A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 360 Testing
As Ren Qianxing killed Monk Yuanguang with a single sword strike, his left hand formed a dragon claw, forcefully blocking the middle-aged Taoist's swift sword thrust. Before the middle-aged Taoist could even be shocked by Ren Qianxing's methods, a powerful force surged straight up along the longsword. The middle-aged Taoist's expression changed drastically, his eyes hardened, and he continued to thrust the sword fiercely with his right hand, circulating his internal energy to protect his heart meridian.

"Do it!"

The three men who were blocking the direction never expected that Monk Yuanguang would be killed by Ren Qianxing in just one move. Their faces were very ugly. After exchanging a glance, they swung their chains at Ren Qianxing. The three hooks gleamed coldly and attacked Ren Qianxing from the top, middle and bottom. At this moment, he also grabbed the middle-aged Taoist's long sword with his right hand. The situation seemed to be in a critical state.

With a few crisp cracking sounds, to the disbelief of the middle-aged Taoist, Ren Qianxing tightened his grip on the longsword with his right hand. The hundred-forged steel longsword shattered into pieces like glass, and the broken pieces flew through the air, all of them embedding themselves in the middle-aged Taoist's body. Before the latter could even let out a scream, his body swayed forward, and Ren Qianxing caught him in his hand and flung him outward. The three hooks struck the Taoist's corpse at the same time.

With a few "plop" sounds, the Taoist's corpse was pierced with three bowl-sized bloody holes on the spot, and he was dead beyond any doubt. The three people who released the hooks changed their expressions again, and were horrified to find that Ren Qianxing had disappeared. When they looked around, their eyes suddenly darkened, and they saw a clear line of blood left on the necks of the three people.

"This kind of trash thinks he can deal with me? How laughable." Ren Qianxing pointed his longsword diagonally, a drop of blood falling to the ground, the blade gleaming even more coldly in the sunlight.

Looking at the five corpses lying on the ground, Ren Qianxing's gaze turned slightly cold. This time, he was ordered by Guan Yutian to go to the Sword Casting City. Although it was not a secret, only a few people knew about it. Needless to say, it must be someone from Sima Tian's faction.

Ren Qianxing mounted his horse and continued on his way. Half an hour later, he entered the city and, following the markings, found the stronghold of the Supreme Alliance. After resting for a while, he continued towards Sword Forging City.

Inside the Food God's Residence, Yan Zangfeng meditated and practiced his internal energy. According to Liao Rushen, to master martial arts, one must clear the meridians in the body to prepare for storing true energy in the dantian. Yan Zangfeng was originally a martial arts prodigy, but because his mother did not allow him to practice martial arts, he wasted several years of his life. Therefore, Liao Rushen taught him the new internal energy cultivation method from the Tianji Sect.

"Cang Feng, this Wuji Heart Sutra is a rare Qi-cultivation and foundation-building technique. You must set aside one hour each day to practice it, preferably in the early morning or at night, so that you can maximize its effectiveness. Your foundation is too weak right now, so this is the only way to make up for it. It will be difficult in the early stages, but if you can persevere, there will be many benefits. Don't let your uncle down."

Liao Rushen looked at Yan Zangfeng, who was about to finish his practice, and said in a low voice with a light wave of his feather fan.

"Uncle, this Heart Sutra is truly amazing. I feel a warm sensation coming from my dantian, which is very comfortable."

Yan Zangfeng truly lived up to his reputation as a martial arts prodigy. In just a few days, he had already mastered the Wuji Heart Sutra to this level. Upon hearing this, Liao Rushen's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and a trace of jealousy arose in his heart.

The Wuji Heart Sutra is the foundation for the Tianji Sect, and all Tianji Sect disciples can study it. However, throughout history, apart from the founder of the Tianji Sect, there is probably no one else who can cultivate Qi in just a few days.

Liao Rushen prides himself on his intelligence, but it still took him a month, and even now he hasn't mastered this basic mental technique to its fullest extent.

"Very good, Zang Feng. Your talent is even greater than I estimated. If you continue to cultivate like this, you may be able to master this skill in less than three years. At that time, you will be able to learn other martial arts more smoothly."

"It's getting late. After you finish your practice, go home. Things are not going well at home, and it's easy for you to be distracted. Be careful of that person named Bai Yu'er. She is full of scheming and may harm your mother and Yiyi."

Yan Zangfeng nodded slightly.

Liao Rushen heard the cry of an eagle and his expression changed slightly. After giving a few more instructions, he turned and left. As he passed through the courtyard, he saw Sai Huatuo and his wife drinking tea in the pavilion. He nodded slightly and left quickly. Sai Huatuo frowned when he saw this. Liao Rushen seemed to be in a hurry. He wondered where he was going.

