Shen Qiaos eyes were still closed, his face as tranquil as a body of still water. In the eyes of the others, the bamboo stick in his hand followed wherever his heart desired and tapped at whichever direction he wanted, having no order or patterns to speak of.
Facing such a completely random way of fighting, Duan Wenyang didnt dare to take it lightly. His expression was even graver than when he was facing Li Qingyu. Within an instant, they had already exchanged hundreds of moves. From the ground to the roof, and from the roof to the top of a tree, their figures drifted swiftly from place to place, sotis in the light and sotis in the shadows, sotis mild while other tis fierce. The speed at which they were crossing swords was so inconceivably fast that those who were slightly inferior in martial arts couldnt even identify their moves.
So far, Shen Qiao seed to show no signs of being at a disadvantage.
Taking advantage of the opportunity that Duan Wenyang was too busy to notice them, people from the Su Family quickly ca up and surrounded Su Wei. Su Qiao then sent soone to accompany his mother and brother back to the inner room while he himself stayed outside despite the pain.
The more they watched, the more astonished they beca, and among them, Duan Wenyang was the most astounded.
Previously, Shen Qiao did not react at all to Duan Wenyangs taunts and the sighs from Li Qingyu. Everyone thought it was normal for not only Duan Wenyang, but the others also felt that with Shen Qiaos current situation, he was already in fact half-destroyed. His reputation could be rebuilt, but it would be very difficult for him to recover his martial arts. A person without martial arts had no foothold in the pugilistic world. If he had to rely on another persons protection, no matter how powerful his protector was, he was no more than a piece of rubbish in other peoples eyes. Anyone would have the right to look down on him.
But it just so happened that such a useless person had accomplished sothing that most of the people present could not do not only did he manage to stop Duan Wenyang, but he also fought him to a draw.
Many people couldnt help but think that the Sect Leader of Mount Xuandu was, after all, the Sect Leader of Mount Xuandu. Even though the title as the number one Daoist sect under the Heaven was very flattering, Shen Qiao did not beco Qi Fengges successor without reason.
That being said, if his skill was almost on par with Duan Wenyang, how did he lose to Kunye and end up like that? Were there other reasons that people didnt know about?
All kinds of thoughts flashed chaotically in peoples minds as they riveted their eyes on the fight, in fear that they would miss a second of it. All they could think of was how its marvelousness was not any less than the fight just now between Li Qingyu and Duan Wenyang.
However, inside the battle circle, Shen Qiao was not as relaxed as the onlookers imagined him to be.
Duan Wenyang was indeed very strong, and his martial arts was indeed superior to Kunyes. These statents were true.
The only reason why Shen Qiao was able to hold on for so long was because, first of all, he still had fifty percent of his martial power as his foundation. Second, Duan Wenyang did get injured when he fought against Li Qingyu. Lastly, the martial arts of Mount Xuandu combined with the laws implied by the Eight Trigrams, Zi Wei Dou Shu, and many schools of astrology. It was extrely exquisite and unpredictable. Duan Wenyang had never encountered it before, so he naturally found it difficult to seize the opportunity to be offensive and was swept along.
It was a dazzling and splendid fight in other peoples eyes Duan Wenyangs whip ca one slash after another, each one of them bearing the unstoppable, thunder-like montum. The overbearing and insolent inner qi, along with the images created by the whip, were forced upon Shen Qiao one after another. The pressure on him gradually increased. Like a fragile porcelain that was beautiful yet on the verge of breaking, he was unable to withstand another blow.
Suddenly, the bamboo stick cracked in half. Li Qingyu imdiately threw the Autumn Water Sword in his hand to Shen Qiao and shouted, Take it!
Shen Qiao listened to the direction it ca from, and without turning his head, he stretched out his hand and caught it firmly. With one swing, Sword Energy ca down from the top and split the nine layers of images that Duan Wenyangs whip had created right in the middle!
Thousands of mountains instantly collapsed. Like water surging through the valleys ford by the cracks and breaching the dykes along the way, the Sword Energy rushed forth with a crushing force, as if nothing else in this world could stop it!
Duan Wenyangs face changed slightly. He had to give up his offense and retreat. The images of the whip disappeared imdiately and was replaced by a white streak of light.
