Yan Lan looked at Li Qingqiu, the authority on his face quickly disappearing, replaced by his former gentle, sunny smile. He remarked with emotion, "Ku Yi and Ku Er are no ordinary men. Before they followed me, they were the top-ranked and second-ranked Jia rank in the Imperial Protective Guard. The so-called number one martial artists from the various prefectures would be no match for them. For you to repel one of them with a single strike—your martial arts are truly unfathomable. Could you be the legendary Jiang Zhaoxia?"
He had heard of Jiang Zhaoxia's name—a young genius who, upon his debut, had seized the title of Second in Guzhou's martial world, his reputation even overshadowing the First, Yu Zhiyi.
Yu Zhiyi was a long-established expert, advanced in years, leaving no room for further expectation or curiosity. Jiang Zhaoxia was different—so young that his performance suggested that as long as he grew steadily, he would surely surpass Yu Zhiyi in the future.
But in Yan Lan's eyes, a genius like Jiang Zhaoxia wasn't particularly remarkable. Standing at the pinnacle of the dynasty, too many geniuses surged toward him, eager to serve.
Today, however, the man he had mistaken for Jiang Zhaoxia—Li Qingqiu—had surprised him.
It was the first time he had seen Ku Yi repelled in a single exchange.
"My name is Li Qingqiu. I am the Sect Master of Azure Firmament Sect." Li Qingqiu replied, making no attempt to hide his identity.
This was Azure Firmament Sect's territory. As Sect Master, facing outsiders, how could he hide behind his disciples?
"Sect Master? You're so young."
Yan Lan remarked, then smiled. "So the rumors in the martial world aren't false—the divine technique the Dragon Subduing Hero obtained has indeed been passed on to you all."
"Who spread that rumor?" Li Qingqiu asked.
"I wouldn't know. But on my journey here, I've heard many martial artists discussing it." Yan Lan shook his head.
Li Qingqiu sensed a scheme at work. It must be the Azure Cult spreading rumors, since they were convinced Yang Jueding had obtained a supreme technique and had constantly wanted to hunt him down.
Could the Azure Cult be trying to lure other sects and experts to attack Azure Firmament Sect, waiting until the sect was severely damaged before swooping in to seize the technique?
Fortunately, he had already sent Jiang Zhaoxia down the mountain to deal with the Azure Cult. Otherwise, if trouble came to Azure Firmament Sect, they'd have no time for revenge.
Yan Lan spoke again. "Sect Master Li, would you be willing to spar with my men, Ku Yi and Ku Er? Though my body is weak, I'm deeply interested in martial arts. I'd love to witness a battle between Peak Experts. Just go easy—no lives at stake. Afterwards, I'd be happy to stay at Azure Firmament Sect for a while and see if I can be of any help."
"Of course, if you're unwilling, that's fine too. We'll stay one night and leave in the morning."
His tone was sincere, not coercive.
Qin Ye snapped back to reality. His gaze toward Ku Yi was full of apprehension. Facing true martial arts experts, he realized how weak he still was.
Li Qingqiu's lips curled into a smile. "Since His Highness the Crown Prince has spoken, how could I refuse? Come, both of you together."
Hearing this, Ku Yi and Ku Er showed no sign of being provoked. Ku Yi retrieved his weapon from behind his back—two silver staff sections wrapped in black cloth. He joined them together, making a staff even longer than Qin Ye's iron one.
Ku Er drew his sword and came to stand beside Ku Yi. The two stood shoulder to shoulder, their auras fully unleashed.
Li Qingqiu gestured for Qin Ye to step aside.
Seeing Qin Ye move away, Ku Yi and Ku Er simultaneously stepped forward. Without a word, they displayed extraordinary coordination.
Their footwork was extremely fast, swift as startled swans, quickly flanking Li Qingqiu left and right. Ku Yi swung his silver staff in a sweeping arc, while Ku Er thrust his sword toward Li Qingqiu.
Too fast!
Even watching from the sidelines, Qin Ye couldn't follow Ku Yi and Ku Er's movements. Shock filled his heart.
Was this the speed a martial artist could achieve?
