The moment unfolded with everyone witnessing Mu Gao plummeting from the sky, clutching his throat as blood trickled between his fingers, a dark dart silently lodged above.
Chen Ang glanced at Mu Gao's pained and embarrassed expression, sighing disappointingly, "The world is vast, yet why choose to court death?"
Approaching, Chen Ang meticulously removed the dart inch by inch from Mu Gaofeng's throat.
A heavy silence enveloped the atmosphere, punctuated only by the audible clatter of a fallen needle.
Though the Saibei Ming Camel wasn't classified among the top masters, he was comparable to the more potent ones within the Laoshan Thirteen Taibao. Yet here he lay, resembling a lifeless figure, a sight difficult to believe.
The murmuring disciples of the Five Top Sword Factions fell silent, their gazes fixed on Chen Ang, looking almost dumbfounded, as if beholding a monstrous entity.
Silently contemplating, Ding Yi Grandmaster thought, "If Yu Canghai arrives later, the number of fallen individuals might increase."
Chen Ang, oh Chen Ang.
He seemed like a mythical monkey freed from a stone.
Without a mentor or friend in Jiang Hu, under the guise of 'Caihua 佗', a Sichuan Sect life lay before them, Yu Canghai's expression contorted in agony, compelling him to endure.
Another dart was swiftly launched, hitting the wood peak of the Saibei Ming Camel.
This 'Caihua 佗' was more like the 'king of the game'!
Now, it appeared that Yu Canghai wasn't merely a coward, but a mastermind of incredible deeds, demonstrating profound wit. Otherwise, Qingcheng sect master Yu Canghai could have been late sect master Yu Canghai of the Sichuan Sect. Both Ding Yi Grandmaster and Liu Zhengfeng were deeply relieved.
Among them, one person, with fiery eyes akin to glowing charcoal, watched Chen Ang with intense interest.
Glancing back, it was Lin Pingzhi, whose eyes gleamed with hope as if glimpsing a chance to save his parents.
The members of Hengshan School retained their duties, Ding Yi Grandmaster was keen on finding Yi Lin, and upon seeing that Chen Ang wasn't permitting their entry, Hengshan dispatched a group to search to the west. Liu Zhengfeng led the rest to follow suit. Once they left, Chen Ang and his companions remained outside the group.
"It's safe! Come out!" Chen Ang yelled and called out from inside. A rustling ensued within the cupboard. Qu Feiyan peered cautiously, emerging with Lin Ping, then gently pulled out the anxious Little Grandmaster Yi Lin.
"Take a breath!" Qu Feiyan patted her chest, blushing slightly, having been unaware inside. Noticing Chen Ang and Linghu Chong drinking nearby, her eyes sparkled. She attempted to grab the wine pot.
"Hey!" Her hand was intercepted by Chen Ang's chopsticks, and he looked at her with a playful gesture.
"Kids don't drink!" Chen Ang reclaimed his chopsticks, pouring himself a cup. He smiled and said, "Brother Linghu, you might want to depart; there might be someone you'd rather avoid."
Linghu Chong desires to meet Yue Lingshan, an encounter that Chen Ang isn't aware of, yet anticipating Yue Buqun's presence, he foresees a headache. Given Yue Buqun's stern demeanor, Linghu Chong expects a sour reception in the courtyard. Even his Junior Sister might not regard him favorably.
True to expectations, as Chen Ang spoke, Linghu Chong's face immediately betrayed a nervous expression. Though anxious internally, he couldn't gauge his own reactions, feeling judged by Yue Buqun's penetrating gaze.
"After all, this might not be a place to linger. Brother Chen, let's depart now," Linghu Chong suggested to Chen Ang. His carefree, sociable nature never sought status or prestige; he could befriend even the notorious flower thief Tian Boguang. After chatting, Chen Ang found him quite amiable.
"I mentioned there are five and a half supreme martial arts techniques in the world. I only spoke of five. For the remaining one, I have a rumor to share with Brother Linghu." As they prepared to leave, Chen Ang relayed the information with a sip of wine. "Sword Demon resides alone, seeking defeat within the deep valley. A legend tells of Jianjian's founding. It's said that Yang Guo inadvertently stumbled upon it and gained its inheritance. Allegedly, the Sword Magic left these words behind!"
"Jiang Hu has witnessed more than 30 years of strife, battles, and challenges. Despite vanquishing enemies and heroes, the world remains unyielding. I can't help but wonder if finding solace in the deep valley and befriending solitude is the key. Life isn't about adversaries but about solitude and vexation."
Upon hearing these words, Linghu Chong was struck by admiration and a sense of understanding. He felt a stirring empathy, as if touched by an invisible desolation. Though only a few phrases, they deeply moved and excited him!
He brimmed with reverence and exclaimed, "To stop enemies and defeat heroes! A sword that stands above all! Such profound sentiments, truly heartening!"
