Chapter 153: Wang Clan

Wang Clan of Jiangdong, one of the Fourteen Great Clans across the land, held a status in the martial world even above the Zhang Clan of Longnan. Thus, when Wu Qinxin and others heard Zhang Zhihuan, the “Solar God Palm,” ask in such a manner, they felt both shocked and respectful, yet it also seemed natural. So this was the famed Kanxu Sword Method, a top-tier External Scenery level sword technique that fully grasped the principles of swordsmanship. No wonder they couldn’t perceive its subtleties, finding it seemingly ordinary and mundane—after all, the gap in cultivation was immense!

“Brother Meng is from the Wang Clan of Jiangdong…” Previously, Wu Qinxin had viewed Meng Qi as a handsome but careless young man. Yet now, upon reflection, she vaguely sensed a kind of unrestrained and graceful demeanor.

The gazes of the crowd toward Meng Qi instantly changed. Anyone who had mastered the Kanxu Sword Method must undoubtedly be a direct descendant of the Wang Clan’s main branch!

For such a clan, the term “descendant” was not limited solely to those bearing the Wang surname. In order to compete with martial sects, even the children of daughters who married outside the clan were considered direct lineage as long as they swore before the ancestral hall not to pass on the clan’s martial arts externally. Moreover, if exceptionally talented individuals were encountered, the clan would actively bring them in as sons-in-law. Hence, every year when the martial examination results were announced, many from noble families were there to snatch up promising candidates.

“Master Zhang has misunderstood,” Meng Qi replied with a smile, sheathing his long sword.

Such a matter definitely needed clarification. Otherwise, the accusations of impersonating a Wang Clan disciple or secretly learning Wang family martial arts would be extremely troublesome.

However, Meng Qi wasn’t overly concerned. The Wang Clan of Jiangdong was renowned, and the Kanxu Sword Method was something he had heard of before—it was merely similar in form to the Dugu Nine Swords.

The ancestor of the Wang Clan hailed from the mythological ancient era. He had the fortune to obtain the peerless divine weapon, “Luoshu,” from which he comprehended the ultimate principles of Heaven and Earth. Spending his entire life in cultivation, he created a martial art rivaling the “Fu Huang Bagua,” naming it the “Suanjing” (Arithmetic Classic)—calculating the Dao of Heaven, the principles of martial cultivation, the mortal world, and human hearts!

Thus, spanning the ancient and middle ancient eras, the Wang Clan of Jiangdong avoided calamities and pursued fortune, continuing unbroken to this day as the longest-standing noble family. They possessed knowledge of many ancient secrets. However, the “Suanjing” was too domineering, provoking Heaven’s jealousy. Every generation, those who inherited the “Suanjing” were plagued with frail health. If they could not achieve the Dharmic Body before age fifty, they would inevitably die prematurely.

—For cultivators at the External Scenery level, even in the current era of shortened lifespans, fifty was still considered youthful prime. In ancient times, one’s life had barely just begun at that age.

Precisely for this reason, despite their long heritage and formidable techniques, the Wang Clan remained merely mediocre among noble families, as promising disciples often died too young, and the Dharmic Body was not achieved in every generation.

In this era, “Calculating the Mortal World” Wang Siyuan carried the highest hopes of his family. At the age of twenty-two, he had already opened nine apertures and was on the verge of reaching the Half-Step External Scenery realm, hailed as having the potential to attain the Dharmakaya before fifty.

The Kanxu Sword Method was a top-tier External Scenery sword art derived from the “Suanjing.” Correspondingly, there were also the “Lianshan Palm” and the “Guicang Steps.”

Meng Qi smiled faintly and said, “My name is Meng Qi. This sword method was passed down by an elder named Dugu. Observing countless sword techniques, he synthesized their underlying principles and created the ‘Dugu Nine Swords,’ exploring the transformations of swordsmanship to their ultimate simplicity. What I just demonstrated was the ‘Breaking Sword Style’ from the ‘Dugu Nine Swords.'”

He refrained from mentioning the latter half—”Breaking All Sword Techniques in the World”—since in this world filled with numerous divine and demonic martial arts, the current Dugu Nine Swords still had much to improve upon. Whether they could evolve in the future depended entirely on his own efforts.

