Devour

Chapter 441 Martial Arts Demonstration

Mr. Xiao nodded slightly in agreement and explained in detail: "The Six Paths of Bliss was first created by the Venerable King Dingguang of the World Honored One's teachings. When it was passed down to the Venerable King Immovable, he innovated on the original basis, enriched the entire lineage of Bliss, and formed a series of divine skills from shallow to deep. Among them, the most basic skill is widely spread in several sects in the Five Continents and is called 'Great Compassion Hand'."

“Oh…oh…I see…” The students all showed expressions of sudden realization. Although they had heard of this martial art before, they did not expect it to have such a profound background.

Lin Zhengyuan glanced at Cheng Bai from time to time, pondering repeatedly: "My Lin family of Sword Qi Pavilion firmly supports the Golden Light Emperor Prince under the World Honored One. In theory, no one in the world can match his power and opportunities. This gamble should be foolproof. However, according to the secret report, the Yong Emperor Prince was once defeated by the White Emperor of the Devouring Heaven Sect!"

Mr. Xiao San waved his fan and said leisurely, "The history of the World Honored One's teachings is longer than imagined, and the details are often unexpected! Fellow students, do you understand the meaning of the term 'World Honored One'?"

Xu Buwei raised his hand and confidently replied, "The title 'World Honored One' is an honorific title for the Immovable King."

Mr. Xiao shook his head and corrected him, "Student Xu only got one-third right. The World Honored Ones' teachings refer to the three great kings of the past, present, and future as 'World Honored Ones,' symbolizing endless reincarnation and eternal immortality."

Xu Buwei was deeply surprised by the answer and asked in surprise, "I have only heard that the Buddha taught that there are two Venerable Kings, Dipankara and Immovable. I never knew that there was a third one."

Cheng Bai said in surprise, "I have never heard of this matter either."

Mr. Xiao laughed heartily and said, “The Buddha’s teachings believe that when the two Venerable Kings of the past and present enter Nirvana, there will surely be a great wise one in the future who will attain enlightenment, and in the form of a new Venerable King, he will widely liberate sentient beings, fulfill his great vows, and only then will it be perfect.”

Even though Cheng Bai had no reverence for the World Honored One Sect, he couldn't help but admire it in secret: "Within one lineage, three Great Emperor-level experts have emerged in succession. This shows how profound the sect's foundation is. It's truly astonishing."

Then Bai thought again, "Could this 'great sage' be the Venerable Dahui? Recalling the battle at the Burial Sword Tomb, he relied solely on secret techniques and magical treasures, which doesn't seem to fit the word 'wisdom'."

Mr. Xiao San said calmly, "Two prodigies from the World Honored One's sect have been invited to participate in this year's Immortal Gathering. One of them, King Yongyao of the Golden Light, is rumored to be comprehending the Six Paths of Bliss. Fellow students, perhaps in the near future, you will be able to witness his achievements."

Cheng Bai pondered, "After his defeat last time, the Prince of Yong declared that he would go home to diligently cultivate his skills. It turns out he was going to study the Six Paths of Bliss. His ambition is commendable."

Lin Zhengyuan secretly pondered: "This class is about to end. As usual, the practical class will follow, where we will practice the sword techniques I just learned. Hmm... Judging from Bai Di's cultivation level, he is definitely no match for me! I can take this opportunity to test his strength."

After a moment, Mr. Xiao San gently waved his fan and announced loudly, "Now it's break time. In fifteen minutes, everyone will gather at the Xiaoxiang Pavilion's martial arts arena to test the sword techniques learned in class. If you have any questions, you can ask them on the spot, and I will give you guidance."

Cheng Bai watched Mr. Xiao San walk away with precise, measured steps, then turned to An Yiren and praised him highly: "The academy's arrangements are thoughtful, combining theory with practice, and its teaching is rigorous yet flexible, with a good balance between tension and relaxation. Compared to those mediocre academies that only engage in empty talk, it is far superior."

An Yiren, head held high and chest puffed out, said with a smug look on his face, "Brother Da Bai, you flatter me. To be fair, looking across the five continents and four seas, I cannot find another academic holy land that can compare with Taowu Academy. Whether it is the holy son of a reclusive sect or the royal family of a secular great power, they all consider it an honor to come here to listen to my teachings!"

He paused slightly, then said with a smile, "This is what a golden brand is all about!"

Cheng Bai smiled nonchalantly, then turned around and saw the two people at the table behind him tidying up their utensils. He stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "I was very rude earlier. Zhu Bin, I am Bai Di of the Devouring Heaven Sect. May I have the honor of making friends?"

Zhu Bin dared not be disrespectful and returned the greeting with a solemn expression: "I am Zhu Bin, the Crown Prince of the Eastern Soul Dynasty." He then introduced his classmate beside him: "This is Zhuge Jing, the young Marquis of the Zhuge Marquis's Mansion in our dynasty."