Chen Ang added, "Regarding the sword, the solitary man's message hints at the sword he wielded. The first one was a sharp sword emitting azure light. The solitary man stated, 'Fierce and unbeatable, yet humble. To compete with the rivers and streams.' My interpretation would be: skill over sheer force, no reliance on tricks or subterfuge."
"An excellent sword, a fascinating legend, and insightful interpretations—Solo's message was remarkable, but Brother Chen's commentary surpasses it!" Linghu Chong chuckled, acknowledging his lack of profound martial arts comprehension but recognizing an inherent affinity with swords upon first glance.
"The second handle is the Ziwei soft sword: 'It was used before the age of thirty, and the misplaced righteousness is ominous, remorseful, and abandoned.' The third handle is the black iron epee: 'The epee has no front, and it is not working.' Before the age of forty, I was swaying the world. I commented on it: 'If the weight is light, it is light and heavy, and it is light and heavy!'
Linghu Chong felt a little disgusted when she heard 'Epee without front'. When she heard Chen Ang's comment 'Light and heavy', it was a big shock. He muttered, 'Five Top Sword Factions have various swords: Huashan sword is dangerous, Mount Tai sword is majestic, Hengshan swordsmanship is quiet, Mount Heng swordsmanship is amazed, and Shushan swordsmanship is awesome. But no matter the change or difference in these methods, they always remain light and fast. This epee technique is truly beyond the boundaries of swordsmanship in this world.'"
Suddenly, upon hearing about these swordsmanship details, Linghu Chong's mind was captivated. He pondered aloud, "I wonder what the fourth sword entails? What a miraculous revelation!"
Chen Ang smiled at him and replied, "The hero of legends had the same curiosity. When he unsheathed the sword, he discovered the fourth one. Its hilt had long decayed..."
Amidst the enthralling tale, Qu Feiyan exclaimed in surprise, "Ah!" and hastily inquired, "How could a weapon of such a distinguished senior wield a divine sword?"
Chen Ang, smiling, clarified, "Because this isn't a divine weapon, but a wooden sword!"
"What?" Qu Feiyan stood up, shocked. She couldn't believe her ears and questioned, "A wooden sword? How could it be a wooden sword?"
Chen Ang smiled, withholding a direct response, and continued, "The venerable senior carved on the sword: 'After the age of forty, it is not about stagnation. Grass and bamboo can become a sword. Since then, it has been refined and gradually formed into a sword.'"
He paused, adding, "I described it as: 'No physical sword in hand, yet a sword resides in the heart.'"
These words struck like thunder, resonating deeply with a few listeners. While Yi Lin and Qu Feiyan were thoughtful, Linghu Chong was left stunned.
After a long silence, Linghu Chong exclaimed, "I consider myself a skilled swordsman. I even have the confidence to master my master's exquisite Huashan swordsmanship within a decade. Yet, in the realm of the Five Top Sword Factions, I am merely a frog in a well, a jest, a big joke!"
He concluded, amidst laughter and tears, acknowledging Chen Ang, "Thank you, Brother Chen, for awakening me. Though this singular sword might lack words to describe its technique of sword against sword, it rightfully earns the title of a half-door magic. It's befitting for the illustrious path of my generation's swordsmanship!"
Chen Ang couldn't help but laugh when he realized this, saying, "But this isn't even half of the magic!" He extended his hand and pushed Linghu Chong out, indifferently remarking, "Don't linger here. Your Junior Sister is on her way! She wants to meet you here; I wonder how she'll react. About the wonders of the half-door, wait until you meet someone from the Huashan mountainside!"
As Linghu Chong was about to say something, he faintly heard the hustle and bustle outside, carefully listening and catching snippets of Lu Monkey's unusual words. Quickly, he grabbed Yi Lin and hastily fled without looking back.
All that was left behind were the words, "Brother Chen, please have another drink!"
Observing Linghu Chong's departure, Chen Ang burst into laughter. Linghu Chong, originally astute, now possessed the Solitary Nine Swords. What brilliance would the Solitary Nine Swords exhibit in his hands?
"When we meet again, we might not be friends, but we will certainly be worthy adversaries!"
Chen Ang eagerly anticipated the future of the Solitary Nine Swords in Linghu Chong's possession. He envisioned that Linghu Chong, despite his solitary nature, would become his greatest opponent and teacher. An even greater treasure awaited.
It was ideal to stir up the wind to encourage further progress. When they eventually confront each other atop Mount Hua, it would undoubtedly provide Chen Ang with greater inspiration.
Chen Ang, with his overclocked status and highly developed intellect, had no need to seek various secrets and cheats. Each peer he encountered served as a peerless treasure. Not only did he possess his own martial arts skills, but he also absorbed their unique wisdom and intelligence. This became the foundation for Chen Ang's ascent along the Great Way of martial arts.
With the long sword in hand, the flying knife in his heart, and a myriad of heroes awaiting the decisive battles in the world of martial arts, he was determined to confirm the wisdom he had learned without rushing.