Chapter 397: Swordplay Guidance

The venue for this martial arts event in Yingcheng had undergone several changes before finally settling at the Six Gates’ official training ground. This location was suitable for spectators and commentary, capable of accommodating the influx of martial artists from across the Jianghu. Additionally, several prominent families, along with Yuéhuamén and Shuluyuan, were unwilling to concede to one another, each wanting the event to take place on their own turf to demonstrate their influence. Eventually, none would compromise, and the event was handed over to the Six Gates, who had remained neutral observers.

This martial arts gathering focused on showcasing young talents; no masters from the external realm attended. However, they inevitably kept a close watch from the shadows to ensure their prized disciples wouldn’t suffer losses due to unexpected mishaps. Thus, Meng Qi remained calm and unruffled, unaffected by Gu Xiaosang’s reminder to avoid going out too much. Whoever intended to harm him would find it difficult to succeed in such a setting, unless they had skilled assassins well-versed in collaboration. Even among the Jiangdong Wang Clan, such half-step external realm warriors were considered valuable and would not be easily sacrificed. Meng Qi currently did not warrant such an investment.

Upon arriving at the training ground, various platforms were already filled with martial artists. Some were young, while others had long passed their prime; most were there merely for the excitement, hoping to gain something to talk about later.

One of the platforms had a large empty space in the center, with four black chairs placed there, each pair separated by small tables holding teapots, teacups, and snacks.

I wonder which seat I’ll take…Meng Qi’s thoughts wandered, while Wang Zai beside him could never have guessed what he was thinking.

“We four will sit there. Later, we only need to watch and commentate; the rest will be handled by the Mi family,” Wang Zai dutifully explained to Meng Qi.

Meng Qi nodded slightly and ascended the steps with Wang Zai. At that moment, the martial artists on the platform ceased their discussions and turned their gazes toward them, resulting in a sudden hush.

Fame precedes a man, just as a tree’s shadow reflects its form. Meng Qi had already become a renowned figure across the land.

Who didn’t know about the three masters who were defeated at the Mountain God Temple!

“Pick a seat for yourself,” Wang Zai smiled, pointing at the chairs with a calm and composed demeanor.

Meng Qi glanced at them and chuckled softly, “I prefer the left side.”

He then walked to the second chair on the left and sat down confidently.

Wang Zai took the first seat on the left, next to Meng Qi, and chatted casually with him. They had arrived early, so “Sword River” Yan Chong and “Star Shifting” Chu Yunyu from the Mi family had not yet arrived.

Soon, a tall and elegant young nobleman led two others onto the platform. One was Yan Chong, whom Meng Qi had met before, and the other was dressed in brocade robes, wearing a golden crown. His eyebrows were short and thick, his face long and thin, his hands hanging naturally at his sides, his skin white as jade.

Wang Zai stood up and introduced them, “This is Mi Zijing of the Mi family, a good friend of mine, and this is ‘Crazy Blade’ Su Meng, who needs no further introduction.”

Mi Zijing’s attire was impeccable, neither extravagant nor ostentatious, yet subtly exuding noble grace, the epitome of a refined aristocrat. He smiled politely, his delicate face showing courteous warmth, “How could I not know of Young Master Su, whose reputation echoes throughout the martial world? I wish I had your strength to act freely and decisively in matters of gratitude and revenge.”

Before Meng Qi could respond, Mi Zijing pointed at Yan Chong and the other man, saying, “‘Sword River’ Yan Chong and ‘Star Shifting’ Chu Yunyu, I needn’t introduce them further, right?”

These were all top twenty figures on the Human Roster, whose martial skills and feats had been analyzed countless times.

“Though we’ve never met, I’ve long heard of you both and have admired you from afar,” Meng Qi smiled and bowed.

Yan Chong returned the bow politely, “I, too, have long admired your ‘Crazy Blade,’ Young Master Su.”

Chu Yunyu laughed heartily, “You two are the only two blade masters among the top ten on the Human Roster, both already masters of the blade path. A showdown between you is inevitable, so why the formality?”

At the mention of the only two blade masters, Meng Qi and Yan Chong exchanged glances, each seeing the fierce fighting spirit in the other’s eyes. Their gazes seemed to transform into sharp blade energies, testing and challenging one another.

However, both had self-control and understood that the grand banquet was the main event, and they could not upstage it at this moment. Thus, they exchanged smiles and took their seats.

