Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

"Elder Qian, what's got you angry?" a voice with a smile rang out.

Everyone turned around and saw that Shen Mo had arrived at the Talisman Painting Garden at some point and was looking at them with a smile. He had a rare moment of leisure today, so he thought he would take a stroll around the various halls.

"Sect Leader, Senior Brother!" Elder Qian and the disciples quickly bowed.

"Sigh, Sect Leader, you've come at the perfect time! Quickly, discipline these good-for-nothing brats!" Elder Qian complained. "The 'Flowing Cloud Talisman' series has good intentions—the concealment talisman carries cloud-like energy, the escape talisman has flowing shadows, and the attack talisman contains sword light—but these kids' technique is so crude! They're lucky if they can get three out of ten right! What a waste of materials!"

Shen Mo picked up a discarded drawing of a Flowing Cloud Escape Talisman, looked at it, and smiled, "Elder Qian, haste makes waste. The essence of Flowing Cloud lies in its fluidity and ever-changing nature. Forcing a resemblance will only lead to a lower level of skill. Why not let the disciples observe the changes in the sea of ​​clouds first, appreciate its spirit, and then start drawing?"

As he spoke, he casually picked up a blank sheet of paper, gathered spiritual energy at his fingertips, and began to draw with flowing strokes. With just a few strokes, a graceful and lively cloud pattern appeared on the paper; though not yet a complete talisman, it already possessed a divine charm.

"Look, clouds have no fixed shape, water has no fixed form. Where the heart leads, the brush follows." Shen Mo handed the talisman to the disciple who had been scolded, "Take this and experience it."

The disciple was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly. Elder Qian also seemed to be deep in thought.

Shen Mo then toured the various halls, inspecting Li Xiaocao's newly refined Foundation Establishment Pills and testing Zhao Tiechui's newly forged Flowing Cloud Sword. He expressed his approval of Zhao Qingyan's progress in strategizing the formation. He didn't interfere too much, only occasionally pointing out a key point or offering encouragement, which greatly inspired the disciples of each hall.

"Excellent, all excellent." Shen Mo stood atop the main peak, gazing at the vibrant mountains below, his heart filled with satisfaction. Pills, weapon crafting, formations, and talismans—the sect's four auxiliary businesses, like four solid pillars, were rapidly growing, gradually forming a unique "Flowing Clouds" style. This was not merely an improvement in combat power, but also an accumulation of foundational strength, the very basis for the sect's sustainable development.

However, he knew that internal growth would inevitably attract external covetousness. Rumors of the "Azure Cloud Pill" and the "Flowing Cloud Sword" were already circulating, which was both a good thing and a sign that an even bigger storm was brewing. He needed to solidify this foundation even further before the storm arrived.

"Pass down the order," Shen Mo said to the disciple steward beside him, "Next month's sect competition will have separate prizes for alchemy, weapon crafting, array formation, and talisman making. Prepare some decent prizes to motivate the disciples."

"Yes, Sect Leader!"

On Mount Qingyun, the brilliance of the four auxiliary businesses shines brightly, like stars gradually illuminating the night sky. Although they have not yet spread like wildfire, they have already lit up the path for the sect to move forward.

Qingyun Mountain, Yanwu Peak.

Today, the Martial Arts Peak was more than ten times more lively than usual. The huge central arena was already surrounded by a sea of ​​people, with Qingyun Sect disciples packed in layers upon layers.

Cheers, applause, and discussions rose and fell like a tsunami, filling the air with youthful passion and vibrant energy.

Here, the triennial internal competition of the Qingyun Sect is being held. Unlike previous competitions, this one is the first sect-wide competition since the sect expanded its territory and recruited more disciples. It aims to test the teaching results of recent years, select outstanding talents, and provide an excellent stage for the new generation of disciples to show their talents and make a name for themselves.

On the high platform, Sect Leader Shen Mo did not appear. Elder Han Lin sat in the center, while Foundation Establishment elders such as Su Xiao, Shi Tie, Zhao Qingyan, and Li Xiaocao sat on both sides to watch the ceremony.

Their gazes were mostly focused on the young figures on the ring, their eyes filled with scrutiny and expectation.

"Next match, Jia-class arena, Jin Hao versus Wang Meng!" The master of ceremonies announced loudly, his voice amplified throughout the arena.

"Jin Hao! Go for it, Senior Brother Jin Hao!"

"Senior Brother Wang, beat that new kid to a pulp!"

