Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils: The Successor of Bodhidharma

Page 22

Feeling this immense warmth, Xie Xiaoyu had no more doubts. He looked at Qiao Feng excitedly and whispered, "I...I'm fine. Thank you, Brother Qiao."

Qiao Feng helped him off the stage and handed him over to the disciples of the gang for care. Then he turned around and faced Wang Jiantong and the elders, who were still in shock.

Wang Jiantong took a few deep breaths, barely suppressing the turmoil in his heart. He stared intently at Qiao Feng, his voice trembling slightly: "Feng'er! You... what you just used, 'The Dragon Regrets Its Ascent,' was controlled at will, a perfect balance of strength and gentleness..."

Qiao Feng met his master's gaze calmly, clasped his hands, and said, "Reporting to Master! The foundation of the palm technique was all taught to me by you, and I dare not forget it. As for the slight variations in the application of force... it was indeed my elder brother's guidance. My elder brother often said, 'Hardness cannot last long, softness cannot be maintained,' one must understand the skillful force of 'Controlling the Crane and Capturing the Dragon,' and comprehend the restraint of 'Diamond Prajna,' in order to make the palm force as responsive as one's own limbs, without exhausting one's strength and causing a backlash. My elder brother also taught me a method for harmonizing internal energy, which can alleviate the burden on the meridians caused by the extreme yang energy of the palm technique."

After listening, Wang Jiantong remained silent for a long time. Looking at his disciple, whose bearing was profound and who had already surpassed his master, he was filled with mixed emotions. There was shock, relief,感慨, and a complex feeling that was difficult to describe. He knew all too well that the Dragon Subduing Palm was incredibly powerful; the deeper one practiced it, the greater the burden on one's meridians. This was the reason why many leaders of the sect suffered from hidden ailments in their later years. Yet Qiao Feng, at such a young age, had grasped the principle of balance within it, not only maintaining its power but also increasing its variability and endurance. Such talent and comprehension were simply unheard of!

After a long silence, he exhaled a long breath, the last trace of doubt in his eyes vanishing, replaced by absolute certainty and admiration, and said in a deep voice:

"Excellent! Excellent Qiao Feng! Exceptionally talented and with extraordinary comprehension! He has even managed to innovate the Dragon Subduing Palm, reaching a level that no one before him has ever achieved! Judging from this palm technique alone, its combination of strength and gentleness, and its control over its release and release, is already on par with my own! Given time, he will surely be able to carry forward this palm technique and reach an unbelievable level of perfection!"

These words caused an uproar! The leader himself admitted that his sixteen-year-old disciple, Qiao Feng, was already as strong as him!

What does this mean? Everyone understands that the future of the Beggars' Sect, a dazzling new star, is rising irresistibly!

Standing amidst the crowd's attention, Qiao Feng remained calm, only his eyes gleaming with confidence and determination. He knew this was just the beginning. The path his brother had paved for him, he would surely walk higher and farther!

Chapter 70 The Clever Monkey

Tranquil Abode in the Back Mountain of Wudang

It was early summer, and the back of Wudang Mountain was lush and green. Beside the vegetable patch in the small courtyard specially prepared for Qiao Sanhuai and his wife, Qiao Sanhuai, his trousers rolled up, was bending over tending to several rows of vibrant green seedlings. Sweat beaded on his forehead, but his expression was one of contentment. He puffed on his old pipe, occasionally straightening up to take a couple of puffs, squinting at the fruits of his labor.

Mrs. Qiao sat on a bamboo stool to the side, sewing shoe soles with her hands, her gaze occasionally falling tenderly on her husband and the vegetable garden.

"Squeak!" A monkey's cry rang out. Suddenly, "Little Black," a macaque, appeared out of nowhere, carrying an even smaller, furry baby monkey on its shoulder. Little Black kept slapping the baby monkey's head with one paw, while pointing the other in the direction of Qiao's mother, chattering away as if it were scolding its child for being unruly and demanding strict discipline. The baby monkey, meanwhile, shrank its neck, trembling, looking utterly pitiful.

Seeing this, Qiao's mother immediately put down her work and said repeatedly, "Oh dear, don't hit him! What does the little monkey know?" As she spoke, she quickly walked back into the house, and after a short while, she came out with a few pieces of pastry and handed them to Xiao Hei.

