Chapter 167 The True Evil-Repelling Sword Technique

Linghu Chong's eyes lit up, and he clasped his hands in a fist salute, saying, "Young Master Lin, I understand! Sword techniques are static, but people are dynamic, and internal energy varies greatly. The same sword technique, when used by me and my master, has vastly different power. This is the true meaning of our Huashan Sect's 'controlling the sword with qi'!"

Yue Lingshan suddenly understood, and most of the gloom in her heart dissipated. She smiled and said, "Young Chief Escort, you are really amazing. You made us understand in just a few words."

Shi Potian said, "Therefore, the Huashan sword technique itself is not bad; what's lacking is the person practicing it. Once you improve your internal strength, these methods of countering it won't be so easy to work."

In fact, what Shi Potian said was not much different from what Yue Buqun usually emphasized about controlling the sword with qi. The reason why the two of them were momentarily distraught was that their moves, which they had practiced for more than ten years, had been forcibly broken by someone, which brought too much shock and left their minds blank for a moment.

Linghu Chong nodded repeatedly, his fighting spirit rekindled.

Qu Feiyan said, "Yuanfei Riyue said that your Huashan swordsmanship is the second best in the world. Does that mean you're referring to the sword techniques engraved on these walls? Otherwise, Zuo Lengchan wouldn't have become the leader of the Five Mountains Alliance."

As he spoke, he continued to examine each move carefully with his torch. Linghu Chong and Yue Lingshan wanted to stop him, but they couldn't bring themselves to speak. After all, it was carved by the ten elders of the Demonic Sect, and the Five Mountains Sword Sect was in the wrong first.

The crowd followed Qu Feiyan down to look, and saw that there were hundreds of Huashan School sword techniques on the stone wall. Many of the sword techniques were extremely varied, and they looked like they were full of sword energy and had a magnificent appearance.

Shi Potian said, "The sword techniques used by the Huashan Sect look quite different from those that Brother Linghu knows. Could they be from your Sword Sect?"

Linghu Chong asked curiously, "Young Master Escort, do you know about the Qi Sect and the Sword Sect?"

Yue Lingshan explained Yue Buqun's previous introduction to Linghu Chong, and Linghu Chong finally understood.

Linghu Chong said, "Neither my junior sister nor I have ever met anyone from the Sword Sect. However, this place is at least sixty years old, and at that time there was no distinction between the Qi Sect and the Sword Sect."

Shi Potian recalled the plaque about controlling swords with qi, which had caused his acupoints to twitch. Curious, he asked, "Who wrote that plaque in your main hall?"

Linghu Chong didn't understand why Shi Potian asked this, so he shook his head and said, "I don't know either. It's been here since I came up the mountain. It looks very old, and it may have been here since the founding of the Huashan Sect."

Yue Lingshan knew even less, so Shi Potian stopped asking.

The four continued to examine the exquisite sword techniques of the other four schools, with methods to counter them also inscribed beside them.

Upon arriving at the Songshan School of swordsmanship, Linghu Chong took a closer look and couldn't help but marvel. The Songshan School's swordsmanship was powerful and profound, expansive and sweeping, each move carrying an aura of dominance. One particular move, with its mountain-like sword strike, pressed down with overwhelming force. The counter-move, however, was extremely cunning, forcing the person wielding the judge's pen to avoid a direct confrontation, instead sliding in from the side, the pen tip aimed directly at the swordsman's waist—a classic example of striking at the opponent's weakness.

Looking at the other sword techniques, the same applies. The way to counter them is to use speed to overcome slowness, close-quarters combat, and every move is aimed at vital points, a fight to the death. The Songshan sword technique has a righteous and majestic aura, but the methods used to counter it are strange, dangerous, and unpredictable.

The four of them found the experience delightful and learned a great deal.

Qu Feiyan sneered, "I didn't expect the Songshan Sect's swordsmanship to be so upright and dignified, as honest as a rock, yet the Songshan Sect disciples are all ruthless and vicious."

