Wan Jian returns to his clan!

Chapter 198 Yin-Yang Judge, Dark Sun Devours the Heart

"It's a pity that the demonic sect's enchantress's [Three Lives Sense] is a valuable item, its worth even surpassing that of the [Nine Winds and Clouds Techniques]. It allows one to fight against a real opponent while being at the Innate Void Realm, which is truly extraordinary. Why didn't she learn it?"

Lu Wubing admitted that he also had the joys and sorrows of a normal person, and was not the kind of person who could control his desires.

Even after living two lifetimes, I still want many good things, want to live a better life, cherish life but also fear death, and yearn for longevity, the longer I live the better...

Therefore, he wasn't without ideas about the demonic martial arts that the girl in purple had revealed earlier.

The idea was good, but reality was rather harsh.

He was certain once again.

He learns sword techniques and knife skills very quickly; he can almost instantly grasp them just by seeing them.

Especially swordsmanship; he could learn most of it after just one look, and with a little more thought, he could basically uncover its secrets.

However, he is somewhat powerless when it comes to various internal cultivation methods and secret techniques for circulating energy.

Unless you have a clearly written manual to study carefully, simply engaging in combat will only allow you to discern its characteristics and learn how to counter it.

If you really want to understand how to cultivate and apply it, then it's a bit beyond the syllabus.

"Yeah, why didn't you learn it?"

Ouyang Lan slapped her thigh, looking regretful.

He thought to himself that if his junior brother could learn the Demonic Sect's "Three Lives Knowledge," he would really hit the jackpot.

Whether it's strengthening themselves, framing others, or instigating internal strife within the Demonic Sect, it's all incredibly easy...

"Junior Brother, there's a reason you learn swordsmanship so quickly. Don't even think about learning other people's signature internal techniques. If you have that kind of mindset, you might as well ambush them halfway and search that demonic sect demoness to see if she's carrying any secret manuals."

"Intercept them? Not so easy. I just noticed that besides Huo Qinghua's strength, there's another aura rapidly converging with them from afar."

Although that aura was concealed, it was powerful and profound; even I wasn't confident I could defeat it.

Lu Wubing looked up towards the northwest and pondered for a moment before speaking.

"Most importantly, after eavesdropping for a long time, we finally figured out that Huo Qinghua and the invading force of the Northern Zhou Demonic Sect seem to be in a hostile state, with the two sides fighting each other repeatedly."

Forcibly keeping this woman at this point would not only create another powerful enemy, but it would also help the Blood Lotus, Yellow Spring, and Joyous Union factions fight off their enemies, making it a losing proposition.

At this point, Lu Wubing said with some regret, "There's an old saying that goes, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.'"

Although Huo Qinghua isn't exactly a friend, she can still help us distract the enemy and draw the attention of the demonic sect experts. We'll leave the [Three Lives Consciousness] with her for now and retrieve it later.”

"Are there any other experts?"

Ouyang Lan wasn't afraid at all.

She felt that being with her junior brother was incredibly exciting.

It's like one wave subsides only for another to rise.

She is not afraid of even the strongest experts who appear.

but.

It's indeed not advisable to provoke a master whom even the junior brother feels uncertain about.

If you've gotten a good deal, you should leave quickly... Staying where you are and waiting for someone to come knocking on your door and fight you to the death is not a good idea.

"Walk."

Lu Wubing clearly thought the same thing.

He immediately pulled Ouyang Lan into the woods, disappearing into the shadows of the trees and speeding away.

They left in no more than three breaths.

A sudden gust of cold wind swept up from the spot, whoosh...

The grass on the ground, bathed in the silvery moonlight, took on a bluish-black hue.

Like a contagious disease, the dark color surged and spread in all directions.

Immediately afterwards, the area within a radius of several dozen feet appeared to be covered with a layer of black ash...

The moonlight shining down from the sky gave off a slightly dim, yellowish hue.

A half-real, half-illusory black shadow hovered in mid-air, glanced left and right, and found nothing. Like a phantom, it vanished again.

The black color of the ground gradually faded.

