Chapter 655: Purple-Golden Body, Century-Old Sword

Volume Three: He Xinliang

Sui Xingu, with long eyebrows like the whiskers of a white dragon, remained as unmoving as a mountain whether advancing or retreating. This posture reflected both the caution accumulated from a century of experience and the arrogance to challenge Li Chungang and Wang Xianzhi, the two foremost figures in the world, one after another. If Xu Fengnian, who he now confronted, was added, Sui Xingu had provoked all three paramount figures of the martial world over the past century. When Li Chungang returned from Demon-Slaying Platform, his state of mind was damaged, yet Sui Xingu did not take advantage. Instead, he still sought to test Li Chungang's strongest move, the "Two Sleeves Green Snake," a sword technique perfected to its pinnacle. Later, with Wang Xianzhi at the peak of his martial arts, any move he made was his strongest. Unfortunately, it was Yu Xinlang who received the final half-sword during that encounter, due to Wang Xianzhi's intent to save his ultimate battle for Xu Fengnian, who was far away in the Northwest. However, from the conversation overheard by Lü Pao'er at the time, it was clear that Wang Xianzhi was not someone Sui Xingu could defeat in a single battle. This trip to Beiliang, Sui Xingu was certainly not pledging his life to anyone or thinking of charging into battle during the Liang-Mang War. It was more about Xu Fengnian himself that made this sword-eating old man, who regarded wealth and fame as fleeting clouds, want to compete. Sui Xingu was likely certain that the body of Gao Shulu, on which Xu Fengnian had previously relied, had vanished. Therefore, their contest could only be a "battle of wills" that required no bloodshed to determine a victor. This somewhat resembled the "armchair strategy" that the former master of Chuntie Caotang excelled at. Yet, in the present world, Sui Xingu believed that the number of "fools" like himself who would dare to engage Xu Fengnian in a purely intellectual contest could be counted on one hand at most.

It was better to arrive at the right moment than too early. Just as Xu Fengnian stood in opposition to the old man, the Wu family's hundred cavalry, led by Wu Liuding and Cuihua, also entered Liangzhou City. They arrived at Qingliang Mountain and proceeded unimpeded into the princely estate. The hundred-plus people dismounted and walked to the opposite shore of Listening Tide Lake, where the two grandmasters stood in confrontation. These gaunt swordsmen, bearing longswords, lined up. Except for the casually aloof young Sword Crown and the composed female Sword Attendant, the spiritual energy of over ninety people was drawn, and their usually tranquil minds, like still ancient wells, began to show ripples. Spectators of a chess game, even if they don't speak, inevitably imagine themselves playing; it is even more so for sword spectators, whose minds are bound to be affected. Among the ninety-plus swordsmen, most had somber expressions; none showed shock even when facing the rare peak duel below Listening Tide Pavilion. The Wu family's genealogy began with a maxim: "When the heart dies to ashes, the sword comes alive." Ultimately, it means valuing the sword above oneself, forgetting oneself to remember the sword. Only then can the sword achieve profound mastery and divine insight. The Wu family advocated "two ways of holding a sword." One way is like a devoted lover meeting their beloved: once a sword is held, one remains steadfast, sacrificing for the sword as one would for love, never treating the sword in hand as a servant. The other way is like descendants respecting their ancestors, focusing on the inheritance of the sword path, often meditating on how past swordsmen who held this sword conducted themselves in the world.

Wu Liuding squatted by the lake, with Cuihua, who bore the Suwang Sword, standing behind him. To the left and right of the Sword Crown stood a man of about forty, surnamed Zhu, who exuded a sinister aura, making him seem like a ghost in broad daylight. In contrast, another old man, even if he didn't smile, appeared much more benevolent. The sword on the old man's back was exceptionally thin and long, less than half the width of a normal sword but twice its length. The old man was short, and the longsword was almost as tall as he was. These two held significant weight even within the Wu family's Sword Tomb, where masters were as numerous as clouds. The man Wu Liuding privately called "Demon Zhu" was once Deng Tai'a's mortal enemy. Both had once been abandoned children, barely surviving on Sword Mountain, relying on each other from childhood to adolescence, but for unknown reasons, they eventually turned against each other. Heliang Wuchi, nicknamed "Sword-Marrying Grandfather," was one of the few Beiliang swordsmen in the Sword Tomb. This was the very person who fought against Deng Tai'a, the Wu family's illegitimate son, in his battle upon leaving the Tomb years ago. Regardless of his proficiency in lethal swordplay, Elder Heliang's unique insights into the sword path were praised by the Wu family's old ancestor as peerless and unrivaled.

The man surnamed Zhu, with his arms crossed, said ominously, "What 'number one under heaven'? If only he would remove those nails, even I would have a chance to kill him."

Although Wu Liuding didn't have a good impression of Xu Fengnian, he remained impartial in his judgment of people and matters. He had always deeply detested Demon Zhu for his repeated massacres within the Sword Tomb. If it weren't for the established fact that this villain had already left the Wu family, he would have pestered the old ancestor to change his mind, absolutely insisting that a tiger should not be allowed back to its mountain. He and Cuihua had never believed that sixty Dragon-Binding Nails could truly restrain this person. Therefore, Wu Liuding retorted with a cold laugh, "Don't forget that Xu Fengnian now is Xu Fengnian without the Gao Shulu physique; his strength has already been greatly diminished. If Wang Xianzhi were still alive, would you dare to say such words in Wudi City?"

