Pearl Order [Complete] - 23

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Exploring the Stone Path

in the Deep Night. Han Zhankui was adopted by the old master of the sect, Tie Zhongfeng, from a young age. He was five years older than Madam Tie, and all his skills were taught by the old master. His swordsmanship and martial arts were originally superior to his sister, Tie Ruyu. However, in the past twenty years, Madam Tie had vowed to kill her enemy and had devoted herself to rigorous training, resulting in a vast improvement in her swordsmanship. Han Zhankui saw that her first sword strike was incredibly fierce, and he was secretly alarmed and became wary. He let out a strange laugh, dodged, and with a backhand flick, drew a long, narrow, black sword, shouting, "Tie Ruyu, I originally didn't want to fight you personally, but if I don't take a few of your sword strikes, I'm sure you won't die in peace. So, I'll grant your wish." As he spoke, he lightly deflected the sword, and with a "clang," he blocked Madam Tie's thrusting sword.

Madam Tie gritted her teeth in hatred, remaining silent. Suddenly, she flicked her wrist, her sword flashing, and slashed back. Both their swordsmanship techniques were passed down from the old leader, the Black Sea Dragon King Tie Zhongfeng. Over the past twenty years, although they had each developed their own insights, their styles remained fundamentally consistent, each with its own lineage. The moment they began to fight, they unleashed a flurry of unexpected moves, their variations unpredictable and mysterious. In an instant, the wind rose eight steps, sword light swirling, expanding to a radius of ten feet. Ling Junyi had already drawn his Giant Lang Sword, intently watching the battle. He couldn't help but be secretly astonished! From childhood, he only knew that his mother didn't know martial arts. Even when teaching him the family's "Flying Dragon Three Swords," she only drew sword posture diagrams on paper, slowly explaining them to him, and he had never actually held a sword. Only today did he see his mother throw her sword across the Black Dragon Pool; her lightness skill and swordsmanship were actually no less than those of the Supreme Master! Looking at Han Zhankui's swordsmanship, it belonged to the same style as his mother's. His sword techniques were mysterious and unpredictable, with each strike accompanied by a sharp sword wind, demonstrating his extremely high level of swordsmanship. In terms of skill, his mother seemed to be slightly inferior to him, but the deep-seated hatred that Madam Tie had harbored for twenty years was now being channeled into her enemy. She channeled her grief and anger into power, allowing each of her sword strikes to unleash its maximum power, each strike sharp and incomparably ruthless.

Although the two fought fiercely, their sword styles were the same. Even if there were slight differences in the variations, both were master swordsmen and could easily discern them. As soon as the other revealed a move, the other would preemptively change their move to neutralize it. Therefore, although the swords flashed and sparks flew, making the fight extremely dangerous, there was not a sound of swords clashing. It was purely a clash of exquisite techniques. Judging from this style of fighting, it seemed that it would be difficult to determine a winner without three to five hundred moves.

The man in green robes who fought the Supreme Elder was Tang Zichen, the Sword Master of Ten Thousand Flowers. As the Chief Protector of the Black Dragon Society, he was hailed as the King of Swords in the five northern provinces. His swordsmanship was equally extraordinary. With each strike, sword flowers of varying sizes would emerge from the tip of his sword, some as large as a bowl, others as small as plum blossoms. These sword flowers, due to their varying sizes and their intermingling and scattering, sometimes gradually shrinking and sometimes suddenly expanding, were ever-changing and dazzling to behold! Especially when these sword flowers appeared and disappeared in a flash, each one contained a powerful and rapid sword wind. Even those several feet away could feel the chill on their skin, as sharp as arrows. The Supreme Elder wielded the Heaven-Slaying Sword, four feet long. Each strike of his sword was like a bolt of lightning, five or six feet wide, with surging sword energy that moved with the sword, equally fierce and unparalleled.

The myriad flower swords emanating from Tang Zichen's sword vanished instantly upon encountering the Supreme Sword's lightning-fast sword light. This was because the Myriad Flower Sword also wielded a renowned sword, and he sensed the unusual radiance of the Supreme Sword's Yitian Sword, refusing to engage in a direct confrontation. Although the Supreme Sword's light was like a bolt of lightning, the sword flowers vanished instantly upon its sweep, but as soon as the light passed, countless silver flowers of varying sizes would surge forth again, appearing and disappearing endlessly, like a fiery tree of silver flowers, ever-changing and unpredictable—truly worthy of the name Myriad Flower Sword. These two also did not exchange blows, but every point of their swords was fraught with hidden killing intent; if either of them hesitated even slightly in releasing their sword's seal, they would instantly face certain death. What

concerned Ling Junyi most was Rong Jingzong, who was fighting against the four guardians of the Black Dragon Society with only a longsword. These four guardians all wielded outer sect weapons: one with a pair of black gold rings, one with a bronze hammer, one with a snake-head hook, and one with a meteor hammer. As the four guardians of the sect leader, their skills were naturally extremely high. Each occupied a side, surrounding Rong Jingzong and launching a combined attack. Their four outer sect weapons clashed and surged, relentlessly pressing forward.

But little did they know that Rong Jingzong had been biding his time for twenty years, concealing his true abilities. Now, surrounded by the four, he let out a long, dragon-like laugh and launched a sudden counterattack. His longsword flashed, its momentum like a mighty river, surging forth. The air was filled with the clanging of metal, deflecting all four attacks. In an instant, his sword moved like a serpent, his body like a dragon, drawing countless long, sweeping sword strikes. In just thirty or fifty moves, he had the four trapped in a swirling web of sword shadows. Only then did he reveal his true martial arts—the Kunlun Sect's "Heavenly Net Sword Technique," a style long forgotten in the martial world.

Ling Junyi was initially drawn to their thunderous clang of metal, but upon seeing this, he couldn't help but smile knowingly. This old man Rong's skill far exceeded his expectations; he had truly worried for nothing. Just as these thoughts were turning, a dramatic change occurred on the battlefield! It turned out that Tai Shang, a man of great self-confidence, had fought Wan Hua Jian for a hundred rounds without a clear victor. Growing impatient, he let out a shout, leaping three zhang into the air. His longsword flashed left and right, creating a burst of azure light, like a waterfall cascading down a mountain gorge—he and his sword transformed into a blinding beam of light, circling once in the air before suddenly descending upon Wan Hua Jian Tang Zichen. Wan Huajian didn't recognize this as "Angry Dragon Coiling in the Sky," one of the "Three Swords of Flying Dragon."

He muttered, "Sword Control Technique." Having practiced swordsmanship for decades, hailed as the King of Swordsmen of the Five Northern Provinces, and seasoned by many formidable enemies, he remained calm despite the "Sword Control Technique" being a rare and exceptional skill in the martial world. He roared to the sky, his longsword protecting him as he met the attack head-on. This move, using the ground against the air, caused countless silver flowers to surge forth from the ground, his

entire body covered in blossoms, like a small mountain of silver flowers. Of course, this wasn't entirely defensive; the silver flowers could be used to counterattack at any time. In the morning light, one's sword shone brightly, like an inverted ribbon, while the other was enveloped in hundreds of silver flowers, truly radiating dazzling light, so bright it was blinding! The two moved with lightning speed, a series of metallic clangs like thunderous drums, as hundreds of silver flowers vanished with each strike! In the midst of a rapid, rain-like clash of swords, a small, mountain-like silver-blue structure vanished completely, a stark contrast to the earlier battle. Previously, where the Supreme Sword's light had passed, the silver blossoms would disappear, only to reappear with each passing moment

, an endless cycle. This time, however, it was truly gone; the silver blossoms ceased to reappear after their extinction. It turned out that the hundred-times-forged steel longsword in the hands of Wan Hua Jian Tang Zichen had been shattered into pieces by the Yitian Sword in this exchange, leaving only the hilt in his hand. Wan Hua Jian, witnessing his prized sword, which he had used for decades throughout his life, being severed piece by piece, was filled with shock and rage. But he was a seasoned veteran, knowing that even if he hadn't been defeated, he was now vulnerable to a deadly weapon. If he didn't retreat quickly, unarmed, he would be even less of a match for his opponent. In a flash of lightning speed, without hesitation, he leaped backward. The Supreme One had already intended to kill when she made her move. Now, having severed the longsword in her opponent's hand with a single strike, she was not about to let him go so easily. With a flick of her right wrist, she continued to soar into the air, transforming into a streak of azure light, relentlessly pursuing Wan Hua Sword Tang Yuchen.

Although Wan Hua Sword retreated quickly, the Supreme One's move of unifying body and sword, pursuing him in mid-air, was "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds," one of the "Three Flying Dragon Swords," which she had honed to perfection over thirty years of diligent practice. The speed of the sword light was comparable to the swiftness of lightning. Wan Hua Sword Tang Yuchen leaped backward, already retreating more than ten feet. Before his feet even touched the ground, he felt a hazy azure sword light simultaneously pierce his chest. He was startled, but being a master swordsman, he remained calm in the face of danger. In that split second, his right hand swiftly tore off a strip of clothing from his body, casually raising it to meet the sword light.

Knowing his lifelong swordsmanship, his skill was unparalleled. This single garment, wielded by him, was no less formidable than a longsword forged from refined steel. This desperate strike, imbued with the same force, filled the cloth with sword energy. However, the Supreme Elder wielded the Heaven-Slaying Sword, capable of cutting through metal and iron. Not even a garment filled with true energy, let alone a sword made of refined steel, could withstand it. Wan Hua Jian was well aware of this, but the situation was critical; he could only try to defend himself. This all happened in an instant. The red-robed monk, who had been watching, saw Wan Hua Jian hastily retreat. The Supreme Elder, in pursuit, unleashed his sword, letting out a low groan, and struck at the Supreme Elder with a palm strike. All three actions were lightning fast. The Supreme Elder, already driven by killing intent, pursued with his sword, naturally unaware of the ambush. The sword flashed, blood spurted out, and Wan Hua Jian's right arm was severed at the shoulder. He reacted quickly, and as he swung his sleeve, knowing he couldn't defend himself, he immediately severed his arm in pain as the sword light fell, then rolled away.

As Taishang flew to strike with her sword, she suddenly felt a light tap on her shoulder and back. It was an invisible force, arriving silently, but with her body in mid-air like an arrow released from a bow, she couldn't stop her momentum and had no time to circulate her energy to check. Only when the sword light struck and her feet touched the ground did she realize she had been ambushed. The force of the palm strike to her shoulder and back, though so light she hadn't felt it, had already seriously injured her. This was clearly a "Great Seal" style of yoga; if it were someone else, realizing their injury was serious, they could have used their energy to stop the bleeding, and with her cultivation, she would have been unharmed. But she was an extremely competitive person, always holding herself in high esteem; how could she accept being ambushed? With her feet touching the ground and the sword light fading, she turned around, two chilling beams of light shooting from behind her black veil, aimed directly at the red-robed Tibetan monk. She coldly demanded, "Did you ambush me?" The

red-robed monk, who had assumed her "Great Handprint" technique had struck her, even if it didn't kill her instantly, would at least leave her internal organs shaken and unable to fight, laughed heartily upon hearing this. "That's right, that palm strike was from you, Buddha."

The Supreme One uttered a deep shout, "Very good." With that word, she suddenly leaped into the air, rushing forward. As she flew, her longsword slashed repeatedly into the air. Her attack was lightning fast; as she reached the red-robed monk, the sword flashes creating a dazzling display of blue light, like a shower of flowers falling from the sky.

