Chapter 166: The Dragon’s Roar Shocks the World

Chapter 166: Dragon's Roar Shakes the Heavens

Around Yuan Lake, experts gathered.

Luo Chongyang glanced at Old Man Qingfeng and said indifferently, “Watching the show is best. I hope you don’t break the rules.”

With that, Luo Chongyang sat down cross-legged.

Old Man Qingfeng was also a veteran of the Jianghu. Although he was lectured by Luo Chongyang, he was somewhat displeased but still wore a smile on his face.

Luo Chongyang was not someone to be trifled with!

Besides the many experts who had already appeared, there were also many hidden Jianghu veterans around, some even Grandmaster Realm experts. In addition, there were quite a few spies from Zhao State and Later Jin.

In the distance of Yuan Lake, within the waterside pavilion, the corridors wound around.

Tan Yun held a chicken leg and looked towards Yuan Lake. “Master, there are so many people today.”

“Of course. Everyone, whether they have a reason or not, comes to join the fun.”

Beside her, Li Qirong also held a chicken leg, his mouth greasy, and he couldn't help but sigh, “When will the struggle for fame and profit cease? Waking early and sleeping late, one is never free. Riding a donkey, one dreams of a fine horse; a prime minister yearns for a king. Only worried about food and clothing, busy with toil, why fear when Yama calls? Sons and grandsons seek wealth and glory, yet not one is willing to turn back!”

At this moment, Li Qirong had changed into white clothes, and his hair was washed. From his appearance, he must have been very handsome and dashing when he was young; his looks were not bad.

Tan Yun clapped her hands and couldn't help but say, “Good, well said.”

Li Qirong looked at Tan Yun. “Can you understand it?”

Tan Yun threw the chicken bone and wiped her hands on Li Qirong’s clothes, saying, “My friend once said that most people in this world are busy and exhausted for three meals a day. It’s too tiring.”

Li Qirong looked at the grease on his white clothes and immediately said unhappily, “Little girl, these are my new clothes.”

“What’s wrong with new clothes? Didn’t my Master pay for them for you?”

As Tan Yun spoke, she happily took out the Peach Blossom Crisp she had just bought that morning from her怀里.

Li Qirong looked at the little girl in front of him and secretly shook his head. In this world of striving for fame and profit, innocence was also a rare and precious thing.

Beside them, Li Fuzhou stood with his hands behind his back, smiling faintly, and said, “Fame and profit, these things are right before your eyes. If you don’t take them, others will. Will you take them or not?”

“Take them!”

Li Qirong didn't hesitate at all.

The only kind of people in this world who give up fame and profit are those who are mediocre and cannot achieve great deeds. They can only deceive themselves and even persuade others to stay away from fame and profit.

Living a lifetime, though one may be like an ant, one should have the ambition of a Honghu.

The sun slanted down, the world was vast, and the surface of Yuan Lake shimmered.

At this moment, on a small path in the distance, two figures gradually appeared.

Leading was an old man, dressed in spacious black clothes, his figure ethereal, his steps neither fast nor slow, as if etched into this landscape painting, within the furnace of heaven and earth.

Beside him was a black-robed man, whose Aura was restrained to the extreme. If one didn't see him with their own eyes, they wouldn't even feel his existence.

Upon seeing the arriving figures, a buzz of discussion arose around Yuan Lake.

The people who appeared were An Jing and Lou Xiangzhen.

“Lou Xiangzhen, you’ve finally arrived.”

Ling Yuanjing’s eyes gleamed as he saw the man.

“This old man said I would come, and I will certainly come.”

Lou Xiangzhen stood by the shore of Yuan Lake, his expression calm and serene.

“Brother Lou.”

At this moment, Wang Yue of the Blue River Sect also rose and spoke.

It seemed as if he had been waiting there for a long time.

Lou Xiangzhen glanced at Wang Yue, then said, “You came at a good time. Here, I’m returning this Grand Elder token to you.”

As he spoke, he took out the token Wang Yue had given him back then.

“Whoosh!”

The token arced through the air and landed steadily in Wang Yue’s hand.

Wang Yue was slightly startled, then looked at the token in his hand with a complex expression. Such is the human world; in the fleeting years, some people can only drift further and further apart.

“Since you don’t want it, I won’t force you.”

Just as Lou Xiangzhen could no longer see through Wang Yue, Wang Yue also couldn't understand why, after several decades, Lou Xiangzhen still hadn't changed much.

The world changes, the general trend changes, but why do some people remain constant?

Lou Xiangzhen nodded slightly, then looked at Ling Yuanjing, “Let Xiao Qianqiu come out.”

“Wait!”

Just then, a clear shout echoed through the heavens and earth.

Who!?

An Jing frowned and couldn't help but look in the direction of the voice.

Only one person appeared on the official road of Yuan Lake.

That person possessed a delicate beauty, his eyes cold and aloof, with a profound calmness in their depths.

