White Smoke had three questions: Asking Heart, Asking Path, and Asking Heaven and Earth.
Later, Yan Changqing told Fang Ziheng that as a swordsman, one should first ask their sword, then ask their heart.
These words enlightened Fang Ziheng. He then went into seclusion, successfully repairing his treasured sword, and even broke through to the Perfection stage of the Great Profound Sect Master level. Truly, it was a miraculous speed.
Fang Ziheng looked at the treasured sword shrouded in white mist and laughed heartily: "White Smoke, since you deem this sword worthy of being drawn, then I shall draw it. Let us not beco a laughingstock."
"Hmph, I’d like to see how capable this Young Master Fang truly is."
Hua Gu lightly shook her fair wrist, and a pair of delicate golden rings appeared in her hands.
With a graceful lift of her jade-like arm, the golden rings seed to gain a life of their own, spinning into the air. In an instant, they transford into layers upon layers of golden light, surging powerfully toward Fang Ziheng.
Hua Gu sneered, "Young Master Fang, if you can break through my Life and Death Circle, I’ll let you leave."
The surrounding onlookers sighed quietly.
This Hua Gu was a renowned expert in Minzhou, especially with her extraordinary weapons. Many Jianghu cultivators who had crossed her path were left maid.
The chances of this Young Master of the Fang Family escaping this calamity seed slim.
Fang Ziheng slowly closed his eyes.
He let out a asured breath and, eschewing any showy sword moves, simply delivered a straightforward strike.
At first, there was no visible reaction in the surroundings. But soon, a subtle ripple began to spread through the air.
Following that, an extrely thin thread of Sword Qi erged, as if a fine white line was being drawn. It gradually widened, revealing the trace of where its sharpness was heading.
The incoming golden rings disintegrated into fragnts under the Sword Qi.
Hua Gu’s expression changed drastically. She hastily tried to retreat, but the residual force of the Sword Qi sent her flying backward. She faltered and staggered as she landed, barely maintaining her balance.
Rip!
A tear appeared at the front of her garnt, revealing an opening.
Hua Gu hurriedly clutched at her attire, her face dark with anger as she glared at Fang Ziheng, mocking him with a cold smile: "What’s this? Could it be that Young Master Fang intends to strip of my clothing? If that is your wish, just say so. I’ll do it myself."
Fang Ziheng sheathed his sword and said calmly, "I ask Sect Master Hua to honor your promise and make way."
The onlookers widened their eyes in astonishnt.
No one had expected this seemingly ordinary fellow to force Hua Gu back with a single strike.
This was a true master.
This was a Great Hero.
As Hua Gu prepared to speak, a hand suddenly rested on her shoulder.
"Stand down."
Before anyone could react, an elderly man wearing a tiger-faced mask appeared behind Hua Gu.
"Hu."
Hua Gu’s expression shifted imdiately. She bowed respectfully.
This old man was none other than Hu, the housekeeper of the Luo Mansion, who once clashed with Jiang Shouzhong in the Capital.
Jiang Shouzhong was visibly surprised at the sight.
Why wasn’t this old man in the Capital? Why had he co here and even gotten involved with the Mandala Gang? It seed as though he might be the true power behind them.
Gazing at the tightly shut city gates, Jiang Shouzhong finally understood.
No wonder the Mandala Gang dared to lock the gates while the officials turned a blind eye—it was because they had the backing of the Imperial Father-in-law’s steward.
Even the Master of Luo Mingtang had lost his masculinity, yet this steward was still audaciously causing trouble.
From beneath the tiger mask, Hu’s deep and unreadable eyes locked onto Fang Ziheng. His voice was hoarse and ancient:
"Young Master Fang, it is well known that the Famous Sword Villa’s forr manor owner possessed swordsmanship ranked among the top three in the world. His signature move, ’Drawing the Moon,’ earned him the title of Sword God in Jianghu. As the old manor owner’s most cherished successor, would you allow this old man the chance to witness the power of ’Drawing the Moon’?"
Fang Ziheng frowned slightly. "And you are?"
"A re nobody."
Hu casually plucked a jade hairpin from Hua Gu’s hair.
Fang Ziheng replied evenly, "I know nothing of ’Drawing the Moon.’ My grandfather never taught his swordsmanship.
He told that beneath heaven and earth, trees and grass each have their own forms, mountains and rivers their own shapes, and so too with people and swords.
As one who seeks the Way of the Sword, one must not blindly imitate others. Only by staying true to oneself can one find a path amidst the myriad Sword Daos that truly belongs to them."
"That is truly a pity."
Hu flicked his finger.
The jade hairpin in his hand suddenly transford into a streak of light, shooting toward Fang Ziheng.
Feeling the lethal intent rushing at him, Fang Ziheng’s expression grew serious, and he raised his sword to block.
However, the Sword Qi he condensed was shattered in an instant by the jade hairpin. The hairpin split into two radiant trajectories, aiming straight for Fang Ziheng’s eyes.
Fortunately, Fang Ziheng was quick to respond, planting his right foot and attempting to sidestep.
But as he prepared to shift his head, he suddenly realized that if he dodged, the innocent attendant student on the carriage behind him would be critically endangered.
In a flash of urgency, Fang Ziheng made a snap decision. He straightened his fra, raised his arm horizontally in front of his face, and resolved to take the hit head-on.
Yet such a move would surely leave Fang Ziheng either dead or gravely injured.
At this life-and-death juncture, two sharp, tallic clings rang out in succession. Accompanied by a fleeting streak of light, the two halves of the jade hairpin, which were about to strike Fang Ziheng, dropped to the ground.
Hu’s pupils contracted as he muttered two words: "Flying sword!"
The flying sword ca swiftly and disappeared just as quickly, leaving no one able to discern its owner.
Still shaken, Fang Ziheng realized soone had intervened to save him. He quickly scanned his surroundings but could find no clue. He cupped his fists and raised his voice: "I thank the senior who ca to my rescue. Fang Ziheng is deeply grateful."
The crowd only now realized that another master was hidden nearby. They began looking around in all directions.
Hu’s eyes shimred darkly.
He scanned the onlookers but, after a brief hesitation, turned to Hua Gu and said indifferently, "Open the city gates."
"Yes."
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