Three Slashes!

The area around the Heavenly Sun Gang's arena was already packed with people, mostly from the martial arts world who had gotten wind of the event.

Even the second floor of the inn a bit further away was crowded.

The Heavenly Sun Gang members were maintaining order, but neither Li Tianyang nor "Li Mu" had arrived yet.

"Who exactly is this 'Li Mu' that the Hundred Battles Sect is recruiting? The name is unfamiliar; I don't recall hearing of such a person in the martial arts world. But since he dared to challenge Li Tianyang, he must be no ordinary individual."

"I heard 'Li Mu' uses a saber. There are quite a few second-rate saber experts in the martial arts world. If he's using an alias, it's truly hard to guess."

"There's no point in guessing. Who in the martial arts world doesn't have some means of disguise? Who doesn't use an alias? But while appearances can be changed and names can be hidden, martial arts cannot. As long as he makes a move, we'll be able to discern something about his style."

"That's right. As long as this 'Li Mu' has actually walked the martial arts world before, once he makes a move, we'll naturally know."

"I heard that Li Tianyang was also forced into a corner and had no choice but to accept the challenge. Tsk, if it were the Li Tianyang of the past, a mere challenge would be nothing. He certainly wouldn't pay it any mind. But the current Li Tianyang has become the leader of the Heavenly Sun Gang, dominating the region. Although he's gained fame, he's also burdened by it. This is the martial arts world; you're not your own master..."

Some of the older martial artists sighed deeply.

They understood the martial arts world all too well.

Once you enter this world, you're no longer your own master. No one can escape the pursuit of fame and fortune!

"The Gang Leader has arrived!"

At this moment, many of the Heavenly Sun Gang's high-ranking members and elders arrived.

They were escorting their leader, "Li Tianyang."

Many people's gazes fell upon Li Tianyang.

In the past few months, Li Tianyang and the Heavenly Sun Gang had been the center of attention.

The Heavenly Sun Gang had now become the number one gang in Anyang City, controlling the docks, casinos, brothels, and many other businesses. With over a thousand members, they had both manpower and wealth.

Li Tianyang had even defeated Lie Zhenyue, the Sect Master of the Hundred Battles Sect, in a duel, becoming one of the top experts in Anyang City, his influence soaring.

It was now nearing noon.

Li Tianyang sat in his chair, not bothering to survey the surrounding crowd. Instead, he closed his eyes to rest.

With his current standing in the martial arts world, he no longer needed to be overly polite or deceptive with anyone.

After waiting for another quarter of an hour, the people from the Hundred Battles Sect finally arrived.

They were led by Lie Yingniang.

She was also considered a "celebrity" in Anyang City now.

After all, many people had seen Lie Yingniang recruiting experts in Anyang City before.

Besides Lie Yingniang, there were several other disciples from the Hundred Battles Sect.

"Hmm? Why isn't Li Mu here?"

"I recognize these people; they are definitely not Li Mu."

"It's almost time; why hasn't Li Mu arrived yet?"

Many people were puzzled.

Even Li Tianyang opened his eyes, his brow furrowing slightly.

Lie Yingniang, however, remained calm and composed, saying lightly, "When the time comes, Great Hero Li will naturally appear!"

There was still about half an hour until the agreed-upon time, so everyone could only wait.

"Hmph, what arrogance!"

The high-ranking members of the Heavenly Sun Gang snorted coldly, expressing their displeasure with "Li Mu."

Li Tianyang, however, maintained his composure and said calmly, "Be patient, and let's just wait."

There were several constables in the crowd, but they were all dressed like martial artists.

The leader among them was Du Chen, the Wind Chasing Blade.

"Sir, according to our investigation, this 'Li Mu' is extremely mysterious and skilled with the saber. He had no prior reputation in the martial arts world, as if he suddenly appeared out of nowhere. We suspect 'Li Mu' is using an alias!"

A constable reported softly, his head bowed.

"An alias? That was already suspected. Using an alias is quite normal. A second-rate expert who uses a saber, happens to appear in Anyang City, and the Hundred Battles Sect members are present while Li Mu is absent, showing such a low profile... However, Li Mu is a martial artist. No matter how low his profile is, as soon as he makes a move, his true colors will be revealed!"

"None of you make any rash moves. Observe the fight first, and await my command for everything."

"Yes, sir."

The constables stopped whispering amongst themselves and blended into the crowd, appearing like ordinary martial artists.

Time passed little by little.

Soon, the agreed-upon time arrived.

"Lie Yingniang, why hasn't Li Mu appeared yet? Has he forfeited the match?"

