine medicine in the world, it has already shown initial effects in just two days. With a period of further cultivation, I can raise the Mighty Dragon Palm to its highest level and lay the foundation for innate qi."

The Mighty Dragon Palm and the Innate Qi are martial arts of the same lineage. Understanding one principle leads to understanding all others. Because Guan Yutian has the Nine Dragon Stone in hand, he naturally does not want to leave a fatal flaw in his cultivation of the Innate Qi. The Mighty Dragon Palm is the perfect choice to repair this flaw.

"The innate qi is too domineering, and it takes a lot of time to cultivate it successfully. This plan of shedding one's skin should be gradually implemented."

Just as Guan Yutian was pondering, his mind suddenly stirred. He heard footsteps coming from outside, followed by a clear voice.

"Alliance Leader, your subordinate Liang Zhen requests an audience." "Come in."

As soon as Guan Yutian finished speaking, the door was gently pushed open, and a young man in a blue shirt with an expressionless face strode in.

"Alliance Leader, the Grand Elder and the others just went to the Azure Dragon Hall."

Before Guan Yutian could ask, Liang Zhen immediately relayed the news he had received. Guan Yutian simply nodded and said to Liang Zhen, "I already know about this matter. You don't need to send anyone to keep an eye on the Azure Dragon Hall Master anymore. Release all your manpower. The external threat hasn't been eliminated yet, so this is not the time for internal strife. You've worked hard for a long time, so go to the storeroom and collect three Qi-Nourishing Pills. Also, choose a cultivation technique. Go."

Upon hearing this, Liang Zhen's face lit up with joy. He bowed respectfully to Guan Yutian and then turned to leave.

"I'll spare you for now, but when my grand plan is about to succeed, I'll use you as a sacrifice for my flag!"

A cold glint flashed in Guan Yutian's eyes, and his killing intent vanished in an instant. These elders were considered veterans of the Supreme Alliance. Considering their previous efforts for the Supreme Alliance, Guan Yutian would turn a blind eye as long as they did not do anything to harm the interests of the Supreme Alliance. Otherwise, he would not have entrusted the Azure Dragon Hall to their management.

However, if they don't know when to advance and when to retreat, and frequently interfere in the affairs of the alliance, this long-standing friendship will not be able to withstand the test.

Helian Ba ​​rode his horse into Xiuyun Valley. Looking at the temple hidden in the lush trees in the distance, he was startled. The mountain path was rugged and difficult to walk on, so Helian Ba ​​dismounted, leaving the horse behind, and walked in alone.

However, just as he was about to approach the nunnery, two sword lights suddenly attacked from the left and right. Helian Ba ​​snorted coldly in his heart, raised his index and middle fingers and pinched the two long swords together. The cold light dissipated and the tips of the two long swords were firmly clamped. Helian Ba ​​exerted a little force, and with a crack, the sword tips broke. The two female disciples of the Dead Heart Sect fell to the ground involuntarily.

"Is this how the Heartless Sect treats its guests? This sacred place of martial arts has certainly broadened my horizons."

Helian Ba ​​sneered, mustered his true energy, and shouted towards the temple. His true energy surged, and his voice shook the valley, startling the birds and beasts in the forest. The two female disciples looked at each other in horror, gripped their broken swords, and pointed them directly at Helian Ba.

"Who are you, and why are you barging into my Death Gate without cause!"

Several figures flew out of the nunnery and landed in front of Helian Ba. The woman in the lead had an ordinary face, but a sharp sword in her hand gleamed coldly. She glanced at Helian Ba ​​and immediately became wary.

"This person's skill is unfathomable. With our master not here, things are not looking good."

"Senior Sister Sun." Upon seeing the reinforcements arrive, the two immediately went to Senior Sister Jiang's side. After whispering a few words, Senior Sister Sun pointed her longsword and said, "The Death Heart Gate lies ahead. Outsiders, halt here."

After Senior Sister Sun and the others appeared, Helian Ba's expression remained unchanged. He looked at them with his hands behind his back and said, "I am Helian Ba, and I am acquainted with your master. Since an old friend has come here, shouldn't your sect leader come out to greet him?"

"The Lord of the Sea Shark Palace!"

Upon hearing Helian Ba ​​introduce himself, Senior Sister Sun's expression changed drastically, and her hand holding the sword trembled slightly. The name Helian Ba ​​was a taboo in the Death Heart Sect. Thinking of this, Senior Sister Sun gave a wink to her fellow disciples, who understood and immediately sheathed their swords and returned to the nunnery.

"So it is Senior Helian who has arrived. It is my fault. Given your status, it should be my master who should personally come forward. But please forgive me, senior. Since my master went into seclusion, he has not seen any outsiders. We disciples dare not disturb him. It is a pity that you have made this trip in vain."

