Lingzhi held the position of Abbot and was thus the host here. Even though Lingding had suffered crushing defeat, he still had to come out and say some ceremonial words. He sighed: “It’s rare to see Instructor Hao’s such brilliant martial arts, actually able to repel our temple’s Arhat Hall Master—truly admirable.” He turned to look at the Angry Cang people: “According to our agreement of three battles with two victories, your mountain has already won the first match. Please, may the next hero come up to instruct this monk. I await your great presence here.” He bowed slightly, appearing even more peaceful.

With Shaolin’s first battle lost, if they lost the second match as well, victory and defeat would be decided. Even if Divine Monk Tianjue’s martial arts had reached heaven’s peak, it would be of no use. Seeing they absolutely had to win, Lingzhi showed no discomfort. He put his palms together and stood peacefully in the field center, showing neither gnashing hatred nor arrogant fear—completely his usual appearance. The Angry Cang masters, seeing this, felt doubly wary in their hearts.

Abbot Lingzhi was about fifty years old, of the same generation as Ning Bufan and Zhuo Lingzhao, but had taken over the sect over ten years earlier than them. With Shaolin’s numerous masters and resounding reputation, that Lingzhi could assume the great position of Abbot in his prime years showed how amazing his comprehension was. As a leader of the martial world with penetrating insight, he could be called the orthodox martial world’s number one figure. Only because he was naturally modest and disliked fighting, and had Divine Monk Tianjue above him, was he not listed among the Four Great Grandmasters.

Azure Robe Scholar, Shi Gang, Lu Guzhan and other veterans understood in their hearts that for Shaolin to win these three battles, the key actually lay in the second battle. Divine Monk Tianjue’s martial arts had entered the realm of transformation with incomparably rich combat experience. Though Qin Zhonghai had now mastered peerless divine skills, in terms of martial technique’s maturity and cunning, he still fell far short of Divine Monk Tianjue. If both sides fought head-on, victory would be difficult. If Angry Cang sent forward veterans like Shi Gang, Lu Guzhan, or Azure Robe Scholar to invite battle, the situation wouldn’t necessarily be favorable either. Unless Fang Zijing arrived, the third battle probably wouldn’t even need to be fought.

With great difficulty, Hao Zhenxiang had fought desperately to defeat his opponent—the victory was so hard-won that the heroes dared not rashly volunteer themselves. Ruining one’s own reputation was a small matter, but implicating the stronghold’s future and delaying Qin Zhonghai’s life was a big matter. Everyone looked at each other, and not one person spoke.

After a long time, still no hero stepped forward to volunteer. Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily: “Good, you Shaolin Abbot have actually intimidated our brothers! I’ll take this match!” He immediately raised his steel blade and walked straight toward the field center, thinking to use “Fire Greedy Nine Chain Slashes,” “Heaven-Opening Great Fire Wheel” and other ultimate techniques to perhaps battle the Abbot.

※※※

Just as Qin Zhonghai was about to enter the field, suddenly someone said sternly: “Wait before acting!” Everyone, hearing the sound, looked quickly at the speaker. They saw the speaking person had a beard reaching his chest with an impressive bearing—precisely “Jiangdong Sail Shadow” Lu Guzhan.

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “So Master Lu has come. Are your hands itching to beat someone?”

Lu Guzhan shook his head: “Lingzhi’s martial arts are unfathomably deep, and his martial world reputation is resounding. General, don’t rashly take the field.”

Qin Zhonghai shrugged slightly and turned to Azure Robe Scholar: “If I face the Abbot, what does Phoenix Master think of the victory and defeat?”

Azure Robe Scholar pondered for a moment: “Abbot Lingzhi has been famous for many years. His martial arts have advanced by leaps and bounds these past ten years. When he starts fighting, his power will absolutely not be inferior to Zhuo Lingzhao’s.”

Qin Zhonghai laughed: “Even if he surpasses Ning Bufan, your old man would at most be slaughtered—what’s so difficult about that?”

Azure Robe Scholar shook his head: “General needn’t be discouraged. Victory and defeat hold mysterious workings. If General insists on entering the field, I have a strategy here. Following this, the enemy will be captured easily.”

Hearing these words, Qin Zhonghai was both shocked and delighted: “The bald donkey captured easily? That sounds wonderful! Please speak quickly!”

At this time, people inside and outside the field craned their necks looking, all waiting for Angry Cang masters to take the field. Who would have known that Azure Robe Scholar would actually speak brazenly at the field’s edge, claiming to have a sure-win method to defeat the Abbot? The Shaolin monks, hearing this, naturally felt displeased. However, Azure Robe Scholar was always precise in strategy and schemes—perhaps he really had found flaws in Lingzhi’s martial arts, which wasn’t impossible.

Hearing he had other strategies, Qin Zhonghai quickly urged: “If Military Advisor has wonderful victory methods, please speak freely.”

Azure Robe Scholar looked up at the sky, seeing dense dark clouds—apparently heavy rain would come this afternoon. He smiled slightly at Lu Guzhan, glanced at Shi Gang, then took out a large handful of copper coins from his breast, saying: “All martial arts in the world have flaws to follow. Abbot Lingzhi differs from Master Lingding—gifted from childhood, his techniques flow freely, and his calmness when facing enemies is rarely seen in the world.” He weighed the copper coins in his hand and smiled: “For such a person, if General wants to defeat the enemy and achieve victory, there’s only… only…”

At this time, everyone in the field listened intently. Gao Tianwei, Song Gongmai and others, intending to compete with Shaolin, were naturally focused, carefully listening to the instruction. Over there, the Shaolin monks, hearing that the Abbot’s martial arts had great flaws, feared missing even half a word. However, after listening for a long time, there was no continuation. Qin Zhonghai, hearing him suddenly break off, quickly asked: “Only what?”

In the complete silence, Azure Robe Scholar threw his hand, and the large handful of copper coins flew scattered into the air. The Angry Cang heroes and Shaolin monks each looked up, all unable to guess Azure Robe Scholar’s intention and showing surprised expressions.

Just at this moment, Azure Robe Scholar lightly pushed off with both feet, his body floating aside as he laughed: “Friends, to defeat the Abbot, you can only attack when unexpected and strike when unprepared to seize the initiative!”