Seeing that she could still withstand the flying sword after being struck by a palm, and that the red-robed monk was still pressing forward, he was greatly alarmed. He swiftly raised his right wrist and forcefully struck out with a palm. His "Yoga" internal energy was profound, and this palm strike was completely different from his previous sneak attack. A whooshing sound filled the air as a burst of energy shot out like thunder, colliding with the sword light. Little did he know that the Supreme Master had murderous intent; this move was "Dragon Fighting in the Wild," the most powerful of the "Three Flying Dragon Swords." Beyond the sword shadows, a chilling sword aura filled the air. The red-robed monk's palm strike, upon colliding with the sword light, could only barely block the incoming force before being sliced apart by the sword aura, sliding away to the left and right.

The red-robed monk was greatly surprised. He exhaled and slammed out two more palms to block the sword's momentum, retreating rapidly. Although these two palm strikes briefly blocked the Supreme Sword Shadow, it was only a fleeting moment. The true power of the Supreme Sword Shadow's "Dragon Fighting in the Wild" technique only erupted when it reached the red-robed Tibetan monk. Suddenly, countless sword shadows and flashes of cold light scattered and flowed, expanding to a radius of ten feet.

After unleashing his two palm strikes, the red-robed Tibetan monk had already retreated swiftly, but his two disciples standing behind him were a step too late. Sword light rained down, accompanied by two screams of agony, blood splattering everywhere, and the two were pulverized by the sword light. The Supreme Sword Shadow sheathed his sword, noticing the red-robed Tibetan monk had retreated more than ten feet away. He coldly shouted, "Where do you think you're going to escape to?" With a leap, his sword followed his attack. The red-robed Tibetan monk

hadn't expected the Supreme Sword Shadow of the Hundred Flowers Gang to be so powerful. Seeing his two disciples die so tragically, he was filled with rage and anger, roaring, "I, the Buddha, will not spare you!" With that shout, he unleashed three consecutive palm strikes. He unleashed three palm strikes in anger, the wind from his palms surging like waves, incredibly powerful, the force of his palms crashing down like a tidal wave.

Tai Shang leaped forward, her body leaving the ground, but faced with such powerful palm strikes, she had to pause slightly and parry with her sword. Her sword strike, also carrying strong sword energy, clashed with the palm force, quickly neutralizing each other. Tai Shang leaped again, but the red-robed monk's second palm strike landed, forcing her to stop again and strike with her sword to deflect the opponent's palm force. This passage, though spoken slowly, is actually described in the blink of an eye as she rose and fell, wielding her sword. Tai Shang's three rises and falls took only half a moment. When she leaped for the third time, she was only a few feet away from the red-robed monk. Her body suddenly rose, soaring three zhang high, circling rapidly in the air, then with a clear shout, she plunged down headfirst. In a flash, the Heaven-Slaying Sword in his hand had already drawn a circle of silver light, descending upon him. The red-robed monk was both shocked and furious, retreating three steps in succession, his palms slashing straight down from the air. Although his hands were empty, they were like two giant axes, each strike resounding with a whooshing sound. In front of him, it seemed as if an invisible wall of energy had been erected, actually blocking the circle of sword light that the Supreme Being had unleashed from the air. One unleashed a full-force palm strike, the energy surging like a tide; the other unleashed a sword strike from the air, its light swirling. The two were locked in a stalemate, neither gaining the upper hand, for the time it takes to brew a cup of hot tea.

Beads of sweat the size of soybeans poured down the red-robed monk's forehead like rain. The Supreme Being's sword strike from the air was naturally more strenuous, and the sword light he unleashed was not as sharp as before. Seeing that the opportunity was not to be missed, the red-robed monk shouted loudly, mustered all his strength, and thrust his palms together upwards. With this combined attack and push, all his fierce and powerful potential was immediately unleashed, a gust of wind surging forth with a howling sound, like a storm rising into the sky, its power astonishing! At the same moment, Taishang suddenly let out a clear shout, and a ball of sword light burst forth from the ground, transforming into a blue rainbow, like a waterfall, slashing vertically down. The two attacked simultaneously, both using their full strength. The sword energy and palm wind suddenly collided, immediately producing a series of "hissing" sounds, and the sword light and palm wind disappeared at the same time.

After this full-force attack, the red-robed monk had already retreated six or seven feet away, his bright red kasaya pierced in several places by the sword light, looking extremely disheveled. Taishang also landed on the ground, his sideburns disheveled, his black veil gone, his face ashen, his killing intent surging, but the two had one thing in common: their faces showed signs of exhaustion, and both were panting heavily with heaving chests. Tai Shang stared at the red-robed Tibetan monk, coldly shouting, "You Tibetan dog, how many more swords can you withstand from me?" With a flick of her wrist, a burst of azure light erupted, and

she and her sword flew horizontally off the ground. She had mastered the "Flying Dragon Three Swords" to a level of unparalleled skill, so with each strike, her body and sword flew up simultaneously, the sword's momentum as agile as a divine dragon. In the two direct clashes, the red-robed Tibetan monk realized that Tai Shang's skill was not stronger than his own; if it weren't for the sharp longsword in his hand, he might have been able to gain the upper hand. After these two battles, his true energy was greatly depleted, and he felt that he was no longer able to stand, so he also thought that his opponent would not launch another attack. Unexpectedly, Tai Shang suddenly merged her body and sword into one, shooting forward with a fierce thrust. This truly surprised him, and he roared angrily, "I, the Buddha, will fight you to the death!" He raised his left hand, slashing out with two palms, and suddenly his figure flashed to the left.

The Supreme Master's move, "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds," was almost a culmination of her life's cultivation, intended to cleave the red-robed Tibetan monk in two. The power of her sword was far beyond what two mere palm strikes could withstand. By the time her sword light reached him, the red-robed monk had already lunged forward, his right hand forming a hand seal. He countered with a horizontal strike towards the onrushing Supreme Master, sneering, "You wicked woman, take this!" He thought he had dodged seven or eight feet, avoiding the Supreme Master's sword strike. Little did he know that the Supreme Master's "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds" was originally a leaping attack, a sword strike delivered mid-air. However, the Supreme Master had mastered the art of variation, adapting the move to a horizontal flight. Therefore, her horizontal flight was only the first half of "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds"; the second half, the sword strike delivered mid-air, remained the same.

Tai Shang flew in, and upon seeing the red-robed Tibetan monk emerge from the side, he sneered. He spun rapidly, unleashing his sword—the second half of his attack, essentially a mid-air strike. It was lightning fast, unparalleled in its speed. A burst of blue light erupted, sweeping across like a bolt of lightning, the sword light swirling several meters wide. The red-robed Tibetan monk had no time to dodge. A piercing scream rang out, and as the sword light subsided, a tall body lay in a pool of blood.

Tai Shang stood beside the red-robed Tibetan monk's corpse, his murderous intent gone, replaced by a deathly pallor. He braced himself with his sword, his chest heaving, panting heavily, muttering, "You barbarian dog, you finally die by my sword..." His voice grew hoarse, his upper body swayed twice, and finally he too collapsed to the ground.

At this moment, Rong Jingzong, wielding a longsword, displayed divine might, unleashing the Kunlun "Heavenly Net Sword Technique," a technique long extinct in the martial world, and slaying the four protectors of the Black Dragon Society. His green robe and flowing white beard were stained with blood. The eight swordsmen of Black Dragon Pool were stunned by their leader's divine power, none daring to move.

At the edge of Black Dragon Pool, two of the three extremely dangerous battles had ceased, leaving only Madam Tie and Han Zhankui, the leader of the Black Dragon Society, still locked in fierce combat, the battle escalating rapidly. Both had been taught by the old leader, the Black Sea Dragon King; what he knew, she also knew. Moreover, after twenty years, both had reached a level of consummate skill in swordsmanship. They fought for over a hundred moves, still unable to gain the upper hand. Madam Tie, eager for revenge and seeing the prolonged battle dragging on, became anxious and launched the first attack. With a clear shout, she transformed into a dazzling rainbow, piercing the sky.

She naturally used the "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds" from the "Three Forms of Flying Dragon"! Upon seeing her unleash the "Three Swords of Flying Dragon," Han Zhankui didn't hesitate. He let out a long roar, transforming into a rainbow and soaring into the sky, also using the "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds"! Two sword lights shot upwards, truly like white rainbows piercing the sun. Reaching a height of three zhang, a series of rapid, heart-stirring clangs of swords suddenly rang out. A burst of fiery blossoms erupted in mid-air, silver light swirling and scattering in all directions, disappearing in an instant! Two figures plummeted down like shooting stars, and two graceful, dragon-like streaks of light rose from the ground, circling and entwining in battle! The sounds of clashing metal echoed incessantly.

Suddenly, another dazzling rainbow shot into the sky, followed immediately by a second rainbow, and another clash of swords erupted in mid-air, producing a deafening roar of metal. To gain the upper hand, both fighters often tried to strike first. The "Flying Dragon Three Swords" were all techniques involving sword strikes delivered from mid-air, but since they were both trained in the same style, each would follow suit, neither willing to yield the initiative. They fought from the ground to mid-air and back again, their blows evenly matched, neither gaining the upper hand. For them, the sword techniques were unremarkable; their battles, from sky to ground, were like mere practice, devoid of any real danger. In this life-or-death struggle, neither could gain a decisive advantage.

It had become a war of attrition; whoever was weaker would be the first to succumb and fall, losing their life. But to onlookers, this fierce battle, soaring through the air and plunging into the ground, was truly breathtaking, especially the increasingly intense clang of metal on metal, deafening and terrifying, each strike making their hearts pound with fear.

Ling Junyi's eyes remained fixed on his mother and Han Zhankui. He was consumed by vengeance for his father's death, but even more so by his mother's safety. As their fight intensified, his heart felt like it was stuck in his throat, making it hard to breathe. At the same time, he pondered how his mother's "Angry Dragon Coiling in the Sky" technique could be modified by using the seventh move left on the wall by Master Chongyang. By rotating to the left and lowering the sword's momentum while striking in mid-air, it could pierce Han Zhankui's right waist, specifically the "Laughing Waist" acupoint. However, if the ninth move were used, with the sword tip rising half an inch, it could still pierce Han Zhankui's throat. He watched silently, thinking silently. The murals depicting Master Chongyang's nine leaping and thrusting techniques flashed through his mind, one after another. He felt that if he were to intervene, he could probably kill Han Zhankui in just five moves. But his mother forbade him to act, for it was a solemn vow she had made twenty years ago—to personally kill the old scoundrel surnamed Han and avenge his father…

Just as he stared, lost in thought, a shrill scream suddenly reached his ears. Ling Junyi was startled and quickly turned around to see the Supreme Elder having killed the red-robed Tibetan monk with a single sword strike, his face deathly pale as he leaned on his sword. No, the Supreme Elder swayed and collapsed to the ground. Ling Junyi quickly leaped up and rushed to the Supreme Elder's side. Rong Jingzong also rushed over, his gaze sweeping over her, his brows furrowing, and he said in a low voice, “Second Miss seems to be seriously injured.”

Ling Junyi asked, “Uncle, can you see where the Supreme Elder is injured?”

Rong Jingzong said, “That Tibetan dog Batu learned Yoga martial arts; the Second Miss was most likely struck by his ‘Great Handprint.’”

