I became a Sword Emperor in the Martial Arts World

Chapter 178 Another sneak attack!

Zhang Hong stopped, a hint of pride in his expression, and said to Ye Qingzhou with a boastful smile, "This is why the Martial Arts Association established an outpost here. Besides guarding against any unexpected situations that might occur in Jiuli Cave Heaven, the most important reason is that there is a huge dragon vein deep beneath our feet."

"The feng shui master of the martial arts association discovered this dragon vein, which is why they chose to build the outpost here."

"In recent years, we have gradually set up a powerful Yuan-gathering formation, which gathers all the Yuan energy flowing out of the cave into the five mountain peaks above the dragon vein. This is the 'Five Finger Mountain' plan that the Hunan Provincial Martial Arts Association has been planning for ten years. Now it can be considered a great success, and we have the power to control the universe."

"We haven't even reached the mountainside yet, but the concentration of vital energy here is already five times that of ordinary secret realms."

Zhang Hong immediately launched into a detailed explanation of the Martial Arts Association's arrangements here, revealing everything without reservation.

Ye Qingzhou nodded. Such an astonishing change in Yuan Qi could be clearly felt by any professional martial artist who had cultivated martial arts true qi.

It must be said that although this place is dangerous, fortune is found in danger, and for martial artists, this is definitely a sacred place for cultivation.

"The strongholds and outposts near the mountain peaks have a much denser concentration of spiritual energy, at least ten times that of the secret realm."

Zhang Hong looked at Ye Qingzhou with considerable emotion: "Ye Qianlong, your residence is one of them."

"ten times?"

Ye Qingzhou nodded slightly. He had previously made a request to Zhao Zhiyi and Wang Anyuan that he should also have the treatment that a master-level expert should receive.

So it seems that, at least in this respect, Zhao Zhiyi didn't cause any trouble.

"Yes, ten times."

Zhang Hongyan spoke with considerable envy: "Professional martial artists spend four or five hours, or even more than eight hours, cultivating every day. They need to digest the vital energy within rare treasures to condense their martial arts true energy. With so much time spent, there's less time left to refine their techniques. How can they then comprehend higher realms and break through to the level of a master?"

"The same applies to the master level. Even if one's qi permeates the heavens and earth, it is still essential to cleanse one's muscles, bones, and meridians with martial arts true qi every day. Otherwise, one's cultivation and realm may regress."

"If one could occupy a place on the mountaintop to cultivate, given the richness of the spiritual energy there, even if the speed of absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is slow, it would only take up to two hours a day. The remaining time could be used to study martial arts techniques."

"I see."

Ye Qingzhou thought it made a lot of sense. In order to speed up their training, martial artists should actually take a lot of "drugs" to practice. Simply practicing hard is just courting death.

Of course, you can't become a master just by "taking drugs". It's like if a fat guy and a boxing champion eat the same amount of drugs, can the fat guy withstand a punch from the boxing champion if they really fight?

The martial arts true energy transformed from primordial energy only raises the lower limit of a martial artist. Only the realm of martial arts techniques and moves determines the true height a martial artist can reach.

Otherwise, we'd see a fat guy who weighs the same as the boxing champion, only to be knocked down with a single punch when facing the champion, a truly embarrassing situation.

The gap between martial artists is often greater than the gap between a couch potato and a boxing champion.

Thinking it over, Ye Qingzhou couldn't help but ask, "If that's the case, there should be many martial artists willing to stay and guard the Five Peaks of Xiangxi. If they could all cultivate on the mountain for a long time, wouldn't more powerful figures be born? Hasn't the Martial Arts Association considered recruiting more civilian martial artists to guard this place?"

Many ordinary martial arts practitioners have to carefully budget their meals, so if there were a place where energy could be obtained for free, they would probably fight tooth and nail to get their hands on it.

Zhang Hong smiled, then pointed into the distance.

Ye Qingzhou looked around and saw that the second peak where he was located was extremely beautiful. The antique pavilions and towers were nestled among the cliffs of the mountain, and the magnificent scenery was breathtaking.

Among the many palace-like residences, the majority of the staff are members of the Martial Arts Association, 70% of whom are women, each with a pretty face and a respectful demeanor.

After a brief assessment, Ye Qingzhou discerned their cultivation levels. Most of them were elite-level apprentice martial artists, and there were many of them, with people in every residence.

There are professional martial artists, but they are few in number.

"Are they all martial arts apprentices?"

Ye Qingzhou seemed to be deep in thought.

