A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 437 Trial Move
Inside the Supreme Alliance, Guan Yutian was dealing with the accumulated mundane affairs. Just as he put down a scroll in his hand, a disciple walked in and bowed respectfully to Guan Yutian, saying, "Alliance Leader, Liao Rushen is outside requesting an audience."

"Tell him to come in."

Guan Yutian didn't even look up, just replied with a sound. The disciple said "Yes" and turned to leave. A moment later, Liao Rushen walked in calmly, holding a feather fan. Looking at Guan Yutian, who was engrossed in handling mundane affairs, Liao Rushen's eyes flickered slightly. He bowed respectfully and said in a solemn voice, "Greetings, Alliance Leader."

Upon hearing this voice, Guan Yutian finally raised his head, glanced at Liao Rushen, and casually said while sketching in the document, "Sit down."

After thanking him, Liao Rushen sat down, followed by a moment of silence. Finally, Liao Rushen broke the silence first, stood up and said to Guan Yutian, "Alliance Leader, now that the Ling Shuang Sword is split in two, they want to open the Chess of Life and Death Treasure, and the two maps of the Chess King Cave are still in their hands. No matter what, they can't get around Sword Casting City. I wonder if the Alliance Leader has any plans?"

Liao Rushen is now in an extremely awkward situation. The battle of Sword Forging City has wiped out all of Eagle Fortress's resources, leaving him all alone. If he wants to get a share of the treasure in the Chess of Life and Death, cooperating with the Supreme Alliance is the best option.

Although the two sides had some unpleasantness because of the Ling Shuang Sword, Liao Rushen believed that there were no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. Now that he was a top expert in his own right, Guan Yutian would not refuse if he joined in.

"So, the only path left for me now is cooperation. What, do you have a good plan that will allow me to obtain the treasure without lifting a finger?"

Guan Yutian snorted coldly, and Liao Rushen looked embarrassed upon hearing this. If he had other ideas, would he have wasted his breath on you? However, although he thought so, he showed a look of shame on his face.

"The subordinates are incompetent."

"Fine, now that you're back, I'll let bygones be bygones. But I'm going to give you a task. If you do it well, I'll reward you handsomely. Otherwise, you know the consequences."

By the end, Guan Yutian's tone had turned extremely cold, and a powerful aura pressed down upon him. Even Liao Rushen, whose cultivation had greatly improved, was shocked and hurriedly expressed his loyalty, saying, "Alliance Leader, please speak. Your subordinate will do his utmost to complete this matter and live up to your trust."

"very good"

Guan Yutian looked at Liao Rushen's expression with satisfaction, then withdrew his aura and threw several yellowed books at Liao Rushen. Liao Rushen hurriedly and carefully caught them. After seeing the titles on the books, Liao Rushen understood.

"To unlock the Chess of Life and Death, playing chess is essential. Although Qianxing is skilled in swordsmanship, his chess skills are somewhat lacking. I hope that he can improve his chess skills within three months without neglecting his swordsmanship. I don't expect him to reach the national level, just a first-class level will suffice."

At this point, Guan Yutian looked at Liao Rushen, who was expressionless, and said in a deep voice, "You are the most outstanding disciple of the Tianji Sect, and your chess skills must be unfathomable. I hope you will not disappoint me."

Upon hearing this, Liao Rushen was immediately alarmed. He put away the chess manual, looked at Guan Yutian, and replied solemnly, "Alliance Leader, rest assured, I will diligently teach you and help Hall Master Ren improve his chess skills as quickly as possible."

"Alright, starting tomorrow, dedicate three hours each day to teaching Qianxing how to play chess. If you need anything, go find Jianyin. If there's nothing else, you can leave now."

Guan Yutian waved his hand, said "Yes" as if he were a god, and turned to leave the main hall.

Just as Liao Rushen stepped out of the main hall, he straightened up and saw Jian Yin's figure. Liao Rushen's eyes flickered slightly. In the battle of Sword Forging City, the Supreme Alliance suffered considerable losses. Most of the elite members of the four halls were lost, and even Xue Jian and Zhu Long were lost. Now, in the Supreme Alliance, apart from Guan Yutian, Jian Yin has the highest status. Since he will be in the Supreme Alliance for a period of time, he must cultivate good relations with him.

Thinking of this, Liao Rushen had an idea, took a few quick steps, and called out to Jian Yin.

Upon hearing the voice from behind, Ji Ai paused and turned around to see Liao Rushen. He turned around and waited in place. Soon after, Liao Rushen slowly walked over.

