Chapter 86: Chapter 86: Returning to the Sect
What Shi Xiaole utilized was naturally the newly learned Thirteen Skills of Mystifying Cloud and Mist.
Lu Yan’s sword moves took a path of simplicity in complexity, aiming to use strength to override speed. Thus, when he faced Zuo Feiyang, he was able to suppress Zuo’s rapid swordplay completely.
However, these type of power-based swordsmen have a great weakness: technical sword moves.
Under the attack of the Cloud Mist Thirteen Styles, which values skill and variability, Lu Yan lost his advantage instantaneously. Although he possessed great strength, he simply couldn’t exert it to its full extent.
The feeling of being restrained made him want to let out a frustrated howl.
"What a marvelous sword technique. Did Shi Xiaole hold back at the Sky City Meeting?"
Xiong Ni widened his eyes, finding it hard to believe.
No matter how hard he thought, he would never guess that Shi Xiaole possessed the Grand Wuxia System, let alone that he succeeded in cultivating an upper third-class sword technique in just a few days.
It wasn’t just Xiong Ni, others shared the same thought – believing that Shi Xiaole must have held something back.
"This kind of sword technique?"
Zuo Feiyang muttered, a hint of seriousness flashing across his face.
The danger of Shi Xiaole’s sword technique wasn’t just its speed, but rather its variability. It was this variability that effectively countered Lu Yan’s heavy sword technique.
If he had to describe it, his Zuo Feiyang’s swordsmanship was like the wind, pursuing simplicity in speed.
Whereas Shi Xiaole’s sword technique focused not on speed, but on change. Just like the clouds in the sky, they may seem slow but they form and dissipate within the blink of an eye.
Keng keng keng.
Under Shi Xiaole’s unpredictable and incessant attacks, Lu Yan’s defense was scattered and disordered. As he retreated, his clothes were sliced apart, leaving behind numerous marks.
No one present could even dream that the initially domineering and superior Lu Yan would be forced into such a predicament by Shi Xiaole in a blink of an eye.
The reversal of victory and defeat really did happen in a blink of an eye.
"Dammit, Sunset Slash!"
Overwhelmed by fear and anger, Lu Yan disregarded the piercing sword and prepared to force out his killing move.
"Let go."
Shi Xiaole wouldn’t give him the opportunity. His sword vibrated like a serpent darting out its hole and unexpectedly used the ultimate move from the Cloud Mist Thirteen Styles.
Clang!
Lu Yan winced in pain and, unable to complete his killing move, his longsword was knocked flying and shaking uncontrollably on the ground.
A long sword was pressed against his throat.
"You, you cheated!"
Lu Yan’s face turned red, and the veins on his forehead bulged.
If he had been defeated by sheer force, Lu Yan might have felt better. The problem was that Shi Xiaole simply chased him around, preventing him from releasing his strength, making the defeat particularly frustrating.
Lu Yan was confident that if one dared to face him head-on, his opponent’s sword technique could be easily broken!
"If you’re unsatisfied, we can go another round. "
Shi Xiaole withdrew his sword and said calmly.
Having figured out Lu Yan’s swordplay style, he knew that for these power-based swordsmen, an unpredictable sword move targeted at their weaknesses and preventing them from exerting their strength is enough.
Therefore, even if they fought a hundred times, Shi Xiaole was confident in antagonizing his opponent, as long as Lu Yan was not worried about being crushed.
"You..."
Lu Yan trembled with anger, but the remaining rationality told him that the opponent wouldn’t be foolish enough to clash head-on with him. Continuing the fight would only be humiliating himself.
"Shi Xiaole, the peerless master of the sword and knife, I will remember you. One day, I will defeat you."
With a threat, Lu Yan swiftly left, longsword in hand.
Inside the Piaoxu Building, everyone looked at each other, not knowing what to say.
"Mysterious kid."
Ba Renxiong drank a mouthful of wine, feeling indescribably upset.
His swordsmanship and Lu Yan’s were similar, if Shi Xiaole had shown this sword technique initially, he feared he would have been defeated more horribly.
With formidable signature moves and solid routine strength, this Shi guy was even more prickly than he had imagined.
"Just how many tricks does this guy have up his sleeve?"
Jiang Qingzhou clenched his teeth.
Being one of the rising stars, he had already considered Shi Xiaole as his first target to catch up to. However, seeing the other constantly becoming stronger with each challenge, he couldn’t help but feel disheartened.
"Senior brother, let’s go."
After enjoying the music and disputes, Shi Xiaole didn’t want to be viewed as an object of curiosity by the public.
"Sure."
Yuan Qiuwei and the others exchanged glances before leaving the Piaoxu Building with Shi Xiaole.
After the three left, the discussion escalated.
"I kept wondering who is stronger between Shi Xiaole and Zuo Feiyang. After today’s fight, this question has been answered."
"Today’s Sky City Meeting has established Shi Xiaole’s reputation. With his talent, it is entirely possible for him to rival the Four Outstanding Youths in the future."
The Piaoxu Building was not only filled with young people but also many wandering martial artists. They left excitedly, intending to share the news with their friends.
"Young Master Zuo, failure is just temporary, I have faith in you."
Seeing Zuo Feiyang’s unpleasant expression, Piaoxu comforted him with warm feelings.
"Hm, I won’t let you down."
Hearing the words from the woman he loved, Zuo Feiyang managed to force a smile.
He swore quietly to himself that he would train even harder than before. Eventually, one day, he would reclaim the honor he had lost today.
