《MU XIYUN: A LONELY LAUGH TRAVELLING THE LAKES AND MOUNTAINS》


 CHAPTER 01: XIANTIAN MANOR

    LIGHTMONTH 1022


    After Xiyun finished sending off her teacher she returns back to Southern Tai.


    After a few weeks of walking, and hiring coachmen, Xiyun finally reached Taiguo, one of the region ruled by Southern Tai.


    Xiyun has been spending her time diligently cultivating her internal energy using her teacher technique and she could feel the power rising by leaps and bound.


    She could feel her dantian is absorbing the world energy, feeding her hungry dantian like a well in a day of rain after a long drought.


    And today another day began.


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    TAIGUO


    SOUTHERN TREASURE INN


    The southern treasure inn is one of the many inns of Taiguo.


    After the separation of the two great forces of Chu and Tai, the people of former Vern called themselves either the Southern people or the Northern people.


    Those that live under the King of Taiyuan called themselves southerners while those that live under the King of Chu called themselves Northerners.


    Life under the King of Chu and Tai is good. Though they are in a cold war, the people does not feel the threats of war like the time of the MontBlanc dynasty.


    And considering the majority of the people in former Vern is Eastian, there is no love lost for the former dynasty.


    But then why would the people here accepts Austen rule?


    The answer is that while the Austen family is Caelum race, they have protected the Shanhai Pass since the Empire first move their capital.


    They are revered, a respectable lineage and praised through the generations. Many of the people in Austen family have died protecting the Pass from Southern Invaders.


    Eastian or Caelum, the Austen deserves their respect. Then in the North why is the Chu family is accepted?


    The Chu also came from respectable lineage, from the King of Horai, an ancient city during the time before the Empire is established.


    The Chu ancestors are not only a noble in Davarus but also it is said that he was also a noble in the motherland of Eastian.


    It is said the first of Chu family that settled in the human continent comes with his three wives, seven sons, three daughters and a 100 servants, settling in the demon controlled settlement at the time.


    He is said to be running from the Sharp Teeth Plagues that attack the Motherland. When Alexander descendant claim and conquer the city, they give a large of land for the Chu family to govern.


    However this story is not really important or matter to those people that live outside of Vern.


    Arial Vermont while he understand perfectly the political situations in his southern domains, could not understand the complexity or the consequences that he set in motion by funding the State of Chu to rebel and not only that but to crown him a King.


    To him it doesn¡¯t matter since in the end he will claim it under his rule.


    But it will matter to his disciple. Of course like most stories, even she doesn¡¯t know that she has a large part in the story.


    *************************************************************************


    The chirping of birds can be heard as the sunlight began emitting its heat. The wind slowly creeps in from the windows.


    A woman can be seen snuggling under the blanket slowly opening her eyes. She rubbed her eyes and sighed.


    ¡®Ah, morning already.¡¯ Xiyun slowly open her eyes.


    It has been a week since she lives in this Southern Treasure inn. The name of the inn may make it seem like it is an inn of luxurious splendor but it¡¯s not.


    But it is livable and luxurious enough for her.


    It seems her teacher influence is bigger than she thoughts. She at first uses her teacher token to claim the gold that her teacher asked her to claim and that¡¯s it.


    But Xiyun, inquisitive as she is, discover that the token is more than just a token of authority in the trader¡¯s community.


    Many people who wanted to curry favour with the Prince of Arrandy lavish Xiyun with a lot of treasures just because she showed them the token.


    Xiyun don¡¯t think her teacher is going to be too happy if he hears about it. But it¡¯s fine as long as her teacher doesn¡¯t find out.


    And this luxurious room that she got is also sponsored by one of the merchant guild in Southern Tai.


    The Southern Tai may not welcome the Prince very much but it is different for the merchants who really wanted to establish a relationship with one of the richest family in the Human Continent.


    Still, Xiyun insisted to pay half the expenses of the rent. At least it gives her room to explain if her teacher caught her.


    Always have a second plan. And if that don¡¯t work, a third plan. If not the fourth plan. If no-


    Then a knock can be heard from her door and it makes Xiyun get up from her pointless rambling.


    ¡®Enter¡¯ Xiyun commands.


    Today the servants come again in the morning to inquire Xiyun needs.


    ¡®Is there anything you need Miss Xiyun?¡¯ the servant will ask.


    Usually Xiyun would ask for some fruits or meat to be sent to her bedroom but today Xiyun wanted to stretch out her legs.


    ¡®No. Today I will eat at the tavern. Just clean the bottle but do not touch my sack and bags.¡¯ The servant nodded in understanding.


    Last night Xiyun feasted alone in her bedroom, with bottles of wine can be seen scattered around her bed.


    In other words she did not practice yesterdays. After separated from her teacher, Xiyun tries to find news about Ermeishan but there is too many chaos in the martial art world right now.


    Wuhao Sect recently attacks Ermeishan and the Ermeishan School is now in hiding. Hearing this news Xiyun fell into a temporary depression.


    In one year and a half surely she could begin practicing her teacher technique. And then she will be as formidable as the many experts that roamed the continent.


    Her teacher had already notice the improvement of Xiyun internal energy the last time they met.


    If Xiyun remember correctly her teacher said her improvement is abnormal.


    Xiyun eyes darted to one of her baggage.


    In it, the tea and wine that she stole from her sect still remains. Xiyun did not suspect it until she reaches Southern Tai border.


    She remembers that her teacher once boasted that she met the Medicine Fairy.


    Then combine with the fact of Xiyun abnormal growth, then, the only thing that Xiyun could infer is that the Abbess manages to gain a few pointers from her encounter with Medicine Fairy and learn the mystical art of alchemy, and managed to concoct some strengthening pills.


    But to increase one internal energy?


    Is she that smart? To me she always looks like a hag, a senile old woman, or a diabolical old hag with clumsy aptitude in managing people.


    The Abbess must have spent years in making the tea and wine.


    Well, I should applaud her efforts. HAHAHA.


    Thinking about it, Xiyun heart dances with glee.


    She always likes to foil that old woman plan.


    Xiyun then wash herself and wear a wide bamboo hat and a tight cloth and then a robe to cover up her figures while the servant can be seen dusting the dust and cleaning the room.


    But anyone could see that she is a girl but at least no one would recognize her.


    Since the Martial Art tournament her teacher name has become the topic among the martial art fraternity but also her name.


    The only disciple of All Conquering sect. Many people fear her teacher but the world of martial art is treacherous.


    Surely there are many that grieved over their fellow brothers and sister disciple that died during the great clash between the immortals.


    Her teacher might be invincible and called the strongest in the martial art world but her? She is still a green horn.


    Her power compared to her teacher is like a raindrop when her teacher internal energy is truly like the creed of the school internal cultivation technique, the sea.


    That is how Xiyun compares her internal energy compared to her teacher, the Central Celestial.


    Of course she did not know that Arial train since he was a baby.


    Not to mention he learned Levitia technique and then formed his own style and variations on other techniques in the Library of Vern which is now controlled by Northern Chu.


    Of course there is no one alive to match him in terms of internal energy. But his reputation could also be called a misperception.


    Arial fighting one of the immortals? He could win. Two¡­still he could win but not without injuring him severely.


    But all three of them? During that time? Impossible. This is only because of his bond with Gaveror, a bond that no one knows but a few of Arial trusted people.


    But to all that watched his performance during the tournament, there is no doubt in their eyes, that Arial is the one that single-handedly defeated three of the 4 immortals and not only that, he dominates them at the same time.


