Achieving physical sainthood starting from Hunyuan Gong

Chapter 109 The End of Martial Arts, Beyond the Transformation of Intent

A torrent of powerful energy poured down.

Xu Qi retreated wildly, while simultaneously unleashing layers of energy with his longsword.

The powerful sword energy, spinning at high speed, filled the space in front of him. The arc of the sword energy was solid and did not disperse. It stretched, expanded, intertwined and entangled in the air, eventually turning into a magnificent sword net that enveloped the white clothes that were fluttering in the wind.

The sun revolves! Life goes on and on!

"What a fine sword!"

Song Shen said with some excitement, as if a swallow had nestled into the sword net.

In an instant, I felt that everything had changed.

changed.

Everything has changed.

The power of heaven and earth poured into the body, and the twelve acupoints vibrated and refined. The newly formed golden core instantly surged with pure and unadulterated Xuan Yuan True Power, flowing through the meridians and bones of the body, naturally pouring down along the sword energy, just as naturally as the four seasons of heaven and earth.

The interplay and convergence of Yin and Yang, the refinement of the Five Elements, and the merging of all elements into one—this is the Golden Elixir!

This profound primordial power, formed by the convergence of Yin and Yang and transformed into a true elixir, is close to the purest essential power of the chaotic universe. The purer it is, the more powerful it becomes.

Mastering this power is akin to being a terrestrial deity in the eyes of ordinary people.

The invincible Golden Core Qi swept away the sword net like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, and in an instant, a sharp blade was upon him, aiming straight for his throat.

"How dare this junior bully me?!"

Xu Qi was furious!

The sword light was suddenly met with a barrage of attacks. His sword core trembled violently, and the qi in his body transformed into an incomparably sharp purple yang sword stream, which condensed and then shot out from the blade, shooting out continuously.

The storm and thunder shook the area together.

Song Shen's Golden Core Blade Qi was incredibly sharp and powerful, instantly striking the heart of the sword net. Once all the sword energy lost its order, it only knew how to rush around wildly, eventually turning into a chaotic gust of wind that scattered in all directions.

Within a few breaths, the wind god, thunder god, and fire god stirred up wind, thunder, and fire, while the sword energy and rosy glow of the Great Sun Purple Qi gradually dimmed and dissipated.

The scorching heatwave, carrying drifting wisps of smoke and arcs of electricity, dissipated in all directions amidst the rosy glow of the sunset.

The Purple Sun Sword Intent that had been built up on the spot collapsed like a sand sculpture in an instant.

The blade tip, still trembling and emitting a piercing, rock-shattering hum, suddenly emitted a burst of golden sparks, tracing an arc that completely pierced through Xu Qi's vision!

Whoosh!!!

The golden blade flashed through the air, leaving afterimages before disappearing in an instant.

Xu Qi's vision went black, his essence and blood rapidly leaked out, his consciousness went completely black, and his soul was scattered.

Song Shen vanished into the wind, and amidst the chaotic arc of the wind, he grabbed Xu Qi's head with one hand and fell to the ground like dust.

[Achieved the Dao Fruit of Skill: Xu Qi (197th year)]

The demon sword was sheathed.

Upon closer inspection, one could see that this powerful swordsman was dressed in simple clothes like an old servant, completely unlike the appearance one would expect from a Golden Core swordsman.

It is conceivable that Feng Jianqiu is indeed a terrifying genius, capable of making such a master willingly serve as his slave, running errands for him.

The Ziyang Sect's foundation is indeed astonishing.

Footsteps swiftly approached.

Chu Zhao frowned and said, "The Ziyang Sect is far too arrogant, actually sending people to my Demon Suppression Division to stir up trouble!"

Mu Qingcheng said with a chilling aura, "Before the great battle even started, the Ziyang Sect couldn't wait to send people to test us. This shows that their so-called thousand-year foundation in martial arts is really all bark and no bite, not worth a second glance."

The other Star Jade Seal, Zheng Weiran, stared intently at Song Shen and said, "With Song Shen here, the strength of our Demon Suppression Division has been greatly enhanced."

"It's not just a significant improvement, it's a massive improvement!"

Jade Sword Marquis Chu Tianshu appeared nearby, his golden seal of the sun and moon fluttering in the wind.

"Song Shen, what do you think should be done with this body?"

Song Shen grinned and said, "Of course, we'll hang it high and announce it widely!"

