Chapter 76

Yue Fangxing stood calmly, his sword movements suddenly changing from the delicate and agile to the broad and expansive, each move carrying a sense of roundness and fluidity. He deflected Cong Buqi’s sword slightly to the side, then, taking advantage of Cong Buqi’s inability to react in time, thrust forward with the tip of his sword, knocking Cong Buqi to the ground.

This move was precisely the Huanyuan Sword Technique that Yue Fangxing had mastered after more than a year of rigorous training by the sea. Although the technique was simple, it was extremely adept at defense, focusing on borrowing and redirecting the opponent’s force to deflect their attacks. It was similar in many ways to the Tai Chi Sword Technique of the Wudang Sect. Even Linghu Chong, who had learned the Nine Swords of Dugu, could not be certain of completely breaking through it when sparring with Yue Fangxing. Yue Buqun was well aware of this, which was why he was confident in letting Yue Fangxing fight. Even if he were to face a stronger opponent, he would not suffer a defeat.

Before the crowd’s exclamations had died down, they saw Cong Buqi lying on the ground, clearly indicating that Yue Fangxing had won. They were all somewhat puzzled, as they had expected Yue Fangxing to win steadily, but they did not anticipate that Cong Buqi would suddenly fight with all his might, putting Yue Fangxing in danger. They thought that even if Yue Fangxing managed to block the attack, he would be in a state of disarray. However, he unexpectedly won with a single sword strike, the dramatic turn of events truly unexpected. Only the experts who had been paying close attention could discern the subtleties, though they could not fully understand them.

Yue Fangxing said, "I yield to you," and said no more, slowly sheathing his sword and retreating to the Huashan Sect’s formation.

Cong Buqi sat dazed on the muddy ground, lost in thought. He had practiced the sword for decades and never imagined he would be so easily defeated by a young man. He was deeply shaken, even doubting himself: Could it be that our Sword Sect is truly wrong?

Feng Buping, who was watching from the side, saw more clearly. He noticed that Yue Fangxing had used only the basic Huashan Sect sword techniques, specifically nine of them, but the variations were incredibly refined. Could it be that the Qi Sect not only excels in internal cultivation but also in sword techniques? He did not believe this and shouted loudly, "Boy, who taught you this sword technique?"

Although his voice was loud, it trembled slightly, clearly showing his fear.

Yue Fangxing was about to answer when Yue Buqun said, "The sword technique my son used is called the Huashan Nine Styles. He selected these from the basic sword techniques and had them perfected by Uncle Feng!" As he spoke, he drew his long sword and demonstrated the Huashan Nine Styles, understanding Yue Fangxing’s intention to use only these styles to convince the Sword Sect members.

Feng Buping and the other Sword Sect members watched Yue Buqun’s demonstration. Although it was more stable and dignified compared to Yue Fangxing’s, it was still the same nine styles, and the fluidity and many connecting techniques were unmistakably unique to the Sword Sect, unknown to the Qi Sect.

Feng Buping and the other Sword Sect members thought: The Uncle Feng that Yue Buqun mentioned must be Feng Qingyang. He guided the Qi Sect’s sword techniques but did not appear to the Sword Sect, clearly disapproving of their actions. Could it be that he is upset about our involvement of other sects in Huashan’s affairs? If we had known he was still alive, we wouldn’t have sought the help of the Songshan Sect. With his assistance, who could stand in the way of the Sword Sect regaining control of Huashan?

Yue Buqun demonstrated several dozen moves and then stopped, as there were outsiders present, and the techniques were too simple. If they figured out the sequence, it would not be good.

Yue Fangxing explained, "The Huashan Nine Styles can be used to control the sword with qi or to control qi with the sword. The combination of sword and qi, along with the infinite variations in the techniques, is a product of the integration of the Qi and Sword Sects. After Uncle Feng guided me in this technique, he lamented that the paths of Qi and Sword ultimately converge, and the conflict between them is unnecessary. Now, for us to start another dispute here, would only invite ridicule from outsiders."

As he spoke, Yue Fangxing glanced at the Songshan Sect, Taishan Sect, Hengshan Sect, and the black-clad men, clearly referring to them. These people, seeing a young man act in such a manner, felt a deep resentment. However, hearing him mention Uncle Feng and the earlier mention by Yue Buqun, they began to speculate: Could they be talking about Feng Qingyang? Is that old man still alive?

Feng Buping muttered, "The conflict between Qi and Sword is unnecessary... unnecessary... ha... ha..." He had witnessed the Huashan Nine Styles and heard Yue Fangxing’s recounting of Feng Qingyang’s words, realizing that his decades of persistence were truly laughable. He laughed wildly, but his voice was filled with sorrow.