"Is the Great Protector preparing to go?"

Looking at the baggage on Jianyin's back, Liaorushen was puzzled. The latter did not explain, but just stared at him.

Seeing this, Liao Rushen laughed heartily, waved his feather fan, and said in a calm voice, "I just left from the Alliance Leader's place. For the next three months, I will be teaching Hall Master Ren how to play chess. If there are any troubles in the future, I hope the Great Protector will take good care of me."

After speaking, Liao Rushen clasped his hands in a salute to Jian Yin, who immediately straightened up upon hearing this, returned the salute, and said, "Play chess?"

"Indeed, it is chess. The Great Protector should also know about the Chess of Life and Death Treasure from the Alliance Leader. Chess is an indispensable part of it. Although the Alliance Leader is enthusiastic about this matter, judging from his performance, it seems that he is not paying enough attention to it. Haha, I have said too much. I hope the Great Protector will continue to support me in the future. Farewell."

After bowing again, Liao Rushen left, leaving Jian Yin deep in thought. After a long while, Jian Yin still couldn't figure out what Liao Rushen was trying to say. He shook his head, turned and left. After leaving the alliance, he rode a green horse and, with more than ten guards, headed east.

Inside the secret chamber of the Supreme Alliance, Ren Qianxing sat cross-legged on a jade platform. As he continuously cultivated his true energy and practiced breathing exercises, the Ling Shuang sword beside him also flashed with crimson light. After about half an hour, Ren Qianxing opened his eyes, and a beam of light shot out, causing the surrounding candlesticks to dim and then brighten again.

Reaching out, he drew the Ling Shuang Sword and traced its blade with his fingers. Crimson light flowed and gathered at the tip of the sword in an instant. Ren Qianxing focused his energy in his dantian and slashed with the momentum. The crimson light flashed, and the iron stake he used for sword practice silently broke in two. The break was smooth and clean, with specks of crimson light remaining.

"There are still some flaws. If you practice to the highest level, there shouldn't be any remaining crimson light. It seems that you haven't practiced the sword enough times. Using livestock to practice swordsmanship is definitely not ideal."

Thinking of this, a crimson glint flashed in Ren Qianxing's eyes. Looking at the Ling Shuang sword in his hand, he hardened his heart, sheathed the sword, tidied himself up, and left the secret room. He then went to the dungeon where the Supreme Alliance imprisoned prisoners.

When the dungeon guard saw Ren Qianxing arrive, he hurriedly stepped forward to greet him and whispered, "Master, what brings you here? Is there anything I can do for you?"

Ren Qianxing glanced at the man and said calmly, "Go and bring me Song Tieqiang and Monk Kuxin."

Upon hearing this, the dungeon guard immediately agreed and hurriedly ordered someone to carry it out. Before long, a burly, bearded man and a thin, sallow-skinned monk with a pained expression were brought in. Their limbs were all chained, and both of them were drowsy, as if they had not yet woken up.

Ren Qianxing looked Song Tieqiang and the monk Kuxin up and down. These two were considered top-notch martial arts masters, but because they refused to surrender, they were imprisoned in the dungeon by Guan Yutian.

“Master, these two have been drugged with a mind-altering potion. They are only conscious for two or three hours a day, and the rest of the time they are in a daze and have no idea what has happened.”

Seeing that Ren Qianxing's expression was off, the jailer quickly offered an explanation. Ren Qianxing nodded in response. Although the two had been given the mind-control potion, their original energy had not been greatly damaged. As long as they could recover seven or eight tenths of their strength, it would be enough. So he said to the jailer in a calm voice, "From today onwards, stop giving them the mind-control potion. No matter what method you use, make sure they recover their strength as soon as possible. If you delay my business, I will use you as a sacrifice for my sword."

"Yes, yes, I will certainly do as you say and will not delay your important business."

The jailer, intimidated by Ren Qianxing's imposing manner, broke out in a cold sweat and hastily agreed.

"In addition, every five days, the administration of the mind-control potion to a portion of the prisoners will be stopped, until I, the head of the hall, decide that it is no longer necessary."

After speaking, Ren Qianxing turned and left. The jailer watched Ren Qianxing disappear, waved his hand, and ordered Song Tieqiang and the monk Kuxin to be taken away again.

"We still need to inform the Alliance Leader about this matter." The jailer dared not act on his own. No one, except the Alliance Leader, was allowed to approach the dungeon without permission. Ren Qianxing's unannounced arrival had already broken the rules. However, rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Moreover, everyone in the Supreme Alliance knew that if nothing unexpected happened, this Hall Master Ren would be the next Alliance Leader. The jailer was too busy currying favor to dare offend him. However, despite this, the necessary procedures still had to be followed.