"Old man, what are you looking at?" Sai Xishi looked at Sai Huatuo and followed his gaze, only to see the godlike figure from behind.

"Old woman, this Liao Ru Shen is usually so composed, why does he seem so rushed and flustered today? Could it be that he has foreseen something?"

"Perhaps they have some private matters to attend to. If it really concerns everyone, given Liao Rushen's nature, he will definitely tell you on his own. Don't worry."

Sai Huatuo nodded upon hearing this. That was true. Over the time they had spent together, they had all witnessed what Liao Rushen had done. He was a public-spirited and selfless person. It would be despicable for him to doubt him.

Liao Rushen left the Food God's Residence and looked around. He didn't find anyone following him. According to the secret mark, Liao Rushen came to a dilapidated temple in the wilderness. Just as he stepped into the temple, a black-feathered eagle descended from the sky and landed on a dead tree. From behind the dead tree came a pale-faced middle-aged man wearing a ghost robe, a white bone crown, and holding a ghost claw. When he saw Liao Rushen, Bai Yanluo immediately stepped forward.

"The boss."

"What matter requires your personal visit, and why such an urgent message?"

Liao Rushen looked at Bai Yanluo and said in a deep voice, "This is the Supreme Alliance. We must be vigilant in our actions. If we are discovered by the people of the Supreme Alliance, we will lose our hidden identity."

"Boss, your subordinate has found the whereabouts of Dreamless Limitless."

Knowing the leader's temperament, Bai Yanluo bluntly revealed the information he had gathered. Sure enough, upon mentioning the words "Dreamlike Limitless," Liao Rushen paused, his eyes flashing with a sharp light as he stared intently at Bai Yanluo.

"where!"

"It fell into the hands of Huangfu Changhen, who is now living in seclusion in Jinglei Mountain."

"So it was him. That makes sense." Upon hearing this, Liao Rushen took a deep breath to calm his excited emotions. After many years, he had finally found the whereabouts of Meng Huan Wuji.

"Does the boss know this person?"

Bai Yanluo knew Huangfu Changhen, who was a renowned master in the martial arts world. His signature move, "Thousand-Mile Whip Thunder," had defeated countless masters, but he later went into seclusion for unknown reasons.

"To be precise, Huangfu Changhen is my junior brother. We both came to the sect with our skills and became disciples of Tianjizi. Later, Tianjizi's sect suffered a calamity, and we escaped because we were not at the sect. Later, due to differences in our beliefs, we parted ways. I never expected that the Dreamless Limitless would fall into his hands."

At this point, Liao Rushen's eyes turned sinister, and he said in a deep voice, "Actually, I should have thought of this a long time ago, but I overlooked him because Huangfu Changhen did not appear at Tianji Sect. Master, you still value him after all. Is my disciple not worthy of your attention?"

With a wave of his feather fan, a burst of energy swept out, instantly shattering a wall into pieces and sending dust flying everywhere.

"Boss, it's not too late now. I can organize men to go to Thunderclap Mountain, kill Huangfu Changhen, seize the Dreamless Limitless, and present it to you."

Upon seeing this, Bai Yanluo was startled and immediately stepped forward to flatter him. Liao Rushen, upon hearing this, snorted coldly and said, "You? Even I wouldn't dare say I can defeat him. If you go up there, you'll only add a few more corpses. This matter needs further consideration."

Upon hearing this, Bai Yanluo dared not respond and stood respectfully to the side awaiting instructions.

"First, send someone to keep an eye on Huangfu Changhen and record all his daily messages."

"Yes."

After giving a few more instructions, Liao Rushen waved for Bai Yanluo to leave. After pondering for a moment, Liao Rushen suddenly had a flash of inspiration. Perhaps there was someone who could help him.

"Once I figure out the weakness of the Thousand-Mile Thunder Whip, Huangfu Changhen, you will truly have something to regret."

With a cold smile, he deftly waved his divine feather fan and turned to leave.

A few days later, Ren Qianxing appeared outside Sword Forging City. After announcing his name, a group of people quickly walked out of the city. Ren Qianxing narrowed his eyes and looked at the handsome young man at the head of the group.

"This person must be Jian Xiong, the young city lord of Sword Forging City. As expected, the rumors outside are not to be believed. This person's eyes are shining, and his sharpness is restrained. He is obviously a master with mastery of internal energy. I am here on behalf of the Supreme Alliance, and I must not lose face here."

