Chen Ang stood unfazed amidst the onslaught of the two men's swordplay, strolling casually through the intricate patterns of their sword light. His calm demeanor captivated the watching heroes, leaving them in awe. The entwined swordplay he displayed could easily overshadow 99% of the swordsman's skills, leaving them embarrassed and unable to demonstrate their own expertise.
Disciples from the Mount Tai and Hengshan factions, observing Chen Ang's swords, realized the profound depth of his martial art. For many of them, it was like an awakening after a lifetime of murky understanding. Feeling motivated, they attempted to emulate Chen Ang's swordsmanship, perceiving a substantial increase in their sword's power.
Even other Jiang Hu practitioners, despite not being associated with these factions, began mimicking Chen Ang's sword techniques. Although unfamiliar with the specific style, they too gained insights. Some who didn't possess swords used makeshift weapons, observing others closely and picking up sticks or table legs, mimicking sword motions. Gradually, most of the audience began imitating his sword movements.
While outwardly appearing ashamed, the other sect masters were privately attentive, observing closely to grasp the nuances of Chen Ang's swordsmanship.
Ding Yi Grandmaster focused intensely on identifying flaws in Chen Ang's swordplay. With her profound learning, whenever she sensed a weakness, she attempted to exploit it, only to be met with calculated counterattacks from Chen Ang. Her attempts to strike were effortlessly parried, forcing her to continuously readjust her tactics.
The more the three engaged in swordplay, the more impressive the exchanges between Tianmen Taoist and Ding Yi Grandmaster became. Their incredible maneuvers occasionally forced Chen Ang to retreat, only for him to quickly adapt and counter. Despite the changes, Dao Priest Tian Men's sword displayed a multitude of tactics, causing seven confrontations to be supported by Chen Ang.
Dao Priest Tian Men sought to gather strength but found his hands empty, unable to muster power. Exhausted and feeling drained, he dropped the sword light. Trying to recenter his True Qi, he suddenly burst into tears.
Concerned, Ding Yi Grandmaster withdrew her sword and approached him, asking, "Tianmen Junior Brother, what's wrong?" Her voice carried undertones of worry while her swordsmanship remained poised.
Dao Priest Tian Men, teary-eyed, grimaced and dropped his long sword. "Can't you see it yet? People are mocking our swordsmanship!"
Ding Yi Grandmaster was thunderstruck, caught off guard. Dao Priest Tian Men retrieved his long sword, continuing, "I concede! His sword, I'll never catch up to it in this lifetime. My heart, I am self-deprecating. Is this still worth the shame? I'm going back! Going back!"
He bowed to Chen Ang and departed without looking back.
Ding Yi Grandmaster, looking up, spoke with a tinge of difficulty, "You don't challenge us to learn swordsmanship, yet you ponder your flaws day and night. When you create two techniques to counter your weaknesses, what do you think?"
Chen Ang chuckled, "At that time, I'll gladly share three cups of wine. Fortunately, there's a little more I can learn from the world of swords! If I can impart even a bit of knowledge to fellow practitioners, it would be a joyous occasion and reason to celebrate!"
Ding Yi Grandmaster shook her head, smiling faintly, and clasped her hands together. She recited a Buddhist chant for Chen Ang, saying, "After years of contemplation, I still see no boundaries. Everything is but an illusion. If one can see through it, that is true enlightenment. Amitabha!"
She went with the Hengshan disciples and departed.
Surprisingly, two sect masters from the Five Top Sword Factions were persuaded by Chen Ang's prowess with a long sword. Truly, the adage "might is right" held sway. In the arena, confusion reigned as no one knew what course of action to take. Yue Buqun stepped forward, holding his long sword, and approached Chen Ang, stating, "Huashan Yue doesn't wish to provoke a fight, my friend."
Chen Ang understood: Yue Buqun didn't want to align himself. After all, it would only benefit the Lushan faction, thwarting the consolidation of the Five Mountains. To him, Huashan was not just an obstacle but a significant reinforcement. His appearance now was likely to prevent the Lushan faction from gaining an undue advantage, showcasing his gentlemanly style.