Ling Junyi quickly helped the Supreme Elder up, placing his left hand on the “Lingtai” acupoint on her back and slowly channeling his inner energy into her. The Supreme Elder's cultivation was incredibly profound. As long as there was external true energy to stimulate her own qi, the unconscious person immediately regained consciousness, gradually opening her eyes. Seeing that it was Ling Junyi who had channeled true energy into her, she seemed extremely moved, nodding weakly and saying, "Child, it's you."

Ling Junyi said, "Supreme Elder, you can't speak..." The Supreme Elder said,

"Child, there's no need to channel qi anymore. Let go quickly; I can still hold on."

Ling Junyi said, "Although the Supreme Elder's injuries are not light, with your cultivation, as long as you guide the qi back to your acupoints and blood back to your palace, after a period of meditation, you can recover quickly."

The Supreme Elder said, "I naturally know what you're saying, but I was struck in vital points by the thief's two 'Great Handprints,' and I'm already useless. You don't need to waste any more energy on me. Stop quickly; before my injuries completely worsen, I have something to say to you."

Ling Junyi did not immediately let go, saying, "Supreme Elder, don't you want to be treated anymore?" "

The Supreme One smiled bitterly, "Child, there's no need to say anything. Two of my internal organs have been shattered. Even with elixirs, they can't heal me. I'm only able to prolong my life because of my years of cultivation and the fact that my vital energy hasn't been depleted. Even if you transfer your true energy, it won't help. Before I die, I still have many things to say to you. Time is running out, so please sit down."

Rong Jingzong noticed the Supreme One's expression and quickly said, "Young Master Ling, since the Second Miss has said so, you don't need to transfer any more energy."

Ling Junyi said, "Supreme One..." He slowly withdrew his left palm.

The Supreme One's skill was profound, and although Ling Junyi withdrew his hand, it seemed to have little effect on her. Her face was sorrowful, and she interrupted Ling Junyi, saying, "Child, don't call me Supreme One anymore. I'm your aunt, so just call me Aunt." Ling Junyi

felt that this woman, who had always been so strong, was now incredibly vulnerable. Although she was ruthless and willing to sacrifice many to eliminate him, she was still his elder, and now she was nearing the end of her life. He slowly knelt down and called out, "Aunt."

The old woman smiled sadly and said, "Good child, your aunt is sorry to your grandfather, your father, your mother, and most of all, you..."

Ling Junyi said, "Aunt, the past is the past, you don't need to mention it anymore."

The old woman sighed and said, "A dying man's words are kind." "Things I did in the past, anything that troubled my conscience, I'll remember them all..." Since Ling Junyi released his left hand and stopped channeling his inner energy, she initially didn't feel anything amiss, relying on her years of hard training. But after a few words, she gradually sensed something was wrong; her inner energy weakened, and her voice became much softer. However, she continued, "Child, you may have already learned the nine sword techniques left behind by Master Chongyang when you entered the Black Dragon Pool. This Heaven-Slaying Sword was obtained from your maternal grandfather's cave; only it can unleash the power of these nine sword techniques. You should quickly put it away..." At this point, she suddenly gasped for breath, her voice trailing off.

Just then, a deafening clang of metal resounded. Ling Junyi... Unable to resist looking back, she saw that her mother seemed to have been forced into a disadvantageous position! Han Zhankui wielded his long sword with incredible skill, the sword light shining brightly. Although her mother was fighting with all her might, her swordplay was clearly not as fierce as before, and she couldn't help but feel anxious. Taishang, with her lifeless eyes, said weakly, "Child, don't worry about me, go quickly. Eldest sister is no match for Han Zhankui. Only the Heaven-Slaying Sword can restrain him..."

Ling Junyi looked at Taishang and said, "But Aunt..."

Taishang gasped, "Don't worry about me, I'm about to die... Oh, child, there's one more thing. I originally wanted to betroth Peony to you. Peony is a good girl, but if you like Peony, Magnolia, and the others, I won't object. You can decide for yourself how many you marry. In the future, when you have children, they can carry on the Tie family line..."

Another terrifying golden roar came, and Han Zhankui's voice laughed wildly, "Tie Ruyu, how many more of my swords can you withstand?"

Ling Junyi was greatly shocked upon hearing this. The Supreme Elder waved his hand tremblingly and said, "Child...go quickly... "

Ling Junyi gently set Taishang down and said, "Aunt, rest a bit, your nephew..."

Taishang lay on the ground, weakly saying, "Remember my words...you have a child...I...want...one..."

Ling Junyi nodded tearfully. He didn't have time to say more, grabbing the Yitian Sword and leaping into the air, using the "Heavenly Dragon Riding the Wind" technique. He and his sword transformed into a streak of green light, shooting straight towards Han Zhankui, shouting, "Mother, let your son deal with this villain!"

Han Zhankui's sword flashed, already forcing Madam Tie into a disadvantageous position, laughing loudly. He said, "Very well, you and your son come at me together, saving me the trouble of doing anything." He was a seasoned veteran, and as soon as he spoke, he noticed something unusual about Ling Junyi's sword light shooting from mid-air. Even before the sword's momentum arrived, a chilling sword aura was already pressing in. He naturally recognized the longsword in Ling Junyi's hand—it was the Heaven-Slaying Sword, capable of cutting through iron like mud. A chill

ran down his spine as he thought, "This kid's martial arts are actually no less than his mother's." His mind raced, and he quickly shifted to the side, dodging outwards. But before he could fully dodge, he swung his sword horizontally. His swordsmanship was extremely refined, and his timing was perfect—his sword struck just as Ling Junyi landed on the ground. At that moment, he had already avoided Ling Junyi's blade, dodging to the side. Although he had already dodged, the sword aura was still incredibly strong, a sharp and chilling sword energy that remained intense. As Ling Junyi landed, he had already taken a step to the side, but he still felt a strong sword aura assaulting him. His protective inner energy was affected by the sword aura, causing his clothes to flutter. He couldn't help but feel a chill of wariness, thinking, "This villain is indeed formidable."

When Ling Junyi landed, Madam Tie anxiously asked, "Child, what happened to my sister?"

Ling Junyi replied, "Mother, go see her quickly! Aunt's injuries are extremely severe; I'm afraid she won't make it."

Madam Tie's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. "Alright, be careful," she exclaimed. "It would be best to capture her alive. I'm going to see her." With that, she quickly stamped her feet and leaped towards where the old man lay.

Han Zhankui laughed fiercely and shouted, "Boy, take this!" His figure flashed, and a sword light slashed straight at him.

Ling Junyi thrust his sword forward, shouting fiercely, "You surnamed Han, my mother instructed me to capture you alive, otherwise I can take your dog's life within a few moves!"

With a roar, Ling Junyi switched the sword to his left hand and launched a preemptive attack. This switch to his left hand allowed him to immediately unleash the "Bodhidharma" reverse sword technique, the sword flashing with a cold light, the attacks relentless and relentless! The Shaolin "Bodhidharma Sword Technique" is known for its meticulousness, but Ling Junyi's reverse-hand execution made it even more unpredictable and difficult to defend against. Furthermore, because his mother had instructed him to capture him alive, Ling Junyi's right hand coordinated with the sword strikes, employing the Twelve "Dragon-Capturing Hands," his fingers hooking and twisting, targeting acupoints and meridians, specifically targeting Han Zhankui's vital joints, the variations strange and unpredictable.

Han Zhankui was a renowned swordsman, but had he ever seen someone wield a sword with their left hand? And using a sword technique completely opposite to the norm? Forced to retreat repeatedly, Han Zhankui thought to himself, "This kid is probably using the 'Reverse Hand Tathagata' sword technique; it's indeed very strange." With that thought, he swung his longsword, creating circles of sword light around him, combining defense and offense, engaging in fierce combat with Ling Junyi. After more than ten rounds of intense fighting, Han Zhankui grew impatient, letting out a strange laugh as he suddenly leaped into the air, his longsword flashing repeatedly, transforming into a streak of black light that pierced the sky. Ling Junyi sneered inwardly, but he didn't hesitate either, slashing his longsword and leaping up after him. Reaching a

height of three zhang, Han Zhankui saw Ling Junyi following closely behind and couldn't help but feel secretly pleased. Because he had taken off faster, Ling Junyi, who had followed a step later, was now three zhang above him, while Han Zhankui had only leaped two zhang. Han Zhankui had clearly gained the upper hand. Just then, he suddenly turned and swooped down, his black longsword circling in the air, a flurry of sword shadows spreading outwards, descending upon Ling Junyi! This sight terrified Madam Tie, who cried out urgently, "Yi'er, be careful!"

She knew that being in the air was different from being on the ground, where there was no chance to dodge; once someone gained the upper hand, they would be at a disadvantage. It all happened in the blink of an eye. Ling Junyi leaped into the air, reaching a height of two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters). The man who had been ascending straight up suddenly shot upwards from the side. This diagonal flight avoided Han Zhankui's descending sword strike! Han Zhankui, having reached a height of three zhang (approximately 6.6 meters), turned and pounced downwards. Ling Junyi's sudden leap from the side not only avoided the sword strike but also allowed him to surpass Han Zhankui.

As Han Zhankui turned and slashed downwards, he caught sight of Ling Junyi suddenly appearing from the side, his movements strange and agile, like a divine dragon, instantly surpassing him. A sense of foreboding washed over him! Having practiced swordsmanship for decades, he had reached a state of mastery over the "Three Swords of the Flying Dragon," naturally controlling them with effortless ease. Upon discovering Ling Junyi's strange movements, he instantly vanished like a colorful wind concealing its wings, the countless sword shadows disappearing in an instant, transforming into a thin, black streak, swift as a shooting star, rapidly descending. This was because Ling Junyi had attacked from above, and he was unable to cope, hence his accelerated descent. However, Ling Junyi did not launch an attack, also descending vertically, and this time Han Zhankui landed on the ground first. He secretly sneered in his heart: "Good lad, if you had launched your sword in mid-air, I would have been defeated. But you have already missed your chance; this time I landed before you, gaining the upper hand." With a flash of thought, before Ling Junyi even landed, he suddenly shouted, and his long, narrow sword flashed with a dark light, like a bolt of lightning, flying towards Ling Junyi.

Just as Ling Junyi was about to land, he suddenly burst into laughter, his movements as swift as willow catkins in the wind, and he soared into the air. The azure light of the Yitian Sword blazed forth, its shadows flashing, accompanied by a hissing wind, as it retaliated from mid-air. This sword strike was intensely bright and incomparably sharp. Ling Junyi followed the sword's attack, closely following its light, leaving him almost a faint shadow! The speed of their attacks was astounding; the swords clashed instantly, producing a clang of metal against metal! A figure burst forth from the sword shadows! It was Han Zhankui! His purple robes were now torn in several places by the sword's edge, and his three-foot-long sword had been severed by the Yitian Sword, leaving only a foot-long fragment. After retreating several steps, he suddenly snorted angrily, flicking his wrist to throw the broken sword at Ling Junyi's chest as a hidden weapon. With the broken sword in hand, he spun rapidly, his feet suddenly slamming down, and with the speed of a hawk, he leaped into the air, flying towards the edge of the valley.

Ling Junyi's move was the seventh move from the mural of Master Chongyang. Firstly, it was his first time using it, and his swordsmanship was not yet fully refined. Secondly, his mother had wanted to capture him alive, which was why he had rushed out of the sword's shadow. Seeing Han Zhankui use the broken sword as a hidden weapon, he raised his sword to deflect it, knocking it away with a clang, and shouted, "Where do you think you're going?" He

was about to leap after him when a powerful voice rang out, "He can't escape." A figure blocked his path, striking with a palm—it was Rong Jingzong.