The copper coins flew into the air, leaving everyone greatly puzzled. Suddenly someone at the field’s edge shouted: “Abbot, dodge quickly!” Hearing that voice was quite young—it was Lu Yun! Everyone was even more curious, not knowing what was happening, when suddenly they saw blade light flash at the field’s edge. From among the mass of copper coins, an object flew out rapidly with cold, threatening light—it was a flying blade chain!

Lingzhi had originally been looking up at the copper coins when suddenly the blade chain flew to within less than half an inch of his throat, shocking Lingzhi until his face went pale. He immediately bent backward in haste, barely managing to dodge in this crucial moment.

Just as Lingzhi dodged, the blade chain pursued relentlessly, turning sharply downward to stab straight at his throat. At this time, Lingzhi was bent backward—seeing no way to block or avoid, and as Abbot, he couldn’t roll away in an undignified manner. In this critical moment, his right palm made a void chop, striking out an invisible palm force that deflected the object half a foot, avoiding the throat’s vital point.

At this time, Lingzhi was bent backward, covered in cold sweat, not yet having time to celebrate escaping this deadly trap, when suddenly he heard cold laughter behind him. Someone said grimly: “Abbot Lingzhi, ferry yourself.” Lingzhi’s body had not yet straightened, his eyeballs rolled up, and he saw before him a big man with a cold smile—precisely “Spirit Rushing North of Passes” Shi Gang!

Shi Gang had silently entered the field and seized position half a foot behind Lingzhi. Hearing wild roaring, his iron fist swung down, striking straight at Lingzhi’s temple—already using the strongest, most vicious killing move. In Lingzhi’s panic, not having time to straighten his upper body, he pushed off with his right foot, wanting to move away in mid-air. Who would have expected Shi Gang was already prepared? His left hand lightly shook, and the blade chain like a heavenly dragon coiling in space struck toward Lingzhi’s waist.

Shi Gang’s killing moves came in succession, each step beyond expectation. Everyone in the field, seeing him appear, finally understood what had happened. Originally, Azure Robe Scholar’s earlier throwing of copper coins into the sky was only intended to divert everyone’s attention. Because Angry Cang hadn’t yet decided who would take the field, and Azure Robe Scholar claimed to have a sure-win method, everyone was naturally curious and looked up. Just in this moment of distracted spirits, Evil Gold’s twelve-foot flying chain came seeking souls, then man and blade as one with full force fighting. Relying on Azure Robe Scholar’s conspiracy, this battle seized the initiative with surprise—the Abbot might really die under Shi Gang’s blade.

Qin Zhonghai, both shocked and delighted, secretly cheered: “Fist within blade, blade within fist—so Uncle Shi still has this ‘blade fist’ ultimate skill. I’d never seen it before.” He had once fought fiercely with “Evil Gold” and knew the blade chain’s capabilities, but seeing him now fight with full force, he realized Shi Gang’s martial studies still had countless mysteries—definitely not as simple as just one blade chain.

Left route blade chain, right route iron fist—in an instant, all of Lingzhi’s escape routes were sealed. The Shaolin disciples, worried for their Abbot’s life and death, had sweaty palms and cried out in alarm. Lingzhen even angrily shouted: “Despicable and shameless! Cheating villain!” He was about to enter the field to help.

Before Lingzhen’s footsteps had crossed out, suddenly clanging sounds rang continuously—it was the copper coins Azure Robe Scholar had thrown earlier falling to the ground. Accompanying the jingling sounds, a muffled sound came from the field, as if the blade chain had hit cotton—a strange sound never heard before. Everyone, shocked, all looked urgently to see the victory and defeat.

The afternoon was overcast with dense clouds, the sun already obscured. In the gray, dim sky, they saw Lingzhi had already stood with palms together, his face showing compassionate peace, not a drop of fresh blood on his body, his complexion as usual. Not understanding the principle, everyone hastily looked at Shi Gang. They saw “Spirit Rushing North of Passes” wearing a cold smile, but his cavalry blade chain head had only half remaining—the rest had become powder, actually shattered by someone’s hard force. The masters in the field didn’t know what had happened and inquired of each other, but no one knew, all both shocked and suspicious.

Lingzhi breathed out a long sigh, turned to glance at Azure Robe Scholar, and put his palms together: “When two armies meet, war allows deception. Right Phoenix Military Advisor is indeed formidable—this monk nearly fell into your hands.”

Azure Robe Scholar smiled and bowed in return: “Abbot is too kind. You have mastered divine skills, relying on this human fragrant sleeves—who in the world can resist?”

Earlier in the three-move victory, Azure Robe Scholar had schemed and collaborated with Shi Gang, nearly destroying the Abbot’s life. If not for Lu Yun recognizing the plot and warning beforehand, Lingzhi would probably have truly fallen to ambush. Lingzhi arranged his monk robe, turned to bow to Lu Yun and said: “Thanks to the benefactor for revealing the mechanism and saving this monk’s life.” Given Shi Gang’s vicious attacks, without Lu Yun shouting to break the scheme, even if Lingzhi didn’t die on the spot, he would probably be severely injured and unable to continue. The observers, seeing Lu Yun’s meticulous thinking and quick perception, all secretly admired him. Lu Yun, receiving thanks, showed no joy whatsoever. He cupped his hands toward Lingzhi but said nothing.

Qin Zhonghai narrowed his eyes and looked toward Lu Yun, seeing him silent, standing between Zuo Congyi and Wu Dingyuan, head lowered in thought—truly appearing heavily preoccupied. Qin Zhonghai understood clearly—given Lu Yun’s benevolent nature, he definitely didn’t want either enemy or ally to suffer injury. Looking at Wu Dingyuan beside him with a melancholy expression, probably the same feelings.

Qin Zhonghai shook his head and smiled bitterly twice. At this time, Chang Xuehen’s phoenix-mouth blade stood before him. Qin Zhonghai glanced sideways—the blade reflected that big man with worried mouth corners. Wasn’t that himself?

With great enemies before him, Qin Zhonghai didn’t want to worry about these external matters. He shook his head and cast these concerns to the ninth heaven.

