"On the night of the full moon, at the summit of Zheng Yang, let us meet with swords, unto death, without regret."
In the lobby of Cloud Immortal Tower, a man was speaking loudly and animatedly, "This is a note from Sword Lord Xiaoxiang to Startled Swan Sword, inviting Startled Swan Sword to a duel at the summit of Upright Yang Peak tomorrow night."
The diners around him were all watching the man, very interested in what he was saying.
Some even praised, "Swords meet swords, no regrets even in life or death. The Sword Lord Xiaoxiang truly embodies boundless heroism!"
" Sword Lord is a poet, with exceptional literary talent. I especially love the line, 'My heart is like the bright moon illuminating mountains and rivers,' it truly embodies a grand vision and a broad mind..."
Some people also asked, "The full moon night only says tomorrow night, but it doesn't specify the time. Upright Yang Mountain so big, where are we supposed to find it?"
"Go! Go! Go..."
The storyteller waved his hand impatiently, "What a fool! What's the point of a letter if it's written so clearly and explicitly? It's all about the free-spirited feeling..."
The crowd joined in the jeering, "You don't understand anything!"
"It's nothing!"
"Shut up already..."
The noise from the crowd was so loud that even Xie Lingyun, who was drinking on the third floor, could hear it.
He was Fourth Rank martial artist. After listening intently for a while, he understood what the person on the first floor was saying.
Xie Lingyun raised his glass to Zhou Wuji, saying, "It's been over a year since we last met. Wuji, you've become famous throughout Jingyang and your reputation resounds Chunan. I often hear about your deeds even in Yunze..."
Zhou Wuji raised his glass and took a sip. He laughed and said, "Between us, let's not stand on ceremony. I've gone to great lengths to make a name for myself, putting in a lot of effort..."
He and Xie Lingyun had always had a good relationship, and Xie Lingyun was his only friend, so he spoke with more frankness and sincerity.
More than a year had passed since they last met, and Xie Lingyun's cultivation had clearly improved significantly. His eyes were brighter, and he was full of energy and spirit.
Even though he was only dressed in blue and carrying a sword, he still exuded a vigorous and heroic air, and had a dignified and proud demeanor.
Xie Lingyun felt that Zhou Wuji's words were very sincere. The two had not seen each other for more than a year and were somewhat estranged, but these few words made Xie Lingyun feel Zhou Wuji's sincerity and also dispelled the estrangement between them.
He couldn't help but laugh, " Wuji talent is extraordinary, but most people in this world are dull-witted, so you inevitably have to use some tricks to let others know how amazing you are."
Xie Lingyun put down his wine cup and then said seriously, " The Startling Swan Sword Pei Zhengxiu renowned, and his sword has killed many masters."
"Can we be confident Wuji?"
Although Startled Swan Sword mainly operates in Chubei, his reputation is truly renowned because he enjoys challenging swordsmen everywhere.
Although Xie Lingyun was in the army, he had heard of Pei Zhengxiu's great name.
Although the Xinru of Dragon Elephant Temple was famous, his strongest achievement was only killing a Third Rank snake demon.
Monsters are ultimately not very intelligent, and once a way to subdue them is found, they are not difficult to deal with.
Only those who reach the level of Lord of Yunmeng, possessing extraordinary wisdom, long lifespan, and a vast secret realm as their territory, and have become de facto demon kings, will be truly terrifying.
Even a snake demon that only knows how to wreak havoc in the river, even if it reaches the Third Rank, is no match for a great demon like Lord of Yunmeng.
The monks of Dragon Elephant Temple were cunning; they defeated the Third Rank snake demon using unknown methods.
Therefore, it is highly questionable how high Xinru's cultivation level is. Furthermore, it is inappropriate to Xinru to measure Pei Zhengxiu's abilities.
Xie Lingyun was also afraid that Zhou Wuji would make a misjudgment. A real sword duel was too dangerous and could not tolerate the slightest carelessness.
Zhou Wuji said, "We haven't fought before, so I can't say I'm confident. But he challenged me to Upper Court, so how could I refuse? I can only do my best."
Although I have never met Pei Zhengxiu, I know a little about the Pei Household.
The Xie Household is also one of the Seven Great Aristocratic Clans. Although Xie Lingyun is from a collateral branch, he still knows something about the Pei Household.
Xie Lingyun hadn't told Zhou Wuji before because there was no need.