“Young Master Su, judging by your appearance, you haven’t reached twenty yet. Allow me to call you Younger Brother Su,” Chu Yunyu, ever the familiar type, spoke across Yan Chong to Meng Qi. “The account of the Mountain God Temple battle, though brief, stirs the blood and excites the heart, making one wish to be there.”

He added with a self-deprecating smile, “Of course, if I were there, the outcome of the Mountain God Temple battle would have been my removal from the Human Roster.”

Currently ranked nineteenth on the Human Roster, he felt even facing the Flame Demon alone would be challenging, let alone the Cold Palm Demon Shadow, who was stronger, and the Soul-Stealing Flute Master, who excelled in controlling and influencing the mind.

Such an array would daunt even the top ten on the Human Roster, as not everyone’s martial arts were particularly suited for facing group battles.

“Haha,” Meng Qi politely replied, “Brother Chu, you really know how to joke. You’re known as ‘Star Shifting,’ especially adept at redirecting force and attacks. Even if you couldn’t win, wouldn’t you find an opportunity to escape?”

Chu Yunyu unhesitatingly bowed, “Thank you, Younger Brother Su, for your kind words. My skills are but minor tricks, not worth mentioning.”

The other martial artists on the platform nodded in agreement. They realized that part of one’s record depended on strength, while another part relied on compatibility; “Star Shifting” was even stronger than rumored…

I was just being polite… This fellow’s face is as thick as mine… Meng Qi felt he had met his match.

As Chu Yunyu was about to speak again, Mi Zijing suddenly clapped his hands. The crisp applause echoed far and wide, reaching every martial artist on the training ground platforms, even those engaged in heated discussions, who immediately fell silent.

This man’s skills are not bad… Meng Qi was slightly taken aback. If Mi Zijing were to travel the martial world, he could certainly make the Human Roster, but he seemed to have no intention of doing so.

Mi Zijing delivered a flowery opening speech and finally said, “We have invited Young Master Su, the sixth on the Human Roster, known as ‘Crazy Blade,’ Young Master Yan, the seventh, known as ‘Sword River,’ Young Master Wang, the fifteenth, known as ‘Upright Sword,’ and Young Master Chu, the nineteenth, known as ‘Star Shifting.’ You may challenge each other or demonstrate your martial arts individually, and then these four young masters will provide commentary.”

As soon as he finished speaking, someone leaped into the arena and declared loudly, “Mo Jing’an from Jiangbei, known as ‘Sword Calligraphy at Orchid Pavilion,’ who will face me?”

From another corner, a swordsman flew down and announced, “Teng Qijiao from Ningzhou, known as ‘Mountain Splitting and Demon Slaying,’ here to accept the challenge!”

The two first bowed to Meng Qi and others, then to each other, drew their swords, and engaged in combat. The sword lights danced like falling snowflakes, drawing continuous cheers from the martial artists on the platforms.

“Six openings, sword techniques roughly understood…” Meng Qi glanced at the fight, somewhat uninterested, his gaze slightly wandering until it met Yan Chong’s, who also seemed distracted.

After a long battle, a winner finally emerged, with Mo Jing’an claiming victory. Smiling broadly, he bowed and said, “Please, four young masters, offer your guidance.”

Wang Zai pondered for a moment and said, “Young Master Teng’s sword force is mighty, emphasizing strength, while Young Master Mo’s techniques are exquisite, continuous, flowing like ink on paper, showing deeper foundation. In this fight, Young Master Mo seemed to barely win, but in reality, he did not exert his full strength. Such a sword style is more defensive than offensive.”

His commentary hit the nail on the head, making Mo Jing’an smile even more broadly, while surrounding admiration rang out.

Truly worthy of being Brother Wang… Meng Qi secretly admired him and coughed, saying, “Brother Wang has already said all I wanted to say, so I have nothing more to add.”

He couldn’t directly point out where Mo Jing’an’s first move had flaws or where his second move was poorly planned… Mo Jing’an might become furious and even crash into him.

Seeing that the Crazy Blade, ranked sixth on the Human Roster, had no additional comments, Mo Jing’an felt slightly disappointed. Yan Chong and Chu Yunyu then elaborated on Wang Zai’s commentary in different words.

“Young Master Mo, since you’ve just won, why don’t you rest first and fight again later? Next challenger, please,” Mi Zijing called out.

