A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 390 Interview
Yan Cangfeng continued his northward journey, and although he was still attacked along the way, the intensity of the attacks gradually decreased. When he was only ten miles away from Sword Forging City, all the attackers disappeared.

Exhausted, Yan Zangfeng breathed a slight sigh of relief. After several days of attacks, he was under immense mental strain, even having to stay alert while trying to sleep at night. Fortunately, Sword Forging City was now in sight.

"I wonder how the master is doing. I hope he can get through this ordeal."

Yan Zangfeng sighed inwardly; all he could do now was try to think positively.

Just as Yan Zangfeng checked into the inn, the gatekeepers of the Sword Forging City in the town had already sent the news to the city. Jianxiong looked at the message in his hand and felt reassured. Just as the Taoist priest had predicted, Yan Zangfeng had indeed come to Sword Forging City.

"Pass down the order: do not disturb him. If anyone makes a move, kill them without mercy, no matter who it is." Although Jianxiong did not know why the Taoist priest wanted to protect Yan Cangfeng, since her father had agreed, she would not ask why.

"Yes!"

After the messenger left, Jianxiong immediately took the letter and headed towards Gu Xu's residence.

At this moment, in Gu Xu's residence, Gu Xu was playing chess with the Sword Master. The Sword Master was obsessed with swordsmanship and could only be considered a beginner in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. After several rounds of competition, the Sword Master did not win a single game.

"Master's chess skills are superb; I am truly inferior." Sword Master frowned as he looked at the blocked paths on the chessboard, then relaxed, threw the black piece in his hand into the chess box, and decisively conceded defeat.

Seeing this, Gu Xu didn't say much. He swept his sleeve and sorted the black and white chess pieces on the board. He looked at the Sword Master and said, "Weak chess skills are not a problem. I once heard Master Huangfu mention that there is a chess manual in the martial arts world that contains all kinds of exquisite chess games, whether it is Chinese chess or Go. If you can obtain this book and practice diligently, you will surely benefit greatly in time."

"Is the Thousand Spirits Chess Manual that you are referring to, Daoist? I am familiar with this chess manual, but unfortunately, it was lost more than 20 years ago with the destruction of the Divine Fire Sect."

Sword Master was puzzled as to why Gu Xu had mentioned this chess manual, but he couldn't help but take it to heart. This Taoist priest always spoke with a hint of something, so could this chess manual be of some great use?

Thinking of this, the Sword Master turned his gaze to Gu Xu, who chuckled and said, "Five hundred years ago, the Chess Saint and Sword Ancestor left behind three things: the Heavenly Will Four Symbols Technique, the Thousand Spirits Chess Manual, and the Wordless Heavenly Book. Meanwhile, the great demon Ying Shuntian, who was his enemy, left behind the method for forging the Frost-Piercing Sword. Does the City Lord know what their intentions were?"

Gu Xu felt that it was about time to reveal some secrets to the Sword Master.

Upon hearing this, the Sword Master was slightly startled. Each of these four items was enough to cause turmoil in the martial world, and anything protected by these four items must be extraordinary.

"Master, please speak frankly."

"Five hundred years ago, Ying Shuntian, as a great general, held immense power in the court. He ordered three thousand skilled craftsmen to build a chess city in the legendary Mirror Lake. All the materials in the city were made of gold and silver, and all the furnishings were rare and wonderful things in the world. However, on the day of its completion, Ying Shuntian killed all three thousand skilled craftsmen and sank them to the bottom of the lake. Later, he also killed the wife and children of the Sword Ancestor and fought a duel with him at Mirror Lake to compete for the title of the number one person in the world. In the end, the two of them perished at the bottom of the lake, and the chess city disappeared with them."

"Such a thing has happened!"

Upon hearing this, the Sword Master jumped up in shock, staring at Gu Xu with a look of horror. To build a city with gold and silver was truly a grand gesture. If one could find this city, conquering the world would be effortless.

"Although Chess City has disappeared, Ying Shuntian left behind a backup plan. The Frost Sword is the key to open the Chess King Cave, the Wordless Heavenly Book is the map leading from the Chess King Cave to Mirror Lake, and the Thousand Spirits Chess Manual is the compass for finding Chess City."

After Gu Xu finished speaking, he picked up his teacup and took a sip. The Sword Master opposite him was so shocked by the successive news that he was speechless. After a moment, the Sword Master slowly sat down and said with a complicated expression, "Daoist Master, why are you telling me all this today? Is it just to help me defeat the Supreme Alliance?"

If such a shocking secret were to be revealed, the entire martial arts world would be turned upside down.

"As I have said before, the martial world is currently embroiled in constant warfare, and it is time for consolidation. Among all those in the martial world who possess this ability, there are only Guan Yutian, Helian Ba, and the City Lord, or perhaps Liao Rushen as well. However, Guan Yutian is a descendant of the Demon Sword Clan. If he were to seize power, the martial world would likely be suppressed forever, with no hope of ever rising again. It is uncertain whether the martial world will even exist after several generations. Helian Ba ​​is ambitious but incompetent, jealous of the virtuous and capable. He may be a regional overlord, but he is far from being fit for the supreme position. Liao Rushen is treacherous, selfish, and acts insidiously. He always prioritizes his own interests, sacrificing the masses for his own gain. If such a person were to rise to power, it would be a misfortune for all living beings. After considering all these factors, the City Lord is ultimately the most suitable."

