Chapter 1015: Shishuibu?
Chapter 1015: Shishuibu?
It wasn't just Feng Zichen; at this point, almost every cultivator outside the arena had already realized the truth.
They watched the Lunjian Arena, where a figure moved gracefully, as natural as water, yet not a single piece of clothing was torn amidst the dense and impenetrable sword lights. The sight left them all in a state of indescribable shock.
This shock choked their throats, leaving them unable to utter a word.
Supreme mobility techniques?!
This Mo Hua actually possessed a peerless technique that surpassed even the top geniuses of Qianxue Prefecture?
His mobility skills were even more advanced than those of the top geniuses who carried the legacies of Xiaoyaomen and the Feng Family?
How was this possible?
Everyone found it hard to believe.
Especially the cultivators from Xiaoyaomen and the Feng Family.
Among them, their strongest disciples and mobility techniques were surpassed by this mere Mo Hua, leaving them emotionally and rationally unable to accept it, feeling even more humiliated.
Elder Feng's face turned extremely unsightly.
At the same time, his face felt scorching with embarrassment.
Especially when he recalled the bold words he had spoken before the Lunjian, boasting that their Feng Family disciples had unparalleled mobility skills and would surely defeat Mo Hua in the sword battle.
Elder Feng's old face almost couldn't maintain its composure.
Elder Zhang looked at Mo Hua on Fangtian Huayin, feeling genuinely astonished.
Was this the Lunjian of Qianxue Prefecture?
Was this the ultimate genius?
He had thought that Feng Zichen's mobility skills were already incredibly strong among his peers.
But he never imagined that there was always someone better.
There was still someone whose mobility skills surpassed Feng Zichen's.
"Mo Hua..."
This name seemed to carry a magical power, carving itself into Elder Zhang's heart.
Elder Zhang turned his head again, looking at Elder Feng.
As old friends, he didn't want to see Elder Feng embarrassed, so he sighed and said with a sigh:
"I won't hide it from you, Brother Feng. Zichen's talent in mobility skills is something I've rarely seen in my life."
"A genius with such talent is far beyond the reach of my Zhang Family's peers."
"That set of mobility skills he possesses is far superior to our Zhang Family's inherited techniques."
"But... there are some things that you and I both understand."
"This is Qianxue Prefecture, where geniuses gather, and each one is more terrifying than the last."
"Brother Feng, there's always someone better..."
Elder Zhang used his own family as an example, praising the Feng Family while speaking the truth.
Upon hearing this, Elder Feng's heart slightly eased, and after a moment of thought, he sighed and cupped his hands towards Elder Zhang:
"I was too focused on winning and underestimated the geniuses of other sects. That's why I spoke rashly, causing Elder Zhang to laugh at me."
"Brother Feng, you're too kind," Elder Zhang shook his head and then praised:
"Zichen, possessing the pinnacle mobility skills of both Xiaoyaomen and the Feng Family, will only become more exquisite as he cultivates. His future is boundless."
"Youthful exuberance often leads to recklessness. This setback will help him mature, and there's no need to rush things."
"Yes..." Elder Feng nodded, feeling much more relieved.
However, at the same time, he was still very puzzled:
"Elder Zhang, Zichen has already mastered Xiaoyaomen's Tafeng Step and the Feng Family's Youfeng Step, which are already top-notch mobility skills."
"This Mo Hua... what kind of mobility skills has he learned that surpasses even the Feng Family and Xiaoyaomen's legacies?"
"This..."
Elder Zhang frowned.
He looked up at Mo Hua again, deep in thought, and after a moment, he slowly said:
"It's a unique set of water-type mobility skills, but it's definitely not the Liushui Step."
"The Liushui Step is just a facade."
"This set of mobility skills... allows one to shift and move within a small space, their body flowing like water, following the current."
"When it's slow, it's like a stream originating from a mountain gorge, and when it's fast, it's like a river rushing downstream..."
"In its subtleties, there are countless variations, and when it flows, it's ever-changing..."
"Additionally, there's some misty water, both real and illusory, that wraps around endlessly..."
"It's indeed exquisite, containing countless intricacies. The flow of its meridians is somewhat ancient, and even I can't quite figure it out..."
Elder Zhang frowned.
Elder Feng nodded repeatedly.