He wore a long black robe, upon which a green python was embroidered.

Behind that person followed several black-clad guards, whose strength seemed to be considerable.

In Great Yan, a person wearing such an official python robe was no simple figure.

“Zhong Binru!?”

Lin Yiyang’s brow furrowed slightly as he saw the newcomer.

This person was Eunuch Zhong Binru, Sword Master, who wielded the Son of Heaven Sword, and also one of the Five Great Sword Immortals.

“Senior Lou.”

Zhong Binru cupped his fists towards Lou Xiangzhen and said, “Zhong Binru offers his respects.”

Zhong Binru!?

An Jing’s heart stirred upon hearing these three words. Among the Five Great Sword Immortals of the current era, Zhong Binru was considered one of the more mysterious ones. He had not made many appearances, yet he was able to be listed as one of the Five Great Sword Immortals, which showed his formidable strength.

Moreover, in Lou Xiangzhen’s usual conversations, he had highly regarded Zhong Binru, once saying that if An Jing wanted to become The World's Number One Swordsman, Lin Yiyang and Zhong Binru would be his greatest opponents.

Lou Xiangzhen said indifferently, “What is it?”

Zhong Binru raised the ancient long sword in his hand, took a deep breath, and said, “The Emperor wishes for Senior Lou to cease this fight today, for the sake of Great Yan’s national power.”

Son of Heaven Sword!

The Son of Heaven Sword was here, as if the Emperor himself had arrived.

This was an imperial decree.

Many people’s expressions changed. They hadn’t expected the Emperor to intervene in this duel. With the Black Robe Guard as his blade, the Emperor’s prestige had long been deeply ingrained in people’s hearts. Essentially, no one in the Jianghu dared to openly defy the laws of Great Yan.

In the distance, inside the carriage.

A young man peered through the curtain, saw the Son of Heaven Sword in Eunuch Zhong Binru, Sword Master’s hand, and shook his head, “I didn’t expect Father Emperor to intervene.”

This person was the current Crown Prince, Zhao Chongyin.

Aunt Bai, standing beside him, slowly said, “Xiao Qianqiu is the Great Yan National Master, with high status and great power. With him, the Great Yan Jianghu will not be in chaos. If he were to suffer heavy injuries, it would be hard to say.”

Xiao Qianqiu was not only the Sect Leader of Zhenyi Sect but also the Great Yan National Master.

If something were to happen to him today, the Great Yan Jianghu would undoubtedly experience constant turmoil, and it might even trigger a series of reactions.

Zhao Chongyin nodded gravely, then continued to look ahead.

At this moment, all eyes were on Lou Xiangzhen, awaiting his reply.

“The Son of Heaven Sword?”

Lou Xiangzhen’s expression remained unchanged: “Even if the Emperor himself came today, he wouldn’t be able to stop me.”

“Even if the Emperor himself came today, he wouldn’t be able to stop me.”

Lou Xiangzhen’s words had already expressed his determination.

“I understand, Senior Lou, please proceed.”

A bright light flickered in Zhong Binru’s eyes, and then he slowly retreated backward.

Before coming, he had received a secret order from the Emperor: if he truly couldn't stop it, then he shouldn't force it.

Zhong Binru understood Lou Xiangzhen’s thoughts; saying more would be useless.

Lou Xiangzhen moved his body, then stepped onto the surface of Yuan Lake, and in the next instant, he had already arrived at the pavilion on Yuan Lake.

The lake wind was strong, making his clothes flap loudly.

“Whoosh!”

Lou Xiangzhen clapped his palm, and the Peach Blossom Sword at his waist instantly flew out.

A cold light pierced the sky, making the entire lake surface icy cold, and everyone around felt a chill in their hearts.

With the vibrant spring and falling peach blossoms, Yuan Lake appeared exceptionally ethereal.

“What a fine Peach Blossom Sword!” A leisurely voice echoed.

The water rippled, and a black-awning boat drifted with the wind. A spotless middle-aged Daoist stood at the bow of the boat.

The Daoist’s body and mind were in harmony, his mind and heaven were in harmony, completely integrated, already possessing a detached and ethereal feeling, like an Immortal of the highest caliber.

Just standing there made him unforgettable.

“Xiao Qianqiu is here!”

“Is this battle finally about to begin?”

The experts around Yuan Lake all felt a shock in their hearts the moment that person appeared.

“Xiao Qianqiu, is it?”

An Jing saw that person and murmured to himself.

The current chess Master of Great Yan, besides the Emperor who had broken through his shackles and suffered heavy injuries, was Xiao Qianqiu, the Sect Leader of Zhenyi Sect.

Since seventeen years ago, after Ye Ding competed with Xiao Qianqiu and ultimately lost by half a move, Xiao Qianqiu naturally took over the position of The World's Number One Swordsman.

With the Demonic Cult withdrawing from the Great Yan Jianghu and Buddhism yet to cross eastward, Xiao Qianqiu was like a mountain, pressing down on all Jianghu experts, making it hard for them to breathe.

