In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 284 After ten years of fog clearing, today I finally know who I am.
Despite being attacked from both sides by Shangguan Jin Hong, Gu Shaoan remained calm and composed.

His body leaned back slightly in mid-air in an illogical manner, like a leaf swept up by the wind, narrowly avoiding the scorching, sweeping blade of the mother ring.

At the same time, his right sleeve flicked out like a serpent, and the powerful energy containing yin and yang energies skillfully struck the side of the rotating, devouring dragon-shaped ring.

"Ding"

A crisp, piercing clang of metal clashing.

The dragon-shaped ring was struck by the skillfully applied force, causing its rotation trajectory to subtly shift, and it flew past Gu Shaoan's right shoulder.

The offensive was thwarted, but Shangguan Jin Hong's offensive had only just begun.

In the next instant, his figure was completely close.

With the twin rings in hand, Shangguan Jin Hong's movements were less like a martial artist wielding a weapon and more like a natural extension of his limbs.

The moves are wide and sweeping, yet perfectly executed, full of power, precision, and ruthless efficiency.

The moves flowed continuously, yet without any sense of unpredictability.

The rings tumbled and flew, sometimes sweeping across the lower body like a raging dragon's tail, carrying condensed qi, sometimes piercing the center of the body like a dragon emerging from the water, with tricky and ruthless angles.

The mother ring rotated, sometimes like a golden phoenix spreading its wings to block and deflect force. The huge ring blocked all of Gu Shaoan's probing palm winds and finger strikes, emitting a muffled buzzing sound. At other times, it transformed into wings into blades, drawing a hot and domineering slashing arc with heavy and fierce force.

One second the ring was aimed straight at his throat, forcing Gu Shaoan to raise his hand to block; the next second the ring followed closely, smashing down on his lower body with tremendous force.

The previous move had barely finished its work when the next move arrived with a deadly strike, the transition was seamless.

The coordination between the mother and child rings is perfect.

Moreover, Shangguan Jin Hong's moves are neither flashy nor overly ingenious. There are no superfluous fancy movements; every strike is aimed directly at the vital points, and every change is based on the most solid foundation.

Faced with Gu Shaoan's unpredictable palm techniques, the ethereal force was like flowing clouds and drifting catkins, and the palm wind was sometimes hard and sometimes soft, sometimes slapping, sometimes cutting, sometimes guiding, sometimes shaking, each time able to deflect the frontal impact around the body and disintegrate the condensed energy attached to it.

However, Shangguan Jin Hong's reaction was also extremely quick.

Every time Gu Shaoan makes a move, the twin rings in his hands have already made the most accurate prediction of the blocking or counterattack route.

His moves were like an impregnable fortress. No matter how elusive and ever-changing Gu Shaoan's cloud hands were, seemingly trying to deflect his force or disrupt his rhythm, Shangguan Jin Hong's double rings could always catch the attack steadily in the simplest and most efficient way.

In an instant, the ground was plowed into furrows by the aftershocks of the golden ring's energy and Gu Shaoan's palm strike, with gravel and soil flying everywhere.

But the more he fought, the more horrified Shangguan Jin Hong became.

By now, Shangguan Jin Hong can be said to have done everything in her power.

However, even now, Gu Shaoan, standing opposite him, still has the Heaven-Slaying Sword in his left hand lying steadily in its scabbard.

Even though they've exchanged dozens of blows since the beginning, Gu Shaoan has always been fighting him with only one hand.

Shangguan Jin Hong believed that his strength was among the top few even among the martial artists who had reached the Qi Condensation stage in the Great Wei Kingdom.

Even if Gu Shaoan could defeat the Demon Master Pang Ban, his strength might not necessarily be greater than his.

But the current situation has exceeded Shangguan Jin Hong's expectations.

Similarly, after several exchanges, Gu Shaoan could clearly feel that Shangguan Jin Hong in front of him was far below Gu Shaoan's expectations in terms of lightness skill, purity of his own internal energy, power, and even his control over martial arts.

Even if Gu Shaoan only used "Immortal Touching the Top" from beginning to end, it would be enough to completely neutralize Shangguan Jin Hong's offensive.

The only commendable aspect is that Shangguan Jin Hong's use of the Dragon and Phoenix Double Rings should have reached a level similar to the second level of swordsmanship.

He has a ring in his hand, but no ring in his heart.

The circling thought is like mercury spilling onto the ground, permeating every part of the body, muscles, bones, and skin. As soon as a thought arises, the body moves with it. The intention arrives at the moment of movement. The thought is formless and intangible, leaving no trace.

In Shangguan Jin Hong's hands, the dragon and phoenix rings had reached a level where the rings could be controlled and released at will, entirely by instinct.

Even so, the strength that Shangguan Jin Hong was displaying at this moment was still far from what Gu Shaoan had expected.

"How can it be so weak?"

Clang! Boom!

