A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 439 Yingluo Shouxin
Two months passed in the blink of an eye. In the training ground behind the Supreme Alliance, Guan Yutian looked at Ren Qianxing, who was like a demon god descending to earth, and nodded in satisfaction. Although the progress of the Sword Across the World was a bit slow, he had finally reached the highest level, which was worth all his hard work.

Ren Qianxing was currently contemplating the battle he had just fought with his eyes closed. All three of his opponents were top-tier fighters, but under the power of the "One Sword Separates Worlds" technique, they couldn't even last three moves before dying on the spot. After killing these three, Ren Qianxing felt the seal that had been binding him shatter instantly. An almost uncontrollable surge of violent energy rose up, instantly filling his entire dantian. His whole body was enveloped in baleful energy, almost solidifying into a tangible form.

"drink!"

Ren Qianxing opened his eyes, casually swung the Ling Shuang Sword, and a flash of crimson light appeared on the sword. An invisible sword aura shot towards the boulder next to him. The sword aura passed through it, and the boulder snapped in two with a crack. The half of the boulder rolled down and exploded with a bang, blasting into countless fragments of gravel that shot in all directions.

"Is this the highest level of 'a sword that can separate worlds'? Its power is indeed astonishing."

Ren Qianxing was very satisfied; this kind of sword technique was indeed the best for him.

"Qianxing, you have completely mastered the skill of 'One Sword Separates Worlds.' In the coming period, in addition to the necessary sword training, you must also get good at Go. According to the scouts, Yan Cangfeng is being personally taught by Gu Xu. You must not be careless."

After Guan Yutian finished speaking, Ren Qianxing's eyes flickered slightly. If there was anyone he could be wary of now, it would only be the unfathomable Gu Xu Daoren. Even though his martial arts skills had now surpassed his master's, he still couldn't see through Gu Xu Daoren when he thought back to the past.

"Master, rest assured, as long as Daoist Gu Xu doesn't make a move recklessly, Yan Zangfeng will be my defeated opponent."

"Well, you don't need to worry about this. Just leave it to me, Daoist Gu Xu. He has always been upright and honest, and he never bullies the weak. Otherwise, he wouldn't have put Yan Zangfeng out to fight you. As long as you defeat Yan Zangfeng fairly and squarely, we will be in the right, and he probably won't say anything. If he dares to go back on his word, then we'll all perish together, and no one will get the treasure."

Guan Yutian had his own plans. If Gu Xuzhen really made a move regardless of everything, he would give him a big gift.

"Master, what about Helian Ba?"

Ren Qianxing didn't think Helian Ba ​​would stay put. He had suffered a huge defeat in Sword Casting City, and he certainly wouldn't swallow that insult. Moreover, the Frost Sword and the treasure were a great temptation for someone as ambitious as him.

"Heh, Helian Ba ​​hasn't been idle lately either. He's already contacted several sects, but they're all like grasshoppers after autumn, they won't be able to jump around for long. Right now, your One Sword Across the World needs a top expert to sharpen it. On the day when Mars guards the heart, use him to consecrate the sword."

Guan Yutian was well aware that Helian Ba ​​was colluding with various factions in the martial arts world, but he did not stop him. He took this opportunity to eliminate all the forces in the martial arts world that did not obey him, so that when Qianxing took over the Supreme Alliance, he would leave him with a clean and peaceful martial arts world.

Anle Town, Juxian Inn
At noon, when the inn is busiest, the largest inn in Anle Town was closed. The outside was deserted, but the inside was bustling with noise. In the lobby, there were more than a dozen tables, each with seven or eight people, men, women, children, monks, nuns and laypeople. They were drinking and shouting, making a noisy scene, just like a bustling market.

In a private room on the second floor, four people sat facing each other around a square table. The one in the main seat was Helian Ba, with Lian Chixue and Bai Yu'er standing behind him. Opposite him was a black-faced Taoist with a sinister look, white hair and beard, and wearing an apricot-yellow Taoist robe. This person was the junior brother of Changyangzi, the master of Changsheng Cave, and the Venerable Changmo.

"Brother Helian, there's no need for further words. I'll just ask one question: Does the Chess of Life and Death treasure truly contain the art of bringing withered trees back to life?"

Master Changmo stared intently at Helian Ba ​​with his triangular eyes. Upon hearing this, the latter said solemnly, "Master, I can assert that the Chess of Life and Death treasure must contain this technique. Otherwise, Brother Changyangzi would not have been silenced by the people of Sword Casting City. Master, please see, this is my evidence."

