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Chapter 23: On the Martial Arts World Beyond the Pass
Chapter 23: On the Martial Arts World Beyond the Pass
There was an official road connecting Baoding Prefecture and Shaoshi Mountain, and the large carriage, pulled by two horses, could cover nearly two hundred li in a day. The journey back to Shaoshi Mountain would take about seven to eight days.
Duan Qian and Feng Wan rode ahead to clear the path, with the carriage driver in the middle and the four Dharma Court monks bringing up the rear. After slowly leaving Baoding Prefecture, they gradually picked up speed.
The carriage had been hired by Long Xiaoyun, but the interior had been made extremely comfortable.
It was lined with blankets and equipped with a small table and felt pads.
The carriage was quite spacious; with four people sitting inside, they could even stretch out their legs. If they squeezed a little, they could even sleep in it.
Master Xinmei sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, meditating.
Although Li Xinhuan's acupoints had been sealed, it did not affect his movement. At the moment, he was lazily stretching his legs, leaning against the wall of the carriage, looking more comfortable than anyone else.
Tian Qi sat beside Li Xinhuan, his eyes shifting back and forth between Li Xinhuan and You Longsheng.
You Longsheng acted as if he didn't notice Tian Qi's gaze. Instead, he asked Li Xinhuan, "Li Xinhuan has lived in the lands beyond the pass for ten years and is familiar with the people and the terrain. Are there any scenic spots worth visiting? I'm new to the martial arts world and plan to travel beyond the pass when I have time. However, I've heard that the people there are fierce and not easy to deal with."
Li Xinhuan smiled at his words.
From their conversation yesterday, he knew that You Longsheng was an interesting person. And after witnessing the incident in the main hall this morning, he realized that You Longsheng's tongue was not only quick but also sharp.
With the backing of the Sword-Hiding Villa and Tian Shan Xue Yingzi, his reasoning was so compelling that Zhao Zhengyi and Tian Qi were left speechless.
More importantly, Tian Qi was unclear about Ah Fei's background, but Li Xinhuan knew very well that Ah Fei had just returned from beyond the pass, and You Longsheng had never been there. So how did they know each other?
From the way they exchanged glances, it was clear that they were good friends.
Although You Longsheng had not taken any action, he had restrained Zhao Zhengyi and Gongsun Mo Yun. And when Ah Fei had no choice but to leave, he had signaled You Longsheng to protect himself.
The tacit understanding between them was even stronger than that between Ah Fei and Li Xinhuan, which made Li Xinhuan a little jealous and all the more curious.
However, with Tian Qi present, Li Xinhuan couldn't ask, so he merely answered You Longsheng's question, "Beyond the pass is a harsh and barren land, lacking food and resources. The locals mostly make a living by horse breeding and hunting, so they are naturally fierce. But they are also honest and straightforward. As long as you treat them with sincerity, they will be the best of friends."
You Longsheng nodded, "I've heard that the martial arts styles beyond the pass are also very different from those in the Central Plains, with a focus on bold and aggressive moves."
Li Xinhuan laughed, "The original martial arts styles beyond the pass were very practical, falling into two extremes: either bold and unreserved or treacherous and cunning. However, with many martial artists from the Central Plains going beyond the pass and martial artists from beyond the pass entering the Central Plains, there has been a lot of exchange and fusion between the two sides.
Well, with your martial arts skills, as long as you're careful at the beginning and don't encounter those few most powerful experts, there's no danger."
Master Xinmei suddenly opened his eyes, "During the time of the previous dynasty, there was an evil cult that was driven out of the pass. They survived beyond the pass and later flourished. If you go beyond the pass, you must be careful of them."
Li Xinhuan smiled at Master Xinmei's warning, "Does the Master know that there is a Godly Blade Hall beyond the pass?"
Master Xinmei's white eyebrows rose, "I know. The leader of the Godly Blade Hall is Bai Tianyu, whose blade techniques are unparalleled. He has also ventured into the Central Plains and defeated numerous famous masters in Shanxi and Hebei provinces."
Li Xinhuan nodded, "A few years ago, Bai Tianyu and the leader of the evil cult beyond the pass made a pact at the Heavenly Lake of Changbai Mountain. After winning against the leader of the evil cult with a single move, he forbade the cult from entering the pass, and the Godly Blade Hall grew in strength and influence. Now, it is one of the largest forces beyond the pass.
Although the demonic sect was divided into several branches, each independent of the other, the leader of a demonic sect branch was by no means an easy opponent.
For Bai Tianyu to defeat this leader, halt their growth, and keep them confined to the harsh, cold lands beyond the pass, he certainly deserved great praise.
Li Xinhuan smiled faintly and turned to You Longsheng. "If you ever meet a disciple of the Godly Blade Hall, just say that you're a friend of Li Xinhuan. While I dare not say that you'll be treated like family, sharing a drink with them shouldn't be a problem."
You Longsheng chuckled. "Since both Bai Tianyu and Li Xinhua use the blade, it seems that these two masters of the blade have a mutual admiration for each other's skills."
Hearing You Longsheng's words, Li Xinhuan narrowed his eyes as if recalling something. "Bai Tianyu's blade technique... if my flying blade is known to never miss, then his blade technique can be described as earth-shattering."
Tian Qi couldn't help but snort with laughter. "It seems that only top-notch experts in the martial world can be friends with Li Xinhua."
He didn't believe Li Xinhuan's words for a second. How could there be so many experts in the world? In his opinion, Li Xinhuan was just bragging, claiming that his friends were top-notch experts, which, by association, made him one as well... Well, to be fair, he actually was a top-notch expert.
Although many names were missing from the Weapons Ranking, those who remained on the list were indeed recognized as top-notch experts in the martial world, making the list highly credible. Bai Xiaosheng's fame was also a testament to this.
Li Xinhuan's 'never-missing' flying blade technique was ranked third, and no one doubted its effectiveness.
Li Xinhuan smiled slightly and said indifferently, "It's a pity that Bai Xiaosheng's Weapons Ranking doesn't include the martial world beyond the pass. Otherwise, my ranking would have dropped by one."
Tian Qi's eyes flickered, and Master Xinmei remained silent.
They knew that Li Xinhuan didn't speak carelessly. Therefore, this White Tianyu's martial arts, even if not as good as the second-ranked official on the Golden Rainbow, should not be much different.
Although the Weapons Ranking was selective, no one could deny the skills of those on the list, especially the top ten. They were absolutely top-notch experts in the martial world, and it was no exaggeration to say that they had few rivals.
Li Xinhuan was unaware, but Tian Qi and Master Xinmei were well aware that Official Jin Hong had been biding his time for over a decade. Recently, he had suddenly established the Money Clan, attracting many powerful freelance martial artists. They had been attacking and taking over the territories and interests of smaller sects and families.
According to many veteran martial artists, Official Jin Hong's martial arts had indeed reached the pinnacle of this era. At least, the sect leaders, family heads, and elders of the various major sects and families all admitted that they had no chance of winning against him.
If this Godly Blade Hall, with its leader who had defeated the demonic sect leader, were to enter the pass and advance southward, even the martial artists of Ji and Jin provinces might not be able to stop them.
The martial world always produced talented individuals who would dominate for decades!
Master Xinmei sighed. Although the various sects and families had deep roots and many experts, they rarely produced such dazzling talents who could shock the martial world.
(End of Chapter)
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