Dang, dang, dang—the sound of the long saber clashing against the precious sword seemed to still echo in their ears, while the fierce figure glowing with a bronzelike hue appeared to remain vividly in their vision. Most martial artists observing from the high platform remained stunned for a long time, still immersed in the raw, powerful beauty of the previous battle. The attack was spectacular, the defense brilliant—returning to simplicity stirred their blood.
It was only when Meng Qi and Wang Zai both shouted, “What a thrilling match!” that the crowd finally snapped out of their trance.
Jin Jinxian sighed with a mixture of shock and admiration: “I originally thought that blocking twenty-eight consecutive strikes and pushing the Red Moon Sword Technique to its peak represented Su Shao’s strongest form aside from his one Overwhelming Scene sword move, the most comprehensive display of his abilities. But today, I’ve realized that his strength has reached such a level that if he were to go all out, I probably wouldn’t survive three moves.”
In his astonishment, he even forgot to refer to himself as “this old man.”
The three moves he mentioned were “Falling into the Mortal World,” “Yama’s Note,” and “Severing Purity.” In Yedu, aside from Wang Zai, few martial artists below the Half-Step Overwhelming Scene level could withstand all three.
Luo Youfeng’s face turned deathly pale, his expression frozen as he stared at Meng Qi and Wang Zai in the arena, unable to utter a single word. He had initially believed that the reason he was defeated by the Thunder Saber Mad Monk in a single strike was due to underestimating his opponent. He thought that if he had taken the battle seriously, even if Meng Qi used his Overwhelming Scene saber technique, he should have been able to withstand more than three strikes. Yet, Meng Qi’s performance today shattered his expectations, delivering a harsh lesson.
As long as the Saber Madman was willing, he could defeat him with a single strike at any moment!
The martial arts academy master, who had previously understood the “Vast and Righteous Qi” well, chuckled self-deprecatingly: “Earlier, I indeed underestimated Master Shouzheng. I always thought he had only reached the Human Ranks because of the high status of the ‘Vast and Righteous Qi’ supreme martial art. But now I see, he truly deserves it. His understanding and mastery of the ‘Nine Swords of the Sage,’ as well as his techniques and realm, far surpass mine. Sigh, I’ve lived fifty years in vain.”
“Indeed,” Jin Jinxian sighed again. “I never expected Wang Zai to have also mastered another major move of the ‘Vast and Righteous Qi’—’Unshaken by Poverty and Obscurity’—and combined it preliminarily with ‘The Benevolent Are Invincible,’ making his defense watertight and as solid as a fortress. When I sparred with him, he probably hadn’t even used half of his strength.”
Wang Zai had previously gained fame through “Unyielding in Might” and the Overwhelming Scene sword move “The Benevolent Are Invincible,” so Jin Jinxian wasn’t surprised by this.
The “Vast and Righteous Qi” was a supreme martial art, comparable to the Huanhua Sect’s “Immortal-Given Longevity Sword,” the Zhenwu Sect’s “Zhenwu Seven Cuts Sutra,” and “Supreme Ultimate Kung Fu.” Wang’s ancestors had once used it to form the “Vast and Righteous Sacred Body,” quelling the chaos after the Demon Buddha’s rebellion. Its three supreme techniques differ from those of other martial arts schools in that they do not require prior comprehension of their true essence. They can be cultivated from the moment one opens their acupoints, seemingly just special techniques, albeit particularly difficult to master. Without pure Vast and Righteous Qi and strong moral character, one cannot even begin to learn them.
As cultivators deepen their understanding and interpretation of Confucian classics, and as their Vast and Righteous Qi becomes purer and stronger, they gradually merge with heaven and earth, and these three supreme techniques will also reach the level of Overwhelming Scene, attaining the power of a Dharma Body and revealing their true potential.
At the Acupoint Opening stage, “Unyielding in Might” is a technique similar to the “Sacrifice Soul Technique,” enabling one to connect with the Vast and Righteous Qi in heaven and earth, temporarily enhancing one’s strength. The stronger the opponent, the stronger the response, as long as there is no significant gap in cultivation level. “Unshaken by Poverty and Obscurity” is a unique defensive technique, a summary of martial principles, which can be combined with any defensive move. “Unswayed by Wealth and Honor” is a cultivation method that strengthens the Yuan Shen, enhances spiritual power, clarifies the mind, and resists illusions and seduction techniques. Wang Zai’s rapid recovery from the invasion of A-nan’s Breaking the Precepts Saber Technique was precisely due to “Unswayed by Wealth and Honor.”