Han Zhankui roared, "Rong Jingzong! You dare block my way!" He swung his right arm, his palm striking out to meet the attack. With a loud thud, both palms collided, each forced back a step. Han Zhankui, a veteran of many battles, took the blow head-on, his chest heaving.

Rong Jingzong glared and shouted, "Han Zhankui, you're at your last gasp. You'd better surrender!"

Han Zhankui glanced at the eight black-clad swordsmen standing behind Rong Jingzong, their swords drawn and ready to strike. He realized they had been persuaded by Rong Jingzong and were now isolated and helpless, the situation extremely unfavorable for him! His mind raced, and he roared, "You daring traitors! You all want to rebel!" Before his shout even faded, he clapped his hands together and lunged forward, striking with a swift, powerful kick. His right leg followed, delivering a "Heart-Sweeping Leg" aimed at Rong Jingzong's chest. In a single exchange, three moves were unleashed, their power unparalleled.

Rong Jingzong laughed, pushing his palms out to his chest and splitting them to the left and right with a "Two Dragons Parting the Water" move, parrying Han Zhankui's attacking hands. He then leaped into the air, simultaneously kicking out with his right leg to deflect Han Zhankui's incoming kick. These two moves were faster than lightning, and with two loud "bangs," the four arms met the blow, followed by the legs colliding.

The difference in skill was immediately apparent! Rong Jingzong, who had kept his abilities hidden for twenty years, possessed profound skill, yet upon landing, he only took one step back. Han Zhankui, however, was shaken and his spirit surged, involuntarily retreating three steps. Forcing himself to suppress his injuries, he was about to turn when he suddenly felt a numbness in both shoulders. His shoulder sockets had been grabbed, and he lost all strength, having no ability to retaliate. At the same time, Ling Junyi's voice rang out behind him: "Han Zhankui, you should have expected that I, Ling, was already behind you."

Madam Tie shouted, "Yi'er, be careful he doesn't gossip and kill himself!"

Ling Junyi turned around and said, "Mother, don't worry, I won't let him kill himself." His left hand gently struck Han Zhankui's "Dumb Gate" acupoint on the back of his neck.

Madam Tie walked up to him and ripped a human skin mask off his face, gritting her teeth, "You villain surnamed Han, you never thought this day would come when you betrayed the Black Dragon Society, did you?"

Han Zhankui had fair skin, and although he was originally thin, his cheeks were now full, except for his hooked nose, which made it clear that he was a wicked person. Now that he was in someone else's hands and his meridians were controlled, he had no strength to resist. He simply closed his eyes, lowered his head, and remained silent. Madam Tie said, "Yi'er, you take him with you. We'll go to your father's grave. I'm going to gouge out his heart while he's still alive to offer as a sacrifice to your father's spirit in heaven..." As she said this, two lines of tears streamed down her face.

Ling Junyi asked, "Is Father's grave here?"

Madam Tie replied tearfully, "Yes, it's in a mountain hollow to the east."

Rong Jingzong said, "Young Master, please hand Han Zhankui over to them." He then turned and waved to the eight swordsmen, saying, "Take him to Lion's Mouth." Two of the eight black-clad swordsmen immediately stepped forward, escorting Han Zhankui ahead.

Rong Jingzong cupped his hands and said, "Madam, this old man will go first." With that, he hurriedly followed behind the eight swordsmen.

Ling Junyi looked around but couldn't see the old man. However, there was a mound of fresh earth beside the Black Dragon Pool. He couldn't help but ask, "Mother, is Aunt already dead?"

Madam Tie's eyes were moist as she nodded, saying, "My sister is dead. She and I had a misunderstanding for twenty years, only resolving it on her deathbed. She had one wish: that you would inherit the Tie family line. I agreed. Actually, it wasn't really her wish; I'm also a member of the Tie family. Your maternal grandfather's line should naturally be inherited by you..." She raised her eyes and said, "Let's hurry." She started walking along the path.

Ling Junyi followed closely behind his mother. The path was winding and twisting, clinging to the rocky cliffs. Besides being treacherous, it was completely barren. After walking about half a mile, they rounded the mountainside and saw a stone mound nestled in a valley. Rong Jingzong, leading eight swordsmen and escorting Han Zhankui, stood before the grave, ordering the eight to spread out and act as guards. Following behind Madam Tie, Ling Junyi approached the grave and saw a tombstone about the height of a person, inscribed with: "Tomb of the late Master Ling Changfeng."

Rong Jingzong bowed to Madam Tie and said, "This location is surrounded on three sides. If the Black Dragon Society bandits arrive, it will be extremely disadvantageous for us. Madam and Young Master, please stay and pay your respects. I will guard the valley entrance to prevent any accidents."

Madam Tie bowed and said, "Steward Rong is absolutely right. In that case, I will trouble you."

Rong Jingzong said, "Madam, you flatter me. This is my duty." With that, he left two swordsmen behind, grabbed Han Zhankui, and led six swordsmen hurriedly up the ridge.

Madam Tie said, "Yi'er, go and cripple Han's martial arts. Then release his acupoints."

Ling Junyi said, "Your son obeys." With that, he walked to Han Zhankui, pushed open his restrained acupoints with his right palm, and with his left hand, his fingers shot out like lightning, striking Han's "Qi Hai" acupoint. Han Zhankui shuddered, cried out, and fell forward. Ling Junyi was quick, his fingers moving like the wind, swiftly pressing two acupoints on Han's "Back Beam" and "Tail Dragon" points, then lightly striking his "Baihui" point.

Han Zhankui deflated like a punctured balloon, slumped to the ground, slowly raising his head, his eyes bloodshot, staring at Madam Tie, and hissing, "Tie Ruyu, you... kill me, give me a quick death."

Madam Tie's face was ashen, and she snorted angrily, "Give you a quick death? You ungrateful, treacherous, heartless scoundrel! You killed my husband, you killed so many loyal and righteous men! I wish I could skin you alive and tear your tendons out! Today you've finally fallen into my hands, I'll rip your heart out alive..." At the height of her anger... He couldn't help but step forward and kick him hard, shouting, "Kneel down and confess all the accomplices who betrayed the Black Dragon Society back then!"

Han Zhankui's martial arts were crippled, and the kick pierced his heart and lungs. He groaned, sweat beading on his forehead like soybeans, and collapsed onto the stone pillar. Suddenly, he threw his head back and let out a shrill laugh, saying, "Tie Ruyu, this isn't my fault. It was the idea of the Underworld Judge Qian Junren and Qi Chengchang..."

Madam Tie asked, "Who is the Underworld Judge Qian Junren?"

Han Zhankui replied, "He..." "He was the advisor to Shandong Governor Guotai twenty years ago. It was he who came up with the idea to suppress the Black Dragon Society back then."

Madam Tie asked, "Where is he now?"

Han Zhankui replied, "Since Guotai was executed, he hasn't been involved in officialdom. It's said he lives in Rehe."

Ling Junyi asked, "The Wei Chengchang you mentioned, is he the owner of Juechen Manor?"

Han Zhankui said, "He was originally the adopted son of the Old Man of Huangshan Shipu. He was extremely skilled in martial arts and had long since served the Qing court. At that time, he was already a third-class imperial guard in the Shenhe Battalion of the Imperial Guard..."

Madam Tie said impatiently, "And now?" "

Han Zhankui said, "Now I am the commander of the Summer Palace."

Madam Tie said, "The Summer Palace?"

Han Zhankui said, "The Summer Palace is the Rehe Imperial Palace."

Madam Tie snorted, "Even if it's the Imperial Palace, I will take his dog's life." Saying this, she suddenly stared at Han Zhankui and said sharply, "Do you have any last words?"

Han Zhankui looked at Madam Tie and suddenly said sadly, "No, I owe you, and I should repay you. I have no complaints about dying by your hand."

Madam Tie gritted her teeth and said, "Fine." She raised her hand and thrust her sword towards his heart. Han Zhankui was kneeling on the ground, his eyes already closed, gritting his teeth and enduring the pain. With a "thud," the sword pierced his heart, and he fell backward, blood shooting out like an arrow. Madam Tie drew her longsword, a trickle of blood dripping from its tip. She braced herself against the ground, tears welling in her eyes, and looked up at the sky, murmuring, "Changfeng, I've finally avenged your blood feud, personally killing the traitor who betrayed the Black Dragon Society. But now, where are you? I still can't find you, I'll never find you again..." At this point, she broke down in tears.

Ling Junyi knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face, and said, "Mother, you avenged Father. His spirit in heaven will know. You should comfort him; you killed his enemy."

Madam Tie wiped away her tears and said, "Child, these are your words of comfort. In truth, how can the dead know? Revenge is merely the living doing their duty. Killing Han Zhankui, will he return my husband? Will he return your father?" Suddenly, her gaze fixed on the distance, a murderous intent flashing within her, and she resolutely said, "But I will also go and kill those two villains, Qian Junren and Qi Chengchang, to avenge the martyrs of my Black Dragon Society who died heroically. I will let the world know that traitors and lackeys will never have a good end." As she spoke, the sound of clashing weapons suddenly rang out.

Madam Tie's expression changed drastically, and she said urgently, "It seems there's a fight at the valley entrance. Let's leave." "Lion's Mouth" was a precipitous valley surrounded on three sides with only one exit. It must be that the bandits had heard the news and rushed over, engaging Rong Jingzong, who was guarding the valley entrance. Madam Tie and her son, along with two black-clad swordsmen, hurriedly rushed towards the valley entrance.

In that instant, the hill was stained with blood. Rong Jingzong's four black-clad swordsmen, all with swords piercing their throats, died in identical manners. Leading them was a beautiful woman in white! Her eyes were bright and her face was like a peach blossom, extremely alluring. However, this woman in white seemed to possess an unusual coldness in her expression, overshadowing her delicate beauty, giving one a sense of icy indifference at first glance! On either side of this woman in white were four girls in green, holding short swords, their hands stained with blood. Behind them stood a row of eight men dressed in blue silk outfits, clearly members of the Azure Dragon Hall. Ling Junyi was secretly shocked. The black-clad swordsmen under Rong Jingzong had fought with him before, and their swordsmanship was far from ordinary. From the moment he heard the blades clashing, less than the time it takes to drink a cup of hot tea, how could four people have died under the sword of the girl in green? In the blink of an eye, the four of them had already leaped up the hill.

Rong Jingzong bowed and said, "Even though Director Shui killed four of my swordsmen, with me here, Director Shui won't get past." The woman in white was none other than the Black Dragon Society's director and the Azure Dragon Hall's leader.

Director Shui glanced coldly at Madam Tie and Ling Junyi, then said indifferently, "Rong Jingzong, you've succeeded. They've escaped the lion's den."

Rong Jingzong seemed furious, and coldly shouted, "No matter who you are from the capital, I'll have to fight you first!" With that, he unleashed a palm strike.

Director Shui sneered, "You want to fight me?" She swayed her shoulders slightly, without moving her feet, and with a sideways movement, dodged Rong Jingzong's palm strike. A sharp gust of wind grazed her right shoulder.