※※※

The Shaolin disciples, seeing the Angry Cang heroes’ sinister methods and remembering how their Abbot had nearly been killed, were shocked and angry, all shouting curses. Lingyin, known as Compassionate Vajra and acting with open integrity, put his palms together and sighed: “Military Advisor Tang was originally one of the orthodox sect masters. Today, seeking victory by any means, using such vicious methods—wouldn’t this shame your Nine Flowers teaching master?”

Azure Robe Scholar’s face was like frost as he said solemnly: “Senior Brother, better not mention Nine Flowers master. Since you bring it up today, I have something to ask. Since you regard me as orthodox, why did you brutalize my mountain’s female disciples at Zhu Family Manor? Don’t say Tang was still Nine Flowers Mountain’s sect master then—even if I were truly evil demons, you couldn’t treat me thus. Master Lingyin associates with such people—wouldn’t this shame Dharma Patriarch?”

Everyone heard his angry qi, knowing he deeply resented the Zhu Family Manor affair. The Shaolin disciples, hearing this, immediately wanted to retort, but Lingzhi waved his hand to stop everyone and said flatly: “Everyone needn’t be angry. Military deception, decisive action when opportunities arise—this is natural. If this monk were strategizing, I would respond similarly.” These words showed extraordinary bearing, worthy of the martial world’s greatest sect’s Abbot’s magnanimity. Everyone secretly praised him.

Lingzhi passed over this matter, turned to look at Shi Gang and put his palms together: “Long hearing ‘Evil Gold’ prestige at the western frontiers, this old monk has long wanted to meet you. I didn’t expect this foreign master to be an old acquaintance. Today, being able to compete in the same field with you brings me great joy.”

These words from the Shaolin Abbot naturally gave Shi Gang full face, but Shi Gang didn’t appreciate it. His expression was ice-cold as he threw the blade chain back to the crowd, then slowly drew two long blades from his back with both hands.

Twenty years ago, the four characters “Spirit Rushing North of Passes” spread throughout the world—truly unknown to no one. But since Angry Cang Mountain was eliminated, Shi Gang had left seclusion and since then disappeared from the martial world. Thus many junior disciples didn’t know his background. For a moment, everyone in the field whispered to each other. Lu Yun and Wu Dingyuan also inquired quietly, all seeking to learn Shi Gang’s famous deeds.

※※※

If you ask who has the world’s greatest internal energy, it’s either the Tianshan successor or Shaolin’s Tianjue. If you ask who has the world’s greatest sword technique, besides Ning Bufan and Zhuo Lingzhao, there’s no third person to consider. But if you ask who has killed the most people with the most vicious methods, no one in the world can surpass Shi Gang.

Ning Bufan was known for eight hundred victories, but Shi Gang had thousands of life-and-death battles. Others drank their mothers’ milk as children, but Shi Gang drank blood water from corpse piles in the northern frontier. Starting from killing at age five, every time Shi Gang acted, it was a life-and-death battle—truly a regular at the gates of hell. Precisely because victory or defeat meant life or death, any method that aided victory, no matter how despicable, must be vigorously applied—otherwise it was suicide. Looking at how he just used Azure Robe Scholar’s strange scheme as support to launch killing attacks, completely ignoring others’ curses and mockery—this was the model of a practical combat expert. All military tactics of deceiving enemies, luring enemies, fraud, ambush, and surprise attacks were used naturally. Relying on scheming treachery when facing enemies, even if the enemy’s internal energy was deeper and techniques more refined, they often died from one small oversight. Rather than saying he was “one who uses three blades,” it’s better to say it was four blades—Shi Gang himself was the most vicious, hardest great sharp edge.

Precisely because Shi Gang was one of the world’s top practical combat experts, Azure Robe Scholar and Lu Guzhan both wanted him to fight this crucial middle battle. Though Abbot Lingzhi’s martial arts approached Divine Monk Tianjue’s level, this Abbot after all rarely traveled the martial world. No matter how high his natural talent and comprehension, or how strange his forbidden profound skills, he was still just a two-legged bookworm. They expected that with Shi Gang’s vicious attacks, he would surely have opportunities to turn the tide and defeat Lingzhi in one stroke.

※※※

Killing intent filled the field as the two great masters stared at each other, both contemplating methods to defeat the enemy. Lingzhi, thinking of Shi Gang’s famous deeds, was secretly cautious. This person ranked among the Five Tigers, invincible across the Western Regions. Every time he acted, life and death had to be decided before ending. If he was careless, not only might he suffer crushing defeat, but he might be killed on the spot. For a moment, he was even more careful and didn’t dare attack first.

At this time, Shi Gang’s blade chain was destroyed, leaving only the double blades on his back. He held dual blades—left long, right short, with transparent coloring, one dark red, one blue-white. The blade tassels were even stranger, nearly five feet long, almost hanging to the ground, but their purpose was unknown.

Years ago, Qin Zhonghai had fought Shi Gang for a hundred rounds, witnessing his blade chain’s wonderful techniques but never seeing the yin-yang dual blades’ capabilities. Now seeing him solemnly draw the divine weapons from his back, he felt curious. The Angry Cang heroes, seeing Shi Gang take out his precious blades, were greatly energized. Everyone stared intently, waiting for Shi Gang to display his divine power.

Shi Gang breathed deeply: “To speak honestly, in the Ghost Pavilion battle, casualties were severe. My ‘Mother-Child Yin-Yang Blades’ were also seized by vermin and haven’t appeared in the world for eighteen years. Today, using them to fight these thieves is just the right time.” He looked toward Lu Guzhan, and when their eyes met, both smiled slightly. In the distance, Gao Tianwei, hearing Shi Gang call them vermin and remembering the blade-seizing grudge, truly hated Shi and Lu until his teeth itched.

Shi Gang raised his double blades—left up, right down, heaven yin, earth yang. Just this stance showed his blade technique combining hardness and softness, mutually complementing to eliminate flaws. Lingzhi showed approval and nodded: “I’ve long heard the ‘Mother-Child Yin-Yang Blades’ are extraordinary. This monk, meeting them by great fortune, should be able to feast my eyes.”

Shi Gang, hearing him still speaking in literary fashion, couldn’t help giving a cold laugh. His left hand moved slightly, the short blade struck out, the blade head curving and trailing, its direction unpredictable. Lingzhi, knowing the opponent’s blade technique was unusual, immediately concentrated his mind and will, not daring to be careless.

