Chapter 165 Black Hole in the Rock Wall

Renowned author Zuo Dao Renjian has joined Cola Novels with his new work, "Dog Brother Transmigrates into Lin Pingzhi: The Tai Xuan Scripture Suppresses All Nations"!

Linghu Chong and Shi Potian stood up and stood in the open space outside the cave.

Yue Lingshan watched as Linghu Chong was really going to have a sword fight with Lin Pingzhi. She had witnessed Shi Potian's Evil-Repelling Sword Technique, which had defeated Yu Canghai in one move. How could her senior brother be a match for him?

He himself was saved by Lin Pingzhi, and he has witnessed the difference in their abilities. What's wrong with him today?

She called out, "Senior Brother, I've been practicing diligently lately. Mother taught me the Jade Maiden Sword Technique. Why don't you spar with me first and I'll see if you've improved more or I have."

Linghu Chong laughed and said, "Junior Sister, so you practice martial arts every day too. That's good. But we, your senior and junior brothers and sisters, can spar at any time. The Young Escort is now famous throughout the world and he's not so easy to meet. Let's spar with the Young Escort first and see how much I've gained from my seclusion at the Cliff of Contemplation."

Yue Lingshan was helpless, thinking to herself: "My senior brother used to listen to me so much, but he's completely changed since returning from Hengyang. He doesn't even want to play with me anymore, and he even went to the Cliff of Contemplation to cultivate in seclusion. All the disciples of the Huashan Sect thought he'd gone mad. Everyone thought he'd only last two days before coming down the mountain, but he hasn't come down for two months. My parents were very surprised. My father was the happiest, thinking that my senior brother had finally matured."

My senior brother was practicing his martial arts like a madman all day long, which initially annoyed me. I wondered if he was spurred on by Lin Pingzhi's rescue. Later, I realized that Lin Pingzhi's martial arts were improving rapidly, and the gap between us was widening. So I also started practicing diligently. During this time, my parents taught me many exquisite sword techniques, and I felt I had made progress, but I was still no match for Shi Potian's skill.

Even if the eldest brother goes crazy practicing his skills, his progress will be limited. How could he be a match for Lin Pingzhi? She didn't understand why the eldest brother wanted to compete. She thought to herself, "I want to see how much you can gain from the Cliff of Contemplation."

Qu Feiyan's eyes darted around, and she said with a grin, "Brother Linghu, you're no match for my little brother. My martial arts have improved a lot recently, so I think you can spar with me first and see if you can beat me."

Linghu Chong was unwilling to fight with a little girl, and shook his head, saying, "Miss Feifei is joking. You are so young, how can I fight with you? People will laugh at me if word gets out."

Qu Feiyan was displeased and snorted coldly, saying, "Where am I small? My little brother has recently taught me a lot of kung fu, you may not be my match."

Linghu Chong smiled slightly and didn't argue with the young girl.

Shi Potian thought to himself, if Brother Linghu doesn't make great progress, then he really won't be able to beat Feifei.

Hearing Qu Feiyan, a young girl, challenge her like this, Yue Lingshan was displeased and said, "Feifei, you can fight me first, and then fight my senior brother."

Seeing that Yue Lingshan was still on his side, Linghu Chong was overjoyed, and the pent-up frustration in his heart eased somewhat. He laughed and said, "Junior Sister, you don't need to fight her. It's not honorable for you to win, and she's still so young. I'll just compete with Young Master Lin myself."

Qu Feiyan was underestimated by the two of them. If Shi Potian hadn't been there and had taken her down with a single palm strike each morning, the brother and sister would definitely not have been able to withstand the Tianshan Six Yang Palm.

The Huashan School is not good at fist and foot techniques.

Shi Potian didn't want Qu Feiyan to fight Yue Lingshan either.

Qu Feiyan has now learned the Snow Mountain Sword Technique, the Golden Crow Saber Technique, and the Tianshan Six Yang Palms. Yue Lingshan can't beat her.

He then said, "Alright, I'll have a sword duel with Brother Linghu."

Shi Potian didn't carry a sword, and Qu Feiyan only had a short sword, so they weren't suitable for a duel.

