Chapter 172
The elders nodded, sharing the same strange feeling.
To put it metaphorically, they were like mathematics professors witnessing someone who had pushed a formula to its absolute limits.
There was no sword energy, no sword momentum, no sword intent—none of it.
What stood out was sheer technical prowess.
One must understand that whether it’s sword energy, sword momentum, or sword intent, even without deliberate practice, a trace of them is hard to avoid.
What kind of freak is this kid?
...
On the stage.
“Congratulations, host. You have successfully invested in ‘Huang Donglai,’ preventing him from returning to the small county town and missing out on great opportunities.”
“Investment feedback: Seven-Pattern Yin-Yang Pill.”
That’s right.
Little Li had just stopped Huang Donglai, convincing him to change his mind and challenge him on stage.
The two had engaged in a lively sparring session.
“Thank you for your guidance.”
Li Mo handed over a gold note.
“I'm embarrassed,” Huang Donglai said, looking at the gold note with a hint of shyness.
However, he carefully inspected it, ensuring there were no tracking devices or poison left behind, before cautiously tucking it away.
Li Mo: “...”
He noticed that Huang Donglai had many bottles and jars hidden beneath his inner shirt, a significant portion of which were clearly not healing potions.
There was even a bottle of quicklime.
During their earlier exchange, he had clearly seen Huang Donglai instinctively reach for it, only to hold back.
Even in the Observation Realm, reaching for quicklime? That’s just pure reflex...
After Huang Donglai left, Li Mo let out a soft sigh.
He had just sparred with over eighty people.
Moreover, he had simultaneously enhanced his martial arts insights.
He was just a step away from a breakthrough...
The “Dugu Nine Swords” was not merely a sword technique; it could also elevate one’s realm.
If he were to utilize the “Zhou Tian Xing Dou Xuan Dan Jing,” wouldn’t he gain another Xuan Dan?
He wondered if that would still count as a Xuan Dan...
At that moment, a figure stepped onto the stage.
“I am Wu Chushu. I hope for your guidance.”
It was Wu Chushu, dressed in a blue robe.
He had no choice but to step up.
As time passed, he realized that Li Mo’s true essence seemed boundless, showing no signs of weakening!
Of course, true essence couldn’t be infinite.
This only indicated that the other party’s recovery speed was unimaginable!
While his true essence remained strong, his sword technique became increasingly elusive and powerful!
If he didn’t act now, he would truly have no chance left.
---
“Wu Chushu is on the stage?”
“That’s the swordsman who rode the sword this morning?”
“I heard he single-handedly wiped out the White Wolf Gang and rescued dozens of fallen women.”
“I’ve heard that his ‘Wanhua Youlong Sword Technique’ was derived from his own insights on the Hengyun Sword Marks. It’s graceful and elusive; I wonder if Li Mo can find any flaws.”
...
Wu Chushu was already well-known, and about sixty to seventy percent of the martial artists present had heard of his reputation.
He could be considered a former top figure in Yunzhou...
As he stepped onto the stage, he leaped into the air.
Before he arrived, his sword was already there.
When his long sword struck the ground with a resounding clang, he finally landed on the hilt.
From this entrance, it was easy to see why he had gained such fame.
He certainly knew how to make an impression...
“Long time no see,” Li Mo said, cupping his hands, showing no signs of surprise.
This was a small scene.
Little Li’s extensive reading experience had prepared him for countless dramatic encounters, making him adept at various ways to shine in front of others.
“I hope you’ll go easy on me later, Brother Li.”
Wu Chushu was also a man of the moment.
What occupied his mind now was not how to win, but how to save face.
Even if he lost, he wanted to do so gracefully and stylishly...
With that thought, he stepped forward, drawing his soft sword with a smile, striking a handsome pose.
“Please!”
“After you.”
Li Mo also drew his Chixiao Sword, exuding charm.
He looked quite dashing.
The arena fell silent.
Countless eyes were fixed on the two standing on the stage, yet they remained motionless, holding their stances.
The spectators were bewildered. Why weren’t they moving?
