Chapter 135 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 135: Assassin

Chapter 135 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 135: Assassin

Translator: Lynn

Luckily, Xu Ziqing had honed his skills in the Five Elements Wind Gust for an extensive period of time, enabling him to react with remarkable speed to external threats. Almost instantly perceiving the chill, he deftly flipped his palms and wielded the steel wooden sword with a reversed grip, positioning it protectively in front of his neck.

A resounding clash reverberated as their weapons collided, effectively blocking the attack from a hair’s breadth away.

Appearing caught off guard by Xu Ziqing’s evasion, the slender assailant exhibited a momentary lapse, granting Xu Ziqing an opening.

Always being on the defensive was not Xu Ziqing’s style.

A swift realization coursed through Xu Ziqing’s being, and he executed a forceful thrust, propelling the sword’s tip to burst forth with a thunderous boom.

Brilliance dazzled and surged, accompanied by howling gusts, as overwhelming momentum enveloped the area. Within the sword’s wake, an aura reminiscent of unbridled infernos raged, scorching everything in its path.

Undoubtedly a skilled adversary, the initially bewildered, skinny man quickly regained his composure when confronted with the glint of the blade. He executed a wrist flick, and his rapier, akin to a venomous serpent, darted forth with a peculiar, unpredictable arc. Ne/w novel chapters are published on no/vel(/bin(.)co/m

Maintaining his composure, Xu Ziqing slightly adjusted his stance while transitioning his sword maneuver. In the blink of an eye, his technique transformed from forceful to supple, akin to ethereal vines that ensnared the venomous serpent, encircling it twice to defuse its impending strike.

Though confined to the four foundational sword techniques, Xu Ziqing’s capacity to read his adversary’s movements allowed him to anticipate their assault. While the skinny man showcased impressive swordsmanship, Xu Ziqing’s indomitable spirit remained unfazed.

Following consecutive exchanges of fierce strikes, the skinny man relinquished his arrogance, recognizing Xu Ziqing’s prowess.

Initially perceiving Xu Ziqing as a mere novice, possibly propelled by his association with the newly ascended Master Yun, the skinny man had assumed Xu Ziqing’s skills were unremarkable. However, Xu Ziqing’s displayed swordsmanship was far from ordinary. The skinny man pondered whether the tales surrounding the genuine Chu He were mere fabrications designed to obscure the fact that he had been cultivated by the true Master Yun.

Contemplating this possibility, a surge of murderous intent enveloped the skinny man. If his hypothesis held true, Xu Ziqing’s fate was sealed. Agile as a spirit serpent, he contorted his form and unleashed a cascade of attacks, each split into multiple sword shadows, ensnaring Xu Ziqing from all angles.

Have you ever wondered why this slender man, Pan Hong, holds such intense animosity towards Yun Lie? It’s not baseless.

This wiry individual goes by the name Pan Hong, and he possesses grand aspirations. However, it’s unfortunate that he began as a casual cultivator, eventually working his way into the outer ranks of the Wuling Immortal Sect through immense hardships. After years of careful scheming, he managed to secure a place within the inner sect. Regrettably, his aptitude only falls slightly above average, and his entry into the inner sect was belated, causing him to be categorized as an ordinary disciple. With no genuine master willing to mentor him, his self-regard refused to accept this fate.

Pan Hong, being far from reticent, didn’t acquiesce to this situation. Within the inner sect, he divided his time between diligent practice and plotting his ascent. As his cultivation progressed, his ambitions and ruthlessness grew in tandem. Gradually, he forged alliances, positioning himself as a “cleaner” for influential insiders who preferred discretion, consequently amassing considerable benefits.

With familiarity came insight into the illustrious disciples’ dynamics. Observing individuals less qualified than himself reap generous resources due to their influential connections frustrated Pan Hong. In response, he embarked on a path of disparagement, aligning himself with the disgruntled and murmuring disapproval about the esteemed disciples. In this chorus of criticism, Yun Lie’s name arose repeatedly.

The narrative triggered a vivid memory for Pan Hong.

