Chapter 19: A Duel of Life and Death!
"Managing to block three of my strikes in a row, that's rather interesting!"
Xiao Qingfeng's expression shifted slightly, his eyes locked onto Ling Feng. He smirked, "However, it's nothing more than that. I suggest you surrender the manual The Ninefold Ocean-Guarding Fist. Otherwise, with your meager strength, you're in for a rough time, and it might even cost you your life!"
As Xiao Qingfeng uttered the words "your life," his gaze conspicuously grew colder. Even the disciples in the vicinity sensed a chilling atmosphere, causing an involuntary shiver.
"Oh?" Ling Feng chuckled. "Well, it's a bit unfortunate for you. I've always believed in using persuasion over force. If you want the manual, feel free to try and take it with your own strength!"
"Hiss!"
Upon hearing these words, the surrounding disciples couldn't help but inhale sharply, taken aback.
Has this fellow's brain been kicked by a donkey?
Xiao Qingfeng's strength has reached the eighth level of Qi Condensation!
Did he believe that merely fending off a few moves from Xiao Qingfeng moments ago qualified him to be compared to a genius of this caliber?
Utterly foolish!
Xiao Qingfeng nearly chuckled, "Kid, I only utilized thirty percent of my strength just now! Good, very good!"
With a cold gaze fixed on Ling Feng, Xiao Qingfeng remarked, "If you insist on walking the path of self-destruction, don't blame me for showing no mercy!"
"Bring it on!" Ling Feng maintained a composed expression. Despite Xiao Qingfeng holding the upper hand in true qi, Ling Feng could exploit the vulnerability revealed by his Heavenly Dao Eye. Even if not evenly matched, he was confident he could seize an opportunity to escape.
At that very moment, a disciple hastily approached, murmuring a few words into Xiao Qingfeng's ear. Xiao Qingfeng promptly snorted and locked his gaze onto Ling Feng. "Kid, count yourself fortunate to have evaded trouble this time! However, do you dare to challenge me on the Life-or-Death Platform in ten days?"
Once on the Life-or-Death Platform, life and death become inconsequential; each accepts their fate!
Ling Feng, comprehending the gravity of the Life-or-Death Platform, stood resolute and unafraid. He uttered in a cold tone, "If you have no fear of death, I am willing to accompany you!"
"Good! Very good!"
With a stern gaze, Xiao Qingfeng locked eyes with Ling Feng. "Fine! Very well! I'll grant you ten more days to live. After that, you'll come to realize the formidable opponent you've stirred."
After uttering these words, Xiao Qingfeng, accompanied by the disciple, swiftly departed. Being summoned by the Peak Leader, he had no option but to comply.
After observing Xiao Qingfeng's departure, Ling Feng acted as if nothing had occurred. With a casual shrug, he then proceeded to leave.
Currently, Xiao Qingfeng might be deemed a formidable opponent to him, but after ten days, that might not be the case.
...
Swiftly, news of the impending duel between Xiao Qingfeng and Ling Feng circulated throughout every level of the Wenxian Sect.
Ling Feng's reputation was unparalleled at the moment.
Initially, Ling Feng surprisingly chose to remain in a location like Little Bamboo Peak. Subsequently, he boldly reprimanded Shi Tailong, ultimately crippling one of his eyes.
Moreover, he presented the Sect Leader's token, compelling even the elder guarding the depository to step back and endure the situation.
Currently, even before the initial news had gained widespread attention, a fresh piece of information emerged—Ling Feng, a newcomer, had arranged a ten-day life-and-death duel with a genius like Xiao Qingfeng!
Had Ling Feng not joined Little Bamboo Peak, he might have become a legendary figure praised by the inner disciples.
"Regrettably, he was the disciple of Duanmu Qingshan, the one responsible for the demise of the previous Sect Leader."
Unaware of the extent of his fame, Ling Feng remained indifferent to such matters.
In this moment, Ling Feng had already returned to the bamboo tower of Little Bamboo Peak. Spotting Duanmu Qingshan enjoying a drink in the courtyard, he swiftly approached and offered his respects, saying, "Thank you, Master!"
During his time in the scripture depository, if it weren't for Duanmu Qingshan sending a sword qi through the Sect Leader's jade token, he might have been crippled by the depository-guarding elder.
"I've assured you that I can handle this situation. Any lingering doubts?" Duanmu Qingshan tilted his head back, savored a few sips of wine, and then grinned. "Gulp, gulp," he took a bit more before speaking.
