Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 219 A gentleman strives for self-improvement without ceasing.

When Shen Tang and Lu Xingzhou proposed that one person could fight multiple times, Shi Tielong felt that he had hit the jackpot.

Because they have a certain quality.

If he could only fight once, his first-rank expert would be wiped out by a random ninth-rank expert sent by the other side, all for the sake of a single victory... Don't complain about how frustrated he is. Do you think a first-rank expert would travel thousands of miles just to fight a ninth-rank expert?
A top-tier expert has their own pride; they either don't fight at all, serving only as a stabilizing force, or they fight early and single-handedly defeat their entire opponent.

Gu Xuyang originally thought that Shi Zhong, a second-rank cultivator, would be enough to defeat the other side, and that he could just act as a stabilizing force without having to take action.

As it turned out, Shi Zhong hadn't even inflicted much damage on his opponent, so he couldn't sit still. If Shen Tang managed to score a few more points, the score would be completely lost, and he would have to act quickly.

Zhang Rongzhi's expression changed, and he asked Shen Tang, "Does your sect... have any candidates? Um, what does Elder Chu think?"

That meant they practically wanted Chu Zheng from the Huanhua Sword Sect to help them fight this battle.

Chu Zheng felt somewhat awkward. Since he had been invited as an arbitrator, how could he possibly participate himself...?

Over there, Ye Tinglan sat on the spectator stand next to the Tianxing Sword Sect's ranks, put down her crossed legs, and prepared to help in this round.

But then Shen Tang on the stage said, "Mr. Gu, is he a lower-ranking first-class official?"

Gu Xuyang said calmly, "That's right. What does Sect Leader Shen want to say?"

Shen Tang calmly replied, "I wanted to say that I wanted to test how much of a difference there is between myself and the lower rank of the first grade."

The crowd was stunned.

Those in the know will understand that Rank 3 and Rank 1 are actually within the same major realm, considered as the early and late stages. However, the difference in actual combat is significant, unlike the early and late stages of a lower realm.

Let alone going from Rank 3 to Rank 1, even comparing the middle and lower stages of Rank 3 requires an energy equivalent to the total energy required for all previous lower stages. Otherwise, why are there relatively more Rank 3 cultivators but so few Rank 1 cultivators? The spiritual energy in the world isn't that abundant, insufficient to support the cultivation needs at higher stages, demonstrating the vast difference in energy levels.

The difference between a mid-level third-rank cultivator and a low-level second-rank cultivator can be barely described as just two ranks, which can be somewhat compensated for by the cultivation techniques and martial arts skills each person employs.

How can you, a mid-level Rank 3, possibly compensate for defeating a low-level Rank 1? Do you think you're the Imperial Preceptor Tinglan Zhenren from back in the day?
Throughout history, only Master Tinglan has been known to have achieved such an astonishing feat. However, even Master Tinglan himself suffered numerous injuries and nearly lost his life, requiring a long period of recuperation afterward.

The Master Tinglan is the most handsome man in the world, and who are you? You're a cripple, are you crazy?
Even after listening to this, Lan was stunned. She turned to Lu Xingzhou blankly and said, "Is this what you meant by everyone looking down on Shen Tang?"

Lu Xingzhou: “…”

I didn't think that way, and I don't know why my wife is so brave.

Is it just because she doesn't want her "love rival" to help her?
Shen Tang turned to look at Lu Xingzhou and Ye Tinglan, smiled slightly, and her eyes held a deep meaning.

It's understandable that Xingzhou didn't recognize the Imperial Advisor since he had never met him before. Shen Tang, however, had met the Imperial Advisor. Even among acquaintances, it's difficult to completely conceal one's presence. Over the past few days, Shen Tang had been pondering things more and more, and she vaguely felt that this Madam Ye... her attitude, temperament, and abilities... were somewhat similar to the Imperial Advisor.

Since she is the Imperial Advisor, perhaps I misunderstood her relationship with Xingzhou and tore up the wrong person... But the fact that the Imperial Advisor lives by my side means that the Imperial Advisor is testing me.

So, can I do the things she did?
Besides, if the Imperial Advisor is really by my side, my safety is beyond doubt. This may be the only opportunity for me to face a First-Rank official without worrying about my life. Such experience is rare and hard to come by. Where else can I find such a valuable experience?
Can one quickly reach the pinnacle of the Great Qian Dynasty by hiding in the mountains and cultivating diligently? No. Without facing life-or-death challenges, what's the point of talking about perseverance?
She took a deep breath and her expression became solemn as she faced Gu Xuyang: "I am not joking. Mr. Gu, please enlighten me."

Gu Xuyang initially felt humiliated, but seeing Shen Tang's solemn expression, he couldn't help but feel a bit more respect: "Sect Leader Shen's courage is commendable... but many things cannot be accomplished simply by having courage."