The place where Lu Wubing had previously clashed with Huo Qinghua and Yue Lingfeng was now just a dry, withered desert.

A while later...

Lu Wubing and Ouyang Lancai both breathed a sigh of relief.

It wasn't that they were worried about the other side discovering their whereabouts and starting another fight.

We'll only know who will emerge victorious after the fight.

The main point is that Lu Wubing now understands that if this person is on Huo Qinghua's side, he could actually be relied upon as an ally in secret.

No matter what, it can still cause the Northern Zhou to invade the Demonic Sect, which means Ye Wushuang's faction is in a lot of trouble, and can really help me a lot.

Most importantly, this group of people did not seem to have any designs on Liyang City or Mingyang City.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have resorted to such methods to come here and steal the most prized disciple of the Heavenly Star Sect.

Their goal was never to attack the Tianxing and Mingyue sects.

Of course, all of this is just speculation. The most important thing is that Ouyang Lan has heard of the reputation of the person in front of her.

"It should be one of the Yin and Yang judges from before the Wheel of Reincarnation Palace split apart."

"Are they the two demonic judges that Master mentioned last time?"

Lu Wubing also remembered.

"That's right. Above the Six Halls of the Demonic Sect, there are also the Left and Right Soul-Hooking Envoys, Ox-Head and Horse-Face... Father once fought a great battle with the Right Soul-Hooking Envoy, Horse-Face, and almost died at Tiger Ridge Pass. That person is really powerful, probably not much weaker than the Green Snake King."

Above the two Soul Reapers were the two Judges.

Yang Pan Cui Guang had appeared before, but for some reason, he did not make a move.

Yin Pan Lu Ming, who hasn't appeared in the world for many years, has actually shown up here. He must be secretly protecting that demonic witch.

The two exchanged a glance and both guessed that Huo Qinghua's identity was highly suspicious.

"Fortunately, Junior Brother did not kill Huo Qinghua earlier, otherwise, it would have been a fight to the death."

"Judging from its sinister appearance, it doesn't seem to be much different from the Yellow Springs Path techniques?"

The Yellow Springs Path is also one of the six halls of the Demonic Sect. Before it split, it was called the Yellow Springs Hall.

Its leader, the "Ghost Mother" Yan Ruyu, is also extremely powerful. In the battle of Tiger Ridge, she fought against Bi Fenkong of the Ziyang Sect.

Bi Fenkong's six yang lights shone simultaneously, holding back the two demonic giants, Huang Guimu and Xue Lian Wumian. After fighting for a while, they separated without saying who had won.

Bi Fenkong's fame soared after defeating two opponents single-handedly.

But no one can guarantee that the Blood Lotus Faceless Ancestor and the Yellow Spring Ghost Mother used all their abilities.

Rather than saying that the two sides fought to the death, it would be more accurate to say that they collaborated and co-starred in a play.

At the time, Lu Wubing did not understand.

I understand it now.

Although Bi Fenkong is a member of the Three Divine Peaks and appears to be one of the leading figures of the righteous faction, in reality, he secretly sides with Prince Gong... and is eager for the Northern Zhou Demonic Sect to rampage and invade the heart of Dali.

The hidden thoughts behind it are not something that can be revealed to outsiders.

When the dark figure appeared earlier, Lu Wubing watched from afar and felt that the aura emanating from this person could actually pull at the life force within his body, making him very uncomfortable.

It is suspected to be the same as the legendary deathly aura of the underworld.

"Actually, they all come from the same school. The Yellow Springs Path cultivates death energy, while the Reincarnation Sect's Six Paths Reincarnation Technique is about controlling life and death. According to the elders, Yang Judge Cui Guang cultivates life energy, while Yin Judge Lu Ming cultivates death energy. Each of them cultivated a part of the Reincarnation Technique."

However, the Yin Judge's cultivation method uses the purest Yin and Netherworld Death Qi, while the Yellow Springs Hall Ghost Mother's cultivation method incorporates various kinds of filthy and malevolent Qi; there are subtle differences.

