In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 417 Sword Eleven, Night Arrives

evening.

As the sun sets, its afterglow paints the sky with a warm orange-red hue and a magnificent purple glow.

Inside the garden of the Flying Tiger Escort Agency.

Gu Shaoan stood quietly in the garden.

Less than two zhang away from him, the Yitian Sword, along with its ancient scabbard, was casually stuck in the soft soil, with only half of the hilt showing, gleaming with a dark luster in the setting sun.

What he held in his hand was not a divine weapon, but merely an ordinary branch that he had just broken off from a pine tree in the garden.

The branch was about three feet long and no more than a finger's width thick, with a rough bark and a few withered yellow leaves that had not yet fallen.

A gentle evening breeze stirred, ruffling a few strands of hair on his forehead and rustling softly through the grass and trees in the garden.

Just as the wind picked up, Gu Shaoan moved.

He gently lifted the branch in his hand, seemingly slowly but actually quickly, drawing a natural and smooth arc.

Without the surging of vital energy or the crisscrossing of sword qi, only tree branches were used as swords to demonstrate the sword techniques from the "Emei Sword Manual".

Although the sword moves were not enhanced by the Qi Yuan (罡元, a type of internal energy), in Gu Shaoan's hands the moves flowed smoothly, the transitions were seamless, the power was contained but not revealed, yet the meaning was already evident.

The rough tip of the branch, with his movements, faintly produced a sharp, almost imperceptible sound as it cut through the air, as if it had transformed into an extension of an unparalleled sword.

The beauty of swordplay lies not in its power, but in the principles and rhythm it embodies. Even those unfamiliar with martial arts can appreciate a harmonious yet dangerous aesthetic.

The afterglow of the setting sun stretched his dancing figure long, and in the interplay of light and shadow, the ordinary tree branches seemed to be gilded with a layer of gold. Every dot, thorn, smear, and pick drew the light along, carrying an indescribable rhythm.

When he used the "Sword Ten: Dawn" sword move to leisurely execute it with a tree branch, Gu Shaoan lightly touched the ground with his toes. His figure seemed to be gently lifted up by the evening breeze itself, or like a drifting willow catkin being swept up by another invisible air current. Without warning, he swung up into the air with extreme lightness, drawing a graceful arc.

The glow of the setting sun shone obliquely from behind him, outlining a dazzling golden edge around his tall figure.

He soared into the air, his robes fluttering, the golden and white hem rustling in the evening breeze, giving him an air of riding the wind and drifting away from the world.

At the highest point, Gu Shaoan turned his wrist with an extremely smooth yet incredibly steady motion.

The branches of that ordinary pine tree were now enveloped in a layer of golden light.

Then, Gu Shaoan casually and gently pushed his wrist forward as if he were plucking a string on a musical instrument.

The movements were so gentle, like an immortal extending a finger, as if to stroke the head of mortal beings.

Just as the sword tip tore through the air, the river breeze that had just blown in, along with the internal energy and vital energy that Gu Shaoan had condensed around him, all surged wildly into the tree branch in his hand.

In an instant, the tree branch burst forth with a blinding light, and in that instant, the surrounding light, the breeze, and even the power of heaven and earth were all gathered around Gu Shaoan.

Immediately afterwards, a dazzling sword light lingered in the air.

In the next instant, Gu Shaoan's sword light struck the artificial hill like a comet falling to earth.

This is so slight, like a dragonfly skimming the water.

The artificial hill still stands there quietly, and from the outside, there is not even any crack or tremor.

However, just as Gu Shaoan landed, a gentle evening breeze swept by.

Under this evening breeze.

The artificial hill in front of me was like morning mist thoroughly illuminated by the sunlight, or ashes blown by the gentlest evening breeze. Following the path of the breeze, it rose gracefully and elegantly, turning into a hazy, grayish-white column of smoke, which quickly dissipated and merged into the deepening twilight and air, leaving no trace.

In front of Gu Shaoan, there was only an exceptionally clean and flat empty space that perfectly matched the original base of the artificial mountain.

It was as if the artificial mountain had never existed there, leaving not a trace or a single fragment.

Taking in the effect of this sword strike, Gu Shaoan's lips curled into a handsome smile.

The concept of realm or spiritual level is something that cannot be seen or touched, yet it certainly exists.

Without reaching a certain level of mastery, many things in the path of martial arts remain unclear, like trying to see flowers through a fog.

But if one's understanding is sufficient, looking back brings a sense of sudden enlightenment, like the clearing of clouds and fog.

Gu Shaoan has been researching how to transform the "Immortal Touching the Head" move from a palm technique into a sword technique for nearly two years.

However, due to insufficient skill level, Gu Shaoan always felt that this move lacked a certain smoothness.

It's completely different from the natural feeling of palm techniques.

