Chapter 63 The Great Martial Arts Showdown
On the sword-testing platform.
Ning Chaoxue's long sword was like a rainbow.
She chose a secret cultivation realm called "Changyun Peak" as her first cultivation location.
The intention was to use their familiarity with the terrain to counter Ning Chengshan.
However, Zhou Fuling wondered, "Why does Ning Chaoxue always seem hesitant and timid when she makes a move?"
"He seems very afraid of getting hurt, as if he's hesitating about something. If he attacks like this, he can't win no matter what."
In fact, before Ning Chaoxue went on stage, her mother Ning Chenghan did hand her a bottle of poison: "If this poison is spilled, as long as Ning Chengshan inhales it, her cultivation will be restricted. However, my child, you will also be affected. I'm sorry to trouble you."
The purpose was to have Ning Chaoxue exchange blood for blood to weaken Ning Chengshan.
Ning Chaoxue fought fiercely, relying on her familiarity with the terrain to search for an opportunity, but she hesitated: "If I use poison, Yun Yi can win. But as the young master, will my reputation still be intact? Will I still be able to become the sect leader in the future?"
Then he thought, "I can't hesitate. My reputation doesn't matter. I have to win the first round so that my mother and I can survive."
However, her indecisiveness caused her to miss a golden opportunity.
Ning Chengshan possessed exceptional skill and keen insight, causing Ning Chaoxue's longsword to be knocked away.
Ning Chaoxue, fearing she would suffer the same fate as Zhong Dashan and the others, exclaimed, "I surrender! I surrender!"
After leaving the stage, her face turned ashen, and she realized how incompetent she had been.
The members of the first group, such as Ning Chenghan, Ning Chengsong, and Long Shi, all looked grim and had some complaints.
Ning Chaoxue said, "I didn't expect this, I didn't expect this."
Ning Chenghan usually dotes on his daughter, but now that life and death are at stake, he can only keep quiet.
"Ning Chengshan wins the second round of the martial arts competition!" The announcement pierced through the oppressive atmosphere of the first group of people.
"The participants in the Grand Clan Leader's Decision are Song Huo from the First Division, Ning Chengshan from the Second Division, and Ling Fu from the Fourth Division. Please decide the fate of your respective divisions at the Ceasefire Platform."
This is exactly the rule mentioned earlier. After completing the second round of martial arts competition, during the sect leader's grand martial arts competition, participants can decide whether to send their fellow members down to recuperate from injuries.
Zhou Fuling carried Liang Bucheng and Qinghu Yue away for treatment. As long as Qingning and Miaoshanzhu were there, nothing serious would happen.
Ning Chengshan also dismissed Ning Bai and Ning Hong. Ning Bai was there to maintain order, while Ning Hong was there to heal her injuries.
Song Huo then dismissed the Dragon Master, while Ning Chaoxue remained.
Song Huo could tell that Ning Chaoxue was restless and worried about making things worse.
After this incident, the Vermilion Bird sang loudly once more atop the Cloud Candle Tower.
—The Grand Martial Arts Tournament of the Sect Master is about to begin.
-
Sect Master's Great Martial Arts Technique.
It is the final round of the Cloud Candle Tower Martial Arts Competition, and the next generation of sect leader is usually chosen at this stage.
It is the final battle of the Cloud Candle Tower competition.
The tower stands solemnly, its four sections standing quietly.
Ning Chenghan took out a jade slip from under the statue of the God of Fire, seeking divine power to determine the order of the martial arts duel.
However, because she had sworn a blood oath, she could not interfere with the outcome of the martial decision.
Zhou Fuling, Song Huoxianshi, and Ning Chengshan waited on the Zhige Platform.
All eyes turned to the three of them, and everyone sighed with emotion, realizing that it was the three who had made it to the end.
The real "Ling Fu" seemed a bit nervous, her lips pursed and her brows furrowed, clearly troubled.
A disciple in blue robes from the fourth section asked, "What's wrong?"
Ling Fu said, "I've heard that this Great Martial Arts Tournament first selects two duelists. The winner of that duel then fights another person, and the final winner becomes the sect leader. Is that right?"
The disciple sighed, "Exactly!"
Ling Fu said, "Sigh, wouldn't it be bad luck if I were the first one chosen to duel?"
The disciple said, "Luck is also a matter of chance! I only hope... I only hope Ling Xiu has good luck!"
On the Zhige Terrace.
Zhou Fuling's heart was also slightly uneasy.
She knew the rules of the Great Martial Arts Competition.
May God bless us!