Linghu Chong and Yue Lingshan both felt the same way.

Shi Potian said, "This is also the reason why the Five Protectors' martial arts cannot reach their full potential; otherwise, they could be even stronger."

The three of them thought to themselves that only Young Master Lin was qualified to talk about the Five Protectors of Songshan like that, since none of them could withstand a single move from him.

Further inside, at the Hengshan School's swordplay area, the four were mesmerized. The Hengshan School's swordplay was renowned for its unpredictable and ever-changing techniques; had they not seen it with their own eyes, they would never have believed that such extraordinary and unpredictable sword moves existed in the world.

Five moves seemed to emerge from the clouds and mist, displaying unpredictable and elusive nature. Each move appeared to contain countless others, and when unleashed, its power was boundless.

However, the method to break the curse was also strange and unpredictable, which broadened the horizons of the group.

Shi Potian laughed and said, "The swordsmanship of the Hengshan Sect looks more like that of the Sword Sect."

Linghu Chong sighed, "The Hengshan Sect's swordsmanship is indeed ever-changing, thinking of things that others haven't thought of, yet it has still been broken. These elders of the Demonic Sect are truly geniuses of their generation."

Qu Feiyan said smugly, "Of course, the ten elders of the Demonic Sect once dominated the world, and each of them possessed unparalleled martial arts skills. If they hadn't fallen for their treacherous scheme, the Five Mountains Sword Sect would have been..." She glanced at Yue Lingshan and didn't finish her sentence.

Yue Lingshan snorted, but did not refute.

The four of them roughly looked through the sword techniques of the Five Sacred Mountains Sword Sects on the stone wall.

Shi Potian said, "The sword techniques of the Five Mountains Sword Sects each have their own characteristics, but it's impossible to say which is the best. However, one thing is certain: none of them are as good as the true Evil-Repelling Sword Technique. Why did Sarutobi Nichigetsu say that the Huashan Sword Technique is the second best in the world?"

Linghu Chong was also puzzled as to why Yuanfei Riyue held the Huashan sword technique in such high regard; even his master might not be able to defeat him with his own skills. However, he was more curious about something else and asked, "Young Master Lin, wasn't the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique you just used the real Evil-Repelling Sword Technique?"

Shi Potian shook his head: "That's just a sword move from the Evil-Slaying Sword Technique. The real Evil-Slaying Sword Technique isn't like that."

Qu Feiyan's eyes lit up: "Little brother, what does the real Evil-Repelling Sword Technique look like? Let us see it!"

Yue Lingshan's eyes were also full of anticipation, and Linghu Chong was even more eager to try: "Young Master Lin, let's have another match! I want to see just how powerful the real Evil-Slaying Sword Technique is."

Shi Potian nodded and said, "Alright. Brother Linghu, you go first."

Linghu Chong perked up and said, "I'll put my newfound knowledge to use and test my lost Huashan sword technique against the real Evil-Slaying Sword Technique."

With a flick of his longsword, a flash of light appeared, and he thrust four times in quick succession, striking Shi Potian's left and right arms from all four sides. The skill, speed, precision, and ferocity of these four sword techniques were all first-rate, truly exquisite.

Qu Feiyan and Yue Lingshan also recognized that this was one of the Huashan School sword techniques on the wall. They were both surprised that Linghu Chong had grasped the essence so quickly and couldn't help but admire him.

Shi Potian did not move, but the Azure Water Sword in his hand suddenly transformed into a cold light.

Linghu Chong felt a blur before his eyes, and before the four swords had even pierced halfway, a long sword had already stopped three inches in front of his throat.

He was shocked: How could it be so fast?

He didn't even see how Shi Potian drew his sword; there was absolutely no warning beforehand. He had only used half of his sword technique, and before he could even unleash his full attack, he was already subdued by Shi Potian.

The entire venue was deathly silent.

Qu Feiyan opened her mouth wide, speechless. Yue Lingshan, however, had seen this before and was not surprised at all.

