A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 406 Desire to Chaos Sword City
Sword Forging City, Volcanic Cave
The blazing flames reflected a crimson light, illuminating the cave in a bright red glow. The Frost Sword in the lava pool continuously absorbed the fiery energy, and its purple blade gradually faded, until most of it was the color of white frost.

"With the appearance of the Frost Sword, the martial world will inevitably be thrown into turmoil again. The Sword Forging City, which is already in the midst of a storm, will inevitably face the Supreme Alliance's frantic suppression."

Gu Xu's calm words made the Sword Master's expression turn solemn. The Frost Sword has countless connections with the Demon Sword Clan. Guan Yutian will definitely do everything in his power to seize it. Even if he didn't know the secret of the Frost Sword, this number one divine weapon in the world must remain here. Otherwise, wouldn't the Sword Forging City be nothing but a hollow name?

"I'm not worried about the Nine Dragon Stone. Guan Yutian will definitely bring it to the Sword Forging City himself. But the Daoist priest said before that the first-class divine weapon needs the blood of the True One to be sharpened. I wonder where we can find this blood of the True One?"

"Rest assured, Lord City Lord, Guan Yutian will definitely bring the True Blood with him when he arrives. We don't need to worry about that. In addition, Helian Ba ​​has been missing for a short time. He may also come to interfere when the sword is born. The city's defenses need to be strengthened."

"What the Daoist says makes sense. I have already given the order to move all the common people to Diecui Valley. Only those skilled in martial arts will remain in the city. With the strength of the Sword Forging City itself, it will not be difficult to survive this calamity."

Sword Master knew that once a fight broke out, it would be the common people who would suffer. Although these people did not know martial arts, they were the foundation of Sword Forging City, and the death or injury of even one of them would be a loss.

"Besides Ren Qianxing, Guan Yutian has at least twenty top-tier experts at his disposal. Adding the mysterious Arrow Hermit, this force is already extremely powerful. Daoist Master, I have people to deal with the others, but this Arrow Hermit..."

After learning that Guan Yutian had members of the Houyi clan under his command, Sword Master immediately dispatched people to search for information about this person. However, after several months, the results were minimal. Apart from knowing that this person was skilled in archery, no other details were known, which made Sword Master feel somewhat uneasy.

“This hidden arrow is indeed a variable, but the city lord need not worry too much. I will deal with this person. I will have to learn a thing or two about the Four Symbols Sun-Shooting Arrow.”

"Then I'll leave everything to you, Daoist Master."

Upon hearing this, Sword Master felt relieved and bowed respectfully to Gu Xu. Gu Xu returned the bow, saying, "City Lord, you flatter me."

Three more days passed. In the Bamboo Rhyme Garden of Sword Casting City, Xiaoyao Lang finished practicing the Great Demon Subduing Fist, the Overlord Fist, and the Thousand-Mile Thunder Whip. After washing up and having breakfast, he was about to go find Jian Xiong when suddenly a dart was shot from outside the garden. Xiaoyao Lang hurriedly dodged it, and the dart whistled and stuck into a wooden pillar. Seeing this, Xiaoyao Lang did not look at the dart and hurriedly ran to the outside room, but found no one there.

"This is!"

Xiaoyao Lang looked at the note pinned by the dart, grabbed the dart with his sleeve, reached out and pulled it off, and took the note. He saw a sentence neatly written on it.

"The Immortal of Wine Encounters Danger at the Sea Shark Palace".

Upon seeing this note, Xiaoyao Lang's expression changed drastically. Recalling the past few days when he had been searching for news of his master, but the city lord and the others had not given him a clear answer, Xiaoyao Lang immediately understood that something must have happened to his master. Even if his life was not in danger, his injuries must be very serious.

Thinking of this, Xiaoyao Lang clenched the note in his hand, packed his things, and left Zhuyun Garden. Just as he was about to leave without saying goodbye, Xiaoyao Lang suddenly cleared his mind and shook his head.

"No, why would I have such a thought? Since the city lord and the others didn't tell me, they must have their reasons. It would be wrong of me to leave without saying a word. I should go and ask the city lord first before making any further plans."

Xiaoyao Lang was not stupid. Now that he had come to his senses, he quickly realized that this was a trap deliberately set by someone for his own benefit.

Inside the Sword Hall, while the Sword Master was dealing with worldly affairs, a disciple entered and said to the Sword Master, "City Lord, Xiaoyao Lang requests an audience."

"Oh, let him in."

Sword Master put down his brush. Since the Immortal of Wine went to the Sea Shark Palace, this carefree young man had only stayed in the Bamboo Rhyme Garden and sparred with Yan Cangfeng. This was his first time returning here.

Upon hearing this, the disciple left, and a moment later, Xiaoyao Lang entered. After exchanging greetings, the Sword Master looked at Xiaoyao Lang and said gently, "Xiaoyao Lang, is there something you need from me?"

Upon hearing this, Xiaoyao Lang dared not conceal anything and told the Sword Master in detail what had happened before, and also presented the dart note to him.