"Yes, the five peaks are mostly occupied by martial arts apprentices. These are elites selected by the Martial Arts Association, and they are sent down the mountain every two years."

Zhang Hong patiently explained to Ye Qingzhou: "The reason for this is that the vital energy all originates from the underground dragon veins. Although the vital energy transformed from the dragon veins through the formation is enormous, it is ultimately finite."

"While the number of martial arts masters is small, their cultivation requires a massive amount of vital energy, placing a huge burden on the dragon vein. If only a few professional martial artists cultivate on the mountain, the problem is not too serious, and the dragon vein can still bear it."

"However, if hundreds or even thousands of professional-level cultivators go up the mountain to cultivate together, the spiritual energy on the five peaks will rapidly decrease, and even the underground dragon veins will be affected."

The power of the dragon vein originates from the core of Blue Star. This energy is enormous. Even if the dragon vein were drained dry in one go, the impact on Blue Star would be negligible.

The real impact is on humanity itself. Once the dragon vein dries up, the formations and various buildings built on the basis of the dragon vein will be completely useless. It will be necessary to find a new dragon vein and then reinvest resources and manpower to build it.

Clearly, this approach is far too cost-effective.

Therefore, the Eastern Kingdom basically finds a large dragon vein and builds semi-permanent fortifications to allow the formation to operate for a long time. This is slower, but the cost is controllable, and in the long run, the benefits are greater.

"So, in order to extend the lifespan of the dragon vein as much as possible, only master-level and a small number of professional-level cultivators are allowed to cultivate on the mountain?"

Ye Qingzhou seemed to be deep in thought.

The primordial energy of heaven and earth is the most precious resource on Blue Star, where martial arts flourish. Every martial artist needs to use primordial energy to temper their physique and strengthen their bones and muscles every day.

However, the primordial energy of heaven and earth originates from the grotto-heavens, and this incomparably precious resource is extremely difficult for martial artists to obtain.

The Eastern Kingdom also achieved its control over the martial arts world by monopolizing the primordial energy of heaven and earth.

Today, Ye Qingzhou finally saw a part of the Martial Arts Association's true strength.

"These martial arts apprentices can only stay for a maximum of two years. If they cannot break through to the professional level, they must leave the mountain. If they want to stay on the mountaintop permanently again, they will have to spend points."

"Martial Arts Association points?"

Ye Qingzhou's eyes flashed. He had accumulated quite a few points in Lingyun Cave Heaven before. It turned out that besides buying things, points had this other benefit.

"You can earn points by contributing to the Martial Arts Association."

Zhang Hong continued enthusiastically, "There are many benefits to points. There are actually many perks within the Martial Arts Association that you can't buy with money, but you can get them with points. So even though points can be exchanged for money now, no one will do it, because no amount of money can buy points."

Ye Qingzhou nodded, indicating his understanding of the Martial Arts Association's approach.

For the Martial Arts Association, the things produced within the secret realm are the most valuable. In comparison, money in reality is often dispensable for martial artists.

Just like Ye Qingzhou, he doesn't even have to spend money to buy luxury homes now; they're all given to him voluntarily.

Rare and truly valuable items are hard to buy even with money.

As the two exchanged ideas, Ye Qingzhou gained a clearer understanding of the Martial Arts Association from Zhang Hong's words.

The Wushu Association is less of an association and more of an independent economic entity separate from normal society, even having its own currency—points.

The martial arts world, composed of martial artists, has become a self-contained mini-society.

Whether this small society called the martial arts world can operate in an orderly manner depends entirely on the coordination of the Martial Arts Association.

Before long, the two arrived at the mountainside of the second peak.

The closer one gets to the mountain peak, the denser the primordial energy permeating the world becomes. From afar, Ye Qingzhou could already see the dwelling on the mountain peak through the trees.

Suddenly, Ye Qingzhou's sword heart issued a warning.

huh~

A terrifying arrow pierced through the clouds and mist, shaking the air, and flew towards Ye Qingzhou with a terrifying whistling sound.

"Who goes there!"

Zhang Hong was startled. The arrow wasn't aimed at him, but the strength of the martial arts energy on it still made his scalp tingle and his legs tremble.

"arrow?"

Ye Qingzhou looked slightly surprised, because the arrow had come extremely fast, even faster than a sniper rifle bullet.

Moreover, this was the first time he had ever encountered a martial artist who used an arrow.

Boom~

Ye Qingzhou's innate five elements began to circulate, and his entire dantian instantly transformed into a high-powered turbine engine. In the instant of the explosion, the strength of his muscles and bones broke through to the limit.