As anticipated, Yue Buqun remarked, "Your swordsmanship is remarkable, but you've already faced off with two sect masters. Yue won't take advantage of you. Rest up, and we shall spar again!"
Amidst the horror, Ding Mian interjected, "Yue Senior Brother, there's no need for courtesy with him. The thief has everyone's allegiance!" He turned to the crowd, adding, "Don't speak to him about Jiang Hu morality. Our honor is at stake!"
This was yet another significant strategy of the renowned righteous faction - "Don't engage in Jiang Hu discussions with him!"
Chen Ang couldn't help but chuckle at this. Jiang Hu wasn't that shameless. However, upon hearing Ding Mian's words, instead of embracing them, the crowd withdrew. Some even distanced themselves, indicating they had severed ties. Some coldly snorted, commenting, "Yue sect master has done the right thing! We can't engage in such despicable acts with those villains!"
Yue Buqun clasped his fist in acknowledgment, stating, "Although Yue and the Demon Sect are at odds, this young brother may not necessarily be one of their followers. He fought bravely, and Yue acknowledges that."
The crowd applauded and echoed, "Yue sect master is correct!"
The Lushan faction members were at a loss regarding their next move. They understood that any attempt to attack would be met with disapproval from the onlookers. They feared that if they initiated an assault, the audience would stand by Chen Ang, making them the minority. Having understood Chen Ang's swordsmanship and earned his favor, many were either grateful or admired him as an individual. Attacking now might turn a few of them into adversaries.
Yue Buqun waited for a signal from Chen Ang, the only prompt for him to draw his sword. In reality, Chen Ang had no inner strength left. His appearance was merely a facade, as his physical strength was his forte. At present, Chen Ang was in peak condition, efficiently utilizing his physical prowess. A battle lasting three days and three nights wouldn't diminish his strength.
Their combat was also an exploration of Huashan's sword method, which Chen Ang was currently learning. Although it wasn't the Huashan sword method of the late Yue, the Huashan faction was no laughing matter. Yue Buqun's sword technique was direct and precise, employing the formidable Purple Dawn Divine Merit, which restrained Chen Ang's swordsmanship. Even when Chen Ang displayed exceptional skills, it was merely an exchange.
Later on, Yue Buqun focused and observed Chen Ang's swordsmanship, from which he gained some insights. Chen Ang, on the other hand, also learned from Yue Buqun's Purple Dawn Divine Merit, waiting to incorporate it once he built his foundation and could merge it with his inner strength for a deeper understanding of swordplay.
This became his greatest acquisition yet. Unable to use it presently, he stored it, waiting for the moment when he reached 10% of his inner strength, transforming it into potential.
The two exchanged hundreds of moves, and Yue Buqun feigned a hidden flaw, pretending to concede defeat with a sigh, "Yue isn't as skilled, I admit!"
Chen Ang pondered, "Yue Buqun likely utilized only 60% of his strength, possibly guarding against Zuo Leng Chan. Though I employed my full strength, it was only slightly more potent than normal. To match him in close combat, I'd need about 1,300 moves or 21 darts. If I activate overclocking mode, only three moves or a single dart would finish him."
Subsequently, several martial artists with self-confessed strong abilities came forward to challenge Chen Ang. Ostensibly a fight to the death, it was actually a learning opportunity. Each time Chen Ang encountered an opponent's martial arts, he defeated them. Moreover, he wielded those martial arts more powerfully than their original masters.
The fantastical nature of this scenario was unbelievable to everyone. They'd sooner believe in a martial arts master's legendary skill than accept that Chen Ang absorbed these techniques in real-time, magnifying their potency tenfold.
After all, this innate talent in martial arts was a blow to people's self-assurance, almost devastating! If they acknowledged the existence of geniuses capable of instantaneous learning, what would be the value of their arduous martial arts training?
Over the years, practitioners dedicated decades of their lives to rigorous practice, only to see someone absorb and excel in martial arts, achieving extraordinary mastery. Were there still individuals willing to commit to learning martial arts?