Xu Qi'an's Ultimate Technique

Fortunately, Luo Yuheng, a dignified second-rank Daoist master, didn't care much about Xu Qi'an's little schemes, and had no interest in answering Chu Yuanzhen's question. She looked at Xu Qi'an with her beautiful, intelligent eyes and said calmly, "What is it?"

"I have encountered some difficulties in cultivating the Heart Sword technique. Please enlighten me, Grand Preceptor," Xu Qi'an said respectfully.

"The Heart Sword technique is indeed difficult to master," Luo Yuheng nodded, and said, "Yuan Zhen, please guide Lord Xu for me. I must go see His Majesty."

"Your Majesty? Is that old geezer Emperor Yuanjing coming too?" Xu Qi'an thought to himself. "Master Daoist, I've already mastered the basics of Heart Sword. I'm not asking you about the multiplication table; I'm asking you about calculus."

The reason she didn't say it was because Luo Yuheng's figure had disappeared. The door and window were closed; the woman simply vanished from the quiet room right before her eyes.

"What kind of Divine Ability is this?" Xu Qi'an asked with some envy.

"It's not Divine Ability," Chu Yuanzhen shook his head and explained, "That was originally just a wisp of the Dao Master's thought; he simply withdrew it just now."

The methods of high-level experts are like those of gods and demons.

Xu Qi'an was able to come to Lingbao Temple today mainly because that unlucky Zhong Li had to return to the Imperial Bureau of Astronomy. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to enter Lingbao Temple and might have encountered an accident in the capital city—no, more likely, she would have caused an accident in the capital city.

For example, the spirit dragon suddenly went berserk and wreaked havoc in the imperial city.

Since returning to the capital from Yunzhou, Xu Qi'an has frequently entered and exited the imperial city to investigate cases, but he has never once visited the spirit dragon. This strange beast has too strong a symbolic meaning for the royal family, and he dares not come into contact with it.

If word gets out that Linglong has become Xu Qi'an's sycophant, he'll probably lose his head.

"The Heart Sword is indeed difficult to master, after all, martial artists are not good at the Primordial Spirit domain." Chu Yuanzhen was about to explain the profound meaning of the Heart Sword, but he was interrupted by Xu Qi'an after only saying half a sentence.

"Brother Chu, I'm sorry you misunderstood," Xu Qi'an said reservedly. "I've already mastered the basics of Heart Sword."

Chu Yuanzhen nodded, not minding, and asked, "How long have you been practicing the Heart Sword?"

Xu Qi'an paused for a moment, then said, "About ten days."

Chu Yuanzhen was taken aback, scrutinized Xu Qi'an intently, and said gently, "Don't joke around."

To have mastered the Heart Sword Technique in ten days—what level of Primordial Spirit would that require? Even disciples who cultivate Daoist School mental techniques wouldn't dare claim they could master it in ten days.

"I never lie," Xu Qi'an said with a slight smile.

"Brother Xu's talent astonishes me. It's a pity he doesn't cultivate the methods of the Human Sect," Chu Yuanzhen said in surprise.

No, please don't have such thoughts, otherwise even the Human Sect will curse Xu Pingzhi: "Xu Pingzhi is not a human being."

My second uncle is completely innocent.

Chu Yuanzhen was an arrogant and reserved person. He had the integrity of a scholar and the unruliness of a swordsman, but he never revealed these qualities in his words.

Compared to the arrogant Erlang, Number Four is more like a worldly person with rich experience. Xu Qi'an thought to himself.

Of course, experienced people are not necessarily calm and reserved. Xu Qi'an himself is an example. He understands human relationships and social customs, but he still likes to talk big. He is still the young man that Tencent liked back then, and he hasn't changed in his past life or this life.

"Brother Chu, what do you think are the differences between the various Imperial Academy of Music) in different parts of the Great Feng Dynasty?"

Even though the lecture was being given in a very serious and formal manner, Xu Qi'an suddenly asked a question. Although Chu Yuanzhen was somewhat confused, he still answered truthfully:

"After abandoning literature to pursue Daoism, I never stayed overnight at the Imperial Academy of Music again."

The subtext is: I've become abstinent.

Not long after, Xu Qi'an asked again, "The time for the Dao discussion is approaching. Brother Chu, what is your opinion of Li Miaozhen of the Heavenly Sect?"

Chu Yuanzhen pondered for a moment and said, "Your chivalrous spirit is truly admirable."

Damn, there's absolutely no flaw! Xu Qi'an smiled and said, "Let's continue."

But not long after, Xu Qi'an interrupted again, much to everyone's annoyance. "Brother Chu, the Imperial Preceptor is suffering from the torment of karmic fire. Do you also suffer from similar torment?"