After hearing this, Sword Master's eyes sharpened. An unknown person had actually infiltrated Bamboo Rhyme Garden and even walked up to Xiaoyao Lang. This was simply a slap in his own face. Looking at the dart and note in front of him, a glint flashed in Sword Master's eyes. He gathered his true energy in his palm, reached out and flicked his hand. A layer of light blue energy appeared on the note.

"This is!"

Xiaoyao Lang stared in horror at the blue aura, his heart filled with shock. He knew at a glance that this thing was no good, and despite his precautions, he had still fallen victim to it.

“Nephew, don’t blame yourself too much. This thing is called Bewitching Spirit Qi, which is an extremely rare poison. For this Qi to take effect, it needs to be attached to an object. If someone gets hold of it and inhales even a trace of it, their spiritual consciousness will be clouded, their mind will be restless, and they will quickly forget what they have done.”

Sword Master reached out and grabbed, a flash of crimson light in his palm, condensing the bewitching divine energy into a ball of deep blue water droplets that floated in his palm.

"Does the city lord know the origin of this poison?"

Xiaoyao Lang's face was extremely ugly. He had never made enemies with anyone. Who could have used such despicable means?

"This poison was concocted by the Thousand-Handed Poison King. This man always puts profit first and sets a price. This Bewitching Divine Qi is quite valuable. The only ones with the ability and motivation to buy it, besides the Supreme Alliance, are the Sea Shark Palace and the Azure Eagle Fortress. Nephew, do you have any enemies in the Supreme Alliance?"

"No, but we did have a grudge against the people of Sea Shark Palace and Eagle Fortress. Could it be that those two factions were behind it? But aren't they already..."

Xiaoyao Lang looked puzzled. The Sea Shark Palace had been severely damaged by the Supreme Alliance, and the Eagle Fortress had been greatly weakened by Master Huangfu. They were too busy recuperating in the shadows to actually deal with an unknown nobody like him. It seemed like a loss for them.

"You underestimate these two factions. Helian Ba ​​of the Sea Shark Palace has always been a petty and narrow-minded person. Before, you and Brother Huangfu fought against the Sea Shark Palace and rescued your master. You gave him a good slap in the face. Although the Sea Shark Palace has been destroyed, there are still three thousand ships left. Given his personality, it is not impossible for him to deal with you."

After the Sword Master finished speaking, he already had a guess in his heart. It must have been Helian Ba ​​who did this. He couldn't do anything to Huangfu Changhen and Jiu Zhongxian for the time being, so he had to target Xiaoyao Lang, who was the weakest in martial arts. Moreover, the Sword Master suspected that this was also something Helian Ba ​​deliberately created to distract the power of the Sword Casting City.

"If that's the case, then Helian Ba ​​is truly despicable. It's just that he's nowhere to be found, otherwise I would definitely make him know how powerful I am."

The carefree young man spoke coldly.

“Nephew, leave this matter to me. You should rest and recuperate at your residence.”

"Yes." Xiaoyao Lang hesitated for a moment before agreeing. After saying a few more words, he bowed and left.

Just after Xiaoyao Lang left, Sword Master looked at the note on the table and instructed the Dragon Sword Master beside him, "Go and call Xiong'er over."

The Dragon Sword Envoy said "Yes" and left the Sword Hall. After a while, the Sword Hero followed the Dragon Sword Envoy in.

"Father, is there something you need from me?"

Although the Sword Master has emerged from seclusion, most of the mundane affairs in the city are still handled by the Sword Hero. Unless it is something urgent, the Dragon Sword Master would not be sent. With this in mind, the Sword Hero was already prepared.

"Xiong'er, there's a problem with the city's defenses." Sword Master recounted what had happened to Sword Xiong, whose expression changed drastically upon hearing it.

“This thief is extremely well hidden, and it will not be easy to find him. However, if we can infiltrate Bamboo Rhyme Garden, we can narrow down the search area. Xiong’er, you must do this carefully. There must be no problems in Sword Forging City within these three months.”

"Take this warrant and search every inch of the city. Anyone who obstructs you will be executed without warning!" Sword Master threw a warrant at Sword Hero, who hurriedly took it, unfolded it, and saw that it contained Sword Master's name and the Bloodstained Sword Seal in the lower left corner.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Jianxiong's expression turned serious. Seeing that Jianzun had no further instructions, he clasped his hands in a salute and turned to leave.

"City Lord, do you need our help, Young City Lord?" After a moment's hesitation, the Dragon Sword Envoy asked tentatively.

Upon hearing this, the Sword Master shook his head and said calmly, "Sword Forging City will be handed over to Xiong'er sooner or later. If she fails to complete this test, she will not be my daughter. Fine, send four sword guards to hide in the shadows."

Sword Master was still worried about Sword Hero, so he dispatched his own sword guards. Upon hearing this, Dragon Sword Envoy replied, "Yes."

