A flying sword wielded by a mere sixth-layer Qi Practitioner was nothing in Wei Zhongyuan's eyes. It couldn't even pierce through his protective Qi. I&|]
Therefore, he didn't even look at the Clear Stream Sword. He raised his hand and released a beam of light, blasting towards where the flying sword had come from.
With a boom, rocks flew everywhere, and huge trees fell, but there was no trace of Li Qingshan.
Wei Zhongyuan frowned. Li Qingshan's Qi Concealment Technique was even more brilliant than he had imagined.
Li Qingshan stood not far away with An in his arms. There was not a speck of dust on him. He formed a sword seal with his hand and pointed.
The Clear Stream Sword sliced through the air soundlessly, stabbing towards Wei Zhongyuan's throat at an even faster speed.
With a clang, it stabbed into the protective Qi, unable to move an inch further.
"You overestimate yourself!" Wei Zhongyuan said disdainfully, reaching out to grab the Clear Stream Sword. As long as he could grab the flying sword, he could find Li Qingshan through the sword's aura.
The Clear Stream Sword suddenly rippled like water, drilling into the protective Qi bit by bit.
Li Qingshan was overjoyed. He suddenly activated the Clear Stream Sword. With a flash of light, the sword turned into a beam of green light, piercing through the protective Qi and brushing past Wei Zhongyuan's neck.
Wei Zhongyuan touched an almost undetectable wound on his cheek, feeling a wave of fear and anger. If he hadn't tilted his head in time, his skull would have been pierced.
Li Qingshan had also just found out that the Clear Stream Sword had the ability to pierce through protective Qi. Although it was simple and plain, when paired with its extreme speed, it was a true killing weapon, living up to its reputation as a high-grade spiritual weapon. However, he couldn't kill Wei Zhongyuan in one blow, which made him feel pity.
However, using this method to kill a tenth layer Qi Practitioner was wishful thinking. What he needed to do was to use this flying sword to completely disturb and enrage Wei Zhongyuan, then find an opportunity to attack.
The Clear Stream Sword turned and shot out again.
Wei Zhongyuan didn't dare to be careless anymore. He used a protective spell, forming a faint oval membrane around his body. The Clear Stream Sword stabbed into it. As expected, it couldn't pierce through easily.
It was as if he was going to forcefully pierce through. He was afraid that if he was captured by Wei Zhongyuan, he would wander back and forth, disturbing Wei Zhongyuan's mind. Anyway, Wei Zhongyuan could not find him, so he had plenty of time to waste with him.
The Clear Stream Sword transformed into a green shadow, and Wei Zhongyuan gradually became irritated.
"Tomorrow is brilliant, illuminating the world!"
Wei Zhongyuan clasped his hands together and separated them. His body shone brightly, illuminating the entire mountain.
The plants withered and turned yellow. Smoke billowed into the air as it burned.
If this move was used on ordinary people, it would be enough to blind thousands of people and burn hundreds of people to death. However, its effect on Qi Practitioners was very ordinary. The only difference was that it had a very wide range.
Wei Zhongyuan glanced to the side and saw a blurry figure in the endless light. He waved his sleeves. A three-foot long sword appeared in his hand. The sword's name was Three Suns, and it was also a high-grade sword. It transformed into a streak of white light and shot out like lightning.
"Oh no, Clear Stream Sword, quick!" Li Qingshan shouted softly.
Clang, a green shadow cut across the white light. At the same time, the sword appeared.
One big and one small, the two flying swords tangled together, giving off a series of clanging sounds.
The Three Suns Sword was fierce and fierce, its momentum heavy. Every time it clashed, the Clear Stream Sword was about to fly out.
This was the first time Li Qingshan was competing with someone with a flying sword. He could only control it based on his feelings. He was greatly lacking in both experience and skill. The Clear Stream Sword was continuously pushed back, and in the blink of an eye, the Three Suns Sword was right in front of him. I | |]
Killing intent appeared in Wei Zhongyuan's eyes. In his dantian's sea of qi, his true Qi surged, and the Three Suns Sword shone brightly, knocking the Clear Stream Sword over a hundred feet away. It fiercely slashed towards Li Qingshan's legs. He was determined to directly cripple Li Qingshan.
With two clangs, two white prayer beads flew out and knocked the Three Suns Sword away.
"You can actually use three Spirit Tools!" Wei Zhongyuan's expression changed. Although ordinary cultivators could refine many Spirit Tools for their own use, when facing an enemy, they would never take them all out. Especially flying sword-type Spirit Tools, they needed to be more focused. Otherwise, if they were distracted, their true Qi would scatter, and it would be better to focus on one.
However, the two prayer beads that knocked the Three Suns Sword away were powerful and heavy. Their power was even greater than the Clear Stream Sword, which made him feel incredulous. He never would have thought that this was the work of An, who seemed to have no mana at all.
