It was then that the sound of the bell, which should have been clear and bright, rang out in a hurried manner.
The expressions of those present from the Zhongnan Sect changed dramatically.
"Paigong Sect!"
"They've come again."
Wei Zhi Miao Hua quickly turned her head towards the mountain gate.
By now, Zhongnan Jianxian, who stood beside her, caressed the hilt of his sword.
"Jing Shizhi. Take good care of Heya."
"Let the guests wait here."
They retreated with astonishing speed, their movements almost a blur.
Even Zhongnan Jianxian seemed to vanish in an instant.
Zheng Yanshin, who caught a fleeting glimpse of Wei Zhi Miao Hua's hair, turned to Zheng Zhongshan.
"It seems this isn't the first time. Is this how we fight?"
"We never know where or how we might clash. The top experts often cross paths and strike at each other, just like now."
Zheng Zhongshan's expression darkened.
It seemed the situation for the Zhongnan Sect was dire.
Zhongnan Jianxian, who was certainly among the top in the sect, was guarding the main branch.
This clearly revealed their lack of strength.
"I've seen the Paigong Sect's leader several times. The enemy who slaughtered our clan has come to invade the sect and acted as if nothing was wrong. At that time, my feelings were..."
Zheng Zhongshan wiped his forehead.
Where had the carefree older brother of Zheng Jia gone? A look of deep concern was on the face of the Zhongnan Sect disciple present.
Heng Yuan Chang stomped the ground.
"What a nuisance upon arrival."
"Isn't it time for the Yihuang Alliance to step in?"
"Even if you say that, it won't do any good, Zheng Xiaoyou. A martial artist from the old sect would rather die than lose their pride. Didn't we just experience that? If it weren't for the absence of the Sword Dragon, it would have been a disaster."
"You don't seem very relaxed."
Zheng Yanshin's last words left Heng Yuan Chang speechless.
The shouts were gradually rising.
The front lines were being pushed back.
"It seems Zhongnan Jianxian is being held back."
"They say the Paigong Sect has an elder council. Among the thirteen clans, they have a certain history. If the previous leader of the Paigong Sect is divided among several, even the most extraordinary expert will take time. It seems they have been fighting like this."
Zheng Yanshin rarely analyzed the enemies.
It was only natural.
The Paigong Sect was the enemy of their clan, and they had to understand everything as if they were breaking down their techniques.
"Do not speak carelessly about the master of our main sect."
It was a voice he did not recognize.
Zheng Yanshin already felt it faintly.
Perhaps to protect Heya, who had been recognized for her talent by Zhongnan Jianxian, five hidden martial artists revealed themselves on the roof of Xunxin Pavilion.
Each of them was filled with righteous energy.
They were different from the unruly group of the Paigong Sect.
Zheng Yanshin slowly opened his mouth.
"I don't think my words were disrespectful."
"Words and actions are perceived differently by each person. Do you truly not understand that Yihuang City cannot become a distinguished guest of the martial world?"
Another martial artist spoke.
They showed no signs of retreating.
"There are many enemies in Yihuang City."
It was a realization that struck him anew.
The faction was involved in the disputes and interests of the entire Central Plains.
The leaders of the righteous sects like the old sect would not look kindly upon them either.
Moreover, Zhongnan Jianxian had shown the legacy of the sword sect, revealing his expectations.
It was said to be the long-cherished wish of the Zhongnan Sect.
Even if it wasn't the main branch's festival, their hearts would be different.
It was strange that the young martial artists, whose blood boiled more than their training, did not harbor jealousy.
One could tell just by looking at their expressions.
Their discomfort was evident.
"Aren't the top experts down there? Even one hand seems to be in need."
"One hand is indeed in need? Do not insult the main sect..."
Heng Yuan Chang's words certainly crossed a line.
However, the angry reactions were only momentary.
The martial artists of the Zhongnan Sect turned their heads sideways.
Zheng Yanshin and Heng Yuan Chang did the same.
There were figures approaching from afar.
Five armed martial artists surpassed the aura of the five Zhongnan martial artists.
It was hard to believe.
Zheng Yanshin had passed several halls to get here, and yet the Paigong Sect martial artists appeared.
"Kill the child first. We are continuing the progress of the Jianxian."
The man in the orange martial robe, who seemed to be the leader, spoke indifferently.
The four beside him did not even respond and stomped the ground.
The sound of the wind tearing through the air was heard.
They were powerful martial artists, leaving footprints on the rocks.
"How dare you!"
The blue stones on the roof shattered with a loud bang.
The Zhongnan martial artists split the space.