The white light wasnt Sword Energy, for it was both intangible and formless. Nor did it have the feel of inner qi. It was light and airy like a soft ribbon, but at the sa ti, it followed the other persons heel as if it was conscious, shooting straight at Duan Wenyang in a persistent pursuit, unwilling to let him off for even a second.
Whats that? Is it also Sword Energy? Zhan Ziqian couldnt stop himself from asking out loud.
No, its Sword Intent, answered his senior martial brother, Xie Xiang.
Zhan Ziqian asked, Why is it different from the one Li Qingyu used?
Xie Xiang replied, Li Qingyus Sword Intent was formless, while this one has form.
The formless surpasses the ford. Therefore, Li Qingyu is slightly superior?
Xie Xiang asked in return, Sword Intent itself is inherently formless, so how can the formless surpass the ford? If one can cultivate a ford Sword Intent, it ans that this person has already grasped the essence of sword art and is nearly at the level of Sword Heart!
Zhan Ziqian suddenly understood, and his impression of Shen Qiao soared from mild affection to adoration almost instantly.
This ti, Duan Wenyang had retreated more than ten steps. However, despite its weak and soft appearance, the white Sword Intent didnt reduce its sharpness at all. It pressed on and allowed no rest, refusing to let him go.
The end of the whip clashed with the Sword Intent. A section of the whip which was created with the skin of Southern Sea alligators and a few dozen dicinal ingredients was actually cut off by the Sword Intent!
Duan Wenyangs expression changed slightly as he struck a palm toward the Sword Intent. In an instant, like a cloud rising behind bold cliffs, or a white band of mist spanning across a river, the water touched the sky as they rged into the sa color, making it impossible to tell where everything started!
The billowy wave materialized into real substance as it surged in all directions. Everyone who saw it turned pale and retreated several steps before they found out that what had been coming at them was not a real wave but only what remained of the wave-like Sword Intent.
The crowd ca to their senses again, but they could still feel the sensation of the cold moisture on their faces. And because of that, they finally realized how powerful the Sword Intent was.
Zhan Ziqian found it quite interesting. He couldnt stop himself from wiping his face. As expected, there was nothing on his hand. However, Xie Xiang told him, Thats because he hasnt fully achieved the state of the ford Sword Intent. If a ford Sword Intent is practiced to its consummate level, theres no guarantee that the spectators wont be hard by it.
Zhan Ziqian had always admired his junior martial brothers insight. After hearing it, he asked, From what I saw, his inner qi does not seem to match his Sword Intent. Why is that?
Xie Xiang agreed, his eyes still following the fight, He should be suffering from a forr injury which caused his inner qi to decrease by a lot. Even though he has comprehended the Sword Intent, he couldnt bring out its best form. Im afraid he may not be able to hold on for long.
Zhan Ziqian hurriedly looked toward Shen Qiao. Since he had a good impression of Shen Qiao, he didnt want him to lose. Yet across the layers of sword light and the whip images, he could hardly discern their expressions.
Duan Wenyang was a little worn out. A section of his whip was cut off, and he still suffered injuries from the fight with Li Qingyu earlier. At this ti, he started to regret underestimating Shen Qiao. Even though the other persons inner qi was sowhat weak, his Sword Intent was trendously fierce. No matter how much inner qi Duan Wenyang had, he couldnt continue to let it pour out like this forever. Seeing that the color of the Sword Intent had brightened again, he was afraid that it would co back and he had no heart to fight any further. He gave up attacking and retreated as he laughed, Sect Leader Shen, youre true to your na. Im a little busy today, so Ill co ask for your advice so other ti. See you!
No one was able to stop him if he wanted to go. Despite being born in Tujue, he was exceptionally well-versed in the lightness skill. None of the people present could tell the origin of such bizarre and treacherous movents.
Shen Qiao didnt follow after him.
He was the only person who had fought both Kunye and Duan Wenyang.
Kunye was very skilled in martial arts. However, if Shen Qiao hadnt been poisoned beforehand, the battle on Half-Step Peak would have undoubtedly ended with Kunyes defeat.
But Duan Wenyang was different. Even though Shen Qiao had lost a majority of his martial arts, he still had insight and experience. How frightening this opponent was truly surprised Shen Qiao. Although it looked like he was winning, he had not been able to feel out the other persons limit. If the battle had continued on, the worn Shen Qiao wouldve lost for sure, but Duan Wenyang had instead chosen to withdraw at such a mont.