On Zhenyi Mountain, Xiao Qianqiu not only defeated Ye Ding but also the unknown Demonic Cult Leader Jiang Shang.

This year, Xiao Qianqiu was only forty-seven years old, an age at which he could be said to be at his Peak, with boundless future prospects. He was also the most promising person in the world today to become a Great Grandmaster.

On the black-awning boat, Xiao Qianqiu’s expression was as indifferent as water. Even dressed in an ordinary Daoist robe, he was still exceptionally graceful and unforgettable.

Lou Xiangzhen stood on the pavilion, and the two gazed at each other across the distance. The originally calm lake surface began to ripple, and then the lake water vibrated, as if stirring up countless turbulent waves.

The roaring sound echoed like thunder, shaking the mind.

Neither of them spoke, but the atmosphere had already completely solidified.

“Make your move.”

Xiao Qianqiu’s face was as calm as a deep abyss, his hands behind his back. Heaven and earth were like a chess game, and now that chess game was beneath his feet. No matter how turbulent the lake water became, he remained as still as a mountain.

Heaven and earth merged, then dissolved into heaven and earth.

There was no longer heaven and earth, and no longer himself.

“How formidable Xiao Qianqiu is.”

Upon seeing this, Feng Lingyue secretly marveled in her heart.

Only upon reaching the Grandmaster Realm could one perceive Xiao Qianqiu’s terrifying strength at this moment, which was already pursuing the Realm of Dao.

Xiao Qianqiu did not make a move, yet standing still, he made people feel a sense of unease.

“As you wish.”

Lou Xiangzhen smiled faintly and thrust out his Peach Blossom Sword.

A terrifying Sword Light seemed to surge forth, emanating from the Peach Blossom Sword.

Surging waves rose, water splashed everywhere, as if the water droplets themselves formed一道道 fierce Sword Light that attacked.

Xiao Qianqiu’s gaze remained as calm as water. True Qi circulated, and the turbulent lake surface seemed to be suppressed by him, forming solid and thick walls.

The Sword Light was blocked, as if it could no longer advance an inch, and all attacks were firmly blocked by the water wall.

Lou Xiangzhen twisted his wrist, and the Peach Blossom Sword in his hand also rotated, and a vast Sword Intent also surged forth.

Mighty and immense, the pressure descended like a mountain.

“Splash! Splash!”

Water splashed and disintegrated, and the cold Sword Light, swift as thunder, directly stabbed towards Xiao Qianqiu’s neck.

Fast!

Too fast!

Lou Xiangzhen’s sword was simply too fast!

So fast that only a handful of people present could clearly see his sword.

Xiao Qianqiu turned his body, easily avoiding the fiercely surging Peach Blossom Sword.

The two crossed paths, then both stood on the turbulent surface of the lake.

An Jing watched their brief exchange, his heart surging with emotion. Although he had anticipated that this battle would be extremely fierce, he hadn’t expected it to be this intense.

Right from the start, countless murderous intentions emerged.

A slight misstep could lead to death and the dissipation of one’s Dao.

Xiao Qianqiu’s Qi spread out. Now that the battle had begun, he inherently possessed the momentum of the situation.

Swish!

A startling Qi surged from Yuan Lake, and Xiao Qianqiu's figure instantly transformed into a blur, then he extended his index finger, piercing towards Lou Xiangzhen with the speed of a startled swan.

The moment Xiao Qianqiu made his move, Lou Xiangzhen's eyes narrowed, and he stomped on the lake surface, sending powerful, surging waves outward.

“Clang!”

The Peach Blossom Sword and Xiao Qianqiu's index finger collided the next instant, and a fierce gust of wind swept out.

The next moment, a profound and ultimate Aura emanated from Xiao Qianqiu, and the heavens and earth seemed to dim at this instant.

Whoosh!

Behind him, a starlight appeared.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh!

Then six more starlights appeared, forming mysterious patterns that shone brightly.

Seven Stars Dazzling the Sun!

This was the manifestation of the Big Dipper Seven Stars Art cultivated to the tenth level, meaning Xiao Qianqiu had already cultivated the Heaven-rank Big Dipper Seven Stars Art to its tenth level.

The moment those seven starlights appeared, a vast Qi burst forth from his fingertip.

“Buzz buzz!”

Lou Xiangzhen's expression changed slightly, and he immediately felt a surging, powerful force emanating from the Peach Blossom Sword.

“Thump thump thump”

Then Lou Xiangzhen's body rapidly retreated backward, sending water splashing everywhere.

But Xiao Qianqiu advanced instead of retreating, his fingertip pressed against the sword tip, charging forward with an overwhelming Aura.

Yin and Yang Two Forms Sword!

Lou Xiangzhen's Qi also continuously surged, with black and white currents intertwined.

At the same time, the myriad water droplets swirling in the air transformed into countless Sword Qi, heading towards Xiao Qianqiu.