While being vigilant, suddenly he heard a thunderous sound above his head. The yang blade slashed down urgently, already within three feet of his head with tremendously powerful momentum. Lingzhi was greatly shocked, thinking: “How can this blade be so fast?” In his panic, he also realized the dual blades’ rare characteristics.

When ordinary people practice martial arts, if fists are fast, then legs are fast; if the heart is urgent, then hands are urgent. Even if left and right hands use different martial arts, if left is fast then right is fast—like when running, both hands swing with the feet’s movement. This is caused by qi and blood and absolutely cannot be reversed. Who would have known Shi Gang practiced unique mental methods, his blade technique forming its own style? One hand’s long blade was fast as lightning, chopping and cutting horizontally like madness, while the other hand’s short blade curved slowly like Taiji swordwork—slow within urgent, urgent within slow. If opponents could block the slow, curving yin blade patterns, they couldn’t block the fierce, vicious yang blade’s hard slashes. This set of “Ambush Kill” was precisely a unique ultimate skill combining hardness and softness.

Seeing this dual blade set too strange, Lingzhi didn’t dare block forcibly. He lightly pushed off with his feet and floated backward three feet.

Just as Lingzhi retreated, Evil Gold immediately pressed his attack. Suddenly hearing his great shout, he stepped forward three feet. The yin blade changed from slow to fast, wildly slashing the enemy’s waist, while the yang blade changed from fast to slow, waiting leisurely beside Lingzhi’s throat for him to crash into it. These dual blades were like a crab’s two giant pincers, instantly able to firmly clamp the strong enemy.

At this moment, Lingzhi could dodge the yin blade’s urgent chop but couldn’t avoid the yang blade’s slow stab. The observers, seeing him empty-handed and difficult to parry enemy blades, all watched to see how he would escape death.

The situation was greatly unfavorable, but Lingzhi didn’t panic. Seeing the blade edge about to reach his body, Lingzhi lifted one foot in “Kuixing Kicks the Dipper,” his hands forming inner circles and bowing his head—”Arhat Bows in Hall.” His body moved, actually dodging the lower yin blade in this impossible moment. “Arhat Bows in Hall” lowered his head and bent his body, also avoiding the yang blade’s sharp edge stabbing at his face. His form was graceful and unhurried. The observers, seeing this move, all burst into cheers—even the Angry Cang people secretly nodded.

Seeing Lingzhi enter the inner circle, both palms pushing forward straight toward his chest, Shi Gang made a sound and dodged sideways half a step, shouting: “Good, Shaolin Abbot! Admirable!”

In one move, Lingzhi turned defense to offense. “Kuixing Kicks the Dipper” and “Arhat Bows in Hall” were both starting moves of Arhat Iron Fist—elementary martial arts that beginning students must practice. However, his timing was wonderful to perfection, actually breaking the opponent’s mysteriously indescribable dual blade ultimate technique. The Shaolin monks, seeing this, were greatly moved. Who among them hadn’t practiced this Arhat Iron Fist set? But who would dare use such shallow techniques in fierce battle, moreover easily dissolving the opponent’s ultimate moves? Everyone admired him and cheered loudly.

With just this ordinary move, the Angry Cang heroes already knew this Abbot’s forbidden ultimate studies were not only excellent—his natural talent and comprehension had also entered sainthood from the mundane. Today’s battle would certainly put Shi Gang in bitter fighting.

Lingzhi dodged the ultimate move, but Shi Gang wasn’t surprised either. Since the opponent was Abbot, if he couldn’t even parry and resolve “Ambush Kill,” what face would he have to lead the mountain full of monks? He made a sound and turned both blades, about to attack again. This time, Lingzhi was faster—his robe sleeves lightly brushed, sweeping straight toward Shi Gang’s chest.

Shi Gang didn’t dare underestimate the enemy. His short blade stood upright against his chest to resist Lingzhi’s sleeve energy. Suddenly hearing a “humming” sound, that blade, struck by sleeve force, actually bounced back toward Shi Gang.

Shi Gang’s internal and external cultivation had both reached the peak. When he first rebelled years ago, killing enemies on horseback was like reaching into a bag for objects. He was known as “Spirit Rushing North of Passes.” On the mountain, besides Qin Baxian and Fang Zijing, he had the highest martial arts. Who would have known that in internal energy competition, Lingzhi could use sleeve energy to bounce back the precious blade in his hand? Seeing this martial art so inconceivable, Shi Gang was shocked and uncertain: “Yanfuti?”

Lingzhi smiled slightly and nodded: “Benefactor has good eyesight.”

Shi Gang gave cold laughs, secretly wary in his heart. If it weren’t “Yanfuti Human Fragrant Floating,” where would such fearsome sleeve power come from? Everyone saw Lingzhi’s internal energy drumming up his monk sleeves like sails filling with wind. Before this forbidden divine skill, who didn’t show shocked expressions and discuss extensively? Only now did everyone understand the principle—earlier, Shi Gang’s blade chain had suddenly broken because it was damaged by invisible sleeve force.

“Human Fragrant Sleeves” combined softness with hardness and hardness with softness. When internal energy was infused, the soft monk sleeves condensed like iron hammers and steel blades. The flowing, ever-changing aspects were especially admired by Shaolin’s predecessor high monks. Though this martial art was brilliant, it was extremely difficult to practice, requiring the five great true selves of “stability, precepts, persistence, forgetting, and severance” to achieve success. Practitioners would forget food and sleep, becoming obsessed like madmen, often hindering meditation and cultivation, so it was classified as forbidden by Shaolin elders. Precisely because it had been forbidden for so long, this appearance of “Human Fragrant Sleeves” could be considered the first time in a hundred years it appeared in the martial world, making all the masters in the field amazed and envious.

Seeing Lingzhi’s martial arts so exquisite, Lu Guzhan and Li Tieshan exchanged glances and both shook their heads. Thinking of Divine Monk Tianjue who would appear later being even more formidable, their hearts were both vexed and worried, not knowing what to do.

※※※

Lingzhi’s divine skills covered the world. Cheers rose and fell continuously, showing great admiration. Shi Gang, hearing this in his ears, seemed completely discouraged. He sighed deeply and put down both blades, as if surrendering.

Lingzhi frowned: “Benefactor, why don’t you act?”