He stood on the spot, trying to regulate his breaths. Shen Qiao discovered that the ford Sword Intent had used more than half of his inner qi, leaving him extrely weak that he could hardly walk. He couldnt help but force a smile at himself.
Li Qingyu walked over to him. Sect Leader Shen.
Shen Qiao turned the sword around and handed the Autumn Water Sword back to him, Thank you very much, Mister Li, for lending this sword. Unfortunately, my martial power is not good enough and I have disgraced such a fine sword.
Li Qingyu took over the sword. I didnt an what I just said. That was a slip of tongue. Please dont take it to heart.
One could tell with a glance that he rarely spoke in such a soft and humble manner. Even his apologies sounded a bit cold and stiff.
Shen Qiao laughed, Mister Li, youre being too polite. If you didnt lend the sword in ti, Im afraid that I wouldve been lying dead on the field by now.
His eyes could still make out so vague scenes; therefore, over ti, he had developed the habit of squinting at people and things. Even so, his eyes still looked dull. But when basked in the sunlight, there seed to be a shimring shine rippling inside them, making everyone who saw it sigh regretfully.
Li Qingyu stared at him for a mont, then suddenly said, If you have no place to go, the Chunyang Daoist Temple can provide you a place to live. You dont have to descend so far to live on other peoples charity and attach yourself to people that you dont like.
On the side, Su Qiao heard this and couldnt help but be surprised. Everyone in the Chunyang Daoist Temple knew of this younger martial brothers cold, steely heart and his sole focus on martial arts. He might show so warmness in front of his master and fellow disciples, but that was it. He had never heard of him giving anyone an encouraging look, let alone inviting people over to the Chunyang Temple. Who could have thought that he would treat a complete stranger like Shen Qiao so differently?
Shen Qiao seed a little surprised as well. He stared for a second, then smiled, Thank you for your kindness.
Gratitude was given, yet the offer was declined since he didnt specify whether he needed it or not.
They were just two strangers brought together by an accident. There wasnt much friendship involved, so Shen Qiao didnt want to cause any trouble for the Chunyang Daoist Temple because of his own affairs.
Li Qingyu nodded. Holding his sword, he left imdiately without another word.
Even though nobody said it, they all inevitably turned their noses up at this down and out forr sect leader in their hearts just now. But after Shen Qiaos fight against Duan Wenyang, they no longer had such thoughts.
Granted, Shen Qiao had the advantage of fighting a second round, but under the circumstances at that ti, if he didnt co out, who else could have stopped Duan Wenyang?
And who would dare to say that they would surely make Duan Wenyang withdraw?
Taking the Su brothers with her, Lady Qin walked over with the support of her servant girl and bowed deeply to Shen Qiao. Thank you, Mister Shen, for rescuing my son in ti. Please accept this old womans respects!
Shen Qiao hurried to stop her, Theres no need to be so courteous. It was unvirtuous of Duan Wenyang to co back right after he left and even take the Duke of iyang District as a hostage. As a guest in your residence, its my obligation to lend a hand!
Lady Qin said, In any case, from now on, youll be the great rescuer of the Su Family. Our door will forever be open for you. If Mister Shen has any requests, the Su Family will do our best to fulfill it.
Although there might not be many things that the Su Family was capable of doing, a promise like this still showed the sincerity of Lady Qins heartfelt thanks.
The birthday party ended because of Duan Wenyangs interference. Everyone ca in high spirits, but they ended up leaving in disappointnt. Puliuru Jian walked out of the Residence of Su together with Shen Qiao. He invited Shen Qiao to his place so other ti, and they finally parted after that.
Shen Qiao was about to get on the carriage when Zhan Ziqian suddenly called to him, Mister Shen! Wait a minute!
He cupped his hands toward Shen Qiao and said, I wanted to talk to you earlier, but I couldnt find a chance. Could you please promise to do a favor?
Shen Qiao was surprised, What is it that youre so serious about?
Zhang Ziqian smiled, I want to ask for your permission to put you into my paintings.
Shen Qiao asked, Paintings?