If she could let Song Huo and Ning Chengshan fight it out first, she would feel much more at ease.
A slight pain came from my chest, and the cold wind made my skin feel icy.
Zhou Fuling kept her eyes open and didn't lose focus.
"The third round of martial arts competition—the first part is the chanting of fire, and the fourth part is the 'Lingfu,' let's test our swords first!"
Zhou Fuling felt as if she had been struck a heavy blow.
She felt a surge of frustration rising within her, and took a half-step back. Her Ren and Du meridians were still aching, but she didn't know what to say.
Song Huo in the distance looked solemn, while Ning Chengshan smiled with relief.
Zhou Fuling stood there stunned for a while before finally sitting down.
"Sister Fu." Suddenly, a clear and melodious voice rang out.
Zhou Fuling lowered her eyes and saw Xu Qingning standing tall and elegant, pushing aside the crowd and stepping off the stage, his green robe fluttering in the wind of the barrier.
Xu Qingning asked, "Are you feeling unwell?"
Zhou Fuling: "..." She knew the answer already.
Xu Qingning hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Don't be upset. So what if you lose using Yun Ning's techniques? I'll fight you out."
Zhou Fuling said, "It's not that easy."
She knew that the outside side was a wall of Yun Ning cultivators, and if she lost, it would be extremely difficult to escape.
Most importantly, what happens after you get away?
She continues to be hunted, wandering alone, schemed against by Kuang Yunchu, and controlled by the Devouring God Powder? When will this end?
Moreover, she had fought for so long, and if she were to lose now... Zhou Fuling was unwilling to accept it.
Why? Why was she so unlucky? Why was Ning Chengshan so lucky?
Below the Ceasefire Platform.
Xu Qingning also wanted to comfort Zhou Fuling.
But he was also unlucky from a young age, and I don't know how to explain it.
However, some things he was certain of, and some vague truths, gradually became clear in his mind, and he wanted Zhou Fuling to know them.
He raised his head and said softly, "Life is full of disappointments. But only those who have experienced countless disappointments and never stopped moving forward can see the turning point."
"You taught me this."
Zhou Fuling turned her head.
The two swords rang softly.
Xu Qingning said, "Are you trying to teach me to forget?"
“…” Zhou Fuling paused for a moment, then replied, “Don’t forget.”
The words were on the tip of her tongue, but she blurted them out, leaving both of them stunned.
Zhou Fuling suddenly remembered that ten years ago, when Xu Qingning's cultivation technique was abolished, he was also extremely dejected.
He didn't say it, but she knew he resented fate.
When Xu Qingning first picked up a sword ten years ago, it was just a wooden sword. He put it down as soon as he took it off, but his fingers cramped up and he couldn't even do simple movements.
She couldn't stand it, so she said to him, "Those who fear the enemy will surely be captured by the enemy, and those who fear defeat will ultimately be defeated."
But now, shouldn't she say the same thing to herself?
He who wins a battle by making strategic calculations before the battle is fought has many advantages; he who loses a battle by making strategic calculations before the battle is fought has few advantages.
When facing a challenge, she should consider how to strategize to increase her chances of winning.
Contemplating the workings of fate, it seems so elusive and unpredictable.
As Zhou Fuling closed her eyes, the Liang Huo "Kun" mantra she had been practicing in the grotto suddenly flashed through her mind like flames. It contained the bittersweet feeling of "treading on frost until solid ice arrives," the steadfastness of "containing virtue and guarding chastity," and the exhilarating joy of "wearing the yellow robe." She raised her eyes again, reviewed the mantra in her mind, and gradually calmed down.
Zhou Fuling said to Xu Qingning, "Okay, I understand."
Xu Qingning: "...It's good that you know."
In reality, it might be useless for others to use these words to comfort Zhou Fuling.
However, Zhou Fuling and Xu Qingning had a tacit understanding and a mutual, albeit undisclosed, affection. Therefore, when Xu Qingning spoke, she felt a strange sense of comfort.
-
The bells rang again.
The Grand Martial Arts Tournament of the Sect Master begins.
Everyone was on high alert.
Miao Shanzhu supported Liang Bucheng. Liang Bucheng was still unconscious, but a look of worry appeared in her eyes.
"This round of martial arts competition is the first location to be chosen, and I'm afraid Fuling will suffer a loss."
Zhou Fuling stepped onto the sword-testing platform.
But then the winds rose and the clouds surged, and the illusion of the Sword Testing Platform changed dramatically.
The wind howled, and the fire raged.
