Chapter 258: Killing Intent
Chapter 258: Killing Intent
Ding, ding, ding, ding…
Facing the torrent of attacks from Jian Wushang, Mu Feng did not dare be careless. He drew the Black Inscription Heavy Sword from his back to block.
The crisp sounds of clashing continued without end. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the two engaged in fierce combat atop the high tower. They exchanged blows, their attacks growing increasingly fierce and their speed faster and faster. In the end, when people looked up, they could only see two blurred white figures, unable to tell which was Jian Wushang and which was Mu Feng.
“Incredible, killing without shedding blood, unmatched with the sword. Jian Wushang, the rising star of the Literary Sword Hall, truly lives up to his reputation!”
“Who is that scholar battling Jian Wushang? How is he so skilled? When did our Scholastic Palace produce such a master of the sword?”
“Judging by his figure, he looks a bit like Mu Feng, the Senior Scholar who just joined the Scholastic Palace. Earlier, he came down the mountain with Jian Wushang. I wonder if it’s really him?”
…
People chattered incessantly, and the crowd below Wangjiang Tower grew larger and larger. Gradually, several nearby streets became packed with people. Many scholars, hearing the news, rushed down from the mountain to watch, pointing and commenting.
Seeing the intense battle on the high tower, people excitedly pointed and gestured. However, inside a private room at the Jiangling Inn opposite Wangjiang Tower, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Liu Lei, standing straight by the window, had a gloomy face. Watching the spectacular fight atop the tower, his expression seemed covered in a layer of frost.
“Second Lord, that kid Mu Feng is definitely finished this time. Why challenge anyone else? The moment he joins the Scholastic Palace, he picks a fight with the famous Jian Wushang—he’s asking for death. Right now, it looks evenly matched, but that’s only because Jian Wushang hasn’t unleashed his true killing moves yet. Once Jian Wushang goes all out, Mu Feng is done for, hahaha…”
The slender Li Yang stood obsequiously behind Liu Lei. Watching the fierce battle on the tower, he laughed heartily, his face beaming with joy.
Who was Jian Wushang?
A rising star of the Literary Sword Hall, a titled master of the Four Swords. It was said he was the most promising young Senior Scholar in the Scholastic Palace to step into the True Human Realm after the proud son of heaven, Tuoba Tiandu. Though Mu Feng was formidable, he was certainly no match for Jian Wushang. Fighting on such a high tower, the slightest mistake would likely cause him to be shattered to pieces!
An unintended action brings unexpected success; it came without any effort!
Li Yang, who always considered himself clever and resourceful, was overjoyed. Originally, he had been troubled, unsure how to deal with this formidable enemy Mu Feng. Who would have thought Mu Feng would seek death so soon, saving him the trouble!
Overjoyed, Li Yang laughed out loud. But as he laughed, his laughter suddenly stopped.
Several scholars behind him chuckled in agreement, but Liu Lei by the window showed not a trace of a smile. The oppressive atmosphere permeating the air grew thicker and thicker.
Seeing Liu Lei’s icy demeanor, Li Yang, who had been about to cleverly flatter him, felt awkward and smiled sheepishly. Cautiously, he tentatively asked, “Second Lord, are you worried that Jian Wushang might go easy on him?”
“No!”
Liu Lei, possessed by Dao Duanliu, had a grim expression. He turned and glanced at Li Yang, coldly continuing, “Li Yang, your intelligence is becoming more and more disappointing! What is there to get excited about? As long as Mu Feng isn’t completely dead, it’s not worth celebrating. Besides, even if I, Dao Duanliu, went all out, it’s not certain I could kill Mu Feng!”
“What? Impossible! How could a master at the Late Elite Realm fail to kill even a mere mortal?” Li Yang’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Nothing is impossible. Is Mu Feng an ordinary mortal?”
Dao Duanliu gave a cold smile, a glint of chill light flashing in his eyes, then said, “If Mu Feng were really that easy to kill, he would have died countless times already! Li Yang, you’d better quickly come up with a foolproof plan, set a trap, and force him into a corner!”