Zhang Ziqian replied, Yes. I have always loved to paint, especially fairies and immortal beings. But where can I find a real immortal in this mortal world? It was not until I t Mister Shen that I finally found the person closest to the images I had in mind. Therefore, may I ask you to be my model please?
Shen Qiao had heard of all kinds of weird requests, but this was the first ti soone had ever asked to put him into a painting. For a mont, he was both amused and embarrassed by the idea and didnt know what to say.
Before Zhan Ziqian tried to take it a step further and persuade him so more, Xie Xiang had already walked over. Mister Shen, please dont take it as an offense. My senior brother is just crazy about paintings, and he always does things like this!
Afterwards, he cupped his hands at Shen Qiao and grabbed Zhan Ziqian by the shoulder, ready to leave.
Zhan Ziqian let out a cry in protest but still lost to Xie Xiangs power. He could only look back repeatedly at Shen Qiao, shouting: Mister Shen! Please dont leave the Capital anyti soon! I will definitely drop by your residence soday!
Shen Qiao broke into a smile and shook his head. After he turned around and got in the carriage, he took out a handkerchief and coughed up a mouthful of blood onto it. His look beca dispirited imdiately afterwards.
Duan Wenyang was injured by his Sword Intent and would need at least half a month to recover. But he didnt gain any advantages either. He hurt his vital energy as well. It was just that he had been keeping the pain to himself.
Xie Xiang must have realized it too. Therefore, he stopped Zhan Ziqian from keeping Shen Qiao there any longer.
Yan Wushi always enjoyed luxurious things. Therefore, the servants knew what he liked and they made the inside of the carriage comfortable and luxurious as well. After Shen Qiao told the carriage driver to head back to the Residence of the Junior Preceptor, he no longer needed to cover up his state. Leaning against the side of the carriage and appearing exhausted all over, he passed out, his eyebrows slightly frowning.
Extrely exhausted, Shen Qiao slept like a log, completely unaware of the things happening outside. When he woke up, he found out that the wheels seed to be rolling under him still. His heart sank slightly.
He lifted the curtain up and looked outside. The carriage seed to have left the city already and was now traveling in the citys outskirts. In any case, it definitely wasnt the way back to the Residence of the Junior Preceptor.
Old Wei, is it you outside?
Nobody answered, but the carriage gradually slowed down until it stopped completely.
The person driving the carriage turned back. She was still wearing Old Weis clothes, but she had changed into a different face, a delicate and charming one with dimples on her chin even when she wasnt smiling.
Shen Qiao couldnt see clearly. But the mont she spoke, he knew who the person was.
Its not just saying it, but the Su Familys guard is really sloppy. All I did was dress up into Old Weis clothes and put a bamboo hat over my head. As long as I can mimic his voice, I dont even need to change my makeup. They didnt suspect at all. Anyone can co and go freely in a place like that. You can help them drive Duan Wenyang away once, but you wont be able to do it again the next ti he cos.
Shen Qiao asked, Wheres Old Wei?
Bai Rong complained coquettishly, Alas, why does Sect Leader Shen care so much about an old man when you have a beauty like right in front of you? Where is your concern for ? Dead, dead! I killed him, of course!
Shen Qiao smiled, It was my bad. I didnt need to ask that question. A person smart like you wont breed enmity with Yan Wushi over a carriage driver.
Bai Rong giggled, Ive even kidnapped you, let alone a carriage driver. Did you say sothing like that because you were afraid that I wouldnt tell you the truth? Alright, alright, theres no harm in telling you. Youre right. I have no interest in killing a nobody like him. I knocked him out and left him in the Su Family stable, leaving his life to himself! I dont care even if hes trampled dead by a horse! But that being said, Yan Wushi sure doesnt treat you very well. He clearly knows that youre in poor health right now, coughing blood and blacking out from ti to ti, yet he only sent a carriage driver to accompany you? Did he foresee what was going to happen today already?
Shen Qiao shook his head, You dont have to make mischief between us. Our relationship is not like what you think. So, what is the reason that Maiden Bai brings over here?
Bai Rong suddenly leaned forward, her warm, scented breaths close at hand. Shen Qiao frowned subconsciously as he fell back to avoid her. The other person tried to grab him. His bamboo stick was already broken in Residence of Su, so he had to block it with his bare hand. The two of them exchanged a few dozen of moves.
