Wandering Swordsman |

The name struck Ma Xiaofeng like a bolt of lightning. He paused slightly, then frowned, as if trying to recall something. After a moment, his expression changed slightly: "Lord Xuanwu, forgive my bluntness. The young sect leader of the Changhe Sword Sect is quite famous in the martial arts world, a true martial arts prodigy. Moreover, you are a rare martial arts genius personally selected by the sect leader. Among your peers, those who can surpass you in the martial arts world and are known for their swordsmanship are probably only from the 'Sword Maniac' lineage of Ghost Valley."

Upon hearing the name "Ghost Valley," Li Fanglin's doubts vanished, replaced by a relieved expression. If Jian Yihan came from the legendary Ghost Valley, then it wasn't surprising that he could defeat him. However, the title "Sword Maniac" was quite unfamiliar to Li Fanglin, so he asked curiously, "Ghost Valley, I know that. But I've never heard of 'Sword Maniac.' Could you tell me more about it?"

Seeing that Fang Lin was unfamiliar with the "Sword Maniac," Ma Xiaofeng immediately explained, "Lord Xuanwu, you are quite young and may not know the name 'Sword Maniac.' After all, the Three Eccentrics of Ghost Valley haven't appeared in the martial world for almost thirty years. Back when the Martial Alliance fought against the Demonic Sect, the 'Sword Maniac' single-handedly fought against the six Demon Lords of the Demonic Sect and escaped unscathed. It is said that the 'Sword Maniac's' swordsmanship has reached a certain level, allowing him to integrate his own will into his sword moves, making every move full of killing intent and change. With this kind of swordsmanship, the 'Sword Maniac' is almost invincible in the way of the sword."

Li Fanglin listened intently, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. He nodded thoughtfully, becoming even more wary of Jian Yihan, then said with a hint of感慨 (gan3kai3, a complex emotion encompassing both admiration and awe), "I see. No wonder Jian Yihan is so powerful. It seems that Ghost Valley is indeed extraordinary."

As soon as he finished speaking, a chuckle came from outside: "You flatter me. Compared to the Black Wind Gang's methods of eliminating Zhao Qingyun, Guigu is just so-so."

The laughter outside, like a sharp knife, pierced the oppressive atmosphere inside. Li Fanglin abruptly stood up, his eyes blazing with murderous intent, his gaze sweeping sharply towards the doorway like a hawk's. Ma Xiaofeng also quickly rose, blocking Li Fanglin's path, vigilantly watching the doorway, his voice carrying an undeniable air of authority: "Which martial arts friend is it? Since you've already arrived, why not show yourself?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a scholar-like man slowly walked into the hall. He wore an elegant blue robe and a turban, and gently waved a folding fan in his hand, appearing refined and gentle. However, what was most shocking was that his face was exactly the same as Li Fanglin's, as if it were a reflection in a mirror.

Upon witnessing this unbelievable scene, Ma Xiaofeng involuntarily blurted out, "Xuanwu Saint Lord! This..." His voice trailed off as he turned to look at Li Fanglin with a puzzled expression, trying to find the answer on his face.

Li Fanglin smirked and said, "Haha, no need to panic. If I'm not mistaken, this person is using disguise." His words revealed a calm and unhurried demeanor, as if he had already anticipated this situation.

Ma Xiaofeng frowned, clearly puzzled by this claim: "The art of disguise? I've been in the martial world for over forty years, and I've never heard of such a skill. How did the Holy Lord find out?"

"My master once mentioned that there is a minority tribe in the Western Regions who are proficient in this art. They can imitate other people's physical features, but their only drawback is that they cannot change their voices," Li Fanglin explained, his tone revealing pride in his lineage.

Upon hearing this, the scholar-like man chuckled and said, "Oh, so you know my disguise technique. Well then, from what you've said, I can roughly guess who your master is. If you are that person's disciple, that makes sense, since I've been following you all the way from the foot of Changbai Mountain without you noticing, which is consistent with your master's careless nature."

Li Fanglin's heart skipped a beat, secretly surprised that the other party could guess his lineage, but he didn't show it. Instead, he said disdainfully, "So what if you know? Do you think you can defeat the two of us with just this little trick?"

The man's eyes shone with confidence: "If I weren't confident enough, why would I show myself so easily?" His words were firm and resolute, as if he had everything under control.

Just as tensions were about to rise, the eight guards responsible for watching over Situ Meng, along with other guards from the mansion, arrived upon hearing the news. They quickly surrounded the scholar-like man, forming an impenetrable human wall. The guards all had stern expressions, their eyes flashing with vigilance and determination, as if they would immediately attack at the slightest sign of trouble.

The eight guards didn't hesitate and launched their attack almost simultaneously. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, clearly the result of rigorous training; each strike whistled through the air, aimed directly at the scholar's vitals. However, just when they thought they could subdue him in one fell swoop, the scholar deftly opened his folding fan and then swung it sharply backward.

Instantly, a powerful gust of air swept out like an invisible blade. The force not only repelled the eight attackers but also tore their clothes, revealing streaks of blood. As for the other guards of the mansion, they were sent flying by the gust of air and collapsed to the ground unconscious.

Immediately afterward, the scholar moved with lightning speed, his figure like lightning, knocking three of them to the ground in a few breaths. The remaining five were struck on pressure points, instantly losing their ability to move. Ma Xiaofeng was astonished upon seeing this, but quickly recovered and said urgently to Li Fanglin, "Your Majesty, this person's skill is unfathomable. He was able to subdue my eight strongest men with a single blow. There is no time to lose. Please take Situ Meng and leave this place immediately, heading to the main altar."

Upon hearing this, Li Fanglin knew the situation was critical and prepared to retreat through the side door. Unexpectedly, the man defeated Ma Xiaofeng in a few moves and immediately approached Li Fanglin. Seeing this, Li Fanglin felt a surge of anxiety, knowing there was no way to retreat and he could only face the approaching scholar head-on. He slowly turned to face the scholar, feigning composure, and said, "If you harm me in the slightest now, even if you hide at the ends of the earth, the Black Wind Gang will not let you go."

Upon hearing this, the scholar smiled calmly, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes: "Oh? Do you think the Black Wind Gang Leader would seek revenge against me for a failed pawn?" His tone was relaxed, as if everything was under control.

Hearing this, Li Fanglin felt defeated, but he tried to remain calm and sneered, "Hmph~ I accept that I've been defeated by you today. But at least let me know who you really are?"

The scholar smiled slightly, seemingly satisfied with Li Fanglin's request. He gently peeled off the human skin mask from his face, revealing his true appearance. Then, he said politely, "I am the new generation of 'Bookworm' from Guigu. As for my humble name, it is not worth mentioning."

Upon hearing the words "Ghost Valley," Li Fanglin immediately realized who it was and inwardly marveled at the other party's extraordinary background. He couldn't help but ask, "So you're from Ghost Valley again? No wonder you're so powerful. I'm also curious, why would a hermit from Ghost Valley interfere in the affairs of the martial world?"

The bookworm maintained his smile, his eyes filled with a hint of mystery, and said, "As for this... you don't need to know." His words were full of enigma, making it difficult to discern his true intentions.