Having fought so many battles with the Demonic Sect, the Heavenly Star Sect has a very good understanding of the various branches of the Demonic Sect and the high-ranking members of the opposing side.

It has been passed down from generation to generation, and even Ouyang Lan is very familiar with it.

When he spoke of it now, his face showed worry.

To think that the Demonic Sect has recovered to such a powerful state after its split.

As for their own sect, which used to be able to overpower the demonic sect, it is now facing a talent shortage and has fallen far behind. It is a sad thing to think about.

"Back then, the supreme divine skills of the Demonic Sect included the Three Lives Insight and the Six Paths of Reincarnation. These two divine skills were truly terrifying to the world. The Three Lives Insight was said to be able to see through past and present lives and see through everything. The Six Paths of Reincarnation could cause people to be reincarnated, and those who were hit by it would not even know how they died."

"It's a pity you didn't manage to steal the [Three Lives Sense], Junior Brother. Otherwise, you could have fought that Yin Judge again, learned his martial arts, and dealt with the demonic sect members with ease."

Ouyang Lan became happier and happier as she thought about it, but then she realized she was dreaming, and her face fell.

"Indeed, I don't know where I got this ability to secretly learn martial arts from other schools. Could it be a skill that one inevitably possesses after comprehending sword intent to a certain level?"

Lu Wubing found it amusing, but his heart skipped a beat.

He diligently practiced using the "Heaven rewards diligence" method, and felt that he gained something from every sword strike.

In terms of swordsmanship, his skill is truly extraordinary and unmatched.

However, it's not scientifically sound to say that someone with a profound understanding of swordsmanship can learn another person's signature sword technique just by glancing at it.

Ouyang Lan opened her mouth slightly and chuckled, "It's not a matter of comprehending swordsmanship. Junior Brother, you're so caught up in the situation that you don't take it seriously. It would be strange if you couldn't learn swordsmanship just by looking at it."

"How to say?"

While Xiaolan, the top instructor, may not be the best at swordsmanship, her unique insight is absolutely trustworthy.

Ouyang Lan lectured with an air of composure: "Junior Brother, you are the first genius in our Heavenly Star Sect in a hundred years to cultivate the [Glazed Sword Body]. No one has told you how powerful this unique sword body truly is, so it's normal that you don't know. But when I was young, my father told me that anyone who cultivates the [Glazed Sword Body] will not only have a much faster cultivation speed in both internal and external martial arts than ordinary disciples, but will also have a unique ability: to understand the true meaning of all swords under heaven. There is no sword technique that they cannot master."

Furthermore, it has many wondrous uses at the level of perception. Sensing the goodwill or malice of others is merely the basics. It can also sense the surge of divine intent and the flow of energy; the patriarchs called this ability "Sword Heart Clarity."

"It's so."

Lu Wubing finally understood what was going on with his ability to learn other people's swordsmanship with just a glance.

It seems.

That [Glazed Pill] was truly precious.

The luck of the eldest brother, Yue Lingfeng, was cut off by a large part here.

This elixir, in principle, should belong to him.

Upon thinking of this, Lu Wubing didn't know whether to cry or laugh.

What a magnificent "Three Meridians Grand Competition"! What a magnificent "Glazed Elixir"!

"Observing a thousand swords to recognize a weapon" is just a form of accumulation for others, but for oneself, it is a form of cheating.

If one can master all the sword techniques in the world, who can wield a sword in front of one?

All swords merge into one, thus all swords return to their origin.

By then, how strong will my swordsmanship be?
OK.

“Actually, there’s another way to advance the [Sword Heart Clarity] skill, but most people can’t learn it.” Once Ouyang Lan started talking, she couldn’t stop.

"You mean the [Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Net]?"

"That's right. The [Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Net] is known as the secret technique of the Heavenly Star Sect. It is not the same as the one Father used. If it only had that kind of power, it would not be called the strongest sect-protecting divine skill."

Ouyang Lan, despite her young age, seemed much older than she was, and let out a long sigh.

"Without the [Sword Heart Clarity], one cannot cultivate the [Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Net], nor can one dominate the world with a single sword."

Since the [Glazed Pill] was lost, the sect leader's lineage has gradually declined.

