Two Realms High Martial Arts: Gathering the Heavens to Become a Great Luo Immortal

Chapter 211 The Great Technique of the Maiden, Gathering in Zhuoyu (2.5k)

In the top-floor private room of Baiwei Tower in Beiyan County,

This place is quiet and elegant, with a view overlooking half of the city from the window.

A table by the window holds only a few simple dishes and a pot of tea.

Two people sat facing each other.

One of them, dressed in green and carrying a sword, had a cold and stern expression. His aura was like a sharp blade hidden in its sheath. He was Fang Qinghua, the sixth-ranked man on the Human Ranking, known as the "Sword of No Return," and came from the Sword Sect, one of the three holy lands.

The other person was dressed in a crimson Taoist robe with faint lightning patterns on the cuffs. He was Han Qiong, the fifth on the Human Ranking, known as "Thunder Hand," and was a disciple of Shenxiao Dao, one of the three Daoist sects.

Fang Qinghua and Han Qiong have been friends for many years.

Han Qiong, being from the Shenxiao Dao, a Daoist sect with the most stringent and strictest precepts, would naturally not go to the Zhaixing Tower like some drinking monk.

Therefore, after testing his sword against the skilled fighters of Zhaixing Tower, Fang Qinghua turned and left.

Together with this friend who dislikes hustle and bustle, we stayed temporarily in a quiet place for a short get-together.

"The wild geese gather in the north, and we steal a moment of leisure here." Fang Qinghua's voice was calm, like the clear tea in his hand, without any ripples or waves.

Han Qiong's fingertip tapped the desktop lightly:

"Taking a break? If Li Xijun hadn't entered the city, you and I would probably be searching for the Golden Wolf King's Court and the High King's Sword Trial deep in the northern desert by now."

A hint of amusement played on the lips of the handsome Taoist priest. "I heard he has already gone to the Star-Picking Tower."

Fang Qinghua's gaze narrowed slightly: "Li Xijun—this person, a sudden arrival as the leader. His sword, its true nature remains unknown."

Han Qiong chuckled: "To be able to reverse the flow of two apertures and attack a half-step Outer Realm cultivator, how could you be easily defeated? The [Book of Mortal World] never misleads anyone."

"It was Chu Kuangge, the 'Heavenly Blade,' who was ranked second because of him."

"Later, half a month ago, the Golden Wolf Royal Court's current prodigy, King Gao, hunted down a half-step Outer Realm expert in the Northern Desert, and then withstood an attack from an Outer Realm expert and escaped unscathed, ranking second and pushing him down to third on the Human Ranking."

"I've heard that his sword intent has become increasingly frenzied lately, and he's about to lose control of his cultivation level."

"He hasn't achieved the unity of heaven and man, so naturally he's unwilling to advance." Fang Qinghua's tone remained cold and hard. "I only question his sword; it might force me to unleash the full power of my 'Sword of No Return.'"

"Nie Kuang is guarding the ninth level," Han Qiong suddenly said. "You used thirteen moves of your 'Sword of No Return'."

"His blade is fast and fierce, but it lacks variation and misses the essence. Thirteen sword strikes are enough."

Fang Qinghua made a casual comment, then immediately asked a question in return.

"How many sword strikes do you think Li Xijun needs?"

Han Qiong pondered for a moment, turning the cup between his fingers:

"Nie Kuang's nine-aperture cultivation is no ordinary skill. If Li Xijun wants to win over the crowd, he should be defeated within ten sword strikes. If he exceeds—"

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear.

Just then, steady footsteps sounded outside the private room.

A middle-aged butler dressed in dark brocade robes stood outside the door, bowing slightly.

"I'm sorry to have disturbed your enjoyment, gentlemen. I am a steward of the Eighth Prince's residence."

Fang Qinghua and Han Qiong raised their eyes slightly, somewhat surprised.

"What is it?" Fang Qinghua asked.

The steward, his expression revealing undisguised admiration, respectfully said:

"I have come to inform you two gentlemen that the matter you were discussing has been resolved by the Star-Picking Tower:"

"Li Xijun and Young Master Li, having ascended to the ninth level, defeated 'Wind Chasing Blade' Master Nie with only three sword strikes."

As soon as he finished speaking, the private room fell silent.

Fang Qinghua's hand holding the teacup froze in mid-air. The tea in the cup remained motionless, but his gaze suddenly sharpened like a sword piercing three inches, exuding a chilling aura.

Han Qiong's fingers, which were toying with the teacup, suddenly stopped, and a flash of purple lightning seemed to appear and disappear in the private room.

silence.

For three full breaths, the air became as still as iron.

The power of those three swords was beyond words; they were like invisible swords that pierced through the air, causing both of the top talents on the Human Ranking to lose their composure.

The steward, seemingly oblivious to the brief silence, continued:

"The prince was delighted upon hearing this and specially ordered me to deliver an invitation."

He presented two gold-painted scrolls, the cover bearing the three characters "Qionglin Banquet" written in a vigorous and flowing style, subtly conveying a Taoist aesthetic.

