A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 65 Turmoil
Outside the Valley of Villains
"Five Yama Kings, is there any way to break this poisonous miasma?" Liu Xi frowned as he looked at the dense miasma several feet away. The miasma was much more powerful than he had imagined.

I just did an animal experiment, and within half a moment, the miasma entered their bodies, and they died.

"Master, this miasma is produced by the foul air from the ground and the decay of poisonous plants and flowers. It is most intense at dawn and dusk, and is only weakest at noon."

After the death of the Five Poison Ancestor, the Five Yama Kings were highly regarded by Liu Xi and fully inherited the legacy of the Five Poison Ancestor. With Liu Xi's help, their poison skills became increasingly refined.

"Lord Supervisor, as long as you take this antidote pill, you can temporarily resist the invasion of miasma. As long as you pass through on time, there will be no major problems," Wu Yanluo said, taking out a black pill that smelled of fragrance.

"Alright, Song Tao, distribute the pills and set off immediately," Liu Xi instructed. Song Tao immediately took the porcelain bottle and left.

After taking all the pills, Liu Xi immediately led his men into the miasma forest. Although it was noon, the time when the sun was at its strongest, the miasma forest was still a blur. If they hadn't been connected by ropes, many people would probably have gotten lost.

"Master, the compass has stopped working," Song Tao said solemnly, looking at the constantly spinning compass, while Liu Xi remained calm and composed.

"Mm," Liu Xi responded.

"Five Yama Kings, it's up to you now."

"Please wait a moment, Lord Supervisor," Wu Yanluo said, taking out a wooden box from his sleeve and releasing a small golden snake from it. Under Wu Yanluo's control, the snake slithered to one side.

"Lord Supervisor, we've found the direction!" the Five Yama Kings exclaimed upon seeing this.

"Hurry up and catch up!" Before Liu Xi could speak, Song Tao immediately ordered his subordinates to rush in the direction the snake had slithered.

"As expected, a great teacher produces outstanding students. Wu Yanluo, you are even more outstanding and astute than your master. When I reorganize the martial world in the future, I will definitely give you a great credit."

"I dare not accept the praise from the supervisor, this is what a lowly person should do," Wu Yanluo said with an almost obsequious attitude. If it weren't for Liu Xi's help, how could all five poisonous gu have fallen into his hands?

He vividly remembered the fates of his four senior brothers.

After walking through the miasma forest for a while, Liu Xi suddenly felt the miasma thinning, and there seemed to be a phantom image of a mountain villa in front of him.

"Master, we've already passed through the miasma forest," Song Tao said, scanning the surroundings. He found the place desolate, with bones scattered everywhere and dust flying in the air.

Seeing this, Liu Xi gathered his inner strength and used a palm strike to smooth out the dust.

"Let's go into the valley," Liu Xi said. As soon as Liu Xi led the group into the valley, they saw seven people standing a few feet ahead.

At midnight, the Eastern Depot

Seven days have passed since Liu Xi left, and the Eastern Depot has been relatively calm under Zhou Yan's temporary management. However, this calm was broken tonight.

"Tie Ruyun, how dare you trespass on the Eastern Depot! Are you trying to rebel?" Zhou Yan roared angrily.

If we hadn't received the intelligence beforehand, they might have actually broken in.

Tie Ruyun didn't waste any words with him and attacked directly, with the few martial arts figures who followed him also following closely behind.

Knowing that Liu Xi had temporarily left the Eastern Depot, Tie Ruyun decided to make a trip to completely destroy Liu Xi's stronghold. As for accusations of treason, as long as they were all killed, no one would know.

Some people initially strongly disagreed with this operation. They had long been terrified by Liu Xi's tyranny and were acting very conservatively, only thinking about protecting their own little territory. Tie Ruyun didn't say much else, only that the Eastern Depot had all sorts of rare treasures and miraculous medicines. Obtaining just one of them would be enough to make one a force to be reckoned with in the martial arts world.

As the saying goes, wealth can move people's hearts. With Liu Xi not around, everyone was willing to listen to Tie Ruyun. They planned to leave as soon as they got the treasure, and rescuing Yuan Yang Zhenren and the others was not on their agenda.