Chu Yuanzhen asked in astonishment, "You know that too?"

The quick-witted Xu Qi'an immediately added, "Duke Wei mentioned it to me."

"I see. Wei Yuan has indeed cultivated him meticulously and regarded him as a confidant." Chu Yuanzhen nodded, accepting this explanation and finding it reasonable.

After all, Number One once said that Xu Qi'an was highly appreciated by Wei Yuan.

"I only practice the Swordsmanship of the Human Sect, but not the mental cultivation methods."

"What do you mean?" Xu Qi'an didn't understand.

"If judged by the martial arts system, I am at the Spirit Refining Realm. But I mainly cultivate the Heart Sword, Qi Sword, and Sword Control Techniques of the Human Sect."

"So how do you get promoted? What's the next rank?"

The Three Sword Techniques are means of defeating enemies, not the foundation of a system. In other words, Chu Yuanzhen is not following the Daoist School system, but rather the martial arts system, with his main focus on the Human Sect Swordsmanship.

"I don't know."

Chu Yuanzhen was quite carefree, taking a wait-and-see approach. "The road lies ahead, let's just keep walking."

"Let's continue discussing the practical techniques of the Heart Sword."

At first, the story focused on the Heart Sword. Gradually, Chu Yuanzhen discovered that Xu Qi'an's cultivation knowledge was very shallow, completely unlike what one would expect from someone at the Spirit Refining Realm.

By the way, he joined the Nightwatchers's job after the tax evasion case last October. At that time, he was in the Essence Refining Realm. In just half a year, he made rapid progress and became a seventh-grade martial artist. His talent was exceptionally terrifying. Chu Yuanzhen recalled Xu Qi'an's information.

Thinking of this, he felt a surge of excitement and said, "Armchair strategizing is quite boring, Brother Xu, why don't we have a friendly match?"

He enjoys playing against geniuses so he can better observe them and learn from their strengths.

Xu Qi'an thought for a moment and felt this was an opportunity to probe Number Four's abilities, so he immediately nodded. "Alright, Brother Chu, remember to go easy on him."

On the other side, Emperor Yuanjing and Luo Yuheng sat facing each other, with steaming hot tea on the table between them.

"That little brat from Tianzong is coming to the capital. Is Chu Yuanzhen confident he can defeat her?"

Emperor Yuanjing took a sip of hot tea, the rising steam blurring his face.

"Hard to say!"

Luo Yuheng held a cup of tea, his expression aloof. "Although Li Miaozhen is only a fifth-rank cultivator, she has a high chance of using this opportunity to advance to the fourth-rank Nascent Soul Realm. If Chu Yuanzhen doesn't draw his sword, the outcome is uncertain."

"Regardless, they are all outstanding juniors. My Great Feng has not had any young people worthy of my attention for a long time," Emperor Yuanjing remarked.

"What do you mean by that, Your Majesty? Chu Yuanzhen was the top scholar in the imperial examination of the twenty-seventh year of the Yuanjing era." The female imperial advisor chuckled.

Emperor Yuanjing shook his head. Chu Yuanzhen had abandoned his official position and become a commoner, a wandering knight-errant, no longer subject to the court's command.

Strangely enough, over the past decade or so, not only has the national strength of the Great Feng declined, but there has also been a growing shortage of talented individuals. In particular, in recent years, Emperor Yuanjing has not encountered any successors who have satisfied him.

"How does the Imperial Preceptor intend to deal with that leader of the Heavenly Sect?" Emperor Yuanjing then asked.

He certainly wouldn't come to Luo Yuheng specifically because of Li Miaozhen's matter; Emperor Yuanjing was worried about the subsequent conflict between Celestial Person and Man.

"In the last battle between Celestial Person and Man, the leader of the Heavenly Sect had not yet reached the First Rank. Your father fought him to a standstill, and the outcome was undecided," Emperor Yuanjing said quietly.

As he spoke, his gaze was sharp as he stared at Luo Yuheng's beautiful and refined face, his implication quite clear.

Dual cultivation is a mutually beneficial practice, and by no means a heretical art of sexual exploitation that benefits only one party.

If Luo Yuheng wanted to make rapid progress in a short period of time, there was no other way but to cultivate with him.

Just then, a strong fluctuation of energy suddenly arose, startling Emperor Yuanjing and Luo Yuheng.

Is there a fight going on inside Lingbao Temple?

This was the first time Emperor Yuanjing had encountered such a situation.

Luo Yuheng focused his mind and sensed for a moment, then smiled helplessly.

"Imperial Preceptor, what's going on?" Emperor Yuanjing frowned.

"It's Chu Yuanzhen fighting Xu Qi'an," Luo Yuheng replied.

