68 Sudden Thunderstorm, Wind Thunder Vajra

Xie Lingfeng took several deep breaths to calm himself, saying in a deep voice, "Brother Xu, continue!"

"Are you sure you want me to continue?"

Xu Yan hesitated.

"Continue!"

Xie Lingfeng gritted his teeth.

"Alright."

Xu Yan nodded and continued, "After the Bone Refinement stage is the Organ Refinement stage… Thunder resonates in tendons and bones, and Qi courses through the blood, marking the entry to Martial Arts. I have already reached the peak of Qi and blood circulation!"

When Xu Yan had finished speaking, Xie Lingfeng felt as if his head was going to explode. He heard a buzzing sound and felt as if his head was on fire.

It was as if his mind was ablaze!

He was gasping for breath, his eyes gradually becoming dull, and he started questioning his entire existence.

He had started practicing Martial Arts when he was six, and had entered the door to Sword Dao when he was six… Everyone praised him as the Sword Prodigy, the foremost Sword Dao genius of the last thousand years.

He also thought so.

In the Inner Domain, there were few who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him.

And in terms of Sword Dao, he was the best of his generation.

But upon arriving in this frontier, it was as if he had uncovered a cruel truth he hadn't even entered the door to Sword Dao.

What's more, the Martial Arts that he had been training was nothing but a sham!

Hu Shan was panting heavily, his eyes bloodshot, gritting his teeth and growling, "Stop spouting nonsense, my Sword Prodigy lineage couldn't possibly be based on sham Martial Arts!"

Xu Yan showed no anger, but rather a gaze filled with pity. It truly was pitiful to have cultivated for the most of one's life, only to discover that one had been practicing a sham version of Martial Arts.

It was understandable to find it hard to accept.

He couldn't help but reflect on himself: "Was I too blunt?"

His mouth asked: "Let me ask you: My Qi and blood have reached perfection, but I have only just entered the realm of Martial Arts. In contrast, you've reached the realm of Grandmaster, the epitome of Martial Arts, but your strength is inferior to mine.

"Isn't the distinction between real and sham Martial Arts clear enough?"

"I…"

Hu Shan couldn't find his words.

Here was someone who had just entered Martial Arts, whereas someone else had already peaked in Martial Arts. The result was that the beginner was stronger. This made it very clear who was training in the real style and who was learning the false one.

Xie Lingfeng rose to his feet in a dazed and listless manner, saying, "Brother Xu, thank you for your enlightenment. I need some time to contemplate. I will visit you another day to express my gratitude!"

"It's nothing, Brother Xie. Go ahead!"

Xu Yan revealed a bright smile.

Xie Lingfeng and Hu Shan took to the air and headed back to the Imperial City of the Qi Country.

Their journey to this frontier was initially meant to kill the heartless Blood-No-Heart, but it turned out that he was already dead.

Unexpectedly, there were Martial Artists in this desolate place.

But the result of their combat led to the shocking revelation that they had been training in a sham form of Martial Arts?

Their worldview on Martial Arts has collapsed!

The Imperial City was bustling with activity.

Emperor Qi and his ministers were waiting for the result of the battle.

Finally, two figures returned.

They headed straight back to their residence in the palace.

Emperor Qi was delighted, "Quick, prepare a generous gift to thank the high-ranking individual!"

He provocatively glared at Guo Rongshan, as if saying "just wait and see!"

Guo Rongshan felt a sinking sensation in his heart.

As soon as Emperor Qi left, the officials dispersed like they were avoiding the plague, staying far away from Guo Rongshan and his son. They followed closely behind Emperor Qi, shouting praises of his wisdom and bravery.

"Father!"

Guo Yunkai looked worried.

"Yan'er is back!"

Guo Rongshan suddenly spoke, his body relaxing.

Xu Yan was flying over.

"Yan'er, I'm glad you're ok. What was the outcome?"

Guo Rongshan let out a sigh of relief.

