Blocking the Blade
"The connection between Heaven and Man! You've actually broken through to the Heavenly Man level!" the man exclaimed. His name was Ling Xiao. Three years ago, after Black Star was planted in his body, he was sent to the Bright Moon Tower the mission of stealing its secret martial arts techniques.
Those who have been infected with the Black Heart live in constant fear and unease, a feeling that can drive a person mad. There are only two ways to alleviate this: one is to stay next to the person who planted the Black Star in you, and the other is to focus all your thoughts on the task that person has given you.
Ling Xiao was like that. Ever since he arrived near Bright Moon Tower, all his thoughts had been focused on how to steal the secret manual, so he was naturally very interested in information about Bright Moon Tower.
Bright Moon Tower was originally a merger of two local martial arts families, the Yun Family and the Feng Family. The two families intermarried frequently, and although they are now two separate families, they are essentially one.
The Bright Moon Tower possesses two secret martial arts scrolls, both renowned in the martial arts world: the Clear Breeze Scroll from the Feng Family and the White Cloud Scroll from the Yun Family. Legend has it that these two scrolls contain another secret martial arts scroll: the Bright Moon Scroll.
The current master of Bright Moon Tower is a member of the Yun Family. Over the years, everyone has been used to calling him Master Yun. According to intelligence, Master Yun has been cultivating the White Cloud Scroll for more than 20 years, and his strength should be that of a senior secret martial artist.
However, this time when he made his move, he displayed a strength that resonated with the surrounding world. In martial arts terms, this was called "the communion of heaven and man," indicating that this person had entered the ranks of celestial martial artists, able to release his own intent, resonate with heaven and earth, and gain powerful strength.
"No, even if you break through to the Celestial Realm with the White Cloud Scroll you cultivate, it should be related to white clouds, not flames." Ling Xiao realized that the White Cloud Scroll was not like the South Heaven One Qi of the South Heaven Sect. Although it was also cloud-related, the South Heaven One Qi came from the sunset, which meant it was infected by the sun's firepower, hence the high temperature. The White Cloud Scroll, however, had nothing to do with fire, so how could it develop flame abilities?
"You are the chosen one." A hint of Envy flashed in Ling Xiao's eyes. There was a rumor that three years ago, the Black Heaven Hall opened the Heavenly Gate and released the wisdom of the ancients. As long as you obtain it, you can successfully cultivate the life's work of that ancient person and quickly advance to the level of a Celestial Being.
In recent years, people who have obtained such wisdom have frequently appeared and are called the chosen ones. Others mostly feel envy Envy and hatred towards these people because the chosen ones are really too blessed.
"This way I still have a fighting chance." Ling Xiao calmed down and activated the spirit weapon in his hand with all his might. This earth spirit weapon was secretly given to him by the Black Heaven Hall after he sent back some important intelligence some time ago.
Two characters were engraved on the blade: Qingxue. The chosen one was a Celestial Warrior, but there was still a certain gap between him and a true Celestial Warrior. His Azure Snow Sword was of the icy attribute, and with the restraint, he might be able to hold out until reinforcements arrived.
"Die!" Lord Yun leaped into the air, launching fireballs one after another around him. Ling Xiao activated the Azure Snow Sword with all his might, a faint azure light emanating from his body. The surrounding air was chilled by the cold air, causing ice flowers to form.
But then the fireball flew by, melting all the ice flowers and evaporating them into water vapor. Ling Xiao brandished his longsword, deflecting all the incoming fireballs, and then Lord Yun closed in on him.
With both hands radiating intense heat, they slapped directly at Ling Xiao's chest. The spiritual light formed by the spiritual weapon crumbled layer by layer. Ling Xiao gritted his teeth, swung the Azure Snow Sword, and slashed towards the Cloud Pavilion Master's throat.
Then, the next moment, Master Yun let out a cold laugh, releasing a large amount of cloud energy around him. With a surge of his fiery inner energy, all the cloud energy turned into Red Dawn, which rushed towards Ling Xiao with intense heat.
The azure light lasted only a moment before shattering completely. Crimson clouds enveloped Ling Xiao, who let out a scream like a wild beast. The Azure Snow Sword fell to the side, and he covered his face with his hands.
As the clouds slowly dissipated, Ling Xiao's skin was revealed to be completely raw; the flesh peeled off with a rub, leaving his face a bloody mess. His eyes were also bloodshot and filthy. Yun Xin, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but back away and vomit after just one glance.
"You've only fooled my daughter with your pretty face. Today I'll disfigure you and cut you into a thousand pieces," said the Cloud Lord, standing amidst the clouds.
"Impossible! The wisdom crystal you obtained is fire-attribute, while the White Cloud Scroll has nothing to do with fire. You couldn't possibly have the talent to fuse the two!" Ling Xiao shouted frantically. "South Heaven One Qi! You must have used South Heaven One Qi to integrate the two! I see!"
"The South Heaven One Qi is currently only possessed by the Black Heaven Hall. You have a high-ranking traitor within the Black Heaven Hall, which explains why you were able to discover me." Ling Xiao understood, and then instantly identified the traitor. "That bitch Feng Qing."
"That bitch is unworthy to be the Pride Hall." Ling Xiao staggered backward, swaying from side to side.
"Die!" Lord Yun didn't respond. Why waste so much breath on the enemy? It would only make it easier for them to turn the tables and extract information. Killing them as soon as possible was the best course of action.
The scorching heat surged toward Ling Xiao, only to find Ling Xiao suddenly dodging and grabbing Yun Xin, who was vomiting nearby, and shielding her in front of him. A sizzling sound of roasting meat filled the air, and Yun Xin's condition became similar to Ling Xiao's.
Ling Xiao's previous staggering retreat was all to stealthily approach Yun Xin. Now that his plan had succeeded, he grinned maliciously, tossed Yun Xin aside, and quickly retreated.
Master Yun's eyes widened instantly. In a flash, he took Yun Xin from him and looked at her face, which looked like it had been boiled alive. He said worriedly, "Xin'er, are you alright? Say something."
Then Yun Louzhu realized that Yun Xin was vomiting. The scorching heat rushed into her throat, burning her vocal cords, and she fainted from the pain. It was estimated that she would be unable to speak for the rest of her life.
"That damned brat!" Lord Yun said bitterly, holding his daughter. He had known that boy wasn't a good match, but he hadn't expected him to be so heartless. "Go after him! What are you all standing around for?"
Then the black-clad warriors quickly moved and chased after Ling Xiao, who was fleeing ahead. At this moment, Yun Xin slowly woke up. She tried to call out but could only make "ah ah" sounds; she couldn't make any other noises.
Touching her face, Yun Xin saw a piece of skin peel off. She quickly fainted from fright and will probably live in the shadow of it for the rest of her life.
Meanwhile, Ling Xiao frantically ran away and finally saw a young man in a black robe standing on a branch of a large tree ahead. Ling Xiao, his face covered in blood, rushed over and shouted, "Greetings, Young Master! Your subordinate, Ling Xiao, has successfully brought back the Clear Breeze Scroll and the White Cloud Scroll, and has other important intelligence to report."
"Speak," the youth on the branch said coldly.
"The Pride Hall Master, Feng Qing, colluded with the Bright Moon Tower and leaked important information about my Black Heaven Hall." Ling Xiao finished speaking, then looked up and was stunned.