Shi Gang sighed quietly: “Abbot, I… sigh…” Lingzhi, seeing Shi Gang dejected and seemingly with tears in his eyes, stepped forward and frowned: “You’re not fighting anymore?”

Shi Gang was speechless, choking with tears: “Abbot… I… I want to…”

Lingzhi said gently: “What do you want? To admit defeat?”

Suddenly Shi Gang burst into laughter and roared: “I want to kill you!” Instantly both blades attacked wildly, striking straight at Lingzhi’s head.

Lingzhi was shocked and pale, hastily dodging backward. How could Shi Gang let him escape? Roaring wildly like a fierce tiger devouring people, he desperately slashed away. His manner was like a rogue—the field inside and outside erupted in shocked cries, and the Shaolin monks cursed him as lowly.

Seeing Shi Gang’s dual blades like thunder and lightning, killing until he was in extreme danger, Lingzhi was covered in cold sweat and thought secretly: “This person, a dignified martial arts grandmaster, acts so despicably—doesn’t he know shame?”

Lingzhi didn’t know that this Shi Gang had a different background from him, practiced martial arts differently, so his enemy-facing mentality was naturally opposite. Looking at Lingzhi, who from childhood meditated and cultivated qi, practicing martial arts only for meditation—fighting and killing were naturally impermissible. Even when sparring with fellow disciples, it was only to the point of contact. Where had he seen real life-and-death struggles? For this reason, he had never killed a person in his life.

That Shi Gang was exactly the opposite. He had grown up on battlefields from childhood. Starting from killing at age five, his hands had long been stained with fresh blood. When he was a small child walking battlefields, if he didn’t practice martial arts, there was only the path of death. For this reason, taking action for Shi Gang was like a tiger catching prey—there was only whether you could catch it or not. What right or wrong was there? Not only was he unwilling to learn flashy techniques, he deeply detested literary martial arts mental methods.

Lingzhi lived in luxury, practicing the most brilliant martial arts from childhood—like a precious udumbara flower in a Buddha hall. Shi Gang used stones and bricks—anything that could keep him alive, he would use to the extreme—truly a wild grass struggling to survive in the wilderness. Looking at this battle so dangerous, if Lingzhi couldn’t understand the way of life and death soon, he would certainly be defeated before the Angry Cang war god.

※※※

The dual blades continuously slashed with strong, fierce violent winds, forcing sand and dust to fly around. In an instant, they had enclosed Lingzhi within, the blade edges forcing him to a desperate situation. Lingzhi took a deep breath, instantly displaying incomparable intelligence and comprehension. He lightly brushed his robe sleeves—gentle sleeve wind attacked, precisely “Human Fragrant Sleeves” striking again.

How could the forbidden divine skill’s second strike allow the strong enemy to be presumptuous? Looking at Shi Gang’s dual blades not yet arriving, that sleeve wind had already attacked across space, reaching over eight feet, just like splitting-air palm force. Shi Gang gathered energy in his chest, about to forcibly block this sleeve technique. Suddenly hearing his muffled grunt, his body’s meridians were invaded by external force. For a moment he felt sore and uncomfortable, and his internal energy circulation showed signs of unsmooth flow.

Lingzhi was somewhat angry but didn’t press his attack. He only stepped forward and said: “General Shi, we two are competing in martial arts, yet you repeatedly don’t follow rules and bully me. Aren’t you afraid of ruining your own reputation?”

Shi Gang gave two dry laughs: “Abbot’s lesson is right—I don’t dare anymore.” Fighting to this point, though Shi Gang was battle-tested, he also knew this battle wouldn’t be easy to win. Having fallen to disadvantage, he pretended to be very ashamed, but his eyes looked around in all directions, only waiting for an opportunity to ambush.

Seeing his opponent had no signs of movement, Lingzhi also didn’t pursue victory but waited patiently on the side.

Shi Gang pretended to pant and retreated two steps. This time Lingzhi had learned his lesson and didn’t dare approach at all. The two were in deadlock when suddenly there was a loud “crack” sound. The sky lit up with lightning like a divine dragon leaping across the heavens, followed by rumbling thunder, and heavy rain began falling with a rushing sound.

Shi Gang was greatly delighted in his heart, thinking: “Heaven assists me—this battle will certainly be won!”

At this moment heavy rain poured down. Everyone in the field had long been soaked through, but Shi Gang and Lingzhi showed no signs of making moves. Both Shaolin and Angry Cang forces, concerned about their leaders’ lives and deaths, paid no attention to the heavy rain falling on their heads. Lingyin, fearing the court officials would catch cold from the rain, ordered people to bring oil-paper umbrellas for distinguished guests like Zuo Congyi and Song Gongmai to shelter from the rain.

After an incense stick’s time, water accumulated over an inch on the ground, creating puddle after puddle. Shi Gang raised his heel and slowly moved diagonally left half an inch, his toe touching a water puddle. This footwork was extremely light and slow—when moving, his shoulders didn’t sway at all. Almost no one at the field’s edge noticed him moving his feet.

Qin Zhonghai watched intently and saw Shi Gang appearing to pant but actually only slowly breathing deeply. With each inhalation and exhalation, the accumulated water in that puddle faintly trembled. Qin Zhonghai secretly called it a wonderful plan, knowing that when Shi Gang lightly raised his toe, a large number of water droplets would fly out with the momentum. With this person’s strong internal energy, under urgent water splashing, wouldn’t it not only obscure vision? It could probably damage the opponent’s eyeballs too.

As soon as Shi Gang made any movement, Lingzhi sensed it. His eyebrows rose as he held both palms upward toward the sky, letting rainwater fall into his palms. Looking at this situation, he certainly had wonderful tricks to counter-scheme. Qin Zhonghai, watching from the side, also secretly admired: “This Abbot Lingzhi is truly remarkable—neither attacking first nor giving others opportunities. If I were on the field, I’d probably already be unable to maintain composure.”

When two great masters competed, victory and defeat were decided in an instant. The slightest carelessness would result in falling to disadvantage at best, losing life on the spot at worst. At this time, Qin Zhonghai saw both men’s confrontation posture and better understood Azure Robe Scholar and others’ intention in having Shi Gang take the field. Looking at it this way, though he had mastered powerful internal energy, expert struggles didn’t rely entirely on strength and techniques—the scheming methods within, he still had much to learn.

