Ye Mingshang faced his opponent and, in an instant, saw the flash of the sword cutting through the air, swift as the wind.
Swish!
Ye Mingshang bent backward into a bridge position, allowing the sword light to glide gently past his face, severing two of his eyelashes.
"What a fast sword!" Ye Mingshang marveled inwardly. This sword technique was far sharper than Unprincipled's, especially without using Daoist Arts.
As he executed the bridge maneuver, Zhang Jin did not stop; he charged forward, covering several dozen meters before coming to a halt.
This was what they called relentless advance—a pure charging technique that did not retract; once unleashed, there was no retreat or fear.
All that existed was the momentum of relentless advance. Only in this way could one unleash their true potential.
"Your sword technique is impressive," Ye Mingshang said as he stood up, generously offering praise.
"Thank you for the compliment, but I won't hold back because of it."
"Sword Technique—Relentless Advance!"
Once again, with this move, Zhang Jin's speed was incredibly fast, seemingly enhanced, as he almost instantly closed the distance.
This time, Ye Mingshang was prepared and sidestepped to evade.
However, it was not that simple.
"Sword Technique — A Twist in the Path!"
Swish!
Once again, a streak of sword light swept past. Ye Mingshang felt a prickling sensation behind him and hurriedly bent down.
The sword light sliced through, cutting off two strands of his hair.
"Zhang Jin's swordsmanship is quite sharp," an old man with a white beard exclaimed, his eyes shining with admiration.
"Indeed, the founder of the Kongtong Sect was a master of swordsmanship, and the entire sect has trained rigorously in it. Especially this Zhang Jin, his sword skills are astonishing and he truly embodies the essence of Kongtong Swordsmanship."
"At this rate, isn't Ye Mingshang in trouble?" someone remarked.
"Don't speak carelessly. Look closely; Ye Mingshang seems to be dodging without counterattacking. Yet he manages to evade each strike just in time. Although it appears dangerous, Zhang Jin hasn't landed a hit on him yet."
"Moreover, this Sword Technique places a considerable burden on the body. At this pace, who will win or lose remains uncertain."
After dodging another strike, Ye Mingshang couldn't help but regard Zhang Jin with newfound respect.
Though he was intentionally holding back, being able to sever his strands was no small feat.
He truly deserved to be called the top talent of the Kongtong Sect.
"If you don't attack soon, you may miss your chance," Zhang Jin said coldly, standing firm with his sword.
Ye Mingshang chuckled lightly, "Then let's see if you're worth me showing my true skills."
Zhang Jin squinted his eyes, his fighting spirit rising: "Since that's the case, let me show you what true Kongtong Swordsmanship is."
"Sword Technique—Southward!"
This time, he did not close the distance but instead swung the wooden sword in his hand.
Suddenly, a flash of sword light appeared, creating a crescent-shaped arc of slash, but it did not stop there.
The sword light flew past and slashed, while Ye Mingshang's double fists cracked loudly, surrounded by golden light, as he met it with his bare fists.
"Oh my god! He's crazy; his hands are going to get chopped off."
"I've heard that Ye Mingshang's fighting style is fierce, but I didn't expect him to be so bold as to use his fists against sword energy."
"Yeah, he's strong, but he doesn't seem very bright. At this rate, his hands are going to be ruined."
However, regardless of what others thought, it did not affect Ye Mingshang at all.
His fists were already descending.
"Crack!"
The sword light swept past; Ye Mingshang's hands were unharmed, but the sword light had clearly broken in the middle, missing a piece.
"What?!" one person exclaimed in shock.
"He really can meet sword energy with his bare fists!"
"The Young Master of the Demon Clan is indeed not to be underestimated; his physical strength is truly terrifying."
"It seems he is not a reckless individual; he possesses absolute confidence."
Zhang Jin was surprised to see the opponent's fist shatter his sword energy, but he did not hold back his attack.
"Sword Technique—Yan Fan!" Zhang Jin held the sword with one hand, pointing it upward, while his other hand supported his elbow.
"Chirp!!"
"Chirp!!"
The previously shattered sword energy did not dissipate. Instead, it broke apart into small birds, each about the size of a palm.
One by one, they flapped their wings, chirping as they flew back.
The Sword Technique Southward and Sword Technique Yan Fan were originally designed for combined attacks.
The Sword Technique Southward was created by the founding master Zhang Jundao, inspired by observing geese flying south.
Yan Fan, on the other hand, was inspired by the arrival of migratory birds returning in spring after winter.
When these two techniques are combined, their power is immense and difficult to defend against.
The true killing move lies not in Southward but in Yan Fan.
It also symbolizes the Arrival of Spring After Winter, representing the revival of all things, hope, and beauty.
However, those struck by this sword will find no beauty in it.
Ye Mingshang was startled and quickly formed a hand seal, then clapped both hands down onto the ground.
Buzz!
A dazzling golden light spread out, blinding everyone.
When they opened their eyes again, the sword had dissipated, and the scene had changed dramatically.
Zhang Jin, who had been dominating until now, found himself with Ye Mingshang gripping his throat; with just a gentle squeeze, his life could be taken.
"What? How could this happen!" One person couldn't believe what he was seeing and couldn't help but ask.
"I don't know either; it was like this when I opened my eyes."
"This is too bizarre. Can we watch a replay?"
In fact, it wasn't just them who were astonished; Zhang Jin was also confused about the situation.
He had sensed something was wrong when he saw Ye Mingshang clap his hands on the ground.
As the golden light flashed, he instinctively closed his eyes. At that moment, he felt a tightness in his throat and realized he was being choked.
At that moment, he knew he had already lost.
Releasing his palm, Ye Mingshang took a step back and cupped his fists, saying, "Thank you for the lesson!"
Although unwilling, it was a fact that he had lost, and Zhang Jin could do nothing about it. He also cupped his fists and said, "Thank you for the lesson."
He was a proud person; having lost, he could fight again next time but would never cling stubbornly to continue.
Moreover, when Ye Mingshang cast his spell, Zhang Jin did not see him reciting any incantations. It seemed he only needed to perform a hand gesture to cast spells.
The speed of his spellcasting was astonishing.
"To cast spells without chanting, this seems to be a technique that can only be mastered upon entering the Celestial Gate," Zhang Jin thought, his eyes flickering as he pondered.
"Don't be discouraged. Losing this time is not a big deal. He reached the peak of Celestial Master years ago, while you are just entering the mid-stage of Celestial Master. In the future, when you also reach the peak of Celestial Master, who knows who will win or lose?" His master noticed him in a daze and thought he was unwilling to accept defeat, so he spoke up to encourage him.
"The disciple understands." Zhang Jin did not explain much.
However, he already had plans in mind.
"If he has entered the Celestial Gate, even if I reach the peak, it might not matter." (To be continued.)
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