Chapter 378: Chapter 278: Swords Singing as Autumn Falls Chapter 378: Chapter 278: Swords Singing as Autumn Falls Time flew by, and the days passed swiftly as three days blinked away.

The Xuanyi Guard, Heaven and Earth Net, and the County Government of Yujing City, along with individuals from the Great Yan Sect and Jianghu experts, all mobilized, but still, there was no news whatsoever.

The granddaughter of Lv Guoyong from the Demon Sect, and a Guardian of the Human Sect, seemed to have evaporated from the human world suddenly, with no clues or traces found.

A hundred miles outside Yujing City, the Peach Blossom Forest was particularly barren and desolate due to the arrival of autumn.

In the forest sat the Peach Blossom Manor, a formidable realm famously known within Jianghu. Zuo Biwen of Youfeng Valley and the Manor Master, Bian Zenglu, shared a notable friendship. Additionally, Bian Zenglu had a reputable name in Jianghu, widely recognized.

This time, when the Demon Sect sent out a summoning order, he was one of the first Jianghu experts to actively respond.

In the back courtyard of Peach Blossom Manor, the autumn brought gradually colder weather, and the ground was covered with decaying leaves and branches.

Inside the yard, there were visible and hidden sentries, about several dozen experts on guard, producing a level of defense that was astonishingly strict.

In the beautifully extravagant hall, the Manor Master, Bian Zenglu, was bowing deeply, his manner towards the man before him utterly respectful, “Lord Liu, is it time to take the person away?”

The identity of the individual who could make Bian Zenglu act like this was naturally extraordinary.

Standing before Bian Zenglu was none other than the master of illusion techniques, Liu Xiang, who together with Shui Rou had abducted Tan Yun.

Though his personal combat strength wasn’t high, his illusion skills from Guishuang were top-notch. Especially after coming to Zhao Country and secretly studying the Disguise Technique at Black Ice Platform, he could sometimes reach the level of truly deceiving the eye.

Even Lv Qiujian, the arrogant Swordsman, had failed to see his true face, which was truly a testament to Liu Xiang’s skill.

If it weren’t for his low cultivation, he might even have infiltrated the Eight Great Heavenly Slaughter ranks of Black Ice Platform.

Liu Xiang gave a cold smile and said, “Next, I need to take her to Zaze, then let out some information. The Ghost Swordsman will surely come to save her.”

Bian Zenglu, puzzled, asked, “Zaze?”

The region of Zaze was famously a marshland in Yunhua Dao, filled with miasma and home to vicious insects and wild beasts, but lacked Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures or Martial Arts Secret Scriptures, thus very few from Jianghu ventured there.

Liu Xiang, with a slight tone, affirmed, “Yes, beneath the marshes of Zaze lies the Miasma Pearl, formed from millions of years of concentrated miasma. If it shatters suddenly, it will release a vast amount of miasma, enveloping the entire Zaze like a tide. Any expert below First Grade would perish instantly, and even Grandmasters must be extremely cautious.”

“My Divine Palace has high-ranking experts already lying in ambush in Zaze. By then, not only will the Ghost Swordsman’s strength be greatly reduced, but the millions of yin soldiers in the Jade Seal, due to the raging miasma, will hardly be able to aid him. At that time, the Ghost Swordsman will be like a turtle trapped in a jar.”

Upon hearing this, Bian Zenglu’s face subtly changed. “Are you sure the experts from the Divine Palace can kill that Ghost Swordsman?”

People’s reputation, like the shadow of a tree!

Under the Ghost Swordsman, several Five Qi Grandmasters had died. Such a reputation made one shiver just at the thought. Although Heavenly Slaughter Divine Palace was the top force in Guishuang, ambushing the Ghost Swordsman might not be so simple.

If things were exposed or failed, the Demon Sect could squash him and Peach Blossom Manor as easily as crushing an ant. Not only would he not even compare to collateral damage, he would still end up dead.

Liu Xiang patted Bian Zenglu’s shoulder, confidently asserting, “Rest assured, this time two Five Qi Grandmasters from my Divine Palace along with Sword God and Sword Demon, both nearly at the level of Five Qi Grandmasters, will act on our behalf. Along with the impact of the miasma, no matter how formidable the Ghost Swordsman is, his life will end in Zaze.”