The four-finger-shaped mountain rises abruptly from the ground, with sheer cliffs thousands of feet high. The soil is grayish-black, cracked, and jagged, like canine teeth.
Then, a strange golden light appeared, flames shot from the sky, and four peaks loomed in and out of sight. Between the four peaks lay a deep valley.
Zhou Fuling stepped onto the scorched earth and smelled a familiar scent.
Where is this?
“Bad soil!” Ling Fu suddenly exclaimed. “Evil spirits invade the land, and fire burns away the spirits. This is the bad soil of the demon land!”
"Four fingers pointing towards each other, the valley like a gnomon's shadow, pointing to noon—this is 'Noon Ravine'!"
There was a commotion all around.
"What? 'Midday Ravine'? The Fire-Spelling Immortal Master chose Midday Ravine?!"
The room erupted with voices.
It's actually the Heavenly Abyss!!
Anyone who is a cultivator in this world knows that the most terrifying demon lands and secret realms in the world are the Twelve Heavenly Abyss Valleys that Liang Huo built a thousand years ago.
The Twelve Heavenly Gorges are treacherous in their terrain, passes, and even by demons.
The danger lies in the fact that Tianjue Gorge is a natural wonder, with extremely treacherous terrain. Even immortals could not climb it without accidentally stepping into the swampy inferno and losing their lives.
The danger lies in the fact that after "Liang Huo" Ning Xiuling subdued and rebuilt Tianjuejian, she added the most advanced and mysterious mechanism from a thousand years ago.
Many were crippled after being betrayed by demon cultivators.
However, accidentally stepping on it can cause serious injury or even death.
The most dangerous place is the place of demons.
After the Twelve Heavenly Gorges were sealed off during the War of Ten Thousand Demons, countless terrifying monsters were suppressed below them.
Sometimes, a single awakened demonic aura can destroy a city.
Although the Sword Testing Platform is an illusion, the illusion feels incredibly real.
The traps and dangers in Tianjue Gorge are numerous and must not be underestimated.
An elder of the Fourth Elder shook his head and said, "This Noon Ravine, where the yang energy is at its peak, is just as dangerous as the Midnight Ravine, where the yin energy is at its peak! Immortal Master Songhuo is going to... is going to..."
Master Miao Shan said with a deep gaze, "Master Song Huo became famous a hundred years ago when he suppressed the natural disaster in Wu Shi Ravine. Master Song Huo must be trying to use his familiarity with the demon land to finish the battle quickly."
The Fourth Elder said, "What should we do? Ling Xiu is so young, and his skill is indeed unpredictable, but I'm afraid he has never been to the Heavenly Abyss! Even if he has, how can he possibly defeat an elder like Song Huo?"
Part One.
The Rain Master was overjoyed: "This Ling Fu probably doesn't even know which way the gate of Noon Stream faces, does she?"
He had previously provoked Zhou Fuling, and seeing how powerful she was, he was wary of her. Now that he saw Zhou Fuling about to be defeated, he couldn't help but feel gloating.
However, one of the elders said, "I'm afraid she might have been to Zishijian, which would be troublesome. Of course, the possibility is extremely small."
A disciple asked, "Why mention the two precipitous ravines at the same time?"
The elder sighed: "The two streams, one representing Yin and the other Yang, are the most dangerous Heavenly Gorge. Therefore, when Ancestor Liang Huo built the gorge, he used the most intricate and sophisticated terrain, formations, and mechanisms to suppress the Yin and Yang energies within."
"Because the two streams are opposite each other, their mechanisms and terrain are all symmetrically designed. Once you understand one stream, you can also become familiar with the key points of the other. But unfortunately... very few people can understand it."
Part Four: Zhigetai.
Xu Qingning's expression was solemn.
But upon seeing the magnificent scene of the Heavenly Abyss appearing on the Sword Testing Platform, he was suddenly stunned.
He blinked in disbelief.
...The Heavenly Abyss?
It's actually the Heavenly Abyss?
Although it's Wushijian, Zhou Fuling... didn't she grow up in Tianjuejian?
...
The Wushi Ravine rises abruptly from the valley, its momentum like a rainbow. The two peaks stand facing each other, their upper parts shimmering with golden light, as if at midday, with a sweltering heat.
The rocks are jagged and the path is winding and strange, with eerie cries echoing everywhere.
Zhou Fuling stepped onto the charred stones and was momentarily stunned.
...How could it be Wu Shi Jian??
It is likely that she lived in Zi Shi Jian when she was young, and Wu Shi Jian was a place in the mortal realm.