Mu Qingcheng coldly said, "Let's say this thief dared to trespass into my Demon Suppression Division and was suppressed by Iron Hand, as an example to others, what do you say?"

Chu Zhao said, "A duel is an unknown trial. It is precisely because the strength of the opponent is unknown that it is particularly interesting. The Ziyang Sect always wants to know the outcome in advance, which is really laughable."

Jade Sword Marquis Chu Tianshu finally made the decision: "A battle fought from a thousand miles away, what need is there for swords? Let's use this head to chill the enemy's courage! Since the Ziyang Sect is determined to bring shame upon themselves, let's create a false impression and keep them in constant fear and uncertainty!"

As Song Shen said, the battle had already begun the moment the challenge was issued.

During this period, every step Song Shen took clearly became an imprint deeply engraved in the minds of the Ziyang Sect experts, leading to wild speculation and confusion, and their predictions of the outcome gradually spiraled out of control.

Suddenly realizing how ridiculous it was to have the victory in hand, and seeing the opponent as a fish on a chopping board, only made things more eerie.

After discussing it, everyone decided on Xu Qi's fate after his death.

However, he had already been freed from this predicament.

The real problem is for the living.

At dawn, a bloody human head was hung at the execution ground of the Demon Suppression Division.

Post a notice:

In the twelfth month of winter, the fourth year of Yongxi (1689), on the day of Ji-You, I, the Marquis, was stationed in Longzhou, and it was my duty to defend this territory. Last night, someone trespassed into the forbidden area of ​​the Demon Suppression Division, attempting to spy on secrets with malicious intent. He was killed on the spot. This person's origins are unknown; he carried only a sword and had no other identification. The Demon Suppression Division is a place of imperial authority; trespassers are to be executed. This is an ironclad rule. My head is displayed at the execution ground as a warning to others. You all should take heed.”

Chu Tianshu, the Jade Sword Marquis, Garrison Commander of the Demon Suppression Division of Longzhou

Yaori Peak.

"What? Xu Qi is dead?"

Xu Zunyi's gaze suddenly sharpened, his inner turmoil beyond words.

Xu Qi's strength was not inferior; his early Golden Core stage strength was enough to dominate the Nine Provinces. His swordsmanship and martial arts were both extremely powerful.

However, this is not its true survival skill. What is truly terrifying is its unpredictable and elusive movement technique, which is not something that ordinary martial artists can catch up with.

It was precisely because of this exceptionally powerful movement technique that Yao Ri Feng dared to send him out for reconnaissance, but unexpectedly, this is how it ended up.

Just as he was secretly fretting, Feng Jianqiu arrived with a flash of sword light.

"Master, Xu Qi—has been killed?"

Xu Zunyi's self-illumination still fell on Xu Qi's already extinguished life lamp.

The lamp oil was not yet exhausted, but the flame had already gone out. The cracks on the lamp spread like a spider web, splitting the two characters "Xu Qi" in the middle, and they could never be put back together.

"This move by the Demon Suppression Division is a slap in the face to my Ziyang Sect and to my Yaori Peak!"

This was the first time that Peak Master Xu, who had always lived a life of luxury and elegance, had been so angry.

All of this was quite a shock to Feng Jianqiu.

As he spoke, Xu Zunyi's expression gradually calmed down again. "Perhaps the confrontation has already begun. The people of the Demon Suppression Division pronounced Xu Qi's crimes, but they did not say who killed him. I think the notice was written in Chu Tianshu's tone. This is a deliberate attempt to create confusion, so that we have no way of knowing what Song Shen's strength is. Heh, how insidious."

"Master, you once said that I have the signs of destiny, that I am the opportunity for humanity to break the shackles of martial arts, and that I am a bright star in the Great Yong Dynasty. But now, I feel that your confidence is gradually waning. Have I disappointed you, my grandmaster, and the sect leader of the Sword Sect?"

Feng Jianqiu suddenly said softly.

Xu Zunyi was stunned. "How could you think that? You've never disappointed me, never disappointed your grandmaster, and certainly never disappointed Senior Brother Xiang. You'll always be the hope of our Ziyang Sect. Aren't you under too much pressure?"

"No, not at all. On the contrary, I'm becoming more and more calm."

He lied, or rather, this calm was actually a deliberate silence.

Xu Zunyi had a bad feeling. His disciple's words were not calm and detached, but rather like a deathly silence.