Bang!
The clash of energies sent a strong wind whipping through their hair.
Four and five clashed, yet it was a stalemate.
Then, the most imposing martial artist stepped forward, striding through the battlefield, while the Zhongnan martial artists struggled just to hold back the four.
The approaching martial artist looked at them with a mocking expression, as if to laugh at their contorted faces.
"Yihuang City brats. What brings you to the old sect? Is it to balance things out again, now that our sect is dominant?"
Zheng Yanshin did not respond and looked at his second brother.
"We have to overcome the peak several times, yet the Paigong Sect has come this far. I don't think Zhongnan Sect is this hopeless. It seems they have come to harm Heya, taking advantage of the battle to infiltrate. Am I correct?"
"Uh, yes. There is no other possibility."
While Zheng Zhongshan nodded in disbelief, Zheng Yanshin looked at Heng Yuan Chang.
"I ask for your assistance."
"Do not worry about the back."
Except for the calm Zheng Yanshin, the only ones who seemed relaxed at that moment were the Paigong Sect martial artists in front of them and Heng Yuan Chang.
Especially Heng Yuan Chang, who even wore a smile, looked strangely pleased.
"Then."
Zheng Yanshin did not respond to the enemy at all.
The moment the Paigong Sect martial artist smirked in disbelief, the Zheng Jia Dong Gong Jin Qi surged through his body.
A heavy energy rose from the ground, stirring up dust from his legs.
The next moment, the force that struck the earth contained a power that none present could match.
The violently rising dust spread in all directions.
Bang!
The face of the Paigong Sect martial artist, stained with shock, was obscured by the pure white Yihuang Sword.
The energy of the Shihua Wujue Quan surged from his fist, pushing the air aside.
Bang!
With the clash, a fierce wind swept in all directions.
For a moment, all other battles came to a halt.
The leader of the group, who barely blocked Zheng Yanshin's strike, staggered back, and two of those who were battling the Zhongnan disciples leaped towards him.
Zheng Yanshin did not stop and continued to strike.
It was thanks to the momentum he felt from Heng Yuan Chang's incoming energy.
Bang!
It was an astonishing energy.
Through the scattered blades of grass, Heng Yuan Chang's sword, held in reverse, flashed with brilliance.
Entering the life-and-death struggle, he was entirely different from usual.
Clang!
The unique technique of Ma Guangjie deflected the enemy's sword and struck just below the chest.
He had no idea how he had mastered it to such an extent.
The momentum of cutting down enemies with an indifferent expression was tremendous.
The killing intent was so intense it could pierce the skin.
He realized once again that Heng Yuan Chang's life was also extraordinary.
Kaang! Bang!
His thoughts were formed unconsciously.
Thanks to Heng Yuan Chang, he could stabilize the one-on-one situation.
He pressed forward, unleashing all sorts of deadly martial arts.
The swift sword technique of Ma Guangjie did not even give the enemy a chance to breathe.
Whenever a deadly strike came close, he dodged with a step of Huan Yi Bo while simultaneously counterattacking.
Crack!
Finally, when he thrust the Yihuang Sword into the enemy's heart, it was as if he had lost several moves in a game of Go.
The enemy did not realize this.
The Paigong Sect martial artist trembled, his lips quivering.
"This... this sword has no depth..."
Puhak!
In an instant, the sword was drawn, freezing time.
All battles ceased.
The gathered gazes were filled with shock and awe.
Amidst the loud sound of the wind brushing past the peak, Zheng Yanshin shook off the sword and spoke.
"There is no depth. I know that too."
It was a swift sword technique born from not having learned proper swordsmanship.
Looking around, he saw Heng Yuan Chang had already dealt with the remaining Paigong Sect martial artists.
In military terms, it was akin to defeating a separate unit.
"... We overreacted. I apologize for the rudeness."
"May I ask who you have served?"
"Ma Guangjie Zheng Yanshin. I will not be forgotten. After all, it will soon be a name that resonates throughout the martial world."
The martial artists of the Zhongnan Sect, who had trained in the mountains, had a certain purity about them.
When had they ever shown a hint of pride or jealousy? Now, having confirmed their strength through the grace of Gu Ming, they could not hide their admiration.
They were eager to engage in conversation.
Until Zhongnan Jianxian and Wei Zhi Miao Hua returned after settling the fight.
"Zhongnan is indebted."
"We protected our kin."
Zheng Yanshin gently embraced Heya, and Zhongnan Jianxian shook his head.
"Heya will become the pillar of our main sect, following Miao Hua. Even if it is a rightful duty as a relative, it is still a grace for our main sect."
