Cloud Platform Grand Tournament, Part Three

Protected by the pure and Xuanhuang energy refined from the Great Songyang Divine Skill, and aided by the Dustless Easy Qi Sword, Qin Jiu has shown in real combat are truly worthy of the name of a disciple of the Xuanmen Sect.

Of course, this cannot be considered invincible. At least it can be seen that the Great Songyang Divine Skill and the Shangqing Subduing Demon Divine Skill can break each other's defenses. Although the Dustless Easy Qi Sword can be used for emergency treatment and healing, it is not an instant cure. It seems to only heal external injuries. The internal injuries caused by the sword force are probably not so easy to recover from.

Furthermore, even without close combat or using magic weapons, there are still other methods, such as using Daoist thunder techniques to bombard, or using primordial spirit techniques to fight. As long as Qin Jiu's Dao Breath Divine Sense are exhausted, he will naturally have no choice but to retreat.

However, this kind of fight is just a contest of Qi cultivation between the two sides, or even a contest of who has more pills. It's entirely the Hengshan Sect relying on its superior numbers to wear down Qin Jiu's Dao Breath through a war of attrition. The fact that the Hengshan disciples didn't interrupt Qin Jiu's healing shows that they still care about their reputation as one of the Nine Great Xuan Sects and don't want to resort to such methods.

Even if they fought like that, Qin Jiu could still break through. After all, he had used a superior Qi-based Dustless Easy Qi Sword Shifting Sword, demonstrating his profound skill. He only needed to use the Dustless Easy Qi Sword power to fight head-on against the mountain path, focusing on defending against the Qi-based techniques in front of him. This would exhaust the power of at least three or four Hengshan disciples. Adding to the seven who had just been killed, how could the Hengshan Sect possibly seize the peak or compete for the Sword Master title? The other sects were currently watching coldly, and naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity to strike at Hengshan. In that case, they might really be dragged down by Qin Jiu's suicidal fighting style!

So, while Qin Jiu was healing, the Hengshan disciples gathered together to discuss the matter. Meanwhile, the other Supreme Purity Dao disciples healed and fed the injured Hengshan disciples pills.

Meanwhile, the supporters of Songshan, the disciples of Taiyi, Luofu, and Tianfu, gathered together, exchanging greetings and smiling, their eyes fixed on the direction of the Hengshan group like a pack of wolves.

Thus, the mountain pass became clearly divided, and two teams quickly took shape, guarding against each other. The differences and conflicts between the Taiyi and Shangqing paths were clearly revealed at this first pass into the Jiuyin Mountains!

However, not everyone will choose to join either side. There are still some Xuanmen disciples left who have roughly assessed Qin Jiu's abilities and do not intend to stay too long, so as not to get involved in the struggle between the Hengshan and Songshan groups. However, for the time being, no one dares to come up and pass through.

However, there always has to be a first to try something new. So, from the group in the middle, a boy stepped forward. He looked only ten years old, yet he had already reached the Golden Core stage. He wore a celestial robe that resembled silver silk underneath, and a sky-blue dharma robe on top. His hair was tied up with a crane-shaped crown of mutton-fat jade. At his waist were a golden gourd, a Green Gourd, and a purple gourd, along with a ruyi scepter, a precious mirror, a sword box, a whisk, and a jade bottle. The radiance emanating from him was dazzling. He walked step by step up the mountain path, with lotus blossoms blooming beneath his feet to cover his feet, without touching any blood on the ground. He walked straight into the air and bowed before Qin Jiu.

"I am Xia Chuanming from the Zhenzhen Palace, the Grand Supreme Heavenly Venerable, the Xuan Girl of the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady. Please make way, fellow Daoist."

"... Fellow Daoist, please proceed."

Qin Jiu was momentarily stunned by this arrogant attitude, so she stepped aside to let him pass.

Seeing that the Penglai group had passed by first and the Songshan group had not yet made a move, the others began to get restless.

"We are disciples of the Xuanyue Yuxu Palace. Please do us a favor, fellow Daoist."

Qin Jiu returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

After exchanging greetings, a cultivator in indigo robes led the way, and the seven Outer Sect Disciples of Xieluo Mountain flew over the mountain on their swords to seize the peak first. Qin Jiu, as expected, did not make a move.

The neutral faction quickly left, seizing the opportunity to climb to the summit. The remaining two groups were locked in a stalemate, but neither dared to make a move for fear of harming the other.

Meanwhile, in the Songshan group, Gu Panpan glanced around at the numbers on both sides and realized that Songshan had sent far too few people this time. Although the man surnamed Qin was skilled, the Supreme Purity sect clearly had more members. She chuckled lightly.

"They're here to settle personal scores and sever karmic ties. What are you all doing standing here like idiots? If Hengshan doesn't make a move soon, all nine peaks will be taken! Senior brother, the sect comes first. We from Wangwu Mountain head over there first!"

