A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 367 Flaws in Divine Skill
When Qingxu uttered the words "Dreamlike Limitless," Huangfu Changhen's expression changed drastically, and he said in a deep voice, "Who are you, and why do you know about Dreamlike Limitless?"

Huangfu Changhen was now extremely vigilant. Ordinary people would never know that the Dreamless Limitless was in his hands. Apart from Liao Rushen, Huangfu Changhen couldn't think of anyone else. Could this Taoist have some connection with Liao Rushen?

“I am Qingxu, and this Dreamless Limitless is the supreme mental cultivation method of the Heavenly Mystery Sect. As a member of the Daoist sect, I am naturally familiar with this book. Mr. Huangfu, I have not come here to steal the book, but to borrow it for reading. I would be grateful if you could do me this favor.”

Qingxu's casual remark startled Huangfu Changhen. Judging from the Taoist's appearance, he clearly wouldn't give up until he obtained the Dreamlike Limitless. Since that was the case, he would test the Taoist's skills. Even if he lost, he would have done his best, which was better than the book falling into the hands of Liaorushen.

"The Dreamlike Limitless is our sect's most precious treasure, and only those with the right destiny can cultivate it. Although you are a member of the Taoist sect, if you wish to read the manual, you must pass my test. If you can defeat the whip in my hand, I will present the manual to you with both hands."

After Huangfu Changhen finished speaking, he said to Qingxu, "Please." The latter nodded and replied, "I have long heard of the amazing skill of the Thousand-Mile Whip Thunder. Today I can finally witness its splendor. Xiaoyao Lang, you should stay away from it to avoid being injured by its energy."

Qingxu gave Xiaoyaolang an instruction, then slowly walked to an open area. After standing still, he said to Huangfu Changhen, "This humble Taoist will learn from Mr. Huangfu's superior skills."

"Please, Taoist priest."

Huangfu Changhen's expression immediately turned solemn. He walked towards Qingxu step by step. After taking seven steps, he was less than ten feet away from Qingxu. Huangfu Changhen stopped, his eyes flashed with a sharp light, and the black whip in his hand moved like a dragon emerging from the sea. He transformed into a black shadow and rushed away. The air was filled with sound and his energy burst forth, leaving Xiaoyao Lang, who was watching from a distance, speechless with shock.

When Qingxu saw Huangfu Changhen make his move, his eyes sharpened immediately. The Thousand-Mile Whip Thunder was best at long-range attacks. Now that the two were only about ten feet apart, they could take full advantage of the long whip. Although the starting move looked powerful, Qingxu could see that the obvious moves were not so bad, but the hidden methods were quite interesting.

As the long whip swept through the air, Qingxu drew a circle in front of his chest with his right hand and pushed his palm forward. A burst of yin and yang energy flowed directly towards the long whip.

With a hiss, the long whip collided with the yin and yang energy. Huangfu Changhen felt as if a wad of cotton was blocking his way. The force of the whip was swallowed up and eliminated. Moreover, a soft yin force spread towards him along the whip.

Without hesitation, Huangfu Changhen flicked his wrist, and the taut whip suddenly loosened, like a long, winding snake. One force after another surged towards the whip tip like an overturned tidal wave. The black light on the whip tip intensified, and as it was stirred back and forth, the yin and yang energy was immediately stirred up, constantly changing with the whip's attack.

"There are some ways."

Qingxu could see clearly that Huangfu Changhen was using the overlapping force of the whip to continuously increase the momentum and break the entanglement between the two sides. Thinking of this, Qingxu added three more points of force to his right hand, and the Yin and Yang energy that had been stirred up immediately returned to its original state, like a ball of sticky cotton tightly wrapped around the long whip.

"not good!"

Huangfu Changhen noticed the change in his opponent and immediately realized that Qingxu had seen through his methods. Feeling the whip becoming increasingly heavy, Huangfu Changhen immediately flicked his left sleeve, and another whip flew out. Unlike the previous whip, this whip was only the thickness of a thumb and had a slight golden hue. Under the sunlight, it reflected golden spots. When it was swung, it was like ten thousand golden arrows flying, making people unable to open their eyes.