Linghu Chong looked down at the sword in his hand, but hadn't thrust it out yet.

He gave a wry smile: "This...this is the real Evil-Repelling Sword Technique?"

Shi Potian sheathed his sword and laughed, "Brother Linghu, the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique has no other secrets; it's all about speed."

Linghu Chong said, "With such a fast sword, even the most ordinary moves can be turned into something magical, but it doesn't necessarily mean it's the best in the world."

Linghu Chong turned around and found another exquisite sword technique from the Hengshan School on the stone wall. The Hengshan School's sword technique is meticulous and rigorous, excelling in defense, but often striking unexpectedly with deadly moves. The sword technique is more meticulous than sharp, making it a martial art suitable for women.

However, the Hengshan sword technique can be said to be one of the sword techniques with very few flaws. In terms of its strict defense, there are few in the world that can match it. But when it suddenly launches an attack, it is impossible to defend against. It can be described as a needle hidden in cotton.

After understanding the technique, Linghu Chong practiced it several times and felt he had grasped its essence. He turned around and said, "Again!"

Shi Potian nodded.

Linghu Chong raised his longsword, drew a half-circle, and thrust it diagonally towards Shi Potian. This move deeply embodied the essence of the Hengshan School's swordsmanship, characterized by its fluid and continuous movements. The key was to first establish an invincible position before seeking an opportunity to attack.

He could always deflect the attack whenever the Stone Breaking Heaven Sword came at him.

But he only used half a move again, and before the circle was even finished, a flash of lightning seemed to appear. Linghu Chong was startled and tried to block, but the tip of Shi Potian's longsword was already pressed against his wrist, leaving him no time to turn his wrist to block.

Qu Feiyan exclaimed, "Little brother, when did you draw your sword? That was too fast! Even the Hengshan Sect's swordsmanship couldn't defend against it!" In her heart, she couldn't help but think of Long Kui's needle-drawing technique when she fought Hong Tai in Kaifeng Prefecture. She felt that the two of them seemed to have something in common in their moves.

Linghu Chong was once again dumbfounded, muttering, "In the world of martial arts, speed is the only thing that cannot be broken... so fast that there is no chance to draw a sword to attack, nor a chance to defend oneself, one can only wait to die."

Linghu Chong stood there in a daze, and after a long while he said dejectedly, "Young Master Lin, I'm convinced. This is the number one swordsmanship in the world. What Huashan Swordsmanship, Hengshan Swordsmanship, or the Five Mountains Sword Sects can't even deliver a single move in front of you?"

Shi Potian said, "So why did Sarutobi Hiyori say that the Huashan Swordplay is the second best in the world? Even these lost swordplays are far inferior to the Evil-Slaying Swordplay. Was the Huashan Swordplay that Sarutobi Hiyori saw a hundred years ago?"

Before the words were finished, a cold snort suddenly came from inside the cave.

"The Evil-Repelling Sword Technique is nothing special."

The four were startled and looked in the direction of the sound. They saw a figure slowly emerge from the shadows at the cave entrance. The person was dressed in blue, with a black veil covering their face, revealing only a pair of piercing eyes. However, from their voice, they could tell that the person was an old man.

The old man stood with his hands behind his back, exuding an extraordinary air, as if he had been standing in the cave for a long time.

Shi Potian laughed and said, "You finally spoke up. I saw you eavesdropping for a long time."

"Who are you?" Linghu Chong gripped his longsword and asked warily.

The man in blue snorted, ignoring Linghu Chong, and said to Shi Potian, "Young man, your martial arts are quite good; you were able to detect my presence. Who are you, and what is your relationship with Lin Yuantu? I've been out of the martial world for a long time, so I didn't know that such a powerful young man like you had emerged."

Yue Lingshan said, "He is Lin Pingzhi, the young head of the Fuwei Escort Agency, and the great-grandson of Lin Yuantu. Although he is young, he is highly skilled in martial arts. When he first entered the martial arts world, he single-handedly took on the entire Qingcheng Sect and the five Taibao of the Songshan Sect. They were all severely injured by him in just a few moves. He can be considered the most powerful young man in the martial arts world today and is known as the Invincible in the South."