"Master Ren, I have long admired your name."

Jianxiong led his men to Ren Qianxing and dismounted first. Ren Qianxing followed suit. After exchanging greetings and a few pleasantries, Jianxiong gestured for them to enter and said, "Please." Ren Qianxing immediately led his horse and followed Jianxiong into the Sword Forging City.

"Sword Forging City truly lives up to its reputation as a holy land for sword cultivators. Along the way, its martial spirit has flourished, far surpassing that of our sect. It seems the city lord has grand ambitions."

Ren Qianxing walked along, scanning his surroundings. Even a cursory glance revealed numerous skilled fighters concealed along both sides of the street, and almost every so often, there was a dueling arena, with many swordsmen and spectators. If these people were united, they would constitute a formidable force. Even the powerful Supreme Alliance, with its vast resources, dared not ignore them, given their relatively short history compared to the Sword Forging City and the Sea Shark Palace. "Sword Forging City only deals in weapons and has always been aloof from worldly affairs. However, times change, and the world is bound to change. If Sword Forging City doesn't adapt, I fear it will no longer have a place to stand. Master Ren, don't you agree?"

Jianxiong replied calmly, glancing at Ren Qianxing, who chuckled and said solemnly, "The Sword Forging City has a 300-year history, with its flame passed down through generations, enduring countless storms. Our Supreme Alliance has a shallow foundation and is currently only maintained by my master. A slight misstep could lead to an abyss. Given this situation, the Supreme Alliance can only move forward and cannot retreat!"

Hearing Ren Qianxing's words, Jian Xiong's heart stirred, and he said in a low voice, "Oh, now that the Supreme Alliance has swept through Jiangnan, many sects have already submitted to the Supreme Alliance. Then I wonder where your alliance will target next, the Sea Shark Palace or my Sword Forging City?"

"Young City Lord, you flatter me. I am merely a hall master. Major matters of the alliance are handled by my master and elders. I have no right to speak."

Ren Qianxing changed the subject, pointing to a martial arts arena and asking, "These two are fighting so fiercely, every move is aimed at killing. Isn't the young city lord afraid of causing a riot?"

Even within the Supreme Alliance, members would never resort to such ruthless tactics during martial arts competitions, unless it was someone with ulterior motives who secretly plotted against them. At the very least, they would maintain a facade of peaceful coexistence. However, the fact that these two clearly knew each other and wanted to kill each other is rather intriguing.

"Once you enter the dueling arena, life and death are irrelevant. This is a place to settle grudges. Not to mention me, even the city lord cannot interfere at will. This is a rule left by our ancestors, and no one can violate it."

Jianxiong glanced at the duel in the arena before looking away. Ren Qianxing was slightly startled upon hearing this, but quickly composed himself and remained silent. The group walked through the streets and arrived at the main city. Jianxiong waved for his men to lead the horses away and invited Ren Qianxing to join them.

Ren Qianxing nodded slightly and followed Jian Xiong into the main city. Looking at the solemn and magnificent architectural complex, Ren Qianxing couldn't help but feel a heavy pressure coming over him. This was the existence of profound foundation.

Jianxiong led Ren Qianxing to a side hall. After they were seated and tea and snacks were served, they exchanged pleasantries for a while. Ren Qianxing put down his teacup and said to Jianxiong, "Young City Lord, I wonder if the City Lord is here? I have come here on my master's orders to retrieve the Bloodstained Sword. This is a letter from my master to the City Lord."

Ren Qianxing reached into his pocket, pulled out a letter, and waved it at Jianxiong.

“Master Ren, your timing is unfortunate. My father went into seclusion to cultivate several months ago. I am currently in charge of the city, and my father has entrusted me with the full handling of the matter of the Blood Sword.”

"Oh, I see. In that case, it is appropriate to give this letter to the young city lord."

Upon hearing the news of Sword Master's seclusion, Ren Qianxing's eyes flickered slightly. He tossed the letter in his hand toward Jian Xiong, and the letter flew away as swiftly as a gust of wind. Jian Xiong, however, remained calm and composed. He simply raised his right hand slightly and with a pull, the flying letter suddenly stopped and was then obediently drawn back to his hand.

Jianxiong ignored Ren Qianxing's solemn expression. After opening the letter and glancing at it briefly, he put it aside and said to Ren Qianxing, "The Fierce Blood Sword has already been forged. Hall Master Ren can take it at any time."

Upon hearing this, Ren Qianxing replied, "This is my first time visiting Sword Forging City. May I ask if I may stay here for a few days so I can enjoy the scenery?"

