Chapter 894: Sword Intent Soaring to the Heavens

After giving her orders, Meng Yun quickly returned to her usual composed demeanor and began discussing the top martial artists of the Central Plains with Hua Yu and Dao Zhen.
“Those who truly deserve to be called ‘top-tier’ in the entire Central Plains? I think there are only one emperor and Kai Xin—everyone else is just an ordinary master,” Hua Yu said. Though more tactful than Dao Zhen, he didn’t change his expression after noticing Meng Yun’s slight change in complexion. “Hall Master Meng, I have no intention of showing disrespect to the First-Class Hall. I’m merely stating facts. If your hall truly had someone at Kai Xin’s level, they wouldn’t have lost so miserably in the battle on the grasslands and retreated so quickly.”
“Exactly,” Dao Zhen agreed, nodding. “Although your Hall’s Huang Sha claims to possess two extraordinary skills—‘The Immortal Dark King Art’ and ‘The Great Heaven and Earth Shift’—it’s a pity that his ‘Immortal Defense’ has never been seen, and he’s died many times. He can’t even master ‘The Great Heaven and Earth Shift.’ These two masterful martial arts skills have been completely ruined by him…”
“…”
Seeing how these two of the top 100 martial artists in the world rated Deputy Hall Master Huang Sha, Meng Yun’s face showed a hint of embarrassment. She thought to herself, thankfully Huang Sha went out to gain experience; if he had heard this here, he might have died from anger.
As a veteran in the gaming world, her pride in certain areas had already been severely damaged.
“However, Yin Hu from the Mu Family and Hong Chen from the Heroic Gate are both quite strong. Many people on the official website are asking to include them on the Global Top Martial Artists List… Could it be that they too aren’t recognized by these two?”
“Does Hall Master Meng think that just because someone has some fame, they can be included on that list?” Dao Zhen sneered.
Hua Yu became even more arrogant. “Yin Hu and Hong Chen might seem strong in the eyes of ordinary masters, but their skills aren’t comprehensive enough. If it were me, I could end them with just one strike…”
“I’ve long heard that the Japanese Yin Hu One-Strike Style has a deep heritage and can easily injure even peak masters like Wu Wei, not falling short of Ximen Chuixue from the Central Plains. I wonder if I’ll have the fortune to witness it with my own eyes?”
Seeing that the tension had risen enough, Meng Yun suggested, “I’ve also heard of the unique skills of the Yi Jian Gate—‘Autumn and Winter Snowflakes,’ known for their elegance. Those who die under its swordsmanship experience the most magnificent form of liberation in the world. I wonder if you two could demonstrate your skills here, allowing me to see the prowess of these top martial artists on the list.”
“…”
Upon hearing Meng Yun’s proposal, Hua Yu and Dao Zhen’s eyes immediately burned with fighting spirit.
Although their purpose for coming to the Central Plains was to meet the top masters there—Kai Xin and the emperor—they were both highly sensitive due to their identities.

A figure who is rarely seen, never appearing in sight throughout the year… One is the greatest master in the Central Plains and the head of the most powerful gang there—far from easy to approach. These past few days, there hasn’t been any chance to act. When they learned of each other’s identities just now, the idea of competing already arose, and now that Master Meng has suggested it, they certainly won’t refuse. “If you two would be so kind as to grant this humble woman this honor, please come to the training hall…” “Agreed.” Hua Yu stood up first, her unusual tone revealing a rare sense of composure: “I’ve long heard that the swordsmanship of Yi Jian Men is flashy and complicated. Today, I’ll show you what true lethal skills really are…” Before her words faded, an astonishing sword intent surged from Dao Zhen’s eyes. Crack!! The moment he stood up, the tables and chairs shattered into pieces, falling to the ground—the sturdy rosewood tables and chairs were instantly cut into small pieces by the invisible sword energy. Meng Yun’s eyes lit up. She hadn’t even noticed Dao Zhen move; the instant destruction of the tables and chairs showed that his swordsmanship had reached a masterful level, likely surpassing even Ren Jie, one of Xi Men Chui Xue’s disciples. “Hmph!” Hua Yu dismissed Dao Zhen’s display of power with disdain and headed outside—she practiced the deadly sword technique, emphasizing speed and intensity, aiming to kill with a single strike… She wouldn’t reveal any aura before attacking, which was the complete opposite of Yi Jian Men’s principles. Dao Zhen, proud by nature, followed Meng Yun out of the back hall and into the training hall filled with eighteen types of weapons. Every gang has a training hall, equipped with all kinds of weapons and armor, surrounded by high-quality, sturdy bluestone slabs, making it extremely solid. The training hall of Yi Pin Tang was especially luxurious, with granite floors that even the most skilled masters at the peak of Wu Wei Jing couldn’t damage. Dao Zhen and Hua Yu, both astute, took a close look at the various marks left on the granite and immediately understood. In this specially reinforced training hall, it was impossible to pull tricks like in the outside world, and tactics relying on the environment were useless. A confrontation between top masters could best showcase their true strength in such an environment. The two quickly settled down, stepped down the stairs, and stood facing each other. Dao Zhen gripped his sword with one hand, and a cold aura swiftly spread from him in all directions. Though his sword wasn’t drawn, its intent displayed a sharpness that seemed capable of piercing the clouds, making it unbearable to look directly at.

“What an extraordinary sword intent soaring to the heavens! Truly worthy of being the youngest and most outstanding master of the Yi Jian Gate! Ranked 86th on the global masters list.”
The soaring sword intent attracted many masters from the main hall, who gathered from various corners and stood on the corridor outside the training hall, arms crossed as they watched. Xie Lang was among them.
“Elder Xie!” “Elder Xie!”
The disciples of the First-Class Hall in the main hall called out to Xie Lang as he approached.
His attention was entirely focused on Dao Zhen, his face filled with shock. His eyes were fixed unblinkingly on Dao Zhen’s figure, and he blurted out, “This sword intent is already comparable to that of an Emperor at the Hero’s Villa… No, it’s even on par with the strength of an Emperor at Mount Tai!” He had intended to say that Dao Zhen could now match the strength the Emperor displayed at the Hero’s Villa, but at that moment, Dao Zhen intensified his sword intent once more. A fierce icy aura erupted in the training hall, causing everyone present to feel as if they were in a land of ice and snow. This further raised Xie Lang’s assessment of Dao Zhen!
Faced with Dao Zhen’s powerful sword intent, Hua Yu completely concealed his presence…
A black long sword with a scabbard appeared in his hands at some point. With his eyes closed and in a poised stance, his right hand rested lightly on the hilt, as steady as a rock in a snowy landscape.
“Tranquil and focused—he truly has some skill.”
To others, Hua Yu’s stance might not seem remarkable, but a few people like Dao Zhen, Meng Yun, and Xie Lang recognized its depth.
Being able to maintain composure under Dao Zhen’s intense sword intent pressure and enter battle-ready state—this Hua Yu, once he struck, would be unstoppable!!
Seeing this, Xie Lang felt as though he saw a reflection of Ren Jie, the disciple of Ximen Chuixue. Yet, Hua Yu seemed even more mature and perfect.