    Not to mention the countless people that die from his flying sword technique.


    When they jump down the mountain, Xiyun did not know the casualties but then she heard. It was close to a thousand.


    Imagine that!


    Fighting three immortal and at the same time slaughtering almost a thousand. Imagine if he didn¡¯t have to contend with the immortals?


    Wouldn¡¯t all the sect will all be slaughtered by his hand?


    It is this story, exaggerated at every telling that has made Arial Vermont name resound throughout the people of the martial art world, shaking the continent.


    No one did not know his name or his disciple. The Five Immortals. Northern Badger, Western Serpent, Southern Healer, Eastern Devil and Central Celestial.


    The five great masters of martial art, standing at the peak of the Heavenly Mountain, with powers unimaginable to normal people.


    To see one of the five masters and exchanging some pointers, even if they die they would be content, this is the many thoughts of the martial art practitioner.


    Kindness and enmity is easy to be forged, and while her teacher name resound to all 4 corners of the world, as many that respect and fear her teacher, it is also many those that harbors resentment and hatred.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    And her teacher is at the center of it all, the strongest of all the Immortals.


    After all by transitive property, if Arial managed to defeat three Immortal at the same time, if he fight every one of the four immortals on one on one how could he lose?


    This is why the title of the strongest goes to him.


    So it is important for Xiyun to at least disguise herself from the people view.


    Today she will dine in the tavern and maybe after that return to her room and practice again while sipping that tea and that wine in the night.


    Surely her body will synthesize it faster now. After her preparation is done she went down from the fourth floor and descends down the staircase to enter the tavern in the first floor.


    **********************************************************************


    TAVERN


    Xiyun is sipping some of the Zhenjing wine the specialty for this area.


    When she enters some people look at her choice of clothes but no one pay any special heed since there are many people that like to hide their identities.


    It is not that uncommon for the people of the martial art world to hide themselves and even disguise themselves.


    She is enjoying the wine and the meat then the tavern entrance open and some of the people enter the tavern.


    Xiyun look in shock as she could see it was Xiao De from the Sun Moon Sect and Shun Liang from Five Finger Peak, Zhu Li Mu from Lishan, Hue Xing from Limitless Blade and Zhu Wu from Taojing.


    Xiyun lower her gaze and look the other way, fearing to be recognized. What bad luck! How could they come here!


    They are all the candidates of their school during the martial art tournament.


    Xiyun just maintain her aloof attitude not wanting to alarm them. Xiyun knows that during the tournament many of these sects and school disciple and elder, senior and junior disciple, outer and inner disciple all die under her teacher hands.


    These five men take their seat at one of the tables.


    ¡®Waiter, give me some Taiguo tea and some roasted chicken¡¯ Hue Xing said as the other also ordered their food and drinks.


    Xiyun uses her internal energy to focus on her ears as she tries to eavesdrop their conversation while appearing to be enjoying her dishes.


    ¡®Haah! It has been a long journey¡¯ Hue Xing said


    ¡®Yes it is¡¯ Zhu Wu reply while the other nodded.


    Li Mu then asks Xiao De.


    ¡®How is your school disciple? Your junior brothers and senior brothers? Is the disciple fine?¡¯ he ask, concern in his voice.


    Xiao De face turned sullen.


    ¡®No, many of them died during that battle.¡¯ He said mournfully.


    ¡®The Central Celestial elder is really awe inspiring and terrifying. Such battle power that defied the Heavens, how could the disciples survive? It is good enough that many of the Elders are not heavily injured¡¯ Xiao De reply in that hopeless tone.


    That battle must refer to the Heaven Peak battle Xiyun mused. It is now famous among the people of the rivers and lake, every time exaggerated a bit more.


    Xiyun even heard some rumour that when her teacher steps on the ground, lightning thundered from the sky, when he breathes fire comes out of his mouth and when he glares, two or three people died of a heart attack.


    She even laughs hearing this. How could her teacher be portrayed like some Asura in the Scriptures of the Wise?


    If her teacher is really like that, how could she dares ask him to accept her as disciple? Wouldn¡¯t she be dead in fear just looking at her teacher eyes?


    It was almost like her teacher is a reincarnation of a demon or a slaughtering god.


    The people of the martial art world tell the story of the battle at Heaven peak, retelling the story of the emergence and rise of Central Celestial to reign all over the sects and clans, the experts and the masters.


    In the martial art world it is buzzing about her teacher, in taverns, in famous sect and clans, all talking about Central Celestial.


    Of course it is not only because he trash the competition but also because the implication of the battle.


    The 4 immortals who once become the pillars of the martial art world crumble, and a new force emerges in the martial art world.


    Thankfully Xiao De survives. After all, he once helps Xiyun so Xiyun could not help but have soft spots for Xiao De.


    ¡®My school also lost a lot of good seedlings. Hundreds of soul dies that day, regrets in their hearts¡¯ Zhu Wu said.


    ¡®Me too!¡¯ Li Mu concurred. They all nodded.


    ¡®If I could find that bitch I would kill her!¡¯ Shun Liang said his hand is balled up into a fist as he smashed his fist to the table and the table cracked a bit.


    ¡®What bitch?¡¯ Xiao De said.


    ¡®Mu Xiyun.¡¯


    Then a look of worries flashed on Xiao De face.


    ¡®Why would Senior kill her? She has no enmity with Senior Liang¡¯


    ¡®Her teacher is the one that killed all my precious disciple brother and sister. How could I just sit this one out and let her roam free in the martial art world? Wouldn¡¯t that be too much?¡¯


    ¡®Then ask for redress from the Central Celestial¡¯ Xiao De said slightly angry at Shun Liang logic and raising his voice tone.


    ¡®Me? Asking redress from the Central Celestial? Do you think I want to go to an early grave? No one could defeat him. The strongest in the world. Didn¡¯t you hear? I could not lay a hand on him, but I can lay a hand on his disciple¡¯ and then Xiao De laughed.


    ¡®Are you an idiot?¡¯ Xiao De said.


    ¡®What did you say!¡¯ Shun Liang said as he stand up, his face is flushed with anger.


    The other men hold Shun Liang back.


    ¡®Be patient, Liang¡¯ Zhu Wu said, clearly he has some friendship with him as he addressed him so casually.


    ¡®Do you think if you kill the only disciple of the Central Celestial, offending him to such a degree, he would let you go? Maybe he would even destroy your entire school. Blood will flow, skeleton will form a mound of hills, school extermination will occur. Do not doom the one that survived that great battle, Senior Shun.¡¯


    Xiao De said, clearly he is defending Xiyun while also being considerate towards his Seniors.


    How could he not understand Shun Liang feelings but to involve innocent person in their enmity, this Xiao De could not accept.


    Li Mu then said,


    ¡®This is true Brother Shun. Why would you incur the wrath of the Central Celestial? Fist and Kicks has no eyes. The people that died in that peak were a collateral damage of the battle between Immortals. We have survived such great battle why should we wake the sleeping dragon? Central Celestial elder seems to have returned to his dominion and who knows when he will return to the martial art world again? Why urge him to return to bathe the Central Plains with blood? In your quest for vengeance, you may doom other innocent people with you.¡¯


    Li Mu advises Shun Liang.


    The other nodded hearing Li Mu admonishment and advice.


    Shun Liang finally calmed himself down.


    ¡®Forgive me Junior Xiao. I was too emotional¡¯ Shun Liang said as he sit back down and cupped his fist towards Xiao De.


    ¡®It is understandable that Senior Shun would be angry. Who wouldn¡¯t?¡¯ Li Mu said while patting his back. Shun Liang nodded.