Shen Tang smiled slightly: "Then please, Mr. Gu, teach me this lesson."

With a flick of his sleeve, Gu Xuyang sent out a small seal that then grew larger and hurtled towards Shen Tang.

Magical artifacts like the Heaven-Turning Seal have always been a favorite choice for Daoist cultivators. Their power and force put immense psychological pressure on enemies. Especially against lower-grade enemies, they can create an absolute crushing defeat in both strength and mentality.

The seal, imposing as a mountain, covered almost the entire area of ​​the massive arena, leaving no escape. The onlookers instinctively clenched their fists, their palms sweating.

Shen Tang slightly raised her head and looked up at the sky.

She only reached out her slender hand when the seal slammed down on her head.

"boom!"

She held up the enormous seal that seemed to have entered the mountain with one hand, her long hair moving without wind, and her eyes gleaming with a deep purple light.

Even a top-grade magic weapon couldn't subdue that seemingly slender jade hand, which was as if supporting a mountain.

People were dumbfounded. How did she do that? Where did she get such strength to withstand a first-grade magic weapon?
Anuo's mouth was half open, and the candied hawthorn in her mouth fell out.

This playing style suits Ah Nuo perfectly!
At the same time, Gu Xuyang was not just watching idly. Just as Shen Tang held up the seal, a blazing fire dragon roared out and rushed towards Shen Tang's face.

Fire-based spells that form fire dragon shapes are also a popular choice among fire-based Taoist cultivators.

Lu Xingzhou observed with a solemn expression, and a judgment popped into his mind: a very steady cultivator with nothing new or original.

These types of cultivators generally have few weaknesses; their cultivation is grounded in earthly principles and is quite comprehensive. What does earthly magic have to do with them? As long as it's useful, that's enough.

Shen Tang's flying sword also emitted a dragon's roar, as if the dragon sword energy was rushing straight towards the fire dragon, seemingly two dragons fighting.

The sword energy failed to stop the flames and continued to rush towards Shen Tang. Similarly, the flames could not block the sword light. The flying sword burst out of the fire dragon and went straight for Gu Xuyang's chest!

Shen Tang's wheelchair unfurled its protective shield, and the fire dragon, weakened by the sword energy, crashed into the shield and vanished without a trace.

Shen Tang's flying sword was also completely ineffective against Gu Xuyang. Gu Xuyang simply took a step forward, and the flying sword passed by him, but that step was already in mid-air, landing on top of the seal.

"boom!"

The seal's power surged, and it continued to press down.

Shen Tang was surrounded by a purple aura that gradually became almost tangible.

The opponent was determined to overpower Shen Tang with sheer force, intending to subdue him completely. The battle had become so intense that Shen Tang couldn't even land a single attack.

The seal grew heavier and heavier, and Shen Tang's support seemed to begin to tremble.

The onlookers held their breath in suspense.

In fact, being able to pass these two moves has already made people look at Shen Tang in a new light.

But for a third-rank character to fight a first-rank character is ultimately too much of a stretch...

Just as he was thinking this, the flying sword that Shen Tang had just pierced through missed its target spun around with remarkable agility, as if a true dragon had a spirit, raising its head and chasing after Gu Xuyang's figure.

Gu Xuyang was shocked: "You actually still have the strength to control a flying sword?"

Through the enormous seal, Shen Tang's expression was hidden, only her slightly strained voice could be heard: "Mr. Gu insisted on teaching me how to overcome all techniques with brute force... Unfortunately, in my opinion, your strength is far from what I perceive it to be." Gu Xuyang's face was ashen, and a peach wood sword suddenly appeared in his hand, abruptly slashing at the pursuing sword light: "Then let me show you what happens when your natal flying sword is shattered!"

"Bang!" Taking advantage of his slight distraction in dealing with the sword light, Shen Tang clenched his other fist and slammed it into the bottom of the seal with unparalleled speed.

"Boom!" The seal shook violently. Above, Gu Xuyang slashed fiercely at Shen Tang's sword light with his own. The flying sword dimmed slightly, spun around, and flew away. The supposed "shattering of his natal flying sword" never happened; instead, his seal looked like it was about to crack...

Everyone who witnessed this was horrified.

Shen Tang really wanted to shatter the magic weapon with her bare hands! Her so-called flying sword was only meant to distract and attract Gu Xuyang's attention. In reality, all her power was concentrated in her fist, and one punch made even a first-grade magic weapon shake!

This is a third-rank official?

Only Ye Tinglan could tell that this punch was not the power Shen Tang should have... She had used all the power of the Mountain and River Pearl in her wheelchair, and the Huangji Jingshi Jing was unleashed with ferocity, combining them to unleash her strongest punch!
"Boom!" Before Gu Xuyang could react, Shen Tang's second punch landed on the same spot.

The incredibly powerful energy exploded out, and even the arena below couldn't withstand the recoil from this attack. The ground began to crack, and the wheelchair got stuck in the cracks.

