Loaded with Spears and Sticks, Sarcastic

As the Emei Sect Leader, Miejue's actions, though seemingly reckless, were actually detailed and meticulous.

After withdrawing her gaze from Gu Shao'an, Miejue first glanced at Song Yuanqiao, Zhang Songxi, and Mo Shenggu. Seeing that the three of them hadn't noticed her subtle exchange with her disciple, she slowly began to speak.

"This nun is not unreasonable. If the martial arts world learns that I, Miejue, deliberately tricked Wudang today to retrieve the Heavenly Sword, then my Emei Sect will lose face."

"Since Young Hero Song feels my actions today were lacking, then please, Young Hero Song, personally guide this disciple of mine who has only been with Emei for two months."

As her voice fell, Song Yuanqiao quickly said, "Shitai, that's not appropriate. Qingshu began cultivating his meridians when he was twelve years old, and he's been practicing for five years now."

"Not to mention Qingshu is a few years older and his strength is far superior. If Qingshu were to fight, it would be too unfair to your disciple."

Song Qingshu would turn eighteen in a few months. After years of building his foundation and cultivating his inner force at Wudang, even the laborers at the docks couldn't match his strength.

Yet, Gu Shao'an was only eleven years old, barely more than a child.

If Song Qingshu were to fight Gu Shao'an, it would be no different than an adult bullying a child.

Miejue let out a soft snort, "In the path of martial arts, if mere strength could allow one to run rampant, then this world would have long been dominated by those who practice external martial arts. What would be the point of our cultivation?"

"Moreover, I observe that although Young Hero Song is tall, his actions are not as refined as my young disciple here."

"Since that's the case, I'll simply disregard those extra years of age."

Hearing Miejue's words, not only Gu Shao'an, but even Juechen and the other Elders of Emei present, all pressed their lips together tightly.

Previously, when facing Miejue within Emei, they had only thought of her words as cold as ice.

But today, these few disciples realized that Miejue had been extremely gentle in front of them all along.

If she had spoken to them like this on a regular basis, after a few times, it might have left them with deep-seated psychological issues.

As the saying goes, when one achieves fame and success, those who come and go are all kind and polite.

As Wudang's status in the martial arts world grew higher, Song Yuanqiao, Zhang Songxi, and Mo Shenggu encountered martial artists who were always gentle and treated them with courtesy.

They were nothing like Miejue, who spoke with hidden barbs and a sarcastic tone.

Facing Miejue's words, let alone Zhang Songxi and Mo Shenggu, even Song Yuanqiao felt a tightness in his chest, yet he didn't know how to retort.

Suddenly, Miejue changed the subject, "However, we previously agreed that if my disciple lost the match, I would offer the Emei Nine Yang Skill in exchange with Wudang. If my disciple won, the Heavenly Sword of Emei would be returned."

"Now that your esteemed sect is unconvinced and wishes for an additional match, you don't expect the conditions to remain the same, do you?"

Zhang Songxi asked, "What are Shitai's terms?"

Miejue replied, "If Young Hero Song fights my disciple and loses, my conditions remain unchanged. But if he wins, in addition to the Heavenly Sword, your esteemed sect must also transcribe a copy of the Wudang Nine Yang Skill for me."

Although they had already guessed, upon hearing Miejue's terms, both Song Yuanqiao and Zhang Songxi couldn't help but frown.

While the Emei Nine Yang Skill and the Wudang Nine Yang Skill shared the same origin, their underlying philosophies differed due to their creators. Strictly speaking, they were two distinct inner force cultivation methods.

And the Wudang Nine Yang Skill, within Wudang, though not as profound as Zhang Sanfeng's later Pure Yang Art, was undoubtedly a superior inner force cultivation method.

Even within the Wudang Sect, it was not something ordinary disciples could learn.

If it were an exchange for the Emei Nine Yang Skill, with each side giving and taking, it could be considered mutual validation of martial arts, enriching each sect's martial arts foundation.

But according to Miejue's proposal, if Gu Shao'an won the upcoming match, Emei would gain the Wudang Nine Yang Skill.

As for Wudang, they would be left with nothing but anger and a sense of injustice.

It was a complete loss.

For a moment, Song Yuanqiao dared not agree.

Seeing this, Miejue chuckled a couple of times, her tone carrying a hint of mockery.

"What? Could it be that the Wudang Sect truly has no successors, and you fear even my disciple who has only been with Emei for two months?"

Song Yuanqiao and Zhang Songxi were not impulsive individuals.

Although Miejue's provocation deepened their frowns, it still didn't make them speak.

It was Song Qingshu, seeing Song Yuanqiao's silence, who anxiously spoke up.

"Father, Grand-master Shifu desires the Emei Nine Yang Skill. If I can help Wudang obtain the Emei Nine Yang Skill, I believe Grand-master Shifu will be pleased."

Although he knew this was Song Qingshu's excuse, it had to be said that what Song Qingshu said was also true.

After a moment of hesitation, Song Yuanqiao looked again at Gu Shao'an, who was bowing his head obediently and quietly, and sighed.

"Very well! I accept Shitai's wager."

He then turned his head and instructed Song Qingshu, "Remember, only touch, do not injure. Do not affect the harmony between our two sects."

Song Qingshu confidently replied, "Your son understands."

Afterward, Song Qingshu, sword in hand, leaped forward, spun in the air, and landed steadily, standing three zhang away from Gu Shao'an.

He exuded confidence and youthful vigor.

The moment he landed, Song Qingshu's gaze immediately fell upon Zhou Zhiruo. Seeing that her eyes were on him, his brows couldn't help but carry a hint of joy.

Facing Song Qingshu, who was displaying himself like a peacock spreading its tail feathers, a smile flashed in Gu Shao'an's eyes.

"Very good, you've fallen for it again."

To avoid any further complications, Gu Shao'an wasted no time. He raised his sword and bowed to Song Qingshu, "Emei, Gu Shao'an, requests guidance from Senior Brother Song."

Song Qingshu nodded slightly, his demeanor now carrying a touch of arrogance and disdain.

Still, he returned the gesture in kind.

"Shidi, please."

As he spoke, Song Qingshu held his sword sheath in his left hand, his right hand behind his back.

He clearly intended to let Gu Shao'an make the first move.

Seeing this, Gu Shao'an scoffed inwardly, his inner force surging instantly.

Without any warning, Gu Shao'an's figure blurred at his original position, like a wisp of smoke torn apart by a gale, yet instantly mended!

His entire body seemed to be pulled by an invisible giant hand, appearing three feet to Song Qingshu's left, defying all logic.

His speed was so great that the resulting gust of wind only made a "whoosh" sound!

A flash of azure sword light erupted almost the instant his form settled. His long sword was still within its sheath, not yet drawn. Facing Song Qingshu, he was, just as before, not planning to draw his sword.

His inner force circulated through his hand, fine as needlework, his strength concentrated into a single point, striking fiercely towards Song Qingshu's left ribs with the force of a thunderclap.

This was the sixth stance of the Willow Leaf Swordplay, "Spring Catkin Pierces the Curtain."

This strike came incredibly fast. Especially the whistling sound of the sword sheath cutting through the air, which immediately indicated the immense power contained within the blow.

It caused all the masters present, who could discern position by sound, to feel a jolt of apprehension.