"Grandpa, don't worry. The Martial Arts practiced by Xie Lingfeng and his ilk are nothing more than a sham. They're not a threat. He has already realized his shortcomings!"

Xu Yan said with a smile.

Guo Rongshan paused, looked back towards the palace, squinted his eyes.

"Yunkai, send out an order for a grand court assembly to be held tomorrow!"

"Understood, Father!"

Guo Yunkai was also overjoyed.

Xu Yan was victorious!

At a separate palace, where Xie Lingfeng and Hu Shan resided, after they returned, they sat on the stone stools, staring blankly, their bodies feeling numb.

Xu Yan's discussion on Martial Arts had dealt a huge blow to them. Their worldview on Martial Arts had collapsed, and they started questioning their existences.

Especially Xie Lingfeng, who was constantly replaying Xu Yan's discussion on Martial Arts in his head. The more he thought about it, the more peculiar it seemed, as if it wasn't real. His brain felt burnt out, but he still couldn't understand how such an incomprehensible form of Martial Arts was cultivated.

"Honored guests, honored guests, did you bring Xu Yan's head back?"

Emperor Qi excitedly ran over.

The Crown Prince followed behind him.

As for the Third Prince, he was already being neglected.

"Honored guests?"

Emperor Qi looked puzzled. Why did his revered guests seem a bit… off?

They didn't even react when he approached them.

"Honored guests? Both of you?"

Extended his hand and waved it in front of Xie Lingfeng's eyes.

"Get out of my sight!"

Finally, one of the respected guests reacted, but it was to seize Emperor Qi by the collar and throw him out.

The Crown Prince's face turned white, swallowing hard, he hurriedly made a hasty exit. Outside the palace, he saw his father, Emperor Qi, getting up with a livid look on his face.

"Father!"

He hastened to help him up.

Emperor Qi's face was dark with anger as he said, "Those you invited…"

"Shh!"

The Crown Prince's face turned white from fear, hastily raising a finger signaling Emperor Qi to stay quiet.

Emperor Qi quickly shut his mouth and under the support of the chief eunuch, left with a dark face.

"His Majesty, Grandmaster Guo wishes to hold a grand court assembly tomorrow!"

An eunuch hurriedly came with news.

Emperor Qi was furious, "That Guo…"

"His Majesty, Xu Yan has returned!"

The eunuch quickly interjected.

Emperor Qi swallowed his words, his face turning red with anger. He gritted his teeth and said, "Summon the ministers for a grand court assembly tomorrow!"

This is so humiliating!

The Emperor seethed with humiliation. He looked at the Crown Prince standing by his side, took a deep breath, and kicked him to the ground.

"You unfilial son! Where did you find these people? They're driving me mad!"

After kicking him several times, he felt better and strode away..

The Crown Prince was so frustrated he felt like puking blood.

He cursed internally, "Old geezer, always taking his anger out on his son, good for nothing!"

Xu Yan settled in the residence of the Qi King, waiting for a visit from Xie Lingfeng.

He was absolutely thrilled.

It was a worthwhile trip – he had exchanged techniques with the grandmaster from the Inner Domain and gained new insights about Sword Dao, which was helpful for his comprehension of Sword Intent.

And he'd shown the martial artists of the Inner Domain that they were practicing false Martial Arts.

In the palace's side residence, Xie Lingfeng and Hu Shan had been sitting still for a day, their minds in turmoil, feeling completely at a loss.

The collapse of their Martial Arts viewpoint had dealt them a devastating blow.

They wanted to refute the claim that they were practicing false Martial Arts, but every time they thought of Xu Yan's explanation of Martial Arts, it was too profound and incredible, making their own Martial Arts pale in comparison.

Xu Yan, being only a beginner in Martial Arts, was already able to fight with them at a grandmaster level. It was apparent which was real and which was false.

Emperor Qi, who had started the day on cloud nine, had his mood drop down, thinking he could reestablish his imperial prestige, yet it all came to naught.

The grand court meeting began.

Court officials fawned with smirky faces, greeting Guo Rongshan before and after, acting even more respectful than they would towards Emperor Qi.