Just moments before, Little Black was "fuming," but its movements were lightning-fast. It snatched the pastry, instantly retracting the paw that had been "scolding" the little monkey. It bared its teeth at Qiao's mother with a half-smile, then, with the little monkey, it "whooshed" up a nearby tree. The two monkeys, one big and one small, each had a piece of pastry, eating with relish. Where was the trace of their previous grievance and sternness? Clearly, they were putting on an act, coming to beg for food.

Qiao Tian had quietly entered the courtyard unnoticed and witnessed the entire scene. He sighed, rubbing his forehead and rolling his eyes, thinking to himself, "This lazybones' acting skills are getting better and better! Does he really think our whole family are stupid...simple-minded and easily fooled?" Though he was complaining, a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips. This clever monkey, though often mischievous, had brought his parents much fun and laughter in the mountains and forests.

He walked to his father's side, naturally took the hoe, and said, "Dad, take a break, I'll do it." Without further ado, he continued loosening the soil and weeding, his movements skillful and his strength subtle yet effective, the soil easily separating with great efficiency. Qiao Sanhuai was happy to have some free time and sat down to watch his son with a smile.

As Qiao Tian worked, he chatted with his parents, asking if they were settling in well, whether the nights in the mountains were cold, and if they needed anything new. He was thoughtful and meticulous, arranging everything for them with great care. He even personally designed and dug the bamboo irrigation canal beside the vegetable patch to ensure their easy access to water. His filial piety was evident in the small, everyday things, silent yet warm.

Wudang Golden Summit - Zhenwu Hall

A few days later, inside the Zhenwu Hall. Qiao Tian was discussing several pieces of news from the martial arts world that had come from down the mountain with Cheng Qingshuang and Fu Minyi. Although the two women came from Lingjiu Palace and held high positions, Qiao Tian was easygoing and, because they were of similar age, they often addressed each other as "Sister Cheng" and "Sister Fu" in private. Over time, the two women became less reserved in front of Qiao Tian than they had been at first.

At that moment, Fu Minyi was getting to a point in the conversation when, almost as if it were a sisterly joke, she gently patted Qiao Tian's arm. Cheng Qingshuang, not realizing anything was amiss, smiled and added from the side.

Just then, a figure in red appeared silently outside the hall; it was none other than Wu Xingyun, the Child Granny of Tianshan. Her eyes flashed like lightning, instantly taking in the scene of this "disrespectful" behavior inside the hall.

A cold shout, like ice shattering, echoed throughout the hall. Wu Xingyun flashed forward, his face frosty, his gaze sharp as a knife. He first swept his gaze over Cheng Qingshuang and Fu Minyi: "Kneel down!"

Upon hearing this, the two women turned pale and immediately knelt down, bowing their heads and daring not to utter a word.

Wu Xingyun then turned to Qiao Tian, ​​her voice icy and imposing: "Qiao Tian! I appointed you as the leader of Wudang to govern your subordinates and expand your empire, not to frolic and play with servants here. This is improper! Remember your place! You are the master, and they are the servants! Disregarding the distinction between master and servant, and lacking respect for hierarchy, where are the rules of Lingjiu Palace? Where is the authority of the Wudang leader?!"

Her voice was stern, and the air in the entire hall seemed to freeze. Cheng and Fu knelt on the ground, their bodies trembling slightly.

Qiao Tian sighed inwardly, knowing that Tong Lao was very strict and valued hierarchy above all else. This matter had indeed touched a nerve. He quickly bowed and said respectfully, "Uncle-Master, please calm down. It was Qiao Tian's oversight that made me forget my place. I will definitely remember your teachings and strictly abide by the rules from now on, and I will never dare to do it again."

Seeing that Qiao Tian's attitude in admitting his mistake was sincere, Wu Xingyun snorted coldly and said sternly to Cheng and Fu, "You two go to the punishment hall and receive ten lashes as a warning to others! If I see such a situation again, I will not let you off lightly!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the two women replied in a low voice, not daring to disobey in the slightest.

Qiao Tian watched this scene with a sense of helplessness, but he also knew that this was how Tong Lao managed her subordinates, and that he really needed to restrain his "modern thinking" here. Reconciling the old rules of the Xiaoyao Sect with the new atmosphere of Wudang was by no means an easy task.