But now, with Gu Shaoan's own swordsmanship reaching the Heavenly Sword Realm.

The improvement in his swordsmanship also gave Gu Shaoan a completely new understanding of swordsmanship and sword moves.

He naturally understood what exactly was the slight lack of roundness he was missing.
Now, following Sword Ten: Dawn, the Emei Sword Manual has successfully added another move to its sword techniques.

Moreover, due to Gu Shaoan's own mastery of "Immortal Touching the Head," this new move perfectly blends the subtlety of "Immortal Touching the Head" with the power and momentum of heaven and earth.

Its power surpasses that of Sword Ten: Dawn.

However, as he reflected on his new sword move, the more Gu Shaoan thought about it, the more he felt that it was quite similar to the move "Flying Immortal from Beyond the Heavens".

Thinking that his sword move originated from "Immortal Touching the Head", Gu Shaoan had an idea for the name of this new sword move.

"Sword Eleven: Flying Immortal"

After the sword name was decided, Gu Shaoan once again raised the branch in his hand to practice the sword moves, thus constantly comprehending and becoming familiar with the changes brought about by the Heavenly Sword Realm, until the twilight completely swallowed the last ray of light.

End of Hai hour.

When all is quiet.

Just as the disciples on night watch in the front yard of the Flying Tiger Escort Agency were getting a little sleepy, a faint, almost inaudible sound of wind breaking came from the high wall on the east side of the agency, and then crossed the wall and entered the interior of the agency.

Upon landing, the figure staggered slightly, breathing rapidly and erratically.

After calming down a bit, the figure glanced around and then quickly headed towards the garden.

At the same time, Huang Xuemei, who was cultivating inside the house, seemed to sense something and her brows furrowed slightly.

Then, using his left hand to draw in the zither case beside him, he floated up from the bed.

As she approached the door, Huang Xuemei lightly lifted her sleeve, and a surge of energy pulled the door open, allowing her to step through without any hindrance.

As Huang Xuemei stepped out of the room, she looked up and saw a figure rapidly approaching from a distance.

Not far from this figure, another figure was closing the distance at a visible speed.

Two breaths later, as the other party drew closer, Huang Xuemei was able to see the leader by the light of the lanterns hanging under the eaves of the courtyard.

When Huang Xuemei's gaze fell upon Qin Mengyao's pretty face, flushed and anxious, a look of astonishment flashed in her eyes.

"Is it her?" Huang Xuemei had met this famous Cihang Jingzhai Saintess when the Emei Sect held a banquet for people from all walks of life.

Two days ago, I personally witnessed Qin Mengyao and Gu Shaoan talking.

Qin Mengyao was naturally no stranger to him.

At the same time, as Qin Mengyao approached, she also noticed Huang Xuemei standing under a lantern in the courtyard, and her expression immediately changed drastically.

"Why is she here?"

However, sensing the movement behind her, Qin Mengyao gritted her teeth and still slipped into the courtyard.

It was only after Qin Mengyao entered the courtyard that Huang Xuemei noticed something was wrong with Qin Mengyao's condition.

However, she was completely different from the aloof and ethereal woman Huang Xuemei had seen before.

At this moment, Qin Mengyao had a few traces of blood at the corner of her mouth, and her originally fair and jade-like cheeks were flushed with an abnormal redness, as if she had drunk strong liquor or had a persistent high fever. Her breathing was rapid, and her chest rose and fell slightly. Her originally clear eyes were now watery and shimmering, containing a suppressed pain and an indescribable allure.

"This feeling... is it poison?"

Before Huang Xuemei could think further, another figure darted into the courtyard.

At the same time, the voice of the newcomer also rang out.

"Last time, Fairy Qin escaped. This time, even after being hit by my 'Spring Breeze Powder,' Fairy Qin was still able to run so far. As expected of the Holy Maiden of Cihang Jingzhai, she really has some skills."

"However, the medicinal effects mix with the flow of qi and blood. The more you suppress it with your internal energy, the faster it will take effect. When Fairy Qin and I get happy, the more wonderful the feeling will be."

However, before he could finish speaking, the man seemed to notice that there was another person in the courtyard besides Qin Mengyao, and his forward momentum stopped abruptly.

Huang Xuemei looked in that direction.

The dim light of the lantern shone on the man, who appeared to be in his thirties. He was unusually tall and robust, nearly a head taller than the average person, with broad shoulders, a thick back, and bulging muscles that stretched his black night clothes taut.

However, his appearance was ugly, with a long face, triangular eyes, and a bulbous nose, making him repulsive to look at.

When Huang Xuemei looked at him, the man's triangular eyes still held a lewd look.