It should be known that the Great Sun Purple Qi is a pure Yang substance, burning with vigorous vitality. No darkness or dust can stop it from residing high in the nine heavens. Contemplating the magnificent purple Qi Great Sun, this long-standing cultivation logic has long instilled in every profound cultivator the kind of aloofness, indifference, and magnanimity that looks down upon all living beings.

The deathly stillness that Feng Jianqiu exudes now signifies the end of a burning fire.

"How about we cancel this duel?"

He blurted out those words as if possessed, and even Xu Zunyi himself found it absurd.

Feng Jianqiu, the number one swordsman of the younger generation in Longzhou, or rather, at such a young age, has already become one of the strongest swordsmen in Longzhou.

In terms of cultivation, he is already very close to his master.

Now they actually want to retreat without a fight, which is truly humiliating. The Ziyang Sect will no longer be able to travel in the martial arts world.

"Is Master joking?" Feng Jianqiu shook his head and smiled. "Xu Qi has been with me for thirty years. Although he is called a servant, he is actually both a teacher and a friend. His death must have been the work of Song Shen. He used this method to severely damage my spirit and defeat my fighting spirit. This is what is meant by a battle across a thousand miles."

"If I lose my will to fight and flee without a fight, I will live in this shadow for the rest of my life, never making any progress, just like a useless person."

Xu Zunyi fell silent.

Every word and phrase was like a sharp blade, piercing straight into his heart.

That's how cruel the way of the sword is.

Heaven bestowed upon them a sharp and unstoppable path of slaughter, but also deprived them of the right to retreat and escape.

The sword of cowardice, the sword of hesitation, the sword that has lost its purity, will ultimately only lead to defeat or obscurity.

Xu Zunyi's gaze lingered on Feng Jianqiu's face for a long time, as if he were examining a weapon that was about to be thrown into the furnace for reforging.

He hesitated for a moment, then finally just waved his hand and said, "You're right, I shouldn't have said those things."

"As Master said, the true chosen one of heaven and earth cannot be killed."

Feng Jianqiu was completely calm, and a deathly stillness grew stronger in his voice.

"If I were to look at my opponent with the same old eyes at this moment, it would be a desecration of my own swordsmanship."

Undeniably, this person is an exceptionally talented individual. Having cultivated for only a few years, he has reached his current level—doesn't this resemble the destiny Master spoke of?

"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

Xu Zunyi immediately denied it.

"I once asked two masters, Lian Shanzi and Guicangzi, to examine your destiny. Both of them said that you have a radiant appearance and that you will one day become a blazing sun that illuminates the darkness on the path of swordsmanship."

Feng Jianqiu nodded and said, "Then let my destiny clash with theirs! Let's see who is truly favored by Heaven!"

"Master, you don't need to go to such lengths to test me. Let this duel proceed purely."

A fierce flame of sword energy ignited in Xu Zunyi's heart. "Your master once said that mediocre people in this world are always tripped up by themselves. What you desire may very well destroy you, and now, you've come to this point—"

At this point, a sword cry that shook heaven and earth suddenly reverberated across Yaori Peak.

The master and his apprentice were both utterly horrified.

How many people in the entire world can unleash such a vast and overwhelming sword intent that leaves no room for escape?

Within the Ziyang Sect, only two people can do this.

The first is Xiang Xuan, the current sect leader of the Xuanlong Sword Sect, and the second is Gu Canghai of the Fenglei Sword Sect, who has been famous for more than an era.

"Greetings, Master!"

"Greetings, Grandmaster!"

The two hurriedly bowed, showing utmost respect.

Amidst the surging wind and thunder, the Great Dao resonated, and all things seemed to be imbued with sword intent. The chaotic flow of the heaven and earth's energy resembled countless sword waves, revealing an aged and upright human figure within its flow.

Wind and Thunder Sword Sect! Sword Intent Remains in Form!

Despite his nearly two hundred years of lifespan, he did not give off a sense of old age or decay; his powerful and sharp aura was as heavy as a mountain.

His sharp, sword-like gaze shot towards Feng Jianqiu.

"I once sent you to hone your sword in the deep mountains for ten years, to set aside victory and defeat, and to face the ultimate tedium and desolation of the way of the sword. But you could not bear this loneliness, so you took your sword and left the mountain, acting on your own, traveling the world, making a name for yourself, gaining fame and countless empty accolades, but you never experienced the true tempering of steel!"

"Yes, Master's words have hit the nail on the head regarding my shortcomings, and I dare not argue!"

Feng Jianqiu bowed his head in response, filled with trepidation.

