"Azure Dragon Falling from the Sky!"

Jiang Liuchuan held nothing back, his Qi and Blood burning like boiling water.

He leaped into the air. The Jade Dragon Sword in his hand carved a brilliant arc of light, like a baring-fanged Jade Dragon descending from the heavens with unstoppable momentum, aimed straight for the crown of Su Yu’s head!

This single strike gathered all his essence, energy, and spirit. It was the most powerful attack he could currently muster!

Facing this ultimate strike, a profound glint, like light from a deep pool, flashed in Su Yu’s eyes.

"Ape Arm Star-Picking."

Su Yu moved!

His feet stomped hard on the ground. Unleashing Thunder Collapse Step to its limit, he didn’t retreat but advanced, soaring up to meet the brilliant sword light.

"VMMMM—!!!"

As he swung the Mo Yuan Long Saber in his hand, there was no sharp whistle of cutting air. Instead, a deep, suppressed hum filled the space, like muffled thunder rolling through clouds!

The moment this sound appeared, the air around the long saber seemed to thicken, becoming viscous as mercury.

In mid-air, Jiang Liuchuan felt his breath catch. It was as if a great mountain had materialized and was pressing down on his chest. His previously unstoppable Jade Dragon Sword actually faltered for a moment under this formless pressure!

’This is... a Saber Stance?!’ Jiang Liuchuan’s face paled in horror. The long saber in his vision looked like a twisting, dancing black line.

The pitch-black blade traced a perfect arc. Like quicksilver flowing, it struck second but arrived first!

In Jiang Liuchuan’s terrified gaze, the suffocating sense of sharpness was already on his face!

"CLANG!"

There was no flashy exchange.

Before the Jade Dragon Sword could descend, the pitch-black blade had sliced with pinpoint accuracy into its weakest point—the hilt of the Jade Dragon Sword!

The instant they made contact, the saber’s momentum changed.

The originally light and nimble strike instantly became as heavy as Mount Tai crashing down!

One thought to subdue demons, wielding the light as if it were heavy!

"CRACK!"

A crisp crack echoed.

Jiang Liuchuan’s wrist went numb as if struck by a real, vicious dragon. The terrifying vibrational force instantly made him lose control of his precious sword.

"SWOOSH!"

The incomparably sharp Jade Dragon Sword flew from his grasp, tracing a parabola through the air before stabbing into the ground with a "CLANG!" Its hilt quivered violently, letting out a mournful hum.

And Su Yu’s figure had already come to a stop.

The pitch-black Mo Yuan Saber was held steady just three inches from Jiang Liuchuan’s neck.

The deathly chill coming from the blade made Jiang Liuchuan’s Adam’s apple bob. Cold sweat instantly drenched his back.

The victor was decided!

One strike to decide the match!

"Senior Brother, I was fortunate."

Su Yu sheathed his saber, his expression serene, as if that astonishing strike had been nothing but a collective hallucination.

The entire arena fell silent. The many junior and senior brothers were unable to process what they had seen for a long time.

"GULP."

Someone’s throat moved as they swallowed hard.

"Demon-Slaying Saber Stance!"

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

Qin Fangqiong’s booming laughter shattered the silence, echoing in everyone’s ears for a long time.

The disciples finally awoke as if from a dream, and the place instantly erupted. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"It really was a Saber Stance! Even watching that strike from afar, I felt like I was suffocating!"

"Heavens... I’ve practiced the Demon-subduing Saber for thirteen years and haven’t even touched the basics of the Stance, but Senior Brother Su comprehended it after just over a year? Is this what a genius is? It’s terrifying!"

On the field, Lin Wanzhu walked forward with a smile, teasing, "Junior Jiang, convinced this time?"

Jiang Liuchuan gave a bitter smile and said helplessly, "Senior Sister, did you know all along that Junior Su had comprehended a Saber Stance? Aren’t you just setting me up?"

Lin Wanzhu didn’t hide it, blinking. "I knew about the Saber Stance, but he even kept the fact that he mastered the Black Stone Body Forging Skill from me. However... although I estimated your strengths were similar, Junior Su is far more experienced in combat. You’re no match for him in that regard, so I still believed he would win!"

"So that’s how it is..."

Jiang Liuchuan took a deep breath, the look of dejection wiped clean from his face. He instantly reverted to the image of that shrewd and carefree Noble Descendant.

He straightened his clothes and gave Su Yu a formal bow. "Junior Brother... oh, no, Senior Brother Su! In the path of Martial Arts, the skilled come first. After today’s battle, I, Jiang Liuchuan, am utterly convinced of my defeat!"

"You are too kind, Junior Brother," Su Yu replied humbly, returning the bow.

"Heh heh!" Jiang Liuchuan took the opportunity to step forward and sling an arm familiarly around Su Yu’s shoulders. He lowered his voice, his tone warm and friendly. "Senior Brother Su, with your talent, you’re destined to soar. Don’t forget your friends when you’re rich and famous! This junior brother is waiting to ride your coattails in the future!"

"Get off, get off!" Lin Wanzhu pulled him away, saying irritably, "Stop trying to get chummy. Just remember to prepare the contract."