Not long after the turmoil in the main hall, Qiao Tian was handling affairs in a side hall when he suddenly saw Xue Muhua stumble in. His hair was disheveled, his eyes were bloodshot, but his face was flushed with extreme excitement and ecstasy. He was clutching a stack of papers covered with writing and a small jade box tightly in his hand.

"Sect Leader... Sect Leader! We succeeded! We succeeded!" Xue Muhua's voice trembled, and he was so excited that he was almost incoherent.

Qiao Tian's heart skipped a beat, and he stood up to greet him: "Junior Nephew Xue, what's the matter that makes you so agitated? Tell me slowly."

Xue Muhua carefully presented the jade box to Qiao Tian, ​​opened the lid, and saw a dark brown ointment inside that emitted a strange, cool medicinal fragrance. He took a few deep breaths, suppressing his excitement, and said in a trembling voice, "It's...it's the Black Jade Bone-Mending Ointment! Based on the names and medicinal descriptions of 'Snow Mountain Black Jade' and 'Cold Land Bone-Mending Grass' provided by the sect leader, I consulted countless ancient books, tried hundreds of medicinal combinations, and finally...finally deduced a similar prescription through reverse engineering!"

He pointed to the stack of papers: "This is the prescription and a detailed plan of alternative medicines! Although some of the main ingredients are not the original Western Region versions, their medicinal properties have been carefully considered and adjusted, and are now very close! Your subordinate... your subordinate has found several farmers at the foot of the mountain who had broken their leg bones to test it. Although the process was painful,... but the broken bones have all been successfully reattached and the recovery is good!"

He looked up abruptly, his eyes glistening with tears and immense excitement: "Sect Leader! This means... it means that there is hope that Grandmaster's broken lower limbs can be reattached! Although a full recovery cannot be guaranteed, at least... at least there is hope that he can stand up again!"

Upon hearing this, Qiao Tian trembled violently, grabbed Xue Muhua's shoulder, and his voice trembled slightly: "Junior Nephew Xue... is this true?! Are you sure it's true?!"

“Absolutely true! I’m willing to stake my life on it!” Xue Muhua said resolutely.

Qiao Tian slowly released his grip, looking at the box of Black Jade Bone-Mending Ointment, then at the extremely excited Xue Muhua. A surge of heat welled up in his chest, almost bursting from his throat. He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his turbulent emotions, his gaze becoming incredibly sharp and solemn:

"Good! Junior Nephew Xue, you have done a great service! This matter is of utmost importance. Wudang will provide full support in providing any necessary medicinal materials and manpower! We... will go and report to Master now!"

Chapter 71 The Eight Parts of Tianlong

In the eighth year of the Yuanfeng era (1085 AD), Emperor Shenzong of Song, Zhao Xu, died, and his son Zhao Xu succeeded him as Emperor Zhezong of Song, changing the era name to Yuanyou. With the young emperor ruling as regent and Empress Dowager Gao ruling from behind a screen, the old faction rose again, and the court was in turmoil. In the north, Emperor Daozong of Liao, Yelü Hongji, had been on the throne for a long time. Although he had no intention of launching a major invasion southward, border skirmishes occurred frequently, and a storm was brewing.

More than ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Since Wudang Mountain was founded and granted the title of "Guardian of the Nation's Taoist Sect," and received strong support from the imperial court to compile the "Wanshou Daozang" (Taoist Canon for Longevity), it has attracted elites from all over the world, its incense has flourished, and disciples have flocked to it. Wudang Mountain has become a leading force in the martial arts world, on par with the thousand-year-old Shaolin Temple, and its prestige has grown day by day.

During this time, the Beggars' Clan leader, Wang Jiantong, passed away three years prior due to a recurrence of old injuries and advanced age. Before his death, in front of the elders, he personally passed the Dog-Beating Staff to Qiao Feng, bequeathing the leadership to him. At that time, Qiao Feng was only twenty-eight years old, yet he had already established a formidable reputation in the martial world. His prestige was further enhanced by his repeated defeats of Liao Dynasty scouts and his mediation of border disputes between the Song and Liao dynasties. The entire Beggars' Clan admired him. However, it was poignant to note that during these ten-plus years, Qiao Feng diligently fulfilled his duties, shuttling between clan affairs and the border, and had no time to see his elder brother, Qiao Tianyi, who lived far away in Wudang. The two brothers communicated only through letters, exchanging news of each other's safety.