Three miles outside Sword Forging City, in a dense forest, White Bear, Black Eagle, and twelve assassins from Eagle Fortress stood silently. After a short while, a figure walked towards them. White Bear looked at the person, narrowed his eyes, and gave Black Eagle a look. The latter understood and flashed, landing in front of the figure.

"Greetings, Lord Black Hawk."

The young man in blue robes was startled by Black Hawk's sudden appearance, then delighted. He quickly bowed respectfully, and Black Hawk grunted in response, asking in a deep voice, "How did things go?"

"My lord, both Xiaoyao Lang and Yan Cangfeng have sent men, but none of them have come out yet. Moreover, Jianxiong was just leading his men to search for suspicious individuals. My lord, have they discovered something?"

Black Hawk's expression turned serious upon hearing this. He had thought the matter was a sure thing, but it had indeed failed. What bad luck! Displeased, Black Hawk looked at the blue-robed youth and said impatiently, "Come with me. Tell Lord White Bear the details."

After speaking, Black Hawk took the lead and walked into the depths of the dense forest. The blue-robed youth immediately followed. After walking for a while, the blue-robed youth saw a scholar in a white-patterned robe standing under a tree that would take three people to encircle. His eyes were incredibly deep, and just looking at him seemed to draw him in.

The young man in blue robes dared not look any longer, and quickly composed himself. He took a few steps to the side of the white bear and bowed respectfully, saying, "This humble one, Guo Yue, greets Lord White Bear."

The polar bear glanced at Guo Yue, then at the black eagle whose face was grim, and immediately understood what was going on. He said calmly, "Tell me, what exactly happened?"

Guo Yue dared not hide anything and told him everything he knew in detail. After he finished speaking, Bai Xiong frowned. Logically speaking, this "bewitching powder" was extremely rare. Outsiders had no idea about it. Xiaoyao Lang and Yan Cangfeng were both weak and could easily fall for it. How could they have failed? Could it be that Gu Gu Xu made a move?
After thinking it over again, Bai Xiong felt that the probability of Gu Xu making a move was not high. Why would such a master focus his energy on someone he didn't want to do? The only possibility was that someone in the city recognized this thing.

"Speak your mind, why are you hesitating?" White Bear looked at Guo Yue's hesitant expression and a thought struck him.

"Lord White Bear, although the Bewitching Powder is rare, the Sword Master may not be unaware of it, because Yao Yuansheng, who is skilled in both medicine and poison, is in the city."

"What? Why wasn't such an important matter reported in advance?!"

Before the polar bear could speak, the black eagle heard this and its face turned angry. Its aura surged and swept across, causing Guo Yue's true energy to stagnate and his face to turn pale. Seeing this, the polar bear swept away the energy with its sleeve and a gentle gale protected Guo Yue.

"Second brother!"

The white bear's calm words sent a chill down Black Hawk's spine. He quickly suppressed his aura, but his eyes remained fixed on Guo Yue, making the latter tremble and his legs shake.

“Yao Yuansheng is in Sword Casting City, that makes sense. This Bewitching Powder can fool others, but it can’t fool this guy. It seems we need to change our plans. Guo Yue, I just heard you say that Jianxiong is leading a search party.”

"Yes, I saw it with my own eyes. I was afraid that this would be detrimental to you gentlemen, so I risked coming out to inform you, hoping that you gentlemen can take precautions in advance and avoid falling into their trap."

"Yes, you did a good job. Since Xiaoyao Lang and Yan Cangfeng can't come out for a while, let's take action against this young master of Zhujian City first. Guo Yue, tell us everything about Jianxiong, especially the martial arts he practices."

Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle. The information that White Bear knew about Sword Hero was from several years ago. If he were to formulate a plan based on such information, it would undoubtedly be suicide.

Guo Yue agreed and then explained the martial arts that Jianxiong was practicing.

"Jian Xiong cultivates the Dragon Riding Slash. As far as I know, he has already reached the fifth level. However, I suspect that this information was deliberately leaked. His true progress should be at the sixth or seventh level. He has also cultivated the Sword Shadow Step. When he uses it, it is as if he is hiding in the shadow of swords. If one is not careful, he will surely be killed by his sword. However, as long as one keeps an eye on the direction in which the sword light falls and avoids it in advance, one will be safe. In addition to these two skills, I also suspect that there are several other unique skills, but I don't know why."

After Guo Yue finished speaking, White Bear and Black Eagle fell silent. The Sword Shadow Step was one thing, as their lightness skills were not weak and they could dodge it in advance. But the Dragon Riding Slash was a straightforward and fierce sword move. Not to mention the seventh or sixth level, even the fifth level would be very troublesome.

"It's all up to us. We have no other choice now. We don't expect to kill Jianxiong, we just need to injure him."

After pondering for a moment, the white bear finally decided to give up on killing the swordsman, since this was Sword Forging City and they were at a disadvantage.

"Guo Yue, you go back first. You must figure out the pattern of Jianxiong's search. Once you find it, inform us immediately. You will be rewarded handsomely after the mission is accomplished."

(End of this chapter)