A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 397 Three Heavenly Books
Ren Qianxing looked at Guan Yutian with a puzzled expression. He had never heard of this "One Sword Separates Worlds" before. What kind of profound sword technique could make his master value it so much? Could it be stronger than the Dragon Riding Slash of Sword Casting City?
Sword Forging City reveres swords and has collected most of the top sword techniques in the martial arts world. The Dragon Riding Slash is known as the number one sword in the martial arts world, capable of cutting through anything and breaking through anything. He really couldn't imagine what the mystery of this sword technique was.

Seemingly noticing Ren Qianxing's confusion, Guan Yutian said calmly, "This Sword Technique, 'Separated by Worlds,' is the supreme martial art of my family, comparable to innate qi. However, this sword move is too bloodthirsty. Once a practitioner is controlled by it, they will eventually become a heartless killing machine."

After a pause, Guan Yutian walked to the side, looked out the door, and said in a deep voice, "When I was young, someone in the clan practiced this sword and went into a qi deviation. In the end, more than a thousand people in the entire clan were all killed. If it weren't for the clan leader's timely intervention, I would probably have lost my life as well."

After hearing this, Ren Qianxing was shocked. This sword technique was indeed brutal. One person and one sword could wipe out an entire clan. Compared to this, the Dragon Riding Slash of Sword Casting City was far inferior.

"Qianxing, I will first pass on the first six levels of this sword technique to you. You can practice the last level after you have mastered the Innate Realm. Otherwise, you will definitely suffer a qi deviation if you force yourself to practice it."

Guan Yutian patted Ren Qianxing on the shoulder. He had already improved the first six levels of the sword technique. Although the killing intent was still there, Ren Qianxing's skill was enough to neutralize it. After mastering these six levels, it would be enough to help Ren Qianxing stabilize the situation until he came out of seclusion.

"Yes, Master."

Ren Qianxing immediately agreed and came down.

Seeing that Ren Qianxing showed no disappointment, Guan Yutian nodded in satisfaction and said to Ren Qianxing, "Qianxing, look carefully."

After speaking, Guan Yutian reached out and drew a long sword from the weapon rack beside him. Guan Yutian caught it in his hand, and Ren Qianxing saw flashes of sword light. Even from a distance, he could feel a chilling aura that made him shudder. It was as if being struck by this sword light would surely lead to his death.

Even so, Ren Qianxing kept his eyes glued to Guan Yutian's moves. Sword light flashed back and forth, and the sound of swords rang out. As the sword light increased, Guan Yutian's figure became blurred, until finally he was almost transparent. Ren Qianxing was momentarily distracted, and what he saw before him turned into a vast white mist. His vision was limited to only half a foot. Just then, a sword light shot over. Ren Qianxing unconsciously drew his sword to block it. With a clang, Ren Qianxing felt the sword in his hand vibrate continuously, extending to his arm. He felt a tingling and numbness, and he could barely hold the hilt.

"Master!"

Ren Qianxing staggered back several steps before coming to a stop. At the same time, the white mist formed by the sword light slowly dissipated, revealing Guan Yutian's figure. He was holding a broken sword in his hand and looking at Ren Qianxing with admiration.

"Qianxing, not bad. You actually managed to block the opening move of this Sword Separation from the World, which surprised your master. It seems that this Sword Separation from the World is very suitable for you to cultivate. Perhaps in the future you will be the only one to cultivate it to the seventh level."

This time, Guan Yutian was both surprised and delighted to test his skills. Although the power of his sword technique was greatly reduced due to his still-healing injuries, the technique was still extremely lethal. Ordinary people would not be able to resist it, and would have their lives taken as soon as the sword was used.

"It is all thanks to Master's guidance that I have achieved what I have today. Master, this is just the opening move and you have already made me go all out. What kind of power will the next few levels be?"

Ren Qianxing no longer underestimated the Sword Separates the World. This sword technique is straightforward, emphasizing both power and speed. If the person making the move has sufficient skill, it can cut through anything. The sword techniques he had practiced before were not bad, but now that he had a better option, he could abandon the rest and focus on the Sword Separates the World from now on.

"If you can master the One Sword Separates Worlds, I can rest assured that you will take charge of the Supreme Alliance. Watch closely, I can only use this skill once in a short time."

Just as Guan Yutian was passing on the Sword of Separation to Ren Qianxing, in the volcano forging workshop of the Sword Forging City, thousands of miles away, the Sword Master and Gu Xu arrived at the place where the Frost Sword was forged. Looking at the purple longsword that was beginning to turn white in the lava pool, the Sword Master's heart was also filled with emotion. After sixty years, it was finally about to be completed.

"Daoist, in six months, the Frost Sword will be born. However, the Nine Dragon Stone will be put into the sword within the last half hour of its birth to serve as its sword soul. The Nine Dragon Stone is currently in Guan Yutian's hands. At that time, Sword Casting City will probably face its most intense attack."

