Huancheng Shen Shen

Chapitre 57

Thinking about herself, she realized she was no longer the healthy and carefree Ye Shuangjing she once was.

I've only just recovered a little, so I can't be so reckless. If I want to survive, I must make up for my weaknesses with my strengths.

Those who practice martial arts should avoid being impatient and irritable, a principle she understood when she was six years old.

Having regained her breath, Shuang Jing smiled slightly. Before her stood Fu Ping, her gaze calm and scrutinizing.

There are eight more chances to snatch that crossbow from my master's hands.

Suddenly, I heard the words that Mei Hua had said when she faced Xi Quan on the arena.

We cannot lose, we absolutely cannot lose.

She took a few steps back, smiled, rolled up her wide sleeves, and combed her hair.

"Only now do you want to get serious?" Fu Ping sneered. "Then those two chances from before can be disregarded."

"No need," the Seven Stones Sect Master replied calmly. "I have enough chances left." She slowly stood up straight, one hand outstretched, palm open. "Master, I have something to ask you!" After speaking, she transformed into a streak of azure light and rushed to Fu Ping in the blink of an eye.

"!" The invincible heroine's pupils constricted, and she was startled. In her surprise, she felt a strong wind whistling past from her right. She subconsciously reached out to block it, and sure enough, a punch came flying at her. As she blocked it, she felt her arm tremble slightly. She was surprised and doubtful, as the force was exactly what she had expected.

Looking back, Shuangjing was only an arm's length away from her.

"Why set up this scheme?" The Seven Stones Sect Master's voice was calm, perhaps because it contained too much emotion to express. She frowned and asked, "Master doesn't need to prove his abilities at all. Why manipulate Flying Eagle Fortress, Sword Soft Manor, and even other gangs in the martial world?" Seeing that her strength was no match for the Invincible Heroine, she decisively pushed forward with all her might, took the opportunity to leap backward, touched the ground with her toes, and struck forward again.

The sixth set of the Ye Family Fist Technique, "Lone Wolf Cries at the Moon," was the most proficient fist technique of An Xing, the leader of the eighteen disciples, and also the one that Shuang Jing performed with the ease. The Seven Stones Sect Master used her left hand as a palm and her right hand as a fist, her speed like a shooting star and her power like a heavy hammer. Her hands moved swiftly in succession, like waves pushing the previous ones forward. Her palm techniques were meticulous and flawless, forming a net that attacked Fu Ping head-on. In the empty forest, the whistling wind echoed from her fist technique, as if a fierce storm was raging.

“Jing’er, you are indeed naive.” Fu Ping frowned. The moves before her were swift, meticulous, and precise, forcing her to focus on dealing with them. Knowing that this set of fist techniques was best suited for close-quarters combat, emphasizing internal strength and perseverance, she used it to wear down Shuang Jing’s strength. Sure enough, in no time, she spotted an opening, stepped forward, grabbed Shuang Jing’s left hand with her right, and slammed her palm down, pressing it onto Shuang Jing’s shoulder, instantly immobilizing her. “Hua Wushuang of Flying Eagle Fortress and Sword Soft Manor has long been eyeing you all. If it weren’t for my and Chu Ye’s careful planning, luring you to this place at Thousand Heroes Tower, he would have already slaughtered you.” Seeing Shuang Jing struggle a few times, she couldn’t help but exert more strength, shouting, “What does the outcome for Flying Eagle Fortress and Sword Soft Manor have to do with me? A bet is a bet. Hua Wushuang, wanting both fish and bear’s paw, should have long anticipated what the end result of total defeat would be!”

Shuangjing remained silent, only feeling her shoulders growing heavier and heavier. Taking advantage of the moment when Fuping paused, she suddenly went limp, slipping out of Fuping's grasp like a fish. She grabbed Fuping's wrist with her other hand, slid to the ground, swung her right leg, and bounced off Fuping's shoulder, landing a short distance away. She struggled to her feet, covered in sweat, her heart pounding, and gasping for breath.