Just as Huang Xuemei's gaze fell on the man, Qin Mengyao, who was standing beside her, took a deep breath and said in a weak and trembling voice, "Miss, be careful. This man is named Tian Zhongxing, nicknamed 'Langlijiao'. He is a notorious womanizer who runs rampant on waterways. His cultivation has reached the Condensation Realm, and he is skilled in using poison."

Perhaps she spoke too hastily, for as soon as she finished speaking, Qin Mengyao couldn't help but spit out a mouthful of blood.

After spitting out this mouthful of blood, the flush on her face not only did not diminish, but became even more delicate and alluring, as if blood was about to seep out.

Bathed in the warm, dim light of the lanterns hanging in the corridor, her exquisitely beautiful face was now imbued with a breathtaking charm, and her eyes held a fragile beauty as they moved.

The alluring charm revealed by this fairy-like figure as she fell into depravity made Tian Zhongxing's eyes gleam and his throat bob incessantly.

The fact that Huang Xuemei and Gu Shaoan would head directly to Yuanyue Gate yesterday was also thanks to the information given by Qin Mengyao.

Otherwise, if Ren Zhenbei were given more time, by the time Huang Xuemei and Gu Shaoan reached the Round Moon Gate, he might have already entered the Celestial Realm through the Great Three Harmonies.

In a way, Huang Xuemei and Gu Shaoan owed Qin Mengyao a favor.

Therefore, after roughly understanding the situation, Huang Xuemei slightly turned her body, preparing to save Qin Mengyao.

Tian Zhongxing stared greedily at Qin Mengyao, licked his lips, and then turned to look at Huang Xuemei.

Noticing Huang Xuemei's aloof demeanor and her refined and elegant appearance, Tian Zhongxing couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

He then burst into laughter: "I never expected that I, Tian, ​​would be so lucky today. Not only did I capture the Holy Maiden of Cihang Jingzhai, but I also met such a beautiful and charming young lady."

Therefore, in response to Tian Zhongxing's reaction, Huang Xuemei's face turned frosty, and her eyes were filled with murderous intent.

"court death".

As soon as she finished speaking, Huang Xuemei appeared in front of Tian Zhongxing in an instant, holding the violin case in one hand.

The speed was so fast that it even created a series of subtle yet clear afterimages.

Faced with the terrifying speed Huang Xuemei displayed, Tian Zhongxing's smile froze instantly, and the pupils in his triangular eyes suddenly contracted to needle size.

"So fast!"

As he saw Huang Xuemei raise her right palm, his heart trembled violently. In his haste, he could only rely on instinct to defend himself.

As a woman, Huang Xuemei already loathed flower thieves.

Not to mention that Tian Zhongxing now dares to treat her as prey.

Naturally, Huang Xuemei's attack was imbued with a chilling killing intent; she wouldn't hold back at all.

Therefore, just as Tian Zhongxing raised his arms, Huang Xuemei's seemingly slender and fair hand had already enlarged in front of him, until it was imprinted on the center of his forehead.

"Snapped!"

A dull, unusually muffled impact sound rang out.

Tian Zhongxing's burly body jolted violently, as if he had been struck head-on by an invisible iceberg. He was lifted off the ground and flew backward.

While in mid-air, a mouthful of dark red blood mixed with fragments of internal organs gushed out.

The courtyard was instantly filled with a sweet, fishy smell.

After his heavy body crashed onto the bluestone ground several meters away, he slid a distance further due to the force of Huang Xuemei's palm strike, until he finally stopped hitting the base of the courtyard wall.

After his limbs twitched twice, he became completely limp and motionless, with no breath left.

After killing Tian Zhongxing with a single palm strike, Huang Xuemei didn't even glance at him again, instead focusing her attention back on Qin Mengyao.

Meeting Huang Xuemei's gaze, Qin Mengyao bowed and said, "Thank you, Mengyao."

However, before Qin Mengyao could finish her sentence, her body suddenly slumped to the side like a rootless duckweed.

Upon seeing this, Huang Xuemei instantly appeared in front of Qin Mengyao and helped her up.

Huang Xuemei frowned slightly as she looked at Qin Mengyao, who had already lost consciousness.

Then, Huang Xuemei placed the zither case aside, supported Qin Mengyao with one hand, and placed the other hand on Qin Mengyao's back, channeling her own internal energy into Qin Mengyao's body to heal her injuries.

Inside the room, hearing the commotion outside, Gu Shaoan gently shook his head, then got up, opened the door, and came out.

After glancing at Tian Zhongxing's corpse in the corner, her gaze returned to Huang Xuemei and Qin Mengyao.

After a moment's hesitation, Gu Shaoan walked towards the two of them.

However, just as Gu Shaoan took a step, as if sensing something, his brows suddenly furrowed.

　Sorry, I felt unwell yesterday, and sure enough, I caught a cold today. I'm feeling really bad, so I'm writing very slowly! Only one update today! I'll catch up later! I still owe three updates in three days!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)