Chapter 1354: Battle of Swords and Sabers
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Lu Zhou nodded in satisfaction. “I’m not worried about your talent, I’m only worried you’ll slack off.”
Little Yuan’er said earnestly, “I will work hard!”
Conch chimed in, “I’ll work hard too.”
Yu Zhenghai laughed heartily before he said, “Alright, I’ll wait for Ninth Junior Sister to surpa.s.s me!”
Yu Shangrong added with a smile, “Ninth Junior Sister and Little Junior Sister are highly talented. This is as it should be…”
Qin Renyue was really baffled by the members of the Evil Sky Pavilion’s behavior. They did not praise the one with the Great Void Seed but those without the Great Void Seed. After thinking about it for a moment, he thought perhaps, Lu Zhou did not want Mings.h.i.+ Yin to grow too arrogant. He was again filled with admiration; for the sake of his disciples, Lu Zhou really expended a lot of effort and thoughts.
“Since that’s the case, why don’t Brother Lu stay in our Qin clan for the time being?” Qin Renyue asked with a smile.
With the loss of two Venerable Masters, the imbalance will definitely worsen. It would be best if a mighty figure like Lu Zhou could stay in the Qin clan.
Lu Zhou said, “I’ve left the Evil Sky Pavilion for a long time, and I’ve been away for too long. It’s time for me to return.”
No matter how vast the green lotus domain or the Unknown Land was, it was not still Lu Zhou’s territory after all.
The others from the Evil Sky Pavilion nodded. They wanted to return as well.
Qin Renyue said, “Brother Lu, if I may speak…”
Lu Zhou nodded, indicating for Qin Renyue to continue.
Qin Renyue said, “I can understand everyone’s desire to return home. Since ancient times, the best place to be is in one’s territory. This is especially true among the domains. After all, inhabitants of different domains are generally hostile toward outsiders. However, currently, the imbalance is really bad. The cultivation environment in the golden lotus domain, the red lotus domain, and the black lotus domain isn’t very good. It’s difficult to find a better cultivation environment or resources than the ones in the Qin clan’s training hall.” After a quick pause, he continued to say, “Moreover, you can return to the golden lotus domain from the green lotus domain any time. I’ll prepare a Collective Teleportation Jade Talisman for you and order our clan’s runemaster to construct a runic pa.s.sage as well. What do you think?”
The people from the Evil Sky Pavilion remained silent, but they had to admit Qin Renyue had a point. It was not just the cultivation environment and the resources, but there was also the Sky Hook Ropeway. It was definitely superior to the golden lotus domain. However, they knew the decision lay with Lu Zhou.
After a moment of silence, Lu Zhou said, “Humans are never kind unless they have ulterior motives…”
Qin Renyue waved his hand and said, “Brother Lu, you’re thinking too much. I’m being sincere and treat you as a friend. If Brother Lu feels uncomfortable, Brother Lu can’t leave at any time.”
With these words, who would leave?
Lu Zhou said, “I’ve never liked owing others favors. If you have a request, you can bring it up.”
Qin Renyue said with a smile, “I really don’t have a request. I have two…”
“…”
Everyone from the Evil Sky Pavilion was speechless. As expected of a sly old fox; there was no such thing as free lunch in this world. Even those who lived for a long time would not easily suffer losses even if they wanted to forge a good relations.h.i.+p.
“Speak,” Lu Zhou said tonelessly.
“All these years, I’ve been painstakingly cultivating the Dao and comprehending the power of the Dao. However, no matter how hard I work, it’s difficult for me to advance any further. Hence, I’d like to ask Brother Lu to guide me…”
“…”
Lu Zhou’s expression did not change, but inwardly, he thought to himself, ‘I haven’t even comprehended the true power of the Dao. I’ve been relying on the Purple Glazed Ceramic and the Heavenly Writing so far. How am I going to guide you?’
“This kind of thing depends on one’s comprehension skills, innate talent, and apt.i.tude,” Mings.h.i.+ Yin said.
Under normal circ.u.mstances, a cultivator would only impart core techniques to their disciples. Moreover, the comprehension of the power of the Dao was quite taboo since most people would not speak about it freely. This was also one of the reasons why Qin Renyue was willing to expend so much effort on the Evil Sky Pavilion.