"Therefore, the competition in the Three Sects Grand Competition was not about titles, but about the practical benefits of becoming the sect leader." Lu Wubing suddenly understood.

He finally understood the excitement that the Jin Yutang and Meng Hu'ao clans felt when they heard about the competition's rewards.

Perhaps, even those who obtain the [Glazed Pill] may not necessarily cultivate the Glazed Sword Body, let alone the [Sword Heart Clarity], but they have a very good chance.

Without the [Glazed Pill], nothing is possible.

Forcing yourself to practice the [Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Net] will result in a situation like that of the sect leader, Ouyang Zheng—learning it is almost the same as not learning it at all, and your combat power won't necessarily become much stronger.

"Does Senior Sister mean that if we take the [Sword Heart Clarity] a step further, it will no longer be limited to secretly learning sword techniques?"

Lu Wubing's heart stirred, and he guessed what Ouyang Lan meant.

"That's right, just as you imagined. After mastering the [Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Net], you will not only be able to see through and learn sword techniques at a glance, but you will also be able to learn all kinds of strange and unique skills in battle and integrate all kinds of techniques into one."

Ouyang Lan proudly declared, "The Heavenly Star Sect's martial arts, from the [Dripping Water Force] to the [Vast Ocean Divine Art], embody the essence of countless streams flowing into the sea. It integrates a thousand sword techniques into one, transforming a single drop of water into a vast ocean. Who in the world can rival us?"

"Therefore, without mastering the [Vast Ocean Divine Art], this sect's secret technique cannot be learned. In that case, doesn't that mean I'm almost ready to learn the [Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Net]?"

Thinking of this, Lu Wubing felt a slight excitement.

"However, it cannot be passed on to my master. Even if he knew how to use it, he couldn't explain it. The main product is a gourd with a saw-mouth."

We still have to rely on the Ancestral Master's Cave; hopefully, the true essence of the [Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Net] inheritance bead still remains inside.

“Junior Brother, didn’t you say that you would ask Father and Mother to reopen the Ancestral Cave after the disciples of the sect had settled their sword techniques and broken through in their cultivation? Father had actually agreed before we left the mountain. He even set the date as the ninth day of the ninth lunar month.”

"The Double Ninth Festival marks the revival of the sect; it is indeed an auspicious day."

Although Lu Wubing wanted to learn the [Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Net] as soon as possible, he thought about it and realized that most of the disciples had just learned swordsmanship and were forcibly trying to break through to the seventh rank of internal energy.

With medicine readily available now, it's the perfect time for rapid progress, so it's indeed not advisable to open the Ancestral Master Cave prematurely.

Unlike in the past, it won't be held only once every three years.

Opening it only once a month is outrageous; it's a public toilet.

So, it's okay to wait a little longer.

……

"Far away, even further away. Senior sister, let me tell you, the real secret of this sword technique isn't in the moves themselves, but rather it truly touches upon the level of law. I wonder how the White Ape Ancestor created it..."

The two returned to Mingyue Peak in high spirits.

On the way, Lu Wubing explained the essence of the sword technique in detail.

Unfortunately, Senior Sister Xiaolan was unable to fully demonstrate her exceptional comprehension this time.

With a pair of clear yet foolish big eyes, he learned the moves, but failed to grasp the essence of swordsmanship.

"Alright, let's learn it one move at a time. Take this sword strike, for example. Do you see the wind? It's not the sword moving, it's not the wind moving, it's the heart moving..."

"Controlling the sword with the mind, and guiding the momentum with the sword, requires no mental energy; one must try to comprehend the trajectory of the sword."

Lu Wubing showed no impatience whatsoever. It was the same when his senior sister Xiaolan taught him swordsmanship and internal energy; she spoke until her mouth was blistering, yet she remained enthusiastic.

Just then, Ouyang Lan comprehended a move of the [Purple Star Divine Sword] Heart Sword Style, and at this moment she had some insights into controlling the sword with her mind.

After swinging his sword in place for a long time, he finally felt a slight hint of the wind.