When she was young, she would occasionally be taken out by Zou, Kuang and others to practice her skills at Wushijian.
After capturing Xu Qingning in her youth, she even took him across the Wushijian Gorge, threatening to throw him in.
Later, she escaped from Zishijian and wandered around, and also lived in Wushijian.
While I wouldn't say I was familiar with Zishijian, I certainly wouldn't say I was afraid of it.
Zhou Fuling suddenly felt a sense of...coming home.
"Please." Song Huo stood atop the peak, his voice booming as he called out.
The two began to fight.
The fire was seen standing upside down on the mountain peak, the strange mechanisms were dangerous, and the rocks were moving strangely, as if they would crush people in an instant.
This is the very same strange mechanism that Song Huo had broken into during his battle at Tianjue Gorge.
Song Huo wanted to use her familiarity with the place to make Zhou Fuling, this unknown expert, quickly admit defeat so that she could go and fight Ning Chengshan.
However, Zhou Fuling moved swiftly and nimbly, her figure flashing as she struck the southeast corner of the mechanism with both palms.
He skillfully dodged the strange movement of the rocks, but instead, a powerful spiritual force shot out from the ground, and Song Huo dodged it in a sorry state.
The fire was then used to ambush people with a golden array, with the aim of trapping the souls of those within.
However, Zhou Fuling's figure flickered, and with a single sword aura, the array's core shattered, triggering another arrow-shooting mechanism, causing Song Huo to retreat swiftly.
One of the elders from the first part noticed something amiss: "Why does Ling Xiu seem so familiar with Wu Shi Jian? He even seems to know it better than Master Song Huo!"
Some people said, "It's as if she used to live here too."
Only Ning Chenghan showed fear in his eyes.
She stared intently at Zhou Fuling, as if trying to discern even the slightest familiarity about her. Then, glancing back at Ning Chaoxue on the Zhige Terrace, whose face was also ashen, Ning Chenghan knew they had both guessed the same person.
Ning Chenghan's face was pale, fear creeping up his back. He thought, "It's a pity I can't get out. But I can't just sit here and wait to die."
She secretly summoned a disciple and handed him a strand of hair, from which wisps of demonic energy emanated.
"Give this to Ning Hong, don't let anyone see it." Ning Chenghan lowered his head.
On the sword-testing platform, Zhou Fuling and Song Huo were locked in a fierce battle.
Zhou Fuling was familiar with this Wushi Ravine, but her skill in chanting fire was also extremely strong.
As Zhou Fuling fought her way to the back room, the Devouring God Powder activated. The chilling pain from the Devouring God Powder, stimulated by the surrounding intense yang fire, felt like ice needles exploding in her blood vessels, causing her vision to go black for a moment.
She became increasingly eager for a quick victory, and the ruthlessness she displayed shocked Song Huo, Long Shi, and others.
As she made her move, Zhou Fuling silently recited the secret technique of Ancestor Liang Huo that she had seen in the cave. Her move began with the subtle and profound "Treading on Frost Leads to Solid Ice," followed by the deep and lurking "Expanding the Bag," and then the domineering "Yellow Robe." With her familiarity with the cave, she forced Ancestor Liang Huo to retreat step by step.
On the Ceasefire Platform, Ning Chengshan frowned upon seeing this: "This is a secret technique of Ancestor Liang Huo, how does she know it too?"
His eyes suddenly trembled.
"Could it be that when Ning Hong locked her up in the wilderness, she discovered the scenery of the underground cave?"
On the sword-testing platform.
puff--
The fire spewed out fresh blood.
Zhou Fuling suddenly felt a dull pain in her meridians. A gust of wind whistled, and the flames of the Song Huo struck her. She crashed into the wall and discovered that one of her ribs was broken.
How do I fight?
What should we do?
Another powerful tremor shook the ground, and amidst the roar, a colossal shadow, as large as a mountain, emerged from the golden light.
Zhou Fuling hurriedly retreated, only then realizing that it was a giant beast with the head of a lion and the body of a bear. Its body was golden, and its left and right eyes were different colors, one like night and the other like day.
With a whooshing sound, the thousand-foot-long golden light instantly transformed into waves, enveloping her and Songhuo in an instant.
But then the valley was split in two, like two gates.
One gate exudes scorching yang energy; the other gate is filled with overwhelming yin energy, as if the mournful cries of soldiers could be heard.
Zhou Fuling exclaimed in shock, "The gate of advance and retreat!"
-
Inside the Cloud Candle Tower, this sudden turn of events caused many disciples to exclaim in surprise.