Upon hearing the name "Xu Qi'an," Emperor Yuanjing was momentarily bewildered, not understanding how the small bronze gong had appeared at Lingbao Temple, or how it had become entangled with the temple.

Luo Yuheng explained, "This boy's cultivation technique is somewhat unique. Wei Yuan brought him to the temple to learn swordsmanship, and I taught him a move or two."

Wei Yuan was scapegoated by both the gong-wielding official and the imperial advisor, whom he had previously admired.

Emperor Yuanjing nodded, accepting the explanation. After a moment of focused perception, he was somewhat surprised. "Xu Qi'an was able to fight Chu Yuanzhen so fiercely?"

Luo Yuheng, already annoyed by his repeated insistence on dual cultivation, immediately suggested, "If Your Majesty is interested, why not come with me to watch the battle?"

Emperor Yuanjing thought for a moment, then said, "Alright."

The two walked out of the teahouse side by side, through a garden and two winding corridors, to the other end of Lingbao Temple. In the distance, they saw Xu Qi'an and Chu Yuanzhen locked in a fierce battle in a small garden.

Ding ding ding!

Xu Qi'an wielded his black and gold longsword with impenetrable skill, constantly deflecting the thorny branches that were flying away. Each collision would create a muffled thunderous sound and ripples of energy like a raging tide.

A dozen or so tree branches weaved and danced through the garden, attacking Xu Qi'an from all angles. Chu Yuanzhen stood on the artificial hill, hands behind his back, a smile on his face, nodding occasionally, seemingly very impressed with Xu Qi'an's fighting prowess.

But what he felt most was surprise.

Although he only used the Sword Control Technique, he was able to hold out so calmly and without revealing any flaws amidst such a large number of "flying swords" attacking him. It's hard to imagine that he is a martial artist who has just entered the Spirit Refining Realm.

This means that the opponent's Primordial Spirit is unexpectedly powerful.

Chu Yuanzhen was somewhat convinced that he had grasped the basics of "Heart Sword" in just ten days.

Emperor Yuanjing stared in astonishment at the scene. In his memory, Xu Qi'an had always been just a minor figure who could solve cases. Emperor Yuanjing had heard of him since the tax silver case, when he was a quick-witted constable in Changle County.

After experiencing a series of major cases, such as the Sangbo case, this young man rose higher and higher, and his abilities were recognized by the emperor, but these had nothing to do with combat strength. In Emperor Yuanjing's mind, Xu Qi'an was a quick-witted man who rose to prominence by investigating cases.

Today, Emperor Yuanjing was taken aback when he suddenly witnessed him fighting fiercely with Chu Yuanzhen.

The astonishment was akin to seeing a scholar in the Hanlin Academy, who was editing books, suddenly wield a long spear and go into battle.

"The Imperial Advisor."

Emperor Yuanjing gazed at the courtyard and couldn't help but ask, "How is Xu Qi'an's cultivation level?"

"Spirit Refining Realm!" Luo Yuheng said calmly.

Spirit Refining Realm Yuanjing nodded in realization. From his perspective, martial artists in the Spirit Refining Realm were unremarkable and not even worthy of his attention.

However, it's quite impressive that a Kuaishou user from Changle County could reach this level in just six months.

But with Chu Yuanzhen's brilliant achievements preceding him, Xu Qi'an's accomplishments seem rather lackluster. Especially now, as the two are sparring in the courtyard, one is calm and collected, while the other is struggling to keep up.

The difference in quality is immediately apparent.

"The Human Sect's Swordsmanship is unparalleled in the world. Such divine skills allow them to toy with martial artists with ease," Emperor Yuanjing sighed.

"Xu Yinluo is no less impressive. His Majesty previously remarked that the Great Feng court lacked promising young talents, but I believe this Xu Yinluo is a dragon among men," Luo Yuheng said with a smile.

Her words only made things worse. Emperor Yuanjing heard and saw them, and felt even more strongly that Chu Yuanzhen was exceptionally talented, Xu Qi'an had become a mere supporting character.

Emperor Yuanjing frowned. "The methods are too limited. Didn't the Imperial Preceptor say he would teach Xu Qi'an Swordsmanship?"

He was not very satisfied with Xu Qi'an's performance.

"What I taught him was the Heart Sword. The Human Sect's Swordsmanship are profound and mysterious. Even if one has just entered the realm, it is not something that can be accomplished overnight," Luo Yuheng replied.

Ultimately, it was less than satisfactory.

Emperor Yuanjing shook his head, gaining a more direct understanding of Xu Qi'an's talent. He was better than the average person, but far from being a true genius.