Qin Renyue smiled. “Of course. Moreover, Brother Lu and I are not master and disciple. The guidance I asked for is only pointers. If I still can’t comprehend it, then I only have myself to blame. I’m not someone who can’t distinguish right from wrong, after all.”
One had to admit that Qin Renyue was very tactful.
Lu Zhou nodded. “What’s your second request?”
“Now that two of the four Venerable Masters in the green lotus domain are gone, based on the law of balance, it’s highly likely that a beast emperor will appear in the green lotus domain soon. It’ll either stay at the periphery of the Unknown Land bordering the green lotus domain, or it’ll invade the green lotus domain. I don’t trust Fan Zhong. Hence, I hope Brother Lu will lend me a hand,” Qin Renyue said.
Mings.h.i.+ Yin asked doubtfully, “The law of balance is supposed to balance both sides of the Red Line. If my master kills them, won’t the imbalance worsen and attract even more fierce beasts? With this, there’ll be no end to it.”
It seemed like there was a huge flaw with this request.
“Beast emperors don’t appear so easily. After killing the one that invades, it’s unlikely for another to show up so soon. There are many powerful fierce beasts in the core region, and they’ve yet to invade. The Great Void won’t allow the powerful fierce beasts to act over the line as well. Moreover, instead of killing them, we can also drive them away so it won’t affect the balance any further,” Qin Renyue explained.
Everyone nodded.
Lu Zhou said, “Alright.”
Qin Renyue was overjoyed. He immediately waved his hand and ordered, “Quickly tidy up and clear out the southern training hall. All members of the clan are not to approach without permission.”
“Understood.”
The 49 swordsmen left together, flying toward the Qin clan’s southern training hall.
…
At this moment, various disciples could be seen practicing with their swords on the cloud platform near the southern training hall.
Yuan Lang said loudly, “Venerable Master Qin has ordered everyone to evacuate the southern training hall. No one’s allowed to approach the hall without permission or disturb our honorable guests.”
Upon hearing this, the disciples discussed animated among themselves.
“What’s going on? Which honorable guests came that we have to evacuate the southern training hall?”
“Even the other Venerable Masters won’t be given such a grand treatment even if they visited, right?”
At this moment, a disciple flew in front of Yuan Lang and asked, “Brother Lang, is this really Venerable Master’s order?”
Yuan Lang frowned. “Are you saying I’m falsifying Venerable Master Qin’s order?”
“No, no, no. I’m just curious about the honorable guests who are given such a grand treatment…” the disciple said, extremely curious.
“Don’t ask so many questions; just carry out Venerable Master Qin’s orders. I can only tell you that the guests can only be respected, not provoked,” Yuan Lang said.
Everyone gasped. It would have been better if Yuan Lang did not say these words. After listening to these words, they grew even more curious.
Under Yuan Lang’s supervision, the disciples in the southern training hall quickly tidied the place, packed up, and left. They left behind a group of attendants to guard the cloud platform.
…
An hour later.
Lu Zhou and the others were led over by a disciple of the Qin clan.
Upon seeing this, Yuan Lang said to the other disciples, “Tell everyone to hurry. The rest of you, follow me.”
“Understood!”
Then, they hovered in the air and bowed. “Welcome, Senior Lu.”
Lu Zhou looked at the Qin clan’s southern training hall. It was quiet and secluded, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and forests. It was indeed a training hall in an excellent location.
Yuan Lang said, “Old Mister, this southern training hall is specially arranged for you by Venerable Master Qin.”
“Okay.”
“I’ve left some attendants here. If there’s anything else you need, please let me know,” Yuan Lang said.
“There’s no need. You can bring all the attendants away as well.” Lu Zhou planned to use the Pillar of Impermanence here. The effect was not something ordinary people could bear.
“Understood,” Yuan Lang replied.
At this moment, the sounds of fighting rang from the distance.
Tens of thousands of energy swords and energy sabers fought fiercely, moving in the southern training hall’s direction.
Yuan Lang was taken aback upon seeing this. He immediately rebuked, “Little Zhou, Little Wei, stop messing around!”
The two young cultivators who were called Little Zhou and Little Wei respectively were stunned.
After a moment, Little Zhou cried out, “Senior Brother Yuan Lang, don’t interfere! We’ll be able to decide the victor in a moment!”
Little Wu said, “Your 10,000 energy sabers aren’t enough!”
With that, the duo started fighting again.