Li Qingshan didn't care about what he said. Instead of retreating, he advanced. Holding the Wind-entwining Blade in his hand, he shot towards Wei Zhongyuan like a sharp arrow. After lying in ambush for a long time, the moment he attacked, he was filled with an aura of invincibility.
Wei Zhongyuan wasn't shocked, but happy. He actually dared to get close. Did he really think that he could make up for the difference between the sixth and tenth layers of Qi Refining with his Body Refining Technique? But he didn't dare to be negligent. His body was as firm as a mountain, and his hands spread out in front of him. White true Qi quickly gathered.
Behind Li Qingshan, An hid himself without moving. One hand held a white bone sword, and the other held a supreme-grade Spirit Talisman.
The distance of fifty steps was covered in an instant. The difference between life and death was also in this instant.
"Stop!" A loud shout came from the sky. An iron shield descended from the sky and stuck itself between Wei Zhongyuan and Li Qingshan, turning into an iron wall.
Li Qingshan thought it was a pity. He stepped lightly on the iron wall and leaped into the air. The Clear Stream Sword flew under his feet. Standing on the sword, he cupped his hands and said, "Senior Sister Han, why are you here?"
The person who came was Han Qiongzhi. She was driving a flying shuttle, and behind her were a few familiar faces.
Han Qiongzhi said, "I'm the vice-captain of the law enforcement team of the Hundred Schools of Thought. I'm in charge of maintaining the security of the entrance examination. You guys made such a big scene, how could I not come and take a look?"
The entrance examination was when Qi Practitioners from all over gathered. There were plenty of incidents where enemies would become particularly enraged when they ran into each other, or they would kill for the sake of wealth, or even start fighting over the slightest disagreement. As a result, the Hundred Schools of Thought arranged for disciples of legalism to form law enforcement teams to maintain discipline.
The captain was obviously Hwa Seung-zan. Just Now, there was a flash of light in the distance. Ordinary people would not have noticed it in broad daylight, and even if Qi Practitioners noticed it, they would not care. However, he immediately sensed that something was amiss. He thought he had miscalculated, so he called for Han Qiongzhi in a hurry to assist him.
Han Qiongzhi turned around and faced Wei Zhongyuan. She immediately became slightly stern. "Wei Zhongyuan, are you trying to kill a Hawkwolf guard?" She obviously knew Wei Zhongyuan, but she had never liked him. He was only a tenth layer Qi Practitioner despite his age, so she did not take him seriously at all. She spoke to him without any respect at all.
Wei Zhongyuan stowed the Three Yang sword away reluctantly. He raised his head and said, "This is our personal grievance. It has nothing to do with the Hawkwolf Guard."
"Your esteemed sect master Qiu has already agreed to resolve his grievances with Li Qingshan. If you insist on sticking to this matter, even if the Hawkwolf Guard spares you, sect master Qiu won't spare you." Han Qiongzhi was annoyed by Wei Zhongyuan, but the sect was one of the more powerful sects in the Clear River prefecture. Only Wang Pushi had the right to order them to deal with their sect master. And, unless Wei Zhongyuan actually killed Li Qingshan right before their eyes, Wang Pushi probably would not be willing to fall out with the sect over a Black Wolf guard.
In the end. To forge iron, one had to be tough. The banner of the Hawkwolf Guard was rather useful, but it was not an all-powerful talisman.
Wei Zhongyuan snorted coldly. He stowed the Three Yang sword away and rode off in the wind. Before he left, he said to Li Qingshan, "Consider yourself lucky today. I won't let this go. You better wash your neck and prepare to die!"
Li Qingshan said impatiently, "Piss off!" He still had no idea who was the lucky one. All he knew was to spout threats.
"You!" Wei Zhongyuan's face reddened as he glanced at Han Qiongzhi. He left resentfully.
Han Qiongzhi shook her head. If it were not for the fact that she had learnt from Hwa Seung-zan that he came from a mountain village, she would have believed he had some powerful background. However, at least that was better than being a coward. She smiled. "Get on. The entrance examination is about to begin. Let's go!"
Li Qingshan boarded the flying shuttle with An as he lowered his head in thought. After every battle, he needed to reflect on himself. He needed to reflect on himself, especially since Wei Zhongyuan was an enemy he would definitely face again in the future. He needed to think about it properly.
After travelling for over five kilometers, the flying shuttle suddenly stopped. Han Qiongzhi said with a sunken face, "Get off!"
Li Qingshan asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"
Han Qiongzhi said, "Don't you feel like you've forgotten something?"
"Forgotten what?"
Han Qiongzhi gritted her teeth. "Thank you! If it weren't for me, you would have lost your life there already. " She had rushed over to save him, yet she did not even say a word of thanks. Most people would probably just grumble inside. However, her personality was one that could not hold back.
Li Qingshan smiled in realisation. "Alright then. Thank you. Though, if you hadn't come, I would have had some confidence in making him stay here forever."
