Chapter 329: Chapter 328: Wisdom Sword Skill
Two large ships sailed one after another across the sea.
Since everyone from the Cai family had been captured, it was unrealistic to expect these young men and women to cook. Therefore, Xia Yunxi simply invited them all onto the Heavenly Wood Fortress’s ship.
The crowd was overjoyed.
Honestly, staying on their own ship did not provide them with a feeling of security.
The Heavenly Wood Fortress, which originated from various wood businesses, guaranteed the quality of their ships. Added to that, the presence of numerous powerful individuals from the Heavenly Wood Fortress, why would they refuse such an opportunity?
Every early morning, noon, and evening, Shi Xiaole would notice groups of young men specifically choosing fixed mealtimes to dine in the ship’s mess.
Because during those times, they could always encounter Xia Yunxi.
After learning of Xia Yunxi’s identity, everyone went crazy.
If one were to select ten elites from the countless young experts in the Redbud State, Xia Yunxi would undoubtedly be included. Even if one were to select only five, she would still be amongst them.
Such a renowned female prodigy, who also happened to be one of the top three beauties in Redbud State, exerted an irresistible allure, enough to be fatal.
The group of young men and women, like fans meeting a celebrity, were ecstatic every time they could exchange a few words with Xia Yunxi.
Xia Yunxi was outgoing, as fiery as her temperament, laughing and chattering with everyone, rapidly winning them over.
Shi Xiaole noticed something interesting: a young man in black named Gao Fei would always look upset whenever he saw Xia Yunxi speaking with other men. However, out of consideration for his image, he dared not express his anger publicly.
Shi Xiaole simply laughed, choosing not to intervene like others.
After all, he was merely a passerby; there was no need to get too involved.
"This person..."
Inside the mess, as everyone gathered, Shi Xiaole seemed to be isolated, almost as if he was being shunned.
In Xia Yunxi’s eyes, this young man seemed to bear an unusual temperament as if he were inherently born with it. Even in a bustling place, he remained aloof, smiling occasionally with a touch of self-pity like a solitary figure in a desolate land. This made Xia Yunxi feel sympathetic towards him, wanting to comfort him.
"Young master, don’t you know them? Why don’t you talk and interact with everyone?"
Xia Yunxi sat across from Shi Xiaole, emitting a faintly enticing fragrance.
"I don’t know what to say."
Shi Xiaole laughed.
His words softened Xia Yunxi’s heart. Up close, one could see his skin was as clear as jade, his deep dimples when he smiled, and long eyelashes. At first glance, he had an almost enchantingly handsome aura.
"You don’t have to force yourself to say anything. Interaction can be gradual, familiarity will come with time."
Xia Yunxi tried to soft-pedal her voice. She had heard that individuals who were introverted and lacked communicational skills should not be approached aggressively.
Anticipating a misunderstanding, Shi Xiaole quickly explained, "Miss Xia, there’s no need to worry about me, I’m fine."
"Alright then."
Xia Yunxi blinked, not entrancing Shi Xiaole, but causing a substantial increase in the heart rates of other males around her.
For the following few days, Xia Yunxi took special ’care’ of Shi Xiaole, deliberately approaching and engaging him in conversation whenever they met.
The feeling of being coddled, like an elder sister guiding her socially-inept younger brother, was seen with envy and resentment by many.
This young man in blue robes sure had some tricks!
"Dammit."
The most indignant was Gao Fei.
He had never seen Xia Yunxi treat any male like this. Even an idiot could see there was no romantic interest between them; it was purely a strong person’s sympathy for the weak.
Concerning everyone’s envy and jealousy, Shi Xiaole felt helpless.
He truly had no intention of flirting. Moreover, he had explained numerous times, but the more he clarified, the more suspicious he seemed. In order to get Xia Yunxi to drop her prejudice, Shi Xiaole even took out his Qingfeng Sword from his system space and wore it on his body.
As a result, Xia Yunxi laughed and said, "Young master, you look very majestic with a sword."
Her tone was like a big sister praising her little brother for clenching his fists to show off his strength.
Shi Xiaole felt truly defeated; this sympathetic girl only believed her judgement.
As time slowly passed, late night arrived.
"Before long, my cultivation will break through to the late-stage of the ninth tier of the Xuanqi Realm."
The moonlight, penetrating through the ship’s paper windows, illuminated Shi Xiaole’s face. As he opened his eyes, a brilliant light flashed momentarily in the void.
Compared to half a year ago, Shi Xiaole’s strength had undoubtedly progressed somewhat.
Now, he was confident of defeating most experts at the fifth tier of the Spiritual-Passage Realm. If he used the Redfire Sword, even experts at the sixth tier of the Spiritual-Passage Realm may not defeat him in a fight to the death.
Swoosh.
A distant wave sounded as if it was rushing toward them, causing Shi Xiaole to frown.
Someone was approaching!
" People on the ship, come out."
A loud voice echoed, clearly reaching the ears of everyone on the ship and awakening many from their sleep.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh.
Experts from the Heavenly Wood Fortress jumped onto the deck one after another. Not far away, a huge ironclad ship sailed toward them, soon blocking their way.
With a flash, Xia Yunxi emerged, her black hair disheveled and strewn carelessly, yet it gave her an indolent beauty. Her voice melodious as a golden oriole, she asked, "Who are you, and what brings you here?"