"Hehe, I didn't have any doubts from the start," Ling Feng said, nervously touching his nose as he spoke.
"You little rascal, hahaha..." Duanmu Qingshan laughed heartily. He continued, "While I can use the token to transmit sword qi and shield you, it's still advisable for you to stick close to me. We don't know what underhanded tactics they might employ otherwise."
"I understand," Ling Feng nodded. He continued, "By the way, Master, I've chosen several medicinal herbs from the medicinal pavilion. Additionally, I've formulated a prescription that should accelerate the process of clearing the sword qi from your body."
"My dear child, I've caused you worry once more." Duanmu Qingshan gently tousled Ling Feng's hair, offering a faint smile. However, a hint of sadness crept into his expression as he sighed, as if reminded of some melancholic memory.
Recognizing that Duanmu Qingshan was likely reminiscing about his wife and daughter, Ling Feng found himself at a loss for words on how to offer comfort. All he could do was be there for him in the courtyard, sharing a drink in silence.
...
At dawn, behind Little Bamboo Peak, a rugged cliff with sheer drops framed the landscape.
Endless clouds ascended, a gentle breeze arrived, and Ling Feng stood with his sword, welcoming the wind.
The longsword he held was a replacement. During the previous encounter with Xiao Qingfeng, his fine steel sword had suffered three notches. It wasn't a matter of his inferior swordsmanship, but rather the quality of the fine steel sword, which didn't measure up to the profound weapon wielded by Xiao Qingfeng.
Duanmu Qingshan isn't stingy when it comes to his favored disciple. Upon seeing Ling Feng's damaged sword, he promptly handed him a low-grade mystical weapon named the "Moon Slayer".
After practicing the Starshatter Sword Technique several times, Ling Feng retrieved three manuals from his bosom.
In the scripture depository, he acquired a manual on body movement titled Flashing Steps. Despite having replicated a martial technique named Cloud-Chasing Steps using the Heavenly Dao Eye previously, it was a common practice accessible to any disciple, even those from the outer sect. In contrast, Flashing Steps proved to be a more advanced and refined art.
Duanmu Qingshan, having expressed contentment with the "Wenxian Qi Refining Technique," decided against exploring various qi cultivation methods. Instead, he chose a body-refining manual titled Rock Body, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the physique.
Having utilized the full thirty breaths of time to activate the Human Dao Eye last night, he had already commenced practicing the techniques detailed in the Rock Body. Divergent from regular martial skills, body refinement offered no shortcuts. It involved two essential steps: rigorous self-training and a medicinal bath for cleansing the marrow and removing impurities.
The Rock Body wasn't an extraordinarily sophisticated martial technique, and as a result, the necessary medicinal herbs were not especially rare; they were all present in Duanmu Qingshan's medicinal garden. The subsequent phase involved the accumulation of time, after which the Rock Body could be successfully cultivated.
There was another manual, The Ninefold Ocean-Guarding Fist, but it had already been exchanged with Xiao Qingfeng for the incomplete lower half of the manual.
After contemplating for a while, Ling Feng didn't immediately proceed to practice The Ninefold Ocean-Guarding Fist. Instead, he turned to the manual for Flashing Steps.
Perhaps influenced by his past role as a physician, Ling Feng preferred avoiding direct confrontations. The idea of using his body movement to evade opponents' attacks, allowing him to land hits while remaining untouchable, seemed more intriguing to him.
"The first divine inscription of the Heavenly Dao—Condense!"
A faint warmth emanated from his right eye as the divine inscription condensed. Ling Feng felt as if the symbols from the manual were moving on their own.
Though this form of movement might not match the effectiveness of a live demonstration, with the Heavenly Dao Eye activated, Ling Feng experienced heightened senses. His hearing and vision sharpened, thoughts raced, and every piece of information in his mind became remarkably clear.
As the symbols entered his mind, Ling Feng initiated a simulation of his practice process within the space of his consciousness.
After several repetitions of this process, Ling Feng finally commenced the cultivation of the body movement technique, Flashing Steps.
In the first iteration, the proficiency came naturally, albeit with a slight lack of refinement. However, as Ling Feng continued his practice, mastering it didn't prove to be challenging.
This showcases the exceptional nature of the Heavenly Dao Eye. Typically, it's rare for ordinary disciples to master a technique like Flashing Steps within a month. However, Ling Feng has already achieved proficiency after just a few readings of the manual.
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