Bian Zenglu clasped his fists and said, “I understand, I’ll go prepare the carriage now.”

Having said that, Bian Zenglu headed to the back courtyard.

At this moment, in the firewood room, Tan Yun was tightly bound, a cloth stuffed in her mouth, her eyes glaring daggers at Bian Zenglu as if she wanted to devour him.

Bian Zenglu wasn’t very brave, and he also feared the Demon Sect might actually find this place. Therefore, he treated Tan Yun extremely well, providing her with good food and drink, not daring to be the slightest bit negligent, preserving at least a glimmer of hope for himself.

Seeing the look in Tan Yun’s eyes, Bian Zenglu sighed and said, “It’s not that I want to gag you, but your mouth is like it’s smeared with honey – when you’re not eating, you’re cursing my ancestors, which is truly unpleasant to hear. It’s in everyone’s best interest if you stay honest, don’t you think I’m right?”

“I’ll remove the cloth from your mouth now. You mustn’t curse at me, alright?”

Tan Yun, with her big eyes, glanced at Bian Zenglu and nodded.

“That’s more like it!”

Bian Zenglu removed the white cloth from Tan Yun’s mouth.

As soon as the cloth was removed, Tan Yun yelled angrily, “You bastard, Bian Zenglu, are you trying to starve me to death?”

“You!”

Upon hearing this, Bian Zenglu quickly stuffed the cloth back in her mouth, fearing that Tan Yun’s voice might draw the attention of the Demon Sect experts.

“What’s going on?”

Meanwhile, Liu Xiang, who heard the noise outside, walked in, glanced at Tan Yun, a chill flashing in his eyes, and then he fiercely slapped her face.

“Slap!”

The slap sent Tan Yun reeling, nearly unable to stand firm.

A sinister look appeared in Liu Xiang’s eyes, “If it weren’t for my uncle’s instructions not to harm you, hmph.”

Tan Yun, unafraid, continued to stare into Liu Xiang’s eyes.

Liu Xiang no longer paid attention to Tan Yun and ordered, “Get her on the carriage, we’re wasting no time, let’s set off now.”

“Yes.”

Bian Zenglu responded and hoisted Tan Yun onto his shoulder directly, throwing her into the carriage parked at the gate.

Then Liu Xiang entered the carriage, and Bian Zenglu drove out of Peach Blossom Manor, heading towards Zheze in Yunhua Dao.

Under the guise of Bian Zenglu’s identity, whether it was Jianghu masters or Court officials, no one hindered them. The carriage moved unobstructed, smoothly traveling towards Zheze.

At the same time, Jia Meixian and Yang Chong were aimlessly wandering around the vicinity of Yujing City, seemingly hoping to luck into finding clues about Tan Yun’s whereabouts.

Yang Chong glanced at the sky and said with a dry mouth, “Junior Sister, we won’t be able to find the kidnappers this way.”

Jia Meixian earnestly said, “We will eventually find them, and even if someone else discovers them first, we can still appear right away.”

Yang Chong shook his head; he knew his junior sister was kind-hearted but single-minded, inflexible once she set her mind on something, and he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for her.

Suddenly, Jia Meixian pointed at a distant carriage and said, “Senior Brother, look at that carriage!”

“A carriage!?”

Upon hearing Jia Meixian’s words, Yang Chong followed the direction of her pointing finger and saw an opulent carriage with closed side windows speeding away, driven by a middle-aged man.

The man had a unique long sword hanging at his waist, the blade a deep green, like a profound pool of water, while the sheath was decorated with peach blossoms, imparting an elegant aura.

As a former top disciple of the Four Symbols Sect and a notable figure in Jianghu, Yang Chong’s insights were extraordinary. He recognized at a glance that the sword was named Night Rain Pillow Peach, the weapon of Manor Master Bian Zenglu from Peach Blossom Manor.

The identity of the middle-aged man was apparent–he was Bian Zenglu.

Yang Chong wondered aloud, “What’s the matter?”

Jia Meixian earnestly said, “This man has profound cultivation, yet serves merely as a coachman, and the carriage has all its windows sealed, apparently hiding something. I find it very suspicious.”