"Our master is hospitable, and he would like to invite you all onboard for a visit."
The initial voice mentioned, yet with no hint of courtesy.
"Is this how you invite guests, by obstructing our way without reason?"
Wang Yuwei, standing to the side, rebuked sharply.
"Trust me, it will be beneficial for you to board the ship. Otherwise, in the boundless sea, a single large wave might be enough to obliterate you."
The owner of the voice was a red-haired, curly-bearded man, standing eight feet tall, he confidently chuckled.
Wang Yuwei, with a proud personality, could not tolerate such words. She drew her sword, furiously retorting, "Are you threatening us? If your hidden master has the guts, let him come out and speak."
"It seems you have no intention of complying. Don’t blame me for being impolite."
A cruel gleam flashed across the red-haired man’s face, his colossal body lunged forward, standing atop the sea surface, he charged towards them like a skater, his aura revealing a cultivation at the third tier of the Spiritual-Passage Realm.
The expressions of Wang Yuwei and the others changed.
Xia Yunxi also appeared somewhat grim. Against a regular third-tier Spiritual-Passage Realm expert, she could easily win, but judging by the man’s flying skills alone, he wasn’t a typical practitioner of that Realm.
Not to mention, there were clearly stronger experts behind him.
"Go away!"
Lv Tao made his move. Taking advantage of the red-haired man’s approach, he transformed his Sword Qi into a beam of white light, brutally aimed at the man.
"Such a minor trick."
The red-haired man shook his arm, shattering the Sword Qi. Simultaneously, his right palm pushed forward, the rumbling Internal Power rolled across the void like a cannonball.
"River-Slicing Sword!"
With all his power unleashed, Lv Tao struck with full force.
Though not as dazzling as Xia Yunxi, however Lv Tao’s fame was not less among their generation. As a ninth-tier Xuanqi Realm cultivator, who had attained 70% comprehension of the Sword Heart and 60% comprehension of the Gold Intent, he could fight toe-to-toe with common third-tier Spiritual-Passage Realm experts. He was one of the top talents in Redbud State.
"Heavy Punch!"
The red-haired man’s massive fist jabbed out. His punch created a shadow after shadow, which directly clashed with the Sword Qi.
Pop.
Lv Tao vomited blood, as he stumbled backwards. Gao Fei, who was behind him, came to support him, but both were pushed back several steps before they stabilized themselves.
"So strong. Senior Sister is probably the only one capable of confronting him."
Gao Fei was inwardly astonished and his heart sank further.
They had taken the initiative to chase after the man into the sea without notifying their sect. This red-haired man was clearly just a henchman, who was the mastermind behind him?
If anything went wrong tonight, they would have nowhere to turn for help.
"You’ve passed up your last chance, all of you... will die."
The red-haired man’s gaze swept over everyone, his intimidating aura spread like a cold tide, making everyone shiver.
The experts from Heavenly Wood Fortress were anxious, sensing something imminent.
"Are you from the Three Talents Association?"
Xia Yunxi suddenly spoke.
Without any provocation, it was unlikely that the other party would cause trouble. After thinking, the Three Talents Association was the most probable cause, although she had no idea how they had discovered them.
The corner of the red-haired man’s mouth twitched, he grinned coldly, "Come out."
From the opposing ship, dozens more men charged out, all of which were first-tier Spiritual-Passage Realm experts. Even Xia Yunxi’s face paled slightly.
With such a line-up, she was the only one who could put up a fight, but it wasn’t looking good for the others.
"So you’re the renowned Rose Fairy of the Martial World, Xia Yunxi. Come here, let’s have some fun."
The red-haired man gestured openly towards Xia Yunxi, a look of scorn on his face.
A strand of Sword Qi shot up into the sky, Xia Yunxi acted without even uttering a harsh word, which took the red-haired man by surprise. He didn’t expect this woman not to talk big.
Xia Yunxi’s plan was to subdue the red-haired man as quickly as possible, hoping to deter their adversaries by holding him hostage and finding a sliver of hope to survive.
"River-Slicing Sword!"
The same skill but when used by Xia Yunxi, it was more than twice as powerful as when Lv Tao used it. Under the influence of her nearly 95% comprehension of Sword Heart, her shining cold Sword Qi was exceptionally swift and bright, even brighter than the lantern at the bow of the ship.
"Sky-Holding Fist!"
Under the comprehension of Sky-Holding Intent, the power in the red-haired man’s fist surged forth, as if it could shake even the heavens and earth, shattering the pressing Sword Qi into a storm of remnants.
"Wisdom Sword Skill!"
The sword trajectory shifted, Xia Yunxi took a stance. In the eyes of the red-haired man, another identical Xia Yunxi appeared and thrust her sword straight into his brow.
A trace of blood spattered.
The red-haired man’s conscious mind jerked awake from the illusion at the critical moment, avoiding the strike by the skin of his teeth. His face was a mix of shock and fury.
"What a pity."
A wave of disappointment swept over Xia Yunxi’s delicate heart.
Wisdom Sword Skill was her signature skill, not only incorporating the Sword Heart she was about to master, but also being bolstered by 60% of the Heart Intent. It was a move that directly attacked the opponent’s mind, she didn’t expect it to be ineffective with one strike.
Primarily because her Internal Power was far less than the man’s, severely affecting the power of the sword move.