    ¡®Wine!¡¯ Shun Liang ordered. The waiter quickly come to their table and give Shun Liang the bottle.


    ¡®Here!¡¯ he said as he poured the wine to Xiao De cup.


    ¡®Let us toast. With this toast let bygones be bygones.¡¯ Xiao De smile and he did the same thing. Then they speak again this time about another matter.


    Ermeishan.


    ¡®Senior Shun, are you going to Xiantian Manor too?¡¯ Li Mu asked Shun Liang


    ¡®Yes, most of the sects and school are all going there right now. Wuhao especially.¡¯ Hue Xing clicked his tongue


    ¡®Then is it true? The rumour?¡¯ Hue Xing said.


    Zhu Wu nodded.


    ¡®Yes, it probably is. Ermeishan may have hidden themselves in the large Xiantian Hill behind the Xiantian Manor.¡¯


    Xiao De just shakes his head.


    ¡®Why would Xiantian Manor involves themselves with the matters of the martial art world? I do not understand. I thought Xiantian clan no longer meddles with the matters of the martial art world. They have retired during the time of 2 Immortals. At least that is what I heard from my teachers.¡¯


    Then Shun Liang said.


    ¡®As you know with the protection of the 4 immortals look unstable right now, many old forces and new forces emerge back into the stage. It is not surprising that Xiantian Manor would also participate in this emergence or maybe they have other reasons. The Abbess was one of the Xiantian clan friends during Xiantian Manor heyday. It is not surprising that Wuhao would chase them there and locate her there.¡¯


    ¡®So, what is the Sun Moon sect doing there? Helping Wuhao or Ermeishan?¡¯


    ¡®How about you Brother Liang.  Will you help Wuhao? After all why would the Five Fingers come here?¡¯


    ¡®Humph¡¯ Shun Liang snorted.


    ¡®After the Battle at the Peak, Ermeishan also robbed Five Fingers Peak treasury. I, of course would help Wuhao to seek explanation from the Abbess.¡¯


    ¡®You did not answer my question Junior Xiao.¡¯


    ¡®We the Sun Moon Sect will mediate among the schools and sect. My Elders do not think it is wise for us to invite chaos to the Central Plains. Schools and sect from Zettel like Yilin would then increase their power while we deteriorate into fighting.¡¯


    ¡®But that is not all isn¡¯t it? Let us not hold secret with each other. We all came he-¡®


    Then a screeching sound can be heard as a result of someone getting up in a rush from their chair and they stopped talking.


    They look in a distance and see a woman cloak with black clothing pay the waiters and retreated to the second floor.


    Then they continue talking.


    Xiyun is now packing her bags as her eyes glittered.


    Xiantian Manor! She said in her mind. There is her destination. After exchanging greeetings with the inn owners, she buys a horse and begins her journey.


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 CHAPTER 02: THE CHANGJIANG RIVER WAVES BEHIND, DRIVE THE WAVES AHEAD.

    From this chapter the martial art world will be called Jianghu. Why? because I am tired of writing the martial art world.


    Xiantian Manor is like a castle. That is her first impression when she looks at the Manor for afar.


    How could that be a manor? She thought to herself. That could be qualified to be said like a palace.


    It was wide, and surely has many courtyards.


    Of course comparing it to the lords and nobles of the government and kingdoms is an over exaggeration but it is grand enough for the people of the Jianghu.


    They live roaming on the mountains and hills, the sea and the lake, how could they have fixed income?


    For a fellow hero to live in such a grand place, one could say that the Xiantian Manor people have both, money and influence.


    Money describes their prestige in the society while influence refers to their reputation in the martial art world.


    It is hard to see a fellow martial artist to have both fame in the martial art world and wealth.


    Why?


    Because those that are famous for their proficiency in martial arts usually roams the world, perfecting their training or went into seclusion trying to gain a deeper understanding on their martial arts.


    How could they have time to hoard gold and silvers, copper and pennies?


    On her way there, Xiyun could see many heroes are climbing the hills, sects and school of Jianghu all congregated here, the elders and disciples all work in concert to reach the famous Xiantian Manor.


    Sometimes those people look at her but none truly intrude on her considering she is a lady and doing such things might invite misunderstanding.


    Some she recognizes, some she do not.


    Xiyun had heard a lot about Xiantian Manor when she was a child, hearing the stories of her senior sisters who have the opportunity to meet the heroes of the Xiantian Manor.


    But truthfully Xiyun doesn¡¯t know much since the Manor has long not meddled in the martial art world.


    Xiyun like usual, hide her face under the bamboo hat with a veil around her mouth, revealing only her eyes.


    Until finally, following those people, they reached the manor. Not once when they were coming up the hill anyone ask her to reveal her identity.


    She was perplexed at this but maybe because so many people hides their appearance it become a common scene and no one seems to pay it any mind.


    Then in front of the gate Xiyun could see an old man with a flowing white beard and long white hair with a white robe, standing majestically in front of the large gate, looking at the people coming to the manor, smiling and welcoming people with arms wide opens.


    Then a man in a mask approached the old man and he removed his disguise and cupped his hand and bowed in respect to the old man while the old man nodded.


    In clear voice he said


    ¡®Junior greets Elder Xu Feng.¡¯


    The old man nodded.


    ¡®Which sect?¡¯ the old man asked.


    ¡®White Lotus Sect, Dian Wei greets Senior. My sect has long admired the people of Xiantian Manor heroism and chivalry, along with its great heroes and warriors. My Elders have sent me here after I begged them. Xiantian Manor emerges back in the Jianghu, the tiger returns roaring. This is joyous news. Joyous news!¡¯ The man said.


    ¡®This Junior really likes to joke. Come in come in¡¯ the old man said and the White Lotus sect all followed the man called Dian Wei entering the manor.


    One by one the people that in disguise revealed themselves in front of the old man.


    ¡®Humph¡¯ Xiyun snorted.


    ¡®So that is why so many people in disguise. Since in the end they all abandon their veil, rip their mask, throw away their robes, bowing to that old man in fear, why even bother disguising and confusing me!¡¯ scolded Xiyun in her heart.


    She could see that Xiao De and his senior brothers is leading the Sun Moon Sect, Hue Xing with his, Li Mu with his sect all entering the manor head help up high, each one wearing a neutral expression.


    There is something going on here in this manor but what it is?


    One by one people enters yet Xiyun did not move from her spot under the big tree, hiding under the shade from the heat of the sun.


    Until finally the old man has greeted everyone but her. The old man finally notices the girl that never moves from her position.


    He realizes it a long time ago.


    First he thought that the girl is waiting for her senior brothers or sister. Because all that came here came with their sect so it is strange to see a woman alone without any companion.


    Could she be a consummate expert that lives in seclusion and is coming here to make a trouble in Xiantian Manor today?


    That is what he thought initially but the girl seem too young to possess powers that could shake the continent.


    There is silence between the old man and the girl when they glare at each other.


    Until even those that passed the manor gate also come back to see this exchange.


    ¡®Who is that girl?¡¯


    ¡®Don¡¯t know¡¯ Some whispered, all trying to guess the identity of the woman in veil.


    ¡®Could it be the Veiled Lady, the disciple of Eastern Devil?¡¯ Some try to hazard a guess, while some gasped and once again they took a glance at the veiled lady


    ¡®No¡¯ some countered.


    ¡®I was at the peak during the legendary battle of the Immortals. That girl is not the Revered Eastern Devil disciple. But she does look familiar¡¯ the man said.