However, human thoughts are complex, filled with unresolved issues and unfulfilled desires. Wang Zai had barely scratched the surface of “Unswayed by Wealth and Obscurity.” In fact, over the past three hundred years of the Wang family, only one person had truly mastered it—the great Confucian sage who passed away two jiazi cycles ago. Against such a person, even techniques like “Falling into the Mortal World” and “Severing Purity” would struggle to disturb their mind.
“As for the saber maniac who defeated Wang Zai…” another martial arts academy master seemed still immersed in the previous battle scene. “The world is vast, and there are always those stronger than oneself. We seldom leave Zhou Prefecture, relying only on the Human, Earth, and Heaven Rankings to learn about other regions. It’s inevitable that we end up like frogs at the bottom of a well.”
Traveling and tempering oneself in the martial world is fraught with danger, and countless disciples from major sects and noble families have perished in the process. Therefore, many dare not travel too far, limiting themselves to nearby areas like Yedu, Zhou Prefecture, or Huan Prefecture.
“Su Shao now possesses the strength to rank within the top twenty of the Human Ranks. After this battle, all doubts about him will vanish completely,” Jin Jinxian, who had a favorable impression of Meng Qi for his humility, remarked.
Luo Youfeng muttered absentmindedly: “Wang Zai is already almost twenty-one. That Thunder Saber Mad Monk…”
Hearing this, everyone was stunned. Only then did they remember that the Thunder Saber Mad Monk appeared to be extremely young!
The Shaolin Sect’s generational intervals are uncertain, depending on the current state of the martial world and the cultivation progress of each generation. However, one thing is certain: the disciples of the Zhen generation started training at most eight or nine years ago, and they mostly recruited young children. If Zhen Ding was among the previous batch of disciples, he would be at most nineteen, or possibly even just sixteen or seventeen!
How could this not amaze and shock them?
Even when the Great Luo Demoness first gained fame, she was about the same age!
“This old man has truly lived in vain…” The martial arts academy master who had previously mocked himself shook his head in sigh.
On the high platform where the Wang family stood, Wang Ce displayed a mix of shock and shame on his face, appearing less gloomy than usual. Wang Nayen chuckled: “Zai is doing well, and young Su is even better. If there are no other obstacles, their path to the Overwhelming Scene will be smooth.”
“I thought I could grasp Su Gongzi’s strength, but I never expected him to open my eyes again,” Kong Yu’s desire to recruit Meng Qi grew even stronger.
Qi Zhengyan watched in a daze, realizing that Meng Qi’s displayed strength had surpassed their previous sparring match by a significant margin.
“Compared to Meng Shidi and Wang Zai, I still have a long way to go. Even if I make it onto the Human Ranks, I’ll probably only be ranked around the fortieth place…” He exhaled softly.
At this point, most people had calmed down and were genuinely applauding. For many among them, this was the highest-level match they had ever witnessed, completely exceeding their expectations!
“Thank you for the match,” Meng Qi said with a grin, sheathing his long saber after shouting “What a thrilling match!”
Earlier, he had barely won by a single strike. If the fight had continued, he would not have been able to sustain his mental strength.
Wang Zai sheathed his sword without showing any sign of disappointment, smiling calmly: “I lost in a thrilling match!”
He was in good condition, though his body was still slightly trembling. Meng Qi knew he definitely had more techniques he hadn’t used yet, such as another round of “Unyielding in Might.” However, doing so might cause severe physical harm, so Wang Zai chose to concede.
Of course, he had his last resort, and Meng Qi also had his hidden techniques. Without mentioning the Thunder Scar and Purple Sorrow, he hadn’t even used the “Sacrifice Soul Technique.”
Just as Meng Qi was about to share his exhilarating emotions and the delight of encountering a worthy rival, he suddenly overheard the cheers interspersed with phrases like “Fierce Vajra.” His expression instantly stiffened.