She thrust out her sword, and although she didn't use any internal force, she found that a wisp of wind was wrapped around the sword, and the sword speed inexplicably increased by three points.

"Huh, it actually stirred up the energy between heaven and earth, how is that possible?"

Ouyang Lan finally understood why her junior brother's swordsmanship was so formidable and why he was trying to get some benefits from her senior brother.

"Is this the sword-wielding style you described at the 'Unity' realm?"

The four realms of innate nature are: Yin deficiency, Yang excess, ultimate intention, and returning to truth.

Above that is the Realm of Unity, which is essentially the unity of heaven and humanity.

Once you reach this level, you can easily draw upon the energy of heaven and earth.

Human strength is limited, but the power of heaven and earth is boundless.

Therefore, martial arts that can utilize the energy of heaven and earth have, at a fundamental level, transcended all other ordinary techniques in the world.

Lu Wubing nodded cautiously and guessed, "Everything in the world has its own rules, and swordsmanship is no exception."

This set of Nine Styles of Wind and Cloud should have been created by the White Ape Ancestor Gao Wujianling, who carefully explored the laws of heaven and earth and then incorporated them into his swordsmanship.

As long as you follow the rules and patterns when wielding your sword, you can draw upon the energy of heaven and earth.

In some respects, this concept is completely different from ordinary sword techniques.

Look at this wisp of wind; with the arc drawn by the sword's edge, it not only adds useless wrist-twisting movements but also makes the sword's angle extremely awkward. At the same time, the distance the sword's edge travels is 30% greater than a straight attack.

Even a sword novice would never practice like this. By the time the twisted arc was complete, the enemy had already stabbed him two or three times, but…

As Lu Wubing twisted his wrist, the sword's edge traced an earthworm-like arc, and a sudden gust of wind arose from the sword, the blade seemingly merging into the wind.

The sword light was no longer visible; only a sharp, bluish-green blade whistled as it slashed out.

In the distance, rocks and trees were neatly cut open, revealing smooth surfaces.

"You didn't use internal energy?"

Ouyang Lan's eyes widened, and she strode to the broken stone, exclaiming in astonishment.

She knew she couldn't withstand the sharpness of that sword.

The sword strikes were both fast and fierce.

The gentle breeze revealed its ferocious fangs.

"Not only did I not use internal energy, but I've only mastered the sword techniques; I haven't yet achieved proficiency. If Senior Sister were to reach this level, she wouldn't be at a disadvantage against someone in the Innate Yin Deficiency Realm."

Lu Wubing said after careful consideration.

Of course, he was referring to ordinary innate realm cultivators, not powerful innate realm cultivators like the Snake King or Pig King who possessed unique secret techniques.

With Ouyang Lan currently only at the sixth-grade internal strength level and the fifth-grade external refinement level, the fact that she can fight against someone at the innate level means she has already crossed countless minor levels.

To be able to fight enemies at a level that ordinary people consider insurmountable, one can imagine just how miraculous this sword technique is.

Its grade is indeed no less than that of the [Eight Swords of Subduing Dragon].

However, the power of the Eight Subduing Dragon Swords increases with the strengthening of one's mental will.

I wonder if the Nine Powers of Wind and Cloud can also draw upon more power from heaven and earth as one's spiritual strength increases.

"Alright, I've mastered this sword technique. If Senior Brother can learn it, so can I."

Ouyang Lan said with great interest.

At that moment, he didn't even bother to climb Mingyue Peak, but instead prepared to set up his stance at the pavilion at the foot of the mountain and practice his swordsmanship under the moonlight.

"There's no rush..."

Lu Wubing found it amusing and was about to advise her to return to the Mingyue Sect's mountain gate and Taoist temple when he suddenly felt a chill in his heart.

A chill crept into my heart.

The moonlight around us suddenly disappeared, and the world sank into darkness.

The path, the forest, the pavilion, the mirror-like lake, the peaks, and the Taoist temple in the distance all disappeared.

A palm print, as if swallowing all light, obscured the spirit, shrouded the mind in a layer of dark smoke, and quietly imprinted itself onto the back.

……

(End of this chapter)