Chapter 744: 743
The battle concluded, and the crowds began to leave the Endless Risky Peak. Most people’s faces still held expressions of unsatiated excitement, passionately discussing the prior four big battles.
The lowest-ranking individuals worthy of watching the battle were either Martial World warriors of the Dragon Gate Realm, or masters of noble families, or Sect Masters, or well-known freelance cultivators. By their account, today’s happenings would likely spread quickly.
"Hehe, this issue of the Martial World collection will have explosive news again."
A few men closed their booklets and put their pens and papers into the wooden boxes on their backs.
The Divine Strategy Academy did not have it easy, issuing so many consecutive issues of the Martial World collection.
The Martial World is vast, but there aren’t that many bizarre incidents, apart from which sect was fighting a big battle or where a treasure emerged. But honestly, these events are regional. Apart from the local warriors, they couldn’t make much of a stir.
But this time was different.
The Four Great Demons’ battle against the Four Sons of the Demon Door - probably every warrior of the Flying Horse Dynasty was eagerly awaiting the final result. As long as they describe the details of this battle in great detail, it would be tough for this issue of the Martial World collection not to be a hit!
"Gentlemen, I need to find a few friends. Can you wait a moment?"
In a secluded spot at the foot of a mountain, Shi Xiaole made a request to the three other great demons.
It was difficult for the Four Great Demons to meet. Last year’s meetup fell through due to various reasons, so the four decided to spend the next few days together in lively discussion.
Gui Zhihang laughed, "No problem."
Shortly after, Shi Xiaole met up with Hua Yiyun, Yuan Yuying, and Qiao Yu. They had agreed on the meeting place long ago.
Upon seeing the other Three Great Demons, these three were naturally both excited and nervous.
Luckily, Shi Xiaole’s smile quickly calmed their nerves. Indeed, even the Kirin was their good friend, so what was there to be nervous about?
The group proceeded along a secluded path.
Shi Xiaole faintly sensed a few seemingly there yet not-there auras following them from the shadows. There was no malice involved, so they probably were masters sent by the Three Great Demons’ families to protect them.
...
Inside the Windhearing City’s large manor.
The four sat around a table.
"Kirin, you’re not fair. You chose my opponent, so you must punish yourself by drinking three bowls!"
Gui Zhihang faux-angrily looked at Shi Xiaole. Last time he demonstrated his astonishing alcohol capacity so the previous three cups had been upgraded to three bowls.
Shi Xiaole emptied the three bowls in one gulp. Because he drank so quickly, a shade of red spread across his face. Mu Ling quickly made fun of him, saying that he could perform female roles in operas now.
"Do you have a grudge against Yao Mie Sheng? I noticed that you’re different this time compared to before."
All of a sudden, Duanmu Keren blurted out a question.
Shi Xiaole was a little surprised. They say that women have a delicate mind, which seems to be true indeed.
"I studied your past achievements. According to your personality, you shouldn’t be so ostentatious, and you’re not one to seek fame or fortune. So there is only one explanation."
Duanmu Keren tacitly stopped, not asking Shi Xiaole for his reason.
Gui Zhihang and Mu Ling were still joking and urging drinks, seemingly oblivious to it all.
Reaching their level of talent and originating from large families, they were definitely smart, knowing what can be said and what should be left unsaid.
Or perhaps more precisely, maybe their relationship with Shi Xiaole hadn’t reached the point where they could delve too deep, and doing so might even offend him.
Shi Xiaole remained silent for a moment.
He suddenly realized that while the three seemed unconcerned on the surface, they might well be curious deep down. More importantly, they might be subconsciously probing him.
The deepening of relationships usually comes from the accumulation of little things, and confiding one’s troubles is undoubtedly a sign of trust. If he evaded the topic, the three wouldn’t say anything, but their relationship might become somewhat awkward.
In the Martial World, what’s so bad about having a few more friends? Especially friends who share the same aspirations. With this in mind, Shi Xiaole shared with a laugh: "I won’t hide it from you. I indeed hold a grudge against Yao Mie Sheng!"
"Oh?"
Gui Zhihang, who was about to change the subject, eyes lit up, and he wore a slight smile. The other two also turned their gaze on Shi Xiaole, their eyes slightly different.
"I don’t know Yao Mie Sheng, but I’m eighty percent sure that the Destroying Saint Sect holds a grudge against my father."
Nobody in the Martial World knows who Shi Xiaole’s parents are, and outsiders rumoured him to be an orphan. Now he’s speaking of his father voluntarily, which is a significant show of trust.
Gui Zhihang said:" No wonder Brother Shi is so aggressive. As a son, it’s only natural to share his parents’ worries. Having a son like Brother Shi, your parents must be extraordinary people."
"I’m not afraid to be a laughingstock, but I’ve never met them. I only know their names."
Then, Shi Xiaole mentioned the names of his parents, Shi Xuanzhong. Gui Zhihang and the other two immediately promised to send someone to investigate thoroughly once they returned, and Shi Xiaole thanked them profusely.
Over the next three days, whether they were drinking and making merry, practice sword dancing under the moon, or sharing cultivation knowledge, everyone felt that they had gained a lot.
During that period, the four of them would occasionally exchange and spar with each other, not truly meaning any harm, but rather using the sparring as a way to solidify their understanding.
"The maelstrom has greatly improved."
In the room, Shi Xiaole spread out his palm, above which hovered a green glowing orb.
If one were to observe it under a microscope, one would find that the orb was actually comprised of numerous, finely wound threads of sword energy, connected in one continuous loop, seemingly never ending.