Seeing this, Xiao Qianqiu could only retreat into the distance.

“Bang bang bang bang!”

The countless water droplets fell into the lake, creating deafening explosions.

At this time, outside Yuan Lake, many experts who witnessed this scene all had extremely solemn expressions; even Grandmaster Realm experts wondered if they could withstand it if they were in the shoes of either of the two.

“What formidable Grandmaster experts.”

Zhao Chongyin looked at the scene before him, his heart pounding erratically, “I wonder if Eunuch Bai, White Eyebrows, who holds the imperial seal, is a match for them.”

Within the Great Yan Imperial Palace, there were naturally Grandmaster experts, and top-tier Grandmasters at that.

That was Eunuch Bai, White Eyebrows, the Eunuch Sword Master who held the imperial seal, one of the three great eunuchs of the Emperor.

His age was unknown to this day; he had been in the Great Yan Imperial Palace for seventy to eighty years, and he was already stationed in the Imperial Palace before Lou Xiangzhen even made his debut in the Jianghu.

The Taiping Emperor even respectfully called him 'adoptive father,' and it was rumored that his cultivation was profound and heaven-shaking, not far from the Peak of the Grandmaster Realm. It was precisely because this person was stationed in the Imperial Palace that even ordinary Grandmasters dared not act presumptuously within the Imperial Palace.

Rumor has it that a vanished Shadowless Grandmaster from Zhao State once attempted to sneak into the Great Yan Imperial Palace but was ultimately slain by him.

However, Eunuch Bai, White Eyebrows, being stationed in the Imperial Palace, was not considered a figure of the Great Yan Jianghu, so he was not ranked on the various Jianghu lists or among the ranks of experts.

Despite this, many people were still curious as to who was superior between Eunuch Bai, White Eyebrows, and Xiao Qianqiu.

However, one was the Great Yan National Master and the other was the Eunuch Sword Master who held the imperial seal; both were pillars of Great Yan, making a confrontation between them almost impossible.

“I don't know, the outcome is hard to predict,”

Aunt Bai sighed softly, looking at Luo Chongyang in the distance, “That Luo Chongyang is also not to be underestimated. If it weren't for Xiao Qianqiu, Yu Ying, and Ye Ding joining forces back then, he might not have withdrawn from Zhenyi Sect.”

Zhao Chongyin nodded, saying no more.

Compared to ordinary Jianghu individuals, he naturally knew many secrets, including the matter of Luo Chongyang defecting from Zhenyi Sect. At the time, it was rumored that Luo Chongyang was defeated by Xiao Qianqiu, but how old was Xiao Qianqiu then? He was barely in his early thirties, just entering the Grandmaster Realm; how could he possibly defeat a renowned Grandmaster expert like Luo Chongyang?

The true inside story was that Luo Chongyang was forced to retreat by the combined efforts of Xiao Qianqiu, Ye Ding, and Yu Ying.

Being able to escape under the combined assault of three Grandmasters demonstrated Luo Chongyang's extremely formidable strength.

Afterward, people from Zhenyi Sect's Hidden Mountain even made a move, intending to apprehend Luo Chongyang, but not only did they fail, they suffered heavy losses and were greatly weakened.

Since then, Zhenyi Sect never bothered with Luo Chongyang again, as if he had never existed.

Aunt Bai sighed with emotion: “And that Jiang Shang, the Demonic Cult Leader, is also a very terrifying figure. His cultivation is no less than the Three Qi Realm, and he is ruthless, good at lurking and enduring, like a venomous snake that needs constant vigilance.”

“The Peerless Emissary of Zhao State's Black Ice Terrace also possesses profound cultivation, close to the Peak of the Grandmaster Realm.”

Zhao State and Great Yan had been at war for hundreds of years; the Zhao State Jianghu had long been unified by the Black Ice Terrace. It could be said that in Zhao State, the Black Ice Terrace was heaven.

Its top-tier powerful experts were by no means fewer than those in Great Yan.

Both remained silent. If Zhao State was a hungry wolf, then Later Jin was a fierce tiger. The strength of the Later Jin Holy Ruler remained inscrutable to anyone to this day.

He was also one of the closest experts to the Great Grandmaster Realm and the true hidden danger to Great Yan.

In this vast world, how many experts were there?

And this was only what was visible on the surface; what about the old hidden bastards lurking in the depths?

Above Yuan Lake, figures intertwined.

Lou Xiangzhen's Peach Blossom Sword danced in his hand; as the sword light surged, black and white Qi currents continuously intertwined, accompanied by the vast and surging water, powerful and spirited.

Chirp chirp chirp!

Seeing the sword light approaching, Xiao Qianqiu's True Qi surged like a tide, and he slapped his palm forward.

Seven Stars Palm Art! Shaking Rivers and Mountains!

A vast and powerful Qi surged forth, and the palm print transformed into a descending mountain and river, crushing all the chaotic and sharp Sword Qi.