As Helian Ba ​​spoke, he took out an exquisite jade box from his robes. The three of them immediately looked over. The jade box was opened, and inside lay a pure white, flawless oval jade stone. Its aura was as clear as water, and a cool sensation made people feel refreshed. But that was secondary. Changmo Shangren stared at the oval jade stone without blinking, and his breath caught in his throat. The jade stone was actually filled with a trace of vibrant life force, and the cool sensation was just the aftereffect of this energy.

With a snap, Helian Ba ​​closed the lid, and the three of them reluctantly withdrew their gazes, watching as Helian Ba ​​put the jade box away.

"Gentlemen, I obtained this jade box from Sword Forging City. If I am not mistaken, this item must have been obtained from the Chess of Life and Death treasure by Sword Forging City. Even if it is just a small part, it is so wonderful. What kind of treasure must be hidden in the deepest part? Are you all willing to give it up?"

Seeing the fanatical expressions on the faces of the three, Changmo Shangren and the others, Helian Ba ​​pressed his advantage and continued, "This Chess of Life and Death Treasure was originally built by Ying Shuntian by plundering the martial world, so it should naturally belong to the entire martial world. Why did the Sword Casting City and the Supreme Alliance decide on its ownership? Did they even ask us? I really couldn't bear to see you all being deceived, so after much deliberation, I risked being hunted down to tell you all about this. I hope you will consider this carefully before making a decision."

After Helian Ba ​​finished speaking, he remained silent, picked up his teacup, and sipped his tea.

Seeing this, Master Changmo pondered, "Although Helian Ba ​​was hiding something in his words, the item he took out was undeniably real. In the current martial arts world, there are almost no families that can produce such a divine object. Even if they do, their reserves must be very limited. If what Helian Ba ​​said is true, and I obtained the art of reviving withered trees, I can add years to my life. The longevity methods in my sect still have too many drawbacks."

Thinking of this, Changmo Shangren felt reassured and looked at Helian Badao: "Brother Helian, count me in for this matter. But let me make it clear beforehand that I only want the 'Withered Tree Rejuvenation Technique' and nothing else. If you can help me achieve my wish, I will do my best to help you achieve yours as well."

"Good, Master is as straightforward as ever. With Master joining us, our strength has increased considerably. Brother Zheng, Brother Lu, what about you two?"

Helian Ba ​​was overjoyed to see that Master Changmo had agreed. He then turned to look at the middle-aged scholar in a blue robe and a jade crown. The man was only about thirty years old, with a fair complexion and no beard. This man was Zheng Jing, the current sect leader of the Qingpeng Sect. After the news of Fu Xiao's death reached the sect, he seized the position of sect leader with his superb skills.

However, Zheng Jing's position was not very secure. Although he had purged a group of people, several elders in the sect were outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, and even secretly put forward Fu Xiao's disciple to seize the position of sect leader. How could Zheng Jing tolerate this? Although he later suppressed it, Zheng Jing hoped to accomplish a major task to win the support of the disciples below.

"The former sect leader died in Sword Forging City. We must get an explanation no matter what, otherwise I, Zheng, will have no face to sit in the sect leader anymore. As for the treasure of the Chess of Life and Death, we'll talk about it after we find it."

Zheng Jing straightened his expression and clasped his hands in a salute to Helian Ba. The latter returned the salute, but inwardly sneered. This Zheng Jing was indeed a cunning old fox. His high-sounding words were quite good, but it was fine this way. No matter what he was up to, as long as he could help him, that was fine. Once the treasure of the Chess of Life and Death was found, all these people could be abandoned.

Master Changmo and Zheng Jing both agreed. Finally, all three of them looked at Lu Wen at the same time. Helian Ba ​​looked at Lu Wen, who was sipping his tea, and said, "Brother Lu, what do you think?"

Of the three present, Helian Ba ​​was most concerned not with Master Changmo and Zheng Jing, but with Lu Wen. This man came from Xiangxi and was famous in the martial arts world for his puppetry skills. Many years ago, he used his self-created "Living Refinement" technique to turn all 172 members of the Baichuan family into dead puppets, which made him famous. However, it also aroused the fear of the martial arts world in Xiangxi. After a series of attacks, it took a heavy price to destroy all his puppets. After that, he disappeared without a trace.

Helian Ba's encounter with Lu Wen this time was also by chance. They became friends after a fight. Helian Ba ​​was in dire need of help and didn't care about saving face, so he pulled Lu Wen over to him.

"I'm not interested in the treasure of the Chess of Life and Death, but I'm very tempted by the corpses of martial arts masters. Brother Helian, there must be quite a few masters who have fallen in this battle of Chess of Life and Death. I'll go and collect their corpses. What do you think?"