"So there was a second whip."

Qingxu was also somewhat surprised at this moment, but seeing the long whip flying towards him, he was quick to react. He flicked his left finger, and a finger force shot out, which hit the tip of the golden whip. The golden whip immediately bent and twisted, and in an instant, it became like a sinister long snake, spitting out its tongue and shooting out. Its speed was even greater than before, and in the blink of an eye, it had already approached Qingxu.

"Good move!"

Qingxu exclaimed in admiration, and with a surge of true energy, a layer of glazed energy shield appeared around him. At the same time, the golden whip slammed into the energy shield with a bang, and was immediately forced back. However, at this moment, Qingxu's mind stirred, and he saw another jet-black whip swing down from the air. Its momentum was majestic and awe-inspiring, its speed was as fast as lightning, and its force was like a mountain collapsing and the earth splitting. It carried the power of wind and thunder, and the void trembled!
At the same time, the golden whip that had been flung away flew back again. Unlike the black whip, this golden whip was taut like a javelin, with a golden light suddenly shining from the tip, piercing the air and heading straight for the energy shield!

It turned out that just as Qingxu was using his protective move, Huangfu Changhen seized the opportunity to immediately retract his whip, which led to the scene before them.

"This is my strongest move, let's see if you can block it!"

Huangfu Changhen knew that he needed to finish the fight quickly against such a master, so after only a few moves, he did not hesitate to use the move "Wind and Thunder Move Together".

As Qingxu watched the two long whips coming at the same time, his expression hardened slightly. He held a Tai Chi symbol in his hands, and a stream of Yin and Yang energy slowly appeared behind him.

The golden whip, sharp as a blade, struck the protective aura. Though it failed to shatter it, it caused the aura to tremble slightly. Just then, the black hundred whip, swung down from the sky, arrived. With a sound like shattering glass, the seemingly indestructible glass aura instantly crumbled. Huangfu Changhen's eyes flashed with a sharp light, but before he could rejoice, he saw the two whips suddenly flung into the air. Huangfu Changhen tried to retract them, but felt a weight on his hands. Looking ahead, he saw that Qingxu Daoist had grabbed the ends of the two whips with one hand, and a powerful force surged towards him like a tidal wave. His protective aura was no match for it and crumbled in the blink of an eye.

"Master, I have lost."

Huangfu Changhen had no choice but to admit defeat at this moment. His strongest move had been countered, and continuing to resist would only make him a laughingstock.

Upon hearing this, Qingxu immediately loosened his right hand, and Huangfu Changhen instantly retracted the two long whips.

"The Thousand-Mile Thunder Whip is indeed extraordinary. If I hadn't used this Dragon-Capturing Hand, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to subdue these two long whips. Mr. Huangfu, you flatter me."

Qingxu bowed to Huangfu Changhen, who then showed a solemn expression.

"Dragon-Capturing Hand? This technique of yours, Daoist, is something I've never heard of before."

When Huangfu Changhen heard that Qingxu had used a method to counter his moves, he felt a little uneasy. His master had once said that the Thousand-Mile Whip Thunder was extremely powerful and yang, and there were almost no martial arts that could counter it. So what was this Dragon-Capturing Hand?

"This is something I learned from an ancient book. It can counter hidden weapons. Although Mr. Huangfu's Thousand-Mile Whip Thunder is also a weapon, it is no different from a hidden weapon in the instant it injures the enemy. That is why I was able to break the Thousand-Mile Whip Thunder."

"I see. Very well, since I have been defeated by you, Daoist, I shall offer you this Dreamlike Limitless Realm. Daoist, please follow me."

When Huangfu Changhen heard that the Dragon-Capturing Hand was Qingxu's own martial art, he felt relieved and gestured for Qingxu to come over. The two of them then walked together toward the wooden house.

"This is the true style of a top master. Compared to these two, my master is probably still slightly inferior."

