This person is indeed the Sect Leader of the Taishan Sect, Dong Lingzi.

Dong Lingzi's gaze was like a torch, intently fixed on Xu Qing, his eyes flashing with excitement and a sense of challenge.

"I am but an unknown figure in the Worldly Society, what merit do I possess to warrant the personal challenge from Daoist Dong Lingzi?" Xu Qing slightly cupped his hands, his tone calm as water.

Dong Lingzi threw his head back in laughter, the sound shaking the surrounding leaves: "Hahaha! Outside the ancient city, you defeated the Mongolian Martial God Meng Chixing, such Martial Arts and such courage have already stirred the world? My visit was meant to borrow the Yuan family's Commentary on the Yi Jing, to comprehend 'How about Dai Sect.' Seeing you today, I've realized the essence of the Yuan's Yi Xue is contained within your understanding. I happened to seek your instruction on this move."

Xu Qing's heart was slightly moved, "How about Dai Sect" is the Absolute Skill of the Taishan Sect, based on the profound and intricate knowledge similar to "The Book of Changes," focusing on asking the stone for directions, calculating the opponent's position, speed, Inner Strength, and more to accurately predict their moves, achieving victory by countering the enemy.

"Daoist, you flatter me. The way of 'The Book of Changes' is vast and profound; I only understand its surface. As for 'How about Dai Sect,' I dare not comment rashly." Xu Qing politely declined.

Dong Lingzi was undisturbed, lightly stroking the sword in his hand, a hint of cunning in his eyes: "Why be so modest? Our encounter today is fate. If we don't spar, wouldn't it be a pity? How about this, we will stop at the point of contact, okay?"

As he spoke, he gently shook his sword, the tip tracing a graceful arc.

Seeing how determined Dong Lingzi was, Xu Qing knew today's duel couldn't be avoided. He sighed lightly and slowly drew the sword from his waist. Its blade, in the glow of the setting sun, shone coldly like a pool of autumn water. "Since the senior insists, I can only oblige. I hope the Daoist will show mercy."

Before his voice fell, Dong Lingzi had already attacked. His figure flickered, like a blue flash of lightning, instantly darting in front of Xu Qing. The long sword in his hand thrust straight at Xu Qing's throat with astonishing speed. This seemingly straightforward strike contained endless variations, even before the sword arrived, the Sword Qi had already come, stifling Xu Qing's breath.

Xu Qing's eyes narrowed, stepping back while slanting his long sword to counter the attack using the "Sword Swing Style" from his modified version of Dugu Nine Swords. The clash of potential forces resulted in a loud "bang," with a powerful wave expanding outward, sending sand and stones flying around.

Seeing his first move easily deflected, Dong Lingzi's eyes showed a hint of surprise but soon shifted to excitement. He shouted, swinging his sword rapidly, instantly transforming it into countless sword shadows, enveloping Xu Qing. This move was Taishan Sect's "Mount Tai Pressing," backed by immense Inner Strength, pressing like Mount Tai on the opponent, tremendously powerful.

Yet Xu Qing remained calm, maneuvering deftly amidst the shadowy swords. His sword sometimes thrusting, other times slashing, showcasing the intricacies of his modified Dugu Nine Swords. Every strike was precise, always dissolving the opponent's offensive while finding opportunities to counter.

They exchanged moves energetically, already battling through dozens of rounds. The more Dong Lingzi fought, the more alarmed he became, realizing Xu Qing's Martial Arts were not only arcane and unfathomable but also varied and unpredictable. Each move seemed to contain mysteries, adeptly neutralizing crises even as victory seemed within reach.

Amid their fierce duel, Dong Lingzi suddenly shouted: "Xu Daoist, watch out! Witness my move, 'How about Dai Sect'!" With a powerful swing of his sword, a golden light shot skyward, illuminating the heavens. Simultaneously, his eyes focused intensely, chanting as if calculating something.

Xu Qing felt a tremendous pressure descending, as if the whole world was squeezing him. Alarmed, he knew Dong Lingzi executed "How about Dai Sect." Without hesitation, he circulated the Innate Purple Qi within, executing the Qi Breaking Technique of Dugu Nine Swords.

His sword moved swiftly, Sword Qi crisscrossing.

The collision of two formidable forces resulted in a deafening roar.

Dong Lingzi felt a sweetness in his throat, almost vomiting blood, but he withstood the pain, staying firmly in place.

Xu Qing sheathed his sword, softly saying: "Daoist Dong Lingzi's 'How about Dai Sect' is indeed a peerless swordsmanship. Today, having the fortune to witness it has opened Xu's eyes."

Dong Lingzi blushed, responding: "Thank you for showing mercy. In the future, if Xu Daoist needs anything from the Taishan Sect, just send word. Be it Sword Mountain or a sea of fire, I shall never fail."

He was sincere.

A moment's ill-will from Xu Qing would have severed Dong Lingzi's meridians by now.

Not to mention, despite ample opportunity to defeat him, Xu Qing fed him dozens of moves and ensured not to damage his dignity as the Taishan Sect Leader.

The ancient saying concerning the benevolence of passing knowledge and clearing doubts is exemplified here.

…

…

Huashan, Sun and Moon Cliff.

A demure young girl spoke, "Since I have lost to Master Zhu Mei this time, I shall not say much, Master, please follow me."

Master Zhu Mei understood that though defeating Hua Zhenzhen allowed reclaiming the Sect Leader's position, unless the influence behind her was dealt with, the position would remain unstable.

The delicate girl was indeed Hua Zhenzhen.

She led Master Zhu Mei towards the back of Huashan.

Passing through countless clouds, encountering many cranes, they arrived outside an estate.

Master Zhu Mei, spending many years on Huashan, was unaware of such a secluded paradise existing in the mountains.

Reflecting on the path taken, she had an epiphany.

The path was certainly hidden by a Qi Men Formation, concealing this estate from outside view.

Entering the estate.

They tread on pebble paths, passing through the back garden, devoid of vibrant plants, with every pavilion and stone giving off an elegant, rustic charm.

Master Zhu Mei and Hua Zhenzhen walked side by side in silence, unable to converse.

Suddenly, Master Zhu Mei felt an uncanny awe emanating from the bamboo forest ahead.

Soon, they entered the serene bamboo grove, occasional beams of sunlight penetrating the leaves, creating dots that inexplicably calmed one's heart.

But Master Zhu Mei's internal tension intensified.

She distinctly sensed a terrifying pressure, like a tidal wave surging from the depths of the bamboo grove.

Too strong.

What kind of person resides within?

Finally reaching the end of the path, a small hut appeared. Outside, a pond with two white-headed mandarin ducks frolicked, with lotuses planted inside.

Steam from hot springs surrounded the hut, maintaining warm temperatures year-round.

"Zhenzhen, Master Daoist has left, whom have you brought?" a clear man's voice emerged from within.

"Hero Yang, Master Zhu Mei has comprehended the Qi Breaking Technique of Dugu Nine Swords, I cannot defeat her. She intends to reassume Huashan's Sect Leader position, what should we do?"

"I have long ceased to concern myself with worldly affairs."

"But Daoist said if I were in trouble, I should seek you."

"Ah, I understand now why Master Daoist left promptly, knowing trouble was imminent."

"Daoist said one cannot easily extricate from the martial world." Hua Zhenzhen whispered.

"A prisoner of Longevity, he is perhaps more shackled than us mortals."

"Enough, husband. We owe Daoist for being together, don't speak ill of him here."

Out came a stunningly beautiful Madam, pulling out a man.

This Madam held an empty sleeve.

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