Yuan Lang was so angry that he almost ground his teeth into dust. He was about to lose his temper when Lu Zhou waved his hand and said, “It’s alright. Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
Yuan Lang and the other swordsmen led the people from the Evil Sky Pavilion toward the southern training hall.
Meanwhile, the longer Little Zhou and Little Wu fought, the more intense their battle became.
Lu Zhou knew the purposes of training halls, after all. Seeing that the duo’s cultivation was not bad and was in the midst of sparring, he did not think there was a need to force them to stop. After all, the duo was brought up in the n.o.ble Qin clan so he was certain they would not do anything that crossed the line.
Just as they were about to land on the cloud platform, Little Zhou and Little Yu’s energy swords and energy sabers swept over.
Yuan Lang turned pale with fright upon seeing this. If they offended the old man next to him, he would be in big trouble.
Lu Zhou slowly turned around and looked at the sky filled with energy swords and energy sabers curiously. He said, “Interesting.”
Yuan Lang. “?”
‘How’s this interesting?’
Lu Zhou turned to look at Yu Zhenghai and Yu Shangrong as he said, “They’re somewhat like both of you when you were younger.”
An awkward and embarra.s.sed expression appeared on Yu Zhenghai and Yu Shangrong’s faces immediately.
At this time, Little Yuan’er poked her head out to look at the two young disciples from the Qin clan who were fiercely sparring before she asked, “Eldest Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother fought each so much when they were younger?”
Yu Zhenghai and Yu Shangrong. “…”
Lu Zhou sighed, feeling a hint of nostalgia. When he looked back, he was reminded the past was only memories now. After a moment, he said, “Your Eldest Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother’s attainments in the sword and saber respectively are unmatched. Since before, they always competed with each other. In fact, in comparison, these two aren’t that bad.”
Yu Zhenghai said, “I’m sorry for making master worry.”
Yu Shangrong did not say anything, but he quietly bowed.
Yuan Lang sighed in relief. As it turned out, the old man saw the shadows of his own disciples in Little Zhou and Little Wu.
At this time, tens of thousands of energy swords and energy sabers flew above the heads of the people from the Evil Sky Pavilion.
Little Zhou said happily, “Senior Brother Yuan Lang, look! I can already control tens of thousands of energy sabers!”
Not to be outdone, Little Wu said, “What’s so great about that? I can also control tens of thousands of energy swords!”
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The energy swords and energy sabers collide above their heads.
At this time, Little Yuan’er asked curiously, “Senior brothers, how many can you control?”
A proud expression appeared on Yu Zhenghai’s face as he said, “It’s not worth mentioning. My limit is 5 million.”
On the other hand, Yu Shangrong smiled faintly and replied, “I dare not say too much when comparing myself to Eldest Senior Brother. About 6 million energy swords are still manageable for me…”
Yu Zhenghai. “…”
At the same time, Yu Zhenghai looked at Yu Shangrong with an expression that clearly said, “Very well, keep bragging.”
Upon hearing Yu Shangrong’s words, Yuan Lang and the swordsmen clicked their tongues in amazement. They cultivated the sword path as well so they naturally understood what being able to manifest and control 6 million energy swords meant. All of them looked at him with hints of shock and disbelief on their faces.
Yuan Lang said, “As it turns out, both of you have such a high attainment in both swords and sabers respectively.”
“You’re overpraising us,” Yu Shangrong replied.
“Even with the cultivation base of a Venerable Master, Venerable Master Qin could only barely control such a number of energy swords,” Yuan Lang said.
Then, the scenes in Xiangyang City appeared in Yuan Lang’s mind before he continued to say, “Old sir, during the battle in Xiangyang City, you easily controlled so many swords. Moreover, you even controlled them from such a great distance. Your control… far surpa.s.sed Venerable Master Qin’s.”
After saying these words, Yuan Lang inwardly apologized to Qin Renyue. ‘Don’t be angry, Venerable Master Qin.’
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The collision of the energy swords and energy sabers in the air grew even more intense.
Yu Zhenghai looked at the scene in the sky and said, “You, the one who uses the saber, retreat 30 meters. You should concern yourself too much with the details. When using the saber, you must be explosive and break through 10,000 techniques with just one move!”
Upon hearing this, Little Zhou nodded and hurriedly retreated 30 meters. Then, the dragon-like energy sabers fused into a huge energy saber before slas.h.i.+ng forward.
