All this time, Chu Yang had been storing his items in a space created by the Traceless Stretching Spell, retrieving them as needed.
"That sword… it resembles the legendary Fire Qilin Sword."
The knowledgeable Sword Saint immediately recognized it.
"Truly despicable."
Jianchen glared fiercely at Chu Yang. He felt that the other party was deliberately using a divine weapon to take advantage of his master. If he were to hand the Hero Sword to Wuming now, it would indirectly elevate Chu Yang's strength.
However, Wuming appeared indifferent, standing motionless like an unshakable mountain, quietly awaiting Chu Yang's move.
Chu Yang's opening sword move was the first stance of the Taiji Sword.
"You are a disciple of Taiji?"
Wuming was slightly surprised.
In the world of Feng Yun, Taiji existed as well, but compared to the one created by Zhang Sanfeng, it was somewhat distorted, lacking true essence.
What Chu Yang displayed was entirely different.
As the true intent of Taiji unfolded, the two were instantly enveloped by a black-and-white Yin-Yang formation, each standing on the eyes of the Yin-Yang fish.
Sword Saint's eyes lit up as he exclaimed, "What an exquisite sword technique! This Taiji Sword is vastly different from what I've seen before. Young man, where did you learn this?"
Wuming was also curious as he looked at Chu Yang.
Chu Yang said softly, "From a Daoist friend."
Wuming nodded. "This sword technique is upright and harmonious, following the principles of Daoism. It must have been created by a Daoist master."
Sword Saint sighed, "So swordsmanship doesn't have to be fierce to be profound. This is truly eye-opening."
The two of them took turns praising him, making Jianchen incredibly jealous and stifled.
After all these years, Wuming had never praised him as much as he was praising Chu Yang now.
The intent of the Taiji Sword excelled in defense rather than offense. As soon as the black-and-white Yin-Yang formation appeared, Chu Yang's swordsmanship changed again—this time to the Nine Swords of Dugu.
The Nine Swords of Dugu was purely offensive, complementing the defensive nature of the Taiji Sword's intent.
With two profound sword techniques appearing simultaneously, Wuming and Sword Saint could not hide the shock on their faces.
"This man is a swordsmanship genius on par with me!"
Having been retired from the martial world for years, this was the first time Wuming felt an itch to fight. If he weren't a senior, he would have already made a move.
The next moment—
Chu Yang attacked Wuming, who was using sword energy to protect himself, with the Breaking Qi Stance!
The Nine Swords of Dugu was, in essence, not a set of techniques but a theory of swordsmanship. In the hands of different people, it could display varying levels of power.
In Chu Yang's hands, it was no less than Wuming's Nameless Swordsmanship, posing a real threat to Wuming, who had yet to comprehend Ten Thousand Swords Return to One.
The profundity of the Breaking Qi Stance had once been praised by Feng Qingyang as "mystical and comprehended only by the heart."
Thus, Wuming's protective sword energy was instantly shattered, and the Fire Qilin Sword thrust toward his vital point.
Wuming was shocked!
Yet, relying on years of battle-honed instincts, he barely managed to dodge the attack.
However, the high temperature of the Fire Qilin Sword still scorched a large hole in his chest garments.
Wuming's old face turned red.
After merely one exchange, he, known as the Martial Arts Myth, had nearly capsized.
Sword Saint, who was watching, was so astonished that he almost yanked out his own beard.
"Chen'er, pass me the sword!"
Throwing aside his pride, Wuming had no choice but to have Jianchen toss him the Hero Sword. Otherwise, he might truly embarrass himself within three moves.
Jianchen seemed dumbfounded, hugging the Hero Sword tightly without letting go.
"Your master told you to pass the sword!"
Sword Saint suddenly slapped Jianchen on the back. The latter snapped back to his senses and hastily threw the sword over.
The moment Wuming caught the Hero Sword, his aura changed, and only then did he engage in a proper battle with Chu Yang. The three-move agreement was already void.
Originally, Wuming had reached the Heavenly Sword realm, where "having no sword was superior to having a sword," so whether he held the Hero Sword or not shouldn't have mattered to him.
However, Chu Yang's Breaking Qi Stance specifically countered his sword energy. Without the Hero Sword, Wuming would have been severely restrained.
This was a situation he had never encountered before, leaving him somewhat at a loss.
Now wielding the Hero Sword, Wuming used Nameless Swordsmanship against Chu Yang, who, in turn, switched styles again—this time to the Breaking Sword Stance!
The two exchanged blows back and forth. Sword Saint gradually realized that Chu Yang's sword techniques thoroughly countered Nameless Swordsmanship.