※※※

For a very long time, Shi Gang hadn’t made any moves. The Shaolin disciples didn’t know what mystery he was creating and were all secretly curious. Gao Tianwei, seeing Shi Gang unable to match his opponent, immediately laughed heartily: “Spirit Rushing North of Passes! How arrogant you were in past years—why are you like a homeless dog today? Quickly take action!”

Just as Gao Tianwei finished shouting, suddenly lightning struck from the sky with thunder exploding, covering Gao Tianwei’s cold mockery. Shi Gang suddenly laughed heartily and waved his hand—the short blade in his hand shot toward Gao Tianwei. This blade’s momentum was extremely fast and unexpected, attached with profound internal energy, just like a flying arrow.

Gao Tianwei angrily said: “Good scoundrel! Actually wanting to ambush your old man?” Without saying more, he leaped up with both feet, his form rising over a zhang high, already dodging the yin blade. However, though Gao Tianwei rose to dodge, the Shaolin disciples behind him were in trouble. Seeing a crowd of junior disciples crying out in panic, Lingzhi was anxious and shouted: “You cannot do this!”

Lingzhi flew up and leaped, sleeve energy brushing out, already slowing the short blade’s momentum. Then he reached out to grab the blade handle into his hand, turned around and said loudly: “Benefactor repeatedly acts despicably—don’t blame this monk for being unmerciful!” This Abbot was usually pedantic and never showed harsh words or stern expressions. The Shaolin disciples, hearing him speak angrily now, quite a few were actually seeing Lingzhi so furious for the first time in their lives. He was about to use his ultimate skills—no matter how high Shi Gang’s martial arts, he could hardly block one strike.

Lingzhi gave a clear whistle, gripping Shi Gang’s personal short blade and using his whole body’s internal energy to strike at him.

Shi Gang wasn’t panicked. With a clang, his long blade struck. At this time Lingzhi held the yin blade, Shi Gang wielded the yang blade—the two each used weapons to clash. Accompanying thunder from the sky, suddenly Shi Gang roared: “Thunder Falls!”

A bolt of lightning from the sky struck down, hitting precisely where the dual blades met. Instantly a white light traveled along both blade ends toward Shi Gang and Lingzhi’s bodies. Everyone at the field’s edge, seeing this strange situation, couldn’t help crying out in alarm.

Hearing crackling explosive sounds, people smelled a burnt odor in their noses. They saw Lingzhi’s face turn pale, his body swaying as if about to fall, the short blade in his hand already fallen to the ground. The white light transmitted toward Shi Gang bypassed his body, following the long blade tassel that reached the ground, conducting into the earth and instantly disappearing without trace.

Shi Gang laughed heartily, grabbed up the short blade and shouted: “Lingzhi, oh Lingzhi! You think only you know profound martial arts? My Shi Gang is called ‘Spirit Rushing North of Passes’ precisely because of Thunder Falls!”

※※※

This sudden turn in battle couldn’t help but greatly shock everyone. While they were still shocked and uncertain, another lightning bolt struck from the sky. Shi Gang raised his short blade and shouted loudly—the mother-child dual blades joined together, blade heads touching, yin and yang meeting. Explosive sounds arose in the field again. This time everyone saw clearly—a dazzling brilliant light shot from where the blade heads met, rushing straight toward Lingzhi.

That brilliant light came so fast that Lingzhi couldn’t dodge in time. He hastily struck out with one palm, trying to block the brilliant light, but as his palm force slightly touched it, he staggered under his feet, and where he stepped became charred black and purple. Shi Gang roared continuously, dual blades touching—accompanying thunderous sounds, another brilliant light shot out. Lingzhi’s face was pale as he hastily leaped up to dodge. With a wave sound, the ground again showed lightning scorch marks.

Chang Xuehen on the side said in terror: “What strange technique is this?”

Lu Guzhan laughed heartily and declared: “These Shaolin monks, though erudite, don’t know the miraculous aspects of our Old Shi’s ‘Mother-Child Yin-Yang Blades.’ These two blades—one yin, one yang—when yin and yang intersect, they draw down lightning strikes, hence the name. Even if the Great Golden Immortal were reborn, he probably couldn’t block one move.”

Only now did everyone understand that the reason Shi Gang’s Mother-Child Yin-Yang Blades were so formidable wasn’t in the dual blade techniques but in their ability to draw down lightning strikes when the dual blades’ yin and yang energies combined. Though Lingzhi’s internal energy was deep and techniques refined, since the opponent could borrow heaven and earth’s might, even as the dignified Abbot, he could only cry helplessly.

The Abbot was powerless to fight back and his life was even in danger. The Shaolin monks were naturally extremely anxious. Earlier Lingding had already suffered defeat—if the Abbot was defeated again, Shaolin would lose two matches in a row. There would be no need for Divine Monk Tianjue to appear; their side would have to submit.

The monks were both shocked and anxious, but Shi Gang’s martial arts were so miraculous that besides secretly worrying, they had no solutions.

※※※

Thunder suddenly appeared with lightning flashing. Accompanying the lightning on Shi Gang’s dual blades made the power even more shocking and intimidating, causing everyone in the field to be terrified and moved. Seeing lightning bolt after bolt emerging from the dual blades, Lingzhi sometimes dodged sideways, sometimes leaped off the ground. Though his internal energy was profound, he dared not again bear it with his physical body, only continuously circling and dodging, seeking counterattack opportunities.

Seeing the Angry Cang people with joyful faces as if victory was decided, the court people, thinking of “Qianlong” about to return to the mountain, naturally felt anxious. Song Gongmai said in a deep voice: “Everyone stay calm—victory and defeat aren’t yet determined. Though the Mother-Child Yin-Yang Blades are brilliant, they can’t stop close-body attacks. In my view, the Abbot will certainly rush into the inner circle within three moves to engage Shi Gang in close combat.”

Indeed, just as the mother-child dual blades were about to touch, Lingzhi had already stepped forward like an arrow. His form was so fast that he instantly crossed into the blade circle. His fragrant sleeves brushed out, sweeping toward the enemy’s lower jaw. However, Shi Gang was already prepared—his dual blades had formed scissors shape, striking straight down at Lingzhi’s body, his mouth sneering continuously, actually intending to cut Lingzhi into two sections.