The sky and earth dimmed, and the lake surface churned with turbulent waves.

As water splashed everywhere, a cold, sharp light emerged from the myriad water splashes, falling directly towards Xiao Qianqiu beneath the lake surface.

Xiao Qianqiu's expression remained calm and unperturbed; starlight surged behind him, and his body formed impregnable barriers.

The sword light had already reached his front, but it could no longer advance a single inch.

Xiao Qianqiu not only possessed great momentum but his cultivation was also in the Four Qi Realm. Although only one Qi higher than Lou Xiangzhen, the vast difference between them was visible to the naked eye.

Many people who saw this scene frowned deeply.

Was the victor going to be decided so quickly?

“The Dao of the Sword is ultimately not for the long term.”

Xiao Qianqiu's Daoist robe fluttered in the wind, his eyes bright and clear, as he looked at Lou Xiangzhen, who held the Peach Blossom Sword above.

“As long as I can grasp that fleeting moment, it is enough. Eternal matters are left to eternity; I pay them no mind at all.”

Lou Xiangzhen said indifferently, then a myriad of Qi appeared around him.

“Buzz buzz buzz!” “Buzz buzz buzz!”

Instantly, the heavens and earth rang with a clear sound.

Flying Swords within dozens of miles all emitted crisp sounds, trembling.

An Jing's Town Evil Sword in his hand also began to tremble, as if trying to break free.

The entire Yuan Lake trembled, the lake water churning unevenly, rolling up waves that crashed against both banks.

At this moment, the Peach Blossom Sword in Lou Xiangzhen's hand seemed to vanish into the heavens and earth. Above Yuan Lake, pink and tender red petals appeared, drifting and scattering onto the lake surface.

The sound of swords rang through heaven and earth, and the Sword Qi was even more chilling and sharp, forcing all swordsmen to gaze forward, their hearts filled with dread.

No sword in hand! No sword in heart!

Now, fame and fortune were all trampled under Lou Xiangzhen's feet.

Lou Xiangzhen's sword momentum finally reached the Sixth Realm, making him The World's Number One Swordsman!

The moment the Peach Blossom Sword in his hand disappeared, Xiao Qianqiu's Protective Aura completely shattered, transforming into a cloud of white smoke.

“Whoosh!”

This sword was like one unleashed at dawn in ancient times, at the instant the sky transitioned from black to white.

Xiao Qianqiu's expression finally changed, and he quickly retreated backward.

“Hiss!”

That streak of sword light sliced through Xiao Qianqiu's clothes, and a bloodstain dyed his Daoist robe red, then the two figures crossed paths again.

The world was silent, without a single sound.

The Peach Blossom Sword in Lou Xiangzhen's hand seemed to have vanished. He stood indifferently on the lake surface, and because the lake reflected the light of the sky, it was as if he was stepping on the very heavens and earth.

“Drip drop!”

The blood from Xiao Qianqiu's shoulder dripped into the lake, and his brow furrowed slightly.

“The Sixth Realm, huh.”

Cui Daoxian murmured as he looked at Lou Xiangzhen's figure.

Among the countless swordsmen in the world, not a single one had reached this Sixth Realm for decades. Today, this Ghost Valley Sword Immortal finally reached the Sixth Realm.

“Is this the Sixth Realm?”

Luo Chongyang chuckled lightly, “This is where it starts to get interesting.”

Countless experts present were all profoundly shocked, even those Grandmaster experts who were Jianghu legends in the eyes of ordinary people.

In the world, another Sixth Realm Swordsman had appeared.

A Sixth Realm God of Slaughter.

An Jing, standing in the distance, was frowning deeply at this moment, still recalling the sword light from earlier.

That sword was truly too powerful.

He seemed to have remembered it, yet also seemed to have forgotten it.

Reflecting carefully, it also had a profound impact on his Sword Intent.

An Jing's Sword Intent was too vast but not solid enough; this sword gave him a lot of inspiration and thought.

“This must be the famous Ghost Swordsman, right?”

Just then, a female voice came from beside him.

Hearing this voice, An Jing couldn't help but turn his head. It was an ordinary-looking middle-aged woman, but the Qi about her was not simple; she was a First Rank expert.

This person was Aunt Bai, who was beside Zhao Chongyin.

An Jing asked indifferently, “Your Excellency is?”

Aunt Bai smiled and took out an invitation, handing it to An Jing, saying, “This is an invitation from my Master to Your Excellency. I hope Your Excellency can accept it.”

The invitation clearly had a character 'Zhao' engraved on it.

In Great Yan, there were many people with the surname Zhao, but those named Zhao who could be called 'Master' by a First Rank expert were not many.

“I understand. If there's an opportunity, I will certainly visit.”

An Jing took the invitation and no longer paid attention to the woman.

Aunt Bai nodded, then walked away.