Helian Ba ​​snorted coldly upon hearing this, staring at Senior Sister Sun and saying, "You junior are quite sharp-tongued. Now that I have arrived at the Heartless Sect, I must see your sect leader. Others may not give me face, but can't I, Helian Ba, do the same?"

As soon as she finished speaking, a powerful aura swept out. Senior Sister Sun hurriedly circulated her qi to defend herself, but after only two or three breaths, she felt overwhelmed. Just as her body was about to collapse to the ground, the aura suddenly disappeared.

"Please wait a moment, senior. I will personally inform my master, but I cannot guarantee whether he will grant me an audience."

Senior Sister Sun, pale-faced, straightened up, bowed to Helian Ba, and then turned and ran towards the nunnery. Helian Ba's eyes flickered slightly at the sight.

“Something’s not right about this Death Heart Sect. I made such a commotion, but that person didn’t respond at all. Either he’s really in seclusion, or he’s not even in this Death Heart Sect.”

Thinking of this, Helian Ba ​​was secretly pleased. No matter which one it was, it would be beneficial to him. If that person was in seclusion, he could take the opportunity to break her skill. Without the Seven Absolutes Zither, there would be one less threat. If she was not in the Death Heart Sect, it would be a good thing for him.

The Death Heart Sect is revered as a sacred place in the martial arts world because this sect is responsible for destroying things that harm the martial arts world. Over the past few hundred years, the sect has collected countless items. If one can obtain one or two of these items, it can be an extra trump card.

The more Helian Ba ​​thought about it, the more convinced he became that the matter could be accomplished. Without further hesitation, he moved swiftly and rushed towards the temple. However, just a few feet away from the temple, Helian Ba ​​stopped abruptly, his expression changing slightly. The moment he activated his protective aura, a barrage of black iron arrows shot out, striking the aura squarely. The arrows pierced the aura, and within a few breaths, it was completely filled, resembling a hedgehog.

"Piercing Arrow!"

Looking at the iron arrow that was only half an inch away from his chest, gleaming with black light, Helian Ba's face was gloomy and uncertain. He shouted, and the energy shield shattered. The flying arrow stuck in it was also worn away by the energy and turned into a pile of broken copper and scrap iron.

"A mere trick; releasing this thing undoubtedly confirms that the person is not inside the gate."

Helian Ba ​​knocked the plaque off with a palm strike and strode into the temple. Just as he stepped into the courtyard, a large net suddenly descended from the sky, intending to trap Helian Ba. However, Helian Ba ​​moved slightly, and dozens of figures scattered in all directions. Soon after, several screams rang out, and at the same time, the large net suddenly fell into the air. This made Senior Sister Sun and the others who had secretly activated the mechanism look horrified.

"Shadow Clone!"

"Senior sister, what should we do now?"

A female disciple watched as Helian Ba ​​broke through two mechanisms in succession, and several of her junior sisters were also killed one after another. She panicked and looked at Senior Sister Sun, hoping that the latter could find a way to subdue him. Otherwise, once this villain broke through all the mechanisms, the Death Heart Sect would be finished.

"Don't rush. There's a Seven Absolute Qin Sound Array left by Master in the forbidden area. Lure Helian Ba ​​there, and we might be able to defeat him. Let's go."

Seeing that Helian Ba ​​was about to arrive, Senior Sister Sun activated the mechanism, and a hole appeared in the ground. The group jumped down one after another. Not long after Senior Sister Sun and the others left, Helian Ba ​​also entered the main hall of the Death Heart Sect.

"Fei'er, why did you join this sect of death?" Helian Ba ​​looked at the simply decorated main hall, gave a hypocritical sigh, glanced at the hole revealed on the ground, his eyes flashed slightly, he sneered, and jumped down, passing through the deep black hole, arriving at a wilderness planted with green bamboo. There were countless strange rocks and craggy rocks all around. In Helian Ba's eyes, these strange rocks and green bamboo formed a perfect formation.

The moment this thought arose, a zither melody filled with malevolence came from afar. Helian Ba's expression changed, and he hurriedly guarded his mind and used his strength to resist.

"Could it be that person deliberately lured me here to ambush me? No, although Fei'er cultivates the Seven Absolutes Zither, she wouldn't just stand by and watch me kill her disciple just because she lured me into this trap. This must be a setup made beforehand."

The music grew increasingly louder, its sound waves echoing across the wilderness. The bamboo swayed, its leaves fluttering in the air. Under the control of the music, the bamboo leaves transformed into sharp blades, spinning and flying, intent on tearing Helian Ba ​​to pieces. At the same time, Helian Ba ​​noticed a change in his vision. Dozens of tall rocks moved left and right, attacking in unison with the flying bamboo leaves and the Seven Absolutes music. Helian Ba ​​used his internal energy to defend against the music while dealing with the flying bamboo leaves and occasionally dodging the rocks that crashed into him. For a moment, he was in a rather disheveled state.

(End of this chapter)