Li Qingqiu drew the Flying Fish Dagger from his waist with even greater speed. With a left-right swing, the blade repelled both the silver staff and the long sword.
Ku Yi flipped backward, landing swiftly. He held the silver staff aloft with one hand, the other braced against the ground, his posture like a wild beast. Then, pushing off with his right palm, he charged again at Li Qingqiu.
Ku Er was flung into the air. As he descended, he swung his sword, sending streaks of sword energy raining down, once again joining Ku Yi in attacking Li Qingqiu.
Li Qingqiu raised his blade to defend. He wasn't going all out—he wanted to gauge Ku Yi and Ku Er's true strength.
He was quite interested in what Yan Lan called "Peak Experts."
Snow and mist churned. Ku Yi and Ku Er were repeatedly driven back, yet they kept attacking. Li Qingqiu remained rooted in place, relying solely on the Flying Fish Dagger to block all their offenses—his stance identical to when he had instructed Qin Ye.
Li Qingqiu's strength secretly relieved Qin Ye. His gaze locked onto Ku Yi.
The Ten Thousand Army Demon-Subduing Staff!
This man could also use it, and the aura he projected far surpassed Qin Ye's!
Ku Yi's aura perfectly matched all of Qin Ye's imaginings of the Ten Thousand Army Demon-Subduing Staff—sweeping and unstoppable. Within ten zhang, his energy rippled everywhere, tearing countless gashes in the snow. He and Li Qingqiu grew farther apart, but his internal energy formed staff after staff of phantom images, striking at Li Qingqiu from a distance. As the distance widened, these phantom staffs grew larger and stronger.
Ku Er, on Li Qingqiu's other side, didn't employ spectacular sword energy. He pressed closer and closer, seeking to find Li Qingqiu's weaknesses with his exquisite swordsmanship.
One fought from afar, the other up close—a spectacular scene. And Li Qingqiu, caught between them, casually waved his blade. The faster they moved, the slower Li Qingqiu seemed by contrast. Yet this "slower" Li Qingqiu consistently blocked every single one of their moves.
Wind mixed with snow rushed toward Yan Lan, scattering his sideburns. Watching the battle ahead, his eyes brightened, his breathing even quickened.
Even he was witnessing Ku Yi going all out for the first time. Such a Ten Thousand Army Demon-Subduing Staff, on a battlefield, would be an enemy's nightmare. Yet it couldn't budge Li Qingqiu.
After a hundred exchanges, Li Qingqiu had a clear measure of their strength. He suddenly twisted his body, the Flying Fish Dagger in his hand sweeping upward. A streak of sword energy carved through the ground, tearing through the massive phantom staffs in its path and crashing into Ku Yi with the force of thunder.
The silver staff in Ku Yi's hand was severed directly. His bamboo hat was also sliced in two, the halves flying away. He tilted his head back, spitting a mouthful of blood, and tumbled backward.
Almost simultaneously, Li Qingqiu turned, his posture graceful, and swung his blade toward Ku Er. Sword energy swept horizontally. Ku Er's expression shifted drastically; he swung his sword rapidly, but his sword energy was no match for Li Qingqiu's.
"Puh—"
Ku Er followed Ku Yi's fate, spitting blood as he flew backward, crashing awkwardly onto the snow ten zhang away. Struggling, he couldn't even get up.
So strong!
Yan Lan's eyes widened. Li Qingqiu's final two strikes had been incredibly fast—a transition from slow to swift, like thunder. Ku Yi and Ku Er couldn't withstand even a single blow. The gap in their strength was immense.
Qin Ye was overjoyed and couldn't help cheering.
Clang—
Li Qingqiu smoothly sheathed his blade. A gleam of light flashed as he turned to Yan Lan and smiled. "Since His Highness wishes to stay at Azure Firmament Sect for a while, this will give them time to heal."
Ku Yi lay on the ground, unable to rise. His gaze toward Li Qingqiu was filled with terror.
He had never felt such powerful sword energy. He had no doubt Li Qingqiu had the strength to kill him instantly.
How could this man's martial arts be so terrifying?
