In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 224 With the power to transform into countless forms, one can step into the realm of intentional transformation.

evening.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the cliff edge, gilding everything with a soft, warm gold.

A mountain breeze swept by, causing the ancient pines on the cliff to whisper softly, and also stirring the continuous bamboo forest below, making a rustling sound.

Perhaps influenced by Gu Shaoan, Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan often came to this secluded place to cultivate.

At this moment, Zhou Zhiruo had changed into a clean set of clothes.

She wore an elegant light blue-green outfit, looking fresh and neat, without a trace of the dust and grime of the martial arts world, which only made her skin appear more translucent and pure.

Her long hair was simply tied up, with a few soft strands falling beside her cheeks, occasionally stirred by the evening breeze, brushing against her profile, which was as red as the first flush of a new moon.

With a light movement, the long sword in her hand was like a pool of autumn water, flowing with a cool luster under the golden light of the setting sun.

The "Willow Catkin Sword Technique" unfolded slowly in her hands.

There is no fierce and surging murderous aura, only a flowing and elegant artistic conception.

The tip of the sword moved lightly, drawing a graceful and elusive trajectory, seemingly slow but actually swift.

With the sword moving with him and the wind rustling around him, he seemed like a spirit that never touched the dust as he moved through the forest, or a light willow catkin drifting freely in the mountain mist.

Her clothes fluttered gently with her movements, like butterfly wings in a dance, giving her outfit an ethereal and otherworldly charm.

Each turn of the sword's edge created a subtle vortex of air, causing the nearby drooping bamboo branches and leaves to sway slightly, as if invisible willow branches were truly pulling them.

Just then, Zhou Zhiruo's aura suddenly changed!
The sword's momentum was not as unpredictable and elusive as usual; instead, the arm moved steadily forward, and the longsword produced a very subtle yet clear whistling sound as it sliced ​​through the air.

In an instant, centered on the sword in her hand, the surrounding air seemed to freeze. Instead of scattered sword light drifting around, countless fine, pale golden energies, as solid as tangible energy, suddenly appeared and condensed.

These energies, like living threads, intertwined, tangled, and surrounded her within a few feet.

It was as if hundreds or thousands of pale golden willow catkins were surrounding her.

It's also "JX3: Thousand Willows".

However, compared to when Zhou Zhiruo first realized this move by the forest more than two hours ago, this move was even more natural and exquisite.

At the same time, by the stream three zhang away from Zhou Zhiruo, Gu Shaoan's eyes flashed as he took in the "Sword Three: Thousand Willows" that Zhou Zhiruo was using.

His gaze fell on the golden energy surrounding Zhou Zhiruo. With Gu Shaoan's perception, how could he not notice that the pale golden energy around Zhou Zhiruo, which resembled willow catkins, was clearly mixed with the special energy from the "Great Shift of Heaven and Earth".

"Interestingly, it combines the Yin and Yang energies of 'Swordsman Online 3: Thousand Willows' with the 'Great Shift of Heaven and Earth' to achieve the effect of transforming strength into hundreds of thousands, thus entering the level of 'momentum'."

Subsequently, Zhou Zhiruo used martial arts techniques such as the "Golden Summit Cotton Palm" and the "Sunset Sword Technique".

Several martial arts techniques, due to their emphasis on "momentum," possess a more agile and graceful quality reminiscent of willow catkins.

This qualitative leap in martial arts level gave Zhou Zhiruo the feeling of having a new toy, filling her with a sense of novelty.

Only after combining their respective martial arts techniques with the "Thousand Willows Stance" did Zhou Zhiruo stop practicing, a satisfied smile appearing on her face.

Just then, Zhou Zhiruo seemed to notice something and quickly glanced to the side.

When her gaze fell upon Gu Shaoan, Zhou Zhiruo's eyes lit up, and with a light step, she leaped three zhang (approximately 10 meters) to stand in front of him.

When Zhou Zhiruo approached, Gu Shaoan smiled and said, "Congratulations, Senior Sister, on your great progress in martial arts and your successful mastery of the 'momentum' level."

Zhou Zhiruo replied softly, "It's just a clever trick using the 'Great Shift of Heaven and Earth' technique."

Gu Shaoan shook his head slightly at this.

"There is no shortcut in martial arts. It is your wisdom that you were able to think of using the energy of the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth in combination with the Sword Three: Thousand Willows."

"Furthermore, my senior sister also knows about the content of 'transforming the domain with intention'."

"If Senior Sister can further improve on the move 'Sword Three: Thousand Willows' and achieve the ability to transform force into myriad forms, it won't be too difficult to reach the level of 'transforming the domain with intention'."

When Zhou Zhiruo heard that as long as she could achieve the ability to transform into countless forms in the future, she would be able to step into the level of "transforming the domain with intention", her eyes lit up.

The real fear in cultivation is not difficulties, but rather losing all direction.

