As that sword light dispersed, under the night sky, it billowed out like a cloud of sword mist, enveloping Hu Qianqiu. Zong Shou himself seemed to dissolve into a wisp of shadow, moving with the sword, his presence maddeningly elusive between reality and illusion. In an instant, to everyone watching, it was as if dozens of Zong Shous had appeared, and no one could discern the true location of his form.

The crisscrossing sword energy, likewise like clouds and fog, weaved through the shadows cast by the blade. This time, that Tyrant Blade could not force a retreat with a single strike; instead, it became exceptionally lingering, possessing an extreme gentleness.

The sword style appeared utterly lacking in force, soft as cotton, yet it possessed inexhaustible follow-through. It never truly collided head-on with the Tyrant Blade, but slowly, bit by bit, it consumed and squeezed the space between the two combatants.

In the span of barely twenty exchanges of blade and sword, Hu Qianqiu found the space for movement around his seven-foot long saber shrinking steadily.

Almost every thrust of the sword landed precisely on the vital points of the protective Gang Qi surrounding Hu Qianqiu, causing his aura to scatter and lose cohesion. Every pointed strike targeted a spot he absolutely had to defend, forcing him to redirect his blade. Consequently, the Tyrant Saber was practically trapped around Hu Qianqiu’s body, unable to be brought fully to bear.

Hu Qianqiu felt increasingly that something was wrong as the fight progressed. Even after restraining over ninety percent of his strength, he still commanded over two hundred thousand jin of brute force. Yet now, despite holding several times the sheer power of Zong Shou, he simply could not deploy it. His incomparably dominant Tiger's Fury Aura was being pierced and slashed apart, left in tatters.

However, instead of frustration, he grew more and more excited; the blood within him began to boil. What started as a simple test of Zong Shou’s strength was now involuntarily sparking a rising will to fight.

“Is this Xie Jun’s ‘Mist Sword’? No, that fellow isn't as formidable as the young lord. I know now—this is the Cloud-Startling Divine Annihilation Sword of the Lingyun Sect! This secret ultimate art of the Lingyun Sect, where did you learn it? You have grasped its true essence completely! Hu Qianqiu was not mistaken? Could this truly be the young lord’s genuine ability? Entering the momentum from the rhyme, manifesting the reality of the sword intent through the sword’s momentum—”

As Hu Qianqiu uttered this, Hu Zhongyuan, seated on the carriage, felt his heart surging wildly. His eyes flickered.

The Cloud-Startling Divine Annihilation Sword of the Lingyun Sect—it was rumored to be one of the most supreme martial arts secrets in the Eastern Cloud Continent. It was said that upon achieving mastery, one could instantly ascend to the Ninth Meridian of the Heaven Wheel, reaching the Spirit Martial Venerable realm.

Furthermore, in ancient times, even powerhouses of the Immortal Martial realm had been wounded by this sword technique.

Even within the Lingyun Sect itself, only three or five direct disciples had managed to cultivate it. The entire sect could count the true masters on fewer than ten fingers.

But that single sentence was far less shocking than the next one.

Entering the momentum from the rhyme, manifesting the reality of the sword intent through the sword’s momentum! In other words, did this mean Zong Shou had already comprehended the Sword Intent of the Cloud-Startling Divine Annihilation Sword, and had reached an incredibly profound level?

Zong Ling’s face paled and flushed alternately; Hu Qianqiu’s voice sounded gratingly sharp to him. The two shifting, dancing figures before his eyes were blindingly bright, yet he couldn't tear his gaze away.

The light erupting from that half-demon youth at this moment was too brilliant, so overwhelmingly bright that it was almost unbearable!

“A fine sword! What future Heaven Ranker, what foremost genius outside the Hidden Sects of the Eastern Cloud Continent—that so-called Sect Heir, compared to the young lord, is utter trash! No, he’s not even trash! An outsider, yet he dares to scheme against the Sovereign’s foundation—what is he?!”

Hu Qianqiu laughed heartily. The seven-foot saber in his hand felt as though it were being manipulated by ten iron wires, becoming increasingly clumsy and sluggish.

Yet the more constrained it became, the more elated he felt. He felt that all the joy in his entire life could not compare to the delight of this moment.

The son of his friend, considered a cripple by everyone, was actually a peerless swordsman concealing his true strength.

The Qiantian Mountain, currently weathering a storm, likewise had hope for revival—how could this not bring solace?

“That Sect Heir will take at least fifty years to ascend to the Heaven Rank. But I estimate the young master here can do it by thirty at the latest! Truly worthy of being the Sovereign’s descendant, the Tiger Father’s son! However, while the young lord’s connection to the Way of the Sword is spiritual! Old man Hu must now also become serious! Tiger Roars in All Directions, Slash!”

The sluggish blade momentum, which had been completely confined to a small area, suddenly erupted at the moment it seemed most impossible!

A piercing light immediately swept in all directions. It severed and shattered nearly all the sword shadows that had dissolved into mist!

It was as if a drowsy tiger allowed a spider to weave a web around it. But when the tiger awoke, a casual swipe was enough to tear the whole thing to shreds, achieved with extreme ease, without any effort whatsoever. Pure dominance was displayed!

However, just as the blade light surged to its absolute peak, about to disperse the last vestiges of the cloud and mist, a sword pierced through from behind Hu Qianqiu. Without warning, without a sound, half-hidden, half-visible. It was utterly sudden! It was as if it had merged with a part of the moonlight, all killing intent and aura completely concealed.