Just as the dual blades were about to reach his body, Lingzhi exhaled and raised his voice, both hands waving outward. Sleeve energy brushed out, already slightly blocking the dual blades’ momentum. Relying on this brief delay, Lingzhi’s wrists flipped out, ten fingers extended, directly grasping the blade edges and firmly clamping them. The Shaolin monks, seeing this move “Empty-Handed Seizing White Blades,” immediately cheered loudly.

Shi Gang sneered: “Abbot Master, if you think this can block my Yin-Yang Blades, that’s a great mistake!” He roared: “Yin-Yang Convergence! Shock!” Internal energy emerged, rushing urgently along the dual blades. With a crackling strange sound, without relying on thunder strikes from above, yin-yang energy like lightning actually emerged, instantly using Lingzhi as the meeting point to clash within his body.

Lingzhi was again caught in a trap. He immediately took a deep breath of true qi, about to use years of cultivation to bear the opponent’s incomparably fierce internal energy.

※※※

Heavy rain fell to the ground like pouring water, but the ground under Lingzhi’s feet was abnormally dry. Each raindrop that fell was immediately steamed into a ball of water mist, showing how strong the true qi he was bearing within his body was. Chang Xuehen, seeing this, immediately laughed heartily: “Old thief Lingzhi is finished! Don’t get steamed!”

Lingzhen, hearing his frivolous words, immediately cursed: “Little thief, watch your words! Who’s getting steamed?” The two sides pointed and cursed from afar. Chang Xuehen was even more full of foul language, unbearable to hear. But what status did the leaders of both sides have? They had no leisure to pay attention to these boring disputes, only concentrating on watching the field competition.

Though Shi Gang had earlier gained great advantage relying on his strange weapon, at this moment both sides competed with internal energy—weapons had become useless, and victory depended on the depth of their internal energy cultivation. The two great masters went all out, fighting desperately in confrontation. Shi Gang relied on the yin-yang dual energies’ tremendous power—bolt after bolt of lightning clashed within Lingzhi’s body. Lingzhi used Buddhist protective qi to carefully guard his gates, awaiting opportunities to counterattack.

“Yanfuti” and “Rahula” were both among Shaolin’s Five Great Forbidden Ultimate Techniques. Precisely because their power was too great, practitioners often became obsessed with things and lost their will. Those who couldn’t master them became disheartened and self-harming; those who mastered them became proud and conceited. Temple elders, seeing this martial art had too many harmful effects, forbade its transmission to the world. However, Lingzhi’s comprehension was extraordinarily high—truly a rare genius in Shaolin not seen in a hundred years. Relying on Divine Monk Tianjue’s indirect enlightenment, though he had only learned “Human Fragrant Sleeves” for about a month, he had already repeatedly broken through mysterious barriers. At this moment, his skill displayed the subtle aspects to perfection. It seemed this person’s ability to assume the Abbot position in his prime years indeed had extraordinary qualities.

Both heroes’ internal energy poured in with tightened force, actually making Shi Gang’s dual blades slowly bow. It seemed Lingzhi’s internal energy was indeed profound—relying on supreme cultivation, he finally gradually evened the situation. Seeing his steel blades about to break, Shi Gang immediately gave a sharp shout, true force rushing out rapidly, energy pouring into the blade backs until they returned to normal. Everyone saw Shi Gang gritting his teeth with bulging forehead veins and wisps of white vapor rising from his head, knowing his internal energy had reached its extreme point. Over there, Lingzhi’s expression was grave, occasionally breathing deeply—apparently also reaching a crucial moment.

This fierce battle purely competed in internal energy. Though not as spectacular as Hao Zhenxiang and Lingding’s bloody battle, the danger within was even greater. With the slightest carelessness, one of the two would certainly die.

Qin Zhonghai was secretly anxious, thinking: “For one Left Military Advisor, we’re about to lose a fierce tiger from our mountain—this battle might not be worthwhile.” However, at this moment he absolutely couldn’t call a stop. First, Divine Monk Tianjue’s skills dominated the entire field—no one from Angry Cang could compete with him. Second, Shi Gang was naturally strong-willed—if he intervened, it would instead激激 him to be even more crazy. For the moment, he could only secretly endure and quietly observe the field’s changes.

The rain fell heavier and heavier. Accompanying thunderous sounds from the sky, Shi Gang shouted loudly, his internal energy like shocking waves attacking Lingzhi wave after wave, the dual blades heavy as if endless. Everyone saw the ground under Lingzhi’s feet faintly trembling as if about to collapse, showing how heavy the force he was bearing was. But from beginning to end, he hadn’t made half a sound of exertion, showing he still had untapped potential.

In the midst of fierce battle, suddenly Lingzhi sighed and shook his head: “General Shi, I have something to tell you—please be sure to listen.”

Hearing him still able to speak clearly in fierce battle, Shi Gang couldn’t help being stunned. Lingzhi’s skill purity and refinement were truly above his own. In his shock, his energy contracted inward and his power greatly faded, but Lingzhi didn’t take advantage to attack—he only firmly defended his gates without violent injury.

No matter how high a martial world master’s skills, once internal energy reached its extreme境, no one had been heard who could still speak clearly. Even with martial arts as high as Ning Bufan’s, he might not be able to do it. Hearing Lingzhi speak clearly as if normal, from Qin Zhonghai at the top to Chang Xuehen at the bottom, all the Angry Cang heroes looked at each other in terror. It seemed the “Yanfuti Fragrant Sleeves” that Lingzhi practiced was indeed no ordinary thing and truly had unique secrets.

Though Shi Gang wanted to speak in response, he knew his cultivation hadn’t reached this level. If he insisted on showing off, he feared that before saying half a word, his true qi would loosen and he would immediately bleed from all seven orifices and die. He didn’t dare show off and could only forcibly endure.

Lingzhi sighed: “General Shi, this monk is naturally cowardly and not good at competing. However, observing today’s competition situation, unless one of us two dies, victory and defeat probably can’t be decided. Such killing and bloodshed—how could Buddhist disciples wish this? I still hope the benefactor will show mercy and stop at the right point. How about this?”