People could even see that Shen Tang's fists were covered in blood; her body couldn't withstand the strain and was beginning to injure her.

Boom! The third punch!

Blood splattered, the fist was a bloody mess, and the ground collapsed. But to everyone's horror, small cracks were indeed beginning to appear at the bottom of the seal.

Gu Xuyang dared not stand above to add more force anymore; if this magic weapon were destroyed, it would truly be a great loss.

He swiftly descended from the clouds, and once again flung the peach wood sword from the edge of the seal, a dazzling white light rushing toward Shen Tang in an instant.

Looking at the edge of the seal, Shen Tang looked like an ant under the huge seal, but this ant stubbornly held on, and the seal has not pressed her down even an inch.

Shen Tang ignored the peach wood sword magic weapon that was about to strike him. Taking advantage of the fact that Gu Xuyang was not adding force from above, he suddenly shouted and unleashed his fourth punch, which he had been gathering power for.

"Bang!" This time, the entire seal was blasted upwards several feet, like an ant moving a mountain.

The peach wood sword had already reached Shen Tang's shoulder and pierced right through him.

In the instant the peach wood sword was about to strike, Shen Tang had already grasped the returning flying sword, becoming one with the sword, and shot towards Gu Xuyang not far away.

The peach wood sword pierced her shoulder, and blood gushed out, yet she didn't even utter a muffled groan.

Taking advantage of the brief moment when the seal rose a few feet and lost its oppressive force, risking being judged as a loser if the opponent dared not strike directly, he let the magic weapon pass through his shoulder, just to seize this precious moment of breaking free from the pressure.

Shen Tang knew very well that as long as the seal was pressing down, he couldn't do anything. The only thing he could seize was the moment when he blasted the seal onto the target. If he was given that brief respite, his opponent would have a weakness.

Because magical artifacts are never simply thrown out and done with; they are inextricably linked to one's own spirit. Those four punches that slammed into the seal must have shaken the opponent's consciousness, slowing their reaction considerably. This desperate act of risking a peach wood sword to pierce through the shoulder clearly caught the opponent off guard; that momentary misjudgment was their only chance!
Gu Xuyang was stunned for a moment, and it wasn't until the sword light was about to hit him that he reacted and a small shield quickly stood in front of him.

"clang!"

The seemingly unstoppable sword strike did not pierce the small shield.

Taking advantage of the moment when Gu Xuyang used his shield to defend, the sword light rose upwards, like a dragon ascending to the sky.

Shen Tang's body flashed with purple light as he exhausted all his strength to stab at the small crack created by his previous four punches.

"Kara..."

The cracks widened rapidly, spread, and split.

"Bang!" The seal shattered into pieces. Everyone stared in disbelief as Shen Tang broke through the mountain-like seal, as if a purple dragon had pierced through the mountains and ascended to the sky amidst a flurry of flying boulders.

The Emperor's power is astonishing, and the flying dragon soars in the sky.

Gu Xuyang, who was holding a shield for defense, suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, staining his shield red.

He failed to let Shen Tang experience the feeling of her natal flying sword shattering, but instead he himself experienced what it meant for his natal magic weapon to shatter.

The shock to his soul and the backlash from his magic power caused Gu Xuyang's meridians to feel like they were being stirred up, and his head to feel like it was about to split open.

In a daze, a cry of surprise rang in his ears. Gu Xuyang looked up and saw Shen Tang once again descending from the sky, sword and all.

His solemn white robes were stained with blood, and his beautiful eyes held an undisguised, chilling killing intent.

The dragon that soars too high will regret it.

It was clear that she had no strength left.

But what falls from the sky is a natural force.

With his natal magic weapon shattered and his head throbbing, Gu Xuyang lost his mind for a moment, only subconsciously holding the small shield above his head.

The result was unexpected once again; the sound of swords and shields clashing did not come.

Shen Tang sheathed his sword and struck with his palm.

That exertion of force wasn't an attack, it was... a push.

A powerful force surged towards him, and Gu Xuyang instinctively stepped back, but he missed his footing after only two steps.

Gu Xuyang realized what was happening and immediately adjusted his inner energy, hovering in mid-air.

The entire room fell silent.

His seal had taken up almost the entire arena space, and when he circled down from it, he was clearly at the edge of the arena. This push... and he was knocked out of the arena!

Even if it hovers outside, it is still considered to be in the ring.

Even a child knows the rules of the ring: stepping out of the ring results in a loss.

Even if he only suffered from the backlash of the shattered magic weapon, he could recover his fighting strength with a little adjustment. But Shen Tang in front of him was covered in blood, and his "crippled" legs made it impossible for him to stand. He could only sit on the stage and looked like he had no fighting strength left...

The result was that she was in the ring, while he had already left.

The outcome has been decided.

(End of this chapter)