"Master...didn't you say...it was to prove that no matter how long you live in seclusion, you still have the ability to turn this martial world upside down?" she asked repeatedly, clenching her fists, feeling that her palms were full of sweat.

“Yes.” Fu Ping raised her head slightly, and a ray of golden light pierced through the branches and fell on her, gilding the woman’s face and making her appear solemn and powerful. She said arrogantly, “And you should have the same spirit.”

“But… that’s not how it is…” Shuangjing murmured.

"What?"

“It’s not…like that…” the Seven Stones Sect Master said slowly, lowering her eyes and replying softly, “The martial world is not like that.”

A gentle breeze rustled through the trees.

When she looked up again, Fu Ping clearly saw a familiar light in Shuang Jing's eyes.

It was as if he were the same arrogant and spirited boy he was at sixteen.

And... curiosity and anticipation about the world.

"The martial world will never be a one-man show." The Seven Stones Sect Master said slowly, "Grievances, love and hate, power and beauty, all belong to the martial world. The world is as vast as the martial world. Those who use power, martial arts, nation and power as bargaining chips are the great ones in the martial world, while those who use love, hate and grudges as bargaining chips are the small ones. Master, can you really say that you are the number one in this vast world?"

The duckweed trembled, and the disciple's eyes were calm, yet a dignified and imposing aura quietly emanated from them. He nodded without thinking: "If I am not the number one in the world, then I am the number one in the martial arts world."

"But... the new generation surpasses the old," Shuang Jing said calmly.

She suddenly recalled Mei Hua's heroic spirit on the arena during the battle against Xi Quan, the resolute courage that burst forth from despair—a courage that even she couldn't help but admire. She also thought of Jing Shan's lifelong pursuit of grand ambitions and loyalty, and Hua Wushuang's cunning and wisdom.

They met many people along the way.

As the past brilliance gradually fades and the storms transform into a gentle flow, the next generation of young men and women has begun to emerge.

Soon, a new legend will sweep across this world, creating new glories and new stories.

No matter how much they sigh, how melancholy, or how hard it is for them to accept this, this is the world of martial arts.

“Not bad.” Fu Ping raised her eyes and smiled at her apprentice: “Jing’er, you finally understand. But…” She smiled slightly, drew the bowstring: “You still don’t understand the most important point!” After she finished speaking, she let go, and with a whoosh, a strong wind arose.

Shuangjing was caught off guard, only to feel a powerful shockwave rushing towards her. She hurriedly raised her hands to protect herself, but couldn't even stand up straight. She was thrown backward by the gale and fell to the ground. She was shocked. The invincible heroine had only drawn her bow and attacked her with her inner strength, without even using an arrow, yet she was already paralyzed by the shockwave. If she were to actually use a sharp weapon against her, she was afraid she would... She struggled to her feet, but before she could stand properly, a sudden thud sounded behind her. The towering tree that Fuping had punched had begun to crack.

The Seven Stones Sect Master felt a chill run down his spine and immediately unleashed his full power.

"Only by understanding yourself can you understand your place in this martial world! I taught you that long ago, didn't I?!" Fu Ping swung her left palm, followed swiftly by her right, the back-and-forth like a fountain of water, the speed and power far surpassing Ye's style of boxing. Shuang Jing was overwhelmed, forced to dodge at every turn, her attacks easily deflected. The Invincible Heroine shouted sharply, "Concentrate!" She paused, then yelled, "You are a swan among men! Why limit your talents to martial arts? Do you think you can't roam the martial world without real skill?!"

Upon hearing this, Shuangjing was shocked. The words were like thunder in her ears. Although she had encouraged herself in the same way over the past five years, it was only when her master said them that she felt enlightened and truly understood.

"You say a new generation has risen in the martial world, but how did they all get started? Who didn't start from scratch?!" Fu Ping roared, her wide sleeves billowing like sails, and with her force, they sliced through the scattered leaves like sharp blades. "Ye Shuangjing, if others can do it, why can't you? In the end, it's you who's obsessed with past glories, plunging yourself into a state of confusion!"