Upon hearing her, Yang Chong couldn’t help laughing and said, “Junior Sister, I think you’re being overly suspicious. What’s there to be suspicious about? Perhaps Bian Zenglu is just taking his family out for a trip.”

Jia Meixian shook her head, “My intuition tells me there is an issue. Sometimes a woman’s intuition is very accurate.”

After that, Jia Meixian leaped forward and quickly followed the carriage.

Yang Chong hurriedly followed and asked, “Junior Sister, where are you going?”

Without turning back, Jia Meixian replied, “I want to follow and see.”

Hearing this, Yang Chong could only reluctantly follow.

About two hours later, as the light began to fade, the carriage passed Heavenly Gate City without any sign of stopping, continuing its rapid travel along the official road, picking up speed.

“Could there really be something fishy!?”

Seeing this, Yang Chong furrowed his brows.

With the sky fast darkening, most people would choose a place to stay; Heavenly Gate City was undoubtedly the best location. The area ahead was either without inns or lined with dubious ones, bound to bring numerous troubles.

Yet, Bian Zenglu hastened onward, seeming very anxious.

Could it be…?

Yang Chong pondered for a moment and said, “Junior Sister, I think there’s more to this situation.”

Bian Zenglu definitely had something suspicious about him. If he had no connections with the Demon Sect, Bian Zenglu might not be a match for Yang Chong himself, but if there was an association with the Demon Sect, not just one Yang Chong but ten would be mere trifles.

Jia Meixian made a daring decision, “Senior Brother, let us follow and investigate thoroughly. If we find any clues, we can report this immediately to Outer Heaven.”

“This…”

Yang Chong showed a moment of hesitation.

Jia Meixian said, “Come on, aren’t you curious?”

Finally, Yang Chong took a deep breath and said, “We need to be very careful, and if anything unusual happens, you must listen to me.”

“Don’t worry, Senior Brother, let’s quickly catch up,” Jia Meixian reassured.

She nodded, leaped forward, and quickly followed the carriage.

……

On the official road beside the marshland in Yunhua Dao, Zeze.

Due to its proximity to the marsh, this area often saw poisonous insects and fierce beasts, so it was sparsely populated, frequented only by passing caravans.

There was a tea stall by the side of the road. At the moment, the large flag fluttered in the autumn breeze, making a rustling sound.

The waiter, holding a cloth, glanced into the distance before lethargically calling out, “Big bowl teas for three copper coins a bowl.”

The tea shop owner kicked the waiter’s buttocks and said, “Have you not eaten? Louder.”

The waiter stumbled a bit and whispered, “Got it, big bowl teas for three copper coins a bowl!”

In a corner of the tea stall, four people sat surrounded.

These four were all well-known experts of the present age, including Sword Demon Hao Tian, Sword God Liu Moyuan, and Constant Ning of the Heavenly Slaughter Divine Palace, with the last one wearing a red robe and an ancient sword at his waist marked by a lotus emblem.

This man was Mo Chen from the Heavenly Slaughter Divine Palace, and he was also the leader of the Heavenly Blade Alliance.

With a cold light in his eyes, Constant Ning said, “As long as we bring over Tan Yun, and then release some rumors, the Ghost Swordsman will surely come uninvited.”

Mo Chen asked, “Why will he definitely come?”

Constant Ning replied, “Because he is a man of deep emotions, he will surely come back. Throughout ancient and modern times, people who value loyalty, whether true or not, will face danger and even risk their lives for friendship.”

Mo Chen stroked the lotus emblem on his sword handle and said, “You really don’t have to go to all this trouble. Just go to the Demon Sect Main Hall and challenge this top swordsman directly. I would also love to have an open and fair duel with this so-called best swordsman.”

Both the Sword God and Sword Demon’s eyes flickered with a subtle glint.

Clearly, they too were curious about the sparks that would fly when this number one swordsman from Great Yan clashed with the top swordsman from another prestigious background.

Constant Ning earnestly said, “Brother Mo, this is just to be safe. The Ghost Swordsman is a real expert.”

Mo Chen raised his eyebrows, “Have you seen him?”

Chang Ning replied, “No, it is said that his sword is very fast.”

Mo Chen said indifferently, “That’s it then. Rumors often exaggerate the truth, even to the extent of blowing someone sky-high.”

Chang Ning said, “Most who have seen him draw his sword are dead.”