Looking around, he wanted to find a tree branch to make a weapon. Seeing a long tree branch in the distance, he was about to walk over and pick it up.

Yue Lingshan unfastened a long sword from her waist, held it out to Shi Potian with both hands, and said softly, "Brother Lin, use my sword. My mother just gave it to me a few days ago; it's called the 'Azure Water Sword,' and it's very sharp."

Shi Potian looked at the sword; its blade was like a pool of autumn water, exuding a chilling aura. A jade-green gemstone was inlaid on the scabbard—it was truly a fine sword. He said, "A fine sword. Thank you, Miss Lingshan. However, a tree branch would be better."

Seeing Yue Lingshan's shy yet joyful expression as she handed the sword to Shi Potian, Linghu Chong felt a pang of sadness, but he smiled and said, "Young Master Lin, are you looking down on me by comparing me to a tree branch?"

Shi Potian had intended to say that a tree branch would suffice, but upon hearing this, he had no choice but to accept the Biyue Sword and said, "How could that be? Brother Linghu was even willing to rescue Tian Boguang; he is a true hero."

Linghu Chong said, "I heard from Yuanfei Riyue that the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique is invincible, and the Huashan Sword Technique is second to none. Today, the second is competing against the first. Young Master Lin, we've agreed not to use any other evil techniques. Let's just compare our swordsmanship."

Shi Potian thought to himself that his Evil-Repelling Sword Technique was powered by the "Silver Saddle Shining on White Horse" divine skill, not a proper Evil-Repelling Sword Technique. Lin Zhennan of the Yuantu Guild didn't know it, and neither did he. If they were to compete, they could only compete with the ordinary Evil-Repelling Sword Technique taught by Lin Zhennan. He nodded and said, "Alright, I'll only use sword techniques, not internal energy."

The two men stood facing each other, each holding a long sword. A mountain breeze blew by, stirring up the dust on the ground.

Linghu Chong struck first, thrusting out his sword with a simple, basic introductory sword technique of the Huashan School, "White Clouds Emerging from the Peak." This seemingly simple sword strike contained seven or eight follow-up moves. The tip of the sword trembled slightly, covering several major acupoints on Shi Potian's chest.

Shi Potian raised his sword and slashed diagonally, using the first move of the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique taught by Lin Zhennan, "Meteor Chasing the Moon." The two swords clashed with a soft clang, sparks flying everywhere. Linghu Chong's arm trembled, but he did not retreat. He shifted his sword stance, and the second sword, "Hidden Green Mountains," followed closely behind, its light as misty as fog, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion.

Shi Potian changed his swordsmanship, using "Flowers Bloom to Reveal the Buddha," his sword tip striking three times in quick succession, blocking Linghu Chong's attack route. Linghu Chong shifted to the side, his third sword, "Ancient Cypress Forest," slashing down diagonally with a fierce wind. Shi Potian parried with his sword, the two swords clashing again. Linghu Chong used the force to deflect, his body spinning, his fourth sword, "White Rainbow Piercing the Sun," thrusting straight at him, both fast and ruthless.

The two exchanged blows, quickly going back and forth, and had already exchanged seven or eight moves. Although Shi Potian's Evil-Repelling Sword Technique was simple in its moves, each strike was perfectly timed, whether parrying, blocking, thrusting, or parrying, making him evenly matched with Linghu Chong.

In the heat of the battle, Linghu Chong thrust his sword "The Phoenix Comes to Pay Homage" at Shi Potian. The sword danced out with lightness and agility, a move he had mastered to perfection, containing five follow-up moves, just waiting for Shi Potian to meet it.

Having reached this point, Shi Potian had gained some understanding of the Huashan sword technique. He secretly thought that this sword technique was definitely not second to none in the world, and that he could see the flaws at a glance. In fact, he could defeat Linghu Chong with a single casual sword strike.

He only fought so many moves because he had to use the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique and also wanted to see the Huashan Sword Technique.

He saw through the follow-up moves of "The Phoenix Arrives" at a glance, and with a move called "Meteor Falls," he raised his longsword and completely blocked all the follow-up moves, as well as launching a sharp counterattack.

Linghu Chong felt a chill run down his spine, and he could no longer use "The Phoenix Comes to Pay Homage," so he used "The Pine Tree Welcomes Guests" to block the attack.

