Holding a Spear and a Club, Gloomy and Sarcastic

As the Sect Leader of Emei, Miejue's actions appeared reckless, but they were actually detailed beneath the surface.

After withdrawing her gaze from Gu Shaoan, Miejue first glanced at Song Yuanqiao, Zhang Songxi, and Mo Shenggu. Confirming that the three had not noticed her secret exchange with her disciple, she slowly spoke.

"This nun is not unreasonable. If the martial arts world were to know that I, Miejue, deliberately tricked Wudang today to retrieve the Heavenly Sword, Emei would 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 practicing for two months."

As her voice fell, Song Yuanqiao quickly said, "Reverend Master, this is not appropriate. Qingshu began cultivating when his meridians first formed at the age of twelve, and he has now been practicing for five years."

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

Song Qingshu would be eighteen in a few months. After years of honing his foundation and nurturing his Internal Energy at Wudang, even the laborers at the docks could not compare to Song Qingshu in terms of strength.

Yet Gu Shaoan was only eleven years old, barely more than a child.

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

Miejue snorted, "If the Way of Martial Arts only required brute strength to roam freely, then the world would have long been ruled by those who cultivate external techniques. What would be the point of our cultivation?"

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

"Since that is the case, I shall disregard those few extra years of age."

Hearing Miejue's words, not only Gu Shaoan, but even the Emei elders like Juechen standing nearby, tightly pursed their lips.

In the past, when facing Miejue at Emei, they had only thought her words were as cold as ice.

But today, they realized that Miejue had been extremely gentle in front of them.

If she had spoken to them like this on a normal day, after a few times, they might have developed deep-seated emotional scars.

There is a saying: when one achieves success, those who come and go are all kind and courteous.

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

How could they be like Miejue, speaking with hidden barbs and sarcasm?

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 agreed earlier that if my disciple lost the match, I would offer the Emei Nine Yangs Technique in exchange with Wudang. If my disciple won, the Heavenly Sword of my Emei would be returned."

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

Zhang Songxi asked, "What are Reverend Master's terms?"

Miejue replied, "If Young Hero Song enters the ring and fights my disciple, and loses, my conditions remain unchanged. But if he wins, in addition to the Heavenly Sword, your sect must also copy and provide the Wudang Nine Yangs Technique to me."

Although they had already guessed, hearing Miejue's conditions caused both Song Yuanqiao and Zhang Songxi to frown.

Song Yuanqiao knew that although the Emei Nine Yangs Technique and the Wudang Nine Yangs Technique shared the same origin, their underlying philosophies differed due to their respective creators. Strictly speaking, they were two different Internal Cultivation Methods.

And the Wudang Nine Yangs Technique, within Wudang, while not as profound as Zhang Sanfeng's later Pure Yang Infinite Technique, was undoubtedly a supreme Internal Cultivation Method.

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

If it were an exchange with Emei's Emei Nine Yangs Technique, back and forth, it would be considered mutual validation of martial arts, enriching the martial arts heritage of both sects.

But according to Miejue's terms, if Gu Shaoan won the upcoming match, Emei would gain the Wudang Nine Yangs Technique.

As for Wudang, they would be left with nothing but anger and resentment.

It would be a complete loss.

For a moment, Song Yuanqiao dared not agree.

Seeing this, Miejue chuckled twice, her tone laced with sarcasm.

"What? Could it be that the Wudang Sect truly has no successors, and is afraid of my disciple who has only been practicing for two months?"

Song Yuanqiao and Zhang Songxi were not rash or impulsive individuals.

Although Miejue's provocation deepened their frowns, it still did not make them speak.

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

"Father, Grandmaster wants the Emei Nine Yangs Technique. If I can help Wudang obtain the Emei Nine Yangs Technique, I believe Grandmaster will be happy."

Although he knew this was Song Qingshu's excuse, it had to be said that Song Qingshu was speaking the truth.

After hesitating for a moment, Song Yuanqiao looked again at the meek and obedient Gu Shaoan, and sighed.

"Very well! Reverend Master, I accept this wager."

He then turned to Song Qingshu and instructed, "Remember, stop when you have the advantage. Do not injure him, as it would affect the harmony between the two sects."

Song Qingshu confidently replied, "I understand."

Following that, Song Qingshu, sword in hand, leaped forward, spun in the air, and landed steadily, standing three zhang away from Gu Shaoan.

His entire being exuded confidence and youthful vigor.

The moment he landed, Song Qingshu's gaze immediately went to Zhou Zhiruo. Seeing her eyes on him, a hint of joy flickered in his brows.

Facing Song Qingshu, who was displaying himself like a peacock displaying its plumage, a smile flashed in Gu Shaoan's eyes.

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

To avoid any further complications, Gu Shaoan did not delay. He raised his sword and performed a formal bow to Song Qingshu, saying, "Emei, Gu Shaoan, requests guidance from Senior Brother Song."

Song Qingshu nodded slightly, his posture now carrying a hint of arrogance and disdain.

But he still returned the bow as expected.

"Junior brother, please."

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

He clearly adopted a stance, waiting for Gu Shaoan to make the first move.

Seeing this, Gu Shaoan sneered inwardly, and the Internal Energy within his body surged instantly.

Without any warning, Gu Shaoan's figure abruptly blurred in place, like a wisp of smoke torn apart by a fierce wind, yet instantly reforming!

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 incredible that the gust of wind he stirred up only sounded with a "whoosh" after his position had already settled!

A sapphire sword light erupted almost the instant his body landed. His longsword remained unsheathed, and facing Song Qingshu, he was, just like before, not planning to draw his sword.

Internal Energy circulated through his hand, fine as a needle and thread, concentrating its force to a single point. With power like a thunderclap, he fiercely thrust towards Song Qingshu's left rib.

This was precisely the sixth stance of the Willow Catkin Sword Technique, "Spring Catkins Pierce the Curtain."

This strike came too quickly. Especially the whistling sound of the sword sheath cutting through the air, which, upon hearing, immediately indicated the immense power contained within the blow.

It caused all the experts present, who could discern position by sound, to feel a jolt in their hearts.