As Sword Master listened to Gu Xu's comments on everyone, he couldn't help but feel uneasy. When he heard that the Taoist priest was going to speak about himself, he couldn't help but show a nervous expression.

"Although the city lord's martial arts are inferior to Guan Yutian's and his conduct is inferior to Helian Ba ​​and Liao Rushen's, from an overall perspective, the development potential of Sword Forging City far surpasses that of the Supreme Alliance and other factions. Obviously, the city lord has made great contributions."

"The Supreme Alliance has a shallow foundation and relies entirely on Guan Yutian. Once he falls, there will be almost no one in the Supreme Alliance who can take charge of the overall situation. Since Helian Ba ​​took over, the Sea Shark Palace has been declining in strength day by day. Now it has been severely damaged by the Supreme Alliance and is now in its twilight years, barely clinging to life. With just a slight push, it can be reduced to ruins in an instant. As for Liao Rushen's Eagle Fortress, it is just an assassin organization that cannot be brought to the forefront. You can only show off your power in the dark. Moreover, Liao Rushen has a lot of debts and is in a state of great distress. He can hardly take care of Eagle Fortress."

After Gu Xu explained, the Sword Master's smile remained. After Gu Xu stopped talking, the Sword Master drank a cup of tea with a slightly embarrassed expression, and then said with a serious expression: "I understand what you mean, Daoist. I will send someone to find the Thousand Spirit Chess Manual and the Wordless Heavenly Book. However, these two items have been missing for a long time, and I'm afraid we won't be able to find out about them in a short time."

"I have a clue as to the whereabouts of the Thousand Spirits Chess Manual and the Wordless Heavenly Book. Twenty-five years ago, the Thousand Spirits Chess Manual was given to Baili Qu'e by Yan Cangfeng's father, Yan Zhongyang. Baili Qu'e then gave it to Master Sixin. If it was not destroyed, it should be kept in the Sixin Sect."

"As for the wordless book, it has been divided into two parts and passed down from generation to generation. Now it has fallen into the hands of the Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust."

"The Three Heroes of the Heartless Sect."

Sword Master narrowed his eyes slightly. He didn't care about the latter. Although the Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust were famous, Sword Casting City was not afraid of them. However, Sword Casting City had recently reached an agreement with the Heartless Sect. If one side was attacked by the Supreme Alliance, the other side would have to do its best to help. It was really inappropriate to forcibly take away the property of an ally.

"I will handle the persuasion from the Deadheart Sect. Also, Yan Cangfeng and the Immortal of Wine will be arriving at Sword Casting City soon. City Lord, you can start preparing in advance. One of them has mastered the Heavenly Will Four Symbols Technique, and the other holds one-third of the Nameless Heavenly Book. They are not to be underestimated. In the future, when facing the Supreme Alliance, this will be a very important bargaining chip."

After listening, Sword Master stood up and bowed respectfully to Gu Xu.

"I will never forget your kindness, Daoist Master. If I succeed in the future, I will be at your service in the entire Sword Forging City."

Hearing Sword Master's words, Gu Xu didn't take them seriously. It was just empty talk. If it actually came true, Sword Master's fear of him would only increase. But he didn't care about that. Anyway, he would leave this place after Sword Forging City integrated the martial arts world.

"You flatter me, City Lord."

Outside Sword Forging City, Yan Cangfeng looked at the three large characters "Sword Forging City" on the city gate and couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The depth of this sect could be seen just from these three characters. The person who wrote these three characters must be a peerless master with divine swordsmanship. However, after looking at them for a while, a sharp and killing aura emanated from the three characters. Yan Cangfeng hurriedly calmed his mind and obediently lined up to wait for inspection.

Soon it was Yan Zangfeng's turn. When the city guard saw him carrying a long sword and a bundle, he immediately clasped his hands in a salute and asked, "May I ask where this young hero comes from and what brings him to Sword Forging City?"

Yan Zangfeng had expected to be harassed, but to his surprise, the city guard was so polite. He immediately returned the greeting and said, "I have come to Sword Forging City on someone's behalf. I have something to discuss with the Sword Master."

"You wish to see the city lord?" Upon hearing this, the city guard's expression immediately turned solemn. He looked Yan Zangfeng up and down and asked earnestly, "May I ask your name, young hero?"

"My name is Yan Zangfeng."

"So it's Young Hero Yan. Young Hero Yan, what brings you to see the City Lord?"

"This is a handwritten letter from the senior, who said he wanted to deliver it to the Sword Master in person."

Yan Zangfeng took out the letter that the Zen Master Qu'e had given him from his bosom. When the guard saw that the letter was signed with the two characters "Qu'e", his expression became much more respectful. He said to Yan Zangfeng, "Young Master Yan, please wait here for a moment. I will immediately send someone to inform the young city lord."