    The old man is also curios. Xu Feng of course knows about the eastern Devil disciple and if she is, he would treat her with honours.


    But the whispers grew louder in the back with many more coming back to the main gate, looking at the girl, each one trying to guess.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    After all the old man is not the only one that is curios of the girl identity. Many of the people that were following the trail of Xiantian Manor saw that girl.


    She looks confident yet she never talks to any of the other sects or school that also participates in the meeting.


    People have been debating her identity since then, but many fears that she is some experts from seclusion and fearing offending her.


    Even when they know that she is young and there is next to impossibility she would have earth shattering power, they still do not dare to mingle with her.


    Not because they fear her but because they fear her background.


    To come to Xiantian manor alone, must speak volume of her confidence. They think all sorts of thing without realizing that Xiyun truly come alone without any bodyguards or companion because of her hastiness and impulsiveness.


    That is because she doesn¡¯t know what is at stake here. If she knew would she come? No. She would be a thousand miles away from Xiantian Manor.


    She thought from the conversation this is about Ermeishan. She could not be more far away from the truth.


    Slowly Xiyun get up from her sitting position, wipes her clothes and walk to the old man. She cupped her hand and bowed slightly.


    ¡®Junior greet Senior Xu Feng.¡¯


    ¡®Which sect?¡¯ Xu Feng ask, the girl still does not remove her mask.


    The audacity! Which sects did this unruly girl come from! By now, Xu Feng is pretty sure that this girl is not the disciple of Eastern Devil.


    Xiantian Manor during their glory days, other than the Immortals they feared no one; they roamed free in Jianghu, formidable and feared, respected and hold a great position in the Jianghu.


    Who dares offend them!


    ¡®All Conquering Sect¡¯ she said and with that word all the sects and school in the manor that watch this exchange drew a deep breath, looking left and right, looking up and down. Some whispered.


    ¡®Heavens! Are the Central Celestial coming?¡¯ Some of them said, their teeth chattering, sweats of beads forming in their forehead.


    They all know of the Central Celestial story and of his prowess, the battle at Heaven Peak, defeating the Immortals, slaughtering with flying swords, blood rains from the top of the mountains, bathing the running elders with their disciples blood, those that survived still have nightmares about it.


    The peak was turned into a blubbering mess of destruction, carnage reins that day in the Heaven Peak.


    Some of them trying to fake calmness and look at the girl. Some whispered


    ¡®If she is from the All-Conquering sect then isn¡¯t she-¡®


    ¡®MU XIYUN!¡¯ One shouted and quickly he shuts his mouth with his hand and his eyes flickered looking around, fearing that Central Celestial is here and would fly down and kill him.


    The girl then in midst of people shock reveal her face and set down her bamboo hat and they could see the face of the disciple of All Conquering Sect.


    Mu Xiyun face is quite similar to her sister only that she exudes life and there is no trace of that coldness that her older sister possessed.


    The Old man nodded. Even though Xiantian Manor did not interfere and meddle in the Jianghu, how could they not have heard of All Conquering Sect?


    Arial Vermont, Central Celestial, the strongest of the Immortal, the world number one, peerless without match.


    This girl is not to be provoked. He quickly changes his attitude.


    Xu Feng cupped his hand and point to the sky


    ¡®I have long heard about the glorious reputation of Central Celestial. Heroes of the generation, young and powerful. Is your teacher coming?¡¯ he asked nonchalantly but actually his heart is beating wildly, nervousness fills his heart.


    The crowd has swelled from the beginning.


    After the initial crowd heard about Mu Xiyun they quickly call their elders, their senior brothers, their senior sisters, their outer disciple, their inner disciple all waiting for Xiyun words.


    ¡®Unfortunately, my teacher couldn¡¯t attend.¡¯ Then she intentionally raises her voice.


    ¡®Fortunately he sends me as his eyes and ears. He asks me to bring him update of the martial art world. But who knows?¡¯ She said.


    ¡®My teacher is an eccentric. He comes as he pleases; he goes as he please, like the wind, every time bringing great storms with him. Maybe suddenly he will come. Maybe he wouldn¡¯t. Who knows?¡¯ and she smirked, looking at each of the elders of the great schools and sects.


    All the sects and school have different expression looking at Xiyun.


    Some shows outright dislike, some showed contempt, some expression is unreadable, and some are smiling.


    Each one of them has different feelings and all have different agenda.


    ¡®It is unfortunate that your teacher couldn¡¯t come. If not I myself would offer a cup of wine, and chat with him to build friendship with him.¡¯


    ¡®Only this Xiaonuzi is here. If the Xiantian Manor does not mind, then I would like to see why there are so many heroes gathering here. If not allowed, this Xiaonuzi understand.¡¯


    ¡®Why would we Xiantian Manor prohibits you from entering?¡¯ the old man said smiling and he gives passage.


    ¡®I don¡¯t dare! I don¡¯t dare!¡¯ Xiyun said faking, to show some deference to Xu Feng


    Xu Feng saluted Xiyun


    ¡®Please, junior¡¯ he said gesturing Xiyun to come inside.


    Xiyun smiles and said.


    ¡®If that¡¯s the case, to refuse would be impolite; I will be entering then¡¯ and Xiyun enters, while being watched by all the heroes of Jianghu.


    And it begins she mused.


    *************************************************************************


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 CHAPTER 03: THE TRAGIC STORY OF THE TWO LOVERS

    Xiyun enters the Front gate and she could see a lot of the famous people in Jianghu, the great elders from many sects.


    The schools from the east, south, west and north, no matter what rank, gathered here in this gathering.


    Xiyun is also curious what kind of gathering is this?


    Then a voice can be heard from afar, clear, although not too loud it managed to show the man impressive inner energy.


    ¡®Xiantian Manor, Gu Fu, welcomes the White Lotus Sect, Xiao Juetian.¡¯ The man then proceeded to greet each and every one of the heroes and then he welcomes Xiyun


    ¡®Xiantian Manor, welcomes Mu Xiyun of the All-Conquering Sect!¡¯ and Xiyun could see many of the venomous gaze looking at her and she ignores all of it.


    ¡®It is really a pleasure to meet one of the Immortals disciples.¡¯ Gu Fu said cupping his ahnd in respect. Xiyun smiles and returned the reply with courteous words.


    ¡®Are you also coming here for the Ice Heart Manuals?¡¯ Hearing this Xiyun is shocked.


    Ice Heart Manuals?


    What is that? Isn¡¯t this meeting is for Ermeishan act of robbing the Five Finger Peak? What is this about Ice Heart Manuals?


    Xiyun is shocked because it is not what she expected but she did not show it in her expression.


    ¡®No, no, I just come here to see the gathering.¡¯ Some snorted in the back; some looked at her in suspicion.


    Xiyun began feeling that this is beginning to feel like she has stepped onto something dangerous.


    She is not coming here about some manuals; she is just coming here to know about the location of her sister.


    But now hearing about manuals how could her heart be calm? It¡¯s not her first time in Jianghu.


    When manuals are mentioned usually people would not come in drove like this unless the manual is truly extraordinary


    She then proceeded to the seats, trying to ease her bad feelings. Then one of the men in the crowd yelled


    ¡®Martial Sister Xiyun, are you coming here to cause trouble? Killing people like dogs, painting the Heaven Peak with blood, rampaging through the Earth, Heaven have no eyes. You are the enmies of all righteous heroes. I challenge you to a duel right here, right now.¡¯


    Xiyun looked at the man and she snorted. It¡¯s Shun Liang.