The demon sneered, "Whether that old freak Wang is dead or not, I wouldn't claim to be able to defeat him. But since Xu Fengnian has been reverted to his original state, merely a 'number one under heaven' in name only, why can't I say so? Why can't I kill him? As the Wu family's Sword Crown, you lack even this much courage. It seems the martial world is destined to decline with each generation, and the Wu family's Sword Tomb will be no exception."

Wu Liuding glared in anger, just about to speak, when Cuihua softly interjected, "Zhu Huang, in three days, the ownership of the Suwang Sword will be decided."

Demon Zhu, who had long coveted the Suwang Sword, chuckled, but in his fervent gaze, there was a faint, almost imperceptible trace of unease. Wu Liuding became even more flustered. However, he knew Cuihua's nature too well; words would never dissuade her. Even expending countless words would be futile unless his own swordsmanship surpassed hers. At that moment, Wu Liuding, who had traveled the martial world for many years since leaving the Tomb, suddenly wondered if he had been too complacent, always believing he would one day reach the pinnacle of the sword world and thus not needing to rush. Wu Liuding appeared lazy and unconcerned, but was he not also supremely arrogant, thinking his talent was sufficient to make the entire martial world await that day?

Elder Heliang, who had been observing the scene at Listening Tide Pavilion, suddenly spoke. "All that I have observed, learned, and comprehended throughout my life is vast and disorderly, like an immense collection of treasures. In my heart, I wish to weave two seamless tapestries of treasure, but I am limited by my mediocre weaving skills, willing but unable. They say even a clever cook cannot make a meal without rice, which is frustrating. My frustration is even greater, for I possess ten thousand loads of rice but no stove. Thus, I have never been able to show these two tapestries to the world."

The old man turned to look at the young Sword Crown and slowly said, "I once thought that you, Wu Liuding, could weave these two tapestries. But time waits for no one. I am over eighty years old and have only a few days left to live. I may not live to see the day you achieve great enlightenment in the sword path. Now, I am fortunate to encounter someone already suited for it..."

Wu Liuding said with a pained expression, "Sword-Marrying Grandfather, please just keep those words to yourself. Why say them out loud and make me sad?"

The old man smiled faintly, "We old men, when we see our juniors not striving forward, always lament their lack of ambition."

Wu Liuding sighed, then turned and stared blankly at the lake.

Besides these most prestigious figures within the Wu family's Sword Tomb, other prominent figures who had stood firm in the sword world for many years—such as Zhang Luantai, the Left-Handed Sword, who once fought an exhilarating battle with Gu Jiantang; Liu Jianzhi, who, like two tigers on one mountain, could not coexist with Qi Jiajie in Tai'an City; Yue Zhuowu, the young master of Xingzi Sword Forge; Han Banxian from Xishu and the Sword Monk Cui Meigong; and several women, including Nalan Huaiyu—all stared intently at the peak battle beside the armory. It was vastly different from the world's expectation of two top masters fighting a world-shaking, ghost-wailing battle. Apart from the autumn catkins resembling winter snow and the beautiful rippling scenery on the lake, the only striking sight made most of the hundred-plus Wu family members feel as if they were lost in a fog, utterly bewildered. Even top swordsmen like Zhu Huang, Heliang Jianchi, and Gongsun Xiushui watched that one object move slowly.

A single chess piece was tossed high. Before reaching its apex, it began its descent, yet paradoxically, it seemed to leap even higher.

Everyone had their own interpretation. Gongsun Xiushui, once the top master of Southern Tang, murmured to herself, "That young prince must have created a chessboard, and where this piece lands and takes root, that's when the killing intent will emerge. Whether the long-browed old man can win depends on whether he can break through this chess formation before the piece lands."

Nalan Huaiyu, still as charming as in her youth, said with a smile, "What's all this about chessboards and formations? If you ask me, that young handsome lad is just showing off. He's just doing whatever looks dashing and elegant. At his level, even the most rudimentary moves, when executed by him, can create thunder from flat ground. Isn't it all about looking good?"

Yue Zhuowu, who had practiced ancient swordsmanship to the point of near obsession, shook his head. "Then you truly underestimate this person. That elder's internal sword qi is rampant; his cultivation level might not be lower than Xu Fengnian's. This action must have a profound meaning. How can a battle of life and death be treated as child's play?"

The Sword Monk, whom Wu Liuding often called "Baldy Cui," carried a sheatheless wooden sword called "Dragon-Subduing Wood" on his back. He touched his own head and sighed emotionally, "There's so much Zen essence in this! This reminds this humble monk of a time when I narrowly missed meeting Zen Master Longshu behind Liangchan Temple. The old monk, covered in mud and carrying a hoe, walked towards me on the road, greeting me with a smile. I just took him for an ordinary temple monk and thus missed the opportunity. Only afterward did I realize he was truly an enlightened person with a 'Lapis Lazuli Body.' No wonder they say the Xu family of Beiliang has devoutly worshiped Buddha for twenty years; every single action is a matter of cause and effect."