“Could this be a mental duel of sorts?”
“I feel it’s a clash of momentum; their stances are quite imposing.”
“Wow... this feels profound.”
...
The onlookers, confused, couldn’t help but chatter.
Jiang Chuchong tilted her head, blinking her grayish-white eyes.
What was Big Brother Li doing...?
They were clearly just striking poses, with no sword intent or momentum whatsoever.
Could it be... a confrontation beyond her understanding?
Big Brother Li was truly impressive...
Little Princess Jiang couldn’t comprehend it.
Clearly, no one else in the crowd could either.
“...”
In her ice-like eyes, the figure of the young man was reflected, and Ying Bing’s delicate brows furrowed for a moment before relaxing.
He was just like that.
Usually composed and steady, but occasionally he would act inexplicably childish...
“Please.”
“No, you go first.”
“No, no, you first. I’ve heard your Wanhua Youlong Sword Technique is full of surprises; I’ve been eager to see it.”
Both were charming and graceful.
“Wow...”
Wu Chushu felt a chill run down his spine; he sensed he had encountered the greatest opponent of his life.
(Not in terms of swordsmanship).
If he didn’t make a move soon, Elder Cheng, his master, would start scolding him.
After a moment of silence, he could only nod:
“Then as you wish, I won’t insist.”
With that, the soft sword in his hand seemed to come alive.
Petals flew, dazzling and beautiful.
Li Mo thought of the Falling Flower Sword Technique that Ying Bing had once used.
In terms of swordsmanship, it was undoubtedly far superior to that of the ice princess, yet Wu Chushu’s technique was even more refined, with countless variations.
Each petal seemed to follow his will, transforming into sword light at any moment.
This was the sword technique he had comprehended from the Hengyun Sword Marks, entirely his own.
In terms of this sword technique alone, he could confidently say no one in the entire Sword City could match his mastery.
Transformation!
“What a great sword technique!”
Li Mo praised sincerely.
Indeed, one should never underestimate the heroes of the world.
If he had been the same person who set out from Qingyuan Sect, he truly wouldn’t have been able to find any flaws in this technique, as it perfectly complemented the opponent’s own insights and physique.
To counter it, he would probably need a hammer...
But on his journey here, including just now, he had been growing stronger!
“No matter how extraordinary the sword technique, there’s always a flaw.”
“After all, there’s no such thing as a perfect sword technique.”
A flash of sword light, like a strange lightning bolt, pierced through dozens of petals in quick succession, striking the soft sword with an unimaginable trajectory.
The petals were all connected by qi, allowing them to move according to Wu Chushu’s will.
With each petal pierced, it was as if Li Mo had struck at the very moment Wu Chushu’s mind was focused on them.
Wu Chushu’s heart trembled, yet he did not retreat to defend.
His intent was clear, and the wild blossoms transformed into sharp edges, enveloping him as he descended from the sky.
This move was not only powerful.
It was also incredibly stylish!
This was his sword path obsession, damn it!
“Come on!”
Li Mo closed his eyes, recalling every technique he had ever comprehended.
He infused his martial arts insights!
The sword momentum of others, the sword energy of others, the sword intent of others.
At this moment, all merged into the Dugu Nine Swords.
Within his dantian, it felt as if something was condensing, ready to burst forth.
Who isn’t a swordsman, damn it!
“Watch closely for this next strike.”
“Because...”
When Little Li opened his eyes again, he resembled a breathtaking divine sword.
At that moment, all the weapons in the arena began to tremble.
Then, with a whoosh, they all flew from their owners’ hands, soaring into the air, blocking out the sun.
Standing in the sky with his Biyun Boots, Li Mo clasped his hands behind his back, commanding all weapons to submit!
“It’s going to be quite impressive.”
Little Li said casually.
Thousands of weapons collided with the rain of petals.
The outcome was clear.
Wu Chushu’s scalp tingled, and his face turned pale as he knelt on the ground.
He had lost.
Seeing Li Mo’s earlier display, he instantly knew he had lost utterly.
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