As his words fell, a breeze began to stir.

“That makes it even more interesting.”

Mo Chen, smiling, said, “I’ll chop off his head, so the whole world knows that the so-called World’s First Swordsman is nothing compared to the First Swordsman of Guishuang. That will greatly enhance Guishuang’s reputation, preparing us for the future.”

Mo Chen’s words were very calm, but they contained a hint of barely discernible killing intent.

If Chang Ning had an air of arrogance, Mo Chen’s arrogance was even more pronounced, evolving into a trace of madness and dominance.

His eyes seemed to hold nothing else, as if even the Sword God and Sword Demon could not see themselves in his gaze.

“I actually believe that quite a bit.”

Chang Ning smiled and said, “Although this swordsman is very strong, Brother Mo Chen’s Sword Dao is even stronger.”

Mo Chen picked up his teacup and sipped gently, “What do you two think?”

The Sword God and Sword Demon furrowed their brows slightly and looked off into the distance.

In the sunlight, a figure in white clothes approached from the distant horizon, his robe fluttering in the autumn wind, walking neither too fast nor too slow, arriving in front of the tea stall.

The shop assistant immediately perked up and moved forward with a smile, “Sir, would you like some tea?”

Mo Chen set down his teacup and asked, “You two, why are you silent?”

The young man in white sat down opposite Mo Chen, “A bowl of tea, and make it warm.”

Seeing this, Chang Ning’s eyes suddenly narrowed.

Mo Chen glanced at the young man, his eyes flashing briefly.

In the moment his eyes blinked, two sharp flashes of blade light refracted from his eyes.

Blinking Blade Technique!

This was a sword technique created by Mo Chen decades ago. A blink could gather two sharp blades of light, killing invisibly and catching opponents off guard.

Those sharp blades of light slashed through, using scarcely ten percent of his power, but one could almost envision the scene of the young man in white spilling blood and collapsing.

But the next moment, an unexpected scene unfolded for Mo Chen: just as the two sharp blades of light reached the young man in white, they vanished without a trace, as if sinking into the sea.

Master!

Although he used less than full power, the young man opposite surely hadn’t used his full strength either. Most crucially, this person managed to conceal his aura so well despite his young age.

Mo Chen asked, “Who are you?”

The young man in white merely smiled, pouring himself a cup of tea.

Tap, tap, tap, tap…

Just then, horse hooves sounded in the distance.

Chang Ning looked off into the distance; a carriage was speeding over, carrying the Manor Master of Peach Blossom Manor, Bian Zenglu.

“Here it comes.”

Chang Ning had just risen when he suddenly furrowed his brow and shouted, “Not good! Be careful!”

A figure dashed from afar, targeting Bian Zenglu and the carriage.

The newcomer moved swiftly, enveloped in a vast black qi, emanating an aura of imposing and righteous grandeur.

Heavenly Demon Qi!

The newcomer was none other than Li Fuzhou, Head of the Demon Sect.

He aimed a palm at Bian Zenglu, who saw the black light reflected in his pupils, his face a picture of extreme shock. With a Grandmaster’s strike, Bian Zenglu had nowhere to escape.

“Bang!”

His palm solidly struck Bian Zenglu on the head, instantly scattering vivid colors all around, and the horse shrieked in alarm.

“Boom!”

A loud sound was heard as Liu Xiang with Tan Yun rushed out.

Upon seeing Li Fuzhou, Tan Yun exclaimed with joy, “Master!”

A chill ran through Liu Xiang, “Li Fuzhou!?”

The Head of the Demon Sect, who had previously killed the Great Commander of Xuanyi Guard, Tang Taiyuan, with a single slap at the Eight Feet Platform, Li Fuzhou was also a world-renowned Grandmaster, not to be underestimated.

In the distance, Jia Meixian and Yang Chong exchanged glances after witnessing this scene.

Yang Chong shook his head and sighed, “It seems that the experts from Outer Heaven had already discovered the clues.”

Jia Meixian’s eyes were fixed on the young man in white clothing under the distant tea stall, “Brother, look!”

Yang Chong also joyfully exclaimed, “Brother An!?”

At the tea stall, Chang Ning watched the sudden scene unfold with an uncertain expression on his face, struggling for a few moments before exclaiming in shock, “Ghost Swordsman!”

