A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 417 Meeting
November 8th, late at night
Four figures appeared outside the Supreme Alliance camp, the leader of whom was none other than Helian Ba.

Looking at the tents illuminated by candlelight, Helian Ba ​​turned to Changyangzi and the other two and said, "Since we have come to make an agreement, let's go in openly and honestly."

Hearing Helian Ba's words, Changyangzi and the other two couldn't help but show strange expressions, but they didn't say anything and just nodded. Helian Ba ​​was very satisfied with this and immediately walked out of the darkness. The other three followed him. Their movement immediately alerted the patrolling disciples.

"who!"

With a deep shout, more than ten beams of fire shone toward Helian Ba, accompanied by the sounds of weapons being drawn. Helian Ba ​​was momentarily stunned by the firelight, his brow furrowed, and he immediately addressed the source of the firelight, saying in a solemn voice: "Helian Ba ​​of the Sea Shark Palace, together with Changyangzi, the Cave Master of Changling Cave, Fu Xiao, the Head of the Qingpeng Sect, and Zhao Qian, the Crimson Sand Divine Palm, request an audience with the Leader of the Supreme Alliance."

Helian Ba's shout startled the patrolling disciples, whose expressions changed drastically. The leader of the disciples remained calm and composed, and after regaining his composure, he called out loudly, "Please wait a moment, seniors, while I go and inform them."

After speaking, the disciple gave an order to his subordinates and immediately headed towards the center of the camp, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

The remaining disciples dared not be careless and looked at the three opposite them as if facing a formidable enemy, without putting down their torches. Helian Ba ​​and the other three did not care and waited calmly. They did not have to wait long. Soon, a familiar figure appeared in Helian Ba's eyes. When he saw that it was this person, a glint flashed in Helian Ba's eyes. It seemed that his goal this time was very likely to succeed.

"Senior Helian, my master requests your presence."

As Ren Qianxing was discussing with Guan Yutian how to enter the city the next day, he suddenly heard Helian Ba's voice from outside. Then, a disciple reported back, and Guan Yutian immediately summoned him without hesitation.

"So it's Hall Master Ren. It's been a long time. Your martial arts have improved so much. Alliance Master Guan has a worthy successor. My three friends, this is Alliance Master Guan's prized disciple, Ren Qianxing of the White Tiger Hall."

Helian Ba ​​noticed the sharp sword energy emanating from Ren Qianxing and his expression turned solemn. This sword energy was extremely aggressive. He had only tried to probe it, and his true energy was scattered by the sword energy before it even got within three feet of him. He had never seen such a ruthless sword move before.

"Master Ren is so young to be in charge of the White Tiger Hall, he has a bright future ahead of him."

When Changyangzi and the other two heard Helian Ba's introduction that the young man in front of them, who was not yet twenty, was Ren Qianxing, they were all shocked. They had paid attention to the younger generation in the martial arts world, and Ren Qianxing was ranked first, followed by Jianxiong. They originally thought that was an exaggeration, but after seeing him tonight, they realized that his reputation was well-deserved.

"This person's vital energy is so vigorous that if I could absorb his true energy, it would be enough to add another ten years to my lifespan."

A glint of greed flashed in Changyangzi's eyes. He was already over a hundred years old, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, his progress in this life would stop at the peak of the first-class realm, making further progress difficult. However, the appearance of Helian Ba ​​brought him hope. If he could obtain the Nine Dragon Stone and use its power to increase his lifespan, he might be able to break through the limitations and achieve the Innate Realm.

Fu Xiao looked at Ren Qianxing with a solemn expression. The Qingpeng Sect was in a period of decline, with no outstanding figures in the next generation. It was not hard to imagine that once he passed away, the Qingpeng Sect would inevitably decline. He had heard that Ren Qianxing was a person who liked to fight. It was not good news for him that Ren Qianxing had taken over the Supreme Alliance. In particular, his amazing aura made him very frightened. Thinking of this, Fu Xiao couldn't help but feel murderous.

Changyangzi and Fu Xiao both harbored ill intentions, but Zhao Qian had no such thoughts. As long as the Supreme Alliance didn't cause him any trouble, he was too lazy to go against them.

"Four of you, please come in."

Regardless of their thoughts, Ren Qianxing gestured behind him, and the four of them nodded and followed him into the interior. After the five of them left, the patrolling disciples finally breathed a sigh of relief, as the oppressive atmosphere had made them feel suffocated.

"Keep patrolling, and all of you better watch out. If anything happens, you'll be held responsible!"

"Yes!"

Ren Qianxing led Helian Ba ​​and the other three to the outside of the main tent. After announcing their arrival, the five of them entered the tent. At this moment, three people were sitting in the main tent. Guan Yutian was in the center, with Zhu Long and Xue Jian sitting on his left and right respectively.

Upon seeing Helian Ba ​​and the others enter, Guan Yutian stood up, and Zhu and Xue also hurriedly stood up as well.