The chess piece began to fall.

Just as everyone thought a world-shaking battle was about to begin, Heliang Jianchi's eyes showed astonishment, and he abruptly said, "It's clear now."

Cuihua closed her eyes again. Zhu Huang, almost simultaneously, felt an insight. He pursed his lips, his expression complex, seemingly showing both admiration and disdain.

Among the remaining ninety-plus people, only a few were noticeably half a beat slower in their realization. Most still did not understand the profound mystery and continued to await a thunderous confrontation between the two sides.

The chess piece gently landed on the white-browed old man's shoulder. The old man's feet began to sink into the ground, and it was only when his knees were submerged that the extremely slow descent finally stopped.

Sui Xingu withdrew his gaze from Xu Weixiong and casually raised his hand to shatter the chess piece.

Then the old man looked up, his tone subtly tinged with indignation and anger. "Whether it's you, young man, or Wang Xianzhi, how is it that when you reach this 'Heavenly Human' realm of feigning and trickery, you're not as direct and straightforward as before? Do you disdain this old man as unworthy of your full effort?"

Xu Fengnian drifted to the ground, saying calmly, "It's hard to say how Wang Xianzhi viewed that sword strike entering the city at the time. As for me, I prefer not to engage in a life-or-death struggle with an elder if I can avoid it."

Sui Xingu sneered and asked, "If I had attacked Xu Weixiong, the weak point of this grand formation, just now, would you then be willing to fight to the death?"

Xu Fengnian did not directly answer, but chuckled, "But didn't the elder refrain from attacking?"

Sui Xingu did not speak, but Xu Fengnian swept forward, his body shielding Xu Weixiong.

Sui Xingu had not attacked earlier, but he deliberately bore the full weight of this "Lesser Thousand World." Otherwise, how could a single chess piece make his legs sink so deeply? Taoist records state that an immortal once pressed down Mount Buzhou with a single reed, causing the entire mountain range to collapse and crack. Regardless of the truth of this tale, even if it were true, it's clear that the mountain must have already withstood immeasurable, immense pressure before the reed ever landed. Sui Xingu knew better than any outsider that the young man had set a trap. He had two choices: attack Xu Weixiong, or directly endure the weight of this "Lesser Heaven and Earth." Regardless of his initial intention, Sui Xingu chose the more arduous latter option, which made it appear to observers that the old man had lost a round to Xu Fengnian.

Sui Xingu, for reasons unknown, was unwilling to let the matter rest and wanted another battle.

A buzzing sound emanated from Listening Tide Pavilion, like the faint hum of countless mosquitoes and flies gathered together.

Xu Fengnian hesitated, seemingly wanting to speak, but ultimately remained silent.

"I would be injured, but you would die."

Sui Xingu, understanding the meaning, smiled. He wrapped a long eyebrow around his finger, tied a small knot, and asked, "How would you know without trying?"

Elder Heliang sighed heavily, a hint of sadness in his voice. "Why insist on this? Is the world's sword path truly destined to decline from its peak in this generation?"

Inside Listening Tide Pavilion, absolute silence fell instantly.

Only one sword darted out from the high pavilion.

The famous sword, Shudao.

Before Chu Lushan led a thousand cavalry to "open up Shu," there was already a green-robed swordsman who "opened up Shu" with a single sword.

Xu Fengnian took a step forward, his knees slightly bent. His right hand had two fingers joined, while his left hand gripped the sword as if holding a saber. He pointed directly at Sui Xingu, pointing at the sword-eating swordsman who once exchanged an arm with the old man in sheepskin and still did not determine a victor.

For Li Chungang, no matter how grand an affair in the world, one sword would suffice to resolve it.

For Xu Fengnian, who was moving further and further away from the martial world, no matter how appealing the martial world, as long as he remained the King of Beiliang, it was a landscape he could only gaze upon from afar.

Even if that martial world still held the lingering image of the old man in sheepskin, Old Huang's sword case, and Wen Hua's wooden sword.

He could only remain in Beiliang, just as Wang Xianzhi remained in Wudi City.

He was in Beiliang, not concerning himself with worldly affairs. But this did not mean that anyone could come to Beiliang and cross the line.

At this moment, a vast expanse of purple-gold lotus flowers suddenly bloomed on the surface of Listening Tide Lake, covering the entire lake. They did not seem to be of this world, appearing ethereal and swaying gracefully.

In an instant, a purple-gold body was forged, just like Gao Shulu's back then.

Sui Xingu laughed uproariously, looking up at the sky, and suddenly exhaled a long breath.

He exhaled the thousands of sword qi he had absorbed over a century.

That extremely slow sword strike that entered Wudi City—Wang Xianzhi's four disciples had jointly, seemingly, blocked the last half-sword with Yu Xinlang. In reality, that sword strike was still only half a sword, possessing form but lacking true spirit.

At this very moment, this was the complete sword strike Sui Xingu wished to challenge the world's foremost master with.