In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 499 One Monkey, One Tethering Method

The three kingdoms of Wei, Sui, and Yuan were intertwined, and even though there were no restrictions on the movement of caravans, defenses remained strict.

There are daily limits on the number of caravans and civilians allowed to enter the city at the border, and the review of clearance documents is even more stringent.

Where there is demand, there will be business, and the border is no exception.

Inside this border area, there are plenty of people who use their connections to do business with these clearance documents.

Gu Shaoan inquired with the gangs in Yun'an Prefecture and then used money to pave the way, so obtaining the two travel permits from Mei Jiangxue was not difficult.

After passing through the border, the two traveled northeastward.

At the end of July, the summer heat had not yet subsided.

Thirty li north of Tongyang Prefecture, a desolate mountain rises abruptly from the wilderness. Although the mountain is not steep, it is full of jagged rocks and sparse vegetation. The exposed gray-brown rock layers gleamed with a blinding white light under the blazing sun.

Far from the main road, this place is rarely visited. Only the outline of Tongyang Prefecture in the distance is slightly distorted in the sweltering heat, revealing a somewhat illusory appearance.

On a flat spot at the top of the mountain, Gu Shaoan sat cross-legged on a huge blue stone, his eyes slightly closed, his aura restrained and profound.

Centered on him, the area within a radius of ten feet was filled with his sword intent and the energy transformed from his internal energy, forming a unique sword domain.

The airflow within the domain stagnated, and the faint sound of swords echoed in the void. As his thoughts turned, streams of vital energy surged from his body, condensing into fine sword energy within the sword domain. Like spring rain, the energy flowed continuously, shooting towards Mei Jiangxue, who was located at the center of the sword domain.

Within the sword domain, Mei Jiangxue, dressed in a snow-white long dress, danced lightly in the wind, her figure moving like a dragon among the rocks. Her sword flashed, drawing a silvery trail under the blazing sun, precisely shattering the unavoidable sword energy.

Her skirt billowed as she moved and turned, like a fairy in the clouds.

Gradually, Mei Jiangxue's breathing became rapid, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, sliding down her fair cheeks.

Although her swordplay was still sharp, it had lost its initial smoothness, and her footwork had begun to appear sluggish.

Just then, a dozen sword energies condensed and instantly transformed into a sword net that rushed towards Mei Jiangxue.

As the sword energy pierced the air, these sword energies actually attracted each other in the void.

If a martial artist with exceptional insight were here, they would surely be astonished to discover that the sword energy condensed by Gu Shaoan was not moving randomly, but rather that the arrangement of the eight trigrams—Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui—was subtly contained within them, forming a profound sword formation from pure sword energy.

In an instant, the melodious sound of swords rang out. At first, the sound was like a clear spring flowing, but then it turned into the trembling sound of metal clashing, echoing endlessly within the ten-zhang sword domain.

Wherever the sound waves reached, the sand and gravel on the ground trembled slightly, and visible ripples spread in the air, spreading outwards like stones thrown into water.

The sound of the sword was melodious, yet it inexplicably made one's heart tighten, as if countless fine needles were piercing the eardrum and entering the sea of ​​consciousness.

Mei Jiangxue's expression suddenly tightened, and she subconsciously raised her long sword and held it horizontally in front of her chest, the tip of the sword trembling slightly, assuming a defensive posture.

For half a month in a row, Mei Jiangxue was almost always defeated by Gu Shaoan's sword formation technique, which was formed by condensing sword energy, whenever she was in Gu Shaoan's sword domain.

Faced with the sword energy that had defeated her hundreds of times once again, Mei Jiangxue's expression immediately became extremely solemn.

However, as Mei Jiangxue looked up at the sword net that was constantly approaching her, just like before, facing these seemingly disordered but actually containing the I Ching and Bagua and infinitely changing sword energies, Mei Jiangxue was once again at a loss, not knowing how to deal with these sword energies.

Faced with Mei Jiangxue's hesitation, Gu Shaoan did not stop the sword energy from stopping; instead, he made a thought.

In an instant, the spiritual energy originally contained within these sword energies trembled, bringing forth unique sword cries.

As the sword's cry echoed, streams of invisible spiritual energy quietly seeped into Mei Jiangxue's mind, winding around her sea of ​​consciousness like silk threads.

The moment these spiritual energies invaded Mei Jiangxue's mind, she felt a jolt in her head, as if she were in a vast ocean of sword energy. All around her were crisscrossing golden sword energies, with no distinction between heaven and earth, no distinction between directions. Only the boundless sword energy surged towards her like a tide.

For a moment, Mei Jiangxue felt as if her heart was being gripped, and her thoughts and even her heartbeat seemed to freeze.

Mei Jiangxue was stunned by the environment. She stood there in the vast sea of ​​sword energy, staring at the surging golden sword light around her. She was in a daze, as if she had forgotten where she was.

The next instant, a wisp of sword wind silently rushed towards her. The wind was extremely light and gentle, yet it carried a substantial sharpness. It gently brushed against her sweaty cheeks, lifting a few strands of her hair.

But just as this wisp of sword wind brushed past her cheek, it seemed to also brush into Mei Jiangxue's heart, creating a ripple in her sea of ​​consciousness filled with sword intent.

Then, as if she had thought of something, Mei Jiangxue looked at the golden sword energy in front of her and her eyes flickered slightly. A hint of understanding flashed in her previously confused eyes, and she slightly adjusted the angle of her wrist holding the sword.