At this moment, above Yuan Lake, Xiao Qianqiu's brows were tightly furrowed. He felt a hint of threat from Lou Xiangzhen, which caused a ripple in his originally calm and flawless heart.

Ye Ding once said that Xiao Qianqiu was a natural Dao Child, an unparalleled genius rarely seen in the Xuanmen, with a mature state of mind and rare bone structure. Given enough time, he would certainly reach the Great Grandmaster Realm in the future.

Such a figure was rare throughout thousands of years of history.

Xiao Qianqiu did not disappoint Ye Ding's expectations, reaching the Grandmaster Realm at thirty and taking over his responsibilities before fifty, becoming the Supreme Sect Master of Zhenyi Sect, shaking the entire world with his might.

Now, several decades had passed.

Xiao Qianqiu stood on the pavilion, looking at Lou Xiangzhen on the water, and asked, “Lou Xiangzhen, do you really not want the sword in your hand anymore?”

Lou Xiangzhen said indifferently, “I have a sword.”

Xiao Qianqiu asked, “Where is the sword then?”

Lou Xiangzhen said, “The sword is in my hand, and also in my heart.”

“Oh?”

Xiao Qianqiu chuckled softly.

Lou Xiangzhen took a step forward and waved his arm.

Myriad peach blossoms emerged, followed by chaotic Sword Qi, obscuring the sky and sun, all converging towards Xiao Qianqiu on the pavilion.

The Sword Qi was chilling and unparalleled in its sharpness!

Xiao Qianqiu's True Qi surged, and Internal Energy gushed out like a tide.

“Hmm!? Ghost Valley Heart Sutra?”

An Jing felt the Qi bursting from Xiao Qianqiu's body, but his brows furrowed deeply.

Xiao Qianqiu actually knew the Ghost Valley Heart Sutra. Where did his Ghost Valley Heart Sutra come from? Could there be some secret hidden within this?

Moreover, he could use both simultaneously, which suggested his Aptitude was at least not inferior to his own.

Yes, how could the Aptitude of a person so highly regarded by Ye Ding, who could succeed as the Sect Master of Zhenyi Sect before turning fifty, be poor?

Xiao Qianqiu's Qi burst forth, and his two Mind-Cultivation Techniques ran simultaneously. In particular, the Big Dipper Seven Stars Art had reached the tenth level, a state of perfect fluidity, effortless execution, Yin and Yang unity, and all-encompassing power.

Faintly, a subtle point of convergence could be felt within the Mind-Cultivation Technique.

"It is rumored that the Jade Emperor Scripture contains a palm technique. Through my contemplation of the Big Dipper Seven Stars Art and the Ghost Valley Heart Sutra, I have glimpsed a bit of its Great Dao. I ask to try it."

After Xiao Qianqiu finished speaking, he unleashed a palm strike.

Boom!

The power of his Four Qi Grandmaster cultivation and the Aura he had nurtured for many years pressed down. As the palm technique descended, it seemed to carry an boundless momentum.

Not only did the waters of Yuan Lake tremble, but even the Dantians of the experts on the shore shook violently.

Those around whose cultivation had not reached the Half-Step Grandmaster Realm retreated backward, not daring to approach Yuan Lake by another inch.

"As expected of the Great Yan Jianghu's number one person!"

The man in the bamboo hat behind Jia Shiwu saw this, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

Lou Xiangzhen swept his sword, and Sword Qi permeated heaven and earth, ceaseless and vibrant.

The instant the True Qi surged, it was like a dazzling white light, even more brilliant than the sun in the sky, causing people to feel dizzy and overwhelmed.

After about three or four breaths, the white light gradually dissipated, and Qi intertwined above the lake, producing a large amount of white smoke.

Everyone quickly looked towards the lake surface as the white smoke gradually cleared.

"Thump!"

Lou Xiangzhen stomped his foot, and the lake surface immediately churned up waves several feet high. A shocking trail of fresh blood stained the corner of his mouth.

The battle between the two had reached a fever pitch.

Xiao Qianqiu, on the pavilion, also had a somewhat pale complexion. His sleeves continuously billowed, and an ancient bronze mirror appeared in the palm of his hand.

"celestial venerable dharma mirror?"

Seeing the mirror, Luo Chongyang's brows furrowed tightly.

The Xuanmen Sect, during the Great Zhou Dynasty, was known as the World's Number One Sect. Within its gates, there were not only many experts and one of the three great secret scriptures, the Jade Emperor Scripture, but also a contemporary exotic treasure, the celestial venerable dharma mirror.

This dharma mirror was left by the Xuanmen Ancestral Master, and its efficacy was unparalleled. It could not only defend against enemies but also possessed extremely strong destructive power.

The Xuanmen Ancestral Master had once relied on this dharma mirror to slay a Great Grandmaster of the same Realm, which showed the terrifying power of this bronze mirror.