These words left Shuang Jing momentarily lost in thought. Before she knew it, Fu Ping had punched her in the chest, knocking her off her feet and sending her sprawling into a patch of grass. She struggled to her feet, drenched in cold sweat, her face pale, and she had even forgotten the pain of her injuries.

But the invincible heroine was still unwilling to let her go. With a delicate shout, she was already in front of the Seven Stones Sect Master.

Shuang Jing suddenly looked up and saw that she had both palms open and was already above her head. She knew that it was the move "Celestial Maiden Descending to Earth" and that she could not escape it no matter what. In the flash of lightning, countless thoughts flashed through her mind, but one stood out with absolute clarity.

Live on, you must make it back alive!

In an instant, she mustered all her strength and leaped up, her figure becoming a straight line, brushing past the duckweed. As she passed by her, without even thinking, she closed her eyes and pulled back, as if it were a move she had practiced countless times.

There was a soft 'click'.

His fingers had already touched the cold, silver crossbow, and he had grasped it in his hand.

At that moment, I used up all my strength.

She fell from mid-air and crashed heavily onto the grass.

A wave of dizziness washed over me.

Shuangjing lay on the ground, gripping her weapon tightly, as if drawing strength from it to keep herself from losing consciousness.

The duckweed stood quietly not far from her, watching her in silence.

"...Ha...ha..." The Seven Stones Sect Master gasped for breath, trying to force all the surrounding air into her lungs. The punches and palms she had just received immediately produced a sharp, clear pain. She felt her head swell, and stars flashed before her eyes. A moment later, she felt a hand cover her back, stabilizing her heartbeat and the chaotic internal energy surging within her body.

"...It only took three moves," Fu Ping said calmly, then chuckled softly. "Jing'er, you did very well."

"...Huff...Huff..." Shuangjing was still panting, large beads of sweat rolling down her face.

A buzzing sound filled my ears, and images flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern.

Without her martial arts skills, Ye Shuangjing is truly in a terrible state.

If it weren't for the Ye family's generations of casting skills, the Seven Stones Sect would have declined long ago.

But despite how terrible it was, when I look back on these five years, the first things that come to mind are still the beautiful and heartwarming ones.

Ningdu and Anxing, always by her side; her protective older sister and brother-in-law; and Chongchonglou, carefully handling all the trivial matters of the martial world for her. These people fought tirelessly behind her back, striving to maintain balance and peace in her world. Even as she wandered in that valley, gazing sadly at the ends of the earth, witnessing the passing years.

But that's all over now. Ye Shuangjing can start anew.

As the duckweed said, who didn't start their journey from the very beginning?

Sixteen years ago, she witnessed the limits of this world and explored every corner of this magnificent land.

Why can't we rise again?

Shuangjing gritted her teeth, struggled to her feet, gently brushed away Fuping's hand, knelt on one knee, pressed her right hand to her left chest, and bowed her head respectfully.

"Disciple...respectfully accepts...Master's teachings."

Looking up, I saw the duckweed smiling and nodding with a hint of relief.

"Get up."

Shuangjing gritted her teeth and stood up. When she looked up, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves.

The legendary era of Ye Shuangjing has passed.

Below the road, it seems as if another distant road unfolds, leading to an unknown future.

Undefeated Battle: There Will Be Times When the Wind Rises and the Waves Break 2

After the rain, the wind picks up, and the flowers in the mountain pass fall late.

The wind rustles through the bamboo forest, creating undulating waves of lush green.

"Drink!" Two figures crossed paths, a crisp clang rang out, a few streaks of silver light flashed, and sparks fell between their longswords. After a few rounds, the two landed on the swaying bamboo.

“…!” Xuan Sheng clutched his stabbed arm, crimson blood staining his sleeve. His toes had barely touched the branch when he dodged to the left. A whoosh of wind rushed past his ear, and before he could react, a sharp blade was swung at him. He turned to dodge, leaping high to retreat, but his opponent was faster. A whoosh! Just as he turned his head, another sword came crashing down on him!

