Whether on stage or off, everyone was shocked and filled with doubt.
Did Yan Shouyi already know Bagua Zhang and come to play the pig to eat the tiger and kill with poisoned words, or was he truly gifted, learning the opponent's ultimate skill in less than a hundred moves?
If it was the former, everyone would still find it reasonable, but if it was the latter, it would be too terrifying…
The Luban Shu already incorporated the strengths of all schools of thought, and most of them were willingly contributed by the major sects. If the Luban successor Yan Shouyi also possessed such terrifying talent, would other sects still have a place to thrive?
If Yan Shouyi were to grow, whether others could defeat him was one thing, but perhaps no one would dare to attack him, because with just one move, he might steal their ultimate skills…
Zhao Chengxiang, on the Wanshan Zongtan, voiced the doubt in everyone's hearts:
"Yan Shouyi… did you already know Bagua Zhang, or did you steal it from me on the spot?!"
As he asked this question, Zhao Chengxiang's eyes were bloodshot, and he appeared utterly dejected.
After all, being repeatedly attacked with poisoned words by Yan Shouyi, a normal person would likely not be able to withstand it.
Yan Shouyi did not play coy. He smiled and said, "The Luban Shu does not record the content of Bagua Zhang, and I have never practiced Bagua Zhang before this."
Zhao Chengxiang swallowed, his voice trembling as he asked, "Did you really learn it on the spot?"
"Yes."
Yan Shouyi paused, then added, "But learning Bagua Zhang also had some specific factors that helped. It's not that I can easily learn any ultimate skill."
"What do you mean by that?" Zhao Chengxiang pressed.
"Earlier, I asked you if Bagua Zhang was used to counter Tai Chi, and you admitted it. This gave me an idea—since the two are mutually opposed, if I knew Tai Chi, and could find a way to counter Tai Chi, then by studying and drawing inspiration from your moves, I could probably learn Bagua Zhang easily. So, I deliberately used Tai Chi to bait your Bagua Zhang, learning as we fought, and finally found the trick."
As Yan Shouyi spoke, he looked down at his palm and said regretfully, "It's a pity that my Bagua Zhang ultimately has form but no essence. If the opponent wasn't you, Zhao Chengxiang, but an elder from your Wudang Mountain, I fear I would not be your match."
Zhao Chengxiang's breath hitched.
Killing with poisoned words!
Killing with poisoned words!
Killing with poisoned words!
You learned Bagua Zhang from me, and you regret that I'm not strong enough?!
Zhao Chengxiang was almost exploding with anger!
Although he was angry, he also recognized a fact: Yan Shouyi's talent and mindset were far superior to his own!
Yan Shouyi could study and learn while fighting, but he, Zhao Chengxiang, could not.
The difference was clear.
The audience below also let out a sigh of relief, as if their doubts had been cleared.
However, the answer to this riddle was even more terrifying than the riddle itself.
From then on, not a single person dared to look down on Yan Shouyi.
Even Han San gritted his teeth and stopped his narcissistic remarks, as he felt unprecedented recognition for another person for the first time.
Yuan Jianxin's sword box trembled, and he could barely suppress the urge to spar with Yan Shouyi.
"Tiedan, are we still fighting?" Yan Shouyi asked.
Zhao Chengxiang took a deep breath, trying to adjust his state of mind.
Yan Shouyi did not hurry, quietly waiting.
About two minutes later, Zhao Chengxiang finally calmed down.
His eyes were no longer filled with pride as before, and his expression was very calm, "Yan Shouyi, thank you."
Yan Shouyi nodded, accepting Zhao Chengxiang's thanks.
Earlier, Zhao Chengxiang's Dao heart had been greatly disturbed. Yan Shouyi could have directly attacked and knocked him off the stage.
But Yan Shouyi did not do so.
This gave Zhao Chengxiang the opportunity to adjust, preventing him from suffering qi deviation.
At this moment, Zhao Chengxiang had completely adjusted his mindset. He knew that he was bound to lose today.
However, before losing, he wanted to bring out his best state, to lose with dignity rather than be driven off the stage like a stray dog, hanging his head in shame.
It was precisely because Yan Shouyi saw the change in Zhao Chengxiang's mindset that he was willing to accept his thanks.
"Since Tai Chi and Bagua Zhang are ineffective against you, I can only place my hopes on our Wudang swordplay."
Zhao Chengxiang beckoned to the audience below, and a junior disciple from Wudang Mountain threw his sword onto the Wanshan Zongtan.
As the sword was unsheathed, a cold glint appeared. Zhao Chengxiang introduced:
"Our Wudang ancestor had a poem: 'Lingering emotions return to the north, wearing Taoist robes in place of official attire; carrying a sword to the capital, I shall ascend the Western Mountains to gaze at Taihang.' My sword is named Taihang. As it moves, it is Taihang; the sword is never separated from me. I hope you remember the name of this sword."
Yan Shouyi also retrieved his Zabimaru from behind and introduced:
"I have a Zabimaru that can overturn heaven and earth, sever mountains and rivers, and disrupt yin and yang. This blade is named Zabimaru, remember it well."
Seeing that both sides were about to use their weapons, everyone understood that the battle between Yan Shouyi and Zhao Chengxiang was nearing its end.
Yan Shouyi knew Tai Chi and Bagua Zhang. Now that blade and sword were about to clash, who would be superior?
The crowd could not help but anticipate.