Director Shui dodged the palm strike and coldly said, "The main character has arrived. I'm too lazy to fight you." For twenty years, Rong Jingzong had kept a low profile, concealing his true abilities, but now that his identity was exposed, what restraint did he have? Seeing his palm strike easily dodged, he was furious. With a snort, he retracted his right palm and immediately struck again. This second strike was naturally much stronger than the first, a gust of wind, brimming with powerful energy, extremely fierce! Director Shui coldly smiled and said, "Do you think I dare not take your strike?"

This time, she indeed did not dodge. With a flick of her wrist, her slender hand rose swiftly to meet Rong Jingzong's palm strike head-on. The two palm strikes met in mid-air, producing a soft, resonant sound, surprisingly evenly matched, neither giving way. This was naturally beyond Rong Jingzong's expectations. He only knew that Director Shui was highly skilled in martial arts, but he never expected her internal strength to be so profound. Madam Tie was secretly astonished and couldn't help but glance at her again, asking, "Chief Steward Rong, who is this young lady?"

Rong Jingzong replied, "This lady? She is Shui Qingying, the director sent from the capital to our organization, and concurrently the head of the Azure Dragon Hall. To put it bluntly, Han Zhankui is merely a figurehead; the real power of the Black Dragon Society is in this woman's hands."

Shui Qingying suddenly smiled brightly and said, "Your introduction is very detailed." She spoke to Rong Jingzong, but her smile was directed at Ling Junyi. Originally, she seemed to have an icy demeanor, but this smile revealed a myriad of charms, as beautiful as a spring flower in full bloom.

Madam Tie's face was as cold as frost as she said in a chilling voice, "Are you a Manchu?"

Shui Qingying replied, "Whether I am a Manchu or not is none of your business."

Madam Tie said, "If you are a Manchu, I will not let you go."

Shui Qingying said coldly, "Batu died at your hands?"

Madam Tie said, "That's right, and I also killed Han Zhankui."

Shui Qingying said, "Are you the Supreme Leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang?"

Madam Tie said, "No."

Shui Qingying asked in surprise, "Then who are you?"

Madam Tie said, "I am Ling Changfeng's widow, the person you hawks are looking for."

"So it's Madam Ling." Shui Qingying glanced at Ling Junyi and asked, "And this lady?" Her beautiful face was always cold and indifferent, revealing no emotion, but this time she spoke lightly, at least not coldly.

Ling Junyi said, "I am Ling Junyi."

Shui Qingying couldn't help but glance at him a few more times before saying, "The Chief Protector of the Hundred Flowers Gang."

Ling Junyi said, "I am no longer a member of the Hundred Flowers Gang."

Shui Qingying said, "How could you not be?"

Ling Junyi said, "I don't think I need to explain to you."

Shui Qingying hummed in agreement and said, "That's true. You've killed quite a few people along the way since you entered the Yellow Dragon Cave."

Ling Junyi said, "That's right."

Shui Qingying glanced at the "Lilong Pearl" at Ling Junyi's waist and said, "I think you are probably Ling Changfeng's son, right?"

Ling Junyi said, "That's right. I came here to avenge my late father."

Shui Qingying raised her eyelids slightly and said, "You killed Han Zhankui, so you've avenged your father, haven't you?"

Madam Tie said in a deep voice, "All Qing Dynasty henchmen are our enemies."

Shui Qingying said, "That's too broad a statement. Just you and your son, plus Rong Jingzong, I'm afraid you might not be able to get through. " "Get out."

Madam Tie said, "I can come in, and I can leave just as easily."

Shui Qingying glanced at Ling Junyi again before saying, "It's unlikely. I'm afraid you won't be able to get past me, but..."

Madam Tie coldly asked, "But what?" Shui Qingying bit her lower lip with her fine white teeth and pondered, "I have a condition. I wonder if you agree?"

Madam Tie asked, "What condition do you have?"

Shui Qingying said, "You killed Han Zhankui, which is tantamount to killing a court official. It's an act of treason..."

Madam Tie shouted sharply, "Shut up!"

Shui Qingying said, "Madam Ling has quite a temper. You can wait until I finish speaking."

Madam Tie said, "Fine! Speak."

Shui Qingying continued, "But if you are avenging your husband or your father, you can treat it as revenge by ordinary martial artists. I can ignore it..." She was the director of the Black Dragon Society, sent from the capital. She had killed the leader of the Black Dragon Society, and she actually said she could let it go. Madam Tie, despite Rong Jingzong's experience in the martial world, couldn't immediately discern the truth from her expression! Shui Qingying continued, "Besides Rong Jingzong being the head of this association and having colluded with traitors, I cannot release him. As for you and your son, if Young Master Ling leaves behind this 'Li Long Pearl,' I will decide whether to let you leave this place safely and escape Kunyu Mountain. What do you say?" So, she was after the "Li Long Pearl"! Needless to say, her goal was the "Sun Cult Register" hidden in the cave beneath Black Dragon Pool, thus she could even disregard Han Zhankui's death. Of course, Han Zhankui was merely a traitor, unimportant. This revealed the true mission the capital had sent her to the Black Dragon Society, but how could she know that the Sun Cult Register had been destroyed by Ling Junyi?

As soon as she finished speaking, Rong Jingzong's eyes flashed, and he laughed loudly, "

If Director Shui can't let this old man go, then I don't need you to release him." Madam Tie waved her hand and said, "Please wait a moment, Steward Rong, allow me to answer her first."

Rong Jingzong repeatedly bowed and said, "What you say is true, Madam."

Madam Tie's face was frosty, and she slowly said, "Director Shui's idea is not bad."

Shui Qingying asked, "Has Madam Ling agreed?"

Madam Tie said, "Director Shui thinks that the lives of my son and me are more important than this bead? Is that right? But in my opinion, this bead is much more important than the lives of my son and me. Because this bead is related to the lives of millions of people across the country, therefore, my son and I will never easily hand over the bead unless Director Shui has the ability to take the bead away from us."

Shui Qingying was taken aback and said, "Madam Ling's..." "So, you're going to fight me?"

Madam Tie said coldly. "Today's situation is like an arrow on a bowstring; you probably have no choice but to fight, right?"

Shui Qingying nodded and said, "Alright."

Madam Tie said, "Director Shui, will you use a weapon or..."

Seeing that they were about to fight, Rong Jingzong chuckled and said, "Madam, please wait."

Madam Tie said, "What is it, Chief Steward Rong?"

Rong Jingzong said, "Madam, please forgive me. Just now, Director Shui believed that I was a traitor, a crime beyond reproach. I have endured humiliation and followed the traitor for twenty years. Now I want to solemnly tell Director Shui that I, Rong Jingzong, am a descendant of the Han Dynasty, a loyal believer of the Sun Church, and the chief steward of the Black Dragon Pool of the Anti-Qing and Restoration Black Dragon Society. I am not a member of the Black Dragon Society controlled by the Qing government's eagle claws. In the eyes of you eagle claws, I am already a traitor, so there is no need to say anything about me being a traitor."

Shui Qingying remained silent, but a cold glint flashed in her eyes, a murderous intent already lurking beneath. Rong Jingzong ignored her and continued, "Director Shui's identity is special; she's the director sent here by the capital. Director Shui has indicated she won't let me go, and to protect myself, I naturally must first test my skills against her. Therefore, in this contest between Madam and Director Shui, it's only right that

I and Director Shui go first." Shui Qingying's face was as cold as ice, and she sneered, "Very well, since you've admitted it all, as the director of the Black Dragon Society, I naturally have to fight you first." Saying this, she suddenly turned back and said, "Madam Ling, then please wait a moment." Her tone was arrogant, showing no regard for Rong Jingzong whatsoever.

Rong Jingzong had already exchanged blows with her and knew that her martial arts and internal strength were no less than his own, so he dared not underestimate her in the slightest. While she was speaking, he had already secretly gathered his strength and was on guard. Now,

he clasped his hands in a fist salute and said, "Then please, Director Shui, enlighten me." Shui Qingying glared at him and said coldly, "Director Rong, which do you think is more reliable: fists, palms, or weapons?"

Rong Jingzong said, "This old man will do as you please.

" Shui Qingying said, "Then let's have a fist and palm contest." She spoke so casually! Rong Jingzong snorted and said, "Director Shui, make your move."

Shui Qingying took two steps forward, brushed her hair aside, and said, "Then I shall presume." Suddenly, she swung her hand and struck out with her palm.

Rong Jingzong's green robe fluttered, and he dodged several feet away, his palms separating, swiftly counterattacking. Shui Qingying surprisingly did not block his palm strike; instead, she followed up with a series of strikes, attacking with attack. Madam Tie watched the two fighting intently, her face gradually showing surprise. She turned to him and asked, "Yi'er, if you were to fight her, do you think you have a chance of winning?"

Ling Junyi replied, "Her palm techniques and movements are extremely unpredictable. I'm confident I can kill her with one strike."

Madam Tie nodded and said, "If this woman isn't eliminated, she will surely become a great threat in the future."

Just then, a clear voice rang out from the midst of the fierce battle, shouting, "Stop!" She retreated several steps and stood still.

Rong Jingzong withdrew his palms and said in a loud voice, "Director Shui, what advice do you have for me?"

Shui Qingying asked, "Are you using the Kunyu 'Collection of Techniques'?"

Rong Jingzong replied, "I have no sect. I just use whatever I can get by. As long as it's enough, it doesn't matter whether it's a collection of techniques or not." Shui Qingying sneered, "The Kunyu 'Collection of Techniques,' even if it gathers the best martial arts techniques in the world and has a mysterious inner power, I don't believe it can't be broken. " Rong Jingzong laughed loudly, "Director Shui, then let's see if you can break it.

"

"

Shui Qingying coldly laughed, "I'll show you how it breaks." Suddenly, she unleashed three consecutive attacks with both palms.

Rong Jingzong shouted, "Well done!" He stood in a stance, palms facing his chest, and also struck out with three palms. This was a direct, head-on attack, and three soft "bangs" echoed as their palms met, neither giving an inch.

Shui Qingying sneered, unleashing five more palms in quick succession. The hidden force surged like a tide, wave after wave. Rong Jingzong was secretly astonished. How could a girl in her twenties possess such profound skill? Thinking this, he naturally couldn't back down. He immediately channeled his energy into his arms, exhaling sharply, his palms like giant axes, unleashing five consecutive palm strikes to meet the attack. This time, both sides poured their full strength into their palm strikes, creating a raging gale. The two palm forces collided in mid-air, producing five consecutive loud "thuds."

Rong Jingzong's white beard fluttered wildly, and his green robe billowed in the swirling wind. He was forced to take two steps back. In this instant, the difference in skill was revealed. Shui Qingying was, after all, just a young girl. No matter how high her martial arts skills were, her cultivation level was still lower than Rong Jingzong's. After being struck by these five palms, her once delicate and beautiful face turned deathly pale, and she staggered back four or five steps! Before she could catch her breath, her eyebrows suddenly furrowed, and a cold glint flashed in her phoenix eyes. Her killing intent intensified, and she coldly shouted, "Be careful!" Her left hand formed a hand seal, while her right hand, held upright like a knife, slowly thrust out.

Upon seeing her raise her palm, Rong Jingzong's expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed, "The Great Hand Seal of the Yoga School!"

Just then, Ling Junyi shouted, "Uncle Rong, retreat quickly! Let your nephew deal with this move!" With that shout, he flashed forward, blocking her path. He stood solemnly a foot away from Shui Qingying, his left palm sinking and his right palm standing upright, remotely covering Shui Qingying, about to unleash the Buddhist ultimate palm technique, the "Muni Mudra."