Second gear!

Incredible speed!

Ye Qingzhou's figure blurred instantly. His speed soared to ten times the speed of sound, and he leaped forward, narrowly avoiding the arrow by the slightest margin.

bang~

The arrow struck a rock dozens of feet away, and the martial arts energy attached to it was immediately detonated, causing the entire boulder to explode as if it had been hit by a missile.

Countless pebbles flew towards Ye Qingzhou, but were blocked by his protective sword energy, producing a series of clanging sounds.

Only then did Zhang Hong recover from his shock, his expression changing drastically: "What on earth is going on? The Second Peak is a key military stronghold jointly defended by the Martial Arts Association and the Southwest Military Region. Who would dare to carry out an assassination here?"

Clang~

Ye Qingzhou took out the Flying Frost Sword from the Mysterious Universe Ring and held it firmly in his palm. His gaze was cold as he looked at the distant woods, and his voice was chilling: "You cowards hiding your heads and tails, get out here."

The sound wasn't loud, but the sword intent was overwhelming, and the powerful spiritual force dominated the entire arena.

Zhang Hong turned around in surprise. Ye Qingzhou's aura had completely changed. Just now, he was as casual as an ordinary teenager, but now Ye Qingzhou was like a peerless sword drawn from its sheath, its sharpness fully revealed and its spirit soaring to the sky.

Just standing there, Zhang Hong felt a sense of fear and unease, as if his skin was being cut open, and he felt a sharp pain.

"Is this Ye Qianlong's true face?"

"Such a heavy killing intent! In terms of sheer power, it surpasses that of many martial arts masters who have returned from the battlefield of the gods within the Kunlun Cave Heaven."

Zhang Hong was secretly alarmed. He understood why Zhao Zhiyi, no matter how much she disliked Ye Qingzhou, could only grit her teeth and tolerate it.

To have such strength at the age of seventeen.

What about ten or twenty years from now?

In the martial arts world of Dongji Kingdom, everyone must respect this young man.

"At only seventeen years old, you managed to dodge my arrow; your talent is truly extraordinary."

A detached voice echoed through the tranquil mountain forest, its tone haughty and laced with a chilling intensity: "However, killing a martial arts master and weakening the martial arts world of my Eastern Pole Kingdom is far too reckless."

"Lieutenant Zhou, it's a misunderstanding, we're all on the same side!"

Zhang Hong clearly recognized the other party's identity.

This man is named Zhou Ming. He comes from a military family and has an extraordinary background. He was of average talent when he was young, but he rose rapidly after entering university. After graduation, he joined the military and his position rose like a rocket.

Zhou Ming glanced coldly at Zhang Hong, his tone contemptuous: "Misunderstanding? There's no misunderstanding. I'm here today to test whether he's qualified to replace Li Yaoping."

Having been shot with an arrow for no reason, Ye Qingzhou, who was not a good-tempered person to begin with, now had a frosty expression on his face, but a hidden anger was rising in his heart.

Previously, he was ambushed by Li Yaoping at Longhua Mountain. Now he came to Jiuli Cave to take charge, but as soon as he arrived at the mountain, he was almost shot to death by an arrow.

Even a clay figure would have some temper after being assassinated time and time again.

The power of that arrow was comparable to the cruise missile that killed him in his previous life.

If Ye Qingzhou had reacted even a fraction of a second slower, he might have died on the spot.

How could Ye Qingzhou not be furious at this moment?

"What, you're not convinced?"

Another cold voice came from the depths of the forest, followed by a figure that floated out and landed beside Zhou Ming. He was about 1.8 meters tall, looked to be in his thirties, and was wearing a blue combat suit with a high-tech feel.

On his chest, there was an embroidered red and gold character "锐" (Rui).

The mighty warriors of the Shence Army!

The Shence Army is the strongest elite force in the Eastern Extremity Kingdom. Every soldier in the army has at least the combat power of a professional-level martial artist, hence they are known as the Divine Martial Warriors.

"Divine Warriors?"

Ye Qingzhou's gaze was fixed on the blue-robed man in front of him. He felt a deadly threat from the man. Even though the man was not even a master, the pressure he felt was stronger than that from Li Yaoping.

Zhang Hong, standing to the side, changed his expression instantly upon recognizing the newcomer: "Greetings, Lieutenant Lin."

Zhang Hong recognized the other person at a glance and quickly bowed respectfully.