Ning Chenghan was unfamiliar with Wu Shi Jian and stood up with concern.
Master Long frowned, his expression grave.
Ning Chenghan then asked, "Master Long, what's going on?"
Master Long shook his head and said, "This is the 'Advancement and Retreat Gate'. Wu Shi Ravine is extremely yang, and the spirit beast it suppresses is extremely yin. This is a yin beast called the 'Two-Element Yin Lin Beast'. This kind of yin beast is of the Qian level and can absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and then transform its bones and blood into the Advancement and Retreat Gates."
Ning Chenghan said:
"The two gates, Advance and Retreat, I observe their spiritual power, and they are very similar to the Gates of Life and Death. Is that so?"
The Dragon Master nodded:
"Exactly. 'Entering' the gate is like entering the gate of life, referring to the scene before noon when the yang energy is gradually increasing, which is the place of life in the eyes of us cultivators."
"The 'Retreat' Gate is the Gate of Death, filled with decaying energy. Once a cultivator steps into it, their spiritual power will be extinguished, like the setting sun."
Ning Chengshan: "Then why is it called the Gate of Advancement and Retreat?"
Master Long said, "The sun at its zenith begins to decline, and the full moon begins to wane. If they stay inside the gate, the yang energy will become stronger and more overwhelming, which will be unbearable for the cultivators. It remains to be seen who can hold out the longest."
Zhou Fuling and the Fire Immortal rolled into the Yang Gate and engaged in a fierce battle.
The golden light blazed brightly in the sky like the scorching sun, growing ever stronger. Zhou Fuling dared not retreat, for fear of being injured by the spiritual energy.
The spiritual veins gradually seemed to be burned by fire.
Zhou Fuling thought to herself, "Why not use demonic magic? No, no, this is the Cloud Candle Tower."
The Cloud Candle Secret Technique they had previously practiced also lost its effect, and their auras gradually solidified.
Zhou Fuling suddenly thought: "Isn't our situation the same as the sixth line of the Kun hexagram we saw in the cave? It is exactly 'Dragons fight in the wild, their blood is black and yellow'."
"If this continues, Liang Huo and I will inevitably fight to the point of mutual destruction. Wouldn't Ning Chengshan be like Bian Zhuang stabbing a tiger, reaping the benefits of two tigers fighting each other?"
On that day, Zhou Fuling learned the ancient methods of Master Liang Huo in the underground grotto of Tongnan Road. However, after learning the fifth level of "Huangshang, Yuanji", she saw the character "zhi" in the upper six lines.
"end"……?
This word suddenly resonated in Zhou Fuling's mind.
At the same time, what appeared in Zhou Fuling's mind was the line of words that replaced "Dragons fight in the wild, their blood is black and yellow"—"Observe me, and you will know when to advance and retreat."
This is the sixth line of the third hexagram of the I Ching, which aims to remind people to examine themselves and grasp the opportunities for advancement and retreat.
Now, in this life-or-death struggle, Zhou Fuling's mind suddenly became clear.
The past is like smoke, yet it remains vivid in my mind.
Advance or retreat, advance or retreat. In the past, she either advanced rashly (to kill) or retreated rashly (to lie low).
But now, the fourth part has failed, the third part has surrendered, Yunyi and Yun'er are fighting each other, Kuang Yunchu is very ruthless, but Songhuo is not the kind of person who will kill them all. On the contrary, he extends an olive branch to her.
Is it really impossible to get a refund?
If we advance, both sides will suffer heavy losses.
If we retreat, it's better to lose only one thing than to lose both; perhaps there's still a chance for a turnaround.
Zhou Fuling felt a slight sense of resentment, but after making up her mind, she quickly understood.
A golden light shone in the sky, and amidst the roar of the Yinlin Beast, it separated the two.
Zhou Fuling could not see the Fire-Singing Immortal Master behind the scorching fog.
She made a quick decision and jumped behind the "retreat gate".
As the aura of decline struck the spiritual veins, Zhou Fuling landed, only to be startled.
Behind the giant trees that led back from the gate, she saw Song Huo land at the same time.
The two looked at each other, surprised.
In the utter silence, the two stopped fighting at the same time.
The Rain Master asked in surprise, "What are they going to do..."
Song Huo said to Zhou Fuling, "You should also withdraw."
Zhou Fuling said, "Yes, I'm withdrawing. You should too."
They were all stating the facts.
Song Huo remained silent, but did not rush to use force.
Looking around at the surrounding fields, Zhou Fuling felt her dejection lessen.
What happened?
Looking around, she figured out the reason.