Lu Jing whispered, "The characteristic of Wudang swordplay is its blend of speed and slowness, rigidity and softness. When practicing, it requires the sword to follow the body, with the body leading the sword. In spirit and form, one must achieve the unity of form and intent, intent and qi, qi and spirit. Within the six harmonies, the hands, eyes, body, techniques, and footwork must also be marvelously coordinated. In general, Wudang swordplay is completely different from the swordplay of the Laoshanschool. The Laoshanschool emphasizes nurturing intent, while Wudang swordplay emphasizes nurturing spirit. I wonder if this rascal Yan Shouyi has made any progress recently."
If judged by Yan Shouyi's swordsmanship during the battle at Ping'an Building, Lu Jing believed Yan Shouyi was inferior to Zhao Chengxiang.
"Sect Leader, I bet on my husband winning," Lin Zitong said with a smile, turning her head.
Lu Jing was stunned and gave a bitter smile, "What is there for us to bet on? Are we betting on my position as Sect Leader? But the position of Sect Leader will be yours sooner or later."
It was clear that Lin Zitong was simply reminding Lu Jing, "I'm still here, don't you dare speak ill of my husband."
On the Wanshan Zongtan, Zhao Chengxiang was initially holding his sword with one hand, but due to Yan Shouyi's overwhelming aura, he couldn't help but switch to gripping it with both hands.
On the Taihang sword, the sword qi was formidable, and even Yuan Jianxin showed a hint of apprehension.
He commented, "Zhao Chengxiang is arrogant, and so is his sword intent. If I were to face him, it would likely be difficult to discern a winner."
But he wondered if Yan Shouyi had any more tricks up his sleeve.
"Yan Shouyi, are you ready?" Zhao Chengxiang asked.
He seemed to be holding his breath, ready to unleash it.
Yan Shouyi held his blade with one hand and nodded silently.
"Take this!!"
Zhao Chengxiang gritted his teeth, preparing to fight Yan Shouyi to the death.
However, before he could even move, a gust of sword wind sliced past his ear!
Zhao Chengxiang froze on the spot.
The next second, the hair at his ear was cleanly cut and slowly drifted down.
Zhao Chengxiang looked up; Yan Shouyi had already assumed the falling blade stance.
Looking back, a sword mark extending over ten meters appeared on the bluestone bricks at his feet.
The deepest point was likely over a meter.
Wisps of smoke were still rising from the sword mark.
"Gulp—"
Zhao Chengxiang's gulp could be heard clearly throughout the venue.
Then, his teeth began to chatter uncontrollably.
His hands also became uncooperative, and the Taihang sword clanged onto the ground.
He tried to steady his legs, but his legs refused to gather any strength. The more he tried to suppress them, the more they trembled.
"Don't kneel… don't kneel…"
Zhao Chengxiang squeezed out a sentence from between his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead, his face flushed red!
"Don't kneel!!!"
With a roar, Zhao Chengxiang heavily knelt on the ground, supporting himself with his hands, tears streaming down his face uncontrollably.
"How can one person achieve such perfection…"
"My Tai Chi is not as good as yours."
"My Bagua Zhang was stolen by you!"
"Even the swordplay I've nurtured for years is not worth mentioning in front of you!!"
"I don't understand. You're the same age as me, even younger, but that blade of yours just now… it felt like sixty years of nurtured intent… How is this possible… This is simply impossible!!!"
Zhao Chengxiang's heart turned to ash. He was both terrified and helpless, and finally, it all turned into unmanly tears and hysterical questions.
Yan Shouyi's blade intent just now was unfathomable. Zhao Chengxiang looked at the sword mark behind him as if gazing into an abyss.
Even Yuan Jianxin was stunned.
At the same time, he had a question in his heart: "Yan Shouyi clearly used a blade, but why did his move just now exhibit sword intent?"
On the stage, Yan Shouyi silently sheathed Zabimaru.
He walked to Zhao Chengxiang's side and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I simply have a bit more luck than you, that's all."
Zhao Chengxiang said with a wry smile, "Don't say comforting words. To reach your level, luck alone is not enough… You must have suffered a lot, right?"
The sharp edge of a sword comes from grinding; the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from bitter cold. Zhao Chengxiang had read extensively in the past, and it was finally proving useful.
Facing Zhao Chengxiang's question, Yan Shouyi smiled calmly and nodded.
Yes, what I have more than you is not just luck.
It's also the hardships I've endured over the years.
The traditional renowned sects cultivate their character and spend their days in secluded paradises, oblivious to the world's affairs.
But Yan Shouyi and the sects of common folk like them traveled across the land, enduring all sorts of hardships.
Because of the "five deficiencies and three losses," they also lost loved ones, friends, and the most important people.
To live alone in this world, they had to forge strong hearts.
If they were not stronger than Zhao Chengxiang, that would be the greatest injustice in the world.
"Zhao Chengxiang, you…"
This was the first time Yan Shouyi had called Zhao Chengxiang by his full name. He wanted to comfort Zhao Chengxiang a bit.
After all, apart from his penchant for showing off, this fellow had no real faults.
Yan Shouyi could not bear to see him demoralized to the point of giving up.
Who would have thought that Zhao Chengxiang would instead smile and say, "You don't need to comfort me. This battle with you has given me much insight. I've been lost for many years, and perhaps I now know what I should do next."
"What do you plan to do?" Yan Shouyi asked in confusion.
Zhao Chengxiang said sincerely, "Tell me, the path you've walked, I also want to… walk it."
Yan Shouyi was taken aback, then smiled, "The path is beneath your feet. As soon as you leave Longhu Mountain, you can go wherever you wish in this vast world. The rest is up to time, and I believe you will forge a path that belongs only to you."