As Xiaoyao Lang watched the two departing figures with gleaming eyes, a surge of heroic spirit welled up within him. Just as he took a step forward, his ears twitched, his body paused, and he turned to look outside the valley, his face showing solemnity.

"The sound of horses' hooves indicates at least thirty people."

Xiaoyao Lang's mind raced. He quickly recalled his previous encounter and concluded that the newcomer was definitely an enemy, not a friend. With this in mind, Xiaoyao Lang pondered for a moment, then moved swiftly to a high ground, his eyes fixed on the valley entrance.

Meanwhile, inside the wooden house, Huangfu Changhen asked Qingxu to sit for a while, while he went to the bedroom, took out a sandalwood box from a hidden compartment, and placed it on the table in the outer room.

"Daoist Master, this is the Dreamlike Limitless Heart Sutra." Huangfu Changhen reached out and opened the wooden box. Qingxu looked closely and saw a thin, gold-edged book inside. Huangfu Changhen took it out, sighed, and handed it to Qingxu.

Qingxu rose, bowed to Huangfu Changhen, and then solemnly accepted the manual. Opening it, he saw two lines of small print on the first page:

"No disciple of my Tianji Sect may practice this skill; it is only for those who are destined to learn it."

"His understanding is divine, and his knowledge of the heavens is even more profound."

Qingxu remained noncommittal upon seeing these two sentences, and continued turning the page. After a moment, Qingxu finished reading the last page, closed the manual, pondered for a moment, and then returned it to Huangfu Changhen.

"This Dreamlike Limitless Technique truly lives up to its reputation as the Heavenly Mystery Sect's most prized treasure. I have gained some insights from it. Mr. Huangfu, do you understand the reason behind the statement on the first page that Heavenly Mystery Sect disciples are forbidden from cultivating this technique?"

Huangfu Changhen took the manual, shook his head upon hearing this, and said, "This old man does not know. I only know that this is a rule established by the founder of the Tianji Sect, which later generations must follow. Does the Daoist know the secrets behind it?"

After receiving the Dreamlike Limitless Technique from his master, Huangfu Changhen had read it several times, but he had never practiced it. When he saw the two lines on the first page, he was puzzled. "Although the Heavenly Mystery Sect is famous in the martial arts world for its divination, it has no shortage of experts. However, what is surprising is that apart from the founding patriarch who practiced this technique, none of the other sect leaders and elders throughout the ages have practiced it, and they left behind such an ancestral instruction, which is truly puzzling."

This Dreamlike Limitless Technique can be considered one of the most superior martial arts techniques in the martial arts world. If the sect leader and elders could all cultivate this technique, perhaps that great change would not have happened, or even if it did, they would not have been completely powerless to resist it.

"This Dreamlike Limitless Heart Method is upright and peaceful, which is in line with the essence of Taoism. However, there is a hidden danger beneath this uprightness and peace. When you first start practicing this method, you will feel comfortable all over and your power will increase. But the more you practice, the more you will stray from the right path. Moreover, once a certain medium is triggered, you will be shattered to pieces and die without a complete corpse when you finally unleash your power!"

After Qingxu finished speaking, Huangfu Changhen was so shocked that he turned pale. He looked at the manual in his hand with disbelief, and a chill ran down his spine. He recalled his master's instructions before his death, which repeatedly warned him not to cultivate the Dreamlike Limitless Technique. Huangfu Changhen suddenly realized that his master must have known the reason for this, which was why he had instructed him. But if that was the case, why leave this technique behind for someone with the right destiny?

"Master, this secret manual?"

Huangfu Changhen had no more doubts at this moment, and he was an excellent judge of character. Qingxu was definitely not the kind of hypocrite who would use such a lie to deceive him. Huangfu Changhen wanted to destroy the book, but he could not disobey his master's dying wish. He was caught in a dilemma.

"Although I have never met your master, I have heard that Fellow Daoist Tianjizi has never made a mistake in his divination throughout his life. Since he has entrusted this book to you for safekeeping, he must have his reasons. Let everything take its natural course."

