A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 70 Before departure
Holding his sword, Xiaoyuer said to Hua Wuque, "In this fight, you must give it your all."

Hua Wufen nodded.

Seeing this, Jiang Yuyan chuckled and said, "Young Master Hua, Brother Yu, when we make our move, I won't hold back. Please don't try to let me win."

"That's natural"

Among the onlookers, Tie Ruyun stroked his beard as he looked at the three and said, "Among the younger generation in the martial arts world today, these three are outstanding. At their age, I am far inferior to them."

Whether it's Hua Wuque, Jiang Yuyan, or Xiaoyuer, they all have renowned teachers and are all exceptionally talented. Their starting point might be someone else's finish line, which explains why Tie Ruyun is so envious.

"Father, who do you think is the best among the three of them?"

Tie Ruyun pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "I can't say for sure either, but in terms of martial arts, Young Master Hua and Miss Jiang are slightly better than Xiaoyuer. However, a martial arts contest is not just about comparing martial arts skills, but also about planning and strategizing. There is a lot to be done in that."

When two people fight, skill, mentality, and environment are all factors that affect the outcome. Hua Wuque and Xiaoyuer had some concerns, while Jiang Yuyan had a calm mentality. In this respect, Jiang Yuyan had a slight advantage.

"Master Gu Xu, who do you think will be the final winner in this competition?"

Yaoyue glanced at the three of them, then turned around and asked Gu Xudao. Yan Nantian also looked over.

"It's hard to say what will happen in this battle. Anything can happen during a martial arts contest. The strong will win, but the weak are not without a chance to turn the tide."

Gu Xu did not give a direct answer, Yao Yue's face was expressionless, while Yan Nantian looked solemn.

"Young Master Hua, we have never fought before. Let me take this opportunity to learn a few moves from you. Please."

Jiang Yuyan knew that the two of them would not make the first move, so she drew her sword and gave Hua Wuque a sword salute.

Hua Wuque was somewhat taken aback when he saw Jiang Yuyan make the first move, but he quickly recovered.

"Miss Jiang, please."

Both of them held their breath and concentrated, constantly building up their sword momentum, while Xiaoyuer observed the situation quietly.

"Judging from their aura alone, Wuque and Miss Jiang are indeed more powerful than me."

When Yaoyue saw Jiang Yuyan attack Hua Wuque, she was slightly surprised.

"Jiang Yuyan's martial arts are not much different from Wuque's. Even if Wuque wins in the end, how much of his strength will he have left to fight Xiaoyuer?"

Upon seeing this, Yan Nantian remained silent.

The two swordsmen had built up their swordsmanship to its peak when Jiang Yuyan let out a delicate shout and thrust out her long sword. The sword shadows flashed, captivating the eye. This move, "Cold Candle Painting Screen," was not an attack, but rather a test of the opponent's reaction.

Although Hua Wuque had never fought Jiang Yuyan, they had both seen each other fight and knew some of each other's martial arts styles.

Several sword shadows came straight at him. Hua Wuque swung his longsword, and an invisible sword energy shot out, shattering the sword shadows. At the same time, there was a "clang" sound, and the tips of the two swords touched. The invisible air swirled and then immediately separated.

"Wuque has mastered the 'Pillar of Strength' move to perfection," Lianxing praised. Yaoyue nodded in agreement. This move is easy to learn but difficult to master. The key is to understand the principle of striking first after the opponent has moved. If one only has a superficial understanding, it will only result in something incongruous and laughable.

"Good move," Tie Ruyun murmured. Although it was just a test, the two swordsmen were already quite skilled. If they could make such a move, how many more surprises were in store?

Jiang Yuyan held her sword horizontally, touched the ground with her toes, and leaped into the air. Then, like a sharp arrow, she shot forward, her long sword pointing directly at Hua Wuque. The bright blade emitted a dazzling light. Upon seeing this, Hua Wuque drew a semi-circle with his left foot, lifted his right leg with force, pointed his sword diagonally, and swung his long sword with a flourish.

The two swords clashed three times in mid-air before the two landed simultaneously, raising a cloud of dust and a gentle breeze that ruffled their clothes.

"Young Master Hua, try this move of mine again." As soon as she finished speaking, a white streak flew out from Jiang Yuyan's left sleeve. Although it was soft, its force was considerable. It struck straight at Hua Wuque, while her right hand followed closely with a sharp sword.

Hua Wuque had already witnessed Jiang Yuyan's Golden Bell Rope technique, and now it seemed that its power was even greater than before. Moreover, with this combination of hard and soft attacks, Hua Wuque dared not be careless.