Having followed Liu Xi for many years, Zhou Yan had long since figured out Tie Ruyun's martial arts style. With the advantage of the terrain, he was able to fight Tie Ruyun to a standstill with his Demon Subduing Fist.

On the contrary, the martial arts figures brought by Tie Ruyun were fighting individually and were surrounded by well-trained elites from the Eastern Depot. Moreover, there were archers waiting on the walls, and if anyone inside tried to escape, they would be met with a hail of arrows.

“Tie Ruyun, it’s just in time for you to come. I will capture you and the Grand Eunuch will surely reward you handsomely.”

Zhou Yan's fierce punches collided with Tie Ruyun's powerful palm strikes, leaving both of them shaken.

"This Tie Ruyun is truly fierce; even injured, he possesses such skill." Zhou Yan sensed that Tie Ruyun's injuries had not healed after exchanging blows with him, and it seemed that it would take some effort to subdue him.

"I thought that with Liu Xi gone, there would be no more experts in the Eastern Depot. This man may not be well-known, but his martial arts skills are not weak. It seems we must finish this quickly."

Both sides shared the same idea and clashed head-on. The force of their punches and palm strikes surged, instantly turning the surrounding area into an open space. Everyone else quickly dodged out of the way, afraid of being caught in the crossfire.

Fang Xiao, the "Three Talents Sword," deeply regretted listening to Tie Ruyun's words. If he hadn't coveted the Eastern Depot's treasures, he wouldn't be in this situation now, about to become someone's prisoner.

Tie Ruyun and Zhou Yan fought for more than ten rounds. Although Tie Ruyun had the upper hand, he still needed to fight for thirty more rounds to defeat his opponent. Unfortunately, his opponent would not give him that chance.

"Release the arrows!" After Zhou Yan clashed with Tie Ruyun's palm strike, he retreated and unleashed a barrage of arrows at Tie Ruyun. The latter hurriedly dodged, but several poisoned arrows still struck him.

Seeing that things were hopeless, Tie Ruyun did not hesitate to use her lightness skill to escape, leaving Fang Xiao and the others to struggle on.

"Tie Ruyun, you are the leader of the martial arts alliance, yet you have committed such despicable acts. I have truly misjudged you!" Fang Xiaoqing, his clothes stained with blood, cursed loudly. The others also spewed vulgarities, cursing Tie Ruyun's ancestors for eighteen generations.

Unfortunately, no matter how much they are insulted, their fate will not change.

"I really want to thank Tie Ruyun for giving me such a great gift. The Grand Eunuch will surely be very happy to see it."

Zhou Yan looked at Fang Xiao and the others with greedy eyes. These people were the resources for the Grand Supervisor's training. With them, his status in the Grand Supervisor's heart would definitely improve a lot.

Fang Xiao and the others continued to fight like cornered beasts, but in no time they were captured alive and locked in the secret chamber, awaiting Liu Xi's return to decide their fate.

Murong Manor
After Jiang Yuyan returned to the manor, she first went to see Gu Xu and told him about what she had encountered on the way. Gu Xu asked her a few questions in detail, gave her some pointers on martial arts, and then told her to go into seclusion to cultivate.

Little Fish hadn't seen Yan Nantian for a long time, so she hurriedly asked him where he had been all this time.

"Little Fish, for the next year, you will stay by my side and practice martial arts diligently," Yan Nantian said, looking at Little Fish.

"Yes, Master," Xiaoyuer said, feeling a little puzzled by Yan Nantian's somewhat heavy tone, but she didn't say anything more.

After chasing Jiang Biehe and getting him rescued, Yan Nantian went to Yihua Palace and listened to the details of Jiang Feng's death.

To say that Jiang Feng was without fault would be a lie. After all, Yao Yue personally rescued Jiang Feng from the clutches of the Twelve Constellations and took meticulous care of him, secretly harboring feelings for him. Unexpectedly, he became entangled with Hua Yuenü, which was simply unacceptable, and it's no wonder that Yao Yue was filled with resentment.

"Regardless, your death was ultimately partly your fault. As his elder brother, I have a duty to give him an explanation."