The Zhang Family was also known for their mobility skills, and Elder Zhang, being a Yu Hua cultivator, had exceptional vision and insight.
But as he listened, he suddenly felt something was amiss.
"Elder Zhang..."
Elder Feng scrutinized Mo Hua and turned to look at Elder Zhang, his expression odd, and couldn't help but ask:
"I have a feeling that this kid is using your Zhang Family's 'Shishuibu'?"
Even Elder Zhang of the Zhang Family was momentarily stunned.
Behind him, Zhang Lan tensed up, his face serious, and he dug his feet into the ground, wishing he could dig a hole and jump into it.
"Shishuibu?"
Elder Zhang of the Zhang Family frowned, looking a bit dazed.
This was indeed a possibility he had never considered.
It wasn't his fault for not thinking of it, because...
Even if he racked his brains, he couldn't understand how a disciple of Tai Xu Gate, the champion of Qianxue Zhen Dao, and a genius of the Lunjian Assembly, could have the opportunity to learn the Shishuibu of his Zhang Family, which was thousands of miles away?
Moreover, this Shishuibu had surpassed both Xiaoyaomen's Tafeng Step and the Feng Family's Bagu Youfeng Step.
Zhang Lan's Shishuibu was so powerful?
He wondered, but was it possible?
"Impossible..." Zhang Dazhanglao shook his head slightly, "The technique this kid is using, although it's a water-type mobility technique, the flow of spiritual power is different in the details, and there are many more variations. It doesn't seem to be the same as Shishuibu."
"Moreover, Shishuibu is our Zhang family's secret technique. How could an outsider possibly learn it?"
"Is there a possibility..." Feng Zongzhe worried, "that our Zhang family's ultimate skill has been leaked out?"
"Absolutely not!"
Zhang Dazhanglao said solemnly, "This is our ancestor's legacy. If someone steals our ancestor's technique and spreads it outside, our Zhang family will never have such a heinous and unfilial disciple!"
"If there really is such a disciple, even if we don't flay his skin and pull out his tendons, we must still punish him by making him eat bran and choke on vegetables in front of our ancestor's shrine for over a hundred years..."
It was like a thunderclap on a clear day.
Zhang Lan felt his scalp tingle, his head buzzed, and his heart sank.
From the very beginning, all his worries about Shishuibu had come true in an instant, without any warning.
Mo Hua had used Shishuibu, and someone had seen it.
It would have been fine if it was just seen, but this was at the Lun Jian Conference, on the huge Fangtian Huayin projection screen, and almost all the cultivators in the Qian Xue Prefecture had witnessed it...
What's more, it was seen by the Zhang family's Daliao.
But that wasn't all, the situation was even more serious...
The Zhang family's mobility technique had been learned by an outsider.
This outsider had learned it better than the Zhang family.
So well that even the Zhang family's Daliao didn't realize it was their technique...
If this matter hadn't been exposed, it would have been fine, but once the Daliao found out...
Zhang Lan dared not think further.
He could only clench his teeth, sit up straight, look forward, and hold his breath.
He pretended to be a "stone statue," not daring to breathe.
He was afraid that if he breathed, the Daliao would discover his guilty conscience.
And for a moment, Zhang Dazhanglao didn't suspect him.
After all, in his heart, he knew that what Mo Hua was using couldn't possibly be the Zhang family's Shishuibu.
Meanwhile, on the Fangtian Huayin, the Lun Jian continued.
But the situation of the battle was already clear.
Xiao Yao Gate's strongest, Feng Zichen, was outmaneuvered by Mo Hua's superior mobility, and his sword skills were also slightly slower.
Once the wind-type fast sword slowed down, its power was greatly reduced.
He couldn't possibly defeat Mo Hua in a short time.
In theory, he could make countless mistakes, but as long as he succeeded once, landing a single strike, Mo Hua would die.
Mo Hua could succeed countless times, but if he failed once, missing a single dodge, he would also die.
But this seemingly hopeless strike, this sword that seemed as elusive as water, mist, and ghosts, filled Feng Zichen's heart with despair.
On the surface, Mo Hua wasn't Tai Xu Gate's strongest disciple; the real powerhouse was the sword genius Ling Hu Xiao.
Mo Hua first used invisibility, then the flowing water step, and finally Shishuibu, repeatedly wasting a lot of Feng Zichen's time.