Later, the Xuanmen Sect split into three, and this exotic treasure, the celestial venerable dharma mirror, was taken by the Zhenyi Sect's Ancestral Master. This exotic treasure possessed unpredictable power, but it was not something ordinary experts could use. Very few of the Zhenyi Sect's Ancestral Masters throughout history were able to activate this celestial venerable dharma mirror.

Xiao Qianqiu's expression was incomparably solemn, and the True Qi within his body converged towards the celestial venerable dharma mirror.

In an instant, dark clouds rolled across the sky, completely obscuring the sun.

Heaven and earth grew dim, and the sun and moon lost their light.

A ray of starlight emerged from the dark sky, then pierced through the air, shining down upon Lou Xiangzhen below.

The starlight was like a pillar, swift as lightning.

Lou Xiangzhen's body leaped, avoiding that ray of starlight.

"Thump!"

The starlight heavily struck the lake surface, immediately causing a huge tremor, as if it intended to blast open Yuan Lake.

Even a Grandmaster, if hit by this strike, would likely be severely injured instantly.

"Is this the power of the celestial venerable dharma mirror? As expected of a Xuanmen exotic treasure."

Feng Lingyue's heart was greatly shaken as she watched the starlight fall.

Not only Feng Lingyue, but all the experts present had solemn expressions, and their fear of the Zhenyi Sect grew a few more points.

With such an exotic treasure, coupled with Xiao Qianqiu's Four Qi cultivation, how many in this world could be his opponents?

"Thump!"

In the next instant, another ray of starlight converged, then descended towards Lou Xiangzhen.

Immediately, the entire lake surface splashed with water, stirring up monstrous waves.

An Jing's brows were tightly furrowed. The mere residual power of the waves was already making his heart pound. What kind of terrifying deterrence was Lou Xiangzhen in the center enduring?

Above the sky, the Big Dipper Seven Stars shone with extreme brilliance.

Tian Shu, Tian Xuan, Tian Ji, Tian Quan, Yu Heng, Kai Yang, Yao Guang.

Each time one of the seven star positions shone, a ray of starlight, like a meteor, fell.

"Breaking through the Seven Stars, it shall be today."

Lou Xiangzhen laughed loudly, then a glimmer of light appeared in his eyes, "Boy, watch carefully."

The wind rose, Sword Light startled, a silver gleam suddenly appeared, graceful as a Flying Dragon, like rippling water, like a fire tree and silver flowers.

Countless dazzling petals filled the sky, like the bright moon illuminating the stars, releasing a brilliant and captivating radiance.

Then, the sky full of peach blossom petals seemed to transform into countless Peach Blossom Swords. Sword Qi crisscrossed, sharp and chilling, instantly filling the space between heaven and earth.

"Is this the Hundred Steps Flying Sword?"

Someone muttered in a low voice.

The Ghost Valley Sect's ultimate sword technique, Hundred Steps Flying Sword, was rumored to be able to control a Flying Sword even from a mile away.

At this moment, Lou Xiangzhen conjured a sky full of peach blossom petals, transforming petals into swords, controlling countless swords formed from peach blossoms. It was truly exquisite and breathtaking.

The superb swordsmanship involved, even for non-swordsmen, was profoundly shocking.

"Is he going all out?"

Luo Chongyang's brows furrowed, and his expression was also somewhat solemn.

Lin Yiyang, Zhong Binru, Cui Daoxian, and other swordsmen watched without blinking, afraid of missing any detail. Any single point in this could benefit them for a lifetime.

An Jing looked at the swords formed from peach blossoms, a hint of shock in his eyes, deeply moved and enlightened.

Xiao Qianqiu's expression was cold, then his True Qi flowed into the celestial venerable dharma mirror. The seven rays of starlight began to shift, merging into a massive moon disk.

That moon disk seemed to be the celestial venerable dharma mirror itself, shining with brilliance, enveloping the entire Yuan Lake.

"Boundless Celestial Venerable!"

Xiao Qianqiu formed a hand seal, and then a great surge of Qi appeared from the moon disk. The Aura was like a volcano about to erupt.

"Whoosh!"

A cold light burst forth from it, and its target was precisely Lou Xiangzhen.

"Go!"

Lou Xiangzhen no longer retreated either, driving the Flying Swords formed from countless peach blossoms forward.

Countless Flying Swords met the moon disk, and instantly, heaven and earth were eclipsed.

Experts at this Realm had extremely subtle control over their Qi. Once fully unleashed, the power generated was truly terrifying.

In this world, experts emerged in droves, and countless capable individuals existed. Aside from some ancient hermits hidden at the bottom of rivers, there were only one or two Grandmasters of the Five Qi Realm, and a Four Qi Grandmaster could already be considered at the Peak of the current Jianghu.

The entire Yuan Lake trembled, and heaven and earth shook.

The lake water surged violently, roaring angrily as if transformed into a giant beast.

A single sword strike shattered the vast earth, where did the prosperity and music fall!