Qingxu naturally knew that the Dream of Limitless was real, and that Tianjizi had used it to scheme against Rushen. However, he did not expect that a series of unexpected events would lead to Huangfu Changhen's death at Rushen's hands.

"I have already read the Dreamlike Limitless Daoist manual. The purpose of this trip has been achieved. Mr. Huangfu, when we fought just now, I discovered that the Thousand Mile Whip Thunder has a fatal weakness. After the Thousand Mile Whip Thunder is fully activated, the Juque acupoint is empty. If it is pierced, one will either die or be seriously injured."

"Daoist Master, your insight is truly remarkable. I admire you." Huangfu Changhen was horrified. He had been slightly resentful of his defeat at Qingxu's hands, but he hadn't expected that Qingxu had already seen through his weakness. If he hadn't held back, he would be a corpse by now.

"Since I have been granted permission to read Dream of Limitless Realm by you, I should naturally do something in return. I will give you this Spirit Nourishing Pill. If you take it when you are in a life-or-death situation, you can hold onto a sliver of life. After a few months of recuperation, you will be fully recovered."

Knowing that the other party was doomed, Qingxu took out a glass bottle from his sleeve, inside which was a blue pill the size of a longan. Qingxu handed it to Huangfu Changhen, who immediately straightened his expression upon seeing it. He first solemnly clasped his hands in a salute to Qingxu, and then accepted the glass bottle with both hands.

"Thank you, Taoist Priest!"

After hearing Qingxu's explanation of the pill's effects, Huangfu Changhen was already shocked. Although he lived in seclusion in a deep valley, he still knew some of the major events in the martial arts world. If we were to talk about the most skilled alchemists in the martial arts world, they would be Sai Huatuo, Yao Yuansheng, and the Thousand-Handed Poison King. However, Huangfu Changhen was certain that none of the three of them could refine the Spirit Nourishing Pill. This shows how precious the pill was, and it could be called a life-saving elixir.

"Mr. Huangfu, the young man who came with me is named Xiaoyao Lang. He is the disciple of the Wine Immortal. This boy is simple-minded and was used to come to Jinglei Valley. Before he arrived, he was ambushed by Cangying Fortress."

"Azure Eagle Fortress?"

Huangfu Changhen frowned upon hearing this. Why would an assassination organization attack Xiaoyao Lang? After glancing at Qingxu, Huangfu Changhen realized that Xiaoyao Lang had been manipulated. He quickly understood.

"Daoist Master, could it be that this Eagle Fortress is related to me?"

Upon hearing this, Qingxu first nodded, then shook his head. Under Huangfu Changhen's puzzled expression, he explained, "The Azure Eagle Fortress was created by Liaoru Shen."

"what!"

Huangfu Changhen was shocked one after another. He exclaimed in surprise that he never expected that the Eagle Fortress, one of the five major forces in the martial arts world, was actually founded by Liao Rushen. But upon further thought, it made sense. The Eagle Fortress had only appeared in the martial arts world for twenty or thirty years, but it had developed to the point of being comparable to sects such as the Sword Casting City and the Sea Shark Palace. It must have a profound foundation, and Liao Rushen, who had plundered most of the Tianji Sect's collection, had the strength to do so.

"It is as clear as a god's, finding something without even looking for it, and then finding it without any effort."

A fierce glint flashed in Huangfu Changhen's eyes. His previous worry was that he would have to inquire about Rushen's whereabouts after leaving the valley. Now that he had Cangying Fortress as a target, he would go directly to it.

"Mr. Huangfu, it seems the person you're looking for has arrived."

Qingxu glanced outside, and Huangfu Changhen, seeing this, instantly sensed the sounds of fighting coming from outside the valley. After a rough assessment, he estimated there were about thirty people, and several of them possessed an aura no less powerful than that of the previous Blood Lord.

Several people were attacking one person, and the sounds of fighting were coming from them.

"Would the Daoist Master be interested in going to take a look?" Huangfu Changhen turned to look at Qingxu. Although these people were all skilled, he did not take them seriously.

"Alright."