With her right hand focused on the sword, Jiang Yuyan unleashed a Heart-Shattering Palm strike with her left palm. The soft, powerful palm strike collided with the white ribbon, which was immediately deflected. Seeing this, Jiang Yuyan flicked her wrist, causing the white ribbon to turn and attack from the side, aiming to block Hua Wuque's escape route.

At this moment, Jiang Yuyan's sword was already upon him, but Hua Wuque blocked it with his sword. Seeing Bai Lian attacking, Hua Wuque was about to strike with another palm when suddenly he heard the sound of a sharp sword cutting through the air. The sword energy shot out and blocked Bai Lian, resolving Hua Wuque's predicament.

"Brother Yu, you really won't sit idly by," Jiang Yuyan seemed to have expected this, and put the white silk back into her sleeve.

Hua Wuque wasn't without the ability to fight back, but Xiaoyuer still made a move, which earned Yaoyue's respect as she watched from the sidelines.

“Miss Jiang, you have achieved your goal, so I must offend you.”

The Divine Sword Technique was suddenly mastered, and a majestic sword aura pressed down on Jiang Yuyan. On the other side, Hua Wuque struggled for a moment, but then his eyes hardened, and he flew into the fray, joining Xiaoyuer in attacking Jiang Yuyan. The three sides displayed their unique skills, with dense sword energy and palm strikes of both strength and gentleness intertwining and covering the surrounding space of about ten feet. The whistling sound was incessant, and the trees and rocks all shook.

"What terrifying sword aura, what a formidable opponent!" Cangmu exclaimed in surprise. His martial arts skills were among the top ten in the martial arts world. If he were facing only one of the three, Cangmu believed he would have a chance of winning. But if he faced two of them, it would be hard to say. If all three attacked at once, he would definitely lose.

"Master Gu Xu's disciple is indeed a hidden talent. Even under the combined attack of Xiao Yu'er and Wu Que, he remained as steady as Mount Tai and seized the opportunity to counterattack. He truly deserves to be called a disciple of a famous master."

Yaoyue was always arrogant, but at this moment she had to admire Gu Xu's methods of teaching his disciples.

Gu Xu smiled without speaking. Jiang Yuyan was originally a martial arts prodigy, whose talent was no less than that of Hua Wuque. She also cultivated superior martial arts, so it was only natural that she had achieved such success.

Jiang Yuyan faced two opponents on the field. Although she was more defensive than offensive, she firmly controlled the rhythm and did not fall into a disadvantageous position.

The white ribbon danced like a dragon swimming in the sea, the long sword gleamed in the sky like a cold light shining through, Jiang Yuyan opened and closed her arms left and right, unleashing both strength and gentleness, as if she wanted to overwhelm Xiaoyuer and Hua Wuque in one fell swoop.

Xiaoyuer's expression hardened, and he wielded his longsword faster and faster. The sword hummed and rang under the enhancement of his internal energy. He threw out a divine fist with his left hand, tearing through the air with a crackling sound. Hua Wuque unleashed his palm and sword simultaneously. The sword energy was dense and chilling, and the palm wind was like a surging wave with continuous force. The three forces collided, and a series of loud explosions resounded on the mountain peak. After the explosion, broken rocks tumbled down, and everyone hurriedly dodged.

"What astonishing power!" Tie Ruyun and the others all had solemn expressions.

"How are Young Master Hua and the others?" Tie Xinlan asked worriedly. Although the aftershocks of the explosion hadn't reached her, the sound was still astonishing.

"Don't worry, Master Gu Xu and the others have already gone there, there won't be any accidents," Tie Ruyun said, seeing three figures flash by as the shock occurred.

As the dust settled, everyone regained their footing. Jiang Yuyan and the other two were all pale-faced, while Gu Xu and the others were struggling to channel their true energy.

"Don't speak," Gu Xu said, pressing down on Jiang Yuyan's back with one hand. A surge of powerful internal energy repaired her damaged meridians. Jiang Yuyan felt a tickle in her throat and spat out a mouthful of black blood. Her originally pale complexion improved slightly.

Slowly withdrawing his true energy, Gu Xu said to Jiang Yuyan in an annoyed tone, "You're putting your own interests aside for their sake, aren't you?"

Gu Xu understood his disciple's thoughts perfectly well, but there was nothing he could do about it.

"It is my fault for making Master worry," Jiang Yuyan felt a little guilty. Logically speaking, she should have been the winner of this competition, but she had made it a so-called draw. Although her master did not care, she still felt a little bad.

"Fine, it's your own choice anyway. Go see Xiaoyuer and Wuque."