Ren Qianxing had only been gone from the dungeon for a short while when Guan Yutian learned of the news. After reading it, Guan Yutian simply said "I know" and sent the messenger away. The messenger then reported the leader's expressions and actions to the jailer. Upon hearing this, the jailer felt reassured and immediately ordered someone to give Song Tieqiang and the monk Kuxin the antidote for the bewitching soup. He also ordered someone to bring the Yuan-replenishing pill and mix it into their food.

"Monk, what's going on here? Why did Guan Yutian suddenly stop using the bewitching potion and even use this top-quality qi-tonifying pill?"

Three days later, in two adjacent cells, after finishing his meal, Song Tieqiang realized that his strength had recovered to about 70-80%. However, he felt no joy and was somewhat restless. He looked at the monk Kuxin in the other cell, who first chanted a Buddhist prayer before saying, "What is meant to be will be. We are powerless to do what Guan Yutian wants to do. We can only take it one step at a time."

After the monk Kuxin finished speaking, he silently sat down to meditate again, which bored Song Tieqiang. After muttering a few words, he lay down on the straw mat.

Two more days passed. Song Tieqiang looked at the smiling jailer and was shocked. Before he could ask any questions, the jailer clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Mr. Song, your luck has come! The Alliance Leader has spoken. As long as you can defeat Hall Master Ren in even one move, the Alliance Leader will immediately agree to release you. Not only that, but he will also return all the people your sect has acquired. Isn't this a great joy?"

Upon hearing this, Song Tieqiang was first stunned, then overjoyed, and finally looked at the jailer with a wary expression, saying in a deep voice, "What exactly is Guan Yutian planning!"

"Mr. Song, the Alliance Leader is always a man of his word. Let me be frank with you this time. The Alliance Leader did this because he hopes that a senior martial arts master like you can give Master Ren some pointers and find the flaws in his moves."

After the jailer finished speaking, he looked at Song Tieqiang's gloomy face and continued, "Of course, if you, sir, are unwilling, that's fine too..."

Before the jailer could finish speaking, Song Tieqiang said coldly, "That's settled then. I hope Guan Yutian will keep his word."

Song Tieqiang had been imprisoned for three years and knew nothing about the recent events outside. Ren Qianxing was just a junior, and even if he recovered eighty percent of his strength, he would be able to deal with him. Why not do this sure-fire deal?

"That's good. Mr. Song, please come with me." The jailer was delighted to hear that Song Tieqiang had agreed. He ordered his men to unlock the iron locks and led Song Tieqiang to a training ground.

"Mr. Song, here is your weapon. Please warm it up first. Master Ren will be here soon."

The jailer waved to the back, and two men appeared carrying a seven-foot-long, dark iron spear. The spearhead was gleaming, and under the sunlight, it shone with a cold light that sent chills down one's spine. The fluttering red tassels resembled fresh blood, adding to the grim atmosphere.

Song Tieqiang glanced at his weapon, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. In a flash, he kicked the spear into the air, then leaped upwards, grabbing the end of the spear with one hand and pulling it back. The moment he landed, the spear was placed horizontally. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a series of exquisite spear techniques, the spear moving like a dragon, leaving a trail of afterimages and a whistling wind sweeping through the air. The jailer and his two henchmen watched in terror.

The jailer glanced at Song Tieqiang, who was enthusiastically wielding his spear, and gave his two henchmen a look. The three of them quietly left and returned to the cell. Looking at the monk Kuxin, who was sitting in meditation, the jailer coughed and woke Kuxin up.

"Zen Master, what has your decision been?"

The jailer had initially tried to persuade Monk Kuxin, but the latter remained unresponsive. He had no choice but to try a different approach. Now that Song Tieqiang had been convinced, the jailer was coming to persuade him again. He thought he would fail again, but to his surprise, Monk Kuxin readily agreed after he finished speaking.

"Master, please."

The jailer ordered his men to unlock the iron lock. The monk Kuxin glanced at the jailer indifferently, then slowly walked out of the cell. Before long, the three of them arrived at the training ground. At that moment, Song Tieqiang had just finished performing a set of spear techniques. Upon seeing the monk Kuxin, his face lit up with joy. He planted his spear in the ground and quickly walked over.