Someone from the Heavenly Sun Gang shouted.

Before Lie Yingniang could answer, several martial artists in the crowd were enthusiastically discussing who was stronger, "Li Tianyang" or the mysterious "Li Mu."

A man wearing a bamboo hat and with a long saber at his waist suddenly looked up. He checked the time; it was almost there.

So, he said to the martial artists in front of him, "Please let me pass, I need to go up."

"Where are you going?"

"To the stage, of course!"

"To... the stage?"

These martial artists' eyes widened, a hint of terror in their gaze.

They had clearly guessed the man's identity.

They quickly cleared a path, watching as the unfamiliar man in the straw hat walked step by step onto the stage.

The martial artists who had been "discussing" moments ago were a bit stunned.

So the person they were just talking about was right beside them?

Swish.

As Ji Qing stepped onto the stage, all eyes turned to him.

"Gang Leader Li, the time has come!"

Ji Qing called out softly, looking at Li Tianyang in the distance.

"Li Mu?!"

Li Tianyang was filled with disbelief.

Li Mu had arrived so early?

And he had been hiding in the crowd, undetected by anyone.

Du Chen stared intently at the "Li Mu" on the stage.

However, the "Li Mu" on the stage didn't quite match the portrait of "Ji Qing."

Du Chen couldn't be sure yet.

But he was patient and would continue to wait.

He would know once they started fighting.

Whoosh.

Li Tianyang leaped, landing on the stage as nimbly as a flying bird, showcasing his exquisite Qinggong.

"Li Mu, you shouldn't interfere with my business with the Hundred Battles Sect. Because you will die!"

Li Tianyang said with a chilling tone.

Unfortunately, Ji Qing's expression remained as calm as ever.

Not even a ripple of emotion disturbed his state of mind.

Clang.

Ji Qing drew his blade.

This was his response to Li Tianyang!

Ji Qing did not use the Blade Drawing Technique.

Nor did he build up momentum.

He did not unleash the Thirteen Fast Blades either.

Since he was representing the Hundred Battles Sect, he had to use their martial arts.

Ji Qing used the Hundred Battles Blade!

However, the Hundred Battles Blade was also very fast, both quick and fierce.

With a single strike, it was wide and powerful, carrying the momentum of "charging into battle."

"Hundred Battles Blade? I killed Lie Zhenyue when he used the Hundred Battles Blade, what makes you think you can succeed?"

Li Tianyang also drew his sword with a sudden swish.

Even though the blade light was already upon him, Li Tianyang quickly formed a sky full of sword shadows in front of him, like a wall.

Li Tianyang's self-created Heavenly Sun Swordplay could attack and defend, excelling in both.

Especially its defense, which was the pinnacle of the Heavenly Sun Swordplay!

It was by relying on his flawless defense that Li Tianyang had worn down and killed Lie Zhenyue.

The "Li Mu's" blade was indeed fast, even faster than Lie Zhenyue's, but Li Tianyang could still react.

As long as his "defense" couldn't be broken, "Li Mu" was destined to lose!

Bang.

Blade and sword collided.

"Shock."

Ji Qing said softly.

The instant the blades clashed, "Shocking Force" surged along Li Mu's blade and slammed into Li Tianyang's sword.

"What?"

Li Tianyang's heart jolted.

The terrifying Shocking Force vibrated through his sword, then transferred to his hand.

His previously flawless swordplay now had a slight opening.

"Second strike!"

Ji Qing unleashed another blow, still ferociously powerful, still carrying a hint of Shocking Force.

Although Li Tianyang blocked it, the hand gripping his sword trembled slightly.

"Is this the Hundred Battles Blade? You've already mastered the Hundred Battles Blade to the point of divine proficiency..."

Li Tianyang was utterly shocked.

Even Lie Zhenyue had only reached the Great Accomplishment stage with the Hundred Battles Blade, and he had practiced it for twenty years.

And how long had 'Li Mu' been practicing the Hundred Battles Blade?

How could he possibly have reached such a level of divine proficiency?

But the fact was right before him!

Ji Qing's response to Li Tianyang was a third strike!

This strike was even more ferocious, even more dominant!

Because Ji Qing unleashed his internal energy, instantly increasing the power by thirty percent.

His extremely pure Yuan internal energy also erupted, smashing into Li Tianyang's sword.

"Crack."

With a crisp sound, the sword broke!

"No..."

Li Tianyang's eyes widened. His first instinct was to retreat.

Unfortunately, his movement technique couldn't match Ji Qing's blade.

"Swoosh."

The blade swept across, and a large head was flung high into the air, eventually rolling onto the ground.