"This kid only met Wuming today, so how does every move counter him so perfectly?"
Wuming had similar thoughts, so he changed his sword technique again—this time to Saint Spirit Swordsmanship, the very one used by Sword Saint.
After battling Sword Saint for years, Wuming had already mastered this technique. Otherwise, Nameless Swordsmanship wouldn't have a move specifically designed to counter it.
Since Chu Yang had already seen Saint Spirit Swordsmanship once, using the Breaking Sword Stance to counter it was as easy as taking an open-book exam—effortless.
Before long, Wuming once again felt a familiar sense of being restrained, as if a heavy stone was pressing on his heart, making him extremely frustrated.
Sword Saint, who had been watching intently, suddenly realized—
Chu Yang's swordsmanship didn't just counter Nameless Swordsmanship—it countered all sword techniques!
"Such an eerie martial art actually exists in this world?!"
Sword Saint was profoundly inspired, his gaze locked onto Chu Yang. Deep within his heart, it felt as though something was about to break through!
"My Sword Twenty-Three..."
"It's complete!"
Chu Yang's combat power far surpassed that of the Feng Yun world, and with Taiji's true intent and the Nine Swords of Dugu, he unleashed terrifying strength.
No matter what sword technique Wuming used, Chu Yang blocked it with Taiji's true intent.
The continuously revolving Yin-Yang fish formation left Wuming with a considerable psychological shadow.
The battle lasted until Wuming was completely exhausted.
By then, Chu Yang had memorized all of Wuming's sword techniques—except for Ten Thousand Swords Return to One.
A small gain.
The true Ten Thousand Swords Return to One would likely require the appearance of Po Jun to obtain. At that time, Wuming would probably have to suffer a bit.
Meanwhile, Sword Saint sat cross-legged, entering a profound meditative state.
His entire body exuded sword intent, flowing like a gentle stream, endlessly circulating.
"He's comprehending Sword Twenty-Three..."
Wuming knew that Sword Saint had gained enlightenment from watching the battle between himself and Chu Yang.
He foresaw that Saint Spirit Swordsmanship would soon reach an unprecedented level, stepping into a new realm of swordsmanship.
"This move will surely shake heaven and earth!"
Wuming murmured.
"I don't know about shaking heaven and earth, but I do know Xiongba is doomed."
While Wuming and Jianchen were distracted, Chu Yang quietly retrieved the Fire Qilin Sword, patiently awaiting Sword Saint's realization of Sword Twenty-Three.
Time slowly passed, and a white light appeared on the horizon.
When Sword Saint opened his eyes again, his entire aura was drastically different—he had concealed his sharpness, just like Wuming.
Wuming's eyes flickered with admiration.
Sword Saint rose and said to Wuming, "I'm leaving."
Wuming hesitated, wanting to dissuade him.
Sword Saint smiled. "If I don't use this sword against Xiongba, I will die with regrets."
Wuming could only shake his head helplessly.
"I will accompany you, Senior."
Chu Yang stood beside Sword Saint.
"Very well. Without you, I wouldn't have realized Sword Twenty-Three so soon. Watch closely—I entrust this final sword to you."
Sword Saint seemed to have sensed Chu Yang's intent, but he did not mind. A sword technique so earth-shattering would be wasted if it died with him.
Under Wuming's silent gaze, Sword Saint and Chu Yang departed together.
...
The Heaven Society was now bustling with activity, as countless heroes gathered in reverence. Xiongba's reputation had reached its peak.
All of this was thanks to the Sword Saint.
Everyone knew that the outcome of the duel between Wushuang City and the Heaven Society would determine which faction would become the number one martial force in the future.
If the Sword Saint won, then Wushuang City would prevail. If Xiongba won, then the Heaven Society would reign supreme.
However—
Most people hoped for mutual destruction, witnessing both Wushuang City and the Heaven Society fall together.
At that time, chaos would erupt, and everyone would have a chance to become the next Xiongba!
Seven days had passed.
All the invited heroes had gathered in front of the First Tower Under Heaven, eagerly awaiting the Sword Saint's arrival.
The sun was high in the sky.
The appointed time had long since passed.
Yet, the Sword Saint was nowhere to be seen.
"Why isn't the Sword Saint here yet? Could he have lost his nerve before the fight even began?"
"If word of this gets out, it would be the joke of the century!"
"Master Xiongba's divine might is unmatched! That Sword Saint must have been so terrified that he's hiding away, too scared to show himself! Hahaha!"
