Chapter 114: Snow Goddess Palm

“Then I’ll say nothing,” Meng Qi chuckled lightly. Talking with an old fox like this was so relaxing; there was no need to explain too much.

Duan Xiangfei, this old fox, had already regained his composure and hidden his astonishment. He put down the bamboo chopsticks and pointed to the seat beside the table, saying, “Master, please sit down.”

Then, he turned to the stunned Duan Mingcheng and said, “Go brew a pot of good tea.”

On the table were some broad beans and a pot of yellow wine—unsuitable for hosting a monk.

“I wonder what has changed in Tianding City after my departure?” Meng Qi did not rush to mention the Illusory Form Technique or Master Yuanmeng. Instead, he leisurely asked about what had happened afterward.

Duan Xiangfei picked up a broad bean that had fallen onto the table. Without minding its dirtiness, he popped it into his mouth and smiled, “This old man quickly realized the situation and told Luo Qing and others that you, Master, ascended to the Buddha’s Pure Land with one divine slash. As for Cui Xu, he was Chenlong, the first among the Twelve Divine Forms, and also the Palace Master of the Snow Palace. He plotted to eliminate other Grandmasters, but you uncovered his scheme and beheaded him.”

“Perhaps due to being awed by the magnificent sight of your ‘ascension,’ Luo Qing’s initial proposal to imprison Fei Zhengqing and others was not opposed by fellow martial artists. Later, many pieces of evidence were found, all of which undeniably proved that they were indeed members of the Twelve Divine Forms.”

“Although there was no clue directly linking Cui Xu to the Snow Palace Master, this old man provided several suspicious incidents. Coupled with the confirmation of the Twelve Divine Forms, the matter of the Snow Palace Master was naturally ‘confirmed’ as well.”

He spoke calmly, smiling as if Cui Xu were truly the Snow Palace Master.

If Meng Qi hadn’t known his background, he might have actually believed him at this moment. He couldn’t help but silently admire the man. When would he himself be able to lie as effortlessly as this old fox, even making himself believe it?

“Were Fei Zhengqing and others executed?” Meng Qi remained outwardly calm, after all, he had no particular connection to these people.

Duan Xiangfei nodded slightly, “All confirmed members of the Twelve Divine Forms were executed. Especially Tong Guang’s family wealth was distributed to the relatives of those who had suffered from the Twelve Divine Forms’ harm over the years. Cui Xu’s position as city lord was granted by the imperial court, so we refrained from dealing with him directly. We only executed Cui Jin Hua, who aided his evil deeds. Six months ago, the emperor issued a decree allowing Cui Jin Xiu to inherit the position of city lord.”

In this world, Grandmasters had not yet reached the level of challenging entire armies, but after unlocking the spiritual secret storehouse, they could freely move within the imperial palace unless the emperor could summon other Grandmasters as guards. Thus, a delicate balance existed between the martial world and the imperial court. Grandmasters would not recklessly oppose imperial authority, as they had families and possessions. Likewise, the emperor would not risk his life to eliminate martial Grandmasters whose hands were stained with blood.

Precisely because of this, killing Cui Xu upon having evidence would not provoke backlash from the imperial court. However, appointing a new city lord without imperial approval would provoke the emperor’s wrath. Naturally, much of Cui Xu’s wealth had been taken by martial heroes as “just compensation.”

“You mean the emperor has long coveted Tianding City, hence he didn’t choose a male heir from a collateral branch to inherit the city lordship,” Meng Qi said, rotating his prayer beads with his left hand, maintaining the image of a great monk.

Duan Xiangfei looked slightly astonished at Meng Qi, “Master, your insight is excellent.”

He had originally thought Master Zhending was merely exceptionally gifted, allowing him to rapidly progress in martial arts at a young age, surpassing others, but not necessarily possessing profound wisdom in other areas. However, now he realized otherwise.

“Amitabha, I’ve just read many books in my spare time,” Meng Qi replied calmly, inwardly feeling pleased.

Sighing, Duan Xiangfei said, “The upheaval in Tianding City caused turbulence in the martial world. However, you, Master, are a transcendent expert, likely unconcerned with such matters. Well, your young companions are doing quite well. With the experience of traveling with you, wherever they go, they receive respectful treatment from the righteous sects. If they are not foolish, they should seize the opportunity to acquire better martial arts and enhance their strength.”

“That is indeed good,” Meng Qi nodded slightly. He had almost forgotten the names of those four young companions, but since all connections come and go, forgetting was fine.

Duan Xiangfei smiled, gazing directly into Meng Qi’s eyes, “I wonder why Master has come this time?”

Meng Qi, feeling mischievous, smiled and said, “You guess.”

Duan Xiangfei’s face twitched slightly for a rare moment, “Master is someone who ascended to the Buddha’s Pure Land; how could this old mortal guess? However, I do have some thoughts. Master probably resembles the person who cut off five of my right fingers—someone who suddenly appeared, accomplished great feats, and then vanished without a trace. Am I right?”