Given the current situation, he had no choice but to speak up.
" The Profound Heaven Sword passed down by the Pei Household is divided into twelve types: Wind, Rain, Thunder, Lightning; Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter; Mountains, Rivers, and Seas."
Xie Lingyun said, "Although I have never met Pei Zhengxiu, since he is known as the Startled Swan Sword,' he must be skilled in lightness and speed, and must be practicing the Wind Character Sword..."
Zhou Wuji listened attentively. These secrets were extremely valuable, and only someone from a prominent Aristocratic Clan like Xie Lingyun could know them.
Even someone as powerful True Person Zhihua could only know the general outline, but not the details.
The Twelve-Road Profound Heaven Sword, which uses celestial phenomena, the four seasons, and geography as its swords, is truly remarkable in its grandeur.
Zhou Wuji was also filled with longing, but little did he know just how formidable Pei Jifeng was hailed as unparalleled in the world, truly was!
"The entire Pei Household are sword cultivators, and their actions are mostly as sharp as a sword. If it weren't for the fact that there have been First Rank experts in each generation, this family would have been wiped out long ago."
Xie Lingyun's emotions were somewhat complicated when she talked about the Pei Household.
Although the Seven Great Aristocratic Clans were renowned in the Aristocratic Clan, they were constantly engaged in open and covert struggles. Of course, they also inevitably intermarried with each other, making their relationships extremely complex.
"Thank you, Xie Lingyun. Knowing this crucial information in advance allows me to prepare and greatly increases my chances of winning." Zhou Wuji bowed in gratitude.
"Given our friendship, this is too formal."
Xie Lingyun then added, "The fact that this matter spread so quickly to Jingyang must mean someone is stirring things up behind the scenes. This person has ulterior motives, so Wuji should be careful."
"I know."
Zhou Wuji then asked, "If I kill Pei Zhengxiu, will the Pei Household seek revenge?"
" The Pei Household probably won't say anything if he's killed in a duel. After all, it was Pei Zhengxiu who came to challenge them."
Xie Lingyun reminded him, " Wuji, just go all out and don't hold back. Of course, you don't necessarily have to kill Pei Zhengxiu."
Zhou Wuji nodded, and then the two discussed the matter of advancing Yue Ridge.
This was an extremely important matter for Xie Lingyun. Lord of Yunmeng was dead, and Dream Marsh would be safe for the time being.
Sending troops Yue Ridge was a valuable opportunity for Xie Lingyun to earn merit. Of course, the risks involved were also very high.
Xie Lingyun knew that Zhou Wuji had been to Yue Ridge and had dealt with the barbarians, so she was sure she would ask Zhou Wuji for details.
The two chatted until late, and Zhou Wuji left Cloud Immortal Tower under the clear moonlight.
It's too late; the city gates are already closed.
Zhou Wuji rode the black dragon steed over the wall and left. When he passed by the river, he remembered that he had killed Xue Feng here and obtained this Vanishing Shadow Yin Dragon Steed.
Then he remembered that he also possessed the Ten Directions God-Severing Book treasure of the Heavenly Ghost Sect Law Treasure.
Murderous intent arose in his heart; perhaps he should take this opportunity to get rid of Zhang Dingyang!
Pei Zhengxiu's sudden appearance must be due to someone's guidance.
The news of their duel has spread like wildfire, known throughout the city. It must be Zhang Dingyang's behind it all.
After weighing the options, Zhou Wuji ultimately suppressed his murderous intent intent. Killing Zhang Dingyang was not difficult; the difficulty lay in avoiding getting involved himself.
Everyone knew he had a grudge against Zhang Dingyang, and now that Zhang Dingyang was dead, clearing his name wouldn't be so easy...
I'll just wait until this is over, then find a chance to kill this guy...
The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th of August, is a day for family reunions.
Under the bright moonlight, Jingyang City was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, creating a lively atmosphere.
However, late at night, many high-ranking officials and nobles went up Upright Yang Peak.
Zhang Qingning was one of them. She brought two attendants and followed Zhang Dingyang and Huo Dongling to the Heavenly Pivot Hall.
She had visited Upright Yang Peak several times, but had only been to the North Pole Heavenly Emperor Hall. This was her first time visiting the Heavenly Pivot Hall at the summit.
