Immortal of the Nine Realms

"Sword Leader Fang once used ancient Dao techniques in the Ancient Demon Wasteland to easily take the lives of Enlightenment Realm cultivators. Such methods are beyond my capabilities." Xing Jintuo smiled. "The first rule is that Sword Leader Fang must not use Daoist techniques in a moment of desperation; otherwise, even if I had nine lives, they wouldn't be enough to withstand his attack."

Chen Mang nodded slowly. "That's only natural."

A strange look passed through the eyes of the crowd, their gazes instinctively landing on several figures present. These individuals were all from Dao sects, including Xu Qingsong. Though the incident had occurred years ago, many who had not been present at the time had heard of how the Innate Dao Sect had been driven into a retreat by Fang Chen, with dozens of Enlightenment Realm cultivators perishing in their fight.

Who wouldn't harbor a sense of fear in their hearts?

"Additionally, sword cultivators have what's called the Sword Body, which is somewhat similar to our physical cultivation. However, the two must differ in some respects," Xing Jintuo continued. "I hope that during a purely martial arts comparison, both sides can seal their physical bodies and compete using only the abilities of mortals."

Before Chen Mang could respond, he continued, "Lastly, Sword Leader Fang cannot use a sword."

"These rules are all understandable," Chen Mang said, turning to Fang Chen. "What do you think, Sword Leader Fang?"

"Since we are cultivators, what is the point of engaging in these pointless contests? It would be better to compare our skills and see who is stronger," Fang Chen replied just as a figure stepped into the courtyard, flanked by a host of maidservants and guards.

Chen Mang suddenly stood up, a glimmer of excitement flashing in his eyes. "Fourth Princess."

Xia Ji frowned. "What is this girl doing here?"

At this moment, the Fourth Princess's status among the crowd was undoubtedly the highest, representing the royal family of the Central Continent Empire. As a result, Chen Mang willingly gave up his seat, preferring to sit at a lower position.

After the Fourth Princess took her seat, she lightly scanned Fang Chen and Xing Jintuo, smiling gently. "One is the sword leader of the Void Immortal Sword Sect, and the other is the most outstanding young talent of the Free Transformation Sect. Do you really intend to trade blows like mortals? Wouldn't that just make everyone laugh?"

"Your Highness, you don't quite understand. If this can help Brother Jintuo realize that he should stop wasting time on this path, it will all be worth it," Xia Ji said with a serious expression.

Ji Liang's gaze shifted, and a smile appeared on his face. "Fourth Sister, I think Xia Ji's words have some merit. Let the two of them spar a little; after all, they won't be using their true abilities, so it won't harm the camaraderie between them."

The Fourth Princess glanced at him and then nodded lightly. "Alright, you two may begin."

Xing Jintuo slowly stepped in front of Fang Chen, his buzz cut accentuating his strong jawline. His eyes flickered with a faint divine light, shining as if they contained stars.

Suddenly, his aura began to decline, eventually becoming somewhat similar to that of an ordinary person, revealing no trace of his cultivation. The crowd understood that he was self-sealing his cultivation to avoid using excessive power during the match.

"Sword Leader Fang, please."

Fang Chen nodded as he slowly opened his eyes, revealing grayish-white pupils. At the same time, his aura turned lackluster and ordinary.

Unlike Xing Jintuo, Fang Chen's aura seemed more thorough, creating a momentary illusion that he had truly returned to being a mortal again.

Before the crowd could snap out of this illusion, Xing Jintuo moved with determination, launching a lethal strike aimed directly at Fang Chen's vital points. The technique he employed was flawless and impeccable; a seemingly mundane strike in his hands appeared to transform decay into the miraculous.

His understanding of martial arts is indeed superior to mine, Fang Chen thought, his gaze shifting slightly.

He deftly stepped back half a pace, raising his hand to block Xing Jintuo's deadly attack, then used the momentum to smoothly retreat another couple of steps, skillfully dissipating the force behind the blow.

With just one exchange, he had already confirmed that Xing Jintuo's insights into martial arts far surpassed his own.

"Nice block! Let's go again!"

Xing Jintuo's eyes sparkled with excitement as he closed in on Fang Chen once more.

The two exchanged blows, and in the blink of an eye, they had already traded over ten strikes. To the onlookers, their movements seemed anything but fast; they were almost turtle-like in their slowness. However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that every movement was devoid of superfluous motion. Each change served a purpose, hinting at an underlying Dao that transcended mere physical combat.

Ji Liang suddenly chuckled. "Fang Chen is no match for Xing Jintuo."

The others exchanged glances and nodded silently; they could see that Xing Jintuo's approach was more ferocious. Although it seemed like they were merely exchanging blows, Fang Chen was clearly at a disadvantage.

As expected, after a few more exchanges, a cut appeared on Fang Chen's neck, with several strands of hair drifting to the ground. Just moments ago, Xing Jintuo had transformed his palm into a blade, and if Fang Chen hadn't dodged in time, his head would have been severed.

Fang Chen touched the wound on his neck and smiled faintly, nodding at Xing Jintuo. "Your martial arts are far superior to mine. I'm not your opponent."

"Thank you, Sword Leader Fang," Xing Jintuo replied, clasping his hands in a salute before returning to his seat.

Xia Ji stared blankly at the scene, glancing between Fang Chen and Xing Jintuo. He suddenly sighed. "It seems that Brother Jintuo's understanding of martial arts is indeed beyond ordinary comprehension."

Chen Mang grinned and offered some advice. "As long as you understand, that's what matters. Don't concern yourself with the paths others take; just focus on your own."

"Brother, you're absolutely right; I wholeheartedly agree," Xia Ji said, clasping his hands and pulling Fang Chen back to his seat.

At the same time, someone's gaze fixated on the few strands of hair on the ground. The owner of that gaze subtly moved his sleeve, and the hair immediately sank into the ground, disappearing. When it reappeared, it was in their hand.

"Everyone, please continue your discussion; I must take my leave," Xu Qingsong informed the others as he stood up. He cupped his fists in respect before striding out.

"The task has been accomplished, but I took the liberty of making a decision. You'll have a good show to watch soon," Xia Ji commented, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Of those strands of hair, only one belongs to me. Whose are the others? Did you secretly place them in my hair when I entered?" Fang Chen asked.

"One belongs to Gai Wu, another to Xu Peng, and one to Ji Liang," Xia Ji replied.

"Then it seems we're in for an interesting spectacle," Fang Chen remarked, an unusual expression on his face. "How did you get their hair?"

"It's a secret," Xia Ji said, grinning even wider.

"Xing Jintuo… Is he one of your men?" Fang Chen inquired.

Xia Ji nodded gently, exchanging a knowing glance with Xing Jintuo, their eyes reflecting an understanding only they could comprehend. "Indeed. He's one of my sworn brothers. His character is straightforward, and his heart is devoted solely to martial arts. I believe he can carve out his own path on this road."

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