Chapter 39

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Nine Yin for Six Meridians, Will It Be Exchanged?

Song Qingshu used the rebound force of his palm to move several feet to the side in mid-air, dodging the sword qi from the five monks below. Taking advantage of their moment of rest, he used the 'Flying Dragon in the Sky' move from the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, striking down from above. The monks hastily met his attack with their palms, but upon contact, they suffered significant internal injuries.

Song Qingshu felt fortunate, grateful that these people lacked sufficient internal strength. After each sword strike, they needed a few seconds to recover. Although they could cover for each other with their sword formation, his position above them made his palm force more than twice as powerful. Thus, he managed to severely injure the five monks, though he himself was also feeling a surge of blood and quickly focused on recovering his energy.

"Stop!" Krong Rong Chan Shi finally turned around, his face indeed half as smooth as a baby's and the other half withered, "What a powerful Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms. Are you the Northern Qiaofeng?"

"I have long admired the demeanor of the Southern Xiao Dawa. My meager skills cannot compare to his," Song Qingshu said truthfully. If Xiao Feng had used the same 'Repentant Dragon' move, with his self-created Three Waves of Dragon Subduing, the speed of his palm force would have been so fast that Krong Rong would have had no choice but to take the hit. In that perfect opportunity, the 'Flying Dragon in the Sky' move would have likely shattered the bones of the five monks, rather than just causing them significant internal injuries.

"That's true. The few feet you leaped in mid-air must be the Wu Dang sect's ultimate skill, 'Cloud Ascending Leap.' The ground movements seem to be the 'Snake Form and Fox Technique' from the Nine Yin Manual," Krong Rong's expression turned serious, and he clasped his hands together, "You are young, yet you possess so many extraordinary skills, which is truly rare in the world."

"Master, you are indeed well-versed," Song Qingshu said admiringly, "I have no ill intentions. I only wish to see the Six Meridian Sword Technique of Dali."

In his heart, he sneered. If they hadn't seen his formidable martial arts, he would have been captured and humiliated by now. No matter how much they talked, in this world, strength was the ultimate rule.

"Since you have achieved your goal, please leave at your convenience," Krong Rong Chan Shi's face was expressionless, as if he was dismissing a guest.

"Master, you must have realized that I know the Nine Yin Manual. I'm sure you have heard of its legend. To be honest, the status of the Nine Yin Manual in the martial arts world is perhaps even higher than your sect's Six Meridian Sword Technique. If the masters are willing, I am willing to exchange the Nine Yin Manual for a glimpse of the Six Meridian Sword Technique. Rest assured, I will not take it away; I only wish to see it for a moment to fulfill my long-held desire." Song Qingshu's voice was full of temptation. If there was one thing that set him apart from the current martial artists, it was that he did not have a narrow-minded view and was not overly possessive. Besides, the Nine Yin Manual was not his, so he didn't feel any pain in exchanging it.

The monks exchanged glances, all seeing the temptation in each other's eyes. The Nine Yin Manual, along with the Shaolin sect's 'Sinew Metamorphosis Sutra,' the 'Nine Yang Divine Skill,' and the Blackwood Cliff's 'Plum Blossom Manual,' were known as the four great divine skills of the martial arts world. In the past, the Five Greats of Central Plains fought for the Nine Yin Manual, disregarding their status, and even engaged in a three-day battle on Mount Hua.

If the monks were somewhat tempted by the three skills—'Flower Plucking Finger,' 'Dharmic Leaf Finger,' and 'Formless Seizing Finger'—that Tang Muzhi offered, Song Qingshu's proposal now even stirred Krong Rong Chan Shi's heart.

"Sir, you may not know, but recently, the Great Wheel Venerable of Tubo, Tang Muzhi, had ill intentions. To prevent the Duan family's unique skills from falling into the hands of villains, I burned the sword manual. Sir, you may be disappointed," Krong Rong Chan Shi, with decades of Zen practice, quickly calmed his mind and firmly refused.

"I know that," Song Qingshu said without surprise, smiling, "But didn't each of the great monks learn one sword technique? I believe you can rewrite the manual..."

Seeing the monks still hesitating, Song Qingshu decided to push further, asking, "Do the masters think your internal strength is comparable to mine?"

Benyin, the abbot, hesitated for a moment but spoke the truth, "Sir, your internal strength is much higher than ours. Compared to my senior uncle, it might not be much different."

Krong Rong shook his head, "Benyin, there's no need to hide it. This young man's internal strength is slightly better than mine."

"Do the masters not find it strange?" Song Qingshu smiled, "I am young, and my time cultivating internal skills is certainly less than yours. Why is my internal strength now superior to the masters?"