Although Sword Master is not afraid of Guan Yutian, the overall strength of Sword Casting City is still slightly inferior to that of the Supreme Alliance. Otherwise, it would not have allied with Sea Shark Palace. Now that Sea Shark Palace is practically useless and Helian Ba ​​is only half alive, the task of stopping Guan Yutian will fall on his shoulders. Once they clash, the volcano will be the most important place, and the inner city's defense will inevitably have some flaws.

The loss of even one of his subjects is something the Sword Master would never want to see.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xu glanced at the Frost Sword, then turned to look at the Sword Master and said calmly, "This battle is unavoidable. If the city lord wants to reduce the damage, he can move those in the city who are not skilled in martial arts to a safe place before the battle begins, and then move them back after the battle is over."

After Gu Xu finished speaking, the Sword Master frowned. This method was good, but it was not in line with his usual style. Sword Casting City had always been aggressive and never retreated. If he really did this, it would be good to protect his people, but it would also make them lose their passion. If this continued, Sword Casting City would either be destroyed by others or die by his own hand.

“This method is unacceptable, Daoist. It might be acceptable in ordinary places, but it is absolutely unacceptable for the people of Sword Forging City to do this.”

Upon hearing that the Sword Master had rejected his proposal, Gu Xu nodded secretly.

"Since the city lord has rejected this proposal, I have another method. We should open the gates and welcome Guan Yutian and his group in openly and as usual. As long as we do not show any fear, I believe Guan Yutian and his group will not dare to make any rash moves. In my opinion, even if Guan Yutian wants to come and seize the sword, he will not bring too many people with him. At most, it will be a few experts from the Demon Sword Clan and the Supreme Alliance. The city lord should be able to withstand such a situation."

"That's a good idea. If it's really as the Daoist Master predicts, I'm confident I can protect the Frost Sword."

Sword Forging City is, after all, the Sword Master's home ground. The power he can mobilize is far beyond what Guan Yutian, who came from afar, can match. With just a few skilled fighters, the city's power alone can handle the situation without the Daoist Master having to lift a finger. The only thing to consider is that, apart from the Supreme Alliance, some independent individuals might take advantage of the conflict between the two sides to plunder.

"How should we deal with those independent individuals? Although they are not strong individually, they are a formidable force when they unite."

Gu Xu chuckled and said, “City Lord, there’s no need to worry too much. These wandering people are very good at seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages. As long as they are appeased beforehand, everything will be fine. If there are any ungrateful people, I’m sure Master Sixin’s Seven Absolute Zither is not to be trifled with.”

"Oh, so the Taoist priest has already persuaded the heartless nun?"

Upon hearing Gu Xu's words, Sword Master's eyes lit up, and he asked urgently.

If Abbess Sixin could come to Sword Forging City, our chances of victory would increase significantly. Adding to that Jiu Zhongxian and Huangfu Changhen, we'd have three top experts. There are also rising stars like Yan Cangfeng and Xiaoyao Lang. Combined with Sword Forging City's resources, as long as the Supreme Alliance doesn't mobilize its entire force, our chances of winning are very high. Not to mention, with the Daoist Master overseeing things here, it seems like a sure thing. "Although Abbess Sixin is unwilling to get involved in the martial arts world's conflicts, if the chaos can be quelled as soon as possible, she is willing to contribute her efforts. Furthermore, City Lord, don't think that this guarantees success. I have learned that Guan Yutian has also recruited many experts, including a legendary master from the Houyi clan named Jianyin, who wields two treasures of the Houyi clan: the Four Symbols Sun-Shooting Arrow and the Eight Directions Sun-Chasing Bow. The power of these two items is almost comparable to the Ling Shuang Sword."

"The Hou Yi clan?"

Sword Master looked puzzled. He had never heard of this clan before, but seeing the Daoist's solemn expression, there must be a reason.

"The Houyi clan are born archers, and have upheld the responsibility of protecting the martial arts world for generations. If anyone is found to have the ability to harm the martial arts world, the descendants of Houyi will shoot them down with the Four Symbols Shooting Sun Arrow. For five hundred years, all those who have tried to poison the martial arts world have met with bad ends."

After a pause, seeing the solemn expression on Sword Master's face, Gu Xu continued, "Let's not talk about the distant past. Just take the Heavenly Mystery Sect sixty years ago. Back then, the Heavenly Mystery Sect dominated the martial world, and its influence was several times stronger than that of the Supreme Alliance today. But because this sect dared to peek into the secrets of heaven and intended to take the future of the martial world into its own hands, that's why that earth-shattering change happened. Under the Four Symbols Shooting the Sun Arrow, the Heavenly Mystery Sect was wiped out."

After Gu Xu finished speaking, the Sword Master's expression changed drastically, and he was extremely shocked. He now had a preliminary understanding of the power of the Hou Yi clan. Even the Tianji Sect at its peak was destroyed by them. How could his Sword Forging City stop them? It was impossible.

"Master, what does it mean that Jian Yin has sided with Guan Yutian? Could it be that he has chosen Guan Yutian to unify the martial arts world?"