At that moment, a swordsman leaped into the arena, bowing and saying, “My name is Song Jue. I dare not claim a nickname before these young masters. I will now demonstrate a set of sword techniques, hoping for your guidance.”

As he spoke, his gaze burned intensely toward Yan Chong and Meng Qi, the acknowledged sword masters of the opening stage.

His sword techniques unfolded with a fierce wind, sometimes sharp and unpredictable, combining the strange and the orthodox, fully displaying the aura of battle. Compared to the previous two swordsmen, Song Jue was clearly stronger.

Meng Qi first nodded appreciatively, then furrowed his brows. Song Jue’s sword techniques had a major flaw, one he himself hadn’t noticed!

After completing the set, Song Jue sheathed his sword and requested guidance.

Before Meng Qi could speak, Yan Chong asked, “Young Master Song, is your master or the one who often spars with you left-handed?”

Song Jue was momentarily stunned, “Do you know my master, Young Master Yan?”

Yan Chong shook his head, “No, but from your sword techniques, it’s evident that you’ve been influenced by a left-handed swordsman. You unconsciously shift to your right side, neglecting the left, which has become a habit. It’s not noticeable in everyday practice, but against an opponent of similar skill, it could be the source of defeat.”

Song Jue stood still for a while, recalling past battles, only to feel a cold sweat on his back. After a long while, he bowed deeply, saying, “Thank you, Young Master Yan, for your guidance. This favor is one I will never forget.”

His gratitude was heartfelt; this piece of advice might have saved his life.

“Can he see that?”

“Yan Chong is truly a master swordsman!” The surrounding discussions arose, filled with praise.

Yan Chong turned to Meng Qi, “Young Master Su, do you have anything to add?”

You’ve said everything I wanted to say… Meng Qi felt slightly “aggrieved” and shook his head.

After Song Jue left, someone who saw his gains quickly leaped in, not giving Mo Jing’an a chance to challenge again:

“My name is Chang Hui. I dare not claim a nickname either. I will demonstrate a set of sword techniques, hoping for your indulgence.”

The newcomer was also a swordsman, his sword techniques excelling in variation, reaching an extreme, almost like a net.

Meng Qi watched intently and immediately spoke after the demonstration, not giving Yan Chong a chance: “Young Master Chang, your seventh, eleventh, and twentieth moves have obvious flaws.”

He pointed out five moves in one breath.

Yan Chong nodded slightly; these were indeed obvious issues.

“These five moves seem integrated with the others, but they lack variation, making the entire set disjointed and ineffective. They must be missing parts of the sword techniques, later supplemented by later generations?” Meng Qi slowly explained.

Chang Hui was stunned, “Indeed, my ancestor spent ten years perfecting these five moves.”

Gasps arose from the crowd, amazed that he could discern the truth so accurately.

Yan Chong’s expression turned slightly serious; “Crazy Blade” Su Meng’s insight was truly impressive.

Meng Qi smiled, “Young Master Chang, try changing the seventh move like this…”

He used his hands to demonstrate, move by move. Others didn’t feel much, but Yan Chong’s gaze became heavy.

After cultivating the Muscle Changing Sutra, Meng Qi’s sword techniques seemed to have progressed further. With the Nine Transformations Divine Skill and the Subtle Realm, the changes and flow of true energy in Chang Hui’s sword techniques couldn’t escape his perception, allowing him to mimic them perfectly, indistinguishable from the original.

With such understanding and high-level sword mastery, Meng Qi could easily revise these five moves based on the preceding and following techniques.

Chang Hui didn’t understand the reason but memorized the guidance firmly and then re-demonstrated the set.

This time, the sword light flowed continuously, like a heavenly net or an earthly web, tightly entwining his body.

Even the spectators, despite their limited knowledge, could clearly perceive that Chang Hui’s sword techniques had fundamentally improved.

As Chang Hui continued, he grew increasingly astonished; it was as if he were performing the original sword techniques!

Had “Crazy Blade” Su Meng’s sword mastery reached such a level?

This was equivalent to creating a new ultimate move!

As Meng Qi watched, a sudden thought struck him. He glanced sideways and noticed a delicate young girl gazing at him with admiration, standing beside a dark-skinned man whose silhouette was familiar.

Gu Xiaosang?

Beside her was Senior Brother Qi!