Five years ago, on Mount Wudang, the sect leader Qiao Tian entrusted worldly affairs to Su Xinghe, Granny Yu, and others, before gracefully descending the mountain to travel the world, seeking enlightenment and disappearing without a trace. Before leaving, he overruled objections and personally appointed a young man as the "Young Sect Leader" to manage the sect's daily affairs. This young man was named Huang Shang, twenty-one years old at the time. He was a well-read but physically weak scholar, obsessed with studying Daoist classics, yet utterly uninterested in martial arts.

Listening to the Pine Pavilion in the Back Mountain of Wudang

"Hmph!" A cold snort shattered the silence. Wu Xingyun, dressed in blood-red robes, stood by the window, his gaze like a knife sweeping over the figure in blue robes who was engrossed in reading a volume of the *Zhuangzi*. "Look at this brat! Tian'er single-handedly established the Wudang dynasty, his martial arts and wisdom were those of a hero! How could he have chosen such a coward as his successor? All he knows are classical Chinese phrases, a useless scholar! If we encounter an enemy, are we going to drown them in his spittle?"

Wu Yazi, who had been confined to a wheelchair, was now able to slowly stand up on his own, his posture upright and his demeanor as imposing as ever. Xue Muhua, using primarily the Black Jade Bone-Mending Ointment, supplemented with rare medicines treasured by Lingjiu Palace and the Xiaoyao Sect, spent several years finally reconnecting and restoring his severed meridians and bones. Hearing his senior sister's angry rebuke, he smiled helplessly and comforted her, "Senior sister, please calm down. Tian'er chose him perhaps because of his pure Dao heart and deep-rooted wisdom. Governing a sect doesn't necessarily rely solely on force."

"Pure? Insightful?" Wu Xingyun's eyebrows shot up. "In this dog-eat-dog world, without strength, no amount of reasoning is worthwhile! I think he's just a block of wood!" She became more and more angry as she spoke. If Wu Yazi hadn't been there, she would have almost attacked to see if this "block of wood" was truly invulnerable.

Outside the pavilion, Huang Shang seemed oblivious to his grandmaster's angry rebuke, completely immersed in the mood of "wandering aimlessly by his side, and sleeping peacefully beneath him," the serene smile on his lips remaining unchanged.

Jiangnan·Taihu Ancient Road

On the shores of the vast and misty Taihu Lake, two people walked slowly along the ancient road.

The girl walking in front was about eighteen or nineteen years old. She had a slender figure and a beautiful, otherworldly face, like a rare orchid in a secluded valley. She carried a seven-stringed zither on her back, made of ancient wood and with strings of ice silkworm silk. The zither was mottled and had faint thunder patterns. Her steps carried an ethereal air that seemed untouched by worldly affairs.

Following closely behind was a young man, slightly older, around twenty years old, with a handsome face, but with a hint of arrogance and unruliness in his brows. A longsword with a sheath casually hung at his waist. The sheath was simple and unadorned, but if a master were present, they would surely sense the sharpness emanating from it.

"Senior brother," the girl carrying the zither turned around, her voice clear and cold like the striking of jade chimes, "I heard that after we complete this last task, Master will take us back to Wudang Mountain." Her tone was calm, but a barely perceptible expectation flickered deep in her eyes. She then added, "I also heard that we have a senior brother named Huang Shang, who is Master's personally chosen young sect leader."

The sword-wielding youth, addressed as "Senior Brother," grinned, a hint of nonchalance in his expression. "Junior Sister Yaoyao, finally we're going back to the mountain! These past few years, following Master around, I've seen quite a bit of 'excitement.'" He patted the longsword at his waist. "As for that Senior Brother Huang Shang… heh, to be so highly regarded by Master, he must have some extraordinary abilities. I, Jinzha, really want to see soon enough whether he's more powerful, or whether my 'Azure Frost' sword is sharper!"

Yao Yao frowned slightly, her gaze sweeping over Jinzha beneath the veil: "Since Master has made these arrangements, there must be a deeper meaning. Senior Brother, do not let your competitive thoughts distract you from the important matters."

Jinzha waved his hand dismissively and laughed, "I know, Junior Sister! I know what I'm doing." As he spoke, he lightly flicked the scabbard with his fingertips, producing a clear ringing sound. "With your 'Nine Heavens Jade Pendant' zither music aiding us, and my Azure Frost Sword, where in the world can't we go?"