Lingzhi’s tone was as usual, like casual conversation. Seeing his skill so profound, he naturally had great winning chances, yet he actually opened his mouth to beg for mercy—was this deliberate pretense? Shi Gang thought he was intentionally mocking and became even more furious. However, his own skill was inferior to his opponent’s. Though he wanted to respond verbally, his heart was willing but strength insufficient. He could only give a cold laugh to show disdain.

However, just this cold laugh caused the true qi on his blades to slightly fade. In the blink of an eye, Lingzhi’s internal energy surged like toppling mountains and overturning seas, pressing until Shi Gang couldn’t breathe. The watching crowd, seeing this, all knew Shi Gang’s power was far inferior to the Abbot’s. This battle only needed to be delayed for a while and Lingzhi would certainly win.

Shi Gang’s face was iron-blue. He had dominated the western frontiers for twenty years, fighting all over a hundred countries without meeting an opponent. He hadn’t expected that upon first returning to Central Plains, he would encounter such a strong opponent. Ruining his lifetime reputation was one thing, but if he caused Qin Zhonghai to be captured, what face would he have to meet Qin Baxian underground?

Shi Gang bit his silver teeth and thought: “This bald thief is only Shaolin Temple’s number two figure, yet his martial arts are already so formidable. Later when the old thief Tianjue appears, who among us is his opponent? Shi Gang, oh Shi Gang—today even if all your internal energy is exhausted and martial arts lost, you must fight this bald thief for mutual destruction to at least get a draw!”

Divine Monk Tianjue’s reputation was too great. Unless Fang Zijing appeared, who could resist? Shi Gang knew this battle’s stakes were too high—this crucial middle battle absolutely couldn’t be lost. Except for fighting Lingzhi to mutual destruction to preserve both sides’ draw, otherwise Qin Zhonghai would certainly be captured. With this thought, decades of internal energy rushed from his dantian—for a moment, it was like desperately fighting for life.

Lingzhi only felt the internal energy transmitted from his opponent become even more powerful and fierce—Shi Gang was actually intending to fight to the death. He immediately chanted a Buddha’s name: “Benefactor, don’t misunderstand—though my Shaolin is enemy to your stronghold, we have no intention of killing…”

Hearing his chatter full of righteousness and morality, Shi Gang couldn’t help being furious. He threw caution to the wind and shouted: “Bullshit!” Opening his mouth to speak loudly, his internal energy circulation became unsmooth. His chest and abdomen felt like being struck by an iron hammer. He couldn’t help but feel sweetness in his throat, golden stars dancing before his eyes, and fresh blood burst from the corners of his mouth.

Lu Guzhan, watching from the side, couldn’t help being shocked and angry, knowing his old friend’s proud nature couldn’t bear provocation. He immediately shouted: “Abbot Lingzhi! You’re really using schemes!” Lingzhi sighed lightly: “Benefactors, don’t misunderstand—this old monk speaks this way only to plead for all living beings, absolutely not to provoke…” He was about to persuade more when Shi Gang, thinking of the terrible experiences of all mountain brothers these years, was filled with grief and anger. His whole body’s internal energy poured out in reverse as he roared: “Bald thief! Shut your dog mouth! Die!”

With a crack, Shi Gang’s full blood spurted out in reverse, spraying Lingzhi’s entire face. The hero in danger, Shi Gang looked up at the sky, thinking of Qin Baxian’s friendship with him. Amid tears of blood on his face, he had already resolved to commit suicide. Hearing his great shout, blood spurted out but his momentum actually surged—that internal energy势如雷震, striking straight at his opponent. Even though Lingzhi’s cultivation had reached the transformation realm, at this moment with fresh blood on his face, his body swayed continuously and he could no longer speak.

Shi Gang was a person of hard character—the more unfavorable his situation, the more it could激发 his fighting spirit. Lingzhi’s repeated attempts at surrender were like insults to him, further激发ing his “rather die” resolution. After Shi Gang cast off life, death, honor, and disgrace, like a wounded fierce beast’s dying bite, his internal energy was displayed even more thoroughly. Heavy rain poured down. The watching crowd only felt the surrounding air currents gradually turning direction, all flowing toward Lingzhi and Shi Gang. The heavy rain, following this air current, immediately formed a whirlpool势—truly a strange sight.

Suddenly a tremendous sound from the sky—lightning flew rapidly, illuminating the surrounding wilderness brightly. Shi Gang gave a strange roar and called loudly: “Lord Baxian!” His eyes rolled back white as he was about to expend all his body’s energy. Azure Robe Scholar and Lu Guzhan looked at each other and sighed, both knowing the life-and-death moment had arrived. Hearing him call his father’s name, Qin Zhonghai thought of two generations of loyal ministers’ devoted hearts, making his hot tears flow, unable to control himself.

Lingzhi shook his head. Since his opponent intended mutual destruction to put him to death, in this situation he could only preserve himself. He took a deep breath of protective qi, both palms运起 decades of diligent internal energy cultivation, about to bounce back Shi Gang’s internal energy.

The Angry Cang Mountain people closed their eyes, not daring to look further. Qin Zhonghai shouted: “Stop!” Fearing Shi Gang would die in battle on the spot, he was about to enter the field to rescue him. Even if the Shaolin monks accused him of cheating, there was no other choice.

Thunderous sounds roared, lightning flashed, heavy rain flew and fell. But Qin Zhonghai was a step too late entering the field. He saw Lingzhi’s internal energy fully activated, already bouncing back Shi Gang’s energy. Shi Gang’s eyes went black, fresh blood gushed wildly from his mouth. At the moment of death, he only gave a long howl—that sound low and mournful, a loyal minister’s bloody tears, seeming to weep for all the injustices suffered in his life, making listeners feel sour in their noses.

Qin Zhonghai knelt to the ground with tears streaming down his face. Suddenly a black shadow moved, already darting into the field. His movement wasn’t very fast, but relying on extremely precise timing, he happened to block between the two great masters.

That person’s right hand blocked Lingzhi, left hand supported Shi Gang, already completely dissipating both men’s force. Lightning flashed, and that person’s appearance entered everyone’s eyes. The field immediately erupted in thunderous cheers. Qin Zhonghai hastily stood up in great joy: “Master!”

Who had such heaven-reaching, earth-moving ability to reverse the situation in an instant? The newcomer was none other than “Nine Provinces Sword King” Fang Zijing.