Turning Heaven Thirty-Six Paths: Strange

"Will you handle it yourself, or shall I?" Yang Yuncong asked casually, not taking the Black Stone organization seriously at all.

"I'll deal with it myself!" Qin Shuang likewise paid no attention to the Black Stone organization.

"Fine, do as you see fit. Come to me if you need anything." Yang Yuncong took a sip of tea before continuing, "I know about Cheng Lingsu's matter too. But it's ultimately her sect's affair, so don't interfere too deeply. Murong Jingyue isn't worth worrying about, but Shi Wanchen behind him possesses such incredible skill with poisons that it has reached an unfathomable level. At the very least, he has mastered seventy percent of Wuchen Commander's Military Sima techniques. You must not underestimate him."

"I'll keep it under control. Unless absolutely necessary, I won't let things turn hostile." Qin Shuang disagreed inwardly, but out of respect for Yang Yuncong, he still agreed aloud.

"Also, cause less trouble lately. Don't forget that, officially, you're still suspended. The Dragon Guard's name won't be able to help you much right now!" Yang Yuncong had watched Qin Shuang grow up. How could he not know his temper? He warned him tirelessly.

"All right, I understand!" Qin Shuang nodded and pulled a sandalwood box from his robes. "This is for you!"

"What is it? Why all the secrecy?" Yang Yuncong smiled as he accepted the box and opened it casually. When he saw what was inside, his brows rose. "Blood Bodhi!"

"They can heal injuries if you're hurt, and increase your cultivation if you aren't. I'm giving you a few in case you need them."

"Good stuff. Then I won't stand on ceremony!" Yang Yuncong closed the box and picked up a book from the desk. "These are the Wind God's Leg movements and cultivation manual you wanted. Your master also sent you a reply, which is tucked inside."

"Haha, then I'll have something to do during this period!" Qin Shuang said with a laugh as he accepted the book.

"Calming your mind and practicing martial arts may not be a bad thing for you." Yang Yuncong nodded approvingly.

When Qin Shuang returned home, he ate and chatted with his mother, Qin Hongmian. He learned that after his aunt Qin Sirong had recovered from her injuries, she had been unable to sit still and had accepted another secret mission, leaving Chaoge City.

After a long conversation, Qin Shuang returned to his room, took out the Wind God's Leg manual, and began studying it carefully.

Wind God's Leg was ultimately derived from the same source as Heavenly Frost Fist. Since Qin Shuang already had a certain foundation, he quickly comprehended most of it after comparing and verifying the techniques several times.

Just as Qin Shuang was immersed in his studies, a soft "smack" suddenly came from the window, as though some hard object had struck it.

Qin Shuang was not surprised in the least. He smiled faintly, stepped outside, and flipped lightly onto the roof.

Qin Shuang looked around, spotting a faint figure darting into the distance. He immediately used his newly learned Wind God's Leg and gave chase.

One fled and the other pursued. In less than half an incense stick's time, they arrived at an open plain on the outskirts of Chaoge City.

The person in front stood straight as a pine, like a towering mountain, his presence imposing and intimidating.

He was extremely tall, a full head taller than ordinary men. With broad shoulders and a narrow waist, the black skintight clothing he wore outlined every line of his muscles to perfection.

Although a black cloth covered his face, the eyes revealed beneath it were like a tranquil abyss, concealing endless sharpness.

"Teacher!" Qin Shuang called out first, his voice filled with delight.

The man in black was the mysterious person who had secretly taught Qin Shuang the Innate Formless Divine Art and Innate Formless Finger Sword for many years.

"Enough nonsense. Let me see whether you've improved during this time!"

The man in black said no more. He raised his hand directly, and the formidable sword qi of the Hegemonic Sword from the Innate Formless Finger Sword shot straight toward Qin Shuang's face.

Qin Shuang knew his teacher intended to test him, so he did not dare relax for even a moment. He forced sword qi from the index and middle fingers of both hands and likewise met him with the Innate Formless Finger Sword.

He used the Righteous Sword with both hands, unleashing Sharpness Piercing Through and forcibly blocking the Hegemonic Sword's radiance.

"Hm?" The man in black was slightly taken aback, then his eyes filled with delight. "Again!"

Having tested the depth of Qin Shuang's cultivation with one exchange, the man in black suppressed his own internal energy to Qin Shuang's level, but no longer held back with his hands. His left ring finger unleashed Flick Sword, while his right little finger unleashed Soft Sword.

The flexible, curving Flick Sword struck first, and the two swords flew together!

Shaft after shaft of Formless Sword Qi shot toward Qin Shuang like lightning.

Qin Shuang remained rooted to the spot. His hands moved just as quickly, sending crisscrossing sword qi to meet the man in black's attack.

In an instant, the sound of colliding sword qi rang out without end, as though even the air had been torn apart.

Shafts of sword qi tangled and collided in midair, bursting into dazzling light.

The man in black shouted, his figure flashing as he closed in. His ten fingers stabbed repeatedly, condensing the sword qi into a huge net that descended over Qin Shuang.

The corners of Qin Shuang's lips curved into a strange smile. His hands moved at an unbelievable speed, and his sword qi darted about like swimming dragons, dismantling the man in black's sword-qi net piece by piece.

The two exchanged attacks back and forth, their sword techniques growing faster and more fierce with every move.

Every clash stirred up a violent gale. Sand and stones were swept into the air, while the surrounding trees were slashed by sword qi and snapped one after another.

In the blink of an eye, thirty moves had passed. The two pushed their arms straight forward, thumbs facing each other—Hegemonic Sword against Hegemonic Sword!

The violent collision was like thunder tearing open the heavens, producing a deep, rumbling boom.

Qin Shuang staggered back several steps before barely steadying himself.

After a brief respite, the battle intent faded from the man in black's eyes, replaced by an impossible-to-conceal delight. "Good, good, good! The changes in your Innate Formless Finger Sword are fluid, and your transitions are calm and natural. You're already no weaker than I am!"

"To reach this level after cultivating for only a few years, I truly did not choose the wrong person!"

"Heh heh, Teacher, don't praise me too soon. I have another surprise. Would you like to try it?" Qin Shuang asked eagerly.

"Hmph, don't get carried away in front of me. Unless absolutely necessary, don't use that move so lightly!"

"Uh." Qin Shuang raised his brows and pursed his lips.

Seeing Qin Shuang's unconcerned expression, the man in black could not help shaking his head with a soft laugh. He inwardly sighed that this boy truly resembled his own youthful arrogance.

"Don't be dissatisfied. Once you master it, you'll be free to roam this martial world!" The man in black pulled a book from his chest and tossed it to Qin Shuang.

Qin Shuang caught it in one hand without opening it, instead staring at the man in black. "Teacher, take off that mask. I already know who you are. Let me see what you look like!"

The man in black chuckled but did not answer him directly. Instead, he asked, "Do you have any other questions about martial arts?"

Qin Shuang thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Not for now."

"Good. Cultivate properly. When the time is right, I'll naturally appear before you in my true form."

The man in black finished speaking, lightly tapped the ground with both feet, and vanished into the night after several rises and falls.

Qin Shuang did not pursue him again. He merely made a silent resolution in his heart: "Teacher, whatever reservations or hidden worries you may have, I'll cut them all down!"

Qin Shuang withdrew his gaze and opened the book in his hands. Seven ancient-looking characters immediately entered his sight.

"Turning Heaven Thirty-Six Paths: Strange"!