This time was gained for Ling Hu Xiao.
The other disciples of Xiao Yao Gate, relying on the offensive power of their fast swords, could temporarily suppress Ling Hu Xiao, but they couldn't truly defeat him.
As time passed, their swords would also slow down.
And finally, Ling Hu Xiao, taking advantage of the time Mo Hua bought him, found a flaw and broke through Xiao Yao Gate's wind sword with his Chongxu Jianqi.
Once the wind sword's siege was broken, Ling Hu Xiao was like a tiger released from its cage, and under the protection of Cheng Mo and the others, he began to slaughter in all directions.
The disciples of Xiao Yao Gate naturally retreated step by step.
Xiao Yao Gate's Tianjiao, Feng Zichen, abandoned the pursuit of victory and focused solely on killing Mo Hua, even wanting to stab him with a single sword.
As long as he could land a single strike.
As long as he could stab, even if he couldn't kill Mo Hua, it would be enough.
Even if he could just tear a corner of his clothing, it would be enough.
As long as he could truly touch that elusive figure, like water, mist, and ghosts, he would be satisfied.
He didn't ask for anything more.
But he couldn't land a single strike.
No matter how fast his mobility was, no matter how swift his sword was, no matter how close his meridians were to depletion, and no matter how densely he waved his sword, he couldn't touch Mo Hua even once.
Ling Hu Xiao, along with four others, killed four disciples of Xiao Yao Gate, and then surrounded and attacked Feng Zichen.
Mo Hua, who had been chased for the entire match, now had a moment of respite, freeing his hands to counterattack and "teach" Feng Zichen a lesson with his spells.
The result was without suspense.
This Xiao Yao Gate's Tianjiao, the outstanding member of the Feng family, lost just like that.
Not only did he lose.
Before Feng Zichen's defeat, his face turned pale, his spirit shattered, and his Dao heart even showed signs of breaking.
The scene made everyone feel pity, and sighs and exclamations of regret filled the air.
"This Mo Hua, his sins are heavy!"
"A Tianjiao, humiliated and trampled by this guy, what a shame..."
"I feel uncomfortable just watching this..."
"It's not Feng Zichen's fault, who could have imagined that this damned Mo Hua's mobility would be so good?"
"Where did he learn this terrifying mobility technique?"
"Who is this damned bastard, aiding the villain and harming the innocent, teaching him such a shameless mobility technique?"
Some people also realized the problem:
"Mo Hua's mobility is so good, could it be that he was just acting when he was slashed and fled in embarrassment before?
"Hiss—"
The crowd gasped in surprise.
"Is it not a cat chasing a mouse, but a mouse toying with the cat?"
"Is he mocking Feng Zichen?"
"No," someone else shook their head, "he's not just mocking Feng Zichen, he's mocking all of us..."
At that moment, everyone was gleefully anticipating a good laugh at Mo Hua's expense.
But in the end, they all became the laughingstock.
Once again, Mo Hua had played them all.
The thought of this silenced everyone.
Their faces burned with embarrassment, and a surge of anger rose in their chests.
They seethed in silence, but could only remain silent in their anger, unable to utter a word.
Nevertheless, Mo Hua's reputation had grown even more.
Of course, this fame was accompanied by much criticism.
...
The Lun Jian Conference continued, and other sect disciples began their trials.
Elder Feng seemed a bit distracted.
After witnessing Mo Hua and Feng Zichen's extraordinary mobility techniques, the subsequent Lun Jian matches felt somewhat bland.
Elder Zhang watched with disinterest.
During this dull and uneventful "garbage" time, only Zhang Lan stood straight as a statue, his mind burning like oil in a pan, enduring each second as if it were a year.
After an unknown amount of time, Zhang Lan's body went numb, and the Lun Jian matches finally came to an end.
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The audience began to disperse.
Just then, Elder Zhang turned around and glanced at Zhang Lan, his gaze profound.
Zhang Lan trembled, his soul nearly scared out of him.
"Let's head back to the residence..." Elder Zhang said.
Zhang Lan stood there for a while before finally holding his breath and nodding, "Yes, Elder."
His mind was unsettled, and his tone was slightly unsteady.