As someone born in a demonic land, I am most familiar with demonic power and most able to sense it.
The demonic power of this "Two Yin Qi Beast" is actually limited. When it generates the two gates of advance and retreat, its demonic power is concentrated in the gate of life.
This giant demon is exploiting the cultivators' greed for victory, trying to keep them in the formation and drain their spiritual energy.
Conversely, after retreating from the gate, there was not much demonic power left, and the waning energy dissipated after a while.
Zhou Fuling breathed a sigh of relief.
But Song Huo's gaze was fixed intently on her, his expression solemn and thoughtful.
Zhou Fuling gripped the "Leap Gold" and pondered whether to concede defeat.
Now that there is hope, admitting defeat makes her somewhat unwilling.
While he was pondering, Song Huo suddenly said, word by word, "I can admit defeat, but you need to promise me two things."
Zhou Fuling looked up in surprise.
She met the immortal's gaze, and the immortal's white hair shone in the golden light.
Zhou Fuling asked, "...Why?"
"Those who advance without knowing how to retreat are easily broken by excessive rigidity; those who retreat without knowing how to advance are rendered useless by excessive yielding. Only those who know how to adapt and maneuver will never cease their efforts even after noon."
Song Huo, with his hands behind his back, paced a few steps in place and whispered:
"The Yun Ning Sect Master has always been ambitious and eager for quick success. For his own achievements and victories, he was willing to destroy the millennia-old foundation of the Southern Continent and the future hope of Yun Ning."
Some people retreat again and again, becoming too hesitant and missing opportunities. The Yun Ning Clan's precepts require, "After achieving success, consider advancement and retreat; the Way benefits all through yin and yang."
"Ling Xiu's journey here, whether it was the decision to plan the test or the hasty retreat from the martial arts test just now, has shown my willingness to compromise."
“My becoming the sect leader is not because I admit defeat to you. It’s because I know we don’t need to continue fighting. It’s better for you to become the sect leader than Ning Chengshan.”
A hush fell over the crowd, everyone speechless with shock at the words of the chanting.
Ning Chenghan opened his lips, but he was dejected and couldn't say anything. Yes, that's true. If "Ling Fu" and the Fire Immortal continued to fight, Ning Chengshan would be the one to win in the end.
But as a loyal follower, wouldn't she face retribution if she were to hand the reins over to someone else? Wouldn't the first installment suffer a decline in popularity?
Overwhelmed with conflicting thoughts, Ning Chenghan desperately wanted to retort.
The first part was full of this idea, and some people were dissatisfied. They asked why an outsider was chosen when they had invited Song Huo to help.
Many cultivators in the second part were also greatly shocked, as if they had suffered a catastrophic disaster.
Ning Chengshan's expression immediately turned ugly.
Zhou Fuling asked, "What are the conditions?"
Song Huo said, "You must swear a spiritual oath. First, if you become the sect leader, you must not harm the lives of Ning Chenghan and Ning Chaoxue, mother and daughter of the First Division, and you must protect their safety. You must also not use this as an excuse to purge innocent cultivators of the First Division. Here, 'innocent' refers to those who are talented and virtuous."
Zhou Fuling frowned.
It is not appropriate for someone in power to spare the lives of the family members and influence of the previous leader, as this could lead to many hidden dangers.
However, Song Huo and Ning Chenghan's father were from the same school, so they must have had a relationship.
If they are to back down, they must also bear the consequences.
The Fire-Spelling Immortal only said to protect their lives and safety, not that they couldn't be restricted. She'll figure out a way then.
Zhou Fuling said, "Okay."
Below the sword-testing platform, Ning Chenghan was shocked: "Immortal Master!"
She never imagined that Song Huo would plead for her and the people of the First Part so earnestly.
But she also understood that Song Huo's actions were meant to reassure the innocent cultivators of the First Division, to ask the First Division to support her choice to concede, and to support... this person of unknown origin before her. Furthermore, the mention of "high talent and pure conduct" likely indicated that Song Huo had long harbored resentment towards some individuals in the First Division and wanted to use this opportunity to purge them.
Zhou Fuling nodded: "What's the other condition?"
Song Huo said, "I want you to find a way to unify the four departments and revitalize Yun Ning within thirty years. If you fail to do so, you shall abdicate and hand over the reins to a more capable person."
These words shocked everyone present.
Although each department has its own thoughts, the unification of the four departments is Yun Ning's wish for thousands of years!
However, due to the complex situation, it was never realized.
Everyone was solemn and filled with emotion. Even many of the cultivators from the second part were restless.