"Could it be the effect of the Nine Yin Manual?" The monks' expressions changed, and they couldn't help but ask.

"Exactly. The Nine Yin Manual contains a method for strengthening the sinews and bones, which allows the practitioner to cultivate internal skills much faster than others. That's why my internal strength is now decent," Song Qingshu paused deliberately, looking at the monks' expressions, and continued, "I noticed that each of the masters has cultivated one sword technique. I speculate that it's due to insufficient internal strength, which prevents you from cultivating all six meridians. Am I right?"

"Correct. The internal strength required to perform the Six Meridian Sword Technique is beyond human capability. Therefore, we decided that each of us would cultivate one meridian," Krong Rong said expressionlessly.

"The true essence of the Six Meridian Sword Technique can only be fully realized when all six meridians are used together. Although your sword formation is exquisite, it inevitably becomes cumbersome during transitions, creating gaps that I can exploit... If you obtain the Nine Yin Manual, you will soon cultivate supreme internal strength. When you perform the Six Meridian Sword Technique, it will surely reach perfection... I only ask for a glimpse of the manual, and I will return it after a moment." Song Qingshu's words were sincere, and to the monks, it seemed like a reasonable proposal.

"Uncle, since this young man is so sincere, why not let him see it for a moment?" Benyin turned to Krong Rong Chan Shi, and the other four monks had the same thought. Although there are many people with photographic memory in the world, it would be impossible for anyone to memorize the complex Six Meridian Sword Technique in just a moment.

Krong Rong was silent for a long time, finally looking at Song Qingshu and asking, "Sir, you already possess several supreme skills, and your martial arts are already unmatched among your peers. Why do you still need the Six Meridian Sword Technique of the Duan family?"

Although he did not believe that Song Qingshu could memorize the Six Meridian Sword Technique in a short time, he knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch. Since Song Qingshu had offered the Nine Yin Manual, a divine skill, he must have a way to steal and learn the Six Meridian Sword Technique.

Song Qingshu laughed bitterly and sighed deeply, "Let's not talk about the martial arts seniors. Even among my peers, Master, how do you think my martial arts compare to the Southern Dawa of the Khitan, Xiao Feng?"

Krong Rong Chan Shi hesitated for a moment and shook his head slightly, "Xiao Dawa once swept through the Central Plains martial arts world, causing chaos with his Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms. Although your martial arts are good, compared to the nearly perfect Xiao Dawa, you still fall short."

"What about compared to Zhang Wuji of the Ming Cult?" Song Qingshu said, thinking of Zhou Zhiruo and Zhang Wuji's affection, which made him feel nauseous. Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Deceived Emei Sect Leader

"Zhang Wujie's mastery of the Heavenly Shift Skill is incredibly profound. In the past, he fought alone against the six major sects on Bright Peak. Compared to Zhang Wujie, your martial arts are still somewhat lacking," Krong Rong Chan Shi thought for a while and made his judgment.

"Now, do you understand why I still covet your sect's Six Meridian Sword Technique?" Song Qingshu smiled bitterly. As soon as he said this, he knew the Six Meridian Sword Technique was out of his reach. However, he was the kind of person who, although sometimes acted despicably, always had his own integrity and pride. Sometimes, he refused to be too despicable and was unwilling to lie.

Sure enough, upon hearing his words, Krong Rong recited a Buddhist chant, "Sir, your honesty shows that you are a straightforward person. However, our sect's Six Meridian Sword Technique is never taught to outsiders. I do not wish to become a sinner of the Duan family for centuries. Please understand."

"I understand. I apologize for disturbing your meditation tonight." With that, Song Qingshu laughed and turned to leave.

The monks did not stop him, watching his departing figure. Benchen thought, "From now on, the martial arts world will be more turbulent..."

After leaving Tianlong Temple, Song Qingshu regretted it in his heart. He had almost convinced those old monks, so why did he have to act cool? However, this thought quickly vanished. If his mind was not clear, what use would the Six Meridian Sword Technique be? He consoled himself that there were still many wonderful martial arts in the world, so why be fixated on one?

Thinking of this, Song Qingshu's mood improved, and he enthusiastically set out again to search for martial arts secrets.

The Northern Mystic Skill, the Ripple Step, and the Six Meridian Sword Technique were out of reach. He needed to think carefully about the remaining martial arts. The Nine Yang Divine Skill was hidden in the vast Kunlun Mountains, and it would not be easy to find. Moreover, he already possessed the Divine Illumination Sutra and the Nine Yin Manual, so the Nine Yang Divine Skill would not be of much help. Besides, it was Zhang Wuji's skill, which made him feel nauseous. Song Qingshu quickly ruled out the idea of going to Kunlun.

