Chapter 495: Chapter 494: The Swordsman’s Belief
As dusk gradually fell upon the world, the setting sun became more serene and calm.
"Earlier, did you merge two different true intents?"
Without looking back, Yu Zhao asked, a barely perceptible meaning in his voice.
"No, it was just a secret technique."
Shi Xiaole emphatically denied.
In his past, in order to conceal Xie Xiaofeng’s identity, he had once played two roles by himself, simultaneously displaying Wind True Intent and Demonic True Intent on Absolute Cloud Mountain, deceiving both the righteous and the evil.
However, for people in the Martial World, this was nearly an impossible miracle.
Because true intent is elusive and intangible, externally manifested as strength, but internally, it is directly related to the mind and spirit. How can a person’s mind and spirit be divided in two?
But, with his mutated soul, Shi Xiaole could do all these things. Even more astonishing was that, based on this, he had gone a step further and developed the method of merging true intents.
This fusion is not a harsh overlapping of two true intents, but a sophisticated merger of essence, the difficulty of which is much higher than simultaneously displaying two true intents.
Once this gets out, Shi Xiaole was sure that he would never have a peaceful day again.
Of course, the final result of merging true intents is to form another kind of true intent. Theoretically, if someone’s aptitude is high enough, they might be able to directly comprehend the mutated true intent, though the probability is extremely slim.
"Is that so?"
Hearing the denial, Yu Zhao secretly frowned, his heart still full of doubts.
Because he was thinking about the problem, he was slightly distracted, and the distance between the two was so short that Yu Zhao did not notice that at this moment, strands of strange aura were rushing from Shi Xiaole’s eyes into his pores.
"That’s right, how can a person possibly merge true intents? Not to mention Shi Xiaole, even a Lord, or even a super expert in the Divine Barrier Realm, couldn’t do it."
Yu Zhao laughed wryly, completely unaware that his thoughts had subtly changed in an instant.
It was not until this time that the aftershocks caused by the grey vortex and the shocking Sword Qi finally faded away. What was caught in everyone’s eyes was the scene where Shi Xiaole handed his sword to Yu Zhao’s neck.
There was a long-lasting silence at the scene, followed by an uproar.
"Is it over?"
"The victor is Shi Xiaole?!"
"In the end, the young swordsman who comprehended the Heavenly Sword is on top! No wonder countless swordsmen in the martial world dream of becoming this kind. But I really want to know, how did Shi Xiaole turn things around?"
The strength of Yu Zhao’s final blow was obvious to all the elites in the Immortal Gorge. Being defeated like this, in addition to feeling sorry for Yu Zhao’s bad luck, everyone couldn’t help but admire Shi Xiaole.
They had never seen someone like this, who, regardless of any opponent, any crisis, could always deal with it calmly, not showing any psychological flaws. And the thing that supported this state was Shi Xiaole’s impeccable strength that was close to demonic.
Even the strongest person has a weakness. For example, Yu Wen Cang, who was too hard and lacked softness. Li Zifeng was indeed sharp, but not harmonious enough.
Yu Zhao could be hard or soft, change smoothly, stronger than the two, but lacked a certain edge.
In fact, these so-called shortcomings also highlight a person’s strengths and style. All-round development sometimes also means mediocrity.
Only Shi Xiaole, both hard and soft, defensive and offensive, sharp but not lacking in gentleness, elegant yet not lacking in heaviness, always extremely strong in every aspect, almost breaking people’s old ideas.
So he had no rivals, but instead was the bane of everyone else. Once a flaw appeared, he would immediately suppress his opponent without the ability to fight back.
This was a genius like a monster, overshadowing his peers!
"He really won."
Ai Wenhong was still a bit dazed up to now, standing stupidly on the deck, looking blank.
This was the first friend he made when he left home. He had suddenly transformed into the number one genius in Shuntian Capital. Was destiny really so miraculous?
Crown Sword Marquis stroked his long beard, laughing heartily.
Yang Feng had several drinks in a row, his face flush with excitement, thrilled for his friend.
"After so many years of silence in Qingxue State, could it be that the fortune the mentor spoke of is gathered in him?"
Ren Mengzhen was also laughing, but a trace of sharpness flashed in the depths of her beautiful eyes.
Undoubtedly, even she didn’t expect Shi Xiaole’s strength to have reached this level. His potential and talent seemed to far exceed those when they first met.
"I hope you can keep soaring."
Liang Shuhao clenched his teeth, taking one last glance at the enchanting figure in the distance, and then turned his head reluctantly. Compared with Shi Xiaole, he had no competitiveness. Why should he make himself miserable?
"The number one genius in Shuntian Capital? After today, Shi Xiaole might not have an easy time."
Tong Baizhan said leisurely, holding his gourd of wine.
"I understand Senior Brother’s meaning, but I believe that this should not be a problem for him."
Yu Meiren shook her head.
The title of the number one genius in Shuntian Capital was indeed too loud and significant. One can imagine the terrifying impact the news of the Linjiang Fairy Meeting would create once it gets out.
