Who taught him to practice swordsmanship like this?

Chapter 179 They Say We Are Demons

"Bai Chen, quickly think of how to tell your master about this."

Somewhat uneasy, Shuiyin Ji sought out Su Baichen.

However, after stating her request, she went the extra mile to explain, "I'm mainly worried that he might feel uncomfortable but won't say it, and then we'll both suffer."

Just say you care, don't make up these excuses.

Su Baichen smiled and nodded, then said, "Why don't you find an opportunity to suggest to Master that we practice swordsmanship more often?"

"After all, these are turbulent times. Although we have destroyed the Yuanmo Cave, there are still many things to come. Fellow disciples, learn more sword techniques so that you will have more means to protect yourselves when you fight in the future."

That makes a lot of sense.

Mizuki immediately understood what she meant and said, "Then I'll mention it to him when I get back."

She was now somewhat looking forward to it, wondering what kind of expression Xuan Yin Zhenren would have when he suddenly discovered that his sect's disciples were all displaying amazing sword cultivation talents.

The Yin Sect disciples finally returned to Yin Feng Gorge.

The sect's protective formation was activated, and all the disciples filed back home.

Along the way, they either grieved for their fallen comrades or excitedly recounted their own performances—in short, the previously overly quiet Yinfeng Gorge suddenly became lively.

Hahaha

Su Baichen then returned to his previous routine, letting his Soul Gold clone take care of the child while he cultivated in the first room.

This time, the "Kun Yuan Zhen Shi Xian Jing" is no simple text. He created three illusory clones to copy it together, and it took him a whole day to complete the copying.

The lineage of the "Kun Yuan Zhen Shi Xian Jing" is actually much more detailed than that of the "Tai Yin Yuan Zun Zhen Jing".

It doesn't require cultivators to master the innate earth element right away, as if comprehending the innate earth element is the most basic thing.

It starts from the very basics, teaching practitioners step by step to understand and master the innate earth element, and includes a large section describing the innate earth element.

Of course, even so, the innate earth element is not so easy to master.

Su Baichen really liked this part of the description, and he could use it to verify his own insights.

He discovered that his understanding of the Five Mountains differed somewhat from his understanding of the Earth element.

He began to verify the text while leaving annotations on his copy of the "Kun Yuan Zhen Shi Xian Jing" to explain his thoughts and the reasons for the differences between the two.

The main focus is on objectivity.

The latter half of the "Immortal Scripture" contains the true cultivation process of the Innate Earth Element, clearly outlining the entire process from Qi Refining to Returning to Emptiness.

Su Baichen couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed upon seeing this.

Unless he changes his fundamental cultivation method to the "Kun Yuan Zhen Shi Xian Jing", he will have no way to cultivate this method.

Fortunately, he was still able to learn from his many applications and spells related to earth element.

The secret technique of earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of escape technique) is of paramount importance.

Su Baichen realized that the combination of Earth Escape and his Illusion Technique was the perfect pairing for the "Old Six Tactics".

In the future, when traveling, if you encounter someone you can't beat, you can use earth magic to escape.

Therefore, he simply devoted himself to mastering earth-escape techniques. As for other earth-based secret arts, in his view, it was far less important to first master this escape technique that allowed him to escape and survive reliably.

And so another six months slowly passed —

Gouwa has already given himself the Taoist name Guiyunzi.

Su Baichen made a special trip to participate in this simple apprenticeship ceremony, and from then on he and the young Gui Yunzi became formal fellow disciples.

This Taoist name also has a profound meaning. The so-called "Guiyun" means "a person who has traveled far and returned home".

"By the way, Bai Chen, have any disciples from the sect recently sought you out to learn swordsmanship?"

Xuan Yin Zhenren suddenly asked.

Su Baichen paused slightly before replying, "My main body has been in seclusion, but my Soul Gold clone often has people coming to exchange ideas. I figured I was going to teach Xiao Guiyun the 'Eternal Spring Nourishing True Sword' to strengthen her body anyway, so I didn't avoid it—Master, what's going on?"