    Some of the other young people in the other sect also rise up from their seat, ready to sheathe their blade at a moment notice, their bloodlust is evident.


    Clearly Shun Liang and this other young heroes know each other and share each other concerns


    But Xiyun was calm. Messing with me? You do not dare messing with my master, but you think you could bully me? Hmph. My name is not Xiyun if I retreat back. She inwardly though clearly she is angry


    ¡®HMPH!¡¯ She snorted in derision.


    ¡®All the waters in the world, none more than in the sea, thousands rivers flow here, not knowing when they could stop but not overflow. Walking a thousand miles, would not match its immensity, climb up a thousand steps, would not match its depth. The scholar walks, the scholar moves faster, the scholar dashes, the scholar like a spirit flies into the distance, disappearing just as I look up¡¯ then saying this she smiles bitterly and continues by shaking her head with an extreme regret on her face and a hint of yearning.


    ¡®My master doesn¡¯t even have to fly. He simply needs to walk for me to fall behind.¡¯


    Xiyun started by praising her great master.


    Hearing this high estimation for her teacher, some of the elders could not help but nodded.


    Her master needs to simply walk for her to be left behind¡­ describe her yearning for her master unparalleled techniques.


    All the waters in the world, none more than in the sea, thousands rivers flow here, not knowing when they could stop but not overflow.


    These describe her renowned master in the control of internal energy.


    Walking a thousand miles, would not match its immensity, climb up a thousand steps, would not match its depth.


    These words described her master bottomless, unparalleled martial arts perfectly. It is clear no one would refute any of the praise Xiyun has said.


    The Central Celestial has proven himself beyond any doubt. Then she continued.


    ¡®Fighting the Immortals, Painting the Heaven Peak red, Reigning supreme in Jianghu, traversing without obstacle. When my Master came, people should kneel, heaven should obey. If you dare to seek vengeance, my master can always be found in his home, why not pay him a visit? Then let see if you dare spout that word again. Kneeling in front of the strong, showing bravery in front of the weak, is this a conduct of a hero? In front of my master, in one move your head will fly. Fearing death, you challenge this Junior. Teacher did not yet allow this Junior shows his technique in Jianghu, this disciple does not dare disobey. If any of the young hero today, is asking redress for the matter in Heaven Peak then let me fetch my master.¡¯


    Hearing this Shun Liang was angry at first hearing her calling him a coward subtly and then he sweat cold sweats of fear.


    If Xiyun really called her teacher, how could they survive?


    The others look at Shun Liang with blame. If Xiyun really calls her teacher, won¡¯t they also be implicated?


    Who would want to provoke such calamity?


    Many of the young hero gathering today, was present in the Battle at the Heaven Peak.


    They see the destruction of the Heaven Peak, the mutilated bodies, the blood that flowed down the rocky walls of the mountains.


    How could they dare seek vengeance?


    ¡®Liang-er, shut your mouth!¡¯ one of the elders rebuked. The elders is already trembling with fear, shivering with fear remembering what happen at the Peak.


    They do not dare offend the Central Celestial.


    ¡®How about it?¡¯ Xiyun smiles a wicked smile.


    ¡®Should I call my Teacher? Should I not? Young Hero Liang please tell me, what should I do? Since you are burning with a righteous heart and want to seek vengeance for the juniors of your sect, I should respect that right? Even if you died, you would not blame this Junior right?¡¯


    Shun Liang was about to say something but is quickly cut off by Xiyun.


    ¡®Of course not! Young Hero Liang is a man of his word, a valiant hero in Jianghu, fearless and powerful. Even though if he dies, surely Young Hero Liang would die smiling trying to avenge his juniors. Dying and accompanying his junior sisters, what more could be asked, right Young Hero Liang?¡¯


    And Xiyun laugh a hearty laugh. Wanting to mess with me? Let me see how you will get out of this mess. I will let you sweat it a bit before making you calm again.


    ¡®YOU!¡¯ One of the young heroes also stands up. Zhu Wu from Taojing pointed his finger at Xiyun, his face was menacing.


    But then he quickly endures his anger and change his tone to a consoling one.


    ¡®All Conquering Sect should be of the righteous sect. Young Hero Liang does not mean to offend Central Celestial Elder. Martial Sister Xiyun should not have been too harsh.¡¯


    Zhu Wu tries to give pressure to her to end this.


    ¡®Hmph¡¯ she snorted.


    Their banter is becoming a spectacle. Xiyun standing there loftily, her black clothing and her bravery is one that young hero should emulate.


    ¡®All Conquering sect a righteous sect? Who told you that?¡¯ She shot back.


    Hearing this Zhu Wu is tongue tied. That right? Who told him that? No one. He assumes it as so.


    Why? Because why would anyone like to be called the evil sect. It just seems logical, that someone as imposing and influential as Central Celestial Elder should be from the righteous faction.


    ¡®Then are your sect one of the evil sects?¡¯ one of the people from the Bloody Dagger ask.


    ¡®Hmph!¡¯ She snorted again, this time she look at the direction of the man that was shouting.


    ¡®And mingle with the likes of you?¡¯ She said arrogantly. The man from the Bloody Dagger was red with embarrassment.


    ¡®My teacher does as he pleases. If he wants to do good, who dares do evil? If he want to do evil, who dare tries stop him? Righteous or evil what does that have to do with you? It is my sect, not yours! When did the Jianghu likes to meddle with the matter of other people sect! And when did I become your martial sister! Martial sister, martial sister! Hmph! People are shameless.¡¯


    She rebuked Zhu Wu and the man from the Bloody Dagger simultaneously


    Xu Feng seeing that this argument is getting heated then said as he enters the courtyard. His voice reverberated inside the courtyard with an aura that could calm even the most angriest emotions.


    ¡®Enmity and resentment, leave it at the front gate. If there is to be talk about enmity, then leave this place and settle your score outside. Today is a special day for Xiantian Manor. I hope all the heroes of Jianghu will give me face¡¯ he said cupping his hand to the area of the sect leaders.


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    The Sect leader and elders looking at Xu Feng also cupped their fist and bow slightly.


    ¡®Young Hero Shun Liang, Zhu Wu, sit down and apologize.¡¯ They hesitated but under the stern gaze of their elders they said


    ¡®Let us settle our differences later¡¯ Shun Liang said, his eyes looked menacingly at Xiyun.


    ¡®Hmph¡¯ Xiyun snorted, her mood is sour and she could not be bother by their insincere apology.


    She sits down at her seat.


    Then Xu Feng come and stands in the middle of the courtyard, smiling and full with joy and said.


    ¡®As everyone knows, you all come here for the first piece of the Ice Heart Manual.¡¯


    The people cheered. They all are excited and could not wait to see the manual even though they know they have to enter the competition.


    Xiyun on the other was puzzled and in confusion but she did not say anything. Since she was already here, she might as well found out what manual this manual is.


    ¡®Tell us the story!¡¯ One of the people in the crowds said and other follows.


    Some people that seek the Ice Heart Manuals also know of the heartrending story behind the Manual and lovers in Ming Continent who travelled the Jianghu, always tell the story between the Ancient Tomb Sect founder and the two young gentlemen from Wudang and Tangmen.


    Xiyun also wanted to know. Because she didn¡¯t know the story. Some elder who have set on a journey to Ming has also heard the famous story.


    The Ming Continent is the holy land for Eastian since their ancestor originated from there but as far as the Human Continent is concerned, they don¡¯t know where the Ming Continent is.