He fought against Yaoyue, but ultimately lost because he was slightly inferior.

"Great Hero Yan, the appointed time is fast approaching. Since you cannot avenge your sworn brother, why not have that Little Fish fight my disciple? If he wins, my Yihua Palace will naturally give you an explanation."

Thinking of this, Yan Nantian felt a little heavy-hearted. He had seen Hua Wuque himself. In terms of martial arts, Xiaoyuer was no match for him, but he was not without a chance. As long as Xiaoyuer could master the Divine Sword Technique to perfection within the next year, he would have a 50% chance of defeating him.

Yuzhuyuan

This is the courtyard that Murong Wudi prepared for Hua Wuque. After learning that Hua Wuque came from the Yihua Palace, Murong Wudi's attitude remained as warm as ever. Making friends with such a talented young man would give him more friends and more paths to take in the world.

"Having met Miss Jiang's master today, I realize there are always higher levels to reach. My first and second masters are already top figures in the martial arts world, but compared to Master Gu Xu, they are still slightly inferior."

Hua Wuque pondered this carefully. If the two masters' auras were like the sun and the sky, dazzling and intense, making it impossible to look directly at them, then the Daoist Gu Xu was like a gentle breeze. Although his power was not obvious, it was subtle and pervasive, blending into nature.

"Tomorrow, Master Gu Xu will be competing in swordsmanship with Master Yan, which will be a good opportunity for me to learn from him."

After blowing out the candles, Hua Wuque lay down to rest.

The next day, Murong Wudi had breakfast prepared early in the morning. After eating and drinking to their hearts' content, Gu Xu said to Yan Nantian, "Hero Yan, please."

"Master Gu Xu, please," Yan Nantian said, also wanting to see just how powerful this mysterious figure's swordsmanship was.

The two of them headed towards the back of the mountain, worried that the power of their fight would damage the villa's buildings. The back of the mountain was perfect for five people to live in.

Murong Wudi, the South Sea Goddess, Xiaoyuer, Hua Wuque, Jiang Yuyan, and the three Murong siblings followed. Such a duel between masters was a rare sight. If they could learn even a move or two from it, they would benefit from it for a long time.

"When you're watching the match, make sure you don't get too close and don't make any noise, understand?" Murong Wudi instructed.

Hua Wuque and the other juniors all responded and came down.

Seeing Gu Xu and Yan Nantian standing facing each other, Murong Wudi said, "I cannot fathom the extent of your martial arts, my worthy brother. I also wonder how much of your skill Yan Nantian can test."

"In terms of swordsmanship alone, both Master Gu Xu and Hero Yan are at the pinnacle of their time. One is fierce and invincible, while the other is gentle and meticulous. These two extremely opposing sword styles make this battle spectacular." The South Sea Divine Nun has also improved her skills considerably over the years, but as her skills have increased, she finds it increasingly difficult to fathom the depth of Gu Xu's abilities. She can only describe him with four words: "unfathomable."

"By observing such masters in battle, we are bound to gain some insights. We have benefited greatly this time, especially these juniors. To encounter such a thing in one's lifetime is truly a stroke of luck."

"Master Yan has made his move."

Murong Wudi quickly focused his mind and looked into the distance. He saw a white rainbow sword light shooting towards Gu Xu like lightning. Gu Xu swung his sword horizontally, and a crescent-shaped sword light appeared. It collided with the white rainbow sword light with a loud explosion. The airflow scattered, and some nearby trees were immediately broken, with leaves being swept away by the wind.

"What astonishing power! This is only the first move!" The South Sea Goddess was shocked. She could certainly do the same with her full strength, but this was merely a test move.
These two are no ordinary people.

Murong Wudi's expression wasn't much better; he stared ahead in astonishment.

Jiang Yuyan and Xiaoyuer looked both excited and worried. Murong Zhong and the other two widened their eyes upon seeing this. They knew their master was very powerful, but only today did they have a reference point to see just how powerful he was.

"Master Gu Xu and Hero Yan are both like masters; they have both forged their own paths," Hua Wuque observed with even greater insight than others.

The two tested each other's strength with a single move, gaining a general understanding of each other's abilities.