Hu Qianqiu sensed nothing until the sword light drew within three feet. Only then did his tiger eyes snap wide open, revealing sheer horror. The blade light spun back rapidly, but he only managed to use the hilt to block the tip of the sword’s cold edge.

Then a tremendous force exploded outward. Caught entirely off guard, Hu Qianqiu couldn't mobilize enough power to resist. His body was immediately thrown backward, sliding back a full several feet. The fierce battle had lasted for nearly an hour, and this was the first time Hu Qianqiu’s form had been moved. Yet, his eyes gleamed with excitement, mixed with lingering fear.

“What a superb move, the Obscure Shadow Sword! Executed masterfully. I nearly fell to your sword just now. If used for assassination, surely no one could withstand it. If it were that brat Hu Zhongyuan, this sword strike would have most likely ended his life!”

Hu Zhongyuan was speechless; having reached forty, how could he still be referred to as a 'brat'?

However, if that strike had been aimed at him, his life would indeed have been uncertain, a fifty-fifty chance.

This young lord, who usually kept his abilities hidden, was truly terrifyingly strong.

He felt a sense of shame, glancing strangely at Zong Ling standing not far away. If not for this child, he himself would have made a fool of himself just now.

His father’s words were not wrong. While the Sect Heir might be an astonishing genius in the eyes of others, compared to this young lord, he was utterly incomparable.

Zong Shou thrust out his sword and was also repelled by the rebound force, thrown back dozens of zhang. The energy meridians inside his body raged, true essence surging. He spent ten full breaths constantly regulating his flow before he barely managed to suppress the upheaval.

So strong, truly so strong! If Hu Qianqiu fought with full strength, even a hundred or a thousand Zong Shous would be cut down by his single saber.

And now, even with the opponent restraining over ninety percent of his power, he was still being firmly suppressed. It wasn't just strength; his martial arts attainment was equally profound.

But the more intense it became, the more his fighting spirit soared! His sword was naturally one that grew stronger against greater opposition.

Sword Emperor Tan Qiu disdained bullying the weak; only martial artists of such caliber could pique his interest.

Hu Qianqiu praised him, then contentedly rested his saber by his side: “I observe that the Young Lord’s Dual Meridian Body has not been completely resolved. You must be exhausted now. Shall we call it a day?”

It seemed this battle could conclude here. Unexpectedly, Zong Shou shook his head: “No, I am not yet satisfied?”

“Not satisfied? You must be in excruciating pain right now, as if your bones are being shattered. And yet you still want to fight me?”

Hu Qianqiu was momentarily astonished, but the look of approval in his eyes deepened. He grew intrigued: “Could it be that the swordsmanship just now was not yet the young lord’s true capability?”

“I request Uncle Hu’s guidance! What exactly is my sword art? Uncle Hu will surely know clearly after we have battled.”

Zong Shou took another deep breath, his expression becoming unusually solemn. The hand holding the sword actually lowered, trailing beside him.

What did the pain of shattered bones matter? Even if he were to suffer ten thousand cuts in the next moment, he would not care.

A worthy opponent was hard to find; even if he died the next second, he had to fight to his heart's content—this was the heart of a swordsman!

Hu Qianqiu’s gaze gradually grew serious. He intuitively felt that Zong Shou now was utterly different from the previous state. An indistinct aura that inspired reverence emanated from Zong Shou. Faintly, it was enough to contend with his own presence.

Silence settled for several long breaths before Zong Shou let out a light chuckle.

“Xue’er, watch closely! This sword move, your young master might only be able to unleash it today. If you miss this opportunity, you will have to wait until I open the Fourth Meridian of the Earth Wheel to possibly learn it…”

Chu Xue felt puzzled. What kind of swordsmanship required such a specific timing? Did one have to specially choose a date?

However, she dared not ignore Zong Shou’s words, staring with wide, watery eyes, not daring to blink.

The next moment, a divine light suddenly flared in Zong Shou’s eyes. He soared three zhang into the air and swept out with his sword.

“One who attacks well must move from the Ninth Heaven above!”

Listening to Zong Shou’s soft chant, Chu Xue’s pupils suddenly dilated again.

This sword strike was incomparably agile, leaving no trace, yet brilliantly dazzling, imbued with an otherworldly aura—it was as if it had flown down from beyond the heavens!

Over ten miles away, Li Yunniang’s expression was one of extreme panic. She shook her head abruptly: “Miss, Yunniang does not know what you are talking about. What business do I have to conceal from you?”

“You are still lying to me!”

Xuanyuan Yiren’s eyes were full of disappointment: “You claimed you were worried about me interfering in Qiantian Mountain affairs, but Hu Qianqiu possesses the power to shatter mountains; even if I wished to intervene, I could not. What exactly is it that you don't want me to see?”

Seeing Li Yunniang fall silent, offering no reply, Xuanyuan Yiren lightly shook her head, walked straight forward, too lazy to ask further. Whatever trickery was involved, she could find out by going to look; there was no need to waste time here.

Li Yunniang hastily thrust out her sword, intending to block Xuanyuan Yiren’s path. But the next moment, her expression shifted again. She saw Xuanyuan Yiren neither dodging nor evading, but moving directly toward the tip of her sword.

Greatly startled, Li Yunniang hurriedly retracted her blade, only to watch the figure clad in red drift lightly past her side.

This location was extremely close to the Cloud-Flipping Carriage. The nearby small hillock was barely thirty zhang high. Xuanyuan Yiren leaped upwards and arrived atop the hillock, and the scene below came fully into view.