Gu Canghai looked at Feng Jianqiu with his aged gaze, but this time it carried a rare air of earnest advice.

"For the sword, success and failure are both the fiery hammers that forge the sword's heart. In the past, those you defeated with a single strike were all mediocre and incompetent, worthless people. But these bubbles gave you endless empty fame, so heavy that the sword bent, the sword's heart became stained with dust, and the sword's path became slow. You are right, I once said that humanity will eventually be tripped up by itself, and I am not immune to this. But these shackles are not imposed on you by others, but forged by your own hands, and then fastened to yourself one by one."

Gu Canghai's voice echoed amidst the wind and thunder sword intent, aged yet clear.

"Fame, praise, sect expectations, being the best in Longzhou, being a candidate for the Ziyang Sword Sect—these are not your medals, they are your chains. You've worn them for too long, so long that you think they are a part of you."

Gu Canghai's voice suddenly became low and deep, like the wind passing through a deep valley.

"Do you know why I made you hone your sword in the deep mountains for ten years? It wasn't to train your sword skills, but to help you see yourself. No one watched you in the mountains, no one cheered for you, no one called you the best in Longzhou. There, you were just a person, a sword, and a stone. I wanted you to see clearly what your sword would have left after shedding all the empty fame. What a pity."

Feng Jianqiu was drenched in sweat and speechless. With a formidable enemy at hand, this sudden warning was like a wake-up call.

"So-called destiny is both glory and a heavy burden, a shackle," the old sword master continued. "Regardless of victory or defeat, if this battle can dismantle empty fame, melt away vanity, and return you to your true nature, your sword path will soar like a roc to the ninth heaven."

"This disciple has learned a great deal!"

Gu Canghai nodded slowly, then suddenly extended his index finger and touched the Great Sun Wheel Seal between Feng Jianqiu's eyebrows. After a moment, he withdrew his index finger, and Gu Canghai seemed to have aged more.

"With this sword in my heart, I can save your life!"

At that moment, he was like an old grandfather, earnestly and harshly advising his grandson while offering practical benefits to save his life. His painstaking efforts were truly touching.

Xu Zunyi exclaimed in shock, "Hurry up and kneel down to thank your grandmaster!"

Feng Jianqiu felt a magnificent sword intent residing within his Great Sun Wheel Seal. Although this sword intent was condensed and did not dissipate, its immense and unparalleled sharpness was enough to destroy any powerful being.

"What...what is this?"

Feng Jianqiu stared at the powerful sword intent burning with the true meaning of wind and thunder, and murmured.

Xu Zunyi murmured as if in a trance, "Master, you're really willing to sacrifice for this grand-disciple—"

After saying this, he turned to Feng Jianqiu and said, "This is the Punishment Sword forged by your grandmaster. It embodies the profound mysteries of heaven and earth, fused with the sword itself. Any expert who has not comprehended this path will surely die upon seeing it! Your grandmaster painstakingly forged this sword for countless years!"

"The Sword of Punishment —"

"Indeed," Gu Canghai said with a sigh, "It took me 130 years of my life to comprehend the most powerful swordsmanship in the world."

Above the so-called true meaning lies a supreme level called Tribulation. Tribulation is not the accumulation of techniques, nor the piling up of power, but rather the rebirth of the true meaning of heaven and earth after being slain by your sword. Whether it be wind, thunder, or fire, all are borrowed from the universe and transformed into your blade. But if you want them to truly belong to you, they must undergo tribulation on your blade, be killed by your sword intent, and then be reborn within your sword intent. At this point, they will no longer recognize heaven and earth as their master, but only you. With each additional layer of this path of tribulation, the true meaning becomes purer.

"Only its purity makes it sharp and terrifying! This sword I'm giving you is a sword forged from your years of cultivation, a sword forged through three tribulations. I'm giving it to you as a protective talisman; you must use it with caution."

"This is the ultimate trial; only by reaching this level can one truly reach the pinnacle of martial arts!"

Feng Jianqiu exclaimed in horror, "The end of martial arts? Martial arts has an end? I've always believed that martial arts has no end, and the way of the sword has no limit!"

Old Sword Sect Master said softly, "That's the thinking of mediocre people. In fact, God has long set limits for humanity."

After speaking, the old sword master glanced at the two juniors and said, "Very well, it's good to tell you that the path of martial arts in the world stops at the Grandmaster level, and the path of skills in the world stops at the path of punishment and tribulation."