Hearing Gu Xu's words, Jiang Yuyan felt relieved and slowly stood up, looking at Xiao Yu'er and Hua Wuque who were healing.

A moment later, Yan Nantian and Yaoyue finished their practice and stood up at the same time, and Xiaoyuer and Hua Wuque also gradually recovered.

"Master Gu Xu, this contest is lost by my Yi Hua Palace," Yao Yue said, having discovered through healing Hua Wuque that his meridians were damaged. She realized that forcing him to continue would likely harm his foundation, so she offered to concede. Lian Xing glanced at Yao Yue in surprise, but quickly composed herself.

"For Wuque's safety, my sister even gave up the idea of ​​transplanting flowers and grafting trees."

Yan Nantian also said, "In this competition, Miss Jiang was at a disadvantage because she was fighting two against one. Xiaoyuer's defeat was not unjust."

"The fifteen-year agreement has finally come to an end today. Palace Mistress Yaoyue, Hero Yan, this humble Taoist has not won this contest. For this humble Taoist, a draw is tantamount to defeat."

"Palace Mistress Yaoyue, please allow me a moment to speak," Gu Xu gestured to Yaoyue, who was slightly taken aback. The two then walked to a secluded spot where it was difficult for outsiders to hear their conversation.

"The reason I used 'transplanting flowers and grafting trees' as a wager back then was mainly to make Xiaoyuer and Hua Wuque live a better life. The grudges between Jiang Feng and his wife should not be inflicted on the two children."

Upon hearing this, Yaoyue remained silent in contemplation.

Seeing this, Gu Xu paused and continued, "Palace Mistress Yaoyue, although you did not personally kill Jiang Feng and his wife, you still need to give Yan Nantian an explanation. I will hand over this secret manual of 'Transplanting Flowers and Grafting Trees' to you."

Gu Xu handed a few thin sheets of paper to Yao Yue. “This thing originally belonged to the Yihua Palace. I obtained it by chance. I’ve definitely benefited from it over the years. However, I still have to remind you that this martial art is extremely domineering. Please don’t go astray, Palace Master.”

Yaoyue looked at the secret manual handed to her, glanced at Gu Xu, and accepted it with trembling hands. Hearing Gu Xu's words, she said in a deep voice, "Daoist Gu Xu, please rest assured. From now on, Yihua Palace will live in seclusion and will no longer concern itself with the grudges and grievances of the martial world. As for Yan Nantian, I will definitely give him a satisfactory explanation."

Gu Xu nodded upon hearing this, "Then I won't ask any further questions. Until we meet again."

"Disciple, let's go."

“Yes, Master,” Jiang Yuyan glanced at Hua Wuque, then followed Gu Xu away.

Everyone took their leave, leaving only Yaoyue, Lianxing, Yan Nantian, Xiaoyuer, and Hua Wuque on the mountaintop.

"Yan Nantian, I don't want to explain what happened back then anymore. Today I will give you an explanation." After saying that, he quickly drew the short sword from Lianxing's hand and stabbed himself three times. Blood gushed out and stained his white clothes red.

"Sister!" Lianxing cried out in surprise. Before she could stop her, she rushed forward and quickly pressed several acupoints on Yaoyue's body. She then took out a hemostatic powder, which finally stopped the bleeding.

Upon seeing this, Yan Nantian sighed and said, "Why bother with this?"

Xiaoyuer stared intently at Yaoyue, saying nothing. Hua Wuque's expression changed, and he rushed to Yaoyue's side, asking urgently, "Master, you..."

Yaoyue struggled to her feet and said in a hoarse voice, "It was all a tragic fate. Today I am finally free from it all. Jiang Feng, I don't owe you anything."

"Sister," Lianxing said, supporting Yaoyue, her voice trembling with tears. Seeing Yaoyue in such a state, Lianxing felt terrible.

"Wuque, from this day forward, you are no longer a disciple of Yihua Palace, and I no longer have you as my disciple. Lianxing, let's go."

Hua Wuque wanted to say something, so he reached out to grab Yaoyue's hand.

"it is good"

Lianxing shook her head at Hua Wuque, then led Yaoyue down the mountain. At the foot of the mountain were disciples of the Yihua Palace. They boarded a carriage and headed south.

"Little Fish, Wuque, you should rest for a while. After that, go and pay respects to your parents first, and then go back to your father's house."

Yan Nantian watched the two of them, Yaoyue and his companion, disappear into the distance. An old story had come to an end, and there was nothing left to cherish in this martial world. Once everything had settled down, he would go to the Valley of Villains to enjoy his old age, leaving the martial world to the younger generation.