Subsequently, the remaining true essence within her body surged wildly according to the circulation route of the "Emei Sword Manual," pouring it all into the sword. With a single swing, she unleashed the second sword technique, "Evening Wind."

In an instant, a sword light shot out across the sky, like a gentle breeze in the sunset. The sword light had a pale golden hue, seemingly gentle and slow, with an elusive trajectory, but in reality, it was as fast as thunder, and its true form was almost impossible to capture with the naked eye.

Wherever the sword light passed, the air was torn open into a narrow vacuum channel, emitting a low whistling sound. Powerful air waves rolled to both sides, forming visible white air streaks that spread outwards like ripples.

The sword net formed by the eight trigrams was shattered in an instant by this wisp of sword light, which was like ice and snow meeting the blazing sun. More than ten streams of internal energy sword energy collapsed at the same time, turning into countless points of light that scattered and splashed in all directions, reflecting fine golden light under the scorching sun.

Taking in Mei Jiangxue's situation within the Sword Domain, Gu Shaoan's lips curled into a smile. As the saying goes, "Each monkey has its own way of being leashed."

Mei Jiangxue's own comprehension is no less than that of Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan, and her foundation over the years is also solid.

It was only because of Abbess Wujue's cramming teaching method that Mei Jiangxue was only superficially proficient in martial arts.

This meant that although Mei Jiangxue was quite strong, she was not yet at the level of a prodigy.

Just as when a person is in a critical moment, the first person they want is the one they trust most.

When faced with a crisis, martial artists often instinctively use the martial art that best suits them.

What Gu Shaoan has been doing these past few months is to use the high pressure of training to make Mei Jiangxue specialize in a martial art or a sword move based on her own instincts.

Now, under Gu Shaoan's guidance and strong pressure, Mei Jiangxue has successfully made "Sword Two: Evening Wind" in the "Emei Sword Manual" reach the level of transforming form into meaning.

Although it was only a breakthrough in one sword move, it was enough to increase Mei Jiangxue's strength by 30%.

However, due to the "Sword II: Evening Wind" he had just used to break through, Mei Jiangxue's already limited true essence was completely exhausted, and her figure suddenly froze.

At the same time, the sword energies did not stop because of Mei Jiangxue's frozen figure, and continued to shoot towards several major acupoints around Mei Jiangxue's body.

Before the sword energy even arrived, the sharp wind had already stung her cheek.

However, just as the sword energies were about to strike, they suddenly dispersed, turning into wisps of breeze and vanishing without a trace.

The force of the energy it generated was as gentle as a spring breeze, lightly brushing across Mei Jiangxue's tired face and lifting the strands of hair at her temples that were damp with sweat, giving Mei Jiangxue, who was panting and aching, a feeling of comfort.

At this moment, Gu Shaoan's voice slowly rang out.

"Not bad, you have finally reached the level of 'transforming form into meaning' in martial arts."

Hearing Gu Shaoan's words, Mei Jiangxue couldn't help but show a hint of joy on her face. She then bowed to Gu Shaoan and said, "Jiangxue thanks you, senior brother. Without your guidance during this period, I would not have made such progress in martial arts."

Gu Shaoan smiled and waved his hand, saying, "We're all family, no need for formalities."

Gu Shaoan was aware of Abbess Wujue's situation. He brought Mei Jiangxue back to the Emei Sect because he intended to personally mentor her, so that the Emei Sect could have another pillar of strength in the future.

Furthermore, while instructing Mei Jiangxue, Gu Shaoan was also taking the opportunity to test some of his own ideas about martial arts.

Both sides gained something.

Immediately, Gu Shaoan said, "Although the transformation from form to intention is a new stage, there are still levels of transforming the domain with intention and invoking the power of heaven and earth with one's own martial arts. The fifth to eighth swords of the Emei Sword Manual are also key points. The cultivation along the way will still be the same."

"After we return to the Emei Sect, I estimate that I will be in seclusion for a long time and will not have time to instruct you in martial arts. You will have to work hard during this period."

Upon hearing this, Mei Jiangxue smiled sweetly and said, "Jiangxue is not afraid of hardship."

Then, he pointed out the problems with Mei Jiangxue's sword moves. While Mei Jiangxue was adjusting her breathing to recover her true energy and summarizing the situation, Gu Shaoan closed his eyes and began to circulate his own internal energy.

Half an hour later, the two set off again.

As dusk approached, Mei Jiangxue, who was using her lightness skill to walk along the side of the official road, turned her gaze away from the distance.

"Senior brother, there's an inn ahead. Shall we stop and rest?"

Gu Shaoan replied, "We've been in the wilderness for two days, and we've almost run out of rations. Let's rest here at this post station for the night!"

"Okay!" Mei Jiangxue nodded, and a smile appeared in her eyes as she thought about being able to take a bath and freshen up later.

As they spoke, the two slowed down, and when they were about thirty feet away from the post station, they switched to walking.

Soon, the two arrived at the entrance of the post station.

At this time, lanterns had been hung at the entrance of the post station, and the hall was also lit up.

Before even stepping inside, Gu Shaoan and Mei Jiangxue could hear the conversations of guests in the lobby of the inn and the shouts of the waiters.

"Please come in, sir/madam."

As soon as the two entered the lobby, the waiter immediately came to greet them.

However, as soon as the waiter approached, Gu Shaoan seemed to sense something. His gaze, which had been sweeping across the other people in the lobby, suddenly returned and slowly focused on the waiter.

(End of this chapter)