The two said no more, their figures gradually disappearing into the misty rain of Jiangnan, heading towards their unknown, yet destined, magnificent future.

The new chapter of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils is slowly unfolding, following the fates of these characters, both old and new.

Chapter 72 Nine Yang Limitless Skill

On the border of the Western Xia Kingdom, in a desolate Gobi Desert, sandstorms swirl.

The Beggars' Sect's original mission was to rescue a group of Song civilians from the border region who had been robbed by the Western Xia cavalry, but they unexpectedly found themselves surrounded. In recent years, under Qiao Feng's leadership, the Beggars' Sect had repeatedly thwarted the Western Xia's powerful forces on the Song-Xia border, making them a thorn in the side of the Western Xia's First-Rank Hall. This time, it was a trap meticulously set by Helian Tieshu, the commander of the Western Xia's First-Rank Hall, with the intention of annihilating Qiao Feng and his elite Beggars' Sect forces in one fell swoop!

The battle cries shook the heavens, and arrows rained down like locusts! Hundreds of Western Xia cavalry charged back and forth, coordinating with the unpredictable attacks of the First-Class Hall masters, trapping dozens of Beggar Clan disciples in a shallow depression. The situation was extremely precarious. Qiao Feng stood at the front of the formation, his Dragon Subduing Palm technique sweeping across the battlefield. Wherever his palm strikes, men and horses fell. However, the enemy was numerous, layered upon layered, and cold arrows continued to rain down from tricky angles.

Just as Qiao Feng's palm strike "shocked a hundred miles" and sent several Western Xia cavalrymen flying, and his old strength had just dissipated before new strength could arise, a sharp finger wind silently attacked from behind him! The finger wind was condensed and aimed directly at the vital point in his back, the timing of the attack was extremely precise!

The one who made the move was a warrior dressed as an ordinary Western Xia cavalryman. It was none other than Murong Fu, who had disguised himself and infiltrated the Western Xia army with the intention of using someone else to kill him!

However, the finger strike failed to reach Qiao Feng. Just as the finger's force was about to touch him, a ghostly figure swiftly pierced between Qiao Feng and the finger's force!

With a muffled thud, the figure's body flashed with a faint golden light, enduring the force of the combined finger strike. The figure swayed slightly, the sand beneath its feet cracked, but it did not retreat an inch!

It was Xie Xiaoyu!

Xie Xiaoyu, now twenty-six, was still not particularly burly, but his physique was as steadfast as a rock. His face was cold and his eyes like frozen ice, only occasionally flashing a hint of almost blind loyalty when he looked at Qiao Feng's back. For years, no matter how Qiao Feng tried to persuade him, even offering him the position of elder, he refused, preferring only to remain by Qiao Feng's side. He spoke very little, but his actions were ruthless and decisive. The entire Beggars' Sect both respected and feared this "God of Slaughter," who always led the charge and repeatedly saved Qiao Feng from danger.

"A coward like you dares to plot against the gang leader?" Xie Xiaoyu's voice was hoarse and low, devoid of any emotion. He didn't even ask who the newcomer was; in a flash, he charged towards the "Western Xia warrior" like a cannonball.

Murong Fu was greatly alarmed. He was confident in the ruthless and fierce power of the Canhe Finger Technique, believing that even top-tier martial arts masters would be injured if they took it head-on. Yet this person seemed completely unharmed? He hurriedly used his family's movement technique to dodge, while simultaneously attempting to neutralize Xie Xiaoyu's powerful punch with the Dou Zhuan Xing Yi technique.

However, Xie Xiaoyu's martial arts were a path of ultimate strength tailored for him by Qiao Tian, ​​combining the external skills of "Arhat Body" with his own. It was purely about using force to overcome skill and strength to fight strength! His fists, palms, fingers, and legs all contained the power to split rocks and shatter stone. A faint golden light flowed around his body, faintly forming a protective aura. Murong Fu's exquisite "Star Shift" was unable to completely deflect and neutralize that immense force. Instead, he was shaken so badly that his blood and qi surged and his arms became sore and numb.

"What kind of external martial art is this? It seems to surpass even the Shaolin Vajra Indestructible Body Divine Skill!" Murong Fu was increasingly alarmed as the fight progressed. His moves were exquisite and ever-changing, but they were always forcibly broken by his opponent in the simplest, most direct, and most powerful way. It was as if he had encountered his nemesis, and his unique skills had nowhere to be used. He felt extremely frustrated and secretly complained.