    And they mostly don¡¯t care. For the Caelum their ancestry began on the Holy Land of Aralam and the Second City.


    (It wasn¡¯t until Novus Gaia that Arial found the Ming continent. Before that moment, any Eastian who wanted to go back to their ancestral homeland need to steer their own ship to the unknown seas and hope for the best)


    For Eastian, it is Ancient Xia.


    She is also curious. What is Ice Heart Manual and why was it so sought after that so many young heroes from great schools and sect would gather here?


    And it seems that there is a story about this Ice Heart Manual, which makes Xiyun even more curios.


    ¡®I will tell you all the story of this manual and how our Xiantian Manor managed to acquire one part of the Ice Heart Manual.¡¯


    Xu Feng said smiling from ear to ear. Then he began telling the story and Xiyun began paying attention.


    ¡®Ice Heart Manual is one of the most coveted martial art manual in the world next to the Three Great manuals. This part is one of three parts of the Ice Heart Manuals from the Xiao family. Xiao family youngest daughter was a great prodigy of martial art in the holy land of our Han people. Xiao family also regularly meets with the hermit experts in the Ancient Tomb Sect, not far away from Mount Zhongnan.¡¯


    Hearing the name Ancient tomb sect, some of the elders gasped in shock and awe.


    ¡®Ancient Tomb Sect is very reclusive. The Quanzhen Sect and Ancient Tomb Sect in the old days were very powerful. Xiao Chaofeng was the founder of this sect and she was the one who created Ice Heart Manuals, thousands of years ago.¡¯


    And hearing this some of the elders nodded, some have already close their eyes, remembering the old story of the Ancient tomb Sect.


    For the old generation they clearly know the famous story of the White Haired Chaofeng and the Hidden Weapon Master, Tang Yuan.


    ¡®A tragedy, a tragedy.¡¯ One of the elder speaks shaking his head. Some elders also nodding their head in agreement


    Xu Feng then tells the story


    ¡®The story goes that, when she was young, this founder of the sect fall in love with a wandering martial artist. Unfortunately the man was Tang Yuan. Tang Yuan was the heir to the Tangmen Sect. The righteous sect at the time could not accept that such a beauty like Xiao Chaofeng, whose beauty could be said to topple kingdoms, who is also from the righteous side, would fall in love with a man from the evil sect and did all they can to separate the two.¡¯


    The young hearing this story is particularly affected with the story and imagines the appearance of main characters.


    Each one tries to imagine the beauty of Xiao Chaofeng. Could she look like Ariana on the Great Dark Lands or like Rhyssa on the Desert of Renasia?


    Xu Feng continued his story


    ¡®Xiao Chaofeng has an admirer, a very close friend from Wudang who wanted her hand for marriage. When the young hero heard that the woman he loved, has given her heart to another he was devastated and decided to confront Tang Yuan and tell him to forget his love, that not only this is bigger that the matter of their hearts but also concerned the Jianghu factions. They decided to fight in a duel on the top of Mount Hua without the knowledge of Xiao Chaofeng. For three days and three nights they duel on top of the Mountain, thousands of strokes exchanged, countless of strikes levied onto each other, the land breaks apart, the mountains was full with holes and large craters, like gods has been battling, and the energy on the mountain was a chaos. Rend apart the earth, sunder the heavens, this is the apt description¡¯


    Xu Feng exclaimed with an awed look, like he himself is looking at that battle right now as he is telling the story.


    Hearing this the young generation could not help but feel awed. This time they tried to imagine what the battle of this great heroes look like.


    Countless of strikes exchanged, movement technique that would surpass them, strikes that could shakes mountains, attack technique that would be very exquisite and they all take a deep breath and admire these old heroes that lived centuries before.


    ¡®Wudang and Tangmen nearly went to war when they all went to the mountain peak to watch the result of the battle. Their duel nearly sparked the Jianghu to great conflict. In the end, Young Hero of Wudang was killed by a Golden Flower, one of the many Tangmen Sect weapons, while Tang Yuan of Tangmen was killed by a great palm attack.¡¯


    Hearing this the young generation gasped. To think the story ended like this.But the story is not ending yet.


    Xu Feng continued his story.


    ¡®When Xiao Chaofeng arrived at the battle sites, she grieved and screamed. The mountain shakes, birds and beast shrieks in pain, hearing her screams. One is the person he loves, another is her friend. She grieved for three days and three nights at Mount Hua peak until her hair turns white and her eyes turn cold. After burying the two bodies, she went into seclusion and for 50 years she did not come out from the Ancient Tomb Sect. When she came out, her hair was white like snow, her eyes were cold but surprisingly, her face looks the same and she became a  pinnacle expert for martial art. It was during that time Ice Heart Manuals were created. Freezing hearts, killing without a sound, never shedding blood, the essence of the Ice Heart Manuals is extreme Ying.¡¯


    Hearing this story everyone is enchanted. They all have their own version in their mind of how that fight would be¡­and the subsequent event in their minds.


    Wudang and Tangmen even now is illustrious martial art school and imagining the young hero of Wudang fighting the young hero of Tangmen, in Mount Hua peak, one uses palm attack another uses variety of hidden weapons, what a spectacle it would be!


    Then, they imagine and sympathizes for Xiao Chaofeng.


    Grieving for three days and three night, hair turns white, eyes turns cold, freezing her own hearts, seclusion for 50 years, the death of her lover and friend must have taken a toll to her mind.


    Xu Feng looking at the enchanted look on the face of the young generation smiles. This story is one of the famous story involving the Ice Heart Manuals.


    Then he spoke.


    ¡®Xiantian Manor, thanks everyone for coming and hope everyone is ready for the main event.¡¯


    The elders from the sect all smiles and nodded.


    ¡®Let us begin! Xu Feng yelled and then another gate was opened and Xu Feng led the elders to enter the courtyard.


    When Xiyun enters she could see a large stage is prepared and there is chair everywhere.


    And the chairs are separated by many tents and there is one for each school. Even her school is represented and there is one chair under a large tent.


    There is also even for the guest who had nothing to do with the Ice Heart Manuals and just came to see the Ice Heart Manuals.


    Still she did not understand why there is a large stage until Xu Feng words finally made her realize.


    ¡®Let us begins the competition!¡¯ And then there is a deafening cheer and she was thinking to herself.


    What did I get involved in?


    *************************************************************************

 CHAPTER 04: THE LONER WHO SEEKS DEFEAT

    Xu Feng waved his hands and a man walked on top of the stage with a ballot box. The man was wearing a scholar outfit but is very old.


    With white beard and white hair, the man jump onto the stage.


    But it was her movement that enchanted Xiyun. When he landed it was soundless, like he was drifting among the clouds.


    This type of lightness technique is clearly not easily mastered and even harder to train¡­.but the old man flawlessly execute this


    Then the old man put the ballot in the middle of the stage and then he jumped back to the ground and then in a few moments the old man disappeared.


    Looking at this one of the elders after seeing all this happened in such a fast manner, he screams in excitement.


    ¡®Old Qiao, The Soundless Ghost!¡¯ One of the elder from White Lotus sect yelled but when he said it the old man has already disappeared.


    The older elders of course knew Old Qiao.


    ¡®Is that him?¡¯ one of the elder asked looking at the direction where the old man disappeared


    ¡®Who would¡¯ve thought he is on Xiantian Manor!¡¯ One of the spectators said.


    Soundless Ghost Qiao is famous during the time of the Two Immortals as an expert in lightness technique.


    He could sneak inside your house, rob you all of your belongings and then disappear like a puff of smoke.


