Amidst the astonishment of all parties, silence soon fell.
Seeing this, Gu Wen gained a deeper understanding of his situation, just as he had anticipated from the beginning.
The concept of righteousness is always pleasant to hear, but in reality, it is filled with petty schemes and selfish motives.
A mere dead person cannot stand against the world; only interests that no one can resist can do so.
Since what they sought was profit, most would prefer to be the last yellow sparrow rather than the first mantis to fall.
Moreover, we are not cicadas.
Gu Wen pointed his spear at Xiao Yunyi and said, “Ranked tenth on the Human List, Gu Wen, please enlighten me.”
‘As rumored, he truly is a madman, but only at the third level of Dao Foundation completion.’
Xiao Yunyi assessed Gu Wen's cultivation and breathed a slight sigh of relief.
If the opponent's cultivation were on par with his own, he would likely be unable to defeat him.
In the contest for the Immortal Land, one first looks at the Dao Foundation, then at the Law Manifestation.
The Dao Foundation is the foremost, while the Law Manifestation is the second consideration in actual combat, with remaining techniques being the third.
The Dao Foundation is the foundation of everything; it represents a cultivator's outlook on their future limits and serves as their reliance for displaying techniques in the Immortal Land at the current stage.
He was one level higher in Dao Foundation than Gu Wen, naturally holding an advantage in all aspects.
However, having heard that the opponent had once escaped from the hands of the Hundred Battles True Monarch, it was clear that he was not an ordinary person and could not be dealt with as easily as He Huan.
Xiao Yunyi did not dare to let his guard down.
He circulated his power and coldly said, “The current heir of Zhejian Mountain, Xiao Yunyi.”
The two exchanged energies, and the moment they touched, it felt as if water and fire were at odds, causing the surrounding cultivators to feel a heavy atmosphere.
In order not to interfere with the duel, He Huan flew down from the eaves and returned to the original tavern.
Most of the people here were worldly cultivators and their protectors, gathering in dozens for what was originally a simple exchange meeting.
However, a group of people gathered together inevitably began discussing matters of Bianjing, particularly a suddenly emerged prodigy of the military, one who had escaped from the Hundred Battles True Monarch.
Most acknowledged Gu Wen's strength, but when it came to comparing him with others, they could not help but make comparisons.
Thus, He Huan began to argue with them, which eventually turned into a contest of strength—whoever had the bigger fist was right.
“This child is truly arrogant; does he really think he can defeat Senior Brother Xiao?”
An untimely voice came from the crowd.
He Huan glanced over and saw a recently defeated opponent, ranked only eighty.
Such mediocre individuals often become sycophants, as when they cannot push their way into the top circles through strength, the only option left is to sell their spirit.
He Huan could not evaluate the good or bad of this; not everyone sought to become an immortal or pursue the Dao.
Many simply wished to earn a foundation for breaking through to the fourth realm and then enjoy a thousand years of comfort as a True Monarch.
But that did not stop him from mocking the other, who had no face yet still sought respect.
“Are you from Zhejian Mountain?”
“Those who have cultivated are prioritized; Senior Brother Xiao's sword path is profound and deserves the title of Senior Brother.”
“Your face is truly large; I wonder why you didn’t go to Zhejian Mountain back then—was it because you didn’t want to?”
“How dare you insult me!”
Before the two could clash, suddenly a flash appeared in the outer space, and myriad lights enveloped the entire marketplace, followed by a loud and clear sound that pierced their ears.
Bang!
Gu Wen and Xiao Yunyi collided, the spear's aura like a dragon, the sword's energy like the wind, clashing thousands of times in an instant, blooming in mid-air like an iron tree blossoming.
They both intentionally or unintentionally drew the battle upwards, but due to the limitations of the heavens, they could not fly, only soaring continuously at low altitudes.
At this moment, it was a test of body techniques.
Gu Wen's technique stemmed from the Yuling Sect, emphasizing grace and naturalness, while Xiao Yunyi seemed to be correcting the softness in his sword technique, his movements instead being bold and expansive, stepping through the air like an explosion, coming straight and direct.
Overall, Gu Wen was at a disadvantage, as he had just acquired the advanced version of the technique, the Moonstep, and had yet to practice it.
This was Gu Wen's greatest disadvantage compared to other prodigies; his cultivation time was very short, while others had decades or even hundreds of times more experience.
Without the Tian Sui, relying solely on talent, Gu Wen might need to remain dormant for another ten years.
And making up for the gap was the time to test the heights of talent.
The spear's aura broke through the sword energy, just as He Huan had encountered before, with the fine sword energy still resisting the spear's aura.
Gu Wen, already operating at full power, sent more energy into his spear, causing the veins in his hand to bulge as the spear's aura suddenly surged, doubling in intensity.