Why did I have to go all out just now… I got too caught up in the match and forgot myself… My master’s style is completely ruined… Meng Qi wanted to bang his head against a wall. With his headache worsening, he could only force a smile, which looked more painful than crying.
“Brother Su, what’s wrong with you?” Wang Zai noticed Meng Qi’s expression and asked with concern.
“Nothing, just a headache from mental exhaustion,” Meng Qi said, looking helplessly at the sky.
Both of them were exhausted and left early with Wang Nayen, Kong Yu, and others after returning to the high platform and exchanging greetings.
…
A month later, the latest issue of the Human Ranks was posted at the prefecture and county offices of the Six Gates.
Many martial artists gathered around, bustling and discussing excitedly. Even someone with Meng Qi’s skills barely made it onto the list.
“Immortal Swordswoman defeated a Half-Step Overwhelming Scene opponent!” A startled cry made Meng Qi, who had just arrived, jump in surprise. Why was Jiang Zhiwei being so reckless? Even if she wanted to challenge strong enemies and leave no way back by opening her acupoints, there was no need to target a Half-Step Overwhelming Scene opponent!
He anxiously looked at the Human Ranks and saw “Calculating All Beings” followed by “Immortal Swordswoman” Jiang Zhiwei!
“Name: Jiang Zhiwei.”
“Martial Arts: …All the acupoint-opening sword techniques recorded in ‘Tai Shang Jian Jing,’ she has preliminarily mastered the Dharma Body-level killing move ‘Sword of No Self,’ and is suspected of mastering the Overwhelming Scene sword move ‘Strike the Sea,’ and has possibly created her own killing moves, fully grasping the essence of sword techniques.”
“Battle Record: …On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, in southern Long, she encountered the senior guardian ‘Mindless Hercules’ of the Incense Sect. At that time, the earth cracked, and rocks rolled down, fully displaying the might of a Half-Step Overwhelming Scene opponent. However, she used the famous ‘Sword of No Self’ once wielded by the ancient sword god Su Jian Shen. The sword light crossed the sky, changing the heavens and earth, severely injuring Mindless Hercules. After a bloody battle, despite being gravely wounded, she used the suspected Overwhelming Scene sword move ‘Strike the Sea’ to kill her opponent and may have opened her eighth acupoint during the fight. Afterward, she fled with her injuries and her whereabouts became unknown.”
“Evaluation: Potential Sword God.”
“Rank: Fourth.”
“Nicknames: Immortal Swordswoman, Beauty Yama.”
“Background: Disciple of Xijian Pavilion, the only disciple of ‘Heavenly Sword’ Su Wuming.”
This battle was so sensational that the Six Gates provided a very detailed description and evaluation.
The surrounding martial artists read this section in stunned silence, unable to utter a word.
Meng Qi exhaled, both admiring and relieved. Jiang Zhiwei had the Grand Rejuvenating Pill; fleeing with serious injuries meant she was safe. Since she had already broken through, she should now retreat to a secret location for cultivation, consolidate her realm, and await the next deadly mission.
But why was she only ranked fourth? Meng Qi felt a slight injustice, then immediately recalled Dorchad, who had died at Gu Xiaosang’s hands. Although he had been severely injured in the fight, Gu Xiaosang had also been in an abnormal state, spending most of the time in her Xiaozi form, and later hadn’t even seriously fought.
Moreover, “Mindless Hercules” had been previously injured and had never become a full Overwhelming Scene practitioner. No wonder the Six Gates ranked her this way.
He continued reading and soon found his own entry:
“Name: Su Meng, formerly known by the dharma name Zhen Ding.”
“Martial Arts: Six or seven acupoints opened, Golden Bell Armor at the sixth stage, possessing extraordinary strength and powerful mental fortitude; skilled in both sword and saber techniques, with exquisite swordsmanship and adept at close combat. He has mastered the true essence of the first and second moves of A-nan Breaking the Precepts Saber without needing to stimulate his blood essence, capable of repeatedly using them while grasping their essence. His acupoint-opening saber techniques are refined, capable of both force and flexibility, both fierce and deceptive, able to harness either speed or momentum, truly a master in his own right. Additionally, he possesses the ability to summon heavenly thunder.”