Lu Wen chuckled, but his words sent chills down Lian Chixue and Bai Yu'er's spines. With his hoarse voice and chilling aura, he looked like a ruthless demon who would devour people without spitting out the bones. They wondered if it was a good thing or a bad thing for their master to invite such a person to join them.

"Alright, since the three of you agree, then I have nothing more to say. In another month, it will be the day when Mars guards the heart. Although we do not know the location of the treasure of the Chess of Life and Death, as long as we keep an eye on Sword Casting City and the Supreme Alliance, we will not make a mistake. Master, I will leave the task of keeping an eye on Sword Casting City."

Helian Ba ​​simply didn't have enough manpower available, so he could only have Master Changmo keep an eye on things. Upon hearing this, the latter immediately agreed.

After discussing the matter further and finalizing some details, the four left the room and arrived at the main hall. Looking at the noisy crowd, Helian Ba ​​frowned, gathered his energy in his dantian, and shouted, "Everyone!" This immediately silenced all the noise. Those with shallow skills were even shaken by the sound, their eyes seeing stars and their blood surging. Even the three of them, including Master Changmo, felt their breath catch slightly upon hearing this, and looked at Helian Ba ​​with solemn expressions.

"Such profound internal strength! The four great masters of the martial arts world truly live up to their reputation." Master Changmo's eyes flickered as he looked at Helian Ba, who had spoken. Turning his head, he saw Zheng Jing also looking over. The two exchanged a glance before withdrawing their gazes. "These are all excellent materials for forging weapons." Lu Wen's eyes gleamed as he looked at the many martial arts figures in the hall, especially when he saw the fierce-looking monk with a skull around his neck, the frosty-faced nun in her plain robe, and the dwarf cutting meat with a knife. His greed was almost impossible to conceal.

It seemed that his gaze was too intense, for the monk, the nun, and the dwarf sensed it at the same time. After seeing Lu Wen's appearance, the three of them changed their expressions slightly, but then they snorted coldly.

Seeing this, Lu Wen smiled knowingly, withdrew his gaze, and looked at Helian Ba, who was praising the martial arts practitioners with a bored expression. This Helian Ba ​​was indeed worthy of being a powerful leader. His verbal skills were truly remarkable. In just a short while, he had stirred up the emotions of everyone, and they were all shouting words like "treasure" and "Ling Shuang Sword".

"Boring."

Lu Wen muttered something, turned around and sat down to the side, poured himself a cup of tea and drank it alone. Just then, his expression suddenly changed, and with a flick of his wrist, the teacup shot out of the door as fast as lightning. To everyone's astonishment, the inn door cracked open, revealing a group of black-clad swordsmen. The leader was holding the teacup that Lu Wen had thrown.

With a crack, the teacup shattered. The black-clad swordsman's gaze pierced through the crowd, looking directly at Helian Ba. Helian Ba ​​looked at the black-clad swordsman and said in a deep voice, "So you're Guan Yutian's lackey."

Upon hearing this, most of the martial arts practitioners present were terrified. Although they had been invited, it did not mean they were not afraid of the Supreme Alliance. Now that they heard that the Supreme Alliance had arrived, some of them secretly covered their faces to avoid being recognized by the Supreme Alliance and causing trouble for their sects.

"I have come here today only for Helian Ba. You may all leave. I will pretend I did not witness what happened today."

Mu Rongyi spoke loudly, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears. Some people's expressions changed repeatedly upon hearing this. Then, a masked man in green stepped forward, glanced at Mu Rongyi, and the latter waved his hand. His subordinates immediately made way for him. Upon seeing this, the masked man in green bowed to Mu Rongyi, and his figure flickered, quickly disappearing from everyone's sight.

With someone taking the lead, in no time at all, most of the people in the hall had left, leaving only twelve people in the end.

“Skull Monk, Benevolent Child, Abbess Suyin… are you really going to fight the Supreme Alliance to the very end?”

Mu Rongyi coldly looked at the twelve people in front of him. Apart from the three skeleton monks who were somewhat capable, the rest were just unorthodox practitioners who were not worth his attention.

"Guan Yutian is really quite arrogant. Why does he have to interfere with the three of us having a meal at Juxian Inn? Isn't Guan Yutian being a bit too nosy?"

The skeleton monk's fleshy face trembled, and a buzzing sound rang out, causing the table and walls to vibrate continuously. Everyone present felt dizzy. Upon seeing this, Mu Rongyi snorted coldly, slammed his longsword into the ground, and with a clang, the buzzing evil sound instantly dissipated.