If it could be realized, what would Yun Ning be like?
But can the person in front of me really do it?
Zhou Fuling pondered for a moment and said, "Alright. If I can win this time, but fail to do so later, I will definitely step down and give way to a more capable person."
She made a spiritual vow and then clapped her hands with the fire.
The applause was thunderous.
The tower is silent, devoid of crows and sparrows.
Song Huo conceded defeat.
"Sect Master's Great Martial Arts Showdown, Part One versus Part Four, Ling Fu wins!"
Zhou Fuling descended from the Zhige Terrace.
All eyes, a mixture of emotions, fell on her.
Is it really possible? If Ling Xiu becomes the sect leader, can he really achieve the "unification of the four departments"?
Further away, Ning Chengshan felt resentful.
Why Ling Fu instead of Ning Chengshan? Both of them are capable, so why should the Songhuo Wine be given to such a young person of unknown origin?
Not her, who has been working for Yun Ning for over a hundred years!
Ning Hong said in a low voice, "Mother, don't worry. She fought with that fire spirit, and her spiritual energy was greatly depleted. You had the upper hand."
Zhou Fuling sat on the Zhige Platform, meditating and resting. Due to the Devouring Spirit Powder, her body was experiencing a hissing pain.
Strangely, she suddenly felt a warm current flowing through her meridians, which relieved her pain.
"Ling Xiu." Song Huo's voice came from below the stage.
It was the Fire-Singing Immortal Master who walked over, surrounded by a crowd.
She gave her some pointers on the technique, which turned out to be exactly the points that Zhou Fuling had missed earlier.
Zhou Fuling bowed and said, "...Thank you for your kindness, Immortal Master."
She used to be immoral, but now she can't help but thank Song Huo.
Ning Chenghan also sent someone to deliver a good medicine, which turned out to be Yun Ning's miraculous medicine that could ward off all evil, eliminate all poisons, and overcome all pain.
Zhou Fuling was afraid that there was poison, but Song Huo seemed to see through her thoughts and said, "Let me check it. Also, elders of the Fourth Division, please come here as well."
The elders came over and examined it, then said, "There is no problem."
Zhou Fuling knew that Ning Chenghan was trying to be nice to her, so she thanked him and swallowed the pill.
Under the influence of the medicine, the pain caused by the Devouring Spirit Powder was significantly reduced in an instant. Zhou Fuling thought to herself, "I'll have to ask for more medicine in the future."
Suddenly remembering something, Zhou Fuling summoned the Rain Master.
Yu Shi was baffled. He had previously been at odds with Ling Fu, and now seeing her nominated as the Fire-Spelling Immortal Master, he was already filled with unease. Could she really become the sect leader?
Yu Shi approached: "Your Excellency Ling Fu, may I ask what advice you may have?"
The two spoke in secret, and Zhou Fuling asked for something, the others of whom did not know what it was.
Then, Zhou Fuling sat upright, pondering the guidance that Song Huo had given her.
As a newcomer to Yun Ning, Song Huo's words were truly insightful, filling in all of Zhou Fuling's shortcomings.
As Zhou Fuling pondered, she felt her cultivation becoming increasingly perfect, a warm current flowing through her extraordinary meridians, her mind constantly replaying that phrase.
"Observe me, and you will know when to advance and when to retreat."
She forgot everything around her, including where she was and what time it was. Countless martial arts techniques seemed to appear in her mind as she practiced them, focusing her energy and calming her mind, until another bell rang.
That means the Great Martial Arts Showdown is about to begin again.
-
Zhou Fuling leaped onto the Zhigetai platform.
"Sect Master's Grand Martial Arts Showdown, Part Two: Ning Chengshan vs. Part Four: Ling Fu!"
Ning Chengshan stepped forward. The two stood facing each other.
Ning Chengshan suddenly asked, "Ling Fu, do you miss Zishijian?"
But then, a wisp of demonic energy emanated from Ning Chengshan's fingertips, revealing a strand of hair. The demonic energy emanating from this strand actually came from Zishijian!
Zhou Fuling chuckled softly, "When you get to bad soil, you'll just get stained."
"Minister Chengshan, do you miss the immortal Zou Lanci?"
Both of them were speaking in riddles. Zhou Fuling was alluding to Ning Chengshan's secret practice of martial arts techniques, both of them trying to probe each other's secrets and to sow discord.
However, Ning Chengshan smiled just like Zhou Fuling, and neither of them succeeded.
On the sword-testing platform, the illusion suddenly changed.
