Chapter 108: Pincer Attack

Thus were born weapons and spirit interfaces that could harmonize with spiritual energy. A fine weapon often complements the wielder’s own spiritual energy, amplifying it manifold. The Xuanyuan Sword is one such treasure—a sword of mysterious origin whose identity remains enigmatic throughout the Linglong Continent. Yet it is known that every generation of its bearer is an exceptionally powerful spirit cultivator. Now, this very sword appeared before Yunfa, though regrettably, it was his adversary’s weapon, not his own.

Hu Feng cherished his Xuanyuan Sword, showing no haste to join forces with Jiu Xi in their assault. It seemed as if the old man before them had already been sentenced to death, their confidence unwavering. Slowly, Hu Feng murmured, “Xuanyuan, oh Xuanyuan, I never thought you’d still draw such attention. I wonder if having you is a blessing or a curse.” The sword seemed to respond, inexplicably quivering as if it understood Hu Feng’s words—perhaps it had long sought a true master, which explained why it had changed hands thrice within a century.

Master Yunfa explained to Hu Feng, intending only to pressure him mentally.

“Oh?” Hu Feng questioned, then laughed heartily. “If the bearer of Xuanyuan cannot prove their worth, perhaps they don’t deserve to possess it. Don’t you agree, Brother Jiu Xi?” This remark revealed his close connection with Jiu Xi.

Though Master Yunfa had already suspected from Hu Feng’s sneak attack that the two were intricately linked, hearing it confirmed sent a chill through him. This man’s temperament was unpredictable, yet his strength extraordinary. When had Jiu Xi allied with such a figure?

“Youngster, state your name,” Jiu Xi said with a hint of resignation, wiping sweat from his brow. “Third Uncle, no wonder you were ambushed today. You don’t even know who this friend is—how pitiful. Brother Hu, it seems your renown is not enough to shake the entire world.”

Hu Feng smiled faintly. “Perhaps it won’t be long before all know my name. Maybe today is just the beginning.”

Jiu Xi nodded. “You’re right. Then what are we waiting for? There’s much to be done!” With that, he unleashed a domineering wave of spiritual energy sword technique toward Master Yunfa—a signature move of the Yuntian Sect, the Heavenly Dao Dayu Sword.

Hu Feng and Jiu Xi formed a pincer, trapping Master Yunfa between them. Hu Feng swung the Xuanyuan Sword, releasing a burst of golden spiritual energy, its majesty and power unmistakable.

Master Yunfa realized the faint spiritual energy Jiu Xi had released was to summon Hu Feng’s aid. The two had clearly planned to eliminate him, though if he hadn’t so deeply mistrusted Jiu Xi, perhaps they might have spared his life a little longer. Yet Jiu Xi’s cautious nature forbade any sabotage of his schemes.

With a clash, Master Yunfa unleashed his unique black spiritual energy, engaging Jiu Xi in a fierce duel. Unfamiliar with Hu Feng, Master Yunfa sought to swiftly defeat Jiu Xi before focusing entirely on Hu Feng.

But Jiu Xi was no fool; he exerted full strength, casting aside the caution he had once shown at Taotian Cliff. The Heavenly Dao Dayu Sword met Master Yunfa’s technique with a violent collision, their ethereal swords intersecting in midair, striking each other with tremendous force. Despite gritting his teeth, Jiu Xi was forced back three steps by Master Yunfa’s seasoned, potent spiritual energy.

Meanwhile, Hu Feng’s Xuanyuan Sword struck again. Master Yunfa turned to defend but did not forcibly unleash his spiritual energy. Instead, he skillfully entwined Hu Feng’s sword with his own black spiritual energy—a delicate, twisting technique unexpected from his usually fierce demeanor. Jiu Xi was unaware this was a revelation Master Yunfa had attained during his recent penitence at Reflection Cliff: sometimes gentleness can overcome strength.

“Very good, very good,” Hu Feng exclaimed. “Master Yunfa is known for his masculine spiritual energy, yet he possesses such elegance. But you’ve misjudged, Master Yunfa.” Though Master Yunfa’s three strands of spiritual energy ensnared the Xuanyuan Sword, Hu Feng was unfazed. Forming a hand seal, the sword suddenly let out a dragon’s roar. Yellow light surged, spiritual energy scattering wildly, shredding Master Yunfa’s black spiritual entanglement without a trace. Hu Feng then surged forward, the sword’s tip grotesquely enlarged, thrusting directly at Master Yunfa.

Master Yunfa cursed inwardly, about to evade, only to find his body frozen. Nine special spiritual swords had materialized around him, their ethereal forms floating to lock him in place. “Nine Sword Art!” he gasped.

Jiu Xi, with a proud smile, said, “Third Uncle, you have keen eyesight. But you do not know that while the Nine Sword Art appears as a fierce killing move, its true meaning is quite different. Today, I’ll show you the power of the Locking Technique!”

Master Yunfa had no time to heed Jiu Xi’s boasting. The Xuanyuan Sword’s relentless pressure bore down on him. Gritting his teeth, he resolved to fight with all his strength and see if his profound cultivation could withstand the blow of this legendary sword. As a member of the Yuntian Six Sons, his broad black robe filled with surging spiritual energy, which radiated outward, shaking even the nine sword locks. Though Jiu Xi maintained firm control, the swords wavered slightly.

At last, the Xuanyuan Sword reached Master Yunfa’s chest. With a hum, his first spiritual shield shattered instantly. Such a sharp, domineering blade—Master Yunfa had never experienced a shield broken in a single strike despite decades of rivalry across Linglong. This spoke volumes of Hu Feng’s strength.

Without hesitation, Master Yunfa summoned a second shield. The sword met resistance, but Hu Feng pressed harder. A crisp crack echoed as the black spiritual shield shattered once more.

Hu Feng exulted, confident that Master Yunfa’s days were numbered. With the Xuanyuan Sword in hand, even the Yuntian Six Sons were no match. Yet suddenly, Hu Feng’s expression turned serious—his sword could advance no further.

Before Master Yunfa, the third spiritual shield’s black light flared brilliantly. Countless spiritual energies flooded the translucent barrier. The hissing friction whispered in Hu Feng’s ears as the sword clashed against the smooth, mirror-like shield, which repelled the blade’s penetration.

“Impressive, one of the Yuntian Six Sons still performs so well even when trapped,” Hu Feng thought, quickly adjusting his mindset. This was why, at just over thirty, he had founded the Iron Cavalry, rivaling Ouyang Zheng.

Jiu Xi, opposite Hu Feng, was momentarily stunned. He shouted, “Brother Hu, let us strike together, encircle him front and back!”

Hu Feng retorted coldly, “Brother Jiu Xi, keep controlling this old man. I will unleash my ultimate technique to break his shield. Under no circumstances must he escape!”

Jiu Xi responded, “Leave that to me.” Secretly, he revealed a sly smile. Though allies, Jiu Xi would never reveal his full strength to Hu Feng—such was his inscrutable nature.

Unbeknownst to either, someone silently watched the battle from atop the tip of a bamboo stalk in the bamboo pine forest. Though the stalk swayed violently under the spiritual energy trembling from the three combatants, the figure stood firm as Mount Tai, moving subtly with the bamboo’s sway, unnoticed by all.

Hu Feng shouted, and the Xuanyuan Sword did not attack but slowly returned to his hand. Master Yunfa’s pressure eased somewhat but he dared not disrupt Jiu Xi’s Locking Formation, knowing Hu Feng’s greatest threat was still that sword.

The struggle continued.