“You guess.” Meng Qi would never answer such a question. Not wanting to tease Duan Xiangfei further, he instead smiled and said, “This time, I have come for three reasons. First, to seek your guidance on the Illusory Form Technique. Second, I wish for you, Lay Devotee Duan, to take me to Changhua Temple. That small Jade Buddha is related to a secret of the Buddhist sect, and I must go pay homage to Master Yuanmeng. Third, my sword techniques have become somewhat rusty, and I wish to spar with a Grandmaster.”

“That poses no problem,” Duan Xiangfei hesitated slightly before saying, “Master, just call me ‘Old Duan.’ Using ‘Lay Devotee’ this and ‘Lay Devotee’ that makes it seem like I don’t have a friend who can slash his way into divinity.”

“Haha, Old Duan, you’re truly witty,” Meng Qi said without hesitation.

At this moment, Duan Mingcheng had already brought a pot of tea and two teacups, the steam rising and the aroma of tea filling the air.

“Excellent tea,” Meng Qi praised, smoothly rinsing the cups and pouring the tea with elegant ease, appearing relaxed and at home, not like a guest.

“Master truly is a person beyond the mundane,” Duan Xiangfei couldn’t help but praise upon seeing Meng Qi’s graceful tea-pouring movements. Duan Mingcheng sat at his father’s side, serving the two men.

Meng Qi took a sip of tea, its bitterness giving way to a lingering fragrance, “Old Duan, I have some questions about the Illusory Form Technique I’d like to ask you.”

“I wonder, Master, how far have you progressed in the Illusory Form Technique?” Duan Xiangfei had seen Meng Qi’s sword skills and knew his origins were mysterious. He had no intention of withholding knowledge, as he had already told Meng Qi the entire Illusory Form Technique.

Meng Qi put down the teacup and slowly said, “I have achieved minor success for some time now.”

“Just over a year!” Duan Mingcheng exclaimed in astonishment. Achieving minor success in the Illusory Form Technique within a year? My martial cultivation is low, but don’t try to fool me!

A year or so? Meng Qi calculated the time. After leaving this world, he had spent roughly half a year, with a time flow rate of three to one? But that didn’t seem right either. The last time he came here to complete a mission, a few days here were only about ten breaths in the main world.

Could it be that the last time, the Six Dao Reincarnation Master had personally controlled the time flow rate?

Duan Xiangfei was also surprised, but his deep cunning quickly suppressed his astonishment. He pressed his left hand downward and smiled at Duan Mingcheng, “If Master Zhen Ding, at such a young age, can slash his way into divinity and break through the void, what’s so surprising about achieving minor success in the Illusory Form Technique within a year or half?”

Meng Qi smiled without speaking, taking another sip of tea before saying, “In the ways of the world, understanding one principle leads to understanding all. I humbly request your guidance, Master Duan.”

In this sentence, he did not address him directly as Old Duan, as he was seeking instruction and could not afford to be impolite.

Afterward, the two discussed the Illusory Form Technique. Duan Xiangfei’s extensive experience resolved many difficulties for Meng Qi that would have otherwise taken considerable time to figure out. Meanwhile, Meng Qi often spoke casually, causing Duan Xiangfei to feel both surprised and doubtful, yet also delighted and perplexed, as it seemed Meng Qi was directly pointing toward the essence and core of the Illusory Form Technique!

“Master’s insights into the Illusory Form Technique are truly beyond what any ordinary person could conceive, provoking deep reflection,” Duan Xiangfei sighed after their discussion, sincerely saying, “This could not possibly be the understanding of an ordinary person. Only an immortal who has truly broken through the boundary between humanity and divinity could view the Illusory Form Technique from such a lofty perspective! I have cultivated the Illusory Form Technique for decades, achieving perfection many years ago, yet only today do I realize that I was merely a frog at the bottom of a well, understanding only a little of the essence of the Illusory Form Technique!”

Ah, this was after countless accumulations over countless eons in a world with Dao Venerables and Buddha Patriarchs; I’m merely borrowing flowers to offer… Meng Qi thought inwardly, a hint of pride appearing on his face as he accepted Duan Xiangfei’s praise.

Beside them, Duan Mingcheng, who also practiced the Illusory Form Technique, listened with rapt attention. He felt as if Master Zhending had opened a new door for him, behind which lay a dazzling array of wonders, pointing directly toward the boundary between humanity and divinity. At this point, he no longer doubted Master Zhending’s past feats!

Meng Qi also gained much. With Duan Xiangfei’s experience aiding him, the continuous cultivation of the “Muscle and Bone Tempering Chapter,” the refinement of his body with divine lightning essence, and his fundamental understanding, the day when his Illusory Form Technique would reach perfection would not be far off—perhaps only two months away.