A chilling wind howled like weeping, the grass and trees turned a dark red, the sky was shrouded in a thin mist, and the earth's energy surged like black pus and blood.
It's bad soil!
The audience.
Dragon Master sighed, "...This is the place where the Vermilion Bird's veins were severed, the reverse Yin-Yang formation."
"What is the Reverse Yin-Yang Formation?" Rain Master asked, unfamiliar with it.
Master Long said, "This place is in the southern region. It appeared many years ago for unknown reasons. It was formed by the convergence of the Nine Yin and the severing of vital energy. Someone deliberately gathered demonic energy and placed the corrupted soil in the 'Dead Eye.' The evil of the land and the filth of demonic blood catalyzed each other, polluting the Vermilion Bird Spirit Vein in Yun Ning."
Many people in Yunning know about this incident and are annoyed and resentful about it. Now, upon hearing the reason, they ask, "Was it done by humans? Or by evil spirits?"
Master Long: "Someone must have opened the door to this spiritual vein chamber, allowing the evil spirits to invade. Whether it was intentional or unintentional, it is truly despicable."
He frowned again, "Now that the battlefield has been chosen here, I'm afraid..."
"What are you afraid of?"
Dragon Master: "I'm afraid that if they fight, they will be constantly plagued by demonic energy."
A sword rang out, piercing the air.
Zhou Fuling had already made her move, as ruthless as ever.
She drew "Leaping Gold," its snow-white blade crackling with golden energy. Stepping into the air, she formed a blood array that threatened to shatter half of the earth's veins in an instant, causing the earth to tremble.
Under such immense force, Ning Chengshan was forced to retreat.
A formation used force to neutralize force, and he barely dodged it, but his arm trembled from the impact.
She frowned.
Why?
I thought Ling Fu's spiritual power had been depleted after the previous battle... but it wasn't. Her spiritual power seemed even more stable and stronger than before!
Ning Chengshan was unaware that Zhou Fuling, in the illusion of Wushijian, on the Zhige Platform, had comprehended the sixth level of the Lianghuo Secret Technique through her own experience, making her much stronger than Ning Chengshan, who was at the fifth level.
But Zhou Fuling's actions now were measured and controlled, seemingly both real and feigned.
Several sword strikes descended, bringing with them a deafening tremor that shook the heavens and the earth!
Part Three.
Liu Wuxing secretly opened his eyes and glanced at her, thinking to himself, "Oh dear, if I were to fight this Ling Fu, my head would be smashed into a watermelon from that blow. It would have to be Minister Ning Chengshan who fights her; he'd probably suffer quite a bit."
He was afraid that others would see him open his eyes and then close them again.
Shu Minglian and Huo Yue were extremely excited. They had already taken an unconventional approach, never expecting Song Huo to admit defeat, and never expecting the person before them to be so powerful.
Shu Minglian beamed and said, "A-Yue, if Ling Xiu wins, how will we celebrate? My goodness, you must give me a few more kisses. We're so lucky."
Huo Yue was surprised that Shu Minglian still had the mood to tease him at this time. He glared at her and said, "You're being ridiculous! Don't forget, the last leg of a journey is the hardest. Before the result is in, be careful not to fail at the last step."
He spoke cautiously, but there was a hint of joy in his voice.
However, to their utter surprise, nothing changed, and there was no "sorrow of disappointment" after their triumph; instead, they experienced "even greater joy of triumph."
Zhou Fuling completely overwhelmed Ning Chengshan, and grew stronger with each battle.
Because Zhou Fuling's Liang Huo Secret Technique has reached the sixth level, while Ning Chengshan's is at the fifth level.
Unlike Zhou Fuling, the sixth hexagram text offered to Ning Chengshan by the secret wall reads: "An expedition brings misfortune, perseverance brings danger. Three reforms are completed, and there is sincerity."
This hexagram's text serves as a warning that actions are perilous, and one must adhere to righteousness to prevent unforeseen events. Changes should also be carefully considered and undertaken with sincerity.
But now it seems that Ning Chengshan failed to grasp this. Ning Chengshan acted too hastily and pursued perfection too much.
However, flowers do not bloom forever, and the moon is not always full.
Ning Chengshan's pursuit of a perfect formation slowed down his pace.
Her quick thinking and impulsiveness caused her to lose her composure, and her attempt to seize the initiative resulted in her being repelled by Zhou Fuling.
Zhou Fuling's moves were as swift and unpredictable as a gazelle's horns, leaving no trace for Ning Chengshan to exploit, and he was forced to retreat in defeat.
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