The man in blue said, "Oh, so you're the young head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) of Fuwei Escort Agency, and the great-grandson of Lin Yuantu. It seems you've truly mastered the Evil-Slaying Sword Technique. No wonder you're so formidable."

He glanced at Shi Potian and said, "Young man, your Evil-Repelling Sword Technique is indeed powerful and incredibly fast, but the moves are mediocre. It cannot be considered the best in the world, let alone a top-tier martial art."

Qu Feiyan retorted defiantly, "Old man, you've got quite the nerve. Who exactly are you? Tell us and let us see if your words carry any weight, if you're qualified to say such things!"

The man in blue said proudly, "When I was young, I fought Lin Yuantu. I narrowly lost by one move. My internal energy was not fully developed back then. If we were to fight again ten years later, he might not be my match."

Upon hearing this, the four were greatly shocked. Lin Yuantu was the founder of the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique, and in his lifetime, he was invincible. How dare this person say that he could defeat Lin Yuantu in ten years? Moreover, this person had actually fought with Lin Yuantu? How old would he be now?

Qu Feiyan's eyes darted around, and she said, "You're saying your swordsmanship is even more powerful than the Evil-Slaying Sword Technique? Then wouldn't your swordsmanship be the best in the world?"

The man in blue snorted and said, "If there is a sword technique in the world that can surpass mine, I would be more than happy to have it."

Qu Feiyan said, "Then what's the name of your swordsmanship? My brother is also undefeated. Why don't you two have a match and see whose swordsmanship is the best in the world?"

The man in blue shook his head: "I swore an oath that I would never fight with anyone again in this life."

Qu Feiyan laughed and said, "If you don't dare, you don't dare. You talk a good game, but you chicken out when it comes to actually fighting. Well then, I'll just say I'm the best in the world. Anyway, if I don't make a move, no one will know how strong I am."

The man in blue's gaze turned cold, then returned to calm. He said indifferently, "Little girl, your provocation won't work on me. However..." He glanced at the four of them, seemingly hesitant.

Qu Feiyan's eyes darted around, and she said, "Old man, if you really have unparalleled swordsmanship, but it's inconvenient for you to show it to me, why don't you teach it to me? I'll have a match with you, and that will prove who has the better swordsmanship."

The man in blue snorted coldly and laughed, "Little girl, you have good aptitude and comprehension, and I like your personality very much, but you are not a member of my Huashan Sect."

Linghu Chong and Yue Lingshan were startled and exclaimed in unison, "Are you a senior from our Huashan Sect?"

The two never expected that there were senior masters in the Huashan Sect. How come they had never heard their master and mistress mention them?

The man in blue sneered, "Two idiots. Do I need to impersonate someone from the Huashan Sect? Two promising talents have been turned into fools by Yue Buqun."

Linghu Chong's face showed displeasure when he heard him disrespect his master.

Seeing that Linghu Chong was unhappy, the man in blue laughed and said, "I've watched you practice your sword at the Cliff of Contemplation many times. You occasionally have some brilliant ideas, so you're quite promising and not so dull. If you're willing to learn, I can teach you a few moves. Go and spar with him. If you win, it will prove that my swordsmanship is superior to the Evil-Slaying Sword Technique."

Linghu Chong was both surprised and delighted: "You're going to teach me? But I already have a master, I can't take on another one."

The man in blue said, "I don't need you to become my disciple. I just want to prove that the Evil-Repelling Sword Technique is not a remarkable sword technique at all, and it even has an evil aura about it."

Linghu Chong was relieved and turned to look at Shi Potian.

Shi Potian laughed and said, "Brother Linghu, I also want to see just how powerful this senior's swordsmanship is. The second-best swordsmanship in the world that Sarutobi Hiyue mentioned is probably this senior's swordsmanship."