The golden ring collided with the fleshy palm once more, and the aftershocks of the energy ravaged the ground within a ten-zhang radius around the two of them, leaving it riddled with holes.

Sweat beaded on Shangguan Jin Hong's forehead, and his breathing was not as long as it had been at the beginning.

He had pushed the Dragon and Phoenix Ring Technique, which he had learned throughout his life, to its limit. The two rings spun like windmills, their golden light dazzling and their killing intent palpable. The inner ring was as swift as lightning, cunning and unpredictable; the outer ring was as heavy as a mountain, powerful and imposing.

Each strike was imbued with decades of accumulated internal energy and combat experience.

However, in Gu Shaoan's eyes, all of this had an indescribable slowness and fragility.

His "Immortal Touching the Head" palm technique remained unhurried and unhurried, like flowing clouds, defusing Shangguan Jin Hong's fierce attacks that were capable of splitting mountains and shattering rocks.

Even after exchanging dozens of blows, Gu Shaoan's right palm movements became increasingly concise and precise, each swing seemingly carrying a predictive composure.

The powerful circular force, the tricky angles, and the exquisite and unparalleled series of killing moves—to him, the trajectory was clearly visible, and the changes in the force afterward were readily apparent.

This feeling is becoming clearer and clearer.

Shangguan Jin Hong's martial arts are indeed exquisite, especially the coordination between the two rings, which is seamless and almost flawless.

The immense and powerful Qi and energy, combined with divine weapons like the Mother-Child Dragon and Phoenix Rings, are like adding wings to a tiger.

However, the exquisiteness of Shangguan Jin Hong's moves is like a rigid formula written on paper. While it is smooth in execution, it lacks the amazing changes that emerge under extreme pressure and originate from martial arts inspiration.

After the power and vital energy were added to the mother-and-child dragon and phoenix rings, the vital energy and strength were like a rushing river crashing against a dam. It seemed to have a great momentum, but in fact, the pressure was insufficient, and it failed to truly concentrate the power into a single point for an explosion.

It is far less powerful than using the skill of "lifting light objects as if they were heavy" to concentrate force and vital energy into a single point.

If we're talking about something noteworthy, it's that Shangguan Jin Hong's Ring Magic defense is textbook-perfect.

Stable and well-balanced, with each step interconnected.

However, the excessive stability restricted Shangguan Jin Hong's movement, making him resemble an immovable target.

If Gu Shaoan were willing, he could unleash the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms with the power of a soaring dragon, and defeat Shangguan Jin Hong within a hundred moves.

If one were to employ the seventh or even eighth sword technique from the "Emei Sword Manual," one could easily dismantle Shangguan Jin Hong's offensive.

Why is Shangguan Jin Hong of the Money Gang so weak?

After this judgment swirled and was repeatedly confirmed in his mind, a thought as powerful as a thunderclap suddenly tore through the fog in Gu Shaoan's heart, leaving an indelible mark on the depths of his soul:

"Perhaps it's not that he's too weak."

"But I am now stronger."

The moment this thought arose, it swept through his mind like wildfire.

Once upon a time, names like "Shangguan Jin Hong, leader of the Money Gang" and "Li Xunhuan, the Little Flying Dagger" represented the pinnacle of the martial arts world, embodying a power that inspired awe and even fear in countless people. Even Gu Shaoan felt a sense of caution and trepidation when facing them.

He knew that martial arts competitions were fraught with danger and unpredictability, and that seeking stability, consolidating his foundation, and proceeding step by step was the only way to reach the pinnacle.

However, Shangguan Jin Hong, who ranks second on the Weapon Ranking, has the internal energy realm of Condensing Yuan into Gang, but he has not yet reached the level of unity between man and ring in his hands with the Mother-Child Dragon-Phoenix Ring.

But what about Gu Shaoan?
Over the past decade, Gu Shaoan's relentless training, combined with his extensive knowledge of vocabulary, proficiency panels, and achievement point lotteries, has allowed him to accumulate a formidable level of knowledge and experience.

In Gu Shaoan's view, the failure of the Demon Master Pang Ban was due to his own cleverness.

If there is no "skill" to be gained, how can one gain skill?
Gu Shaoan was concerned about Zhu Wushi's strength because of the unique nature of Zhu Wushi's "Absorption Technique".

Compared to other aspects, how much stronger is Zhu Wushi than Gu Shaoan?

With all these thoughts running through his mind, Gu Shaoan's heart was like a deep pool tossed with a boulder, surging with unprecedented waves! A scalding aura rose from his dantian, rushing down his spine straight to his sea of ​​consciousness, making his blood seem to boil slightly!

"turn out to be……"

All the past battles flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern.

The guidance from Zhang Sanfeng, the battle with Gu Santong, the duel with the old man of heavenly secrets, Sun Baifa, and the fierce battle with the demon master Pang Ban at the Golden Summit of Mount Emei.

Time and again, he broke through his limits; time and again, he gained insights into martial arts; countless days and nights of diligent practice.