In the current Qi Country, it was common knowledge that Emperor Qi was merely a figurehead with no real power. All matters of state were decided by Guo Rongshan.

The Crown Prince entered the grand hall, only to be tripped up by the Third Prince as soon as he approached him, stumbling and almost falling over.

He immediately glared at the Third Prince.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is behaving improperly in the court meeting…"

Guo Rongshan stood up solemnly and bowed to Emperor Qi.

Before he could finish speaking, Emperor Qi had already lost his temper and shouted, "Bring that rebellious son of mine out, beat him with thirty wooden planks, and beat him hard!"

The Crown Prince was instantly shocked: !!!

Another thirty wooden planks?!?

He cursed inwardly, "You old fool, do you really know how to do anything other than vent your anger on your son?"

Guo Rongshan's mouth twitched as he quietly sat down. He had meant to use this opportunity to definitively disqualify the Crown Prince from the succession, perhaps by confining him to the palace for a month. He didn't expect Emperor Qi to announce such a severe punishment directly.

As expected, the royal family is ruthless indeed!

Guo Rongshan sighed to himself. During the rest of the grand court meeting, several state affairs were discussed, some officials were demoted, some were promoted, and Emperor Qi was not involved at all.

All he needed to do was sit at the top, listen and give his edict.

After the grand court meeting, Guo Rongshan had complete control over the affairs of Qi Country.

Emperor Qi returned to his bookroom, fuming.

Unable to hold back, he once again visited the side residence seeking Xie Lingfeng, and was once again tossed out.

Emperor Qi was nearly enraged to death!

What kind of great man is this? Intolerably arrogant!

"Bring someone to beat my rebellious son with thirty wooden planks again!"

Emperor Qi ordered.

The chief eunuch felt sorry for the Crown Prince and said softly, "Your Majesty, if you beat him with another thirty planks, I'm afraid the Crown Prince won't be able to take it."

Emperor Qi was silent for a moment and said, "Then wait until his injuries have healed a bit, and then beat him!"

After two whole days of sitting still, Xie Lingfeng finally regained some spirit.

He took a deep breath and said, "Hu Shan, I'm going to visit Xu Yan."

"Young Master, go ahead, 1 need some more time to think."

Hu Shan responded listlessly.

Xie Lingfeng left him, emerged from the side residence, and went to visit Xu Yan at Qi King's residence.

"Greetings to Elder Guo!"

Xie Lingfeng pays his respects to Guo Rongshan as he sees him.

Although the man before him was not a martial artist, he was Xu Yan's grandfather, so the respect that should be shown was not to be omitted.

"It's Young Master Xie, Yan'er has been waiting for you. Please, go in."

Guo Rongshan greeted him with a smile.

Today, Emperor Qi has invited him, his sworn brother, to visit the imperial garden.

"Brother Guo is here, please have a seat."

Emperor Qi said with a warm expression.

"Your Majesty is too kind."

Guo Rongshan performed a bow.

After some pleasantries, Emperor Qi said with a trace of anger, "Brother Guo, those two so-called great sages, have no sense of propriety, disrespect elders, and show contempt for the court of my Qi Country. They should be punished severely!"

They have the audacity to throw me out directly!

Even Xu Yan did not do such a thing.

Emperor Qi's anger grew as he thought. Since high-ranking people cannot deal with Xu Yan, let Xu Yan deal with these two high-ranking people and vent his anger.

Yet, Guo Rongshan showed a surprised expression and said, "How could that be? Young Master Xie has always been very respectful to me and is not disrespecting his elders. Who's trying to slander Young Master Xie?"

Emperor Qi: !!!

His composure was somewhat shattered. Everyone is belittling me, aren't they!

He glanced silently at Guo Rongshan, then clenched his teeth and shouted, "The dog slave dare to slander the high-ranking people and instigate troubles. He should be put to death!"

Emperor Qi was seething with rage. He pointed to one of the eunuchs standing on standby outside and commanded, "Take that man down for me and chop him off!"

