Over the years, he has honed his spiritual consciousness day and night, reaching an unimaginable level.

As soon as Dugu Qiubai entered the pavilion and came into contact with the sword intent, he sensed its presence.

At first, I didn't know his name, but I felt that he had profound inner strength and his sword intent was sharp and intimidating.

It wasn't until the other party uttered the words "Dugu Qiubai" that a hint of interest flashed in Lin Daochen's eyes.

It turned out that he had arrived.

Lin Daochen was not opposed to this match.

A true clash between masters can not only verify one's cultivation level, but also easily trigger spiritual insights from the immortal path.

Of course, this is on the premise that the opponent is qualified.

He wouldn't bother with something as trivial as an ant that could be crushed with a single slap—it would be a waste of time and dishonorable to his Daoist heart.

-

Upon hearing the response, Dugu Qiubai did not linger.

Following the sound, he embarked on the mountain path.

With his hearing, he could easily pinpoint the location of sounds.

With a single step, his figure moved like the wind, heading straight for the summit of Tianzhu Peak.

The conversation between Dugu Qiubai and Lin Daochen had just ended, and the group of swordsmen were still stunned in place when they suddenly erupted into a commotion:

"Dugu Qiubai! It really is him! The number one swordsman of the Song Dynasty, the Sword Demon Dugu Qiubai!"

"Heavens! How many years has it been since we've heard that name mentioned? He's vanished from the martial world long ago, who would have thought he'd appear on Wudang Mountain today, directly challenging Dao Chen Zhenren to a sword duel!"

"Rumor has it that he has already reached the realm of a terrestrial immortal, his swordsmanship is divine, and he is invincible!"

"Land immortals? Those are ancient times! He has probably already broken through the shackles and ascended to the realm of terrestrial celestial beings!"

"That's right! Otherwise, how would you dare to challenge Dao Chen Zhenren? Looking across the martial world today, only Lu Di Tianren has such courage!"

"..."

Before the commotion subsided, another group of swordsmen had already taken to the ground and headed straight for the summit of Wudang Mountain.

"What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and grab a spot! At this level of competition, if you're late, you won't even have a place to stand!"

"Go! Go now! You'll regret it for the rest of your life if you miss this!"

Everyone was immediately jolted awake. Without saying another word, they gathered their energy and leaped into the air, their figures soaring like swallows as they flew towards the Wudang Sect.

"Brother Ximen, let's go take a look too."

A swordsman dressed in pristine white spoke softly, his voice as cold as frost.

"it is good."

The other man in white nodded, his eyes flashing slightly.

The former is Ye Gucheng, the lord of Baiyun City, and the latter is Ximen Chuixue, the lord of Wanmei Manor.

Both were outstanding swordsmen of the younger generation in the Ming Dynasty. A few days ago, in order to hone their sword intent, they went to Wudang Mountain for seclusion and enlightenment, seeking the opportunity to break through to the Grandmaster level.

Despite several clashes, no brilliant idea emerged, yet they did not leave, determined to remain here and wait for the right opportunity.

Only then did they truly realize how right it was to stay.

Otherwise, how could we witness this epic battle today, a battle destined to shake the martial arts world?

The two exchanged a glance, and in a flash, they transformed into two white streaks, swiftly ascending the mountain.

Not only them, but several renowned swordsmen in the martial arts world also heard the news and rushed to the top of the cliff.

Such a battle at the pinnacle of swordsmanship—who among those who wield a sword would want to miss it?

A vast crowd followed closely behind Dugu Qiubai and surged into the broad cliff face where Lin Daochen stood.

At the same time, Song Yuanqiao and other Wudang disciples also arrived at the scene and stood solemnly on the sidelines.

"Brother Dugu," Lin Daochen said, standing with his hands behind his back and a slight smile playing on his lips, "would you be willing to first admire with me this surging sea of ​​clouds and the golden glow of the sunset?"

He was indeed somewhat interested in Dugu Qiubai.

This person is arguably the most mysterious legend in Jin Yong's martial arts universe. He has never truly shown his face, yet he has always held a supreme position in the hearts of countless people, subtly displaying the potential to be the number one figure.

"How could I refuse Brother Daochen's invitation?"