Bang!
The energy saber broke through the energy swords.
Little Wu retreated hastily; his expression was grim.
At this time, Yu Shangrong said, “The sword isn’t a saber. Why use your own weakness to confront his strength? Since he wants you to retreat, you mustn’t retreat.”
“Oh.” Little Wu flashed forward and moved close to Little Zhou. He used his energy swords to attack again.
The duo fought against each other, and this Little Zhou was at a disadvantage.
Yu Zhenghai called out, “If he sticks close to you, retreat.”
“Oh,”
“If he retreats, move close to him again,” Yu Shangrong added.
Little Zhou and Little Wu kept moving according to the instructions.
Yu Zhenghai said seriously, “If he uses his energy swords to attack again, move up half a foot and stab your energy sabers at him. There’s no need to meet him head-on.”
“…”
Everyone was speechless.
Even Lu Zhou was speechless. This scene reminded him of the scene on earth where two old men played chess in the park while being instructed by two experts.
Yu Zhenghai and Yu Shangrong continued to instruct the two young cultivators as the smell of gunpowder grew stronger.
Little Yuan’er covered her face as she muttered, “They’re at it again.”
Little Zhou and Little Wu grew confused by the commands. The battle grew even more chaotic with their commands. After all, their comprehension of the sword and the saber was not as profound compared to Yu Shangrong and Yu Zhenghai. It was only natural they could achieve the effect that Lu Zhou’s two disciples intended.
The two disciples from the Qin clan had been rather angry when they started sparring. It was fine in the beginning, but as time pa.s.sed, they grew tired of sparring. In the end, the duo tacitly came to a stop and hovered in the air.
Nevertheless, Little Zhou still said as he panted, “If you’re capable, you can attack again!”
Little Wu raised his hand, gesturing for Little Zhou to make a move as well.
Indeed, it was reasonable. If anyone of the duo was capable, then they should continue to attack.
At this moment, Yuan Lang said reproachfully, “Stop this nonsense.”
The two young disciples lowered their heads.
Yu Zhenghai and Yu Shangrong’s compet.i.tive spirit had been aroused at this moment. How could they care if the two young disciples were rude or not at this moment?
Lu Zhou’s two eldest disciples looked at each other for a moment before Yu Zhenghai said, “Second Junior Brother, please.”
Yu Shangrong nodded. “Eldest Senior Brother, please.”
With that, the duo flashed and arrived above Little Zhou and Little Five.
A faint worried expression appeared on Yuan Lang’s face as he asked, “Old sir, you… are you going to stop them?”
Lu Zhou looked at the sky for a moment before he said, “Lead the way.”
The training hall was originally a place for cultivation and sparring. As long as they were sparring and not killing each other, there was no reason to stop them.
“Alright,” Yuan Lang said before he led Lu Zhou and the others toward the southern training hall.
Meanwhile, the disciples who were evacuated from the southern training hall looked at the strangers curiously.
Similarly, Little Wu and Little Zhou landed on the cloud platform and looked at the unfamiliar guests as well.
At this time, Yu Zhenghai raised his hand. The Jasper Saber flew out immediately.
As energy sabers appeared in the sky, millions of energy swords began to fill the sky.
Then, the energy sabers and the energy swords clashed with each other.
Upon seeing this, Little Zhou and Little Wu were stunned. Their mouths were agape as their feet seemed rooted to the ground.
Similarly, the Qin clan disciples were stunned by the energy sabers and energy swords that filled the sky as well.
On the contrary, the people of the Evil Sky Pavilion who were already used to this had already grown bored.
Before entering the southern training hall, Yuan Lang pointed at the flying beasts in the distance and said, “Old sir, I apologize for the flying beasts. Before the imbalance, there were no flying beasts in this place.”
Lu Zhou glanced at the distant sky and said, “It’s fine.”
The flying beasts’ cries were agitated and strange.
After a moment, Kong Wen leaned over and said, “I think there should be a decent life heart among them. I want to go over to have a look.”
After looking at the flying beast, Lu Zhou said, “Go. Make sure you don’t wander too far away.”
“Understood.”
Meanwhile, many disciples of the Qin clan were attracted to Yu Zhenghai and Yu Shangrong’s battle.. On the other hand, those who were not paying attention to the battle, saw the people from the Evil Sky Pavilion entering the southern training hall.