Suddenly, a powerful voice came from the distant horizon, shouting, "Disciple, you mustn't!" The voice cut through the air, seemingly from a great distance, yet as clear as if speaking directly to someone.

Ling Junyi was startled and quickly withdrew his palm strike, looking up and calling out, "It's Master!" The

"Muni Mudra" is a powerful Buddhist technique for subduing evil, its power unparalleled. Although Ling Junyi hadn't yet unleashed his palm strike, his posture was like a fully drawn bow, ready to be released. His entire body's true energy was already concentrated, and within a few feet in front of him, an invisible potential energy, seemingly soft yet actually strong, filled the area. Shui Qingying's "Great Handprint," though launched slowly, possessed a tremendous force that crashed down like a mountain. When the "Great Handprint" struck Ling Junyi, it was like water hitting a dam, crashing into an invisible potential energy. Despite its fierce momentum, it was completely blocked and could not advance any further. Shui Qingying's palm strike was blocked, and she immediately felt a warning. She sensed an invisible, powerful force blocking her "Great Handprint" palm strike, and was secretly startled. She thought, "I once heard the Grand Master say that the 'Great Handprint' is the supreme divine skill of Yoga, indestructible, and no other palm strike in the world can compare to it. What kind of martial art is he using? It seems he didn't even unleash his palm strike before stopping."

"Who did he call? Master?" It turned out she hadn't heard the distant shout; it was a "thousand-mile sound transmission," only audible to Ling Junyi. Of course, Madam Tie and Rong Jingzong also didn't hear it, but everyone heard Ling Junyi's words, "It's Master."

Madam Tie looked surprised and asked, "Yi'er, did you say the Master has also come?" This question was asked using a "secret sound transmission."

Ling Junyi nodded and replied telepathically, "Yes, just as I was about to use the 'Muni Mudra,' I heard my master say, 'You mustn't.'"

Madam Tie said, "That's strange."

Shui Qingying had already stopped her attack in time, staring at Ling Junyi, and said coldly, "Since you were acting on behalf of Rong Jingzong, why did you stop halfway through?" Although her face was cold, her clear, watery eyes contained a hint of tenderness, revealing a question: it seemed to say, "Was your move able to break the 'Great Handprint,' showing me mercy and not wanting to embarrass me, right?" "In this world, only a girl's eyes can speak, revealing her true feelings, but only beautiful girls can do that.

Ling Junyi's experience told him that Shui Qingying's light and graceful eyes were a silent whisper, her brows conveying a clear message to his face! He suddenly felt a chill, looked up at Shui Qingying, and couldn't think of anything appropriate to say for a moment. After hesitating for a while, he said, 'Didn't Director Shui also stop halfway through?' This was a perfunctory answer; he didn't want to reveal that his master had stopped him from striking with 'telepathic communication.'"

Shui Qingying blinked her pretty eyes and said, "Tell me, what kind of skill did you just use?"

Ling Junyi naturally refused to tell the truth, and smiled faintly, "I'm sorry, but this move of mine has no name."

Shui Qingying's expression changed slightly, and she snorted coldly, "Why don't you just say you don't want to tell me? Fine, don't tell me then, who cares?" Before Ling Junyi could speak, she continued, "Since you rushed out, you naturally want to fight me. We'll have to settle this once and for all."

Ling Junyi said arrogantly, "I'll do as Director Shui commands."

Shui Qingying said, "I've heard your swordsmanship is quite good. How about we compare our weapons?"

Ling Junyi said, "Director Shui, just name your terms, and I'll gladly oblige."

Shui Qingying glared at him fiercely, and said with her cherry lips, "You're very arrogant."

Ling Junyi replied, "I wouldn't dare, it's always been this way." Shui Qingying beckoned to the young woman in green standing behind her. The young woman immediately presented her with two swords, one on each side. Shui Qingying drew the swords, and with a clang, the three-foot-long blades gleamed with a cold light—they were two extremely thin longswords.

She separated her hands, holding the two swords, and gracefully took a few steps forward, coldly saying, "Ling Junyi, why don't you draw your weapons?" Ling Junyi smiled arrogantly, and with a clang, drew the Heaven-Slaying Sword.

Shui Qingying's gaze fell upon it, and she couldn't help but praise, "A fine sword."

Ling Junyi, sword in hand, neither removed his long robe nor adopted any airs, but simply cupped his hands casually, saying, "Director Shui, please."

The more casual his cupped hands, the more unrestrained and aloof he appeared! Shui Qingying, holding the two swords, was momentarily stunned. After all, she was a girl; who wouldn't be moved by a handsome young man? After a long pause, she suddenly blushed and asked, "Why don't you take off your long robe?"

Ling Junyi smiled nonchalantly and said, "It's alright."

Shui Qingying said again, "This is a sword fight. Swords have no eyes. Aren't you afraid I'll gain an advantage?"

Ling Junyi said, "It's alright." He said "It's alright" a couple of times.

Shui Qingying pouted and said, "You're very arrogant." With a flick of her wrists, two extremely thin longswords drew two large sword flowers. But she did not make a move. The two swords remained in front of her chest, and she said coldly, "Ling Junyi, do you want me to make the first move?"

Ling Junyi said, "Please, Director Shui."

A murderous intent suddenly flashed in Shui Qingying's beautiful eyes, and she replied, "Alright."

As soon as she said "Alright," her right hand moved swiftly, and the longsword suddenly flashed with two sword lights, cold and sharp as lightning, shooting towards her! Ling Junyi took a half step back, and the Yitian Sword was already in his left hand, the tip of the sword pointing upwards, slashing forward. The Yitian Sword was a full four feet long, a foot longer than an ordinary longsword. So, before Shui Qingying's sword could even reach him, a loud "clang" rang out, and it struck squarely! It turned out that Shui Qingying's double-edged sword was also a precious blade; otherwise, this strike would have sliced off one of its tips. The two swords clashed, and Shui Qingying sneered. Her figure blurred, like a fish swimming against the current, instantly closing in on Ling Junyi's right side. With a flick of her left wrist, her sword flashed towards his right ribs.

Her movements and swordsmanship were incredibly swift. Rong Jingzong, watching from the sidelines, was greatly surprised and cried out, "Young Master Ling, be careful!" Before his words even finished, the situation had already changed! It turned out that after Ling Junyi deflected Shui Qingying's right-hand sword with his left hand, Shui Qingying closed in on his right side, and he also returned the Yitian Sword to his right hand, his wrist sinking as he slashed downwards. "Clang!" Another metallic clang rang

out. Shui Qingying's lightning-fast thrust was once again blocked. But she was indeed formidable. With a light spin, she was already facing Ling Junyi. Her right hand, holding the longsword, shrunk back before striking again, drawing a silver arc as it slashed horizontally at her right waist. Ling Junyi seemed to be showing off, switching the longsword from his right hand to his left to block Shui Qingying's sword aimed at his left shoulder, then switching it back to his right to deflect the horizontal slash at his right waist. This move, though easy to describe, required precise timing and speed beyond Shui Qingying's ability to counter both attacks. Two sounds, "clang" and "bang," rang out almost simultaneously. The "clang" was the tip of Ling Junyi's right sword, blocking the tip of Shui Qingying's thrust. The "bang" was Ling Junyi's left hand, his wrist sinking as the spine of the sword struck the blade of Shui Qingying's horizontal slash.

Two clear sounds rang out, and Shui Qingying's twin swords trembled, causing her to involuntarily take a step back. Suddenly, she sheathed her swords and retreated five feet, staring at Ling Junyi, and coldly said, "You are indeed very skilled."

Ling Junyi replied, "Director Shui is too kind.

" Shui Qingying said, "Then why did you only defend and not attack?"

Ling Junyi said, "Director Shui's swordsmanship is incredibly fast. It's already quite good that I could block it; how could I have a chance to retaliate?"

Shui Qingying smiled, a sweet smile, and said, "So you can be modest after all." Suddenly, her smile vanished, and she coldly said, "Now that we've started fighting, we need to determine who's better. Be careful." With that shout, she charged forward, her twin swords flashing, a flurry of cold light flying towards them. This time, her twin swords flew in a circle, thrusting left and slashing right, parrying right and parrying left, each strike faster than the last, swift and fierce, unleashing eighteen strikes in one breath.

Ling Junyi didn't rush into an attack. He switched the Yitian Sword to his left hand and used the "Bodhidharma Reverse Sword" technique, prioritizing the sword's movement and employing a mix of feints and real attacks. Each strike was never fully utilized, concealing hidden variations, combining defense and offense with defense, executed with exquisite skill. Because he used the sword with his backhand, Shui Qingying found it even more difficult to discern his attack and defense strategies. As the fight intensified, azure light swirled and silver threads danced in the air, sword light intertwined, merging and separating in an instant, the wind from the swords whipping and the sound like tearing silk. It was impossible to distinguish friend from foe. After another twenty or thirty moves, neither had gained the upper hand! Shui Qingying's fair face turned crimson from the fighting. Her swordsmanship suddenly changed. She moved like a butterfly flitting among flowers, gracefully dancing, her two swords becoming increasingly swift, like lightning, unpredictable and ever-changing, striking whenever an opening appeared! Ling Junyi paused for a moment, and Shui Qingying seized the opportunity, piercing through his blue robe sleeve with a swift sword strike. Ling Junyi was greatly surprised, and at the same time, he witnessed Shui Qingying's unparalleled speed and unpredictable swordsmanship, which was indeed formidable.

"If I want to defeat her, I must use the 'Flying Dragon Sword Technique'." In a flash, he let out a long roar, and his body followed the movement of his sword. A hazy blue sword light, as swift as a dragon, soared into the air. Shui

Qingying did not expect that Ling Junyi, who was in the middle of the battle, would suddenly take to the air. She let out a soft hum, tapped her feet, and with a slash of her two swords, her body moved like a flying phoenix, gracefully taking to the air! Ling Junyi used the "Divine Dragon Emerging from the Clouds" technique. When he was three zhang in the air, he turned around, flicked his wrist, and unleashed a sword strike. A sword light exploded in an instant, turning into a rain of swords, their cold light flowing and scattering down.

Shui Qingying leaped into the air, just in time to meet Ling Junyi's sword strike. Mid-air, she remained calm and composed, her two swords flashing, she moved like a white phoenix, her two silver swords like two silver wings, dancing gracefully. One was as agile as a swimming dragon, the other as graceful as a flying phoenix. Both sword strikes were equally swift as lightning, and a series of clear, melodious "clangs" rang out in mid-air.

Rong Jingzong's thin face paled in astonishment, and he exclaimed, "Strange! She's using the 'Flying Phoenix Sword Technique'!" Seeing that Shui Qingying could actually withstand her family's "Three Flying Dragon Swords," Madam Tie's expression naturally changed. Hearing Rong Jingzong mention the "Flying Phoenix Sword Technique," she couldn't help but ask, "Flying Phoenix Sword Technique? How come I've never heard of it?"

Rong Jingzong shook his head slightly and said, "The Flying Phoenix Sword Technique was created by the Snow Mountain Nun in the past. The Nun and the Princess were close friends outside the secular world. How could her disciples serve the Qing court..."

Madam Tie said, "I think she's a Manchu."

Rong Jingzong stroked his white beard, nodded, and said, "I've had this suspicion for a long time."