Dugu Qiubai laughed heartily, walked leisurely to the edge of the cliff, stood side by side with Lin Daochen, and looked down at the vast sea of ​​clouds.

"What a blessed land!" he sighed. "Wudang Mountain is blessed with natural beauty and is ten times more beautiful than my remote and secluded place."

Lin Daochen glanced sideways: "Brother Dugu has been in seclusion for a long time?"

"It's been a long time." His gaze was distant. "So long that I can't even remember my own age. Back then, there were no more worthy opponents in the martial world, so I simply retreated into the deep mountains and never set foot in the mortal world again."

"No rivals left?" Lin Daochen's eyes flickered slightly, then he suddenly smiled. "I've heard that the Li Yang Dynasty once produced a swordsman in green robes. Brother Dugu, haven't you sought him out for a battle?"

"I've thought about it," Dugu Qiubai said with a hint of regret. "But I rarely leave the mountain, and by the time I heard of this person, he had already disappeared. It's truly a pity that I never had the chance to meet him."

"What a pity," Lin Daochen nodded.

By then, Li Chungang had already fallen from grace and imprisoned himself at the bottom of Tingchao Pavilion, never drawing his sword.

"Fortunately, during this trip out of the mountains, I heard that a Dao Chen Zhenren has emerged in the Great Ming Dynasty." A fighting spirit gradually rose in Dugu Qiubai's eyes. "Fearing that I might miss him, I traveled day and night to get here."

"Having only a slight sense of sword intent within the pavilion, I knew—this journey was worthwhile!"

Lin Daochen smiled calmly: "Since you've traveled a long way, why not rest for the night and fight again tomorrow? Brother Dugu should also conserve his energy and push himself to his peak condition."

"No need."

Dugu Qiubai raised his hand and resolutely refused.

"I have waited too long."

"Now is the perfect time."

"Brother Daochen understands that with our cultivation levels, there is no risk of injury or damage during our journey."

Lin Daochen chuckled lightly, no longer dwelling on the matter, and instead asked, "Brother Dugu, are you now at the Land Celestial Realm?"

"I set foot in this place fifty years ago."

Dugu Qiubai responded calmly, but his tone revealed a hint of emotion: "The path of martial arts is long and arduous. The higher one goes, the more difficult it becomes. When I was fifty, I created the Swordless Sword Way and broke into the realm of a terrestrial immortal. But it took me more than a hundred years to truly hone this sword way to its full potential."

"Only then did they barely step into the realm of celestial beings on land."

His gaze sharpened as he looked at Lin Daochen: "On the other hand, Brother Daochen, you are not even a hundred years old yet, but you have already reached the pinnacle of the terrestrial celestial realm. It is also rumored that you have soared from the fifth rank of martial arts to this level in just a few months—this talent is simply heaven-defying! The rumors in the martial arts world may be exaggerated, but if this is true, it is truly admirable."

Dugu Qiubai's words came from the bottom of his heart.

He considered himself a martial arts prodigy, one in a millennium, having swept through the Song Dynasty unchallenged at forty and ascended to the status of a terrestrial immortal at fifty, his speed unparalleled throughout the world. Even so, it would still take him over a hundred years to cross that insurmountable chasm.

In comparison, Lin Daochen's speed was almost absurd.

"It's just a natural progression," Lin Daochen said calmly, without any ripples in his voice.

The path of martial arts is long, but the path to immortality is even longer.

He paused, then asked, "And what about those above the celestial beings on land? Brother Dugu, have you glimpsed even a trace of them?"

"Perhaps... it's the shattering of the void."

The answer is exactly the same as that of the Sweeping Monk.

Just then, the clouds dispersed, and a red sun leaped out of the sea of ​​clouds, its golden light shining down on the summit of Tianzhu Peak. The entire mountaintop seemed to be ignited, draped in a flowing robe of rosy light, a magnificent sight as if a divine miracle had descended.

Dugu Qiubai looked at Lin Daochen, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit: "The rain has stopped, Brother Daochen—it's time for us to have a duel."

"please."

"please."

The two spoke in unison, their voices not loud, yet they resonated like bells echoing through the valley, striking straight to the heart.