Yan Nantian's fierce sword energy surged forth like a soaring dragon, and an unfathomable power emanated from him.

"With the power of the situation and the harmony of the people, and with the sword and the understanding of the heart, the shadow of sword intent is already faintly visible."

Sword intent is something that is hard to define and cannot be explained. It is related to sword talent. The higher the talent, the more likely one is to reach it.

With the aid of sword intent, one can elevate their swordsmanship to a higher level and pursue the legendary Heavenly Sword realm.

Gu Xu's swordsmanship was no less than Yan Nantian's, and he had also practiced Tai Chi swordsmanship. This martial art was similar to Tai Chi Chuan, both of which used the opponent's force against them. Seeing the incomparably powerful swordsmanship, Gu Xu also focused his attention and concentrated on dealing with it.

“Brother, what kind of sword technique is this? It’s so slow and looks so ordinary. Nun, you are very knowledgeable, can you tell the origin of this sword technique?”

Murong Wudi was quite shocked by Yan Nantian's amazing swordsmanship. Although he had confidence in his younger brother, he couldn't help but worry. He had originally thought that his younger brother would use exquisite sword moves, but he never expected that it would be such a slow and sluggish sword technique.

"Master Gu Xu comes from Wudang. Although this sword technique looks slow, careful observation will reveal that it contains the principle of Yin and Yang transformation. Look at the opening move, followed by the three spinning moves. Doesn't it resemble a Tai Chi symbol, from slow to fast, and from fast to slow, combining softness and strength, and speed and slowness? It truly embodies the essence of Taoism."

Murong Wudi was taken aback upon hearing this. Could this be a closely guarded secret technique of Wudang?

Yan Nantian's sword technique had reached perfection. With a roar, his longsword shone like a bright lamp, so bright that people couldn't open their eyes. All the people could hear was the continuous sound of the two swords clashing.

After gradually getting used to it, the spectators saw Yan Nantian's longsword slash down, but it was wrapped, pulled back, and sent away by Gu Xu's sword. The cascading attack was instantly neutralized by a gentle force.

"These sword techniques are truly exquisite."

"Even the most exquisite sword techniques require the coordination of internal energy. If you use such sword techniques against a master, it is very likely to backfire."

"Young Master Hua is right. My master has always emphasized that the Way is the foundation, and techniques are the application. We cannot abandon the foundation for the trivial and take shortcuts."

"Master Gu Xu is a great talent, but the martial arts world today has put the cart before the horse, taking pride in all sorts of strange weapons and gradually relegating internal strength to the bottom."

Hua Wuque couldn't help but sigh. Nowadays, anyone in the martial arts world who has mastered internal strength is a first-rate figure, while those who rely on divine weapons are just lowly foot soldiers.

"Look, what's that light at the tip of Master Yan's sword?" Murong Zhong exclaimed softly.

"It's a sword beam!" Murong Wudi and the South Sea Goddess were shocked.

"Master Yan has actually cultivated a sword aura; my brother, you're in for some trouble now."

Sword aura is something that sword practitioners dream of. If sword intent is ethereal and elusive, then sword aura is traceable. A hundred years ago, someone cultivated sword aura and relied on it to roam the martial world, unstoppable by anyone.

"Master Gu Xu is a man of great depth; I wonder if he has any tricks up his sleeve," said the South Sea Divine Nun, who had an inexplicable trust in Gu Xu.

"So, Master Yan has also cultivated sword aura. Congratulations! In that case, I would like to ask you to teach me a few moves."

Upon hearing this, Yan Nantian felt a sense of unease. He had only recently mastered the sword's aura and was still unfamiliar with its application. Gu Xu's use of "also"... could it be...?

Before he could think further, a three-inch sword light flashed on Gu Xu's longsword, instantly suppressing Yan Nantian's sword light. Then, with a crisp sound, a section of Yan Nantian's longsword was cut off and fell to the ground.

"My dear brother, he actually, he actually..." Murong Wudi could no longer care about anything else, his face filled with shock and joy.

"Amitabha"

"Who exactly is Master?" Jiang Yuyan murmured.

Murong Zhong and the other two were speechless, their eyes fixed on Gu Xu.