Yan Lan rose to his feet, clapping in admiration. "Sect Master Li's martial arts are truly formidable—without a doubt, the strongest I have ever seen. It seems the rumors are false. Jiang Zhaoxia's prowess doesn't come from that technique, but from Sect Master Li's teaching."
He could believe that divine techniques could cultivate young geniuses.
But that in just a few years they could produce a supreme expert like Li Qingqiu? He didn't believe it.
Li Qingqiu flicked a needle into Ku Yi and Ku Er each, stabilizing their qi and blood. Then he asked Yan Lan, "Your Highness, you are the Crown Prince. Why do you use the surname Yan?"
The Emperor's surname was Zhao. How could the Crown Prince be surnamed Yan?
The former Crown Prince was named Zhao Yan. Even if the current Crown Prince chose a random name, he'd have to avoid the character "Yan" to prevent gossip. Yet he hadn't. What did this imply?
This was also why Li Qingqiu hadn't stopped Qin Ye from demonstrating the Ten Thousand Army Demon-Subduing Staff.
Though the Emperor was benighted, the current Crown Prince had always enjoyed a good reputation.
Yan Lan smiled. "When traveling the martial world, one naturally uses a pseudonym. My real name is Zhao Lan, but I prefer the name Yan Lan. Please, Sect Master Li, call me Yan Lan from now on. Don't reveal my identity as Crown Prince."
Prefers it?
Li Qingqiu didn't press further. Asking this much, he already had a general idea.
He began exchanging pleasantries with Yan Lan. Only after Ku Yi and Ku Er had the strength to rise did he lead the four of them up the mountain.
"Regarding the rumors about the divine technique, someone must be fanning the flames. Before long, Azure Firmament Sect will likely face trouble. I can't intervene in martial world grievances, but I can help counter pressure from the official side."
Yan Lan walked beside Li Qingqiu, speaking softly.
Li Qingqiu glanced at him, curious. "Why does Your Highness wish to help us? Because of the Ten Thousand Army Demon-Subduing Staff?"
Yan Lan shook his head. "There are more people in the world who can use the Ten Thousand Army Demon-Subduing Staff than just young friend Qin Ye and Ku Yi. I help Azure Firmament Sect because I appreciate its conduct. Though Azure Firmament Sect isn't large, it aids the common people—not only treating illnesses but also donating money and grain. Even if those funds might have come from rebels and bandits, your chivalrous actions are real. Looking across the martial world of this realm, how many sects can do the same?"
"I've always believed that true martial arts shouldn't be merely about striving for dominance. The strong should bear more responsibility. At least here in Guzhou, I'm dissatisfied with the other sects. Azure Firmament Sect is the only one I appreciate, the only one that gives me hope."
Li Qingqiu, meanwhile, was wondering who had leaked information about Azure Firmament Sect's finances. But upon reflection, Azure Firmament Sect was too small to suddenly produce so much wealth—such speculation was inevitable.
Fortunately, Azure Firmament Sect had done good deeds.
When he had originally given such orders, it wasn't just for empty reputation. He genuinely wanted to do something for the people.
The future Azure Firmament Sect wouldn't be a traditional sect that grew strong by exploiting the local populace. It would be a Daoist lineage that selected talents from among the people, seeking the Dao of cultivation together.
As they walked up the mountain, they chatted. Yan Lan's physique was indeed weak. He couldn't walk two li without resting. He was also stubborn, refusing to be carried.
...
Inside an inn, Li Sifeng, Wu Man'er, Cheng Canghai, and eight disciples sat at two adjacent tables, drinking wine and eating dishes.
After a year of training, the sixteen-year-old Li Sifeng's temperament had greatly transformed. His features were handsome, his bearing free and unrestrained—quite the image of a young wandering hero.
They didn't speak, tired from half a day's travel.
Bam!
The inn door was pushed open. Wind and snow blew in as a crowd of martial artists surged inside.
"This siege of Azure Firmament Sect is led by three major sects. Though our Iron Bone Faction isn't first-rate, we can't miss such a momentous event! Seize the right moment, and we can gain both reputation and the divine technique!"
The middle-aged man in front said excitedly, his voice booming. The martial artists behind him chimed in agreement, all visibly excited.