Qingxu nodded and followed Huangfu Changhen out of the wooden house, heading straight out of the valley.

Outside the valley, Bai Yanluo watched as Xiaoyao Lang was gradually cornered by the three men, and coldly said to them, "Kill him!"

Upon hearing this, the three men surrounding Xiaoyao Lang intensified their attack, thrusting three serpentine swords straight at Xiaoyao Lang's heart. The sharp sword energy forced Xiaoyao Lang to dodge left and right, tearing several pieces of his robes off. A shallow sword mark appeared on his arm. If Xiaoyao Lang hadn't moved so quickly, he would have lost at least his arm after that sword strike.

"Isn't this kid the disciple of the Immortal of Wine? Why isn't he using the Overlord Fist yet?"

Beside Bai Yanluo, a gaunt middle-aged man dressed in a blood-stained robe with ghost patterns and wearing a demonic eagle crown looked at the two sides fighting in the arena and couldn't help but ask a question.

"The Overlord Fist can only be unleashed to its full potential with the Golden Toad Overlord Wine. This kid has already drunk all of his wine, so even if he uses the Overlord Fist, it will be utterly useless. The Serpent Sword of the Three Heroes of Lingnan will come in handy. Just watch, this kid will be dead in less than three moves!"

Bai Yanluo smiled sinisterly, but his eyes glanced into the valley. If nothing unexpected happened, Huangfu Changhen should have been alerted by now, but why hadn't he arrived yet?

"Mr. Huangfu, how many more moves do you think this carefree young man can last?"

Qingxu and Huangfu Changhen stood on a tree branch, looking down at the two sides fighting below. Upon hearing this, Huangfu Changhen glanced at the rather disheveled Xiaoyao Lang, pondered for a moment, and said cautiously, "If he has no other tricks up his sleeve, he will surely be defeated within three moves. However, since you asked this question, it seems that this boy is not as bad as he appears on the surface."

Qingxu chuckled upon hearing this, but did not answer Huangfu Changhen. He stared intently at Xiaoyao Lang, whose space was being continuously shrunk by the three long swords. The three heroes of Lingnan saw that Xiaoyao Lang was powerless to resist and was gradually losing his ability to fight back. However, they were experienced and did not slow down their attack. Instead, they made their sword energy even more concentrated, trying to kill Xiaoyao Lang with their sword energy.

Just when everyone thought that Xiaoyao Lang was about to die, suddenly Xiaoyao Lang's body broke free from the sword circle like an eel. As soon as he was freed, a huge fist force rushed straight towards the Three Heroes of Lingnan. The Three Heroes of Lingnan changed color in unison, looked at each other, and the Curved Serpent Sword Technique condensed into a sword curtain, on which a blue evil aura spread and a sinister atmosphere was present, with a series of blue evil spirit snakes hissing and spitting.

"The Serpent Sword Curtain, this kid actually managed to force the Three Heroes of Lingnan to use this move. The Immortal of Wine has indeed taught a good disciple."

Seeing the Three Heroes of Lingnan use this move, Bai Yanluo felt a little relieved. As long as nothing unexpected happened, this carefree young man would eventually die. Once the Serpent Sword Curtain was unleashed, even a first-rate master would have no chance of survival. The Three Heroes of Lingnan had once used this move to kill the Eight-Armed Arhat, who was famous throughout the martial arts world.

However, to the astonishment of the Three Heroes of Lingnan and Bai Yanluo, the seemingly invincible sword barrier was easily torn apart like paper by the impact of the fist. The fist's momentum did not diminish and directly struck the Three Heroes of Lingnan. Three screams were heard at the same time, and when the shockwave dissipated, a horrifying scene appeared.

The once formidable Three Heroes of Lingnan were blasted into the ground, their bones shattered and their bodies dead. Their three longswords were broken into pieces, gleaming with an eerie green light under the sun.

"poisonous!"

Xiaoyao Lang's expression changed as he looked at his injured left arm, where the wound had turned a ghastly green. He also felt dizzy and nearly fell over.

(End of this chapter)