“Yes!”
Li Yang bowed in acknowledgment. Seeing Liu Lei’s stern expression and unquestionable tone, he dared not say more.
Outwardly, he was respectful, but inwardly, a trace of doubt arose. Since returning from Wutong Village, Liu Lei had seemed like a completely different person—cold, with an occasional chilling glint in his eyes that made one’s heart tremble. Even more surprising, unlike before, he was no longer easy to fool. He had become icy, silent, and began to form his own opinions.
“Was it due to a heavy blow that his temperament changed drastically, or…”
Glancing at the Liu Lei standing before him, Li Yang mused silently. For some reason, he suddenly felt increasingly uneasy and, for the first time, began to consider retreat.
Over the years, following the domineering and tyrannical Liu Lei, he had gained wealth and pleasures beyond the imagination of ordinary people. But at the same time, he had lost a great deal. In the eyes of many, he wasn’t worthy of being called a scholar—just a lackey by Liu Lei’s side. He didn’t earn genuine respect from others, nor did he receive guidance from true masters.
Ding, ding, ding, ding…
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Jian Wushang launched wave after wave of fierce attacks. On the high tower, sword energy crisscrossed the air. Even from a distance, the sizzling sound of air being sliced could be heard. Mu Feng was repeatedly forced to the edge of the roof, facing perilous situations. Yet, despite having the upper hand and even leaving several wounds on Mu Feng, Jian Wushang couldn’t truly bring Mu Feng down.
It felt like a hurricane wreaking havoc, uprooting towering trees. However, the grass on the hill, though bent by the wind and nearly pressed to the ground, could not be completely destroyed!
Hurricane Over the Ridge, only the prostrate grass survives!
Facing Jian Wushang’s relentless, increasingly fierce attacks, Mu Feng suddenly recalled his mother’s advice.
In life, one needs to be low-key and patient. Similarly, in cultivation and facing enemies, it is the same.
Show weakness while staying low-key, wait for the right moment while enduring. This is not only the way for the weak to handle affairs but also the strategy for a cultivator confronting a powerful foe!
In the duel with Jian Wushang, Mu Feng suddenly gained a moment of clarity.
Hold to the core, seek no merit, only avoid faults, counter moves as they come. While blocking Jian Wushang’s attacks, he secretly observed his sword techniques and the flow of spiritual energy within him, searching for weaknesses. Slowly, his injuries increased, but they were only superficial wounds. Though they looked bloody and terrifying, causing gasps and exclamations from the crowd around Wangjiang Tower, Mu Feng paid them no mind.
“Huh… impressive!”
After several rounds of intense assault, looking at the still-standing Mu Feng, Jian Wushang exclaimed in surprise once more, “Woundless Sword Art, Mu Feng, be careful!”
Whoosh…
After a sharp shout, Jian Wushang finally lost patience and began to unleash his unstoppable secret technique.
With a single thrust, the crisscrossing sword energy in the air suddenly doubled in power. The Wangjiang Tower beneath their feet remained unscathed, but the much shorter Jiangling Inn opposite suddenly had several deep sword marks appear on its walls with crackling sounds. Immediately, guests upstairs and downstairs in the inn panicked, fleeing for their lives. Li Yang and the scholars behind him were no exception—they screamed and crowded under a table to hide. Only Liu Lei, possessed by Dao Duanliu, remained coldly standing by the window, unmoving.
Watching Mu Feng’s upright figure on the high tower, a chilling light flashed in his eyes. An overwhelming killing intent erupted uncontrollably within him, accompanied by a surging battle spirit. He wished he could fly up and attack immediately. But at the last moment, remembering the warning from Blind Master Bi Luotian, he had no choice but to forcibly restrain himself!
“Mu Feng, I will kill… kill… kill… you!”
Dao Duanliu’s face twisted fiercely as he suppressed the urge to strike publicly. His mouth stayed shut, but deep in his soul, he let out a silent, furious roar.