Shi Xiaole was confident that if he used this perfected maelstrom, Yao Mie Sheng would be utterly defeated, unless the latter has made great strides within this time.
"Next, I should modify the second form of the Divine Wind Movement, renaming this sword technique to the Divine Wind Sword Technique."
One could foresee that once the Divine Wind Sword Technique was completed, its offensive capability would absolutely be top-notch. Coupled with the Wind Sword Way, it would undoubtedly boost Shi Xiaole’s swordsmanship to another realm.
While training himself, Shi Xiaole didn’t forget to provide guidance to the three others, Hua Yiyun and the rest.
Living up to his expectation, Hua Yiyun’s speed of cultivation was indeed fast. In just a few months, he had almost mastered the Nine Yang Divine Skill.
As for the Yi Sword Skill, which stressed comprehension and adaptability, Hua Yiyun had already reached a high level of proficiency.
He was also generous with Yuan Yuying and Qiao Yu.
For the former, he gave a set of Heavenly Charm Condensing Yin, an unique technique belonging to one of the eight skilled martial artists of Mongolia—’The Hermaphrodite’ with red eyebrows. Once mastered, at the level of the Dragon Gate Realm, few could rival her.
To the latter, who was mature and prudent, Shi Xiaole passed on the Great Profound Sutra that he had accidentally acquired.
The Great Profound Sutra originated from Longmu Island, and employed Tang poetry. Its characteristic was the stronger the opponent, the stronger it becomes. Most importantly, it is an extraordinary manual that does not rely on time to accumulate power, but completely on comprehension to progress.
Originally, Shi Potian, being illiterate, treated the stroke of each character like a sword stoke. He practiced according to the sword moves, thereby inadvertently mastering the Great Profound Sutra, becoming an extraordinary martial arts grandmaster in history, a level rarely achieved by ordinary people.
Although Qiao Yu’s talent was not as great as Shi Potian, under Shi Xiaole’s guidance, he deliberately forgot about the influence of the characters. Within a few days, he was able to grasp the essence of the Great Profound Sutra and his skills greatly improved.
"Gentlemen, I just received a letter from home yesterday, stating that my sister’s wedding is imminent. If it’s not a bother to you, why not come to my family’s home for a congratulatory drink?"
On the tenth day of their gathering, which was also the last day, Gui Zhihang suddenly shared this surprising news.
"So sudden? Your sister is one of the top ten beauties, referred to as ’Jade Peony’. Many young men will be heartbroken when they hear of her wedding."
Mu Ling was taken aback at first, then shook his head.
Men have always been attracted to beautiful women, especially people like Mu Ling who dismiss any woman not a peerless beauty. However, he had no thoughts towards Gui Zhihang’s sister.
Although she was said to be stunningly beautiful and reputed to be amongst the top three of the ten beauties, capable of causing men to forget about the mundane world, a woman was just a woman to Mu Ling. They were merely tools for his entertainment. If he was interested, he would play along, and once he grew tired, he would discard her.
Mu Ling didn’t want to fall out with Gui Zhihang because of a woman.
Of course, he was curious to know who was lucky enough to marry such beauty, so he said, "I have no issues. You should ask the other two."
"I am curious to see the so-called ’Jade Peony’, who they say is capable of dispelling all forms pain and trouble with just one glance."
Duanmu Keren said nonchalantly.
Gui Zhihang gave a bitter smile and looked at Shi Xiaole, who naturally agreed. He didn’t have a fixed destination in mind at the moment anyway, so a bit of excitement wouldn’t hurt.
"Hahaha, great. We’ll set off tomorrow."
The following day, the four prodigies, together with Hua Yiyun and the other two, traveled directly by boat down from the dock of Windhearing City. They journeyed down along the river, attracting no attention from those around due to the disguises they wore.
Gui Family’s domain, the Cangshui Domain, was quite far from Windhearing City.
After more than a month’s journey, they only reached the halfway point. The main reason was that the group was in no rush, treating the journey like a leisurely sightseeing tour.
Meanwhile, Shi Xiaole’s second form of the Divine Wind Sword Technique was finally developed. Although it still needed refining, its power was so immense that he dared not use it lightly.
Their ship docked at the port of Seven Stars City, from where they had to continue their journey by land.
"Young Master, something terrible has happened!"
Just as they set foot on land, a figure who had been waiting anxiously for a long time dashed towards them. Recognizing Gui Zhihang even after his slight disguise, it was clear that he was a trusted aide of the Gui Family.
"Gui Tai, aren’t you supposed to be with my sister?"
Seeing the sullen expression on Gui Tai’s face, Gui Zhihang felt a surge of unease.
"Young Master, three days ago, while we were escorting Miss, she said she wanted to wait for you and had us wander around the city. Who would have thought that an ambush awaited us while she visited a temple outside of the city? Everyone is dead... All of them are dead..."
Since the incident, Gui Tai had hardly had any rest. He originally wanted to report back to the Gui Family immediately but remembered that the Young Master was due to pass by, so he chose to wait here while sending a message to his family.
"Dead... Could it be that my sister is..."
Gui Zhihang’s eyes shrunk as an uncontrolled aura of murderous intent spread from him. Despite his efforts to suppress it, the aura still sent bone-chilling terror through the crowd, making them feel as if they had descended into hell.
This was the first time for Shi Xiaole to see Gui Zhihang lose his composure. The latter’s power was truly unfathomable.
"Miss ordered me to get away quickly and spread this news. Those people killed guards from the Gui and Liu families and took away Master Hanshan. Miss followed them and I... I lost her trail..."