"Alliance Leader Guan, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

"Thanks to Brother Helian, I'm doing quite well. You've come from afar, and the fog is thick in the night. Please have a cup of hot tea to warm yourselves up."

After exchanging greetings, everyone took their seats as host and guest, and their subordinates served hot tea.

Helian Ba ​​and the others didn't touch the hot tea on the table, and Guan Yutian didn't seem to mind.

"Alliance Leader Guan, let's not beat around the bush. Tonight, I've come with a few friends to discuss an important matter with you."

"Oh, I'm all ears."

Guan Yutian's heart stirred slightly, and he looked at Helian Ba ​​with a deep gaze. The latter was stunned by that gaze and was momentarily dazed, but he quickly recovered and said with some apprehension, "I and a few friends have come here specifically to lend Alliance Leader Guan a hand in breaking through Sword Casting City!"

After Helian Ba ​​finished speaking, Ren Qianxing's expression remained unchanged. Zhu Lang and Xue Jian were taken aback at first, but then returned to their usual calm. Guan Yutian, however, looked at Helian Ba ​​with a hint of interest and said in a low voice, "That's strange. Our two families are practically mortal enemies. Why would you help me? Put yourself in my shoes. Do you think this is possible? Do you think I can believe it?"

"Alliance Leader, you are mistaken. The world is bustling with activity, all for profit. It is true that the Sea Shark Palace and the Supreme Alliance have grudges, but this does not affect our cooperation, especially on the same matter."

"The Frost-Piercing Sword is a rare treasure of the world, coveted by everyone. Although the Supreme Alliance is the number one sect, are you confident in taking it down against the Sword-Forging City, which has the upper hand?"

Guan Yutian pondered for a moment upon hearing this. Helian Ba ​​and the other two exchanged glances, feeling somewhat relieved. It seemed that the plan was progressing smoothly. Zhu Long and Xue Jian, on the other hand, looked at Helian Ba ​​with grim expressions.

"Senior Helian, are you perhaps implying that as long as your side joins us, we can easily conquer Sword Forging City? I would like to ask, what is the source of your confidence?"

Ren Qianxing glanced at his master, who was still deep in thought, and immediately asked Helian Ba. The latter replied, "Hall Master Ren, although the Sea Shark Palace has been destroyed, its strength still remains. With the addition of Changling Cave and Qingpeng Sect, and the combined strength of our four families, surely we can take down Sword Casting City?"

"Besides the mysterious and unpredictable Daoist Gu Xu, Sword Casting City also has top-tier experts such as Sword Venerable, Huangfu Changhen, Master Sixin, and Wine Immortal. Although the Supreme Alliance is not weak, the number of experts on the surface is still less than that of Sword Casting City. However, as long as your sect joins forces with us, we can overpower Sword Casting City."

After Helian Ba ​​finished speaking, Changyangzi and the other two all turned their gazes toward Guan Yutian, who was sitting at the head of the table.

"Since Brother Helian is so sincere, then I, the Alliance Leader, will naturally agree. However, let me make this clear beforehand: once our two families form an alliance, before the matter is settled, anyone who dares to disrupt the plan will not be forgiven by me. Brother Helian, what do you think?" Guan Yutian finished speaking and stared intently at Helian Ba. Upon hearing this, the latter's expression turned solemn, and he said in a righteous voice, "What Alliance Leader Guan says makes sense. So be it. Before the destruction of Sword Forging City, our two families must not have any conflict."

Changyangzi and the other two nodded in agreement.

"Now that both sides have reached a consensus, we still need to come up with a plan on how to implement it. We need to make full use of our advantages. Alliance Leader Guan, we must treat Gu Xu with caution."

Helian Ba ​​was extremely wary of Gu Xu. Several years ago, Gu Xu had defeated him with just one palm strike. Now, recalling that palm strike, he realized that with his current martial arts skills, he could withstand it, but he would have to use all his strength. Moreover, he did not believe that Gu Xu's skills had not improved at all over the years. Therefore, he would be doomed to defeat him if he faced him.

“Gu Xu is difficult to deal with, but I am not without trump cards. I will hand him over to the Supreme Alliance. Apart from him, Huangfu Changhen, Jiu Zhongxian, Jian Xiong and Yan Cangfeng can all be dealt with by the Supreme Alliance. As for the remaining Sword Venerable, Master Sixin, the Four Great Sword Envoys and the hidden masters, I will leave them to Brother Helian and everyone else.”

Guan Yutian swiftly and decisively arranged his opponents, giving Helian Ba ​​no chance to react. After listening, the latter did not object and immediately agreed, which made Guan Yutian raise an eyebrow.

"It seems that Brother Helian is also very confident in Sword Master and the others."

"I can't say I'm confident, but as long as I know where the opponent's weaknesses are, I can attack with a clear objective. Although the Sword Master's Dragon Riding Slash is unparalleled in the world and extremely powerful, it consumes a lot of true energy. As long as we keep fighting, even if we can't win, we won't be defeated."