"Nonsense! The Sword Saint has been renowned in the martial world for years, even the legendary Nameless Sword fought him as an equal! How could he possibly fear battle?"
The crowd was divided in their opinions.
In front of the First Tower Under Heaven, the gathered heroes argued incessantly.
Xiongba watched this scene with an indifferent expression, yet an ominous premonition stirred within him.
He knew full well that the Sword Saint would never back down from a fight.
But where was the old man? What was he doing? His informants had no clue, as if the Sword Saint had suddenly vanished from the world. This complete loss of control was something Xiongba despised.
At the same time—
The Sword Saint had already arrived outside the Heaven Society.
On the way there, he had been discussing martial insights with Chu Yang and lost track of time, which was why he had missed the duel.
At this moment, though his vitality was nearly exhausted, his eyes shone with brilliance, and his spirit had never been stronger.
"My body can only carry me this far. From here on, I must draw my sword."
"Along the way, I have shared with you the profound mysteries of Sword Twenty-Three. You must focus and watch closely."
"I will not be able to strike a second time."
The Sword Saint smiled slightly, his demeanor carefree, showing no sign of facing his impending death.
"Senior, please go ahead. I will remain here and guard your physical body, so that no scoundrels ruin the moment."
Chu Yang made a polite gesture of invitation.
The Sword Saint had originally intended for Chu Yang to go ahead to the First Tower Under Heaven, so he could witness the full display of Sword Twenty-Three.
However, Chu Yang seemed to have no such intention and silently stood beside him.
"As you wish."
As soon as he finished speaking, the Sword Saint's body radiated a dazzling golden light. His soul separated from his body and floated toward the First Tower Under Heaven.
With his mind set solely on slaying Xiongba with his sword, the Sword Saint failed to notice that behind him, another Chu Yang had suddenly appeared out of thin air.
Indeed, Chu Yang had not followed him to the First Tower Under Heaven, but his shadow clone had.
The speed of a soul traveling through space was incredibly fast. In the blink of an eye, the Sword Saint had arrived at the First Tower Under Heaven and saw Xiongba seated upon his throne, basking in the congratulations of the crowd.
Since the Sword Saint had not arrived in time, by default, Xiongba was declared the winner.
Thus—
In his soul form, the Sword Saint spoke loudly, "Apologies for keeping you all waiting. I have a sword technique to test against Master Xiongba!"
In an instant—
Golden light erupted within the First Tower Under Heaven!
The intense brilliance was blinding, forcing everyone to close their eyes.
Under the golden radiance, all the onlookers found themselves frozen in place, helplessly watching as the Sword Saint flew toward Xiongba, using his finger as a sword to pierce directly at his vital point.
Xiongba's expression shifted from shock to fury, yet he found himself completely immobilized, unable to resist as the Sword Saint's strike landed.
An unprecedented sense of terror welled up in Xiongba's heart.
Am I going to die?
With the entire world's power in his grasp, Xiongba could not accept such a fate.
Outside the Heaven Society.
Several figures quietly appeared near the Sword Saint's true body.
Among them was an old acquaintance, Jianchen.
There was also an adorable young girl.
And—standing with a displeased expression, sporting a curly-haired "ramen" hairstyle—a cold-faced young man.
Just from his appearance, Chu Yang could already guess that the young man was Bu Jingyun, and the girl was Chuchu.
"Has Senior Sword Saint already unleashed Sword Twenty-Three?"
Jianchen noticed the Sword Saint's peculiar stance and couldn't help but ask Chu Yang.
"What are you doing here?"
Chu Yang countered.
"My master is concerned that if Senior Sword Saint loses, Xiongba will retaliate against the people of Wushuang City. So, he sent me here as an envoy."
Although Jianchen was irritated by Chu Yang, he still maintained the proper respect—after all, the man before him was a martial expert on par with his own master.
"Why are you wasting words with him? Get out of my way! Xiongba's life is mine to take!"
Bu Jingyun clearly knew about Sword Twenty-Three and feared that the Sword Saint would truly kill Xiongba, robbing him of his vengeance. With urgency, he rushed toward the Sword Saint's true body.
"I've had enough of you! You're as annoying as that idiot Star-Lord!"
If it weren't for Bu Jingyun, Xiongba would have been dead long ago. Instead, thanks to him, the story had been dragged out with unnecessary twists and turns. Just like Star-Lord, he was a top-tier disaster-maker.
Without hesitation, Chu Yang delivered a kick straight to Bu Jingyun's face.
Bu Jingyun raised his sword to block, but in the next instant, both he and his weapon were sent flying, crashing unconscious onto the steps.
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