Gu Shaoan's words undoubtedly indicated to Zhou Zhiruo the direction for her future martial arts training.

Therefore, the path of martial arts is long and boundless.

Whether it's the "Emei Sword Manual" or the "Great Shift of Heaven and Earth," Gu Shaoan's mastery of them far surpasses that of Zhou Zhiruo.

However, Gu Shaoan had not previously considered combining the "Great Shift of Heaven and Earth" and the "Emei Sword Manual".

Zhou Zhiruo's presence gave Gu Shaoan a refreshing feeling.

Moreover, from Gu Shaoan's perspective, it was precisely because of Zhou Zhiruo's ingenious idea that Zhou Zhiruo's momentum could be transformed into hundreds of thousands of strengths, which coincided with the formation of a domain of energy when using intention to create a domain.

Even Gu Shaoan couldn't help but marvel at Zhou Zhiruo's luck.

After Gu Shaoan explained his understanding of "transforming the domain with intention", Zhou Zhiruo, who understood her situation, couldn't help but show a look of joy.

Seeing this, Gu Shaoan chuckled and said, "I didn't inform Senior Sister about today's events beforehand. I hope Senior Sister won't blame me?"

Zhou Zhiruo smiled gently.

As they walked toward the pavilion together, he said, "These past few years, everything has gone too smoothly for me and Junior Sister Yan'er."

"Although I practice diligently on weekdays, I can't be as completely absorbed as my junior brother."

"When the heart is agitated, the temper becomes irritable. Even in terms of internal strength, we are far inferior to our junior brother, let alone in terms of martial arts comprehension."

“My junior brother is helping us because he cares about us. How could I blame him? I would only feel grateful and happy.”

After entering the pavilion and sitting down, Gu Shaoan glanced at his courtyard.

"How is my junior sister?"

Zhou Zhiruo responded, "Although Junior Sister Yan'er didn't say much, I could feel her self-blame. Junior Sister Jiangxue felt the same way. She will probably do her best to cultivate as Junior Brother wishes."

Gu Shaoan said with a hint of helplessness, "There's no other way! Some things can only be used once, and we can only think of one solution at a time."

Both Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan are shrewd and clever.

The same method might only work on the first try for both people.

After this incident, it will only be more difficult to find a suitable opportunity to provoke the two of them again.

Moreover, everything needs to be done in moderation.

If this limit is exceeded, Gu Shaoan's actions will take on a different meaning.

Gu Shaoan cares about Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan, but he wouldn't do something to hurt them under the guise of "doing what's best for the two women."

Therefore, things like this should only be done in moderation, not excessively.

After thinking for a moment, Gu Shaoan shook his head and said, "But afterwards, I'm afraid I'll inevitably be subjected to some sarcastic remarks from this girl." Zhou Zhiruo smiled and said, "Junior Sister Yan'er listens to you the most. As long as you speak up and understand the cause and effect, I estimate you can coax Junior Sister Yan'er back to her good side very quickly."

After chatting for a while, the two turned to look at the clouds that had been dyed golden by the setting sun.

After a long silence, Zhou Zhiruo asked, "Regarding the question about the Demon Master Pang Ban, are you really confident, Junior Brother?"

"When has my senior sister ever seen me do something I'm not sure about?"

Gu Shaoan replied almost without thinking.

Zhou Zhiruo gave a soft "hmm".

Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, her exquisitely beautiful face gained a touch of gentleness.

There's never a shortage of people in the martial arts world who like to join in the fun.

After all, there are many in the martial arts world who are unwilling to live a peaceful life.

As news of the events between the Emei Sect, the Beggars' Sect, and the Demon Master's Palace spread, more and more people headed to the Emei Sect's territory.

The number of martial artists gathered in Jiading Prefecture far exceeded that of usual.

Almost every street corner you can see martial arts practitioners wielding weapons.

Those who want to see the clash between the Beggars' Sect and other forces after they join forces against the Emei Sect, and the Emei Sect...

But most of the martial artists who gathered there were drawn by the name "Demon Master Pang Ban".

Martial artists admire strength.

Pang Ban was already a top-tier master in the world decades ago.

This time, the Emei Sect has set up a challenge arena, which may be the first time that Pang Ban of the Demon Master Palace has reappeared and stepped into the martial arts world after twenty years of retirement.

Many people also want to see the true face of the infamous demon master Pang Ban.

There are also quite a few people with ulterior motives who want to see what's going on.

Having been immersed in his magic for twenty years, what level of strength has Pang Ban reached now?
Jiading Prefecture.

In a quiet little courtyard.

The golden rays of the setting sun pierced through the gaps in the lush foliage, casting dappled, shimmering patterns of light on the marble floor.

The courtyard is elegant, with flowers and trees complementing each other, yet it carries a subtle, almost imperceptible, sense of aloofness and coldness.

Beneath the dense shade of a large tree, a figure sat quietly.