Transforming into the first style of the Tian Gang Spear, the Breaking Law Aura.
The fine sword energy shattered in response, and Xiao Yunyi swung his sword again, the dense and fine sword energy countering the remaining spear's aura.
The two retreated again, each consuming energy.
Gu Wen was slightly panting; although the condensed spear's lethality was considerable, it also consumed a great deal of energy.
Xiao Yunyi, while not panting, no longer held the relaxed demeanor he had earlier.
Anyone with discerning eyes could see that Gu Wen had the upper hand; Xiao Yunyi had used two moves just to fend off one of Gu Wen's.
If this continued, mere consumption could lead to his downfall.
The previously boisterous crowd fell silent, and He Huan clapped the table in approval, then turned to say, “Speak, why are you not speaking?”
“I underestimated you.”
Xiao Yunyi's breath changed, a gentle breeze blowing, and a willow tree appeared behind him.
Sword Path Law Manifestation, Thousand Swords Willow Tree.
“I will use all my strength, but this bustling market is not suitable for a prolonged battle.”
“Then let us change locations.”
Gu Wen's breathing slightly intensified, and the killing intent in his eyes was unabashed.
He never considered himself a martial fanatic.
However, fighting against stronger opponents would undoubtedly accelerate his progress; his Zhao Lie Law Manifestation would leap with joy at the prospect of battle.
The divine abilities he nurtured were also advancing rapidly; he vaguely understood that divine abilities could not be accelerated with Tian Sui.
This item could only be honed through battle, as its name suggests—killing.
Xiao Yunyi shook his head and said, “No need; I have matters to attend to today, and this bustling market is not convenient for a prolonged fight. I will only make three moves.”
Gu Wen asked, “Three moves to defeat me?”
“I dare not say defeat you, but I can still best you.”
The two unleashed their full power without reservation, then soared ten zhang into the air amidst the astonished cries of the many mortals.
Although they could not fly, a brief moment of hovering was not a problem.
Xiao Yunyi swung his sword at Gu Wen, the willow tree Law Manifestation swaying in the wind, unsure whether it was the tree stirring the breeze or the breeze stirring the tree.
The leaves were like soft swords, hanging down in three thousand strands, and with a single movement, the sword energy illuminated all directions.
With a fourth level Dao Foundation, completing the third level, and the sword path Law Manifestation.
This was Xiao Yunyi's confidence as the seventh-ranked prodigy; most of the current prodigies were still at the third level, with only the more formidable He Huan beginning to complete the first level.
He was already at the fourth level and possessed a Law Manifestation.
In terms of Dao Foundation alone, he was equivalent to a seventh level, while Gu Wen, despite having completed the third level Dao Foundation, was only equivalent to a sixth level.
Both were in peak condition, not half-damaged; even a slight difference could determine victory or defeat, let alone the fact that the gap was more than just a little.
Gu Wen thrust his spear, the red dragon Law Manifestation charging into the myriad fine willow sword energies, suddenly pushing forward five zhang, disregarding the thousands of blades that seemed to rain down upon him, blood accompanied by overwhelming killing intent enveloping Xiao Yunyi.
Half a step into martial, six feet without life.
The red dragon Law Manifestation, along with the willow tree, was engulfed, and for a moment, Xiao Yunyi felt as if he had entered a dark and sunless realm.
Another spear came at him, and he had no choice but to unleash another move to defend.
Not to defeat Gu Wen, but merely to withstand the opponent's attack.
The Law Manifestation domain shattered, and Xiao Yunyi had already used two moves; his expression became extremely grave.
But Gu Wen did not give him a chance to catch his breath, the spear's aura enveloping his hand, completely transforming into the Zhao Lie Spear, a trace of the Dao rhythm belonging to divine abilities manifesting.
Exhausting all his strength, the intent to kill.
The willow tree Law Manifestation swayed in resistance; this was the third move.
In the midst of it, the Law Manifestation could not withstand it, and Xiao Yunyi unleashed a protective Dao technique, his body being lifted high; this was the fourth move.
Gu Wen stood ten zhang below, a red dragon swirling above him, the five spirits manifesting in full.
“Five Spirits Manifest!?”
At this moment, countless cultivators suddenly stood up, astonished, incredulous, and unable to believe what they were witnessing once again.
On that day, no one dared to get too close, and with the golden army's might as a formation, those who knew the number of Gu Wen's spirit manifestations were few and far between.
Xiao Yunyi understood that he no longer had the qualification to speak of defeating the enemy in three moves.
He circulated his power and unleashed all his techniques, Dao Foundation, various methods, Law Manifestations, and even some that would damage his own vitality.
And the highest sword technique of Zhejian Mountain, the Heaven-Toppling Sword.