"Go, go."

Yan Nantian led the two of them down the mountain step by step.

Panlong Town

Yan Nantian stood before the graves of Jiang Feng and his wife, arranged the offerings, lit the candles and incense, and as wisps of smoke rose, Xiaoyuer and Hua Wuque knelt before the graves and respectfully kowtowed three times.

Xiaoyuer and Hua Wuque stayed until late at night before Yan Nantian took them back to rest.

"Tomorrow, your parents' coffins will be transported back to Jiangnan. You must rest well today. After my sworn brother returns home, I should also return to the valley. Xiaoyuer, Wuque, your father's previous property is all here. I have divided it into two parts."

Yan Nantian handed the two wooden boxes to Xiaoyuer and Hua Wuque respectively.

"This is what you rightfully deserved, but Jiang Biehe swindled it from you. Now it's back to its rightful owner. Money may be material possessions, but it's indispensable. Save it for when you get married and have children in the future."

Xiaoyuer and Hua Wuque reached out and took it.

The next day, Yan Nantian sent people to remove the coffins of Jiang Feng and his wife, and led Xiaoyuer and Hua Wuque all the way to the Jiang family's old residence in Jiangnan.

Murong Manor
"My disciple, your martial arts no longer need my guidance. As long as you continue to practice diligently, with your talent, you will surely have a place among the most respected figures in the martial arts world in ten years. This will fulfill my expectations."

Gu Xu has basically fulfilled all his expectations for coming to this world, and it's time for him to leave.

“Master, are you leaving the manor?” Jiang Yuyan sensed from Gu Xu’s tone that her master intended to leave.

"I've been staying at the manor for over ten years. Besides teaching you all martial arts, I usually enjoy tea and chess with Brother Murong. I haven't had a chance to see the scenery of this land myself. Now that everything is settled, it's time to relax."

Gu Xu raised his hand to stop Jiang Yuyan from speaking, "This time, I'll just walk around by myself. You just stay in the manor and practice your martial arts. If you see any promising young talents, tell your master, and I'll come and drink a cup of wine at your wedding."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuyan's face flushed red. Thinking of that handsome man, her heart pounded like a deer.

He glanced at Gu Xu and immediately ran out. Seeing this, Gu Xu chuckled a few times.

Stepping out of the room, they entered the secret chamber of the stone cave. Since Murong Zhong took over the affairs of the manor, he rarely came here anymore. Murong Zheng, on the other hand, would occasionally come to listen to Gu Xu's guidance.

After sealing the stone cave entrance to prevent outsiders from disturbing him, Gu Xu leaped onto the cold jade platform. Gu Xu focused his mind and spirit, gradually entering a state of emptiness. The jade pendant in his sea of ​​consciousness emitted a hazy, clear light, and the pure yang true energy within his body circulated throughout his body. The three elements of water, wood, and fire moved in unison, and the three colors of red, blue, and black shone brightly around Gu Xu, illuminating the secret chamber.

After an unknown amount of time, the light emanating from Gu Xu's body gradually receded into his body, and finally the secret chamber returned to darkness and silence.

"As long as a suitable metal or earth element cultivation method is found, the Pure Yang Profound Art can have all four elements and automatically evolve the last element."

In the days that followed, Xiaoyuer presented a betrothal gift to the Murong family and successfully married Murong Xian. As for Hua Wuque, he married Tie Ruyun's daughter, Tie Xinlan. Gu Xu was originally worried that his disciple would be heartbroken, but he did not expect Jiang Yuyan to be even stronger than he had imagined.

Not only did she give up the idea of ​​getting married, but she also devoted herself to practicing martial arts. Gradually, she made a great name for herself in the martial arts world. After Cangmu, she became the first female leader of the martial arts alliance, breaking the established rules of the martial arts world.

Palace
After Consort Shu gave birth to the prince, she was made empress by the emperor. Once the prince was old enough to understand, the emperor took him to his side to teach him, clearly intending to groom him as his successor. The Murong family was law-abiding and did not compete for anything, which led some people to have inappropriate thoughts.

After a palace coup, the emperor's health deteriorated day by day. He barely managed to hold on for half a month before falling into a deep sleep from which he never woke up. According to the imperial edict, Consort Shu's child became the new emperor, and Consort Shu became the empress dowager. The Murong family suddenly became imperial relatives, and their status soared.

When Murong Wudi arrived at the secret cave, he found the stone door wide open and Gu Xu was nowhere to be seen. The people he sent out also failed to find him. However, the Murong family did not give up and sent people to search for him every year until the family declined.

(End of this chapter)