The immense foundation accumulated through the relentless tempering of his internal energy, his effortless mastery of martial arts, and the mirror-like contrast with Shangguan Jin Hong finally revealed its true significance to him.

The formidable enemy he once had to look up to and treat with caution is now before him.

it turns out.

They couldn't even force him to use the Heaven-Slaying Sword.

"Have I reached this level of strength now?"

A completely new and incomparably magnificent world seemed to unfold in Gu Shaoan's mind in that instant.

That wasn't arrogance, but a profound realization, a deep confidence that arose spontaneously after seeing one's own martial arts coordinates clearly.

His unwavering, steadfast mind, like an ancient mirror swept clean of dust, suddenly reflected its own incomparably brilliant radiance. An invisible yet vast and powerful force erupted uncontrollably from his towering figure.

In the path of martial arts, seeking victory through stability is fundamental, just as a towering building rises from the ground.

But for a mountain to eventually pierce the sky, in addition to a solid foundation, it also needs the sharpness to break through all obstacles and look down upon the world.

A heart that is fearless, confident, and dares to face any enemy, firmly believing that one is the invincible powerhouse at the peak.

It is also an indispensable force for climbing to the pinnacle of martial arts.

It is not arrogance, but rather absolute confidence stemming from a complete grasp and clear understanding of one's own strength.

Before a crisis, Gu Shaoan can conceal his true strength.

However, when faced with a situation, one should be ready to show one's sharpness.

But as the saying goes, ignorance is bliss.

For Gu Shaoan, knowing too much is an advantage, giving him enough pressure and motivation to persevere in his daily arduous training.

However, because he knew too much, Gu Shaoan was always influenced by the strength and reputation of people like Shangguan Jin Hong or Li Xun Huan.

It was as if a leaf had blocked my view of Mount Tai; my mind was constantly trapped by the phrase "advance step by step."

Now, the battle with Shangguan Jin Hong gave Gu Shaoan a sudden feeling of "ten years of fog clearing away, only today do I realize who I am".

Just as Gu Shaoan's mind was suddenly enlightened, his mood changed drastically when he looked at Shangguan Jin Hong opposite him.

At the same time, Shangguan Jin Hong's gaze met Gu Shao An's.

The moment Shangguan Jin Hong saw Gu Shaoan's gaze, she was startled.

"No, it's his eyes."

If Gu Shaoan's gaze had previously been calm and indifferent, then...

Now, Gu Shaoan's gaze was calm, yet possessed an extremely detached, but undeniably dignified, disdain.

That wasn't an intentional display of arrogance or domineering behavior, nor was it a deliberately crafted air of superiority.

It was a confidence that came from within, as if it emanated from the very core of one's being.

Even though the person Gu Shaoan was looking at at this moment was Shangguan Jin Hong.

However, before Shangguan Jin Hong could even question Gu Shaoan's sudden change in expression, Gu Shaoan's figure flashed away.

The next instant, just like when they first started fighting, Gu Shaoan reappeared above him.

He did not leap up, but seemed to be lifted up by an invisible force of heaven and earth, his figure stretched out like a solitary pine tree on a mountaintop, with a lightness and etherealness that almost defied the laws of gravity.

The fierce winds stirred up by his rapid movement could not shake his stability in the slightest; they only caused his originally plain blue robe to billow wildly and flutter loudly.

Amidst the fluttering of their robes, and amidst the swirling dust and colliding energies, a sense of otherworldly elegance was sketched out.

The descending figure hovered silently in mid-air, looking down from above.

His fair right hand, like a jade carving emerging from chaos, slowly extended from his wide sleeves.

With fingers spread wide, the knuckles are distinct like jade chopsticks, and the wrist is stretched out like an orchid leaf.

It wasn't deliberately straightened, nor did it gather strength into a claw. Instead, it maintained an extremely natural, even somewhat lazy and free-flowing arc, with the palm slightly cupped, presenting a leisurely downward pressing posture.

It's still the same move: "The Immortal Touches the Head".

It is even softer and more ethereal than before. At first glance, it seems to be brushing away the morning dew on the petals, or soothing the restless clouds, full of a lively and ethereal quality that is untouched by the world.

However, when Shangguan Jin Hong's gaze met those eyes above, which were as calm as the deep sea and looked down upon him.

A completely different, bone-chilling cold instantly froze the blood in Shangguan Jin Hong's entire body!
The mood has changed!

Gu Shaoan's previous "Immortal Touching the Head" had the word "immortal" in its name, and while it was ethereal, it also carried a sense of "realism" with a touch of earthly life.

But now!
The hand pressing down from the sky, coupled with the indifferent, downcast eyes and the disdainful demeanor, gave the posture, while still retaining its elegance, a completely different flavor in an instant.

It is no longer the favor of an immortal.

Instead, it was a divine punishment bestowed upon him by touching his head.

　The main purpose of this plot is to allow the protagonist's mindset to begin to change. I hope you enjoy it!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)