Both Xu Zunyi and Feng Jianqiu were stunned, unable to face the outcome or the truth.

Why is this happening?!

Feng Jianqiu was filled with disbelief.

"There's no reason why." The old sword master's voice was cold and ruthless like a mountain. "Perhaps, the current Grandmaster Ji Wuwang, who protects the country, can cross this limit, but I estimate that he won't go too far. The way of heaven is wrong, and I feel that the martial path is slowly entering a long night."

Therefore, I believe that Jianqiu, your existence is extremely important. At twenty-seven, you have already reached the level of perfect harmony of intent. It is estimated that before the age of sixty, you will be able to glimpse the realm of perfect harmony of punishment and tribulation. At that time, you may very well be able to create a feat that breaks the limits of swordsmanship. At that time, no amount of empty fame or admiration will be enough to describe you.

This encouragement and admiration greatly inspired Feng Jianqiu!

Of course, the sword of wind and thunder punishment within the Great Sun Wheel Seal between his eyebrows also gave him a great sense of security. He could feel that swordsmen and knife-wielders below this level had no way to deal with this level of power. Once they came into contact with it, they would be like snowflakes encountering charcoal fire, instantly melting and disintegrating, ceasing to exist.

"Alright, a loud drum doesn't need a heavy hammer."

Gu Canghai said no more. "Remember, change your mindset, cast aside vanity, and treat yourself as a challenger. Fight wholeheartedly and purely. With my grand-disciple's talent, I don't believe anyone can compare to you!"

"Your disciple will remember this!"

The Demon Suppression Division.

"No, do you have some serious illness?"

Chu Zhao stared at Song Shen, his head throbbing with pain from the sight of the demonic corpses scattered on the ground.

"You said you're about to have a duel, so why are you here acting as a demon executioner?"

No wonder he was surprised. Song Shen had only been at the Demon Suppression Division for two days when he volunteered to become a demon-slaying executioner.

The prison of the Demon Suppression Division does indeed hold powerful demons.

These demons are naturally powerful, and studying them is an important subject for humanity.

However, in recent years, there have been widespread demonic disasters, with so many demons that they cannot be killed off. A large number of demons that have lost their value have begun to be dealt with in a concentrated manner.

Song Shen also happened to see this task when he went to the Sutra Pavilion. Being a public-spirited person, he took on all the tasks, which were many but did not bring much merit.

There's nothing else to it, I just love slaying demons.

In just one day, Song Shen's orchard was overflowing with fruit, yielding a tremendous harvest.

In a single day, the seven demon generals previously imprisoned by the Demon Suppression Division were beheaded, and Song Shen was among those who beheaded five of them. There couldn't have been a more satisfying thing.

Unfortunately, the other two were snapped up by others.

As for the other demons, there's no need to say more; Song Shen can hardly remember them all.

"There's another mountain king being held captive inside. Why don't we drag him out and behead him too?" Song Shen said.

"You really are a freak. Back then, the Marquis personally took action to capture that Mountain Lord alive, and the Nine Cauldrons Palace specifically requested him. I estimate that it won't be long before the people from the Nine Cauldrons Palace come to escort him to the capital. You'd better not even think about it. If you want to slay demons, I reckon you'll be busy for a while."

Chu Zhao explained helplessly.

"The Nine Cauldrons Palace has this kind of hobby: studying demons!"

Song Shen is truly ignorant. Killing demons is a strange hobby, but isn't studying demons just as interesting?

Chu Zhao shrugged and said, "How would I know about the affairs of the Holy Land's higher-ups? But you'd better stop, because the remaining demons are all on the list to be escorted to the Holy Land. Don't make things difficult for the Marquis just to satisfy your own desire to kill them."

'

It seems that wild demons are easier to kill.

Having finished his role as executioner, Song Shen calculated the time and decided it was time to stop.

The next execution was scheduled for several months later, and he felt no interest in it. The real big fish had already been caught, and the rest of the small fry were useless to him.

The Demon Suppression Division prison in the entire prefecture could only hold these demons, totaling no more than twenty in total. This shows that demons were truly the domain of humankind, and even if they were defeated, they would almost always be killed.

Putting his thoughts aside, Song Shen looked at his Dao Fruit panel. Including what he gained from killing Xu Qi, the sword slave of the Ziyang Sect, his current Dao Fruit had become:

[Skill and Dao Fruition: 489 years]

[Essence of Dao Fruit: 149 years]

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