Chapter 15

On the Cliff of Reflection, Bai Xiaosheng and Linghu Chong's figures intertwined, their swords flashing, showcasing the swift and agile sword techniques of the Hengshan Sect and the perilous and unpredictable sword techniques of the Huashan Sect to the fullest.

On the cliff, Bai Xiaosheng had already stayed for over half a month. He was there to practice martial arts and refine his sword techniques with Linghu Chong. Linghu Chong had an extremely high talent for sword techniques, and their skills were almost equal, making their sparring a perfect match, which they both enjoyed immensely. Under Bai Xiaosheng's influence, Linghu Chong also devoted himself to the practice of martial arts, temporarily putting aside his thoughts of Yue Lingshan.

However, Bai Xiaosheng knew that every night, when it was quiet, he could not help but think of Yue Lingshan, sighing deeply.

On the day Bai Xiaosheng arrived on the cliff, Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze returned to the mountain. However, for some reason, they did not let Bai Xiaosheng come down but instead had him stay on the cliff to practice sword techniques with Linghu Chong.

In the blink of an eye, more than half a month had passed, and he felt he had made great progress. However, compared to Linghu Chong, Bai Xiaosheng felt he was still somewhat inferior.

In the world of "Smiling, Proud Wanderer," Feng Qingyang pointed out two realms of sword techniques: the first is "Integrated," and the second is "No Form." If we include the time spent practicing, Bai Xiaosheng believed that sword techniques could be divided into three realms: Proficient, Integrated, and No Form.

The practice of any martial arts begins with the basics, and sword techniques are no exception. After mastering the basics, one practices the techniques to become extremely proficient in the learned moves.

Both Linghu Chong and Bai Xiaosheng were at this realm. However, compared to Linghu Chong, Bai Xiaosheng had a deeper understanding, which naturally made his expression of the realm superior to Linghu Chong's. For example, his counterattack move was something Linghu Chong found extremely difficult to achieve.

Now, the situation had reversed.

After Bai Xiaosheng enlightened Linghu Chong, his understanding of sword techniques advanced rapidly, entering a new realm—Integrated!

At this realm, Linghu Chong's sword techniques could change at will, and any flaws were already concealed. Although he might not be as skilled as Feng Qingyang, many unconnected sword techniques had been seamlessly linked together. On the Cliff of Reflection, Bai Xiaosheng and Linghu Chong sparred for over half a month. Initially, Bai Xiaosheng could suppress Linghu Chong, but after a few days, they were evenly matched. Now, Bai Xiaosheng was being pressed by Linghu Chong.

His rapid progress was astonishing.

Of course, Bai Xiaosheng's sparring for half a month was not in vain; he also made significant progress. However, his progress was not as noticeable compared to Linghu Chong's.

Bai Xiaosheng had not yet reached the Integrated realm of sword techniques, but he was aware of certain aspects and could guard against them. In other words, he understood the principles and would naturally make different changes when practicing.

Moreover, Bai Xiaosheng believed that as his understanding of sword techniques deepened, reaching the Integrated realm would be a natural progression.

"Snow on Mount Tian!" During the sparring, Bai Xiaosheng's sword technique suddenly changed, transforming from a nimble and unpredictable style to a grand and majestic one. His long sword thrust forward, giving the impression that there was no way to avoid it.

The Tian Shan Sword Technique was the first sword technique Bai Xiaosheng practiced, and he had picked it up again over the past half a month, discovering its subtleties.

Although the connection of sword techniques is not something that can be easily altered, it is not impossible. Look at Linghu Chong; after practicing for half a month, he did not change much, which is far from what Feng Qingyang could do with a casual point.

Linghu Chong, who had reached this realm, was already like this, let alone Bai Xiaosheng, who had not yet entered this realm!

However, he had made many subtle changes to the sword techniques, connecting unconnected moves, and he relied on the Tian Shan Sword Technique to do so!

Previously, it was mentioned that the Tian Shan Sword Technique has thirteen moves. The first nine are simple basic sword techniques, while the last four are more complex but still combinations of basic techniques. Essentially, all sword techniques are like this, with different variations.

During the sparring with Linghu Chong, Bai Xiaosheng suddenly realized that the true strength of the Tian Shan Sword Technique was not in its ability to kill but in its explanation of basic sword moves. Previously, Bai Xiaosheng did not understand this, but now he had an epiphany. Therefore, he used the basic sword moves of the Tian Shan Sword Technique to connect different Hengshan Sect sword techniques, creating the illusion of an integrated sword technique.

This discovery naturally made Bai Xiaosheng pay more attention to the Tian Shan Sword Technique. In subsequent sparring, he often used these simple basic moves to make Linghu Chong's counterattacks fall short.

Look at his current move, "Snow on Mount Tian." It is a simple variation with three changes, primarily a thrust, supplemented by a slash and a chop. Although extremely simple, it is very difficult to counter.

Every time he felt he could not withstand Linghu Chong's attacks, he would use this simple move to achieve a quick counter, turning the tide. Previously, this move was always effective. However, this time, as soon as he used it, Linghu Chong's sword technique suddenly changed. His long sword thrust forward, transforming into three sword lights that instantly blocked Bai Xiaosheng's three variations. The thrusting long sword also startled him, making him lean back. At that moment, Linghu Chong's sword slashed, hitting Bai Xiaosheng's sword and sending it flying.

Bai Xiaosheng's eyes widened in surprise as he looked at Linghu Chong and exclaimed, "That was 'One Sword Fells Nine Geese' just now..."

Linghu Chong smiled proudly and said, "Exactly! I have been at a disadvantage with this move many times, so I have been thinking about how to counter it. I finally figured it out last night. What do you think? Did you expect me to use Huashan Sword Technique to counter Hengshan Sword Technique?"