At the same time, Zhang Hong whispered a reminder to Ye Qingzhou: "Ye Qianlong, a wise man doesn't fight a losing battle. Both of them came from the Imperial Capital's Shence Army. The one who shot the arrow earlier is called Zhou Ming, and this one is called Lin Jianfeng. Both of them come from military families. It's best not to provoke them if you can avoid it."

Ye Qingzhou seemed not to hear, his gaze fixed coldly on Zhou Ming and Lin Jianfeng, his sword intent already firmly locked onto them: "Zhang Hong, this has nothing to do with you, stand aside for now."

Zhang Hong's heart skipped a beat, and he secretly groaned, but he could only quickly step aside.

At this moment, the aura emanating from Ye Qingzhou made even a professional third-level martial artist like Ye Qingzhou feel a chill to the bone, fearing that he would be caught in the crossfire of the three people's fight.

The other party came to cause trouble for no reason, and Ye Qingzhou couldn't figure out why, so she didn't bother to think about it. She simply gave the two of them a cold smile: "You want to test whether I'm qualified? Have you finished testing me?"

Zhou Ming smirked and said dismissively, "Ye Qingzhou, I admit you do have some talent, but this world is vast, and there are always people more capable than you. Don't be so arrogant; it's useless."

"Have you finished talking nonsense?"

Ye Qingzhou remained expressionless, simply raising the Flying Frost Sword in his hand: "Now, it's my turn to test whether you two pieces of trash are qualified to be my teammates."

Clang~

On the second peak, the cold wind was biting.

The cold light reflected from the Flying Frost Sword instantly enveloped Zhou Ming and Lin Jianfeng, its sword energy shooting in all directions, overwhelming the sky and leaving the two with no way to avoid it.

"How dare you fight back! You're utterly absurd!"

Zhou Ming drew his bow and arrow, gave a cold smile, and then the sound of the bowstring vibrating resounded throughout the heavens and earth: "Divine archery, a volley of ten thousand arrows!"

The combined attack of Wind and Forest styles unleashes a high-level martial art: a volley of arrows!

The thousands of arrows collided with Ye Qingzhou's torrent of sword energy, canceling each other out.

hum~

As soon as Lin Jianfeng moved beside Zhou Ming, a booming sound like the vibration of a bowstring rang out in the air again, like muffled thunder. It was the sound of his muscles trembling.

His muscles are like a large bow, and his spear strikes like an arrow released from a bow!

The third move of the Six Bows Divine Spear: Open Spear and Hidden Arrow!

Quiet like a virgin, moving like a rabbit.

Lin Jianfeng strode forward and launched his attack. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of Ye Qingzhou, his movements incredibly fast.

Ding~

Ye Qingzhou waved his hand to block Lin Jianfeng's sudden spear attack, but the force he felt made him realize something was wrong.

"True Qi Leaving an Image?"

The "Lin Jianfeng" before Ye Qingzhou was merely an afterimage formed from martial arts true energy, while the real Lin Jianfeng had already appeared behind Ye Qingzhou without anyone noticing.

This is precisely the terrifying aspect of the third move of the Six Bows Divine Spear: it's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against a hidden arrow!

Lin Jianfeng didn't intend to kill Ye Qingzhou; he only wanted to teach Ye Qingzhou a lesson. So he thrust his spear into Ye Qingzhou's left shoulder. However, this thrust pierced Ye Qingzhou's entire body and shattered it.

Rumble~

The scene was as if it had been detonated by explosives. The violent innate fire energy exploded outwards, sweeping in all directions. Lin Jianfeng was the first to be hit. He was blown around and flew dozens of meters away, crashing to the ground like a rolling gourd, looking extremely disheveled.

"Old Lin!"

Zhou Ming exclaimed in surprise, wanting to rush forward to check on his teammate's injuries, but he was pressed down mid-air just as he jumped. He was greeted by Ye Qingzhou's mocking smile: "You still have time to care about others?"

"Ye Qingzhou! You..."

Rumble~

Before Zhou Ming could finish speaking, Ye Qingzhou exploded again, and he was blown away by a targeted explosion, flying right in Lin Jianfeng's direction. The two of them were truly sharing the same fate.

Lin Jianfeng and Zhou Ming were both wearing combat suits, which helped them withstand some of the impact. As they struggled to get up, Ye Qingzhou's figure descended from the sky once again.

Two large feet stomped firmly on their heads, pressing them into the ground: "My Mirage Dragon Shadow, with a touch of Bing Fire added, how does it taste?"

(End of this chapter)