Qiao Feng seemed oblivious to the fierce battle behind him, having absolute confidence in Xie Xiaoyu. Facing another hail of arrows from the front, he let out a long laugh, grabbed the wine pouch at his waist, took a big gulp, and then tossed it to Xie Xiaoyu behind him: "Xiaoyu, catch! Let's stretch these Xixia bastards a bit!"

Upon hearing the sound, Xie Xiaoyu forced Murong Fu back with a punch, caught the wine bag with precise backhand, and also tilted his head back to take a big gulp. A rare hint of human warmth appeared on his cold face. Then his eyes became even more fierce, and he pounced on Murong Fu again, with an even more ferocious attack!

The two stood one in front and one behind. Qiao Feng's Dragon Subduing Palm swept away fallen leaves like a whirlwind, while Xie Xiaoyu was like an impregnable wall, blocking and defeating all the invading enemies! With their combined strength, they carved a bloody path for the Beggars' Sect members who were struggling behind them, covering their retreat and blocking the enemy!

On a distant sand dune, two figures stood silently on horseback, gazing at the battlefield.

Jinzha remained as unrestrained as ever, a reed he'd picked from who-knows-where dangling from his mouth, the "Azure Frost" sword slung over his shoulder. He clicked his tongue in amazement: "Good heavens! This Chief Qiao is truly a hero! Amidst a vast army, he drinks and faces his enemies, treating them like nothing! And that man is a ruthless character too! Watching him makes my hands itch!"

Yao Yao stood quietly to the side, her bamboo hat fluttering slightly. Her cool gaze swept across the battlefield and landed on Xie Xiaoyu, who was engaged in fierce combat with Murong Fu. She said calmly, "His external martial arts are unparalleled in their power and have reached a state of perfection. He is indeed extraordinary. Senior brother, do not forget the important matter."

"Understood, Junior Sister." Jinzha spat out the reed, his carefree expression instantly replaced by a sharp one. "Master specifically requested Helian Tieshu's head. Looks like we'll have to lend a hand to our Chief Qiao, and incidentally... warm up!"

The two exchanged a glance, and without saying a word, they moved at the same time!

Yao Yao lightly touched the horse's back with her toes, and her body floated up like a weightless feather. Her steps were mysterious and profound, as if they were in harmony with the stars in the sky. This was the Lingbo Weibu (Lingbo Steps)! She gracefully flipped in the air, and the "Nine Heavens Jade Pendant" zither on her back fell into her arms. With a flick of her slender fingers, she completed the movement!

"Zheng——!"

An invisible and intangible yet incredibly sharp sonic blade pierced through the air, not aimed at any one person, but rather sliced ​​across the front of the Western Xia army formation!

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The sand and soil exploded, and people and horses were thrown about! Wherever the sonic blade passed, it was as if an invisible giant plow had been used to clear a blank area in an instant!

Almost simultaneously, Jinzha let out a long laugh, his figure like a wisp of green smoke, skimming across the sand with a graceful and elegant posture, truly embodying the essence of the "Crossing the River on a Reed" lightness skill into his own movement! He was extremely fast, and in a few leaps, he had already cut into the chaotic battle circle, his target being the Western Xia commander-in-chief, Helian Tieshu, who was being guarded by many personal guards and was giving orders with composure!

"Protect the General!" Duan Yanqing, the most notorious of the Four Evils, tapped his iron staff on the sand and charged forward, his One-Finger Divine Skill aimed at Jinzha's vitals from a distance! Ye Erniang, Yue Laosan, and Yun Zhonghe also rushed in from different directions at the same time!

"Oh ho, the Four Evils? Quite a reputation!" Jinzha was completely unconcerned about the encirclement. His Green Frost Sword suddenly came out of its sheath, its light as shimmering as autumn water, instantly transforming into a fierce ball of light that protected him completely. The clanging sounds were incessant, and he actually blocked the first wave of attacks from the four at the same time!

Even more shockingly, his swordsmanship suddenly changed, and the Azure Frost Sword flew out of his hand, spinning rapidly around his body, making a "whooshing" sound as it cut through the air! He himself moved with the sword, sometimes tumbling, sometimes shifting to the side, his hands seemingly guiding the spinning sword as if it were an extension of his own limbs, sometimes parrying, sometimes thrusting, agile and unpredictable, forcing the Four Evils into a frantic state!