"If you think so, I would be grateful. Then, I apologize, but may I practice for a moment here? You need not leave the place. The rising sensation grips my heart and does not let go."
The inspiration resonated from the crown of his head.
He felt a pang of regret for not having a proper place, but as Zhongnan Jianxian spoke of grace, he quickly voiced his thoughts.
"Did you gain insight...?"
It seemed like a good thing.
Zhongnan Jianxian quickly moved the people back.
At the same time, Zheng Yanshin, who caught a glimpse of the cliff of the sword sect, drew the Yihuang Sword.
"Every experience in battle is new."
Thanks to the Paigong Sect, he could refine his understanding.
The sunlight streamed down onto the pure white sword extending from his grasp.
Soon, as Zheng Yanshin swung his arm, the sword began to draw a strange line.
It was a smooth trajectory without any special momentum.
It was as if the sun was captured a little more on the sword's surface.
"…!"
Just that alone made Zhongnan Jianxian's eyes widen in astonishment.
However, Zheng Yanshin's Yihuang Sword could not advance further and fell.
Rough breaths escaped him.
Moving the sword according to the sparkling inspiration was not enough.
His true energy did not rise as he wished.
Just as he had always created his own martial arts, the sword marks on the cliff seemed to tell Zheng Yanshin to find his own sword.
"I will not take the legacy of the sword sect."
Zheng Yanshin, who steadied his breath with the Zheng Jia Dong Gong, spoke.
"That is to say... there is a sword path like this, so think a little broader. It seemed to be saying that. That's just how I felt."
He himself did not even know what he was saying.
The young Heya, as well as Heng Yuan Chang and Zheng Zhongshan, seemed to feel the same.
Only Zhongnan Jianxian nodded as if he understood the true meaning.
Beside Wei Zhi Miao Hua, who wore an expression difficult to read.
"They say that the traces left by a great master who has established a family contain spiritual energy. It means transcending the boundaries of martial arts and sorcery. The elder of the sword sect must be the same, and you have communicated with him. Your fate and talent have aligned."
"Ah."
Zheng Yanshin let out a short gasp and slightly closed his eyes.
"They said he spent his later years in Zhongnan. Then he must have shared friendships with the masters of the Zhongnan Sect. The color of the Zhongnan sword technique is deep, so it does not suit my body, and it is inefficient to master."
In the first place, he could create a martial art that suited his body.
The speed of advancement in martial arts was different.
The reason he did not follow others' martial arts was precisely that.
"Zheng Xiaoyou, could you explain in detail what you mean?"
Wei Zhi Miao Hua's pale face calmly gazed at Zheng Yanshin.
Her gaze did not waver.
The sword dragon, which danced beautifully in the sky, looked only at Zheng Yanshin.
"The restoration of the Gu Yang Yi Shi sword technique is entirely the responsibility of the Sword Dragon Great Hero. I can assist you a little."
"You, Xiaoyou...?"
"Just a moment. My training is not yet complete."
Wei Zhi Miao Hua closed her lips.
Zheng Zhongshan seemed to be taken aback, as if no one had treated the great master like this, but Zheng Yanshin's consciousness immediately sank into the Yihuang Sword.
When he saw the sword marks on the cliff, he had a strange experience.
It felt as if the world had flipped upside down, and he experienced an illusion of being crushed into a single line.
All of it was inspiration.
If he could extend the sword faster than the opponent, it would suffice, and he clearly understood why the Taiji Huijian and Meihua Sword were counted among the best in the martial world.
The refined sword technique was different from merely handling a sword.
The intentions contained in the techniques merged with the true energy and swordsmanship, creating a harmony that had never existed in the world.
The Meihua Sword of the Huashan Sect, which could bloom fragrant flowers with the sword, was like that.
The sword techniques of the martial world were said to be a compilation of such things.
Until now, he had not understood the sword.
"With nothing, I could only cling to the swift sword technique."
It was due to the lack of depth.
Now he understood.
Woom.
The sound of the sword resonated in his grasp.
The Yihuang Sword soared into the sky, wrapped in the sunlight that fell like rain.
The blade, drawing a graceful line, glimmered with light, and the distinct white trajectory of the Yihuang Sword clearly separated the heavens and the earth.
It was a sword dance.
At this moment, the legacy left by the sword sect was shining forth from the hands of the young great master.
The sword did not stop at inheritance but soared to another sky.
Tears flowed down the wrinkled face of Zhongnan Jianxian, who had descended through the ages.
"O Sword Sect..."