Elder Zhang found it a bit odd but didn't suspect anything at the moment, assuming that Zhang Lan was overwhelmed by the Qianxue Lun Dao and the presence of so many top-notch Tianjiao.
Elder Zhang didn't find it strange; instead, he felt relieved.
There are always greater beings beyond our comprehension.
This saying applied to everyone.
Sometimes, without stepping out to see the world, one would never realize how vast the world is and how many extraordinary talents there are.
Remaining confined to one's small world and being complacent leads to a dead end.
Only by overcoming this mental hurdle, acknowledging others' exceptional abilities, recognizing one's shortcomings, maintaining composure, and not being discouraged, can one truly progress on the path of cultivation.
The Fangtian Huayin dimmed, turning pure white, and the image disappeared.
The crowd stood up and left Lundao Shan in an orderly manner.
Zhang Lan mingled with the crowd, heading downhill from Lundao Shan.
His legs felt a bit stiff, and his heart still harbored unease.
Fortunately, Elder Zhang didn't suspect anything, which was a stroke of luck in their misfortune.
Zhang Lan breathed a sigh of relief.
After walking for a while, he turned around again, looking at the blank Fangtian Huayin, and the image of Mo Hua and the top Tianjiao of the Feng Clan engaging in a fierce battle flashed through his mind.
He still found it hard to believe.
That little brat he had met in the remote and impoverished Lianzhuang Prefecture of Daheishan Prefecture a decade ago had now become the pride of the entire Five Rank Qianxue Prefecture, admired by countless sects.
He had become a "Heavenly Pride" who could stir up storms and compete with the renowned geniuses of various sects without losing ground.
Moreover, countless cultivators hated him to the core, yet they couldn't do anything about it...
"Mo Hua..."
The familiar name suddenly felt so distant.
Zhang Lan stood there in a daze, as if in a dream.
...
Upon returning to the Feng Clan, Elder Zhang instructed the Zhang Clan disciples:
"Elder Feng and I have some important matters to discuss. You all can go and explore the mountains, make new friends, or do as you please."
"However, every Zhuji disciple must be accompanied by a Jiedan cultivator."
"Remember, this is the Five Rank Qianxue Prefecture, filled with established families and countless Tianjiao. It's not like our Canglan Prefecture."
"Be cautious in your actions. Make sure to return by the appointed time, or you'll face clan discipline."
The disciples bowed, "Yes, Elder."
"Hmm." Elder Zhang nodded, flicked his sleeves, and left.
The Zhang Clan disciples felt relieved.
The atmosphere became lively.
They discussed where to go for fun, which relatives or friends to visit, and some even called out to Zhang Lan.
Zhang Lan had a laid-back personality but was easygoing and well-liked within the clan.
Moreover, he was a Jindan cultivator.
Zhang Lan considered it and decided to join them.
After leaving the cave mansion, they explored the nearby Xiaoyao City, experiencing the customs and scenic beauty of the Qianxue Prefecture.
The city was filled with splendor, and the sight was truly breathtaking.
The Zhang Clan disciples were amazed.
Only Zhang Lan remained lost in thought, his mind heavy with concerns.
As they wandered, a disciple sighed:
"The Qianxue Prefecture is amazing, but unfortunately, I can't come here to study. My parents won't allow it."
"That's right. This time, Elder Zhang was kind enough to bring us here. Who knows when we'll have the chance to visit again."
"Qianzhou is too far; we might never get the chance..."
"What a pity..."
Hearing this, Zhang Lan's heart stirred, and he couldn't help but think: "Should I find an opportunity to... meet Mo Hua?"
This time, his visit to Qianxue Prefecture was a stroke of serendipity.
After watching the Lunjian, they would return to Kanzhou, a long journey where they might never meet again.
From now on, they would be separated by distance, and no one knew where Mo Hua would go or if they would ever meet again.
But...
Zhang Lan hesitated for a moment.
Mo Hua's Shishuibu was taught by him, and at this time, he should have avoided any potential conflict of interest. Otherwise, if the Grand Elder noticed, he would be in deep trouble.
Moreover, Mo Hua was busy with the Lunjian, and he shouldn't disturb him.
Furthermore, Mo Hua had changed significantly and was now the focus of everyone's attention as a Tianjiao. It was unlikely that he would even remember who Zhang Lan was...