The news of the battle at Piaoxu Building quickly spread throughout the Martial World that night. By the next day, nearly half of the martial artists in Cloud Sky City had heard about it.
For a time, Shi Xiaole’s name once again became the focal point of everyone’s conversations.
As he walked within Astonishing Dragon Castle, more disciples from various sects looked at him, and many even came over to speak with him. Feeling uncomfortable, Shi Xiaole eventually hid in his room.
"Young Master Shi, your skills are truly admirable."
That afternoon on the fifth day, as Shi Xiaole was resting, a crisp, pleasant voice suddenly sounded from outside his room.
The voice seemed familiar. Shi Xiaole opened the door and saw two women in red and yellow, casting different looks at him.
"Turns out it’s the two young ladies."
Shi Xiaole spoke indifferently.
Xu Nianxue frowned, about to scold him but was pulled back by Wang Zuying. Remembering why they were here, she said, "Shi Xiaole, I want you to make an oath."
"An oath?"
"Indeed. I want you to swear that you will never propose marriage to the Xu Family in the northern river region from now on."
After giving it some thought, Xu Nianxue was still not at ease.
Even though Shi Xiaole had seemed indifferent that night, he din’t know of the power of the Xu Family in the northern river region. It’s unpredictable what he might think if he knew the situation.
Some vaccinations are best given in advance.
Upon hearing Xu Nianxue’s words, Shi Xiaole just closed the door abruptly.
The next moment, the door was kicked open, and Xu Nianxue angrily said, "What do you mean by this, Shi?"
Shi Xiaole helplessly said, "Young lady, I think you are overthinking this. No matter how powerful the Xu Family from the northern river region is, I have no interest in you, even if you were a princess."
Xu Nianxue sneered, "That sounds nice! How do I know you’re not just appeasing me, ready to catch me off guard as soon as I turn my back?"
This was the first time since his transmigration that Shi Xiaole had met someone with such a high opinion of herself. Feeling both amused and curious, he blurted, "I’m not interested in women who are flat-chested. But the beautiful woman in yellow next to you, can you introduce us?"
Being teased openly, both women blushed instantly. But while Xu Nianxue was angry, Wang Zuying was more shy.
Seeing that the two were about to blow up, Shi Xiaole, fearing he might cause trouble and sensing that the two women were not ordinary, hastily said, "There’s no need for an oath, but I promise I will never propose. From now on, whoever develops feelings for the other first is a puppy."
Xu Nianxue snorted, "I hope you remember your words today and behave yourself. Anyway, this should be our last meeting. So long."
Getting the answer she wanted, she turned and left.
"Young Master Shi, my junior sister can be very direct. I hope you won’t take it to heart."
Wang Zuying, on the other hand, seemed to take things in stride. She smiled and left as well.
Shi Xiaole didn’t think too much about his encounter with the two women. If they didn’t mention it, he wouldn’t even know that he had any connection with the Xu Family in the northern river region.
"I have to ask my aunt when I get back."
Shi Xiaole was raised by Su Yanru since he was a child, so she might have some knowledge about this issue.
After five days of free exchange, the Cloud Sky convention officially ended.
On the sixth day, each sect began packing, bidding each other farewell at the front of Astonishing Dragon Castle.
"Brother Shi, your performance was eye-opening. I’m already looking forward to the next time we meet."
Wang Yangming came forward, looking at Shi Xiaole.
He also gained some reputation at Cloud Sky convention and was somewhat popular, but compared to Shi Xiaole, the gap was all too apparent.
"Brother Wang, please do visit Mountain Luyan whenever you’re free."
Feeling the goodwill, Shi Xiaole immediately responded.
"Absolutely."
Realizing that Shi Xiaole did not harbour any resentment towards him, Wang Yangming laughed heartily and left with members of Silver Spear Sect.
As soon as he left, Lan Ning, Jin Wuwei, and Sha Zongheng came over, exchanging some words with Shi Xiaole.
After that, a number of sect masters who had good relationships with Yu Fangge also brought their disciples over to greet Yu Fangge and praised Shi Xiaole at the same time.
Many people sighed, Shi Xiaole, who had been unrecognized, had finally made a name for himself.
While he was still not on par with the Four Outstanding Youths, who could guarantee that he wouldn’t catch up with his current pace?
The one who was most pleased was not Shi Xiaole, but Yu Fangge. Especially witnessing Yan Donghua’s angry and helpless departure, he felt even more delighted.
"Humph, consider yourself lucky."
From afar, Yue Xunxian cast a look at Shi Xiaole, and then turned his gaze away.
The previous evening, Xu Nianxue had already informed him that the plan to teach Shi Xiaole a lesson was canceled. Although Yue Xunxian couldn’t understand it, he did not insist upon it.
After all, he had no feud with Shi Xiaole, and it wasn’t necessary for him to latch onto him.
However, Shi Xiaole defeating Ba Renxiong and unintentionally ’tarnishing’ his face still made Yue Xunxian somewhat upset.
When they came here, the Huajian Sect only had five people. On their return, they were accompanied by the other eight sects from Mountain Luyan, making the journey lively.
The only regret is that the Changfeng Sect, from top to bottom, was not particularly fond of the Huajian Sect.
In particular, for some reason, Shi Xiaole always had the feeling that Chu Lin’s gaze on him was filled with a certain sense of concealed smugness.
A few days later, everyone safely returned to their sects.
"Shi Xiaole, keep making a name for yourself. Wait a few more days until the plan is fully implemented and someone will take care of you."
Before parting, Chu Lin stared at Shi Xiaole’s back, his face showing a cold and relentless smile.