The moonlight was as clear as water, adding to the solemnity and grandeur of the Heavenly Pivot Hall.
Standing on the corridor of the Tianshu Hall, you can see Jingyang City below the mountain, as well as the deep, secluded river that winds around the city.
Although Zhang Qingning is not very old, he can't help but feel emotional. He only feels that the moon is high, the river is far away, the palace is quiet and the city is deep, it is a picturesque night...
In the open square in front of the main hall, Zhou Wuji stood quietly with his sword at his side. His expression was calm, but his eyes held a hidden brilliance. His posture was upright yet natural.
The night breeze gently ruffled the scarf behind his head, adding to his air of leisure and carefree spirit.
Regardless of her opinion of Zhou Wuji, Zhang Qingning had to admit that Zhou Wuji was the most eye-catching figure in this nighttime scene...
There were quite a few people present, but almost no one spoke, making the atmosphere even quieter.
True Person Zhihua stood at the very front, her expression indifferent, ignoring the crowd watching the spectacle.
Xie Lingyun, Zhixing, Yizhen, Zhiyuan, Wuleng, Wuming, Yang Tie Ying, and others were positioned on either side.
Everyone was close to Zhou Wuji. Xie Lingyun and Zhiyuan remained calm, but Yizhen couldn't help but have a somber expression. Wuleng and Wuming, on the other hand, couldn't hide their nervousness.
Only Yang Tie Ying's eyes shone brightly, full of excitement and anticipation.
He had only one thought in his mind: whatever the Crimson Sword or the White Sword, encountering his master meant certain death!
" Zhou Wuji, I'm here!"
A loud shout broke the silence of the night as Pei Zhengxiu strode into the square, bathed in the Water Moon.
This was the first time Zhou Wuji had seen Pei Zhengxiu. He was of medium build, looked to be in his early thirties, had a thick, short beard, wore a royal blue robe, and carried a four-foot-long sword with its sheath still attached.
Pei Zhengxiu's appearance was nothing special, but between his thick eyebrows was a strong, murderous Sword Intent, and his dark, bright eyes were cold and sinister.
With each step he took forward, the Sword Qi around him intensified. By the time he reached the center of the plaza and faced Zhou Wuji, the Sword Qi around him had become so powerful that it was almost tangible.
The onlookers on the veranda dozens of steps away could already feel the intense Sword Qi emanating from Pei Zhengxiu.
Zhang Qingning, whose cultivation was the weakest, felt the night wind become unusually cold and chilling, freezing her entire body stiff and numb.
She was also shocked; the swordsman's Sword Qi that had suddenly appeared was so domineering?!
Zhang Dingyang couldn't help but show a hint of joy. Pei Zhengxiu's reputation was indeed well-deserved!
Other spectators were also awestruck by Pei Zhengxiu's Sword Qi, some exclaiming in amazement, others filled with excitement.
Zhiyuan and Yizhen couldn't help but frown. Pei Zhengxiu's strength far exceeded their expectations, making them feel a great threat.
Wuleng's expression grew even more somber. As Fifth Rank sword cultivator, she was more sensitive to Sword Qi and could better discern Pei Zhengxiu's prowess.
Pei Zhengxiu didn't even look at the people on the corridor platform. He looked at Zhou Wuji and shouted loudly, " Zhou Wuji, take this sword!"
Before he could finish speaking, Pei Zhengxiu had already drawn his Flowing Wind Sword. He casually tossed aside the scabbard with his left hand and swiftly thrust the sword at Zhou Wuji.
Pei Zhengxiu specializes in the Wind Character Sword, and this particular move Gale Sword, is incredibly fast.
The cyan sword blade transformed into a streak of dazzling green light, slicing through the bluestone plaza, through the Water Moon, and through the vast night sky.
Zhang Qingning felt as if the sudden emerald light was like a pair of scissors, splitting the beautiful picture before her in two, including Zhou Wuji at the center of the picture...
The swift and fierce sword light stunned many viewers, with many showing expressions of horror and fear...
Zhiyuan, Yizhen, Wuleng, Wuming, and the others also showed surprise. Startling Swan Sword Pei Zhengxiu had such a terrifying power to cut down everything as soon as he drew his sword!
Even Xie Lingyun's heart skipped a beat. Pei Zhengxiu's swift sword was so sharp, clearly even more powerful than his own. Zhou Wuji's situation was dire...