Bai Rongs moves were extrely fast, and her fingers changed rapidly into countless shapes like a flower. In the ti between two breaths, this flower had already gone through the entire process of budding, blooming, and withering. The rise and fall, life and death of a lifeti, all contained within a single mont.
However, her exquisite Lotus Prints was blocked by Shen Qiao. The other person seed to have anticipated and tid all of her moves that he happened to be just a little faster than Bai Rong every ti.
Bai Rong didnt see the fight between Shen Qiao and Duan Wenyang. In her impression, Shen Qiao was still sickly and seriously wounded like he had been in Huai Prefecture City. At this mont, seeing Shen Qiao successfully blocking all of her proud Lotus Prints, it was needless to say how surprised she was inside.
I didnt really believe it when they said that you killed my martial brother. Now it seems like its true. Have you recovered your martial arts yet?
After she said it, Bai Rong dodged the palm from Shen Qiao. She went around him and hit his acupoint. Afterwards, she threw her arms around him from behind and put forth her head, asking, As a Daoist Priest, why are you born so pretty? Youre driving us disciples of the Demonic Sect out of business!
She even pecked the end of Shen Qiaos nose when she talked!
The series of events happened too fast. Shen Qiaos vital energy was already seriously injured, and it was only barely enough to fight her. He didnt expect that she would do sothing like this and was greatly shocked on the spot. The expression on his face was quite horrific.
Bai Rong giggled, Ive always wanted to do this since the day I saw you. Today, my wish is finally fulfilled!
He was hit on the acupoint and he lost the ability to move. Therefore, Shen Qiao simply gave up the unnecessary struggle. What do you want?
Bai Rong replied, You killed Huo Xijing, and youre asking what I want? That guy is always good at fawning on Master, and Master likes him a lot. Therefore, he was very upset at what you did and even asked to bring you back for punishnt!
The more she looked, the more beautiful she felt Shen Qiao was. Everyone in the Harmony Sect, man or woman, was beautiful. However, because they practiced Enchantnt and often behaved without scruples, their kind of beauty could never give people that cold, otherworldly feel.
If the people from the Harmony Sect were the seductive devils rolling and basking in the desires of the mortal world, then Shen Qiao would be like the statue placed high above the ground in a temple, knowing neither sorrow nor happiness.
But for blasphers, the more so, the more they wanted to defile the statue.
Bai Rong said cheerfully, But Im a little reluctant to turn you in now. Youre so beautiful. If you fall into the hands of my master, under his torture, Im afraid that youll have to suffer badly even if you dont die. I cant rember everything in that Book of Free Will that you read last ti. If youre willing to double check with and recite it to again, Ill let you go. Ill just go back and tell my master that Im not a match for Sect Master Yan. How about that?
Shen Qiao asked, The Book of Wandering Souls of The Strategy of Vermillion Yang is hidden in Mount Xuandu. Why dont you ask to recite that as well?
Bai Rong laughed, Do you think Im stupid? Ive never listened to that book before. I wouldnt be able to tell even if you mixed up the order or simply read so random sentences to . But I can rember most of the Book of Free Will. I just dont rember all of it. If you intentionally mix up the order on that one, at least I can tell.
Shen Qiao asked, What if I dont want to cooperate?
Bai Rong answered in her cute voice, Then Ill have to hand you over to my master. Im sure youve heard about the reputation of my master, Sang Jingxing. Hes several tis crueler than my brother Huo Xijing. He likes both n and won, and especially loves to cultivate through sex. He also enjoys torturing people in bed till theyre almost dead. I wouldnt even dare to imagine what a beauty like you would beco if you fell into his hands!
Shen Qiao heaved a sigh, You all regard as a tiger trapped in a flat field whom anyone can bully and thus treat however you want, as if Im just a fly in a web. If this is the case, how can I not pull myself together? Even if I dont beco the oppressor, at least I shouldnt let myself be oppressed by others!
Bai Rong was taken by surprise. Before she figured out what Shen Qiao ant, she suddenly saw him reaching out and pointing at her with his slender finger!
Spring Water Fingering?! How did you learn Spring Water Fingering?
Bai Rongs face turned ghastly as she hastened to retreat.
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