After she finished speaking, she wrapped her body with a red ribbon, opened her mouth and spat out a sword pellet to protect herself, and flew away with the people from Wangwu Mountain. The other Nine Great Xuan Sects also thought the same thing. Although they supported Songshan, they were not so sure that they would help to break ties with Hengshan. So Hotong Mountain and Magu Mountain followed suit and climbed the mountain with Wangwu Mountain.

Even so, many of Songshan's followers weren't in a hurry. After all, there were only two spots among the Nine Great Xuan Sects to compete for, and as long as they climbed the mountain on time and weren't eliminated, they were fine. It was better to preserve their strength, weaken the Supreme Purity Sect's power, and make things easier in the second phase.

The leading disciple from Hengshan also saw through the other side's plan. He frowned, knowing that if the matter dragged on too long, they wouldn't be able to occupy any of the nine peaks, and it would be difficult to explain if they were dragged to their deaths at the foot of the mountain. So he bowed to the surrounding Supreme Purity disciples.

"Thank you all for your help. Hengshan will settle this matter privately with Qin Jiu from Ink Bamboo Mountain."

Seeing Hengshan say this, Maoshan and Danxia Mountain nodded in agreement. Their flying swords swept over Qin Jiu's head and sped off along the mountain path.

Qin Jiu ignored them. In fact, the Hengshan disciples could easily fly their swords over his head, as long as they flew low enough not to fall into the sword formation. However, whether they could actually fly over was one thing, and whether they were willing to bring shame upon their sect was another.

With so many people leaving, Hengshan didn't intend to stay here any longer.

"Qian Xingchun of Hengshan, a master of stele carving in Hengshan, please enlighten me!"

"Qin Jiu of Ink Bamboo Mountain, Dustless Easy Qi Sword, please enlighten me!"

This time, Hengshan didn't do any group raids. They followed the rules of sword fighting step by step, climbing the mountain path step by step, hissing and shouting to raise their momentum to the highest level, and then shouting "Hah--!" as they slammed their palms down from mid-air!

The palm formed from the condensed true qi of Shangqing swept towards Qin Jiu with overwhelming force, following the mountain path. It was indeed a secret technique of Daoist magic, a remote clash of power against him.

"The Dustless Easy Qi Sword!"

Qin Jiu had already prepared a countermeasure. He extended his finger in mid-air, and the Xuanhuang Qi and Fumo Qi collided, causing the blue and yellow true Qi to explode. Although the Hengshan disciple's skill was quite profound, and he unleashed six or seven palm strikes in succession, his Qi palms were all shattered by his sword finger. The explosion of Qi caused the true Qi in the mountain path to surge and the Dao Breath aura to permeate, making it impossible to distinguish human figures.

Just when everyone thought that Qian Xingchun from Hengshan was simply there to wear down Qin Jiu's power, Qian Xingchun suddenly leaped forward and sprinted to close the distance to Qin Jiu. Then, he suddenly changed his move, no longer using palm techniques, but instead using sword finger qigong, shooting out a beam of qi sword-like light from his right hand!

This was clearly a profound finger technique! It clashed directly with the Dustless Easy Qi Sword that Qin Jiu had shot out! Two pillars of qi, one green and one yellow, burst forth with white, misty true qi! Suddenly, they began to clash!

"Huh? The Jade Balance Sword Technique?" Han the Divine Lord was shocked again.

Purple Void Dao Lord nodded. "It is indeed the Jade Balance Sword Technique."

Li Fan turned his head and looked around. The other three lively characters had disappeared to play somewhere, and since there was no one to explain, he went over to Han the Divine Lord's side.

"My Lord, what's so special about the Jade Balance Sword Technique? Which is more elegant, the Dustless Easy Qi Sword?"

Han the Divine Lord couldn't help but glance at Purple Void Dao Lord beside him, who didn't seem to mind and spoke directly.

"The Jade Balance Sword Technique is a Qi-based sword technique of our sect, and it also requires a fairly solid foundation in Qi cultivation to execute. It's hard to say which is superior; it mainly depends on the individual's cultivation level."

Han the Divine Lord worriedly said, "It's just a battle of Qi techniques, which consumes too much of the Inner Landscape Qi. Regardless of winning or losing, it will damage one's cultivation, shake one's foundation, and even leave hidden dangers in the meridians and Qi points. Even a True Person would suffer a great loss of cultivation and would not use it lightly. For Golden Core cultivator to fight so desperately, I'm afraid it will damage his foundation."

Purple Void Dao Lord smiled at Li Fan, "Since Xingchun is fighting on behalf of our sect to settle karmic debts, our sect will naturally not mistreat our disciple."