Cheng Bai's heart skipped a beat: "He is the heir of Zhuge Weihou, the crown prince of the Eastern Soul Dynasty and a high-ranking official. No wonder he is seated here." He completely forgot that he had just pushed the other person aside.

Zhuge Jing, well-informed, returned the greeting respectfully and said with utmost courtesy, "The Devouring Heaven Sect is the leading sect in weapon crafting and elixirs. I have recently heard of your great name many times." These words were ostensibly polite, but in reality, they were meant to remind Zhu Bin that the person before him was no ordinary person.

Zhu Bin understood the implied meaning, brushed away the last trace of doubt in his eyes, and smiled as he replied, "The Holy Lord of the White Emperor's fame is widespread, and I admire him greatly." These words were not entirely flattery; as the crown prince, befriending emerging powers was a farsighted move.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Cheng Bai got to the point: "I arrived a little late and was unable to hear you teach me the essence of swordsmanship. What a pity! I wonder what the key points are in the upcoming martial arts demonstration?"

Zhu Bin smiled and explained, "The purpose of the practice was to compare skills and improve together. However, the purpose of students verifying each other's skills is to exchange ideas, and it is not necessary to determine a winner. Usually, we invite a familiar classmate to spar, and the teacher will comment on the strengths and weaknesses and point out the direction for future practice."

Cheng Bai felt somewhat relieved and smiled calmly, "I am not a sword cultivator, nor have I learned swordsmanship in the lecture hall. I suppose I don't need to embarrass myself in this competition."

Zhu Bin continued, "Practice opportunities are extremely valuable. Mr. Xiao San is very knowledgeable and often gets to the heart of the matter. I have already made an appointment with Young Master Jing to practice, and I am sure I will benefit greatly."

An Yiren chuckled softly from the side, "Having a familiar person to spar with, someone you know well, is undoubtedly the safest option."

A quarter of an hour passed in the blink of an eye, and the students had already gathered at the training ground.

This is unlike any other arena I've ever seen; it's octagonal, and the ground is paved with neither metal nor wood. Instead of walls, it's surrounded by tiered seating areas that rise in all directions.

Seated at the table, overlooking the central competition area, one has an unobstructed view of the entire arena, with every detail clearly discernible.

Cheng Bai activated his spiritual eye and saw that the intricate and complex runes and restrictions were spread throughout every corner. He sighed inwardly, "They've gone all out! It's all laid out with carbon and magic silver threads, which is not only sturdy but also generates an excellent protective force field. At first glance, it even has a bit of the grandeur of the Heavenly Ladder of All Things."

Mr. Xiao San sat upright on the west referee's platform, lightly waving his Wind and Thunder Banana Leaf Fan, and said in a clear voice: "This round of swordsmanship demonstration aims to exchange what we have learned, and harmony is of the essence. All of you students are quite skilled. You only need to concentrate your sword energy to compete. You must not draw your weapons, and you must not use any vicious methods!"

The students sat in small groups around the room, some whispering about their thoughts and feelings from class, others waiting for the battle to begin.

Zhu Bin suddenly stood up, bowed to the referee's table, and volunteered, saying, "This student is dull-witted and still has some questions about the 'Essentials of the Vast Sword.' I would like to invite Zhuge Jing to join me in sparring and earnestly request your guidance."

Mr. Xiao stroked his beard approvingly and said, "Practice is the way to progress. Zhu and Zhuge, please step forward."

The two moved with the lightness of birds, one after the other, into the arena, stood facing each other, and greeted each other with "Please."

Zhu Bin raised two fingers together, his movements as sharp as a sword. With a combination of stillness and movement, he unleashed the first move of his mighty sword energy, "Lone Shadow Treading Frosty Steps," instantly unleashing a fierce sword energy that aimed straight for his opponent's center.

Zhuge Jing also used his fingers as a sword, controlling his qi to unleash his second move, "Rising Storms." Layers of sword qi swirled and entangled Zhu Bin's sword strikes, hindering his momentum. He seized the opportunity to retreat and deflect the force, quickly retreating several steps and calmly neutralizing his opponent's power.

Zhu Bin then unleashed a move called "Sword Across the Sky," his sword energy sweeping across the sky with a bold and unrestrained style, gradually transforming the overall scale of his moves.

Faced with the fierce attack, Zhuge Jing countered with the move "Autumn Water Breaks Long Smoke," her sword intent clear and her movements exquisite, slicing through the horizontal sword energy and breaking the deadlock amidst the perilous situation.

Lin Zhengyuan sat calmly in his seat, observing the battle and secretly commenting: "Compared with the original Haoran Sword Qi, this set of 'Essentials of Haoran Sword' has reduced some of the complex variations, but it is much faster and more practical in actual combat."

The two exchanged blows for several more times, still without a clear victor. Suddenly, as if by unspoken agreement, they simultaneously withdrew and retreated, dispersing their sword energy, and gazed at each other from afar.

Zhu Bin looked up at the referee's platform and bowed, saying, "I have performed all the moves of the 'Essence of the Vast Sword.' What does the teacher think?"