The Southern White-Headed Great Profound Sutra was too abstract. The vast sea would likely claim his life before he found the侠客岛. Shaking his head, he also ruled out this option.

The Evil-Subduing Sword Manual... Uh, next!

In the Water Pavilion of the Mandala Manor, there seemed to be a Lesser Wu Xiang Skill, but since the Nine Yang Divine Skill was of no help, what use was a Lesser Wu Xiang Skill? He quickly ruled it out.

The Jade Maiden Heart Sword Technique of the Ancient Tomb Sect was something he couldn't learn. Drawing a circle with one hand and a square with the other? Song Qingshu tried several times, looking at the irregular shapes in the sand, and criticized himself. Despite his intelligence, he knew he couldn't master the dual-combat technique, so the Jade Maiden Heart Sword Technique was out of the question. Besides, the delicate sword technique did not match his elegant demeanor...

A man in white, a sword from the west, a celestial being descending from the sky—this was the image all men aspired to!

It seemed that his current goal was the Lone Carving of Dugu in the Divine Condor Valley and the Hua Mountain...

"Zhang Wujie's mastery of the Heavenly Shift Skill is incredibly profound. In the past, he fought alone against the six major sects on Bright Peak. Compared to Zhang Wujie, your martial arts are still somewhat lacking," Krong Rong Chan Shi thought for a while and made his judgment.

"Now, do you understand why I still covet your sect's Six Meridian Sword Technique?" Song Qingshu smiled bitterly. As soon as he said this, he knew the Six Meridian Sword Technique was out of his reach. However, he was the kind of person who, although sometimes acted despicably, always had his own integrity and pride. Sometimes, he refused to be too despicable and was unwilling to lie.

Sure enough, upon hearing his words, Krong Rong recited a Buddhist chant, "Sir, your honesty shows that you are a straightforward person. However, our sect's Six Meridian Sword Technique is never taught to outsiders. I do not wish to become a sinner of the Duan family for centuries. Please understand."

"I understand. I apologize for disturbing your meditation tonight." With that, Song Qingshu laughed and turned to leave.

The monks did not stop him, watching his departing figure. Benchen thought, "From now on, the martial arts world will be more turbulent..."

After leaving Tianlong Temple, Song Qingshu regretted it in his heart. He had almost convinced those old monks, so why did he have to act cool? However, this thought quickly vanished. If his mind was not clear, what use would the Six Meridian Sword Technique be? He consoled himself that there were still many wonderful martial arts in the world, so why be fixated on one?

Thinking of this, Song Qingshu's mood improved, and he enthusiastically set out again to search for martial arts secrets.

The Northern Mystic Skill, the Ripple Step, and the Six Meridian Sword Technique were out of reach. He needed to think carefully about the remaining martial arts. The Nine Yang Divine Skill was hidden in the vast Kunlun Mountains, and it would not be easy to find. Moreover, he already possessed the Divine Illumination Sutra and the Nine Yin Manual, so the Nine Yang Divine Skill would not be of much help. Besides, it was Zhang Wuji's skill, which made him feel nauseous. Song Qingshu quickly ruled out the idea of going to Kunlun.

The Southern White-Headed Great Profound Sutra was too abstract. The vast sea would likely claim his life before he found the侠客岛. Shaking his head, he also ruled out this option.

The Evil-Subduing Sword Manual... Uh, next!

In the Water Pavilion of the Mandala Manor, there seemed to be a Lesser Wu Xiang Skill, but since the Nine Yang Divine Skill was of no help, what use was a Lesser Wu Xiang Skill? He quickly ruled it out.

The Jade Maiden Heart Sword Technique of the Ancient Tomb Sect was something he couldn't learn. Drawing a circle with one hand and a square with the other? Song Qingshu tried several times, looking at the irregular shapes in the sand, and criticized himself. Despite his intelligence, he knew he couldn't master the dual-combat technique, so the Jade Maiden Heart Sword Technique was out of the question. Besides, the delicate sword technique did not match his elegant demeanor...

A man in white, a sword from the west, a celestial being descending from the sky—this was the image all men aspired to!

It seemed that his current goal was the Lone Carving of Dugu in the Divine Condor Valley and the Hua Mountain...

"Zhang Wujie's mastery of the Heavenly Shift Skill is incredibly profound. In the past, he fought alone against the six major sects on Bright Peak. Compared to Zhang Wujie, your