"A martial arts swordsmanship technique?"
Gu Shengâs strength had surged dramatically. After fusing the three body-refining martial arts, his power, speed, and physical toughness had improved tenfold. However, the special effects of Iron Stone Fist, Flying Thunder Leg, and Golden Body Skill were no longer usable. Right now, the only offensive martial arts he could rely on were the "Three Styles of Furious Blood" and the "First-level Giant Strength" of the Shapeshifting technique. Both were third-tier martial arts, and their improvement was minimal for Gu Sheng at this stage, barely any stronger than his normal attacks.
"Itâs about time I learned some powerful martial arts techniques!"
The earlier Killing Order in the Red Cloud Mountain Range mostly involved outer disciples from the Holy Pill Sect and Thousand Poison Sect. Hardly anyone from the inner sects participated, let alone core disciples.
The Red Cloud Secret Domain was different. Only disciples meticulously cultivated by the top factions of the Red Cloud Prefecture were qualified to enter. The methods these individuals possessed were undoubtedly far beyond what ordinary people could achieve.
Gu Sheng deeply understood the principle that there is always someone stronger. Even though he could currently fight across levels, he wasnât arrogant. He knew it was possible that other factions might have people who could also fight beyond their ranks. Preparing in advance would always be the safest course of action.
Wen Mingyan, as the Sect Master of the War God Peak, certainly wouldnât teach him some low-grade swordsmanship technique. Gu Sheng couldnât help but feel a bit expectant.
Gu Sheng approached the giant rock and grabbed the sheath of the Fire Cloud Sword, attempting to unsheath it. The Fire Cloud Sword didnât budge in the slightest.
This stone wasnât an ordinary rock; it was a refining material with exceptionally high hardness. Over the years, its durability had increased even further under the relentless tempering of Wen Mingyanâs sword aura. He had intentionally embedded the Fire Cloud Sword deep into the rock. Based on his calculations, one would likely need the strength of the Golden Bone Realm to completely pull it out.
The harsh winds of the sword aura could rapidly temper Gu Shengâs physical strength, and it was clear Wen Mingyan did this to ignite Gu Shengâs competitive spirit.
"Now that youâve grasped sword momentum, all thatâs left is to continue refining it on your own. Once you fully draw out the Fire Cloud Sword, Iâll teach you swordsmanship martial arts."
After saying this, Wen Mingyan turned to leave.
"Master, where are you going? Werenât you going to teach me swordsmanship martial arts?"
Gu Shengâs voice came from behind. Wen Mingyan replied without even turning his head, "I have to make a trip to Cloud Saint Peak. Didnât I already say that if you want to learn swordsmanship martial arts, you have to pull out the Fire Cloud Sword first?"
Gu Sheng shook the Fire Cloud Sword in his hand and chuckled. "Iâve already pulled it out!"
"???"
Wen Mingyan turned his head, full of question marks. When he saw the Fire Cloud Sword in Gu Shengâs hand, he was stunned.
In the next moment, he hurriedly turned back, snatched the Fire Cloud Sword from Gu Sheng, and repeatedly checked the giant rock.
"How... how did you pull it out?"
Looking at Wen Mingyanâs flabbergasted expression, Gu Sheng couldnât help but laugh. "I just pulled it, and it came out!"
Wen Mingyanâs expression suddenly became serious. "Punch me! Quickly!"
As a Seventh Layer Marrow Refining expert, Wen Mingyan wasnât worried about being hurt by Gu Sheng.
Gu Sheng channeled the Mixed Element Body Refining Skill, using seventy percent of his strength, and threw a punch toward Wen Mingyanâs chest.
As a sword cultivator, Wen Mingyanâs offensive power was terrifying, and his physical toughness far exceeded ordinary martial artists. Gu Sheng was only at the Silver Bone Realm, so Wen Mingyan didnât make any defensive preparations. However, the moment Gu Shengâs fist struck his chest, Wen Mingyanâs brows furrowed deeply, his eyes full of disbelief.
"Master, are you all right?"
Noticing Wen Mingyanâs unusual reaction, Gu Sheng quickly asked with concern.
Wen Mingyan gritted his teeth and took a deep breath. After a long exhale, his furrowed brows finally relaxed, and he said, "Iâm fine! Your strength is indeed remarkable. Youâre ready to begin training in swordsmanship martial arts. Go to the Sword Aura Wind Tunnel and train on your own for now. Iâll teach you tonight."
Seeing Wen Mingyan return to normal, Gu Sheng nodded and carried the Fire Cloud Sword toward the Sword Aura Wind Tunnel.
After Gu Sheng disappeared from sight, Wen Mingyan couldnât help but cough violently. He repeatedly massaged his chest with both hands, his expression twisted in pain. "Hiss! That brat doesnât even look muscular, so how is his strength so monstrous? If Iâd known earlier, I wouldâve used spiritual power to block it!"
After rubbing for a long time, Wen Mingyan finally felt better. Once he recovered, he went to the Scripture Pavilion, retrieved a swordsmanship martial art manual, and returned to War God Peak.
By noon, Gu Sheng had returned to the peak of War God Peak from the Sword Aura Wind Tunnel. Wen Mingyan handed him the swordsmanship martial art heâd taken from the Scripture Pavilion earlier that morning. "This is the training method. Study it on your own today. Tomorrow, Iâll demonstrate it for you to make it easier for you to grasp the basics."
Gu Sheng accepted the manual. It was an ancient beast-hide booklet.
On its cover were four large characters: Gale Nine Swords.
Opening the booklet, it contained both the method for channeling power and illustrations of sword strikes.
The power circulation method for the Gale Nine Swords was extremely intricate, causing Gu Sheng to feel somewhat overwhelmed. Although he hadnât started training yet, he could already tell that the Gale Nine Swords was dozens or even hundreds of times more challenging than any martial art heâd practiced before.
"Master, what level of martial art is this? It looks really complicated!"
Wen Mingyan smiled faintly. "Complicated? Thatâs exactly how it should be! Youâre my only disciple, so the techniques you learn canât be ordinary. This Gale Nine Swords is a top-grade Yellow Level swordsmanship martial art! Itâs the highest-ranked swordsmanship technique in our Holy Pill Sect. With your strength, once you can transform your sword momentum into sword aura and master Gale Nine Swords, youâll be invincible below the Marrow Refining Realm! If you break through to the Golden Bone Realm and start practicing the Guiding Method, you might even be untouchable by someone at the First Layer of Marrow Refining."