Then, she turned to Su Yu, her beautiful eyes shimmering with admiration and amazement. "Junior Su, your talent continues to redefine my understanding. If I hadn’t watched you grow stronger step by step with my own eyes, I’d suspect you were a reincarnation of some sort."

In this world, legends told of ancient immortals and buddhas, so there were some rumors about things like reincarnation.

Su Yu smiled and explained, "Senior Sister, you praise me too much. This junior brother doesn’t have any special talent. I just use the time Senior Brother Jiang spends frequenting brothels and drinking to practice my saber and fists."

"..."

The smile on Jiang Liuchuan’s face froze instantly.

’That brat,’ he thought, ’he’s already making fun of me.’

In the past, he would have retorted with a thing or two, but now that he was the junior brother, he could only rub his nose awkwardly and accept his defeat.

"Alright! Today’s assessment is now over!" Qin Fangqiong stood up, his resonant voice booming.

...

After the other disciples had dispersed, only a few Direct Disciples and Qin Yu remained on the field.

Qin Fangqiong’s old face was beaming. He strode over and clapped Su Yu heavily on the shoulder. "Today, Su Yu becomes my legacy heir! This is a joyous occasion! Come, to the Zhenxiu Building!"

Jiang Liuchuan’s eyes lit up, and he immediately started fanning himself. "Master, in that case, this disciple will have to make you treat us to a grand meal! Only a banquet of mountain delicacies and seafood can soothe the pain of my crushing defeat today!"

"Granted! A full banquet it is!" Qin Fangqiong declared with a grand wave of his hand.

Everyone was stunned.

A banquet like that would cost at least a hundred taels of silver! It seemed their master was truly overjoyed today.

...

「Zhenxiu Building, Heaven-grade private room.」

Inside, the room was as warm as spring, the air a mix of fragrant wine and savory dishes.

The table was laden with delicacies: braised bear paw, steamed Red Scale Carp, sweet fermented rice wine...

"Come! Drink! No one goes home sober tonight!" Qin Fangqiong raised his cup, and the others all followed suit. The atmosphere was lively and joyous.

After three rounds of drinks and five courses of food...

Qin Fangqiong suddenly put down his chopsticks, the smile on his face slowly fading. "There are two important matters I need to brief you on."

Seeing Master Qin’s serious demeanor, everyone immediately began to listen intently.

Qin Fangqiong’s gaze swept over his disciples as he said gravely, "The first matter is... the Northern Liang Province has completely fallen."

"CRASH!"

The wine cup in Jiang Liuchuan’s hand slipped and fell to the floor, shattering to pieces.

"What! Liangzhou has fallen?"

Everyone’s expression changed drastically, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Liangzhou was an entire province, governing over a hundred cities and guarded by a strong military presence. How could it just be gone? Had the rebels of the Black Lotus Sect really grown that powerful?!

"Master... didn’t the Black Stone Army go to support Huai’an County?" Lin Wanzhu’s voice was tight.

Qin Fangqiong sighed. "The Black Stone Army suffered several defeats, losing many men and officers. They are now on their way back. Within ten days, their remnants will retreat to Black Stone City."

He paused, then offered an even more alarming prediction. "After swallowing Liangzhou, the Black Lotus Sect’s next target will inevitably be Qing Province! And our Black Stone City... as a major military stronghold in northern Qing Province, guarding a critical choke point, will certainly be their primary target as they push south!"

"We’re doomed..."

Jiang Liuchuan’s face was deathly pale as he muttered to himself, "Is war really coming? These times... they’re truly becoming chaotic."

People always said the world was in chaos, but Black Stone City had known peace for hundreds of years, and Noble Descendants like them had lived carefree lives.

But now, it seemed they were about to experience the true turmoil of war!

Seeing the panic in their eyes, Qin Fangqiong said slowly, "There’s no need to be overly alarmed. Black Stone City has high walls and deep moats, as well as a protective city formation. It won’t be so easily breached. Besides, the higher-ups in Jian’an Prefecture and Qingzhou Prefecture will never sit by and watch Black Stone City fall."

Black Stone City is under the jurisdiction of Jian’an Prefecture and is located to its north, making them the closest to each other.

As for Qingzhou Prefecture, it is the capital of Qing Province, located southeast of Black Stone City. It forms a pincer-like position with Jian’an Prefecture; if Black Stone City were to fall, both would be in danger.

The others knew this as well, so their hearts eased, and they calmed down.

"I’m telling you this so you have a clear picture of the situation."

Qin Fangqiong’s gaze sharpened as he warned, "Once the remnants of the Black Stone Army return to the city, this news can no longer be hidden. At that time, the city will surely be thrown into a panic. The prices of grain and medicine will likely skyrocket..."

Everyone’s expression turned grim, and they all nodded in understanding.

The original joy of the celebration was significantly dampened by this heavy news. A suffocating sense of an impending storm hung over everyone’s heart.

"And now for the second matter."

Qin Fangqiong took a sip of clear wine. "This matter is also related to the war I just mentioned..."