An even more enthusiastic clamor erupted from below the stage. On the Jia-character arena, a burly, dark-skinned young disciple leaped onto the platform, wielding a giant mountain-splitting axe. It was none other than Wang Meng, a senior disciple of the Battle Hall, with a Qi Refining Level 9 cultivation. His aura was calm and steady, clearly indicating that he was an experienced and powerful individual.

Meanwhile, a figure as sharp as a sword landed lightly on the opposite side of the arena. The newcomer looked to be about sixteen or seventeen years old, with a face still showing some youthful immaturity, but his posture was as upright as a pine tree, and his eyes were sharp, as if two small sword lights were flashing in his pupils.

He wore a faded blue close-fitting outfit, with a sheathed longsword slung across his back. The scabbard was simple and unadorned, yet it exuded a chilling aura. This was none other than Jin Hao, the rising star among the new disciples, a genius in the metal element!

"Kid, I heard you're pretty good at swordsmanship? Don't blame me for my axe being blind!" Wang Meng said in a gruff voice, swinging his giant axe and creating a gust of wind. He had joined the sect earlier, and looking at this well-known "newcomer" in front of him, he couldn't help but feel a bit competitive.

Jin Hao didn't speak, but simply bowed slightly, performing a standard greeting. His eyes were calm, yet like a hawk eyeing its prey; his aura instantly subsided, and he seemed to transform into a sharp sword about to be drawn!

"start!"

At the command of the master of ceremonies, Wang Meng roared, his Foundation Establishment stage spiritual power erupting forth. He charged towards Jin Hao like a raging bull, his giant axe slashing horizontally across Jin Hao's waist with the force of splitting mountains and shattering rocks! The force was immense, clearly indicating his intention to overpower Jin Hao with sheer brute force!

Many of Wang Meng's disciples cheered from the audience, as if they could already see Jin Hao being cleaved in two by an axe.

However, facing this fierce attack, Jin Hao's footwork was unusually agile. His figure was like a willow catkin in the wind. He slid to the side with the last second and avoided the axe blade by the slightest difference!

At the same time, the longsword on his back rang out with a clear "clang" and automatically drew half a foot out of its sheath. A highly condensed and lightning-fast golden sword aura suddenly burst forth, piercing straight at the opening in Wang Meng's ribs exposed by his exertion!

"So fast!" On the high platform, Shi Tie's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but exclaim. As an elder of the Battle Hall, he could tell at a glance that Jin Hao's dodge and thrust were perfectly timed, angled, and executed with perfect speed, entirely out of combat instinct, without the slightest hesitation!

Wang Meng was also experienced. He sensed something was wrong and forcibly twisted his body, using his giant axe to block!

clang--!

A deafening clang of metal clashing exploded! The sword energy struck the axe, sending sparks flying! Wang Meng felt an incredibly sharp force pierce through the axe, making his arm numb and his blood surge. He staggered back three steps before regaining his footing, his face filled with disbelief!

Jin Hao, however, used the recoil to retreat ten feet like a ghost. His longsword was fully drawn, its tip pointing diagonally at the ground. His breathing was steady, and his eyes remained sharp. The difference in skill was immediately apparent!

"good!"

"Brother Jin is awesome!"

The disciples who supported Jin Hao in the audience, especially the new ones, immediately erupted in thunderous cheers.

Wang Meng's face turned pale and then red. He roared and pounced again, unleashing his axe techniques like a mad tiger, enveloping Jin Hao in a dense axe shadow.

However, Jin Hao's movements became increasingly agile, and his swordsmanship was even more fierce and unparalleled. The ordinary steel sword in his hands seemed to come alive, and golden sword energy was like a storm, accurately targeting the flaws in Wang Meng's moves. Often, just a few sword strikes were enough to force Wang Meng into a state of panic.

His swordplay wasn't flashy; it was simply fast, accurate, and ruthless! It brought out the sharpness of metal-type spiritual energy to its fullest extent!

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Wang Meng was already panting heavily, with more than a dozen shallow bloodstains on his body. Although not fatal, he was in a sorry state. In contrast, Jin Hao's breathing was long and steady, and his swordplay became increasingly fluid and powerful.

"I...I concede!" Wang Meng finally threw down his giant axe in defeat, his face full of dejection. He accepted his defeat wholeheartedly; his opponent's understanding of combat and mastery of swordsmanship far surpassed his own.

"You flatter me." Jin Hao sheathed his sword, bowed again, and showed no sign of pride. He turned and gracefully stepped off the stage, leaving behind a sea of ​​amazement and admiration.