The sword fell like a mountain collapsing, and the red dragon soared into the sky.
Boom!
The shockwave swept downward, sending countless tiles flying.
Gu Wen and Xiao Yunyi were both sent flying back a distance, then almost simultaneously steadied themselves, standing atop a roof.
Gu Wen wiped the blood from his face and smiled, “I made twelve moves; how about you?”
“...Twelve moves.”
Xiao Yunyi's cold face bore an additional wound, and his usually calm voice was somewhat hoarse and low.
He stared blankly at the soft sword in his hand, then looked up at the seemingly ordinary man before him.
Having failed to defeat him within three moves, achieving a draw after twelve moves, yet they were still separated by a level in Dao Foundation.
Those who could defeat enemies of a higher level must use techniques several times stronger than their opponent to bridge the gap.
He was the undisputed prodigy of Zhejian Mountain, the foremost sword cultivator of his generation.
Perhaps he was not invincible, but no one had ever been able to match him across levels; the reason for proposing three moves was not out of arrogance, but because he believed in his peak sword path.
For he had always been a prodigy who could defeat enemies of a higher level with his peak sword path!
Today, however, he had been matched by someone of a lower level, and in a life-and-death struggle, he could not be certain of defeating the other.
Gu Wen, with a face slightly stained with blood, smiled brightly and said, “Then let it be a draw.”
“No, you won.” Xiao Yunyi shook his head, speaking seriously and earnestly, “I have one more level in Dao Foundation than you, so you won.”
“What of it? A win is a win, a draw is a draw. If you are one level lower than me, you have no qualification to fight me. If you are on par with me, you can only lose.”
Gu Wen tossed aside his spear, the silver spear flying into the tavern where He Huan was, then stepped away, leaving behind a voice that resonated with a sense of freedom.
“This level is the qualification for you to stand before me.”
Silence, utter silence!
Throughout history, prodigies have always taken pride in defeating enemies of a higher level, yet it has never been common sense to surpass prodigies by a level.
In the teahouse, by the time Gu Wen returned, the place had already been surrounded by court officials, with only Yu Hua and Ao Tang still seated.
He floated up to the second floor, and Yu Hua looked at him with a beaming smile and asked, “How was it?”
“I was slightly inferior to him; if it were a life-and-death struggle, I couldn't guarantee a win.”
Gu Wen answered extremely honestly, causing Ao Tang beside him to twitch his mouth, internally screaming: This is the first of the military, the heir of Zhejian Mountain! You matched him across a level and still say you were ‘slightly inferior’? If it were a true match, would you kill him?
However, Yu Hua seriously considered for him, “If you refine the technique I gave you completely, your chances of winning should be a bit higher. But to completely defeat him, you would need at least a fourth level Dao Foundation; after all, he is not a mere nobody.”
“It may take some time.”
Gu Wen pondered slightly; he was thinking about where to obtain Tian Sui.
Now he had thirty-one years of Tian Sui, while breaking through to the fourth level Dao Foundation required fifty, and perfection required two hundred and fifty years.
Perhaps he could first reach the fourth level Dao Foundation like them, then slowly consider achieving perfection.
He just didn’t know if there would be any additional consumption.
And here was Luoshui, a gathering place for goods from all over the world; he wondered if there were any treasures in the government.
“Let’s go.”
Yu Hua did not like being watched by so many people, standing up and leaving the teahouse.
Outside, the knife-wielding officials saw them emerge and immediately treated them as enemies.
Gu Wen walked in front, stepping over the threshold, an overwhelming killing intent rolling forth, raising his brow and startling a hundred horses into chaos, causing a scene of people and horses tumbling over each other, allowing them to leave unimpeded.
Once the officials stabilized, they exchanged glances, then one by one lay back down.
Taking this fall was at least worth the Zhao family's rations.
With this thought, the officials felt a surge of anger.
Damn! It had already been half a year without rations.
Gu Wen and his group brazenly found an inn to stay in; the inn that dared to accommodate them was not an ordinary establishment, but one run by an external force.
Initially, the innkeeper quoted a price of one hundred taels of silver for a night.
Gu Wen slammed the table, shattering it, then, with his silver tongue, negotiated the price down to ten taels for three rooms.
In the dead of night, as Gu Wen was meditating, he suddenly heard a light knock on the window, followed by a familiar voice.
“Brother Hongchen, are you still awake?”
Gu Wen continued to refine his power; he still had cultivation to attend to and had no mood to deal with He Huan.
Whatever it was could wait until tomorrow.
Did a grown man really need to run to his room at midnight to talk?
“Let’s go for a stroll at the Taifu Office.”
The window was suddenly opened, and Gu Wen grabbed his Qiankun bag and climbed out, pulling He Huan, who was squatting outside, along with him.
(End of Chapter)