“Breaking Sword Style?”

Even without the latter half, the mere name stirred imaginations. Wu Qinxin, Shangguan Han, Hua Tiange, and others all had the same thought: Could it be a technique specifically designed to counter sword techniques? With so many sword techniques in the world, how could one possibly specialize in countering them all? It seemed overly arrogant!

Yet none dared voice such thoughts. Earlier, when Luo Qiusheng’s “Shadowing Sword Method” had turned into a “Drowning Sword Method,” he couldn’t even force the opponent into a defensive stance. The “Finger-Sweeping Sword Method” had seemed like it encountered a nemesis, instantly losing all its might under a single strike. Who dared step forward to test whether their sword techniques could withstand such a counter?

Watching Meng Qi standing there in his thin green robe, sword at his waist, exuding casual grace, they all felt an odd sensation—as if his “Breaking Sword Style” might indeed counter every sword technique in the world.

Zhang Zhihuan, the “Solar God Palm,” seeing Meng Qi’s calm explanation and recalling his previous encounter with Wang Siyuan, who had defeated opponents with a single strike and earned universal admiration, now carefully reflected. Indeed, there were subtle differences between the two sword techniques. He nodded and said, “I was hasty in my judgment, my friend. Your sword method returns to simplicity; surely you must be well known in the martial world?”

Though rare, there were indeed several similar sword techniques.

Meng Qi smiled lightly, “I have only recently mastered swordsmanship and am just beginning my journey. I have yet to establish a reputation.”

He considered for a moment. The nickname “Free-and-Easy Swordsman” felt too deliberate, so he decided not to mention it.

“Master Meng’s swordsmanship is refined and subtle; your fame will surely spread throughout the martial world,” Hua Tiange said with a hearty laugh, sincerely praising Meng Qi. Judging from his manner, he seemed ready to bestow a nickname on Meng Qi right then and there.

Meng Qi smiled and bowed. Since he had already revealed his sword technique, there was no need to hold back. He would now use the Dugu Nine Swords to face Huang Yun, the “Flying Cloud Sword,” who had hopes of entering the Human Ranks.

As he was about to speak, a sudden loud cracking sound interrupted him. Looking up, they saw the roof directly facing the strange celestial stone collapse, tiles scattering, dust rising. A figure descended from the sky, immediately seizing the celestial stone.

Wrapped entirely in black, the figure pushed off with his feet, rocketing straight upward like lightning, flying through the large hole and onto the rooftop.

This sudden turn of events unfolded in an instant. Hua Tiange’s attention was diverted, and despite being nearby, he failed to intercept the figure. He managed only to grab a piece of the black cloth as the figure passed.

“Pursue!” He shouted, both startled and furious, never expecting someone to dare brazenly snatch the celestial stone in broad daylight amidst a gathering of martial experts.

He leapt upward, springing off pillars, chasing after the black-clad figure.

Ning Jidao, Zhang Zhihuan, Huang Yun, and others reacted quickly, rushing out of the hall in pursuit.

“Chase him!” The martial heroes present immediately erupted into action, each rushing forward.

They harbored a glimmer of hope—if both sides ended up weakened, they might secretly seize the celestial stone, instantly gaining fortune and prestige.

Even if such luck didn’t strike, aiding Zengxian Gate and Qinshan Sword Sect in retrieving the celestial stone would still be a commendable deed, accumulating valuable connections for future use.

“Master Meng, aren’t you going to chase him?” Seeing Meng Qi calmly returning to the banquet while Wu Qinxin hesitated, she asked in confusion.

Heh, from “Meng Xiao Ge” to “Meng Gong Zi” now… Meng Qi chuckled inwardly, “Master Hua, Sect Leader Ning, Master Zhang, and Young Master Huang are no ordinary figures; they can surely recover the stone themselves. I’ll pass on the commotion.”

If they couldn’t catch up or retrieve the stone, his chances were slim too. After all, Hua Tiange and Ning Jidao were both Nine-Opening experts. Even though the Opening Stage focused more on techniques and variations, his Dugu Nine Swords happened to be their counter, but facing them together, he wouldn’t gain the upper hand unless dark clouds gathered and lightning flashed.