Hua Wuque calmed himself down a bit, and he longed to receive guidance from Gu Xu.

"Great Hero Yan, you flatter me," Gu Xu said, sheathing his sword. Yan Nantian looked at the broken sword in his hand and said admiringly, "Daoist Gu Xu's swordsmanship is not only exquisite, but even his sword aura is far superior to mine. I have never admired anyone in my life, Daoist Gu Xu is the first."

During this sword fight, Yan Nantian knew very well that he had never gained the upper hand and was ultimately defeated fair and square. He felt no injustice in losing, and therefore he only had respect for Gu Xu.

After exchanging pleasantries, the two went to the crowd of onlookers, said a few words, and then returned to the living room.

In the Valley of Villains, Liu Xi carelessly tossed the corpses of Yin Jiuyou and Haha'er onto the ground.

"Hmph, the Ten Villains, their reputation is nothing but empty words, they are really no match for us." Liu Xi originally thought this trip would be quite troublesome, but he didn't expect that five of the Ten Villains were dead, their strength was halved, and the threat to him was greatly reduced. As for Chang Baicao and Su Ying, they would naturally be dealt with by the Five Yama Kings.

After a bloody battle, although many of their own men died, the other side suffered even greater losses. Li Dazui was trapped by Shan Zuo and Shan You, Du Sha was trapped by Song Tao and Tan Tian Shuo Di, and was eventually injured and captured by Liu Xi with a single palm strike. Haha'er and Yin Jiuyou, in order to help everyone break through the encirclement, had their internal energy drained by Liu Xi's Absorption Technique.

That's why Liu Xi sent Song Tao with his men to chase after them in order to dissipate the internal energy in time.

"Master, Tu Jiaojiao and her father Chang Baicao have escaped to a cave on the mountain ahead. I am worried that there may be a trap, so I dare not make any rash moves," Song Tao hurriedly returned to report.

"Take me there," Liu Xi said slowly, calming his inner energy. This time, in the extermination of Evil Valley, none of the five villains could escape.

"Master, look," Song Tao pointed to a deep cave in front of him. There was no sound inside, and it didn't seem dangerous.

"Something's strange about this place," Liu Xi sensed danger and dared not enter without permission.

Send two people in to check.

Song Tao selected two people, and the two dared not disobey the order. They cautiously and warily entered the cave, and soon their voices could be heard from inside.

"Master, there's no one inside."

Liu Xi gestured to Song Tao, who then sent in more than a dozen people, none of whom were in any danger.

"Master, we've discovered a secret cave inside. There's a corpse inside, along with many diagrams of mechanisms," Tan Tian said excitedly as he ran out, his face beaming with joy.

Upon hearing this, Liu Xi immediately became interested. Just as he entered the cave, a sudden explosion rang out. Liu Xi circulated his qi to protect himself and simultaneously grabbed Tan Tian Shuo Di in front of him.

A dozen screams followed one after another. Under the impact of the air currents, Tan Tian Shuo Di was torn to shreds without any resistance. Although Liu Xi barely managed to save his life, his blood was churning and his body was covered in wounds, making him look extremely miserable.

"Master Supervisor!" Song Tao exclaimed in surprise and hurriedly helped him up.

"What a bunch of villains! I almost lost my life! Bring me Li Dazui and Du Sha, I want their lives!" Liu Xi said sternly. This time, the situation was so favorable, but it almost turned into a disaster. He had made a fool of himself in front of his subordinates, and he couldn't swallow his anger.

"Liu Xi, you'll die a horrible death. You're lucky you weren't blown up," Li Dazui spat.

Du Sha still had a cold expression on his face.

Liu Xi was in great pain and didn't want to talk to them. He pressed his palms against their heads and forced himself to use the Absorption Technique. Li Dazui and Du Sha immediately screamed in agony.

As Liu Xi's complexion returned to a rosy hue, Li Dazui and the other man had become two dried corpses.

"Master Supervisor, are you alright?"

Liu Xi shook his head. This time he had really lost out. Although he had absorbed the power of four masters, the explosion had caused him to lose six-tenths of his power, making it a losing proposition.

"Return to the Eastern Depot."

(End of this chapter)