Combat Achievements: Defeated the “White-Headed Vulture” Anguo Xie; summoned celestial lightning to strike down “Jade Hand” Yuan Mengzhi; crushed Xie Ridge; repelled the “Standing Yama” You Huan duo in direct combat; at the Yedu Prefecture arena, narrowly overcame “Righteous Sword” Wang Zai by half a move, demonstrating ruthless and awe-inspiring blade mastery.
“Rank: Nineteenth.”
Nicknames: Fierce Saber, Fierce Vajra, Thunder Saber Mad Monk.
“Background: A discarded Shaolin disciple.”
Where was the promised Saber Madness? Meng Qi’s vision darkened. What the hell was “Fierce Saber”!
Praise gradually rose from the crowd, each boasting about having witnessed the match, highly praising the Fierce Saber Su Meng, as if they wished to become his disciples.
Meng Qi silently left the crowd.
…
In early April, the martial arts examination in Huan Prefecture began, with talents from various counties gathering in Yedu, making it lively and bustling.
During this period, Meng Qi maintained a state of challenging someone every few days, almost fighting against all the famous acupoint-opening experts in Yedu without a single defeat.
Through this tempering, his martial arts, which had previously improved too quickly and lacked a stable foundation, were truly solidified. He could now say he had preliminarily mastered the “Heavenly Saber Outline,” and his “Purple Thunder Saber Technique” was only a little away from merging his saber intent with the techniques.
That day, dressed in black, carrying a saber on his back and a sword at his waist, he walked toward the Huan Prefecture Six Gates office, with Qing Shou Captain Kong Yu by his side.
“This martial arts examination is divided into twelve groups: A, B, C, D, etc. Each group has fifty participants. They will compete in a round-robin format, and the top five in each group will advance. The following matches will be elimination rounds. The top thirty will pass the exam and proceed to Shen Du. However, after narrowing it down to the remaining thirty, they will continue competing until the top three are decided,” Kong Yu casually explained the rules of the martial arts examination to Meng Qi, noting that this format maximally prevented skilled competitors from being accidentally eliminated.
Meng Qi nodded slightly, not particularly concerned about the rules.
Kong Yu smiled: “I suppose I’m being too verbose. With your strength, Xiao Meng, since Wang Zai has chosen to go out again for further tempering, you will surely be the champion. Why bother about the rest?”
Over the past few months, they had become quite familiar with each other, and their manner of address had become more casual. Kong Yu had also noticed the easygoing and humorous side hidden beneath Meng Qi’s heroic and charismatic exterior.
“Old Kong, which group am I in?” Meng Qi asked casually.
“Group D. There are several candidates in your group who have reached the ninth acupoint in either cultivation or strength. They are your strong opponents, including ‘Iron Sword of Hui County’ Gao Yang and ‘Earth Splitting Palm’ Guo Quan…” As a Qing Shou Captain of the Six Gates, Kong Yu was well-versed in the details of the martial arts examination.
Meng Qi listened quietly, never underestimating any opponent.
Inside the martial arts hall where Group D was located, “Earth Splitting Palm” Guo Quan calmly surveyed the surroundings, looking at “Iron Sword of Hui County” who stood with his sword in hand, and other strong opponents.
Suddenly, he felt a stirring in his heart and turned his gaze toward the door, where a young man in black stepped in. He carried a saber on his back and a sword at his waist, exuding an air of heroism, his aura restrained, as if he were ordinary.
In Guo Quan’s mind, the words “Fierce Saber” immediately surfaced, followed by the records of the Human Rankings and the detailed information he had gathered through various channels.
Other martial artists in the hall also recognized the newcomer. There were expressions of surprise, fear, reverence, and excitement.
Guo Quan swallowed hard, watching Meng Qi approach. He respectfully bowed with sincerity: “Master Su, this time in the martial arts examination, the championship should rightfully be yours.”
Not a single martial artist in the hall opposed this sentiment. Reputation precedes reality!
Some among them had even witnessed Meng Qi’s battle against Wang Zai firsthand, deeply impressed by that scene and holding Meng Qi’s strength in the highest regard.
They all followed suit, bowing in unison:
“Master Su, this time in the martial arts examination, the championship should rightfully be yours!”
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