Besides, even if he got lucky and obtained the celestial stone, he wouldn’t keep it anyway. Given that, why waste time?

“Indeed,” Wu Qinxin and Shangguan Han also stopped, choosing to stay and walk out of the hall with Meng Qi.

They walked silently, unsure how to speak to Meng Qi, who had suddenly become a sword expert.

“After finishing the banquet feast, I must also travel down the Jiangdong River. Let’s part ways here,” Meng Qi smiled, glancing at the sky.

Wu Qinxin bit her lip, gathering her courage, and curiously asked, “Master Meng, the Dugu Nine Swords are said to have nine styles. If there’s a ‘Breaking Sword Style,’ are there also ‘Breaking Saber Style’ and others?”

“Brilliant,” Meng Qi praised.

Shangguan Han, slightly embarrassed yet curious, asked, “May I ask the honorable senior’s full name? Perhaps there are legends about him in the martial world.”

“The honorable senior’s past name is unknown. He called himself Qiubai, seeking a defeat that he could never find,” Meng Qi replied, filled with admiration.

He didn’t conceal much, as the Six Paths Cycle Master’s exchange list only described the sword technique’s characteristics without specifying its origin world. In the main world, vast and boundless, countless martial techniques existed only within small circles. Thus, even if other cycle participants heard the name, they would merely say, “Oh, it’s from our world’s sword technique.”

“Seeking a defeat that can never be found.” Although Wu Qinxin and Shangguan Han thought this might be exaggeration—after all, the honorable senior wasn’t a famous Dharmic Body immortal from the past few centuries—such a bold spirit was still admirable.

Parting ways after their brief encounter, Meng Qi smiled and said, “If you two are determined, you should venture beyond the ‘Three Mountains and Four Rivers.’ The world is vast, filled with countless extraordinary martial techniques. Limiting yourselves to one region will only narrow your vision and hinder your martial progress. Of course, the outside world is also dangerous.”

Wu Qinxin and Shangguan Han were precisely at the age of wanting to break free from constraints and soar. Meng Qi’s suggestion perfectly matched their aspirations, so they readily agreed.

“We’ll be cautious. We plan to travel to Huanzhou in the future,” Shangguan Han replied with a dreamy gaze. The Luoxia Divine Sword Sect had some influence in Huanzhou, making it relatively safer for them to travel there.

Huanzhou, perhaps there would be opportunities… Meng Qi chuckled to himself, without further ado, he bowed and took his leave, turning with his sword and departing gracefully.

Watching his retreating figure, Wu Qinxin couldn’t help but exclaim, “Master Meng is truly a dashing swordsman.”

…

Since he had revealed himself in Qinshan, Meng Qi didn’t rashly head directly to the docks but instead traversed mountains and ridges, planning to reach the next city with a harbor.

As dusk approached, Meng Qi felt somewhat weary and entered a ruined temple atop a mountain ridge, sitting in meditation before a Buddha statue.

Suddenly, his ears twitched, detecting the sound of dripping water—faint and barely discernible, almost seeming like an illusion.

Meng Qi stood up, drew the Bingque Sword, and carefully inspected the surroundings. As he reached behind the Buddha statue, his gaze sharpened—he noticed several drops of black blood beneath it.

Focusing intently, Meng Qi detected faint breathing from within the statue.

“Who’s there?” he asked softly.

The breathing within the statue ceased instantly, assuming Meng Qi was bluffing.

Not daring to slacken his guard, Meng Qi observed for a moment before lifting his sword and prying open a hidden compartment at the back of the statue. Inside the cavity, a man in brocade robes was curled up, with a pool of black blood beneath him.

“Friend, are you alright?” Meng Qi asked.

Seeing that Meng Qi hadn’t attacked, the man gave a bitter smile: “What do you think, sir?”

After a pause, he continued, “My name is Hua Lun. I accidentally discovered the collusion between the Qinshan Sword Sect and the Luo Cult and was chased here. I hid inside the statue. Sir, you must be cautious.”