"Dragon-Capturing Skill?!" Qiao Feng, who was fighting with the Western Xia soldiers, recognized the essence of this sword control technique at a glance. He was shocked. This technique and this energy were exactly the same as his brother Qiao Tian! He looked at the dashing and unrestrained young man with disbelief and a deeply hidden excitement in his eyes.

Just as the Four Evils were temporarily restrained by Jinzha alone with his sword, Yaoyao's zither music changed again. It was no longer a clear and melodious single note, but a series of rapid and deep finger tremolos! Countless fine, silk-like yet extremely sharp energies spread out with the zither music, like an invisible net covering the personal guards around Helian Tieshu!

Screams erupted as the elite guards were sliced ​​apart as if by countless sharp blades, their armor shattered, blood splattered, and their formation thrown into chaos!

Jinzha seized the opportunity, laughed heartily, and met Yaoyao's gaze in the distance. The two simultaneously channeled their energy!

Jinzha made a grasping motion with one hand, and a powerful suction force suddenly arose, not targeting the person, but rather the warhorse under Helian Tieshu and the airflow around it! Yaoyao pressed and pulled on the strings of her zither with her five fingers, and the Beiming Divine Art was activated, and an invisible and huge pulling force acted on Helian Tieshu from a distance!

The two forces, one pulling and the other drawing, worked together perfectly!

Helian Tieshu felt an irresistible force coming at him. He cried out in surprise and was forcibly pulled off his horse. Like a kite with a broken string, he was involuntarily thrown towards Jinzha and Yaoyao!

"Stop him!" Duan Yanqing roared.

"Your opponent is me!" Qiao Feng's voice arrived as soon as he appeared. With his move "Regretful Dragon Soaring," he struck first despite being behind, and his powerful palm strike was like a solid wall, blocking all the attacks of the Four Evils!

At this moment, Jinzha leaped into the air to meet the incoming Helian Tieshu. His Nine Yang True Qi surged around him, and his right palm instantly turned crimson. He then slammed his palm down in mid-air towards the Western Xia experts and the rain of arrows chasing below!

A scorching and surging wave of energy erupted from the center of his palm strike, like a fiery storm rising from the ground, temporarily halting the pursuers! It was none other than the secret technique his master had kept secret—the Nine Yang Limitless Skill!

Using the recoil from the force of that palm strike, Jinzha rose again, just barely passing by Helian Tieshu who was flying in front of him.

At that very moment, Yao Yao's zither music came to an abrupt halt. Her right hand, with fingers as delicate as orchids, flicked and plucked the strings, producing a faint, almost imperceptible sound that vanished in an instant.

In mid-air, Helian Tieshu's body suddenly stiffened, and his enormous head was instantly separated from his neck! The wound was as smooth as a mirror, and very little blood gushed out!

Yao Yao moved forward like a ghost, her delicate hand reaching out to precisely grab the head that still wore a terrified expression, and casually placed it into a leather bag that had been prepared beforehand.

The entire movement was fluid and seamless, happening in the blink of an eye.

When the Western Xia people came to their senses, they only saw Jinzha and Yaoyao. One landed gracefully, carrying a long sword on his shoulder, with a lazy smile on his lips; the other held an ancient zither, standing aloof, as if she was not the one who had just taken the enemy general's head as easily as taking something out of a bag.

The two stopped abruptly, their figures blurring like wisps of smoke, disappearing into the vast Gobi Desert and distant sand dunes in a few leaps, leaving behind only a desolate battlefield and a deathly silence.

Qiao Feng withdrew his palm and stood still, gazing in the direction the two had disappeared, his tiger-like eyes flashing with a sharp light. Xie Xiaoyu silently returned to his side, still as silent as a mountain. The Beggar Clan members, having survived the ordeal, looked at each other, still shaken.

The elite Western Xia troops and Yipintang masters brought by Helian Tieshu were now leaderless. They looked at their commander's headless corpse falling to the dust, then at Qiao Feng and Xie Xiaoyu, and recalled the unpredictable methods of the two mysterious men and women. For a moment, no one dared to step forward.

In the air, only the howling of the wind and sand remained, and the same question in the hearts of countless people:

"What forces are involved?!"