"No, according to the information we received, Jianyin was introduced to Guan Yutian by Liao Rushen, and the reason why Liao Rushen was able to get to know Jianyin was a scheme devised by the Houyi clan."

Afterwards, Gu Xu told Sword Master the details of what he knew. After a moment, Sword Master suddenly realized that Arrow Shadow had joined the Supreme Alliance to keep an eye on Guan Yutian so that he could take action in time if necessary. This relieved Sword Master, as long as the other party was not truly working for Guan Yutian.

"Arrow Shadow is still an unpredictable factor, Daoist Master. Are you confident that you can stop Arrow Shadow when it makes its move?"

“I can stop them, but if I do, I will have to focus all my attention on them, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to spare much energy to watch over them.”

Gu Xu was also somewhat wary of the Four Symbols Sun-Shooting Arrows. The Four Spirit Arrows were one thing, but the last one, the Qilin Arrow, had the power to melt all things and annihilate all existence. Although he had cultivated his primordial spirit, he was not confident of victory against this arrow.

"It's enough that it can be blocked."

Upon hearing Gu Xu's words, a glint flashed in the Sword Master's eyes. It was best not to let this variable interfere. As for Gu Xu's claim that he was too busy, the Sword Master didn't take it to heart. If the Daoist Master had to intervene in everything, it would make him, the city lord, appear incompetent. This was a good opportunity to let the Daoist Master see his abilities and not disappoint the Daoist Master's expectations.

“Then, when the time comes, the Arrow Concealment will be left to the Daoist Master to keep an eye on, and as for the others, the Daoist Master need not worry about them.”

Gu Xu nodded upon hearing this and said nothing more. Since the Sword Master had made this request, he had saved himself a lot of effort.

After discussing for a while, the two left the volcano and returned to the Sword Palace.

"Daoist Master, this is a wordless book that the Immortal of Wine gave me before he left. Could you use the Blood Jade to see what is written on it?"

Sword Master took out a palm-sized piece of white silk from a wooden box on the table and handed it to Gu Xu. After Gu Xu took it, he found that the white silk was fine, smooth and delicate, and it was slightly cool to the touch. It should be woven from silkworm silk.

Looking at the white silk in his hand, Gu Xu nodded to the Sword Master, took out the blood jade from his bosom, and shone it on the white silk. Under the blood light, the white silk slowly revealed stripes. The Sword Master stared at it closely and saw that the red lines were crooked, but were cut off at the crucial points.

"This should be the path to the Chess King's Cave, but it's only one-third complete. We need to gather the other two pieces to make it whole."

Gu Xu put away the blood jade, folded up the wordless heavenly book, and handed it to the Sword Master. The latter was slightly taken aback when he saw it, and then solemnly accepted it with both hands.

"Sai Huatuo and Sai Xishi have already left the Food God's Residence and are now missing. However, if they learn that the Wine Immortal has come out, they will definitely go to find him and meet up. Letting them come to us is much less effort than searching for him like looking for a needle in a haystack."

After the Sword Master finished speaking, Gu Xu nodded in agreement and said, "Let's do as the City Lord says, but remember not to rush things. These Sai Huatuo and his wife are always responsive to gentle persuasion but not to force. Once they show up, let Yan Zangfeng make a trip. With him making an appearance, he will have more face than us."

“What the Taoist priest says makes sense.”

Jiu Zhongxian and Huangfu Changhen parted ways outside the Sword Casting City. One went north and the other went east. Jiu Zhongxian traveled east for three days and arrived at a small town. Although the town was small, it had complete facilities. After checking into the inn, Jiu Zhongxian was eating in the hall when suddenly several fierce-looking men walked in.

These men were all burly and had voices like thunder. As soon as they entered the inn, they shouted loudly, ordering the waiter to bring out all the good food. The waiter didn't dare to provoke them. The innkeeper, who was also planning to lose money, prepared to treat them to a good meal and drinks and told them to leave quickly.

However, these men went too far. Not content with just getting good wine and food, they also demanded that the innkeeper find some women to accompany him while drinking. If he refused, they threatened to smash up the inn. The innkeeper was so frightened that he turned pale and his legs trembled as he looked at the large knife on the table.

Just then, a fragrant aroma of wine wafted out, instantly filling the inn. The burly, dark-faced man at the head of the group smelled the wine and his eyes lit up. He looked in the direction the aroma was coming from and saw a fat man dressed in colorful clothes, wearing a round hat, and with a kind face.

"Hey, Fatty, this wine is pretty good. Let me have a taste."

Before the wine immortal could reply, the dark-faced man clenched his right hand and swiftly grabbed at the wine gourd on the table. However, his hand was caught by a pair of chopsticks just three inches away from the gourd. The dark-faced man's expression changed. He glanced at the composed wine immortal and tried to pull his hand away, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't pull it back. Moreover, the force on the chopsticks was getting stronger and stronger. In just a few breaths, the dark-faced man turned pale and was covered in sweat.

(End of this chapter)