Master Xuan Yin's expression was somewhat strange: "It's not a big deal, it's just that recently the disciples in the sect have preferred to practice your 'Xuan Yin Sword Technique' over the 'Xuan Yin Qi Technique' — but I can understand it, after all, learning swordsmanship can not only improve self-defense capabilities but also strengthen the body, so it can be considered a good thing."

Upon hearing this, Su Baichen immediately exchanged a glance with Shuiyin Ji beside him.

Shuiyin Ji coughed lightly and said, "Senior brother, are you worried that the disciples in the sect are only focusing on sword practice and putting the cart before the horse?"

Master Xuan Yin nodded, also somewhat worried.

Shuiyin Ji advised, "Senior brother, you're overthinking it. Not to mention that the root of the 'Mysterious Yin Sword Technique' lies in the 'Mysterious Yin Qi Technique,' even sword cultivators need talent. We disciples are just strengthening our bodies and adding another skill to our repertoire. Once this craze passes, things will probably return to normal."

Master Xuanyin nodded repeatedly, as he understood this principle as well.

Su Baichen suggested, "If Master is still worried, he can pay more attention and supervise, and remind everyone not to waste too much time on sword practice."

Master Xuan Yin nodded repeatedly, because this was originally his responsibility as a sect leader.

At this moment, Mizuki suggested, "However, I think Senior Brother could also practice swordsmanship with us."

The Mysterious Yin Immortal asked in confusion, "Why is that?"

Princess Shuiyin said, "This is experience from actual combat. We often lack a quick way to kill the enemy after controlling them with illusions. Many times, the enemy was clearly controlled by illusions, but they broke free of the illusions before we could strike. If the disciples had a sword and a certain level of swordsmanship at that time, they might have been able to end the battle."

Master Xuan Yin thought it made a lot of sense. Just look at how decisive Su Baichen was in battle. He controlled the enemy with illusions and then finished them off with his skills. This seemed to be the best fighting style for the disciples of the Yin Sect.

He said, "Okay, I'll look into that too."

He agreed, thinking it was a very simple matter. He would also study swordsmanship and maybe even comprehend some sword intent, which would allow him to show off to those envious guys in the Sword Sect.

Master Xuan Yin still hasn't realized that he might be the only person in the Yin Sect who doesn't possess sword intent.

Oh, Guiyunzi and Erya don't know how to do it yet either, but those two kids don't count.

However, at this moment, the Grandmaster Shangshan Daojun, who was basically staying in the capital region and would not return, suddenly appeared.

The dark red and gold-tinged Yang God, emanating wisps of black energy and cracks, appeared before everyone; to be honest, it was quite frightening.

This is how the Yang Spirit of a single demonic being is.

A normal Yang spirit is perfect and without flaws, but the Yang spirit of someone who has fallen into demonic possession is full of cracks.

The power of the mind continuously leaks out from these cracks, forming uncontrollable demonic energy. This is the culprit that causes those who become possessed to lose control—and of course, it is also how those who become possessed slowly approach their end.

"Master, what brings you here?"

Master Xuan Yin was somewhat surprised.

Shuiyin Ji immediately said, "Master, your body won't be able to take it. Hurry back. We can talk about it when we get to the capital."

Lord Shangshan shook his head slightly and said, "This matter is not only for you. Bai Chen, you should go to the capital as soon as possible. The Liang Kingdom is under great pressure right now, and the young emperor needs you to encourage him."

Su Baichen nodded solemnly after hearing this.

Then Shangshan Daojun left.

Su Baichen looked over and said, "Master, are there also unusual changes in the cultivation world of various countries?"

Xuan Yin Zhenren nodded: "That's right, they are making arrangements—this matter is probably being manipulated behind the scenes by someone without the power of form."

Su Baichen then realized that while he was enjoying his peaceful life, things were already changing drastically outside.