Ling Junyi and Shui Qingying exchanged sword strikes in mid-air, both falling to the ground. Shui Qingying had barely touched the ground before, before Ling Junyi could even regain his footing, she let out a sharp cry, her sword flashing like the wind, rushing straight at him. Ling Junyi's anger flared. He paused, then leaped into the air again, this time only about ten feet high, avoiding Shui Qingying's attack, and immediately swooped down to strike. Shui Qingying's twin swords missed their mark, and she flew off the ground.

Ling Junyi, high above, unleashed a sword strike resembling "Thunder God Splitting Wood," chasing after her. Shui Qingying flew about ten feet away, then suddenly turned, crossing her twin swords to block Ling Junyi's incoming attack. Ling Junyi, his sword preceding his attack, was immediately blocked by Shui Qingying's twin swords. Enraged, before even landing, he immediately unleashed the "Great Vajra Heart Technique," channeling his energy into his right arm, causing his sword to sink downwards.

Because Ling Junyi was in mid-air, Shui Qingying had blocked his sword. If she could just draw one of her swords before he hit the ground, she could easily strike. Even if she couldn't kill him, she could cut off his feet, stab him in the abdomen, or at least stab him in the thigh. "Hmph! Let's see if you can still fight me then!" Just as she was secretly pleased with her plan, she suddenly felt Ling Junyi's sword strike sink downwards, heavier than a thousand pounds, pressing down on her twin swords. Her arms could barely support her weight, let alone draw her swords. Her fair face turned from pale to red, and sweat beaded on her forehead. Her hands, gripping the crossed swords, trembled slightly, and she began to sink further! If she couldn't withstand this blow, she might be cleaved in two.

Just then, she suddenly felt an immense pressure vanish. Taking advantage of the momentum from her longsword striking Shui Qingying's twin swords, Ling Junyi somersaulted away. Clearly, he had held back. Shui Qingying was furious, almost to the point of tears. She had practiced swordsmanship since childhood, her "Flying Phoenix Sword Technique" renowned throughout the martial world, believing herself invincible. But today, she had been defeated twice by Ling Junyi. She gritted her teeth, then without a word, lunged forward, her body soaring off the ground, her twin swords flashing as she launched a fierce attack on Ling Junyi. This time, Shui Qingying, true to her girlish nature, pounced fiercely, determined to riddle Ling Junyi with holes.

Ling Junyi, in turn, unleashed his swordsmanship, wielding his Heaven-Slaying Sword with the agility of a dragon, his entire body wreathed in azure light, the sword energy hissing. The two fought again, each unleashing their most powerful techniques, even more dangerous and fierce than before. The three longswords intertwined, sometimes transforming into two sharp streaks that shot straight into the sky; sometimes into two light clouds that spread flat on the ground; sometimes like phoenixes dancing in the air; sometimes like butterflies fluttering among the flowers.

Before long, the two had exchanged over a hundred blows. Ling Junyi, using the "Nine Forms of Flying Dragon"—a name he himself had chosen, since the first three moves were called "Three Swords of Flying Dragon"—gradually became more proficient. In the midst of the fierce battle, a loud "clang" resounded, the sword light vanished, and the two figures separated! Shui Qingying, her hair disheveled, her face ashen, glanced at the ground, then suddenly sheathed her swords, uttering a low shout, "Go." Without another word, she turned and left. On the ground, a strand of black hair remained—the very hair Ling Junyi had sliced off with that sword strike. No wonder her face was so pale, and she was about to lead her men away.

Madam Tie coldly said, "Director Shui, are you just going to leave like this?"

Shui Qingying, who had already turned around, stopped abruptly and turned back, saying, "What do you intend to do?"

Rong Jingzong chuckled and said, "As the director of the Black Dragon Society, Director Shui shouldn't just leave like this, should she?"

Shui Qingying's face was full of anger, her eyebrows raised, and she sneered, "I'll leave if I want to. Can you stop me?"

Madam Tie drew her sword with a clang and said coldly, "In today's situation, if we can't stop you, we'll have to leave ourselves."

Shui Qingying said, "Very well..."

Just then, a hoarse voice came from afar, saying, "Miss Shui, you can just leave." Madam Tie and Ling Junyi were both startled. Who else could this voice be but Master Bu Tong?

Shui Qingying showed slight surprise, looked up at the sky, and asked, "Who are you?"

The voice said, "You don't need to ask who I am. You have your own business to attend to. Don't act rashly. Go quickly." Shui Qingying glanced at Madam Tie a few times, slowly sheathed her sword, and turned to leave. The four young women in green and the eight men in green standing on either side of her followed her slowly away.

Madam Tie, knowing that the old voice that spoke was Ling Junyi's master, the Reverse Hand Tathagata, naturally didn't dare to stop them and let them leave. However, she couldn't help but look up at the sky and ask, "Who are you...?"

The voice laughed and said, "Madam, you don't need to ask any more questions. You should leave now." As it spoke the last word, the voice faded into the distance.

Ling Junyi said, "Why has Master repeatedly stepped forward to speak for Shui Qingying?"

Madam Tie said, "Master's actions may have other intentions."

Rong Jingzong said, "Was the one who spoke in the voice just now your master, young master?" Madam Tie nodded slightly.

Rong Jingzong stroked his white beard and suddenly sighed, "This woman's martial arts are so high that they are rarely seen in the world. If we don't get rid of her today, I'm afraid there will be endless trouble in the future."

Madam Tie said, "Master's repeated defense of her must have a reason." "If there were truly endless troubles ahead, I don't think the master would have asked us to release her." He then looked up at the sky and continued, "Yi'er, your aunt said on her deathbed that the Peony and Peony groups each had a map and were supposed to meet at Black Dragon Pool around dawn, but they haven't been seen. They may have encountered a powerful enemy along the way. Your aunt is very worried and wants you to find a way to go and rescue them." Ling Junyi replied, "Yes."

Madam Tie continued, "From what Han Zhankui said, the secret passage in the mountain has been altered in several places. If they follow the map your aunt drew, they will automatically enter the deadly area without anyone lifting a finger. I think Uncle Rong must know the route. You can go with Uncle Rong now to rescue the two groups of Baihua Gang members."

Ling Junyi asked, "Where is Mother? You old lady..."

Madam Tie said, "I have other business to attend to. You will meet them and break through the Qinglong and Feilong Halls. You can then take Mudan and Shaoyao to the Yuegu Temple to see me." Ling Junyi replied, "Yes."

Madam Tie bowed to Rong Jingzong and said, "Chief Steward Rong, I'll have to trouble you then." Rong Jingzong

hurriedly clasped his hands and said, "Madam, if you have business to attend to, please go ahead." Madam Tie didn't say anything more, leaped up, and ran away quickly.

Rong Jingzong said, "Young Master Ling, we should be going now."

Ling Junyi asked, "Which is closer to us, the Azure Dragon Hall or the Flying Dragon Hall? And what about the people I brought..."

Rong Jingzong smiled and said, "The Azure Dragon Hall is naturally closer. It's the inner hall of the three halls, located to the left of the main hall, hence its name. We'll go to the Azure Dragon Hall to rescue the people first, and then head to the Flying Dragon Hall; it's on the same route. As for the people who came with you, I've already instructed them to wait in a safe place. I'll send Xiao Tao to inform them to rendezvous."

Ling Junyi added, "Then thank you, sir. I have another matter to ask you, Elder Rong."

Rong Jingzong said, "Young Master..." "What do you want to ask?"

Ling Junyi said, "Two of my friends were mistaken for members of the Hundred Flowers Gang by the Black Dragon Society and captured

. I don't know where they are being held." Rong Jingzong stroked his beard and said, "A few days ago, I did hear that the Flying Dragon Hall captured three women who were members of the Hundred Flowers Gang. Anyone brought to this mountain is naturally imprisoned in the main hall."

Ling Junyi said, "Uncle Rong, shall we go to the main hall to rescue them?"

Rong Jingzong said, "The prisoners are not in the main hall, but in a mountain behind the Azure Dragon Hall. This road is where the group that attacked the Azure Dragon Hall fell into the trap." As he spoke, they had already returned to Black Dragon Pool.

Ling Junyi asked curiously, "Uncle Rong, we're back at Black Dragon Pool again."

Rong Jingzong smiled and said, "The three halls of the Black Dragon Society are all located inside the mountain, only Black Dragon Pool is outside. But this place is surrounded by towering cliffs, cut off from the outside world. If we want to get out, we naturally have to come back here." He stroked his white beard and laughed, "Besides, it's almost noon now. Let's eat something before we go. Moreover, I have seven or eight people here, including Xiao Tao. They have served me for many years. I won't be coming back after I leave this place, so these people should all be dismissed."

Ling Junyi said, "Uncle Rong is right." Rong Jingzong led the way, heading west. Before long, they saw a cave made of stacked rocks at the foot of the cliff. The cave entrance was tall and several feet deep and wide. Because of the sunlight, it wasn't too dark. In the middle, there were two rows of stone tables and chairs, and on the left and right walls, there was a doorway on each side.

Rong Jingzong led Ling Junyi into the stone cave, paused, and turned to the four black-clad swordsmen, instructing, "Go and have lunch, then tidy yourselves up and gather here again. Follow me out." The four swordsmen bowed and acknowledged the order, then withdrew.

Rong Jingzong turned back and said, "Young Master Ling, please follow me." He then strode towards a doorway on the right.

Ling Junyi followed behind him, stepping through the stone door. Rong Jingzong had already reached into his robes and taken out a delicate fire tube, lighting it with a "snap." This was naturally a passageway, but the stone walls on both sides were carved quite smoothly, more than three feet wide, allowing two people to walk side by side. The two moved very quickly, and in no time, they reached the end of the passageway. Rong Jingzong stepped forward, pressed his hand against the wall, and a doorway appeared in the stone wall with a thud! The two entered the stone chamber, where a maid in green, Xiao Tao, greeted them with a bow, saying, "The steward is back?"

Rong Jingzong asked, "Is breakfast ready?"

Xiao Tao replied, "The kitchen staff just came to ask if lunch should be sent. Since the head steward hasn't returned yet, I asked them to wait a bit before sending it."

Rong Jingzong nodded and said, "Alright! Have the kitchen prepare some dishes and wine and send them inside. I have something else to tell you." Xiao Tao agreed and turned to leave. Rong Jingzong led Ling Junyi to the stone wall, pushed open the trapdoor, and they went inside together. They had returned to the secret room where they had talked the night before.

Rong Jingzong raised his hand and said, "Young Master Ling, please sit down. You haven't slept all night. You might as well rest a bit here."

Ling Junyi said, "This junior is not tired." The two sat down on the stone couch across a low table.

Rong Jingzong asked, "You entered the cave at the bottom of the pool last night. What happened? Could you tell me about it?"

Ling Junyi replied, "I was just about to report to you, sir." He then recounted how he entered the cave, how he destroyed the [Sun Sect Register], and the sword technique left by Master Chongyang, which consisted of twelve moves. He had already mastered the first nine moves, but the last three moves were all the same seated posture, which he could not understand at the time. He explained them in detail.

Rong Jingzong listened attentively until he finished speaking, then stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly, saying, "It's good that it's destroyed. My only wish has finally been fulfilled. Hmm! You said that three of the sword techniques left by Master Chongyang are seated postures. Those are very likely the most superior methods of cultivating sword energy. Young master, once you've mastered the first nine moves, why not try sitting down according to the postures in the mural?"