"As for Abbess Sixin, although the Seven Absolute Melodies are hard to defend against, it's a pity she hasn't mastered the seventh level. I'm very familiar with the flaws in the melodies, and when we fight, I will definitely give her a big surprise."

Helian Ba ​​confidently analyzed the two masters, but he failed to notice that Ren Qianxing and Guan Yutian exchanged a glance, and a fleeting look of joy flashed in their eyes.

"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will win every battle. Brother Helian is indeed a grandmaster. As long as Brother Helian and the three of you can hold off these two, I, the leader of the alliance, am confident that I can destroy Sword Casting City. Once that happens, the Frost Sword will be mine, and Sword Casting City will be yours."

"With our combined efforts, Sword Forging City is already trapped like a turtle in a jar, hahaha."

Guan Yutian laughed loudly, while Zhu Long and Xue Jian laughed together a few times. Ren Qianxing remained indifferent, glancing at Helian Ba ​​before looking away.

Looking at the laughing Guan Yutian, a sharp glint flashed in Helian Ba's eyes, but he only exchanged a glance with Changyangzi and the other two.

"The alliance has been established. I wonder if Alliance Leader Guan could inform us of the day when the Ling Shuang Sword will be born, so that we can be prepared and avoid delaying our actions."

"December 12th, midnight."

Guan Yutian readily gave the time, and Helian Ba ​​felt reassured. He immediately replied, "Alright, when you make your move on December 12th, you can release the fireworks, and we will cooperate to annihilate Sword Forging City in one fell swoop!"

Helian Ba ​​stood up, clasped his hands in a salute to Guan Yutian, and said, "It's getting late today, and we apologize for disturbing you. We'll take our leave now."

"Alright, Qianxing, see them off for me." Guan Yutian stood up, returned the greeting, and gave the order to Ren Qianxing.

"Yes, Master."

Ren Qianxing led Helian Ba ​​and his group out of the camp and then returned to Guan Yutian's tent.

"Master, Helian Ba, he..."

Ren Qianxing hesitated, but Guan Yutian nodded and said, "It's obvious that Helian Ba ​​has ill intentions, but I don't care about that. In the face of absolute strength, all schemes are utterly useless. Qianxing, you must remember that as long as you are strong enough, you can achieve anything with ease. I'm afraid I won't be able to do that in my lifetime, but you are exceptionally talented. If you also have the help of the Frost Sword, reaching that level will no longer be a pipe dream."

"Master, I..."

Ren Qianxing looked at Guan Yutian in shock as he listened to the meaning behind Guan Yutian's words. The latter looked at Ren Qianxing with a loving expression and said gently, "You are my only successor. Your master will do everything in his power to help you. With the Ling Shuang Sword in hand, you can easily become the supreme master of the martial arts world. You must not let your master down."

Guan Yutian sighed inwardly. Ever since he learned that Ren Qianxing was his son, Guan Yutian was both shocked and ashamed. The joy of the birth of the Ling Shuang Sword was greatly diminished. Then he thought of the curse of cultivating a sword that could separate lifetimes.

"Let me do one last thing for you this time."

Guan Yutian thought of the records in the ancestral register and made up his mind.

"We will arrive at Sword Forging City tomorrow. You should go and get some rest."

Ren Qianxing nodded upon hearing this, bowed, and turned to leave. Watching Ren Qianxing's departing figure, Guan Yutian looked at the disappearing black shadow outside the tent with a slightly cold gaze, snorted coldly, and then sat cross-legged on the bed, silently meditating.

On the other side, after Helian Ba ​​and his three companions returned to their camp, Changyangzi said in a deep voice, "Just now, Guan Yutian said he had a way to deal with Daoist Guxu. This person is another variable. Brother Helian, do you know his background?"

Changyangzi did not doubt that Guan Yutian was making things up out of thin air, after all, at this critical moment, even the slightest mistake could lead to complete failure.

"I don't know, but it's not a big problem. Since that person can deal with Gu Xu, he can at least keep him occupied for a while. That's enough time for us to do a lot of things."

Helian Ba's expression also became much more solemn. However, just as Guan Yutian did not trust them, Helian Ba ​​did not intend to cooperate perfectly. They had only one goal: the Ling Shuang Sword. In addition to the four of them on the surface, there was another force lurking, waiting for the crucial moment to strike with lightning speed.

"I hope everything goes smoothly. Brother Helian will handle Sword Master, and I will handle Abbess Sixin."

"The Seven Absolutes Zither of Despair is not easy to deal with. The Master of Changyang Cave alone may not be able to handle it. It would be better if the three of you dealt with it together. The Seven Absolutes Zither of Despair has not been mastered to the seventh level. So as long as you can hold out for three quarters of an hour until the sixth level, you can disrupt the melody when she is in the Yin-Yang cycle and break it in one fell swoop. This musical skill can only be mastered by Sect Leader Fu."

"This is a matter I cannot shirk. I have long wanted to learn a few tricks from Abbess Sixin and see whether her Seven Wonders of the Qin Music is more powerful or my Azure Heaven Nine Springs Ode is superior!"

(End of this chapter)