In the short time it took to speak, Li Fan also observed the Hengshan disciples' plan from the scene.

The Xuanmen (Daoist sect) places great emphasis on Qi Refinement Stage. Hengshan (Mount Hengshan) naturally has skills like the Dustless Easy Qi Sword. However, normal people cultivate daily to hone their refined true Qi, so why would they randomly shoot it out? Once they lose a battle, their refined Dao Breath will be completely lost. Even if they win, they will have to spend time refining the true Qi they breathe back.

Therefore, in daily combat within the Xuanmen sect, the mainstream method is to use magical treasures, martial arts, talismans, and formations. No one Transformation Stage would recklessly use these techniques that would kill a thousand enemies but also harm eight hundred of their own.

However, Qin Jiu, this kid, whether it was because no one had guided him through these key points and he deliberately concealed them, or perhaps because he cultivated the Great Songyang Divine Art and obtained the Xuanhuang Qi too easily and didn't care, in any case, he used his profound Qi skills to shoot wildly, and naturally, he could kill or maim Golden Core Stage cultivators with one move.

So Hengshan also went all out. The disciples met and drew lots, and Qian Xingchun from Hengshan jumped out, using the same Hengshan Sect's supreme skill, Jade Balance Sword Qi, to fight Qin Jiu with all his life's cultivation!

Although Qian Xingchun's skill level was not as high as Qin Jiu's, he was able to participate in the Yuntai Grand Competition, so his skill level was naturally not much lower. Moreover, the combination of Shangqing Fumo Zhenqi and Yuheng Sword Qi was on the same level as the combination of Songyang Xuanhuang Zhenqi and Dustless Easy Qi Sword.

As the two streams of true qi, one green and one yellow, clashed and exchanged energy, Qin Jiu's expression changed instantly. He clearly felt his true qi being depleted at an alarming rate! But during the clash, he was powerless to break free of the contact, so he could only roar with all his might, blasting his true qi from his fingertips and using the yellow qi to force the green qi back!

Meanwhile, Qian Xingchun watched as the Jade Balance Sword Qi was forced towards him, but he fully understood his fate this time. He bit down on the Golden Core in his mouth and poured all his Dao Breath energy into his right arm, trying to wear down Qin Jiu's power!

"Aaaaaah--!"

The battle actually lasted only a dozen seconds. After the lines were exchanged at the Peach Banquet, the outcome was decided. The moment the Jade Balance Sword Qi was thrust into his fingertips, Qian Xingchun was pierced from his right arm to his waist by the Xuanhuang Qi Sword. Most of his body was bleeding and exploding, and he was blown away from the mountain path like a kite with a broken string.

"Sun Xing'an of Hengshan, a master of stele carving in Hengshan, please enlighten me!"

However, the instant Qian Xingchun was blown away, the ninth Hengshan disciple pounced, still using the "Striking Stele Hand" move, striking Qin Jiu's shoulder with a palm strike from a distance!

It must be said that the Hengshan disciples were indeed highly skilled. When this palm strike came, Qin Jiu had just exhausted all his strength and didn't even have time to recover his Qi. The protective true Qi around his body, like yellow silk, was completely consumed by the Dustless Easy Qi Sword, exposing his body. As a result, his opponent immediately seized the opportunity and struck from afar with a palm strike, causing Qin Jiu to stagger and fall on the mountain path. His left hand slumped loosely, and his shoulder was clearly smashed to pieces!

"Heavenly Pillar Slices Through Clouds!"

Sun Xing'an pressed his advantage relentlessly, lightly tapping the stone steps with his toes. With a flick of his Hengshan sword, he unleashed two fierce beams of light. One was the sharp blade of the Hengshan sword, and the other was the sword Sword Light of the Heavenly Pillar Sword Technique. The two beams of light, as bright as a pillar in the sky, slashed straight down at Qin Jiu's face!

At this point, Qin Jiu could no longer hide his true intentions.

"Blood Flow Sword Rain!"

In that instant, large patches of blood erupted on the steps like piercing thorns! The unsuspecting Sun Xing'an was instantly torn to pieces by the chaotic sword strikes! The Hengshan Sword was also deflected, and a Sword Light sliced across Qin Jiu's left cheek, tearing open his face and ear, while another Sword Light flew past his forehead, slicing open his skull and tearing off a large chunk of scalp!

Han the Divine Lord was shocked again and again, "Wait! This isn't a move!"

Li Fan's face was grim. "Not bad! Blood Talisman Sword! I taught it to you! So what! I've killed plenty of Dharma Kings and Altar Masters, can't I get some drops from them!"

Han the Divine Lord was speechless for a moment, Purple Void Dao Lord smiled without saying a word, and the cultivators present could not do anything to Li Fan.

But the Hengshan disciples who remained at the mountain pass immediately launched a coordinated attack.