Bai Xiaosheng nodded in admiration. Suddenly, he had another thought, realizing that Linghu Chong's sword technique might have advanced even further.

Previously, his connection of sword techniques was limited to Huashan Sword Technique. According to Ren Woxing, although Huashan Sword Technique is extraordinary, it has its limits. No matter how Linghu Chong changed, as long as it was not a newly created move, there would always be a pattern to follow. Therefore, although he had reached the Integrated realm, he was only at the initial stage.

Now, he had thought of connecting Hengshan Sword Technique with Huashan Sword Technique. The same principle could apply to the other three mountain sects' sword techniques and even other sects' techniques. Thus, all the sword techniques in the world would be within Linghu Chong's grasp, and his sword technique would have no limits.

In a sense, Linghu Chong had entered the second stage of the Integrated realm. Once he completed this stage, he would truly achieve the Integrated realm. At that point, except for those at the same realm and No Form experts, no one would be able to defeat him in sword techniques.

Enviously sighing, Bai Xiaosheng said, "Linghu Chong's talent for sword techniques is truly remarkable, and I am deeply impressed!"

"Ha ha... Brother Bai, you flatter me. I have also been inspired by you. If you had practiced for a longer time, I might not have been a match for you," they exchanged a few polite words and then sat down to discuss sword techniques and the insights gained from their sparring. This was a regular part of their routine, and over the past half a month, they had always discussed after each sparring session, benefiting both of them greatly.

As they were discussing, Bai Xiaosheng suddenly noticed some figures below. He was slightly startled and looked closely, recognizing Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze, followed by Shi Daizi, Lu Dayou, and Yue Lingshan.

"Linghu Chong, Uncle Yue and Aunt Ning are here!"

Linghu Chong turned around, his eyes brightening at the sight of his master and mistress. Seeing Yue Lingshan, he was even more delighted, quickly standing up and rushing forward, "Disciple greets Master, Mistress, Fourth Junior Brother, Sixth Monkey, and Little Junior Sister..."

Yue Buqun nodded, carefully observing Linghu Chong. Seeing his radiant appearance, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes, but his stern demeanor made it hard to notice. In contrast, Ning Zhongze was more straightforward. Seeing Linghu Chong's bright eyes, she knew his skills had greatly improved. She stepped forward and supported him, saying, "Chong'er, how have you been these past few months?"

Linghu Chong nodded vigorously, showing his respect for his mistress.

After a few words, Linghu Chong asked, "Master, why are you here?"

Yue Buqun's expression turned grim, and he coldly snorted. After a moment, he said, "Gen Ming returned from Chang'an yesterday and reported that Tian Boguang committed several major crimes there."

Linghu Chong was taken aback and said, "Tian Boguang is in Chang'an? He must be up to no good."

Yue Buqun said, "Of course. In one night, he robbed seven wealthy families in Chang'an. Not only that, he wrote nine large characters on the walls of each family: 'Tian Boguang, the Lone Traveler, borrowed.'"

Linghu Chong exclaimed, "Chang'an is close to Huashan. By leaving these nine characters, he is clearly challenging us. Master, we..."

Yue Buqun asked, "What do you suggest?"

Linghu Chong said, "Master and Mistress are of high status and should not soil their swords with this villain. My skills are not yet sufficient to defeat him, and I am a sinner who cannot leave the cliff to find him. It is truly infuriating and hateful that he is causing trouble at the foot of Huashan."

Yue Buqun said, "If you have the confidence to eliminate this villain, I will allow you to leave the cliff and redeem yourself. Demonstrate the 'Unmatched, Ning's One Sword' that Mistress taught you. In the past six months, you should have grasped it to about seventy or eighty percent. With Mistress's further guidance, you might stand a chance against Tian Boguang."

Linghu Chong was taken aback, thinking, "Mistress never taught me this sword technique." But then he realized, "When Mistress demonstrated this sword technique, although she did not formally teach it to me, with my understanding of our sect's skills, I should have grasped its essence. Master must think that I have practiced and studied it enough in the past six months."

In the original story, Linghu Chong might not have been able to perform this sword technique, but under Bai Xiaosheng's influence over the past half a month, he had broken free from the influence of the secret cave sword techniques, and his own sword skills had greatly improved. Although he had not practiced the 'Unmatched, Ning's One Sword' in detail, with his current realm, he could naturally perform it.

Gripping his long sword, Linghu Chong walked to the center of the Cliff of Reflection. Yue Buqun, Ning Zhongze, Bai Xiaosheng, and the others stepped back to watch him perform the sword technique.

With a swift sword movement, Linghu Chong's long sword emitted a series of silver lights, its blade flickering rapidly, creating the illusion of dozens of sword shadows.

Seeing his sword technique, Yue Buqun and Ning Zhongze were greatly surprised. Although Yue Lingshan and the others might not have noticed, the two could see that Linghu Chong's 'Unmatched, Ning's One Sword' was no less impressive than Ning Zhongze's performance.

They exchanged a glance, and Ning Zhongze's face lit up with joy, while Yue Buqun's expression darkened. When he looked at Linghu Chong again, his face changed dramatically.

What was happening?

In the center of the cliff, Linghu Chong's 'Unmatched, Ning's One Sword' was already swift and unpredictable, containing seven or eight variations in a single move, making it difficult to defend against. However, at this moment, he had discarded the unnecessary variations, directly thrusting his sword, which was even faster, and the sword tip piercing the air even produced a sonic boom.

Such a sword technique was so fast that Yue Lingshan and the others could not see the variations. Even Bai Xiaosheng, who could see it, admitted that he could not defend against it. This was indeed a formidable sword technique!

However, Yue Buqun coldly snorted, and Ning Zhongze's expression also changed.

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End of the chapter.