"His Highness wishes to host the Qionglin Banquet, inviting the talents of the Northern Wilderness to discuss martial arts and the Dao, and to explore the mysteries of the interaction between Heaven and Man. Young Master Li Xijun has already agreed to attend. His Highness has long admired the elegance of the two gentlemen and has specially ordered me to extend this sincere invitation. I hope you will grace us with your presence."

"Harmony between man and nature..." Han Qiong was the first to come to his senses and suppress the turmoil in his heart.

Currently, among the top ten geniuses on the Human Ranking, aside from the two freaks, Li Xijun and Li Qinghan, the siblings, almost everyone has reached the realm of having all nine orifices opened.

With their genius and temperament, they naturally sought the state of harmony between humanity and nature.

Such a grand event is a long-awaited opportunity.

Fang Qinghua accepted the invitation, his fingertips tracing the fiery imagery on it, resembling a red dragon and a pea, and said calmly, "I will certainly attend."

"I will also keep my appointment on time." Han Qiong chuckled, his fighting spirit barely concealed.

The middle-aged manager bowed and said with a smile:

"I will certainly report back to Your Highness. Tomorrow, I will await your arrival."

The words had barely left his lips when they quietly faded away.

The private room returned to tranquility, the aroma of tea still lingering.

However, beneath the surface of their hearts, things were not as calm as they had been during their previous conversation.

Deep within the Moon-Viewing Pavilion,

A quiet courtyard.

The ethereal sound of the zither, like a clear spring rinsing jade, flows between heaven and earth.

I don't know when,

The young female disciple, dressed in a light pink dress, appeared again respectfully and reported in a low voice:

"Elder—Li Xijun has reached the summit of the Star-Picking Tower, broken through the ninth level, and defeated Nie Kuang, taking—three sword strikes."

The fairy Muyue paused slightly as she played the zither, causing the music to falter a little.

A faint hint of surprise appeared on her face, which quickly turned into a more amused smile.

"Three Swords One—"

Her lips parted slightly, exuding an indescribable allure. "Quite efficient."

"However... Nie Kuang's blade, though fast, is ultimately a self-taught technique, so it's not surprising that he was defeated."

"And look at his sword again. How does it compare to Shang Qinghua's 'Sword That Never Returns,' Han Qiong's 'Divine Thunder,' and the Eighth Prince's 'Fire Dragon Burns'?"

"If we can win," said Fairy Muyue, her delicate hand once again touching the strings of her zither, and the music began again, still ethereal.

"I should also try practicing the 'Women's Great Law' of our sect."

The young female disciple, dressed in a light pink dress, trembled, her eyes fixed on the ground beneath her feet, not daring to make the slightest sound.

The following morning.

Outside Zhuoyu Garden, the area was already bustling with traffic and crowds.

This most elegant private garden under the Eighth Prince's name is now wide open to welcome heroes from all directions.

Inside the garden, servants hurried about, lanterns and decorations were hung, and tables and mats were laid out, creating a busy and festive scene.

Countless martial arts heroes and local warriors gathered here after hearing the news, hoping to witness the grand event and even hoping to gain some opportunities.

However, the vast majority of them were politely turned away outside the most central garden area.

Although a few people were dissatisfied and complained in hushed tones, they could only shrink back into the crowd and find some spots on the periphery to wait eagerly, considering the identity of that prince and the entry requirements for the Ranking of People.

Only a few young and female heroes listed on the Human Ranking could be respectfully led into the strictly guarded core area after their identities were verified and invitations were presented.

Just as the crowd began to discuss something briefly while waiting,

A slight commotion suddenly arose at the garden gate. Two young men walked side by side, not deliberately exuding an aura, yet they possessed an presence that subconsciously caused the crowd to part ways.

On the left is a man dressed in a blue robe, carrying a long sword on his back. His face is cold and stern, and wherever his eyes sweep across, it is as if an invisible sword blade is passing by, making people's skin feel cold.

On the right is a man in a crimson Taoist robe, with a tall and straight figure. He has a faint smile on his lips and bright, intelligent eyes that seem to spark with lightning.

"It's Young Master Fang, the 'Sword of No Return,' and Daoist Han, the 'Thunderclap Hand'!"

"They're here too!"

"Several of the top ten on the list of talented individuals have arrived; this Qionglin Banquet is truly a gathering of heroes!"

"I wonder if we'll see them make a move today—"

Whispers quickly spread through the crowd, and all eyes were focused on these two renowned prodigies, filled with awe and curiosity.

Fang Qinghua seemed oblivious to the surrounding chatter, keeping her eyes straight ahead as she walked directly into the garden.

Han Qiong casually glanced at the surrounding crowd, his gaze lingering briefly on a few figures with considerable presence, and he chuckled softly.

Together with Fang Qinghua, they entered the garden under the guidance of the steward of the Prince's Mansion.

And not long after that...

The crowd of martial artists who had come to watch the spectacle caused a great uproar.

A scholar in a blue robe and a monk wielding a staff stood at the head of the procession.

Finally, a young man, dressed in black as always and with a sword at his waist, slowly entered the garden and took his seat.

Since then,

Almost everyone in the Zhuoyu Garden perked up. Everyone knew that with the arrival of this person, the Qionglin Banquet had officially begun!