After exchanging greetings, Monk Kuxin looked at Song Tieqiang's beaming face and sighed inwardly. He swallowed back the words he was about to say. A few moments later, just as Song Tieqiang was getting impatient, Ren Qianxing finally arrived.

"Is this the so-called Master Ren you mentioned?" Song Tieqiang looked at the figure walking towards him with a solemn expression. Just one glance was enough to tell that this person was no ordinary person. In particular, the chilling sword intent that filled his body made him very wary. This person was only twenty years old, yet he had such skill. No wonder he was trusted by Guan Yutian and was in charge of the White Tiger Hall.

"Master, have you noticed anything?" Song Tieqiang was already feeling some regret. Ren Qianxing was not as easy to deal with as he had previously estimated. If he made a mistake, he would lose his reputation. Although he didn't have much of his reputation left, he could not tolerate being defeated by a junior.

"This boy is extremely bloodthirsty, and his body is full of wronged souls. The sword he is holding is also extraordinary. The only way to deal with such a person is to launch a swift attack. We must not let him seize any opportunity, or we will be utterly defeated."

Ever since Ren Qianxing appeared, the monk Kuxin had felt an increasingly strong sense of foreboding. Looking at the long sword with a black sheath and a gold hilt that Ren Qianxing was carrying, everything he could see was crimson.

"Greetings, seniors. My sword skills are still in their infancy and I need guidance from an expert. I humbly request your instruction."

Ren Qianxing stepped forward, waved away the three jailers, and bowed respectfully to Song Tieqiang and Monk Kuxin. Upon hearing this, the two men's expressions softened slightly, and they returned the bow. Song Tieqiang said solemnly, "Since Hall Master Ren says so, we will certainly accompany you. However, swords have no eyes, and if we handle sharp blades, we may be injured if we are not careful. Why don't we test our skills with wooden spears and wooden swords?"

As soon as Song Tieqiang finished speaking, Ren Qianxing shook his head and said in a deep voice, "To be honest, senior, the core of my sword technique is to advance without retreating. If I use a wooden sword, I'm afraid it will be difficult to improve. Senior, you don't need to worry so much. Just make your move."

After Ren Qianxing finished speaking, Song Tieqiang and Monk Kuxin exchanged a glance, and finally nodded and said in a deep voice, "Very well, then please be careful, Hall Master Ren. Now I will test Hall Master Ren's skills. Please."

"please!"

Seeing this, Monk Kuxin immediately withdrew from the battlefield and came to a distance of about ten feet. He turned his prayer beads and looked at the two who were clashing with each other. Before they even drew their weapons, their auras were already pressing down on each other like an overwhelming wave. After a moment of stalemate, Song Tieqiang could not hold on any longer. He shouted and broke free from the aura's restraint. He looked at Ren Qianxing with a solemn expression, raised his hand, and swept a powerful palm force towards Ren Qianxing's lower ribs. Upon seeing this, the latter swung his right hand and cut the incoming palm force vertically.

Seeing this, Song Tieqiang's expression changed again. He immediately changed his palm technique, and the two exchanged blows. After several moves, Song Tieqiang became more and more alarmed. Seeing that the opponent's attack was becoming more and more fierce, he moved in an instant, reached out and grabbed his iron spear. The spear gleamed coldly, and the red tassel swirled around it. He then thrust it towards Ren Qianxing.

"Well done!"

A glint flashed in Ren Qianxing's eyes, and with a clang, the Ling Shuang sword in his hand rose into the sky. He reached out and gripped it, and with a flash of crimson light, a few soft clanging sounds were heard as the sword's edge clashed with the iron spear.

"This young man is so young, yet his inner strength is so profound. Guan Yutian is truly blessed."

Song Tieqiang was shocked. The weapons clashed several times, and each collision made his wrists ache and numb. His spear seemed to slip out of his hand. Sensing the unfavorable situation, Song Tieqiang immediately focused his attention and wielded the "Lightning Flying Spear" with great force. The slight advantage that Ren Qianxing had managed to gain was quickly reversed. Moreover, the "Lightning Flying Spear" was unpredictable and caused Ren Qianxing a lot of trouble when they first encountered it. However, after Song Tieqiang finished his set of spear techniques, Ren Qianxing anticipated his opponent's moves.

After trembling for a while, seeing that Song Tieqiang could no longer put pressure on him, Ren Qianxing shouted to the monk Kuxin beside him.

"Master, please enlighten me!"

Meanwhile, inside Sword Forging City, Gu Xu was also teaching Yan Zangfeng how to cultivate the Heavenly Will Four Symbols Technique.

(End of this chapter)