Zhang Lan himself didn't know where to find Mo Hua...
Zhang Lan was filled with apprehension and indecision.
Just then, he recalled the sentiments often expressed by the Grand Elder.
The path of cultivation is long, and separations are common, but reunions are rare.
In one's lifetime, encounters are unpredictable, and many people have unknowingly seen each other for the last time.
Perhaps this moment was his only chance in this life to meet Mo Hua again.
If he missed this opportunity, they might never cross paths again, each on their separate paths, until their cultivation ends with their death.
Zhang Lan's heart was filled with a sense of desolation.
After some thought, he decided to go and meet a fellow cultivator.
The others were taken aback but didn't ask further. They nodded in agreement, some calling out, "Brother Lan" and "Uncle Lan."
"Go early and return early, and be safe," they said.
Zhang Lan nodded and bid farewell to the Zhang Clan members.
He wanted to find Mo Hua, but the problem was he didn't know where Mo Hua was. After a moment's thought, he realized that since Mo Hua was a disciple of Tai Xu Gate, he should have returned there after the Lunjian.
"Tai Xu Gate..."
Zhang Lan hired a horse-drawn carriage and asked for directions. He set off towards Tai Xu Gate.
Xiao Yao Gate and Tai Xu Gate, both among the Eight Great Gates, were not far from each other.
The major sects had dedicated roads, and the traffic of carriages and horses was bustling.
After about half an hour, Zhang Lan arrived at Tai Xu City. He consulted a map and made his way through the city streets, along the stone steps, and finally reached the mountain gate of Tai Xu Gate.
However, he was stopped at the mountain gate.
It was the time of the Lunjian Conference, and Qianxue Prefecture was bustling with people. Cultivators from all directions had gathered, making it easy for trouble to arise.
Therefore, most of the Qianxue sects strictly enforced their gate restrictions, refusing entry to all outsiders.
Without a sect order or a letter from an elder, Zhang Lan was barred from entering.
Of course, he wasn't alone. There were others who wanted to visit Tai Xu Gate to meet relatives and friends or witness the sect's grandeur, but they were also refused entry.
Some argued with the gatekeeper disciples, claiming to know certain elders or guests, but to no avail.
This was the sect's rules, and no explanations were allowed.
Zhang Lan stood outside the mountain gate for a long time, sighing in resignation.
One's fate is difficult to force.
Perhaps this was fate.
As dusk approached, the sun set, and the evening glow faded.
Zhang Lan's eyes dimmed slightly, and he turned around, walking down the long mountain path, gradually moving away from Tai Xu Mountain.
...
At that moment, inside Tai Xu Mountain.
Mo Hua had just finished a day of Lunjian and was walking with several others towards the disciples' residence. As he walked, his heart suddenly leaped.
A sense of familiarity welled up within him.
Mo Hua stopped in his tracks.
"Junior Brother, what's wrong?" asked Si Tu.
Mo Hua shook his head and extended his palm. He waved his hand without waiting for a response and headed towards the mountain gate.
At the mountain gate, several cultivators were gathered, some arguing loudly.
Mo Hua stood on the high platform, looking into the distance. He saw a figure gradually moving away, leaving behind a somewhat desolate silhouette.
The figure was dressed in a familiar blue robe.
Mo Hua was taken aback, but in the next moment, his face lit up with a brilliant smile, and he exclaimed excitedly:
"Uncle Zhang!"
The crisp call echoed across the high platform and reached the ears of Zhang Lan, who was making his way down the mountain.
Zhang Lan froze, then slowly turned around. He looked back and saw the vastness of Tai Xu Mountain, shrouded in clouds and mist, exuding a celestial aura.
The mountain gate was expansive, and the platform had an ancient charm.
At the end of the platform stood a handsome young man, beaming with joy, waving at him.
It was already dusk, and the evening glow was low.
But in the young man's eyes, there was a brightness like the stars, and his smile was as clear and dazzling as the morning sun.
Compared to the child he remembered, the young man seemed to have changed a lot, yet at the same time, he seemed unchanged.
A warm current flowed through his heart.
The joy of reunion blossomed like sweet rain after a drought, nurturing his heart.
Zhang Lan couldn't help but smile, his eyes filled with both freedom and sentiment:
"Mo Hua, it's been a long time..."
(End of Chapter)
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