In the next moment, all the swords turned into nothingness. Only the Peach Blossom Sword in Lou Xiangzhen's hand remained. His body and sword merged into one, transforming into a cold light, rapidly heading towards the moon disk.

Sword Qi crisscrossed, as if a whale swallowed a vast territory.

The moon disk's Qi, intimidated by the unparalleled sharp and cold Sword Qi, actually showed signs of decline.

"Not good!?"

Ling Yuanjing's face changed drastically when he saw this.

A hint of surprise also appeared in Xiao Qianqiu's calm eyes. Then, with a resolute mind, he spat out a mouthful of vital blood, which transformed into dense blood Qi and directly merged into the celestial venerable dharma mirror in his hand.

In the next instant, an imposing pressure that made everyone's hearts palpitate surged forth.

That ancient Aura seemed to come from primordial times.

In a trance, a figure appeared behind Xiao Qianqiu.

The phantom wore a white robe, a Daoist crown, held a whisk, and carried a precious sword on his back.

"Xuanmen Ancestral Master!?"

Luo Chongyang looked at the figure, finding him very familiar, as if he had seen him in Tianzun Hall before, and his heart was shaken.

"Who is this person?"

Feng Lingyue raised her eyebrows, a hint of bewilderment in her eyes.

And just as the phantom appeared, the celestial venerable dharma mirror's Aura greatly increased, and the Qi beneath the moon disk also erupted, surging downwards.

"Whether it's the Xuanmen Ancestral Master or a Human Emperor, no one can stop me today."

Lou Xiangzhen shouted loudly, and his sword momentum actually surged again. The Peach Blossom Sword in his hand even seemed to twist under this impact.

At that moment, the past, like smoke, all appeared before his eyes: seventy years of ups and downs, a turbulent and uneven life.

Lou Xiangzhen's life was full of twists and turns, with moments of brilliance and moments of solitude.

Drinking and singing loudly, life should be like this.

Today, he would stab a hole through it with a single sword, and for a moment, be a true man of the world.

An Jing watched this scene quietly, without speaking.

Sword Light was chilling, heaven and earth were silent, soaring straight into the nine heavens.

The entire world was split into two halves: one half was countless Sword Lights, and the other half was the white-robed Daoist.

Stars shifted, mountains and rivers shook.

The ground beneath their feet trembled.

Everyone held their breath, not daring to blink.

In the next moment, the Sword Qi was like an abyss, piercing through the moon disk's Qi.

"Crack!"

The Xuanmen Ancestral Master's phantom shattered instantly, and the hair tie on Xiao Qianqiu's head also broke, his hair continuously flying.

A long sword shot forth, its tip pointed directly at Xiao Qianqiu's glabella.

Blood flowed down from his glabella, spreading across Xiao Qianqiu's nose and neck.

Heaven and earth were silent, and everyone's expressions were stunned.

Xiao Qianqiu's calm pupils also slightly froze. At that moment, life and death were converging. This oscillation actually gave him a new realization deep within his heart.

That feeling was very strange, so strange that he forgot who he was and what he was doing.

He even forgot that a sword was right in front of him.

Lou Xiangzhen's face was also pale, like a piece of paper, but his hand had no strength. The sword tip rested on Xiao Qianqiu's forehead, which was the only support for his body.

As long as Xiao Qianqiu took one step back, he might fall into Yuan Lake and drown.

"Hiss—!"

Seeing the Xuanmen Ancestral Master's phantom shatter, Luo Chongyang took a sharp breath, associating it with the Xuanmen Ancestral Master's last words, and muttered to himself, "The day the celestial venerable dharma mirror is broken is the day the Xuanmen Ancestral Master returns. Could the Xuanmen Ancestral Master return again?"

"Sect Leader!?"

Just then, a furious shout rang out.

Zhenyi Sect's Song Chengbiao saw this and leaped, rushing towards Yuan Lake, his eyes fixed on Lou Xiangzhen.

"Senior Brother Xiao!"

The other Zhenyi Sect experts also rushed forward swiftly upon seeing this.

"Thump!"

"Roar!"

As the water exploded, a Dragon's roar instantly shook the heavens. A black Flood Dragon swiftly emerged from Yuan Lake, then opened its gaping maw.

Song Chengbiao, a Half-Step Grandmaster, was actually swallowed in one gulp.

"Not good!"

Ling Yuanjing and Sima Changlin's faces changed drastically when they saw this, their bodies pausing slightly.

All the experts present were dumbfounded by this horrifying scene. Song Chengbiao, one of the four Peak Masters of the Zhenyi Sect, was actually swallowed alive by the black Flood Dragon?

What a terrifying existence was this!?

An Jing leaped onto the black Flood Dragon's back, then he grabbed Lou Xiangzhen's clothes.

The black Flood Dragon let out a low growl, its body moving through the air, disappearing above Yuan Lake in a single breath.

Only Xiao Qianqiu was left, disheveled, in a sorry state, with blood still on his face.