    But he disappeared for many years already. Who would¡¯ve thought that Old man Qiao is at the Xiantian Manor.


    Xiyun then thought inwardly ¡®It is true, that there are no weak people in Xiantian Manor.¡¯


    Then Xu Feng then said.


    Please put their name in the ballot to determine the battle.


    A few elders put some parchment inside the ballots and then retreated. Not all people put a name inside the ballot box. Not all here is coveting the manuals especially those that wander in Jianghu.


    Those that wanders in jianghu, would not like to possess such precious manual else they lose their life in the treacherous intrigues of the sect and large forces in Jianghu.


    Unless, they possess strength like the Immortals, they would do their best to try not to offend the major power in Jianghu.


    Since Xiyun has got a few hints about what is going on she intend to watch and at the same time inquire about the Ermeishan sect.


    Then Xu Feng asked the crowds.


    ¡®Anyone else?¡¯


    No one said anything and he smiles. Then he waved his hand again and then this time that old man appeared again almost like he was there the entire time.


    Seeing this mystical technique is enough to make Xiyun admire the old man. To appear without a sound and move without indication, moving like a floating clouds, walking like riding the wind, admiration and awe welled up in Xiyun heart.


    The nickname Soundless Ghost is a perfect description for Elder Qiao she inwardly thought.


    Then the old man took the ballot and like that heh disappeared again and then for a while there is silence which is then broke by a deep voice resonating inside the courtyard.


    ¡®Xiao Feng of Sun Moon Sect battling Murong Wu of Thousand Sword Sect.¡¯ The voice says this word and the elders of various sect nodded, no question asked.


    Their sect cheered and Xiyun smiles. Xiao Feng¡­the older brother of Xiao De. It seems the elder would be participating.


    Xiao Feng is almost the same like his brother. He is muscly but he also has that scholarly aura like the other people in Sun moon Sect.


    But people of Jianghu knows that when he is angry he is likely to be seen as a wild animal.


    He is charismatic and he has long black hair and his eyes is sharp like a blade.


    During the battle of Heaven Peak, he did not participate because he was handling something in the Northern Chu.


    From news it is said that he fights the 7 Ghost of Qi and was so domineering that the 7 Ghost of Qi surrendered themselves to the authority.


    Murong Wu on the other hand emits this kind of noble aura and his expression is cold and calculating. With one fan fanning his face, he looks noble.


    Xiao Feng jump onto the stage from his seat, cracking the stone tiles as he launched himself and landed with forceful impact on the stage as the tile on the stage cracked a bit.


    ¡®Great internal energy¡¯ Xiyun complimented.


    Xiyun is sitting on her seat under the tent but some of the elders of the Xiantian Manor is beside her.


    They come to her tent because of her invitation and because Xiyun feel lonely to be the only one under such a large tent.


    Murong Wu looks at Xiao Feng with his cold expression. He did not even smile, his face has shown no expression whatsoever.


    Murong Wu then jumped from his seat but unlike Xiao Feng burst of energy, Murong Wu jump only produce a small gust of wind under his feet but pack enough force for him to fly to the stage, graceful like a fairy and opening his fan he directed it to Xiao Feng and a gust of wind appeared then he landed slowly on top of the stage.


    The moment he landed winds scattered about on the stage.


    ¡®Great control of internal energy¡¯ one of the spectator commented. Xiyun nodded.


    This would be a great fight she thinks to herself. Xiao Feng has great internal energy but Murong Wu has great control.


    Two of them are the geniuses of Jianghu. Xiao Feng is young and so is Murong Wu. Then Xiao Feng looks glaringly at Murong Wu


    ¡®Murong Wu we meet again!¡¯ Xiao Feng said his roar like a roar of tiger. Murong Wu did not say anything only waved his fan as his open fan closed again.


    He just nodded.


    ¡®You may begin¡¯ the word resonated again.


    Who is the owner of this voice? Xiyun asked herself. Could it be the great ancestor of Xiantian Manor?


    Then Xiao Feng he unsheathed his saber. It was a black saber etched with some inscription and a design of a flood dragon.


    Then rushing to Murong Wu he unleashes the power of his saber and with one slash the wall behind Murong Wu exploded.


    Heat exploded out and the smell of soothing burning could be smelled. Murong Wu has already dodged the strike the moment he saw Xiao Feng unsheathe his saber.


    ¡®Burning Sun Saber!¡¯ One of the elders from other sect recognize the saber. The Burning Sun Saber is one of the treasures of the Sun moon Sect.


    It has a very powerful Yang energy inside it, cutting gold or jade like tofu, and almost as famous as the Dragon Slaying Saber on the Ming Continent.


    The Dragon Slaying Saber is made from Enochian steel cutting though iron hammer like tofu without making a sound, cutting mountain with one strike, its sharpness is the stuff of legends.


    But Burning Sun Saber is also quite formidable. One of the spectators who was near the stage jumped to examine the wall and he could see the stone wall was melting and could smell the charred smells from the walls.


    Murong Wu creased his eyebrow but did not say anything.


    Even though such weapon is very powerful but the people of Thousand Sword Sect is not worried about Murong Wu.


    Murong Wu is very famous as someone who is calm and very calculative.


    And even though some of the people in the crowd is anxious for the fate of Murong Wu, the man involved is not very worried.


    Murong Wu dodges left and right every time Xiao Feng attacked. Xiao Feng only attack the air, while Murong Wu rides the wind and gracefully moving on the stage, carefree and unrestrained.


    His foot movement was truly like walking in water, riding the clouds like an immortal. Each time that Xiao Feng though his strike would hit, Murong Wu would be at another place.


    But the weird thing is, that after dozens of attacks, the crowds began to realize even though Xiao Feng attack was powerful Murong Wu is coming closer and closer to him.


    Then Xiao Feng screams and with a swoop he unleashes a pure Yang energy and with his single swoop his saber energy cut through 24 tents like it was a twig.


    For a moment the tent did not move which baffles the spectator but then when the wind blows, the top part of the tent came down.


    Because of the purity of the energy and the sharpness of the saber and not to mention Xiao Feng slice was horizontal, the tents did not fall down upon cut.


    Then the rest of tent fall down and even Xiyun had to move out of the way with his teacher lightness technique, the Wind God technique.


    Some junior of some school and sect was too late and crashed under the tent.


    But because the tent is not heavy there is not heavy injuries only some scratches and wounds.


    While they are shocked in their heart of such powerful weapon the battle on top of the stage did not stop for a moment.


    Xiao Feng is getting angrier and angrier at Murong Wu.


    from the very first moment of their battle on top of the stage, Murong Wu did not once attack him and only decided to dodge him.


    The frustrating part even though he is only using dodging skills, the fact remains that Xiao Feng could not land even one strike on Murong Wu.


    ¡®MURONG WU! ARE YOU PLAYING WITH ME?¡¯


    He screamed with anger written all over his face. He feels like he is being look down upon by Murong Wu.


    Murong Wu did not say anything his face is as expressionless as ever, looking at Xiao Feng like he was beneath him.


    It was a look of confidence Xiyun noted. The same look like her teacher. But to Xiao Feng eyes, this look of confidence looks like a face of arrogance.


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    So, Xiao Feng attack becomes more erratic and powerful. It was so powerful it was like a storm is brewing on the stage.


    But Murong Wu look in his eyes did not change, calm and peaceful.


    Now Murong Wu whispered as his hand fan open his fan. As his hand open the fan a bolt of wind blade shout out as he fanned his fan toward Xiao Feng, fast as lightning, ripping the air.