At this moment, Xu Qi'an, trapped in the sword formation, felt immense pressure. Dozens of tree branches, like sharp flying swords, swept towards him with their energy.

Having already reached the Spirit Refining Realm, he could detect all hostility and killing intent around him and automatically relay it to his mind.

But two fists can't fight four hands. No matter how sharp his senses were, he still only had two arms and a knife, and he was struggling to cope.

"Therefore, the next rank is 'copper skin and iron bones,' specifically designed to deal with being surrounded. The martial arts system truly is synonymous with individual power."

Xu Qi'an gained a deeper understanding of the martial arts system. Each grade compensates for a weakness. If someone could reach the Martial God Realm, they would probably be invincible in the world.

laugh.

A tree branch pierced through Xu Qi'an's armpit, tearing his uniform.

As time goes on, more and more of these criminals slip through the net.

Xu Qi'an has at least three ways to deal with the current predicament. The first is the last of the three stratagems.

The second method involves using Confucian School version of the magic book, which records several Law Technique specifically designed to counter sieges.

The third option is to disregard one's own injuries and unleash a Heaven and Earth Slash on Chu Yuanzhen.

However, it's just a friendly spar. The first two methods are unnecessary, and the last one is a desperate move. Once you use it, you're useless, and you'll lose the original purpose of the sparring.

"Something's not right. No matter how smoothly the Qi flows, there's still inertia when the flying sword changes direction. But the No. 4 flying sword moves as it pleases, completely violating the laws of physics. Doesn't Newton have any pride? Oh, this isn't Newton's responsibility."

Xu Qi'an pondered for a moment, and a guess formed in his mind.

He swept away the six branches that were thrusting at him from the front with a single stroke, then focused his spiritual energy and attached it to the black-gold longsword.

He spun around, swung his blade, and the dark golden edge struck the piercing branch. In that instant of impact, Xu Qi'an had a sudden realization of the technique for dispersing spiritual energy.

A buzzing sound emanated from an invisible force of thought, spreading out in a fan shape and enveloping all the "flying swords" behind him.

The branches paused slightly, then, losing some kind of support, they fell helplessly.

As expected, it worked. Xu Qi'an was overjoyed and used the same method, splashing his spiritual power forward like ink splashing on a brush, cutting down all the remaining "flying swords".

Thus, Chu Yuanzhen's sword formation was broken.

"How did you discover that my psychic power was attached to the flying sword?" Chu Yuanzhen asked in surprise.

Hoo hoo

"Because I studied junior high physics diligently," Xu Qi'an said, leaning on his knife and panting, looking at the scholar on the artificial hill. "That's probably what talent is."

Outside the courtyard, Emperor Yuanjing nodded slightly, glanced at Luo Yuheng, and saw the stunningly beautiful face of the female national advisor. A look of astonishment flashed across his face.

"The Imperial Advisor?"

Luo Yuheng withdrew his gaze and exclaimed in admiration, "This child possesses unparalleled talent."

What does this mean?

Emperor Yuanjing rarely saw the Imperial Preceptor praise a junior in such a way. Although she had praised Xu Qi'an earlier, it was more of a polite compliment, but this time it was a heartfelt appreciation.

This piqued Emperor Yuanjing's interest somewhat.

"I told His Majesty before that I would teach Xu Yinluo the Heart Sword Technique; that was ten days ago."

After Luo Yuheng finished speaking, seeing that Emperor Yuanjing was not moved, he explained, "The threshold for the Heart Sword is extremely high. Even for outstanding disciples of the Human Sect, it takes at least half a year to three months to enter the sect."

Emperor Yuanjing understood this explanation.

Xu Qi'an, however, only took ten days.

Emperor Yuanjing gazed at Chu Yuanzhen on the artificial hill. "And what about him?"

"Although both were martial artists, Chu Yuanzhen took a month to master the Human Sect's sword Swordsmanship."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanjing's smile had just begun to spread when Luo Yuheng added, "Within a month, all three Swordsmanship were mastered simultaneously."

Emperor Yuanjing fell silent again. At that moment, he heard Chu Yuanzhen laugh and ask, "What is your ultimate skill?"

"My ultimate skill?" Xu Qi'an retorted.

"Hmm, you haven't used any special techniques from beginning to end. If you don't show off your skills, this sparring match will be too boring," Chu Yuanzhen said.

"This..." Xu Qi'an hesitated.

"Your duel with Li Miaozhen is imminent, and I'm afraid I might accidentally injure you, which would affect the battle between the Celestial Person and humans."

These words were truly arrogant. Luo Yuheng and Emperor Yuanjing simultaneously shifted their gaze from the top scholar to Xu Qi'an.

PS: After changing the update time, I was indeed able to update on time.

Update first, then revise.