He asked, "Why didn't Master tell me?"

Master Xuan Yin said irritably, "Would telling you be of any use? I'd rather you focus on your cultivation so it can be of use in the future if something really happens."

Su Baichen could only nod. That was the bad thing about his master; he still treated him like a child.

He was sixteen years old at this time.

Master Xuan Yin chuckled and patted Su Baichen's head—now he had to look up at his disciple.

He said, "Bai Chen, you go ahead first. I'll go and discuss it with Senior Brother Kaiyang."

At this moment, seven-year-old Guiyunzi said with some reluctance, "Senior brother, are you leaving already? I thought I would be able to see you every day after becoming your disciple."

Su Baichen was momentarily stunned; it seemed that he had been just as dependent on Feng Linzi when he was young.

Gui Yunzi's reluctant gaze reminded him of the look in his mother's eyes before she died.

However, he didn't say anything. He reached into his pocket, took out the wooden sword he had always treasured, and handed it to him, saying, "You're still young, use this to practice your sword skills first—don't worry, I'll be right back."

After saying this, he clasped his hands in farewell to his master and uncle, and then stepped into the wall of the first room.

Master Xuan Yin was taken aback, then chuckled and said, "This kid, I don't know when he mastered this level of earth-遁 (earth-遁 is a type of escape technique) again—"

"Very well, this way I can let him travel freely without worry."

To what extent has Su Baichen's earth-遁术 (earth-遁术) reached?

It means completely merging with the earth's veins, and being able to arrive at any place the earth's veins reach in an instant, even surpassing the speed of the Rainbow Transformation Technique.

Therefore, it only took him a short quarter of an hour to travel from Yinfeng Gorge, a thousand miles away, to the capital.

He has his own house in the capital, and to avoid disturbing others, he uses earth magic to appear directly in his house.

"Bai Chen, you've arrived."

The voice of my master appeared in my ears.

Su Baichen hurriedly went next door to pay his respects.

"You're quick; no need for formalities."

Su Baichen raised his head and bowed to Yu Xiangke beside him.

These two old men seem inseparable; they've been together ever since they reunited.

Yu Xiangke raised his hand to indicate that there was no need for such formalities.

He then said, "I had no choice but to call you here this time. Please wait a moment, and I'll have Xiuji come over and explain the reason to you."

Su Baichen nodded in agreement.

At this moment, Feng Linzi also arrived.

However, Sister-in-law Youlian didn't come; she probably wasn't used to participating in such things.

"Senior brother, it's been a long time."

Su Baichen greeted him joyfully.

He was the person Guiyunzi and Erya were looking forward to, and the person he was looking forward to was Senior Brother Fenglinzi.

Feng Linzi greeted him with a smile, then said, "Although I live in the capital region, I only have a vague understanding of what's happening outside. But I have heard some things—those people outside seem to be constantly throwing dirty water on my Changchun Palace."

Su Baichen nodded thoughtfully.

A moment later, Yu Renxiu arrived.

She looked travel-worn, with several deep wrinkles on her face—clearly, she had been under a lot of pressure lately, and as someone who loves beauty, she had neglected to take care of her appearance.

She saw Su Baichen breathe a slight sigh of relief, and after meeting the two old men, she said, "Mr. Baichen, it's great that you could come. Now is the time when we need you to make a decision."

"The Wu Kingdom in the east, the Wei Kingdom in the north, and the Yong Kingdom have all been mobilizing troops and speeding up the transport of grain on the border. The wise men in the court predict that they will launch a three-pronged attack within two months at the latest."

Su Baichen didn't show any sign of tension, but simply asked, "What's the situation in the cultivation world?"

Yu Renxiu said, "A 'Demon Extermination Alliance' is being formed, and their target is—"

She couldn't continue speaking for a moment.

Su Baichen nodded: "I understand. Who else could they be targeting besides Changchun Palace?"

"It's ridiculous. We just destroyed the Yuanmo Cave, and now we're being attacked as demons ourselves."