    There was only a slight noise but the elders and the expert could clearly see that this technique is very exquisite.


    And then Xiao Feng was thrown back a deep slice on his chest, and blood went gushing out from his wound as he kneel down because of the pain.


    Murong Wu stopped his movement and is in front of the defeated Xiao Feng his fan is still open and he looks at him with boredness.


    Xiao Feng looks at Murong Wu with astonishment. One strike is all he needs to render Xiao Feng powerless.


    With white clothes and cold black eyes, Murong Wu looks like a very gentlemanly noble. He did not talk much, he did not do much but he still won.


    Fighting without ostentation, elegant and graceful at all moments, using the most minimal force to win.


    His technique could be described as effective and elegant.


    Then he closed his fan and he turned away from Xiao Feng jumped down from the stage and walked away.


    His long white robe flew in the wind, as ethereal as an immortal deity.


    Without looking at anybody else, he took big strides towards his sect and then sit down at his seat.


    Defeated by a single blow. After a temporary moment of silence, the spectators at the tents exploded into cheers.


    The technique was incisive and sharp. If he decided to kill Xiao Feng then today Xiao Feng would die. Strength versus control¡­and control wins.


    Xiyun look at that cold man and remarked.


    ¡®Such a handsome face, too bad his technique is very cruel.¡¯


    Xiao Feng looked at his wound and laughed.


    ¡®Today I lost again. One day, I will seek pointers again from you, Murong Wu!¡¯ He said as he gets up.


    Even though his blood is spilling with higher intensity he stubbornly wills himself to get up. Throwing his saber on to the ground, the ground shakes a bit.


    Then he jumped down from the sage and one of the Sun Moon Sect junior come and helps prop Xiao Feng.


    Admirable Xiyun thought of Xiao Feng. Even though he lost he did not grudge the fact he lost instead he treated it as a training.


    This man would be an expert one day if only he reigns on his emotions.


    ¡®Murong Wu wi-¡®


    ¡®HAHAHAHA¡¯ a laugh suddenly rung out inside the courtyard and outside the courtyard. This laughter even force Xiyun to close her ears but the sounds still penetrate her eardrums.


    Then suddenly a man could be seen flying to one of the rooftops near the courtyard standing there loftily, with one sword on his left hip.


    He wears a purple robe but it was clearly stained by blood considering the color on his robe right now.


    The man was young, lean and has long hair which is tied on the back of his head.


    He looked roguish even though he wears a robe and confident. His eyes shined with a glint of madness and the way he stood and the aura he gave off is the same as her master Xiyun thought.


    Overbearing, powerful and proud.


    ¡®WHO ARE YOU!¡¯ Xu Feng yelled.


    ¡®Xiantian Manor!¡¯ He screamed and his scream shook the hearts of everyone that is present. Then he shoved down something from a sack and it was a head.


    ¡®Xia Yu!¡¯ Xu Feng said as he looked at the head.


    ¡®You killed Xia Yu!¡¯ Xu Feng said. Xia Yu is Xu Feng senior brother. He was the one who announces the match.


    Who would have thought he has been killed by this young man dressed in purple? And not only that, this young man was able to decapitate him¡­.which must mean that this young man must be very powerful.


    One of the elders from the Sun Moon Sect then asked.


    ¡®Please tell me your name senior since we have never met. Why did you come to Xiantian Manor and start killing people?¡¯


    The young man smiled and showing his bright teeth and then he loomed around and said


    ¡®Why did everyone else come here?¡¯


    Xu Feng is looking at the man angrily but since the sun Moon Sect is talking and they even tries to mediate the matter Xu Feng will be patient.


    But his hand is forming into a fist. And he is gritting his teeth.It took all of him not to rush to the man.


    ¡®Xiantian Manor acquired a precious manual from the Ming continent. They just simply ask the heroes to come and look at it.¡¯


    ¡®Is that so?¡¯ and the man smiled deviously.


    ¡®HAHAHAHA¡¯ he laughed again and this time like before his laugh could destroy eardrums and like thunders splitting the land.


    The man then looked at the direction of the east and then he thinks of something.


    ¡®My name is Dugu Qiubai!¡¯


    The young man said and the elders of various sects then remembered the old tales of the old generation that spoke of one of the great heroes during the first formation of Ancient Xia.


    One of the heroes back then was a swordsman by the name of Dugu Qiubai.


    The Loner Who Seeks Defeat.


    The fact that this young man is using his name is truly arrogant. The Elder has died for such a long time and now using that name it is simply ridiculing them.


    ¡®I have grievance with the Xiantian Manor for something they have done during their days roaming the Jianghu. What respectable force in Jianghu? Killing people under heavens like dogs, I Sword Devil will uphold justice and exact vengeance. My grievance is absolutely irreconcilable! Xian Fu, if I don¡¯t tear your body to shreds, then I am not human!¡±


    His voice shook like thunder


    Saying this he suddenly fly downward and then attacked Xu Feng with no regard to the sects.


    He uses his palm to shot an energy attack to Xu Feng chest killing him instantly. Suddenly the surrounding turns chaotic.


    Xiyun was trying to run away as Dugu Qiubai is killing people like cutting cabbages. The others immediately attacked Dugu Qiubai.


    Dugu Qiubai then kick a tripod weighted heavy and it hit three people as they exploded into a pool of blood.


    Everyone gasped at what happened. Xiyun has seen many powerful fighters in jianghu but never someone of this caliber other than his master.


    She knew she had no chance against this monster so she is trying to run away.


    Other than her master, Arial Vermont she could not think of a second person that is this man match.


    Some people fought Dugu Qiubai with sword but he could counter it like he was the master of sword using his thin sword which has reaped so many souls.


    Xiyun was hiding inside a large drum and she poked a hole to see what is happening.


    Those that tries to run was killed easily by Dugu Qiubai.


    Blood flowed on the tiles courtyard and even after the Xiantian manor elite disciple comes to join they did not gain any advantage.


    This man uses hundreds of variations and many forms in his attack. One of the famous figures in Jianghu who uses Saber, Saber Master Jiang Yu was defeated by Dugu Qiubai in merely a few seconds.


    Dugu Qiubai counters broadsword, cutlass, large cleaver like it was child play. When people use spears against him he counters it almost effortlessly.


    Every weapon that is used against him is useless. He counters all of it like he has learned everything there is about weapons.


    Even the heroes who uses their qi is easily countered by him. With 9 stances he was undefeated. With 9 stances he was invincible; his sword flies reaping heads, taking souls.


    Xiyun is trembling in fear inside the drum but she tries as best as she can not to make any suspicious movement.


    She saw from the pee hole she made that Xiao Feng. Murong Wu, Xiao De, Shun Liang and Zhu Wu all managed to escape aided by their elders and sect leaders.


    It is hard to believe that Dugu Qiubai is this powerful; breaking all attacks, countering all strikes, domineering at every move.


    Like her master people need to bow under him, invincible with the sword.


    For an hour people keep fighting him only to die either by a stab, a strike or by his palm attack.


    Some choses to run away. Some succeeded some failed. Xiyun wanted to run to but she knows her capabilities.


    The moment she sets out of the drum would be the moment she will lost her life which is why she did not want to come out the drum even for a step.


    In an hour, all the people inside the Xiantian Manor was annihilated even the servants and the maids.


    Dugu Qiubai did not leave anyone alive. Then for a while there is only the sound of winds and slowly a footsteps could be heard¡­inching closer and closer to the drum and Xiyun heart was about to explode.


    He is coming for me! She screamed inwardly


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