The two swords clashed with a soft clang. Shi Potian used only a third of his strength, but Linghu Chong's arm went numb and he took a step back, but he still held the longsword firmly.

Linghu Chong perked up and said, "Young Master Escort, we're comparing swordsmanship, not internal strength."

Shi Potian said, "Brother Linghu, you have indeed made great progress. I have already used three-tenths of my internal strength, and you can still hold the longsword firmly."

Qu Feiyan covered her mouth to stifle her laughter, while Yue Lingshan was at a loss for words, unsure whether to praise her senior brother or scold Shi Potian for being tactless.

However, Shi Potian has always been like this, and she has become quite indifferent to it.

Shi Potian's words immediately turned Linghu Chong's mood from joy to depression. However, upon closer reflection, he realized that since the other party was already known as the Invincible in the South, even 30% of his strength was formidable.

Thinking of this, Linghu Chong's spirits lifted, his eyes lit up, and he changed his swordsmanship, unleashing the Huashan School's "Yangwu Swordplay." This swordplay was Yue Buqun's masterpiece, its sword movements upright and peaceful, dignified and upright, each strike carrying a righteous spirit. Only after Linghu Chong had reformed himself was Yue Buqun willing to teach him; he had refused to teach him before.

Linghu Chong practiced diligently on the Cliff of Contemplation for two months, and his swordsmanship had become quite proficient. The sword light flashed, enveloping Shi Potian.

Shi Potian's Evil-Repelling Sword Technique was mediocre; Linghu Chong's "Nourishing Myself Sword Technique" could counter any of his moves. Without speed, the swordplay was utterly ordinary. However, he was unwilling to use the "Silver Saddle Shining on White Horse" mental cultivation method to accelerate, nor could he rely on internal energy. How could the ordinary sword techniques taught by Lin Zhennan compare to the subtlety of the Nourishing Myself Sword Technique?

Although he saw the Yangwu Sword Technique as full of flaws and easily countered, Linghu Chong dealt with it with ease by using the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique, which left him with even more openings.

After a few moves, it seemed to outsiders that Shi Potian was struggling to defend, while Linghu Chong launched a relentless offensive.

Yue Lingshan was very surprised and said loudly, "Lin Pingzhi, this is not the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique. When you fought Yu Canghai, you didn't move so slowly."

When Qu Feiyan first saw Shi Po Tian Shi use the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique, she felt it was indeed unremarkable. Was this the level of the world's number one Evil-Repelling Sword Technique? It was far inferior to the Snow Mountain Sword Technique she had learned. Qu Feiyan echoed Yue Lingshan, saying, "Yeah, yeah, little brother, what are you doing? This Evil-Repelling Sword Technique can't even beat me."

Shi Potian laughed and said, "These are the moves of the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique."

Linghu Chong also found it strange, thinking to himself that we, the number one and number two in the world, were just boasting and deceiving ourselves. But the more he fought, the more comfortable he became, and before he could think any further, he unleashed a continuous stream of brilliant moves from the Yangwu Sword Technique, his swordsmanship growing faster and faster, each strike faster than the last.

Shi Potian thought that this Yangwu Sword Technique was a little stronger than the previous sword technique, but it was still not second to none in the world, and it was even inferior to the Snow Mountain Sword Technique. He casually used the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique to defend, and for a moment he was so engrossed in thinking that he used a little too much force.

With a clang, the Azure Water Sword clashed with Linghu Chong's longsword. Linghu Chong felt an incredibly powerful internal force emanating from the sword, causing his tiger's mouth to tremble violently. He staggered back several steps, only stopping when his back hit the rock wall. His longsword flew out of his hand.

With a hiss, it actually pierced into a rock wall inside the cave.

Shi Potian thought about it and felt that Linghu Chong's words made sense. The sword moves of the Evil-Slaying Sword Technique were indeed unremarkable. If it weren't for the acceleration provided by the "Silver Saddle Shining on White Horse" mental cultivation method, it wouldn't be considered a peerless sword technique at all. But wasn't internal energy what the Qi Sect of the Huashan School pursued? Linghu Chong, on the contrary, wanted to rely on sword moves to win. Wasn't that exactly the Sword Sect's idea?