Clang!

The sound of steel clashing broke the silence of the bamboo forest.

"Ugh...!" Xuan Sheng frowned, gritted his teeth, and braced himself against the blue sword, but he was covered in cold sweat.

As expected of his father. His agility and inner strength far surpass those of his father.

After a brief exchange, more than fear and admiration, a surge of anger welled up within him. He gave a low shout and his left hand struck out.

After a brief standoff, knowing neither could hold out for long, they shouted at the same time, separated again, and retreated to the trees behind them to examine each other.

The chivalrous Chu Ye squinted, carefully examining his second son.

Xuan Sheng exuded a cold and murderous aura. His sharply defined face and eagle-like eyes warily scanned his surroundings. His posture and figure were like a mirror, reflecting his past self from many years ago.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew by, making the leaves rustle and the branches bend slightly, swaying from side to side.

A few autumn leaves drifted and twirled down, but before they even reached the ground, they were suddenly shredded into several pieces!

A clear, resounding sound rang out in the air.

Xuan Sheng drew the two swords from his back. The black and white blades were as clear and distinct as night and day. He held them in a cross shape, but then suddenly swung them in two directions. A flash of light met his father's two swords.

Xuan Sheng used his weapons as if they were his left and right hands, but the blue and green swords were as light as feathers to Chu Ye. The Half Moon City Lord attacked from below, rushing straight up, forcing Xuan Sheng to retreat several steps. Seeing an opening on his father's left shoulder, he shouted and thrust his black sword upward with his right hand. The great hero Chu Ye bent down to dodge and took a half step back. Before his second son could attack again, his left hand had already swung his sword to slash.

Upon seeing this, Xuan Sheng's eyes flashed with astonishment, and he blurted out, "Oh no...!"

Before he could finish speaking, he felt a huge vortex forming around him, and the leaves and branches around them were all blowing and bending towards where they were. Xuan Yue let out a low shout and swung his sword. Instantly, sand and stones flew, and an indescribable roar of sword energy burst out from the circle he drew. Xuan Sheng didn't have time to get away and was immediately thrown into the bushes behind him. The cracking sound kept ringing in his ears as he flew backward, breaking the branches of several trees.

"Aaaaaah...!" With a loud thud, he finally crashed into a thick tree trunk.

Blood trickled down his forehead, obscuring his vision. Xuan Sheng, panting, leaned on his sword and stood up. Despite the pain throughout his body, he unconsciously smiled.

It's been a long time since I've found an opponent I can have a proper fight with.

The great swordsman Chu Ye looked at him and said calmly, "Your move 'Flying Eagle Soaring Through the Clouds' still has flaws. If you can retreat first and then attack after three strikes, and use the opponent's strength to form a sharp energy wave, the momentum will definitely be greater."

Upon hearing this, the young man who had been leaning against the tree trunk to stand up sneered: "If someone had reminded you when you were learning this move, would you still have the chance to stand here and ramble on today?" His tone was cold and slightly angry as he spoke. Xuan Yue was taken aback and sighed again.

Xuan Sheng ignored the helplessness and regret on his face, straightened up, and pointed his sword at him. The white Heavenly Sword was like a beam of moonlight in his hand, and the light and shadow of the surrounding green leaves shone down. A blue killing intent floated at the top. He looked at this person who had the same blood as him and said coldly and unconvincedly, "Continue! You still have to answer my questions."

"Xuansheng..."

"I said continue!" Adjusting his breathing and inner strength, Xuan Sheng took a step forward, leaped high, and attacked from above. Instantly, a killing intent as sharp as a blade descended from the sky, like a giant net completely enveloping the great hero Chu Ye. Xuan Yue crossed his twin swords into a cross, protecting himself from all sides. However, his second son saw an opening, shouted, and thrust his sword at him. This move was called "Spring Rain in March," and the sword had to be wielded with unpredictable grace, moving like a snake, making it impossible for the opponent to defend against. It relied entirely on the power of the wrist.