At that time, who knows how many people, how many forces will focus on Shi Xiaole. He may no longer be able to enjoy a leisurely and carefree life, every move will be closely watched, and no longer up to him.
In the Martial World, many who were burdened by fame, failed to achieve their goals. If the object was Shi Xiaole, Yu Meiren believed that this would not be a problem.
There was no reason, it was purely female intuition.
Looking strangely at Yu Meiren, Tong Baizhan laughed heartily.
He was very curious about how far this young man, who even made Junior Sister unconsciously speak for him, would go.
Inside Immortal Gorge, tranquility couldn’t be found. The noise inside Guanxian Tower was thunderous, covering all voices. One had to shout loudly to barely hear anything.
"No. 1?"
Blue Tidal looked up at the sky. Even with his temperament, he felt the need to put in a great deal of effort to digest everything he saw.
Not long ago, Shi Xiaole was still pondering over the Sword Heart in Tide Listening Pavilion. In just a few years, he had far surpassed him.
In another Guanxian Tower, a burly man was stunned and stood in place stupidly. Many local folk from the Martial World also had strange expressions and looked at each other in disbelief.
"It really happened, could that blind old man predict it?"
The burly man slapped his head, remembering his words. If anyone beat the three geniuses to become the top, he would be willing to gouge out his own eyes. His face immediately blushed with embarrassment.
Looking unconsciously at the blind old man, he found that he and the little girl had disappeared.
"Grandpa, why are we in such a rush to leave?"
At the bottom of the Guanxian Tower, there were numerous black ships docked. On a small fishing boat, a little girl pouted, looking very unhappy.
The blind old man touched his erhu and laughed, "Because grandpa is afraid of being surrounded, and even more afraid of being followed by certain people. It’s always right to be cautious."
"Humph! Even the most powerful bald grandpa can’t deal with you, so why are you afraid of others?"
The little girl said with her face stern, then suddenly she smiled proudly.
The blind old man said no more. His vacant eyes seemed incredibly deep.
"Congratulations."
On the river, Yu Zhao didn’t say much and returned to his ship, as noble as ever.
Anyone can talk big, but it’s meaningless. When the strength is enough in the future, challenge again. A momentary verbal victory only results in public ridicule.
After the peak duel, the crowd was in an uproar.
Right when the referee known as ’Iron-faced and Selfless’ was preparing to say something, a figure flashed, and Li Zifeng appeared in the arena, saying, "Shi Xiaole, fight with me."
What does he mean?
Everyone was taken aback.
You, Li Zifeng, who is inferior to Yu Wen Cang, are directly challenging Shi Xiaole. Could it be that you want to take advantage of his weakness after being exhausted?
But considering Li Zifeng’s pride, he shouldn’t have such a despicable thought.
"Shi Xiaole, let’s exchange sword techniques without using Vigorous Air."
Li Zifeng’s face was solemn.
Shi Xiaole understood his meaning and sighed, "Okay."
The swordsmen in the audience suddenly understood as well.
Li Zifeng didn’t challenge Yu Zhao and Yu Wen Cang earlier, not because he was afraid of being defeated. He wanted to face Shi Xiaole in his peak state to comprehend the Heavenly Sword.
The hidden meaning was—if he were to be defeated, he, Li Zifeng, would deliver his first defeat in life to Shi Xiaole, a fellow swordsman!
This was the pride of a swordsman.
The sound of swords clashing was never-ending. While it lacked the thrilling sensation of the earlier duels, it carried the resolve of the swordsmen, echoing in the air.
Seemingly wanting to accommodate Li Zifeng, Shi Xiaole kept dragging out the time.
Only after thousands of moves did Li Zifeng retreat actively. After meditating for a moment, he opened his eyes, and a hint of intense gratitude flashed across his cool face, but he deliberately said, "Shi Xiaole, aren’t you afraid that I might become your formidable rival after comprehending the Heavenly Sword, so that you can’t stand out from the crowd?"
"Fame is fleeting. I just hope the stronger you guys are, the better."
Shi Xiaole laughed unconcernedly.
At this moment, the last ray of the setting sun shone on him, stretching his already upright figure, as if shading the entire Linjiang.
Hearing this, everyone shuddered.
The confidence and pride in his words were almost unabashed. Everyone could see a terrifying courage from Shi Xiaole’s figure. That kind of bravery that does not fear any enemy and even looks down on winning or losing!
Looking at his golden handsome face, countless girls lost their thoughts, imprinting this moment in their hearts forever.
"I will forever be grateful for today’s favor!"
Struggling to take his eyes off him, Li Zifeng solemnly saluted with his fists and turned back.
Inside another ship, Ai Wenqian first rose to her feet, then sat down again and muttered, "Forget it. As he is my little brother’s friend, in the future, I will have many opportunities to learn from him. Why should I join in the fun at such a time? He has tired enough."
Ai Wenqian was right. In the battle against Yu Zhao, Shi Xiaole had expended nearly ninety percent of his Vigorous Air. Fortunately, Li Zifeng only wanted to exchange sword techniques, or else Shi Xiaole would definitely not be able to continue.