At that moment, the old man suddenly laughed coldly and said, "Does it matter whether this sword technique was passed down by someone surnamed Feng? What does it have to do with the辟邪剑法 (Bixie Sword Technique) your senior brother used? Could that also be from someone surnamed Feng?"

Ding Mian said, "Indeed, how do we know this sword technique wasn’t fabricated by you? Brother Feng, don’t be deceived. Whether Senior Feng is still alive is still unknown!"

Feng Buping, like a drowning man grasping at a straw, said without hesitation, "Right, Uncle Feng would never help your Qi Sect. Come, let’s fight again!" He had watched the Huashan Nine Styles for a while and knew that although the technique was powerful, it had very few moves and was not particularly brilliant. Otherwise, Yue Fangxing would not have taken so long to defeat Cong Buqi and had to use another technique to subdue him. Feng Buping, being more skilled than Cong Buqi, was confident that he would not lose again.

Feng Buping had some confidence in his bid for the Huashan Sect leadership. He had lived in seclusion in the Zhongtiao Mountains for fifteen years, creating a set of sword techniques called the Wild Wind Rapid Sword, which became faster and more powerful with each strike. He had grand ambitions, not only to lead the Huashan Sect but also to become the leader of the Five Great Sword Sects, relying on this 108-move Wild Wind Rapid Sword. He had planned to use it later for a surprise attack, but given the current situation, he would have to use it against the young man.

Ding Mian then said, "Linghu Chong said his sword technique was passed down by a senior. Why don’t you try it, Brother Feng? Perhaps Senior Feng is still alive and passed down a technique to him!" He had observed for a while and noticed that Linghu Chong was injured, making it difficult for him to fight.

Feng Buping said, "Exactly, although I have not seen Uncle Feng’s sword technique, I have heard of it. If this boy uses a technique passed down by him, I will recognize it." Hearing Ding Mian’s words, he found it fitting and decided to target Linghu Chong instead of Yue Fangxing.

Yue Fangxing angrily said, "Can’t you see that my senior brother is injured? How can you force him like this!" He was extremely angry, finding their behavior shameless.

The old man said, "Heh! Injured? Then how did he kill two of my companions?" He knew that although Linghu Chong had injured the two, it was actually Yue Fangxing who killed them. By attributing it to Linghu Chong, he was trying to confuse the uninformed.

Yue Fangxing was so angry that he kept stroking his sword hilt, ready to attack. Suddenly, Linghu Chong said, "Junior brother, step back, let me deal with this Sword Sect senior!" He had been protected by Yue Lingshan and Lu Dayou, feeling extremely uncomfortable. Seeing his junior brother about to fight for him, he could no longer hold back and stepped forward.

Yue Buqun said, "Chong’er..." He knew about Linghu Chong’s injuries and did not want him to fight.

Linghu Chong bowed and said, "Master, the task given to me by Granduncle Feng, please allow me to handle it!"

Yue Buqun was about to say something when Feng Buping roared, "Young man, I must capture you today!" and thrust his sword at Linghu Chong.

Yue Buqun, Ning Zhongze, and Yue Fangxing were all too far away to react. They did not expect Feng Buping, a senior of the Sword Sect, to be so despicable and launch a sneak attack. As they tried to intervene, they saw the masked men, Ding Mian, and Lu Bai closing in, restraining them.

Feng Buping’s sword thrust, according to sword principles, required Linghu Chong to leap backward and counterattack. However, his internal energy was restrained, making it impossible to leap back. In a desperate situation, he used a move from the Nine Swords of Dugu, thrusting his sword backward toward Feng Buping’s navel.

This move seemed like a desperate all-or-nothing attack, but the position of his reverse strike was unique. The sword would pierce the enemy’s navel before the enemy’s weapon reached him, creating a slight but crucial difference in timing.

Feng Buping, seeing that his opponent could not block his attack, was surprised when the young man suddenly thrust his sword backward, aiming for his abdomen. Realizing the danger, he immediately retreated, took a deep breath, and launched a series of seven rapid strikes, each faster than the last, like wind and thunder.

Linghu Chong, seeing the critical situation and the impending battle, had already put his life on the line. His mind was focused on the various sword techniques taught by Feng Qingyang. Occasionally, he would recall the Huashan Sect techniques he had learned and use them naturally. He fought with ease, exchanging over seventy moves with Feng Buping in a short time. Their swords never touched, and their attacks and defenses were incredibly refined and subtle.