Rumor held that Yun Lie, despite possessing only dual spiritual roots, marginally exceeded Pan Hong in terms of potential. Yet, fortune smiled upon Yun Lie. Anointed as a disciple by the Golden Core Daoist from birth, he even became the sole direct disciple. This stark contrast struck a nerve with Pan Hong, a lifelong sect resident who perceived himself as Yun Lie’s equal in many aspects. The paradox of why Yun Lie, so favored by destiny, should succeed with ease while Pan Hong struggled, seeded jealousy within him.

Of course, jealousy wasn’t the only sentiment harbored by Pan Hong. In his eyes, Yun Lie’s chosen path, the Way of Ruthless Killing swordsmanship, appeared foolhardy and unprecedented. While others shied away from such a ruthless and bloodthirsty style, Pan Hong viewed it as a display of folly. After all, who could thrive on a path seemingly destined for premature death? He scoffed at Yun Lie’s potential breakthroughs and sword intent cultivation, convinced that following such a path would lead to Yun Lie’s eventual doom—history repeating itself with another fallen disciple.

While envy coursed through Pan Hong’s veins, his disdain for Yun Lie served as an outlet for his own pent-up grievances.

Pan Hong never anticipated that Yun Lie, who had been stuck at this point for over a decade, would actually make a breakthrough!

A sense of inevitability pervaded the situation, a sense of certain doom rather than survival.

Yet, Xu Ziqing’s perspective shifted. If he were to break free from this predicament, he needed to discern the authentic from the illusory. When the opportunity presented itself, the lifelike visage of Pan Hong would unveil this maneuver.

Almost immediately, he extended his spiritual consciousness, enshrouding his surroundings, aiming to differentiate the true figure from the counterfeit. Beneath the influence of his divine awareness, all details lay bare. The faintest discrepancy would be perceptible in an instant.

However, Xu Ziqing underestimated Pan Hong’s proficiency. After all, any practitioner above the foundational stage possessed spiritual consciousness. If deciphering vulnerabilities were that straightforward, how could this amalgamation of swordplay and footwork be renowned as a survival technique?

Thus, Xu Ziqing was taken aback to discover that even under the guidance of his divine sense, discerning actuality from illusion remained an insurmountable challenge.

With no other recourse, confrontation was inevitable.

In this pivotal juncture, Xu Ziqing’s state of mind mirrored an ancient well—tranquil, devoid of ripples. His determination resounded: “I shall not meet my end here. While severe injury may befall me, I shall unravel this inescapable predicament!”

Having resolved to confront the situation head-on, Xu Ziqing exhibited an unexpected move by propelling himself forward.

“If evasion is futile, then endurance it shall be!”

With unwavering determination, Xu Ziqing’s thoughts were lucid as he swiftly sifted through the repertoire of sword techniques he had acquired in recent days. Ultimately, he sensed a harmonious fusion between his body and the steel and wooden sword. Utilizing his own body as an extension of the blade, he cast aside the fear of death.

A subdued grunt escaped Xu Ziqing’s lips. His body bore several gashes, each oozing blood, yet the steel and wooden sword in his grip managed to disrupt the rhythm of the serpentine rapier.

He had escaped!

This turn of events profoundly unsettled Pan Hong.

Throughout the years of honing this sword technique to perfection, none had managed to elude his assassination. Yet today, a golden-haired youth in the middle stage of foundation establishment had cracked it open. It was inconceivable!

Unperturbed by Pan Hong’s astonishment, Xu Ziqing focused solely on his escape strategy. Recognizing his inability to match this adversary, he seized the opportunity to dash towards a more populous area, deferring deeper contemplation for later. Acting on instinct, he sprinted ahead.

In the instant of his flight, Pan Hong regained his composure, his features contorted as he bellowed, “Where do you think you’re running!”

With these words, he hurled the rapier with formidable force.

A chill wind grazed Xu Ziqing’s back, galvanizing him to hasten his pace.

Yet the sword drew nearer!

In a fleeting moment, the periphery of his vision caught sight of a dark cavity nearby.

Time was of the essence!

Gritting his teeth, Xu Ziqing propelled himself into a leap, plunging into the abyss just as the sword reached him.

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