Then, they slowly walked into the center of the cliff and stood facing each other.

The onlookers had already discreetly retreated, clearing a wide battleground in the center of the arena. Everyone's face was tense, their eyes burning with intense anticipation.

A duel between two celestial beings on land—unprecedented!

This battle is destined to be etched into the annals of martial arts history, spread throughout the land, and still be talked about for thousands of years to come.

"Brother Dugu, please enlighten me." Lin Daochen said calmly, "Let me witness your realm of swordlessness."

"Alright!" Dugu Qiubai agreed without hesitation.

boom--!

In an instant, a domineering sword intent burst forth from his body!

That was no ordinary sword energy, but rather a sharp will honed through a hundred years of tempering and refinement! The sword intent soared to the heavens, and the surrounding void seemed to transform into a vast ocean, stirring up layers of sword energy tides, with faint sounds of metal clashing echoing in the air.

The sword's cry is like a wave, and the man is like a blade!

At this moment, Dugu Qiubai's robes fluttered in the wind, and although his body remained still, he was like a giant sword piercing the sky from the earth, standing proudly between heaven and earth.

He was already physically imposing, and now that he was unleashing his full power, he was even more oppressive, as if the space around him was trembling.

The onlookers could even hear the sound of his blood surging through his body—like a roaring river, like rolling thunder, making their eardrums ache.

Wow! Absolutely amazing!

Even Lin Daochen's pupils constricted slightly, and his heart was filled with turmoil.

At first glance, Dugu Qiubai's essence, energy, and spirit are perfectly integrated, almost reaching perfection. What's even more remarkable is that his sword intent is incomparably pure, having long transcended the level of technique, integrated into his soul, and formed its own unique path.

This is no longer just swordsmanship, but his own unique code of swordsmanship.

When you are in harmony with your heart, mind, and momentum, your power will be multiplied once you make your move!

With just his imposing aura, he had already subtly overshadowed the unfathomable sweeping monk of Shaolin.

"Interesting." Lin Daochen's eyes flashed slightly, and his fighting spirit quietly ignited.

In that split second, Dugu Qiubai slowly raised his right hand, his index finger slightly raised.

"rise!"

The moment the words fell, the void trembled!

Countless transparent sword energies appeared out of thin air, densely covering the sky. Each one was three feet long and incomparably sharp. Although they had no physical form, they shimmered with cold light and exuded a chilling killing intent, sending shivers down one's spine.

Those watching the battle felt a sudden tightness in their chests, as if a thousand sharp blades were pointed at their throats.

Ye Gucheng and Ximen Chuixue exchanged a glance, both seeing shock in each other's eyes.

Is this the power of a celestial being on land? A mere gesture can unleash the killing intent of heaven and earth?

"go!"

Dugu Qiubai's finger suddenly slashed down!

Suddenly, countless sword energies shot out like a torrential downpour, tearing through the sky and heading straight for Lin Daochen!

This sky full of transparent sword energy seemed to burst forth from the depths of the netherworld, buzzing deafeningly, carrying a world-destroying killing intent. In an instant, it tore through the void, like a torrential downpour, rushing towards Lin Daochen.

……

The void was as thin as paper, covered with countless cracks by the sword energy, as if the heavens and earth were wailing.

In the blink of an eye, a rain of swords was upon his face.

Faced with Dugu Qiubai's astonishing attack, Lin Daochen remained unmoved, his eyes as calm as an ancient well. He simply raised his finger and drew a Chen Ao arc in the void.

boom--!

Smoke and clouds rise again!

The mist that had just dissipated in the wind surged up again, enveloping the peak, as if the world had returned to chaos.

Within that sea of ​​clouds, wispy sword energy appeared and disappeared, light as a dream, yet sharp as a knife.

In the blink of an eye, the smoke and clouds swallowed up Dugu Qiubai's sword energy.

Those transparent sword energies that were originally as swift as lightning, once trapped in them, were like being plunged into a quagmire, unable to move an inch, their speed suddenly reduced, like a trapped beast struggling.

Even more frightening is-

Within the wisps of clouds, strands of sword energy suddenly erupted with overwhelming killing intent, revealing their sharpness!

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