Pure sword techniques may lead to defeat, but in a real duel, who would restrict the opponent from using internal energy?

As he was thinking, several acupoints on his body suddenly began to throb violently, the same ones that had throbbed when he looked at the plaque that read "Controlling the Sword with Qi." His internal energy surged involuntarily, and the Azure Water Sword in his hand trembled slightly, with a faint blue light flowing around its tip, as if he had an inexplicable urge to unleash a certain Evil-Repelling Sword Technique.

Shi Potian's heart stirred, and he looked up at Linghu Chong, saying, "Brother Linghu, let's have another match."

Linghu Chong was taken aback, then overjoyed: "Good! This time we'll only compare sword techniques, not internal strength. I want to see what other tricks you can pull off with your Evil-Slaying Sword Technique."

Linghu Chong had no sword in his hand. He turned and walked into the cave. When he reached the rock wall, he saw that the long sword was buried up to the hilt and could not believe it.

Although Shi Potian exerted a lot of force just now, it shouldn't have reached this level.

Although he found it strange, he still reached out and grasped the hilt of the sword, pulling hard. With a soft "whoosh," the longsword came out of his hand.

At the same time, the rock wall made a "crackling" sound, and several pieces of gravel fell from the wall, revealing a dark hole.

Linghu Chong was startled and leaned closer to look. He saw that the cave entrance was about three feet square, and it was pitch black inside, its depth unknown. A chilling aura emanated from the cave, carrying a faint musty smell, indicating that it had not been opened for a long time.

"Huh? Why is there a hole here?" Linghu Chong asked in surprise.

No wonder it didn't go that deep; it turns out there's nothing behind it.

Yue Lingshan also ran over, peering inside, and asked in surprise, "Senior Brother, you've lived on the Cliff of Contemplation for so long, didn't you know there was a cave here?"

Linghu Chong shook his head: "I don't know. This cave is sealed by the rock walls; I've never discovered it before."

Interrupted, Shi Potian's acupoint throbbing stopped, and he and Qu Feiyan walked over.

Shi Potian reached out and touched the cave entrance, saying, "The space inside is quite large; it seems to have been carved out by human hands."

Qu Feiyan's eyes lit up: "Man-made? Could there be some treasure hidden inside?" She took out a tinderbox from her bosom, waved it in the wind, and a flame immediately lit up. She held the tinderbox up and shone it into the cave, where she saw a narrow passageway with rough, uneven stone walls, clearly carved out by hand.

"Let's go in and take a look!" Qu Feiyan said, and started to crawl inside.

Linghu Chong stopped her, saying, "I'll go in first. What if there's danger inside..." Before he could finish speaking, Shi Potian had already stepped inside.

"Little brother!" Qu Feiyan exclaimed urgently.

Shi Potian's voice came from inside the cave: "It's alright, it's safe inside. Come in."

The three filed in. The passageway wasn't long; after walking about ten paces, the space suddenly opened up before them. The light from the torches didn't reach the end, only revealing that it was a huge stone chamber with rough rock walls on all sides.

Qu Feiyan held up her tinderbox and shone it around, then suddenly exclaimed, "Look!"

Following the firelight, the group saw that the stone wall was densely covered with patterns—human figures, sword stances, each move lifelike. Upon closer inspection, they also saw text carved next to the patterns.

Yue Lingshan leaned closer to examine it, murmuring, "This... what kind of sword technique is this? I've never seen it before."

Linghu Chong was also engrossed in the paintings, and suddenly pointed to one of the designs, saying, "This move... looks like the Huashan Sect's 'White Clouds Emerging from the Mountain Peak'!" He then pointed to another design, "This move is 'The Phoenix Arrives to Pay Homage'! And there's 'Welcoming Guests with Ancient Pines', 'Ancient Cypresses Standing Tall'... these are all sword techniques from my Huashan Sect!"

Shi Potian suddenly said, "Look at these patterns next to the sword moves."

Upon hearing this, Linghu Chong carefully examined another pattern engraved next to the "Phoenix Comes to Pay Homage" sword move, and his expression suddenly changed drastically.