He had spent a long time in the Great Yan and had heard plenty about the Ghost Swordsman, but he had never actually seen him in person, so he hadn’t recognized the young face immediately.

Pupils contracting sharply, Mo Chen demanded, “Are you the Ghost Swordsman?”

So young!

The youth before him was comparable in age to his grandson, yet he was the number one swordsman in these lands?

It was genuinely hard to believe.

An Jing placed his sword box on the table, saying, “Today is probably the first and also the last time we meet.”

If Mo Chen’s words carried a hint of domineering and chilling murderous aura, then An Jing’s reply felt like a gentle spring breeze, as if he was merely stating an established fact.

Mo Chen didn’t speak, his hand subconsciously tightening around the hilt of his precious blade.

At this moment, there was no need for further words.

Chang Ning asked, “How did you…”

“I spoke.”

Just then, the Grandmaster Liu Moyuan said lightly.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the old man An Jing saw was actually Liu Moyuan in disguise.

“You!?”

Chang Ning turned towards Grandmaster Liu Moyuan, his face looking extremely troubled.

Did that mean all his secret plans were under the watchful eyes of the Demon Sect from the beginning?

Indifferently, Liu Moyuan said, “Heavenly Slaughter Divine Palace is like a nest of mice. I prefer a fair and square duel. If the Heavenly Slaughter Divine Palace triumphs today, I will naturally continue to work with them. If they lose, however…”

As he spoke, a mocking smile emerged at the corner of Liu Moyuan’s mouth, after which he began to step back.

The Sword Demon, too, silently retreated several steps.

“No more words are needed.”

Mo Chen stopped Chang Ning, who still wanted to speak, and looked calmly at An Jing ahead.

Chang Ning also fell silent.

Everyone knew that the duel between the premier bladesman of Guishuang and the foremost swordsman of Great Yan was inevitable–a battle between the blade and the sword.

A couple of months ago, rumors and debates circulated regarding who was stronger between Zhao Country’s Sword God Qi Xuan Dao, who represented the Sword Dao, and the Ghost Swordsman An Jing, who represented the Blade Dao.

Would the blade surpass the sword, or would the sword sever the blade? The world awaited this duel but instead witnessed the confrontation between the top bladesman of Guishuang and An Jing.

Liu Xiang, holding onto Tan Yun, watched Li Fuzhou across from him with extreme tension.

Li Fuzhou smiled faintly, “Rest assured, I will not make a move.”

Although Li Fuzhou said so, Liu Xiang was still on full alert, the sorry state of Bian Zenglu fresh in his mind.

This seemingly gentle and innocent old scholar was in fact the ruthless and merciless leader of the Demon Sect.

“Son-in-law, I just knew you would come,” Tan Yun said, her eyes now on An Jing confronting a Guishuang expert below the tea shed. She knew An Jing would surely come to rescue her when she was kidnapped.

She didn’t know why she had such faith, but deep inside, she believed that An Jing would come.

Seeing this, Li Fuzhou said irritably, “It was clearly I who came to rescue you, yet your eyes only see that young man.”

The wind blew, leaves fell, flowers bloomed, people departed.

The area around the tea shed suddenly quieted down, the servant and the other few tea drinkers having long since fled.

The atmosphere suddenly froze.

As the wind grew stronger, the world seemed to quiet even more.

Mo Chen revealed his ancient long blade, “I think you will be a worthy opponent, a fine whetstone.”

Suddenly, a burst of radiance erupted, as elegant and refreshing as a lotus emerging from water. The lotus on the hilt glimmered with a profound light, the blade and sunlight merging seamlessly like clear water flowing leisurely over a pond while the blade itself stood like a towering cliff…

The blade was drawn from its sheath.

Cold light flashed across the heavens and earth, the wind roared louder, seemingly ready to lift the tea shed and trees into the air.

Huddled in the distance, the waiter and the tea shed’s proprietor struggled to keep their footing, as if the raging wind might carry them away.

With difficulty, the waiter clung to a large tree and shouted, “Proprietor, today’s fight seems different from the usual Jianghu clashes, doesn’t it?”

The proprietor, as if petrified, responded blankly, “Watch carefully now. You might behold the most spectacular duel of your life.”

…….