“Master, you mentioned that your sword techniques have become rusty and that you wish to spar with a Grandmaster. I am also a Grandmaster; may I humbly request a match?” Duan Xiangfei, having gained greatly just now, was inspired with the desire to test himself and see if he could gain further insights.

“I have the same wish,” Meng Qi laughed heartily, gracefully stepping into the courtyard. He turned the Red Sun Subduing Evil Blade, using its flat side to face Duan Xiangfei, indicating that he had no intention of harming him.

Duan Xiangfei followed him into the courtyard, raising his palms, “Master, please.”

“Amitabha, the guest follows the host’s lead,” Meng Qi performed a one-handed salute, then raised his sword and slashed toward Duan Xiangfei. Although the attack was unexpectedly changeable, it carried a majestic and righteous momentum, leaving a lingering charm.

This was one of the sword techniques Meng Qi had derived by integrating the Five Tigers Severing the Gate Sword Technique and the Blood Sword Technique, evolving from the first move of the A-nan’s Breaking the Precepts Sword Technique. It represented a small step forward in his personal sword techniques.

Duan Xiangfei did not take it lightly. His body split into seven figures, suddenly surrounding Meng Qi from all directions.

In that instant, Meng Qi immediately lost track of him, realizing that his senses were once again affected, creating illusions. Thus, his forehead throbbed, his spirit extended outward, using the Illusory Form Technique to counter the Illusory Form Technique. His eyes flashed with sharp light, utilizing his eye acupoint to pierce through the illusions.

However, Meng Qi’s Illusory Form Technique was ultimately a level below Duan Xiangfei’s. Having only opened two acupoints, he could only vaguely discern that one of the three figures in front, to the left, and to the right was Duan Xiangfei’s true form.

Therefore, he changed his sword technique, turning his blade to slash horizontally forward, aiming at the central Duan Xiangfei while covering the left one.

Puff! The right figure’s palms clashed, striking Meng Qi from both sides. However, since Meng Qi was prepared, he slid his feet, appearing to retreat but suddenly advancing, dodging Duan Xiangfei’s blow.

Although a bit awkward, Meng Qi’s mood was quite cheerful, for after confirming Duan Xiangfei’s true form, his ability to pierce through illusions had indeed improved greatly. Now, he only needed to treat it as facing three attackers in a coordinated attack, no longer needing to be in a flustered mess.

As his mood lightened, Meng Qi continuously unleashed his exquisite sword techniques—sometimes fierce and sharp, fully displaying the common aspects of swordsmanship, sometimes strange and unpredictable, each strike peculiar and elusive, sometimes following mysterious trajectories with indescribable variations.

Duan Xiangfei fully activated his Illusory Form Technique, yet against Meng Qi’s outstanding swordsmanship, he still struggled to break through the defense and was nearly struck several times.

The figures floated, the sword light forming a swirling mass. In the heat of battle, Duan Xiangfei let out a long whistle, “Master, watch my palm!”

He split into seven figures again, each forming palm seals and striking simultaneously, causing the surrounding air to instantly turn icy cold, as if transitioning from the sweltering heat of midsummer to the bitter cold of deep winter.

Meng Qi had encountered this Snow Palace Palm before and did not dare to take it lightly. He employed one of his most proficient sword techniques, sweeping the Red Sun Subduing Evil Blade diagonally in front of him, as if enveloping the entire space ahead.

Under the sword light, the seven figures were damaged one by one. Suddenly, Duan Xiangfei appeared above Meng Qi, striking downward from the air, hitting Meng Qi’s left shoulder.

Golden light shimmered, icy coldness pierced his bones. The sword came again, and Duan Xiangfei flew backward, while Meng Qi’s left shoulder bore a palm print, though it failed to penetrate the golden light.

Meng Qi’s blood surged, a chill creeping in, as if his very blood had frozen. But as his inner energy circulated, he quickly recovered, realizing that it would probably take two or three strikes from the Snow Palace Palm to penetrate the fifth gate and injure him. Of course, it might also be that Duan Xiangfei had held back some of his strength for the sake of sparring. Regardless, even if Duan Xiangfei gave it his all, he could only wound Meng Qi, and it would take seven or eight strikes to break through the fifth gate of the Golden Bell Shield.

Duan Mingcheng, unaffected by the Illusory Form Technique, watched very intently. He marveled at Master Zhending’s sword techniques, yet inwardly muttered that, although wondrous, they were still at the mortal level, being overwhelmed by his father. Where was that “slash through to divinity”?

Could it be that “slash through to divinity” was a fabricated excuse between his father and Master Zhending?

As his thoughts turned, he suddenly heard Master Zhending let out a long laugh, “It would be impolite not to reciprocate. Old Duan, watch my blade!”

A slash was unleashed, the sword light suddenly flaring, wrapping around ten zhang of red dust.

Duan Mingcheng’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at this slash.