After speaking, the city guard gave a few instructions to someone beside him. The person nodded and then turned and ran quickly into the city.

"Young Master Yan, please rest here for a while."

The city guard gestured to Yan Zangfeng, who followed him into a shed. The guard personally poured a bowl of tea and handed it to Yan Zangfeng.

"Thank you."

Yan Zangfeng reached out and took the teacup, but only touched his lips to it without drinking. The guard saw that Yan Zangfeng was so cautious and didn't say anything. The two chatted idly for a while. After a while, the person who went to report returned. Behind him was the Dragon Sword Envoy, one of the Four Great Sword Envoys, and a group of disciples. When the Dragon Sword Envoy came over, the guards all bowed.

"Greetings, Dragon Sword Envoy."

"No need for formalities. This must be Young Hero Yan Zangfeng. I am Long Jian, and I have come to welcome you on the orders of the young city lord. Please."

Looking at the blue-robed youth standing in the pavilion, Long Jianshi stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and Yan Cangfeng immediately knew the other party's background after hearing the words "Long Jianshi" and his self-introduction.

"The principle is that he is the Dragon Sword Master, the head of the four great sword masters of Sword Forging City. Yan Zangfeng greets you."

Yan Zangfeng dared not be arrogant at all. These four sword envoys were the city lord's personal guards and were always by his side. He did not expect that the Sword Master would personally send the Dragon Sword Envoy. This courtesy was really too much.

"The city lord and the young city lord are waiting inside the city. Young hero, please get in the carriage."

The Dragon Sword Envoy nodded slightly and gestured for them to enter. A magnificently decorated carriage slowly drove out. After exchanging polite words, Yan Cangfeng finally boarded the carriage.

The carriage moved slowly, and Yan Zangfeng silently calculated the time. About half an hour later, the carriage finally stopped, the curtain was lifted, and the voice of the Dragon Sword Envoy came at the same time.

"Young Master Yan, we have arrived."

Upon hearing this, Yan Zangfeng immediately dismounted from the carriage. He glanced at the magnificent palace complex ahead and felt a surge of emotion. Although the palace was grand and splendid, it was also imposing. Moreover, the highest palace exuded a soaring sword aura that could be felt from afar.

"Young Master Yan, please."

Yan Zangfeng nodded slightly, took the package and longsword and followed the Dragon Sword Envoy toward the palace. After walking up a thousand steps, they arrived in front of the highest palace. Yan Zangfeng looked up and saw that there were no words written on the plaque of the palace. Instead, there was a picture of a red longsword, which shimmered red under the bright sunlight.

"Dragon Sword Envoy, the city lord has ordered that Young Hero Yan be invited inside."

A swordsman dressed in black stepped forward, first bowing to the Dragon Swordsman, and then inviting Yan Cangfeng.

"Thank you."

After bowing respectfully to the Dragon Sword Envoy, Yan Zangfeng followed the sword attendant into the main hall. The moment he entered, a cool sensation swept over his entire body, and the heat vanished instantly.

"Junior Yan Zangfeng greets Sword Master."

Yan Zangfeng looked at the middle-aged man in the center of the head seat, dressed in a blazing sun robe, wearing a jade crown, and with a majestic face. Sword energy bursts around him, and his sharpness seems capable of annihilating everything. Knowing that this man was the Sword Venerable, the city lord of Sword Forging City, he immediately bowed.

"Young Master Yan, there's no need for such formalities. I've heard you've come to Sword Forging City on someone's behalf. May I ask who this person is?"

"This is a letter personally written by Zen Master Qu'e of Juechan Temple, saying that it must be delivered to the city lord."

Yan Zangfeng took out the letter and presented it with both hands. Upon seeing this, Jian Xiong, who was beside the Sword Master, immediately stepped down from the platform, took the letter, returned to the platform, and presented it to the Sword Master.

Sword Master took the letter, opened and read it, sighed, placed it on the table, and said to Yan Zangfeng below, "I have some acquaintance with Zen Master Qu'e. Since he has chosen Sword Forging City, I will grant his wish. Nephew, you will settle down in Sword Forging City from now on. Xiong'er, you will be responsible for all of your Senior Brother Yan's needs from now on. You must not neglect them in the slightest. If I find out, I will not forgive you."

"Father, rest assured, I will do my best and will not treat Senior Brother Yan unfairly."

"Hmm." Sword Master nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Yan Cangfeng and said kindly, "Nephew, you must be tired after your long journey. Go and rest first. If there is anything, we can talk about it tomorrow. Xiong'er, let your Senior Brother Yan stay at Tinglan Garden."

"Yes."

Jianxiong responded and came down. Seeing that Jianzun had no other instructions, he walked down the steps and said to Yan Cangfeng, "Senior Brother Yan, please come with me."

"Lord of the city, I shall take my leave."

After bowing to the Sword Master, Yan Zangfeng followed the Sword Hero out of the main hall.

(End of this chapter)