"Kill this little devil!"

In an instant, four Hengshan disciples drew their swords, shouting "Heavenly Pillar Sword Technique!" Their Hengshan swords unleashed a beam of heavenly Sword Light, shattering the blood sword and clearing a path. Three others launched a flying attack, giving Qin Jiu no chance to heal and recover!

At this moment, the Xuanmen disciples who originally supported Songshan hesitated and did not advance when they saw Qin Jiu use the demonic Cultivation Method!

"Come on! I'm not afraid of you!"

Qin Jiu didn't care that half a scalp was still hanging on his face. At this moment, his left hand was broken, and his breathing was not smooth, so he could no longer use the Absolute Dust Qi Shifting Sword. He could only retreat while holding the sword in his right hand, using the Frenzy Strike Sword Flower Dance, and occasionally releasing a Xuanhuang Sword Qi to counterattack. He fought a chaotic battle with the three Hengshan disciples who were charging up from the front, who were "Hengshan Stele Breaker", "Heavenly Pillar Sword Technique" and "Jade Balance Sword Qi"!

Just as the yellow and green Qi Sword Light were flashing wildly on the mountain path, kicking up dust, suddenly a pair of hands reached out from the ground, grabbed Qin Jiu's legs, and dragged him halfway down to the ground!

"Earth Escape!"

Qin Jiu was shocked, clearly not expecting that one of the Hengshan disciples he had been watching would use earth magic to launch a sneak attack... No! It wasn't from Hengshan! It was Supreme Purity disciple who had just let him pass, who had turned back to launch a sneak attack!

This attack broke through his lower stance, severely disrupting his sword momentum and exposing his weaknesses!

Qin Jiu hastily slashed the ground twice with his sword, driving away the attackers, but Hengshan's men rushed in front of him and began hacking wildly at him! The Sword Light Sword Qi slashed his entire body, scattering his yellow silk and tearing his flesh apart!

The three from Hengshan knew this was a rare opportunity, so why bother with any spells or moves? They just had to hack and slash! The four of them squeezed into the narrow, rugged mountain path, their eyes bloodshot as they wildly slashed at Qin Jiu's shoulders, head, and hands, unleashing their full power!

"Ah--! Beep beep beep!!"

However, Qin Jiu was protected by the Great Songyang True Qi. Protected by the True Qi, he was not cut into pieces by the shattered corpse. But for a moment, Sword Light flashed wildly in front of him, and his eyes were filled with blood. He was brutally slaughtered and turned into a bloody man!

In that instant, Qin Jiu didn't know how long he had been slashed. His face had been cut several times, and his body had been pierced by several swords. He only knew that the tendons in his hands had been severed, and his legs had just been pulled out of the ground when they were pierced by swords. He couldn't even straighten his back. All he could hear was the sound of sword blades cutting through bone and muscle, and all he could hear in his head was the echo of blood and muscle being churned up by the Sword Light. In a sudden burst of Sword Light, Qin Jiu's eyes turned red, and he could see nothing but the blinding red.

Then he suddenly saw it again.

He floated in mid-air and saw a child lying on a kang (a heated brick bed), his body covered with bite wounds the size of bowls, as if he had been gnawed by fish-men from the Li River.

An old man with a limp sat slumped on the ground, his eyes lifeless. An old woman knelt by the bed, sobbing, and poured a bowl of water, feeding it to the child spoonful by spoonful.

Then he floated over, looked at the child's face, and heard the child say to himself.

"Please stay with Mom for me, and don't make her cry anymore, okay?"

Qin Jiu saw the bloodshot infant nod in the child's eyes.

Then Qin Jiu exploded, like a blooming datura flower, blood flowers blooming on the mountain path. His entire body ripped open, flesh and blood bursting forth, instantly engulfing the three Hengshan disciples and melting their flesh and blood in an instant. The remaining remains were as if cut into a pile of flat cubes the size of a thumb tip by invisible threads.

Even the bluestone Sword Light, which the sword light couldn't illuminate, were slashed open by the radiant light, revealing a vast expanse of spiderweb-like patterns. From afar, the spiderweb resembled blooming petals, but upon closer inspection, it became clear that it was actually a thin film of blood, thick plasma clinging to the fine, intricate threads. These blood droplets, along with specks of red sand on the threads, coalesced into clumps and clusters.

Then, with a whoosh, the datura withered, and the red sand was absorbed into the body to replace the sword wound, while the blood was splattered on the mountain path, flowing down the stone steps like a waterfall.

Qin Jiu stood up, walked to the mountain path, and stopped in front of the line he had just drawn. His entire body was wrapped in yellow silk, with only a pair of bright yellow eyes showing as he looked down at the trembling blue-robed cultivators below.

"Those from Hengshan are not allowed to pass."