"Since Hall Master Ren has such an interest, Sword Forging City naturally welcomes you. However, there are many forbidden areas in this city. Hall Master Ren must be careful not to step into the wrong place while you are sightseeing."

"It's natural."

Jianxiong snorted inwardly. This Ren Qianxing was indeed seen through by the Taoist priest. As soon as he mentioned that the city lord was in seclusion, the probing look on his face could not be hidden. But this was fine, it gave him an opportunity.

"Somebody come!"

Jianxiong called out to the outside, and a moment later, a swordsman in blue robes walked in.

"What are your orders, young city lord?"

"Go and tidy up the Orchid Garden, and take Master Ren down to rest."

"Yes."

The green-clad swordsman responded and then gestured to Ren Qianxing, saying "Please." Upon seeing this, Ren Qianxing stood up, bid farewell to Jian Xiong, and followed the green-clad swordsman away.

"The young city lord must have had some considerations in letting Ren Qianxing stay at Lan Garden."

After Ren Qianxing left, Jianxiong's trusted confidant said the following.

"Lanyuan is luxuriously decorated, but it is located in a remote area and is poorly guarded. If I were Ren Qianxing, I would not stay there obediently. Just watch, there will be a good show tonight."

Jianxiong spoke calmly, glanced at his trusted confidant beside him, and waved him away.

After handling some mundane affairs in the hall, Jianxiong stretched his muscles and then left the side hall to go to Gu Xu's residence, where Gu Xu was practicing Tai Chi swordsmanship in the courtyard.

Since leaving the world of Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, Gu Xu has been practicing this Tai Chi sword technique, and he has also added some of his own insights to it. As a result, the sword technique has become more and more profound with each practice, as if there is no end in sight.

When Jianxiong pushed open the door and walked in, he didn't know that Gu Xu was practicing swordsmanship. Upon seeing this, he immediately wanted to leave, but at that moment he heard Gu Xu's voice.

"Look closely at this sword technique; how much you can comprehend is entirely up to you."

Upon hearing this voice, Jianxiong was overjoyed and immediately stopped in his tracks, staring intently at Gu Xu, who was practicing his sword in the arena.

The longsword in Gu Xu's hand moved slowly at times and swiftly at others. With a flick of his wrist, circles appeared one after another, forming a ring. With a tremor of the longsword, the circles suddenly shattered, and a shocking explosion roused Jian Xiong from his immersion in the sword intent.

"Thank you, Taoist Priest!"

Jianxiong felt a wave of fear. He had been unknowingly drawn into the sword intent, but he had only become more and more deeply involved. If it weren't for Gu Xu's sudden shock, he would have been exhausted and seriously ill for several days.

"How much have you learned from this swordsmanship?"

Gu Xu sheathed his longsword, turned to look at Jian Xiong, who replied somewhat awkwardly, "This junior is dull-witted and can only comprehend one or two tenths of it."

"It's already quite good. This sword technique is very different from the Dragon Riding Slash you learned. This sword technique emphasizes tranquility and non-action, while the Dragon Riding Slash is aimed at killing. However, there are thousands of sword techniques, and there are always some things to learn from each other. If you can incorporate one or two parts of your understanding into your sword technique, it will definitely be of great benefit."

"Thank you for your guidance, Daoist Master. May I ask if this sword technique has a name?"

"I received the Tai Chi sword technique from my master."

Upon hearing Gu Xu's words, Jian Xiong was slightly taken aback, then shocked. If the Taoist priest had such martial arts skills, then what kind of person must the patriarch who created the Tai Chi Sword Technique be? He must have been a deity or immortal.

“Senior, Ren Qianxing has already arrived at Sword Forging City. I am going to test him out.”

"You can make your own decision, but Ren Qianxing is quick-witted. He might see through your plan, so be careful."

"Yes, I will be careful."

After consulting with Gu Xu again, Jianxiong left. Late at night, he changed into a set of night clothes and made his way to Lan Garden. Seeing that it was pitch black inside, Jianxiong's eyes flashed. Without hesitation, he leaped into the courtyard and threw a pebble toward Ren Qianxing's room. Just as the pebble was about to hit the window, a palm strike flew out from inside the door. The energy swept through the pebble, shattering it instantly. At the same time, a sword light shot out from the room, its chilling killing intent heading straight for Jianxiong.

Seeing this, Jianxiong remained expressionless, reached out and drew his longsword, a cross-shaped sword light met the attack head-on. The two sword lights collided and exploded in mid-air, and Ren Qianxing's figure landed in front of Jianxiong.

(End of this chapter)