Chapter 182: A Competition with Chen Xin.
That day, Gu Han took time off to visit the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, intending to obtain some rare gems and metals. He discovered that Dongfang Lingyun's talent for swordsmanship wasn't as strong as her spear, so he wanted to forge her a large spear.
As for spearmanship, the fist and spear are inherently connected; proficiency in the fists naturally translates well to spear and staff prowess.
While the Spirit Hall possessed a number of rare metals, they were scarce. Using a little bit at a time wouldn't be as satisfying as getting them for free from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Besides, with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's treasure-hunting capabilities, it wouldn't be worth the extra metal.
This time, Gu Han went alone; Bibi Dong didn't accompany him, remaining in Spirit City to review documents.
Indeed, even Bibi Dong began to get involved in Spirit Hall affairs.
Qian Xunji euphemistically said, "Young man, you need more experience."
To put it bluntly, he was tired of being the Pope and wanted to be a hands-off boss, enjoying a peaceful retirement.
But there was no other way. After all, they were the Holy Son and Holy Daughter. As the future successors of the Spirit Hall, they would inevitably be involved in Spirit Hall affairs; it was only a matter of time. The Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect were now closely connected, but even so, Gu Han had no intention of handing over the Immortal Herbs. He wouldn't reveal the whale glue unless the other party asked.
He believed that the two sides, due to their interests and his role as a bridge, would remain on good terms for a long time.
But they were ultimately not the same faction.
After all, even within the same faction, there would be factions and conflicts, let alone two different factions.
When Gu Han was around, the two sides naturally treated each other with respect and enjoyed lively conversation.
But what if he were gone?
As the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, he naturally had to consider more than just the present; he also had to consider the future of the Spirit Hall.
Even with temporary allies sharing common interests, there were some things he absolutely wouldn't share unless the situation was exceptional or dire.
"Hum~~~"
"Hmm?"
At that moment, a sound of slicing air echoed in Gu Han's ears. His gaze instantly sharpened, the Xuanshuang Sword appearing in his hand, and he raised his longsword to block.
"Swish!!!"
The piercing sound echoed through the mountains, startling a flock of birds and scattering. Two pairs of sharp eyes locked, then both retreated, standing on opposite sides of the sky.
The newcomer possessed a powerful aura, comparable to that of a Spirit Hall member. He had white hair, a turquoise robe, a piercing gaze, an upright posture, and a razor-sharp longsword in hand.
"Master, how are you?"
Gu Han pointed his sword downward, cupping his fists in a salute.
"Hahaha, Xiaohan, I didn't expect you to improve so quickly. Come, let me see your sword skills now!"
Chen Xin laughed. Gu Han had made no effort to conceal his imposing presence upon his arrival, so naturally, Chen Xin, who had just reached the ninety-seventh level, noticed him.
Thanks to Gu Han, Chen Xin's understanding of swordsmanship advanced to a new level. After reaching level ninety-six, he made only one trip to Star Luo before continuing his retreat. He finally broke through to level ninety-seven half a month ago, and his first act was to beat up his old friend.
Today, Chen Xin, in high spirits, suddenly sensed an undisguised swordsmanship, a familiar aura. He took the initiative to leave the sect and intercept Gu Han.
Seeing the other man's aura rivaling that of a Titled Douluo, he was delighted and immediately made a test attack.
Seeing that half of his strength was easily absorbed by the other man, Chen Xin was amazed and burst into laughter. The Seven Killings Sword Art had been passed down.
Even if the other man's Spirit wasn't the Seven Killings Sword, as long as the Seven Killings Sword Art remained, his lineage would not be extinguished.
"Then I will ask for Master's guidance."
Gu Han's lips curled into a smile, and he uttered nine "kill" characters simultaneously, swinging his sword towards Chen Xin.
"Good boy, you've actually mastered the Seven Killings Sword Technique to such a high level."
Chen Xin was surprised and delighted. Nine "Kill" characters were the mark of the Seven Killings Sword Technique's ultimate achievement. Even he himself hadn't mastered the nine "Kill" characters until he reached level ninety-seven a week ago.
Yet, at such a young age, Gu Han had already grasped the essence of the Seven Killings Sword Technique and mastered it to perfection.
Similarly, Chen Xin wielded the Seven Killing Sword, and nine streams of Seven Killing Sword Qi, swirling with Tai Chi energy, roared out.
Eighteen streams of killing sword energy clashed in the air, blocking each other, and the space continuously ripped apart under the strain.
But level ninety-seven was still level ninety-seven. While Gu Han's stats were formidable, Chen Xin's own stats were also quite good. The difference in levels canceled each other out, narrowing the gap.
However, for Gu Han, at level eighty-one, to defeat a level ninety-seven was already a truly remarkable feat.
"Absolute Zero Domain!"
With a whispered cry, the sky and the earth suddenly changed color, the temperature plummeting to its lowest point, snow and ice falling, and the very space froze. Chen Xin felt his soul power solidify, his attributes drastically decreasing. Every snowflake around him shone with a sharp light, a chilling chill.
"It's the Domain."
Chen Xin's gaze narrowed, followed by a low cry.
"Seven Killing Domain."
With Chen Xin at its center, a special Domain unfolded, rivaling the Absolute Zero Domain and isolating itself from the negative effects of the Absolute Zero Domain and the piercing snowflakes.
Both sides raised their swords and flew out again. The clash of swords created a nearly continuous clashing and grinding sound. Soul power surged, sending trees below reeling, falling in large swathes.
After another collision, the two sides separated by a hundred meters. Chen Xin smiled heartily and praised,
"Good boy! With only eight soul rings, with your current strength, I doubt even a level 95 Titled Douluo would be a match for you."
"Come again!"
"My body is like a sword!"
Chen Xin raised his longsword high, merging with it, his aura instantly reaching a terrifying level.
Seeing this, Gu Han also raised his longsword in front of him.
"Man and sword become one."
Instantly, Gu Han's figure merged with the Xuanshuang Sword, confronting the Seven Killing Swords.
Swoosh!
The Mysterious Frost Sword shot out first, followed closely by the Seven Killing Swords. Like two streaks of light, they intertwined and clashed in the sky.
From afar, protected by the Bone Banyan, Ning Fengzhi was able to observe the sword duel.
"I never expected Brother Gu to have reached a strength comparable to that of a Titled Douluo."
He marveled at Gu Han's rapid growth and immense combat prowess. It would have been wonderful if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had encountered him first.
However, the stronger Gu Han grew, the more Ning Fengzhi believed his decision to partner with the Spirit Hall was the right one.
Now that Gu Han and Uncle Jian had become master and disciple, and his combat prowess had skyrocketed, stifling him was absolutely unacceptable.
Furthermore, given Uncle Jian's character, he would never have dared to kill his own apprentice.
Even if Uncle Jian were willing to take action, regardless of success or failure, eliminating the Spirit Hall threat would undoubtedly create a rift between Uncle Jian and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Once that rift formed, it would be irreparable.
Ning Fengzhi was a clever man, and naturally wouldn't do something that seemed like a win but actually resulted in a huge loss.
"That's true. This kid's strength is such that even if I used all my strength, I wouldn't be able to defeat him completely."
Gu Rong's eyes flashed with a sharp glint, and the dark circles under his eyes were particularly noticeable. A chill stung his face, causing his skin to twitch slightly, and he cursed inwardly.
"This damn coward, he's so ruthless! Wait until I break through level ninety-six, and then I'll see if I can fight back."
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[end of the chapter]