The man was dressed in a moon-white robe, not the usual scholar's gown. The material was extremely exquisite, with a subtle sheen, and the cut was extremely neat, outlining the slightly slender yet powerful lines of his shoulders and back.

The sleeves and hem of the robe were embroidered with extremely simple yet bizarre cloud patterns in very fine dark gold thread, which appeared and disappeared in the twilight, adding a touch of mystery and nobility.

The woman's black hair was like raven feathers. It was neither casually loose nor completely tied up. Instead, she used an extremely exquisite white jade hairpin to firmly bind most of her black hair on the top of her head, forming a tall and upright bun like a crown. A few strands of hair that were not tied up fell naturally and gently brushed against her ears and neck.

This hairstyle exudes a sense of rebelliousness amidst its dignified air.

The afterglow of the setting sun outlined the perfectly sculpted profile of his face.

Her features were like those sculpted from cold jade, lacking any feminine softness, but instead exuding a refined and aloof heroic spirit.

His nose was straight and sharp, as if carved by a knife. His thin lips were pressed into a very light line, and the color of his lips was like water from a cold pool, with a hint of cool red.

What's most striking are his slanted eyebrows that sweep into his temples.

The eyebrows were not curved like willow leaves, but rather resembled two unsheathed daggers, with sharp, upward-pointing tips, exuding an undeniable sharpness.

Although he was dressed as a man.

But anyone with a discerning eye can see that this person is clearly a woman disguised as a man.

The woman's eyes were closed, making her eyelashes appear even thicker and creating a deep shadow.

She sat cross-legged, her back straight as a pine tree, her posture composed yet exuding an unassailable aura of solitude.

The woman rested her hands comfortably on her knees, her long, strong fingers with distinct knuckles and neatly trimmed fingertips, showing no trace of femininity.

A healthy pale pink peeks out from under the nails, the fingertips gently tapping, as if they could always resonate with invisible strings or weapons.

A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, causing a few half-yellow, half-green leaves to twirl before falling.

However, the fallen leaves did not fall directly onto the floor, but instead landed on a wooden box next to the woman.

The wooden box is about four feet long and has simple, smooth lines.

The box was entirely black, like the deepest midnight, but it was by no means a monotonous black. Upon closer inspection, the texture of the black wood was extremely special. The fine grain flowed with a deep and restrained dark gold color under the twilight, like molten gold seeping into the dull iron.

The surface of the box is not smooth as a mirror, but is treated by skilled craftsmen to present a deep, restrained, and low-key texture that absorbs light.

The four corners and edges were firmly reinforced with an unknown dark gold metal. The metal's color was deep and cold, unlike the gaudy gold, and more like solidified cold.

Suddenly, the woman's eyelashes twitched slightly, even though she had been standing still like a statue.

A few fallen leaves were bounced away by an invisible current, and a pair of eyes, like a frozen pool suddenly broken, opened silently, their sharp gaze piercing through the twilight in the courtyard in an instant.

A few moments later, Wang Fulai, a somewhat obese man dressed as a butler, strode into the courtyard.

The moment Wang Fulai entered the courtyard, he met the woman's cold and somewhat disdainful eyes, and his heart instinctively tightened.

After quickly walking up to the woman, Wang Fulai bowed and said, "Master, it has been confirmed that Shi Huolong of the Beggar Clan, the Evil Sect, the Sea Sand Gang, and other forces have all entered Jiading Prefecture."

The woman gave a soft "hmm" in acknowledgment, then closed her eyes again.

Seeing this, Wang Fulai hesitated for a moment before gritting his teeth and saying, "This time, the Beggars' Clan has attracted the Evil Sect. The sect leader of the Evil Sect, Li Ruohai, is considered a first-class expert in the entire Great Wei Kingdom. My master is burdened with a blood feud, and the great revenge has not yet been avenged. If we intervene at this time and offend the Evil Sect, it would be unwise."

The woman did not open her eyes, and said calmly, "I know, so after this incident, I will take action to deal with those guys."

The woman's voice wasn't loud, but it revealed an innate domineering aura.

Hearing the woman's words, Wang Fulai spoke again: "Okay."

But just as Wang Fulai uttered the first word, the woman suddenly opened her eyes.

The disdainful look in his eyes had taken on a colder edge.

Upon seeing this, Wang Fulai felt a jolt of fear, then lowered his head and slowly retreated.

Once the woman was alone in the courtyard, she suddenly raised her right hand and placed it on the wooden box beside her.

As she caressed the wooden box with her fingertips, feeling the texture of the patterns on it, the woman suddenly turned her head to look in the direction of the Emei Sect, a look of reminiscence suddenly appearing on her face.

After a moment, the woman withdrew her gaze, gently closed her eyes, and streams of true energy slowly emerged from her body, then swirled around her.

　I'll try to finish the next chapter by 10:30!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)