The eunuch, shocked, lifted his head pleading, "Your Majesty, please spare me,

I didn't…"

The Chief Eunuch covered his mouth abruptly, and several other eunuchs surrounding him hastily came forward, restraining and dragging him away.

Guo Rongshan's mouth twitched a little. He felt that Emperor Qi seemed to have been too agitated, and it was taking a toll on his mental state.

"The Emperor has aged. Perhaps it's time for the Crown Prince to ascend to the throne? Young people can better endure such stimulation!" he thought to himself.

Interjected Rongshan, "Your Majesty, thirty lashes would suffice. Please refrain from causing unnecessary death!"

"Hmm!"

Emperor Qi grunted in response.

Such royal duty is stifling!

At Prince An's mansion, the First Prince had already given up on himself.

He was lying on his bed, attended by two beautiful women, seemingly waiting aimlessly for death.

The search for a great master is abandoned.

Before seeking a great master, he was flogged thirty times!

Having found a great master, he still was flogged thirty times. Seems like regardless of finding a great master or not, he would face punishment. So why bother searching for a great master!

Therefore, the First Prince had completely given up.

In Yunshan County, Li Xuan had returned from the capital.

He was waiting for a visit from Xie Lingfeng, the great master.

Meng Chong, however, was still contemplating the Fist of Wind and Thunder. For the time being, there did not seem to be much progress.

One day, Yunshan County was shrouded in dark clouds.

Meng Chong was on a hillside outside the county town.

Images of his master demonstrating the Fist of Wind and Thunder repeatedly surfaced in his mind, and he pondered over the intent of the Wind and Thunder in these movements.

Suddenly!

A strong wind swept across!

Whoosh!

Rumble!

Lightning tore through the gloomy skies, flickering and disappearing into the clouds.

A storm is coming!

Meng Chong abruptly looked up at the sky.

Rumble!

In an instant, another blinding bolt of lightning tore through the thick clouds, illuminating the dark sky. A sudden gust of wind swept across.

In that instant, something sparked in Meng Chong's mind. He faintly seized the momentum of the wind and thunder!

Crash!

A bolt of lightning suddenly struck down, instantly splitting a massive tree in the distance.

A gust of wind suddenly arose, rustling the fallen leaves through the cracks of the trees. In an instant, the leaves were flying and dancing among the trees.

"I understand!"

In that moment, a flash of enlightenment crossed Meng Chong's mind. He felt like he had grasped the essence of the momentum of Wind and Thunder.

With his Blood Qi surging, a golden light appeared, and his Blood Qi Golden Bell shone brightly. Meng Chong launched a punch, a powerful force that resembled a thunderbolt, swift and fierce.

Then, one punch following another, like a raging wind that seemed to penetrate everything.

Rumble!

With a sudden punch, like an abrupt flash of lightning, the fierce and unparalleled force of the fist knocked a large tree down.

"Fist of Wind and Thunder, I've understood, this is the momentum of Wind and Thunder!"

Meng Chong was extremely excited, his body moving nimbly as he unleashed a flurry of punches.

Crackle!

Large raindrops began to fall, a storm was approaching.

And amidst the rain, a burly, bald young man was practicing his punches. His fists carrying the momentum of thunderbolts and gusty winds, repelling the falling raindrops.

Each punch seemed to carry a thunderbolt and whip up a gust of wind, scattering the falling raindrops and dissipating the incoming gusty wind!

Around him was a glow of golden light, emitting the fierceness of a Golden Vajra Arhat, each punch raising wind and thunder.

Successful comprehension of the Fist of Wind and Thunder!

"Such a heavy rain!"

Under the eaves, Li Xuan was watching the downpour, the lightning and thunder amid the thick, dark clouds, the strong winds that seemed about to lift the eaves.

"My second disciple is practicing in the woods. He won't get struck by lightning, would he?"

A worry suddenly crossed Li Xuan's mind.

It was uncertain if Meng Chong's current Great Solar Golden Bell could withstand a direct lightning strike?