Ling Junyi said, "What you say is absolutely right, old man."

Just then, the stone door opened, and Xiao Tao entered carrying a food box. She placed the wine and dishes on the stone table and bowed, saying, "Steward..." "Please have some food and wine with this young master." Rong Jingzong nodded and said, "You don't need to serve me here anymore. Go and eat! After the meal, have the kitchen staff tidy up and wait in the front to come with me. Also, send someone to inform the young master's people to meet at Yuegu Temple."

Xiao Tao asked in surprise, "Is the steward leaving?"

Rong Jingzong said, "No need to ask. Everyone is leaving this place. Go and tidy up and await my instructions."

Xiao Tao looked at Rong Jingzong in surprise, lowered her head and said, "This servant obeys." She turned and left.

Rong Jingzong stood up and said, "Young Master Ling, come, come, let's not be polite, have a bite to eat." Ling Junyi had something on his mind, so he didn't stand on ceremony. The two sat down opposite each other and quickly finished eating. Xiao Tao pushed open the door and brought in two plates of fragrant tea, then came to clear away the dishes.

Rong Jingzong said, "Xiao Tao, you'd better hurry and pack your things, we have to go soon."

Xiao Tao replied, "This servant has nothing to pack except a few clothes."

Rong Jingzong took a sip of tea and nodded, "Alright, then we'll be leaving." Xiao Tao turned and went out, and soon returned carrying a small bundle, with a short sword tucked at her waist.

Rong Jingzong stood up and said, "Young Master Ling, let's go."

Ling Junyi also stood up. The three of them walked out of the secret chamber. Rong Jingzong glanced back at the stone chamber and sighed, "I've been serving the Black Dragon Society since I was in my twenties, under my master's orders, and have lived here for nearly forty years. Now that I have to leave, I feel truly reluctant." As he spoke, he stepped out of the stone chamber and walked into the passageway.

Back in the front stone chamber, four black-clad swordsmen, five other men, and two old women, each carrying a bundle on their shoulders, stood there. Upon seeing the steward, they all bowed in respect. Rong Jingzong pushed open the middle stone door, pulled out a large pile of silver, and casually distributed it to everyone, giving each person two hundred taels. Then he said, "Leave this place and go your separate ways to make a living. From now on, you must not mention the Black Dragon Society again." He then instructed, "Lu Congyi, you can escort them out and wait for me at the Yuegu Temple." A black-clad swordsman bowed and replied, "Yes."

Xiao Tao suddenly knelt down, kowtowing repeatedly, saying, "Master Steward, I was sent to the mountains when I was young. I don't know my parents' background and have nowhere to go. I'm willing to serve you, Master Steward. Please, Master Steward, don't let me leave."

Rong Jingzong saw her tears streaming down her face and felt a pang of pity. He shook his head and said, "If I leave this place, I will no longer be the Master Steward, and the Qing court will not let me go. How can you follow me? You should..."

Xiao Tao kowtowed and said, "Once we leave this mountain, I will treat you as my grandfather. Please, please allow me to follow you."

Rong Jingzong also felt that Xiao Yao was a young woman with no one to rely on, and it was not easy for her to make a living. So he waved to Lu Congyi and said, "Take them away." Lu Congyi agreed and led the others towards the stone gate on the left. Seeing that Rong Jingzong had agreed, Xiao Tao kowtowed several more times before standing up.

Rong Jingzong said, "Pan Jiwu, Wu Suizhi, and Qi Tuhao, you may accompany me. No matter who we encounter on the road, you are not to attack without my orders." The three black-clad swordsmen bowed and replied, "Yes."

Rong Jingzong then turned to Ling Junyi and said, "Young Master Ling, please." He then walked towards a stone gate on the left. This was naturally a narrow path. The path was quite wide and flat; needless to say, it led to the Azure Dragon Hall.

Rong Jingzong led the way, with Ling Junyi close behind, and Xiao Tao and the three black-clad swordsmen following behind. No one spoke; they simply ran quickly. After walking about half a mile, the path came to an end. Rong Jingzong suddenly slowed his pace. Ling Junyi knew what was happening and thought to himself, "We're probably almost at the Azure Dragon Hall." Just as this thought crossed his mind, he saw Rong Jingzong stop and raise his hand to press against the stone wall opposite him. With a soft creaking sound, a doorway opened in the wall.

Rong Jingzong, arms crossed, walked slowly towards it, stopping to let Ling Junyi, Xiao Tao, and the three black-clad swordsmen file out. He then pressed his hands against the wall twice, and as the stone door closed, he suddenly slammed his palms against the spot where he had pressed. A loud "boom" resounded, causing sand and stones to fall from the cave ceiling. Rong Jingzong turned back and said, "I have damaged the mechanism that opens the door to the Black Dragon Pool; it can no longer be opened."

Rong Jingzong then walked to the right wall, pressed his ear against it, and listened intently for a while. Then he turned and slowly walked to the opposite wall, similarly pressing his ear against it and listening carefully. Seeing his actions, Ling Junyi recalled his own arrival and knew that there must be a hidden door in each of the two walls. After listening for a while, Rong Jingzong suddenly stepped forward with his left foot against the wall, and his right hand pushed forward. As expected, it was a movable door. With a push, the stone door creaked open.

Rong Jingzong turned around and said, "Young Master Ling, please wait. This is a flip-door. Wait until I go in before you push it open." As soon as he finished speaking, he stepped inside, and the stone door flipped open. Ling Junyi did as he was told and pushed the door open, and then the group followed. Inside the stone door was, of course, another passage, only narrower than the outer passage, and just as dark and gloomy.

Rong Jingzong held a delicate fire tube in his left hand and his right palm held upright against his chest. He turned around and said in a low voice, "This is already the ambush site set up by the Azure Dragon Hall. I don't know much about it. If we go in any further, we may be attacked at any time. Young Master, you should hold the 'Dragon Pearl' in your hand. If necessary, you can conceal its light to avoid being ambushed. It's best to have your sword in hand as well, so you don't have to draw it at the last minute." Seeing his solemn expression, Ling Junyi obeyed and took off the "

Dragon Pearl," holding it in his palm. Because the passageway was narrow, he couldn't wield the Heaven-Slaying Sword, so he drew a short sword from his side. Xiao Tao and the three black-clad swordsmen also drew their longswords. The mountain passageway was not only dark but also extremely silent! The clanging sounds of swords being drawn, though not loud, were clearly audible even from a distance.

Suddenly, a loud shout echoed: "Who goes there?"

Rong Jingzong coldly replied, "This old man." His voice was deep and powerful; the two words carried on, creating a buzzing sound. The one who had shouted fell silent.

Rong Jingzong didn't extinguish the fire in his hand, turning back and saying, "Everyone, follow me." He strode forward.

They walked very quickly, but after only an arrow's length, they suddenly heard the man shout again: "Why don't you stop?"

A streak of fire, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound, shot towards them. With a deafening boom, it landed eight or nine feet in front of Rong Jingzong, instantly exploding into a raging inferno. This was a specially made fire arrow, its flames extremely intense; the burst of fire completely blocked the three-foot-wide path. Through the flames, a man in blue robes appeared, asking in a deep voice, "Who comes?"

Rong Jingzong had no choice but to stop, coldly snorting, "Brother Tang, don't you even recognize this old man?"

The man in blue robes was slightly taken aback, saying, "Could it be Chief Steward Rong?" Although the two were less than three zhang apart, the raging flames between them made it impossible to see each other's faces clearly.

Rong Jingzong replied, "Indeed, it is this old man."

Upon hearing this, the man in blue robes realized it was indeed Rong Jingzong, the Chief Steward of Black Dragon Pool, a position equal to that of the Third Hall Master. He dared not be negligent and hurriedly clasped his hands in a fist and bow, saying, "This humble servant was unaware of General Rong's arrival and has been disrespectful. Please forgive me." With that, a "whoosh" sound was heard, and the flames before him instantly vanished without a trace of smoke.

Rong Jingzong secretly praised, "This man's skill with firearms is truly remarkable." But upon hearing the other's words, he was greatly surprised, thinking, "Shui Qingying has been defeated at Lion's Mouth for almost half an hour. She should have already issued orders to be on high alert. Now, judging from Tang Jincheng's tone, it seems he doesn't know I've rebelled?" His thoughts raced, and he slowly walked over, saying, "Brother Tang, are you in charge of the defenses here?"

Tang Jincheng replied, "This humble servant is here to assist Brother Yang."

Rong Jingzong asked, "Where is Master Yang Zhi?"

Tang Jincheng said, "This humble servant is merely guarding the gate; Brother Yang is still inside."

Rong Jingzong slowly walked to him and stopped, saying... "I was ordered to capture them," said Rong Jingzong. "I wonder who is trapped inside?"

Tang Jincheng replied, "There aren't many, but their martial arts are all formidable. They seem to be the leader of the Hundred Flowers Gang. However, we can only say we've trapped them; we can't capture them alive yet..."

Rong Jingzong nodded and said, "Very good. Let me take a look."

Tang Jincheng looked troubled, glanced at Rong Jingzong, and said, "I have received an order from Director Shui that everyone must have a purple-gold token to pass. Director Rong..."

Rong Jingzong didn't wait for him to finish speaking, and said with a slight smile, "Director Shui sent me here to capture them. How could I not have brought a token? Here! Brother Tang, take this and see clearly." He stretched out his left hand and offered it to him.

Tang Jincheng, unsuspecting of a trap, repeatedly replied "Yes," and respectfully reached out to receive it. But before he could even extend his hand, he suddenly felt a tightness in his right wrist. Rong Jingzong's five steel-hook-like fingers had gripped him tightly! Startled, Tang Jincheng stammered, "Chief Steward Rong..."

Knowing the man was armed with firearms, Rong Jingzong grabbed his wrist, instantly channeling his inner energy into his five fingers. He chuckled, "Brother Tang, no need for further words. Follow me inside." He strode forward.

With his right wrist held, Tang Jincheng had no chance to struggle and could only follow, saying, "Chief Steward Rong, please release me. I will lead the way."

Rong Jingzong coldly replied, "Tang Jincheng, I don't buy that. You and Yang Zhigao are both Qing Dynasty lackeys who came from Beijing with Shui Qingying. Come with me obediently, and I might spare your lives."

Tang Jincheng sensed something amiss in Rong Jingzong's tone and was even more alarmed. Sweat beaded on his face as he stammered, "Chief Steward Rong, you are overthinking it. I wouldn't dare." As they spoke, they arrived before a stone wall.

Rong Jingzong stopped and asked, "Are there any Qinglong Hall guards inside this stone gate?"

Tang Jincheng replied, "I was dispatched just before dawn to guard this gate. Anyone who tries to break through is to be killed without exception. As for what's inside, I have no idea." Rong Jingzong

turned his head and asked, "Are you telling the truth?"

Tang Jincheng said, "Everything I said is the truth."

Rong Jingzong said, "Good. Young Master Ling, please press the 'Dumb Gate' and 'Phoenix Tail' acupoints for me." The "Dumb Gate" is where the vocal cords are located; pressing this point will prevent him from speaking. The "Phoenix Tail" is located at the scapular crease diagonally from the armpit; it is a double acupoint. Pressing this point will cripple the arm, rendering it immobile.

Tang Jincheng exclaimed in surprise, "Chief Steward..." Before he could finish speaking, Ling Junyi had already swiftly pressed three acupoints on him.

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