"A mere trick, yet you dare to show off." Mu Rongyi shouted, then flicked his fingers repeatedly, sending out bursts of finger energy that struck vital points all over the skeleton monk's body.

The skeleton monk's expression changed drastically as he watched the incoming finger strike, and he cried out in alarm.

"God-Slaying Finger!"

The moment the God-Slaying Finger was unleashed, not only did the nun and the dwarf's expressions change drastically, but Helian Ba ​​and the others watching from the second floor also felt a chill in their hearts. Once the God-Slaying Finger was unleashed, it would either kill or injure the target. Metal was like tofu in front of it. In addition, this finger could also sever martial tendons. If the force of the finger penetrated the body, years of cultivation would be reduced to nothing.

The skeleton monk blushed, and his blood-red kasaya billowed up. With a soft "poof," the God-Slaying Finger pierced through the kasaya, its momentum undiminished, shattering the stairs behind it.

"Such domineering finger strength."

The skeleton monk, having narrowly escaped death, remained visibly horrified, wiping the fine sweat from his brow as he looked at Mu Rongyi with apprehension.

"The Supreme Alliance's domineering actions will surely backfire in the future!"

The skeleton monk clasped his hands together and spoke in a deep voice, but Mu Rongyi looked disdainful upon hearing this. He raised his longsword, not even glancing at the skeleton monk, and looked up at Helian Ba ​​on the second floor, saying in a calm voice, "Palace Master Helian, now that things have come to this, are you still hiding behind us? Now that we have found this place, we must do what the Alliance Leader asked us to do. Please come with us, Palace Master Helian."

"Insanity!"

Upon hearing this, Helian Ba ​​could no longer restrain himself. He flipped over and landed firmly on his feet. With a flick of his sleeve, his eyes flashed with cold light as he glared at Mu Rongyi, a powerful pressure pressing down on him.

If it were someone else here, they might be intimidated by Helian Ba's imposing aura, but Mu Rongyi, as the chief guard of the Demon Sword Clan, was no ordinary person in terms of martial arts. With a stomp of his foot, a surge of energy naturally arose, which counteracted the pressure that was coming.

"Good means."

Master Changmo, Zheng Jing, and Lu Wen flew down and landed beside Helian Ba. Seeing how easily Mu Rongyi defused the attack, Master Changmo couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. At the age of forty, he could still cultivate his qi and blood to such a high level. His martial arts must be very skillful. If he could capture him and use him as a medicinal pill, he was sure that he could add at least five or six years to his lifespan.

"If Guan Yutian were here, I might be a little wary. But you lowlifes think you can get me? Get lost."

Helian Ba ​​was now unable to contain his anger. This person had ruined the entire favorable situation. As he spoke, he flicked his sleeve, and a strong gust of wind swept towards Mu Rongyi. The latter's expression also became serious when he saw Helian Ba ​​make his move. Although he said that he was not afraid of Helian Ba, he would most likely be at a disadvantage if they really fought.

The longsword was drawn, a flash of white light streaked across the sky, and it slashed towards the gale. The gale that was attacking was first paused, and then it dissipated, the scattered air waves blowing everyone present backward.

"Do it!"

Helian Ba ​​gave a shout, and Master Changmo and the others did not hesitate at all. They flew up and instantly engaged in battle with the men in black. The Skeleton Monk, the Child of Perfect Kindness, and Abbess Suyin exchanged a glance and nodded to each other before joining the fray. In an instant, the entire hall was filled with palm winds, sword energy, flying darts, and poison needles. Screams of agony were deafening. In just over ten breaths, four people died, all of whom were Helian Ba's men.

“Brother Helian, we should leave as soon as possible. These men in black must have a backup plan to come here. We have already entrusted our affairs to them. Let them go their own way and wait until Mars is in conjunction with Antares before we meet again.”

Master Changmo forced back two black-clad swordsmen with a single palm strike, then transmitted a message to Helian Ba. Without waiting for Helian Ba's reply, he broke through the blockade and disappeared from everyone's sight in a few leaps.

Helian Ba ​​watched as Master Changmo fled, his heart sinking. However, he reacted quickly, forcefully forcing back Mu Rongyi with sixteen Dividing Heart Palms. He then called out to Bai Yu'er and Lian Chixue, and the three of them calmly left the inn. Zheng Jing and Lu Wen followed closely behind. After these people left, the three skeleton monks and the remaining four were left to fend for themselves and were quickly captured by Mu Rongyi and his men.

"take away."

(End of this chapter)