The legalist disciples all sneered. That was a tenth layer Qi Practitioner on par with Hwa Seung-zan, yet he dared to boast that he had a chance at victory. He was truly overestimating himself.
Just Now, although Li Qingshan's attitude towards Wei Zhongyuan was filled with heroism, it was more like a moth flying into a flame, overestimating himself.
Han Qiongzhi said, "I don't believe you."
"Then thank you too." Li Qingshan shrugged, jumped off the flying shuttle, and continued flying on the cloud. He would remember the help others gave him, even if it was just the slightest bit of kindness. However, it was not up to him to decide whether others believed him or not. He also did not care. Was he supposed to take out a few supreme grade talismans or the Cursive Sword Calligraphy to explain?
Han Qiongzhi was startled. She had been waiting for Li Qingshan to thank her and say a few soft words, and she would forgive his rudeness. She did not expect him to be so straightforward. She gritted her teeth and said, "Well done, Li Qingshan!"
The flying shuttle flew past the cloud. Han Qiongzhi's expression was cold, and she forced herself not to look at Li Qingshan.
Ann said softly, "What a strange person."
It was rare for Ann to comment on others. Li Qingshan smiled and pinched her cheek. "Let's not lower ourselves to her level."
At this moment, a vast expanse of mist appeared at the end of their vision. Under the illumination of the sunlight, the reflection of the waves was clear and crystalline.
Li Qingshan smiled. They had finally arrived.
Yes, the Hundred Schools of Thought were in this great lake.
The lake's name, Dragon-Snake, was taken from the Confucian scriptures. "Deep in the mountains and great lakes, dragons and snakes are born." It also implied that those who entered this lake might be able to shed their mortal body, transform from a snake into a dragon, and step onto the boundless Dao.
This was the beginning.
On the shore of the lake, on a spacious plain, stood a thousand people. They stood in groups of three to five, either whispering to one another or talking loudly. It was extremely lively. Qi Practitioners constantly rushed over from all directions. Li Qingshan descended on a cloud, but he did not attract much attention.
Legalist disciples in black maintained order in the surroundings. Hwa Seung-zan stood on a high hill, chatting with a few high-level Qi Practitioners who had sent their disciples over. When he saw Li Qingshan's arrival, he relaxed and nodded slightly, indicating that he could not get away. He pointed at a corner of the lake.
Li Qingshan looked in the direction Hwa Seung-zan was pointing at and saw several hundred children standing there, separated from the Qi Practitioners.
The disciples the Hundred Schools of Thought accepted were divided into two types. One was regular Qi Practitioners. They might come from certain clans, or they might be independent cultivators. As long as they were not too old and were willing to pay the tuition fees, basically all of them could enter the academies to study. They could be described as all-encompassing and all-inclusive.
The other type were like regular sects, selected from everywhere, children with talent but no foundation. These children would not directly enter the academy, nor would they have to pay the tuition fees. However, they would have to practise the Innate Method of Practising Qi for a while first. If they could condense qi successfully and establish a foundation, they could choose the academy. If they failed, they would be sent back to their villages.
Li Qingshan pulled An by the hand and walked over.
"Qingshan, you're finally here," a fatty called out and lunged over.
Li Qingshan took a look and discovered it was Ye Dachuan. It was impossible for the children to walk over by themselves, and Zhou Wenbin would not personally lead them either. However, Ye Dachuan would not let this great opportunity to return to the Clear River prefecture slip by.
"Sir Ye, long time no see."
"Was the person riding the cloud earlier you? Oh my, even I can't believe it. You've really succeeded! " Ye Dachuan went up and wanted to pat Li Qingshan's shoulder, but he was afraid. He studied Li Qingshan and clicked his tongue in wonder. Who would have thought that the farmer from Qingyang city would actually be able to ride the clouds and fly around?
"I've heard plenty of stories about you in the past few months. You're far too ungrateful. You've become rich, and you've forgotten about your old friends."
Li Qingshan smiled. "How could I forget about sir Ye's promotion? Do I need to sign up? "
"There's no need. I've already recorded the name. She's called An, right? A ship will come to pick her up in a while. Oh right, those two are here too. Wait here. I'll go call them over. "
Those two? Before he could ask, Ye Dachuan had already entered the crowd. A while later, he brought over a group of people.
The person in the lead was an awe-inspiring, middle-aged man with a lion's face and a wide mouth. He clasped his hands at Li Qingshan. "You must be young hero Li. It's an honor to meet you!" He was clearly a sixth layer Qi Practitioner, but he spoke with a sense of jianghu.
Li Qingshan asked, "And you are?" He glanced around, and sure enough, he saw two familiar people, one old and one young, in the crowd. They were protector Yan Song of the Iron Fist and Li Long, known as the Two Prodigies of the Crouching Ox, who had emerged from Qingyang city with him in the past.
Yan Song was still at the second layer, while Li Long had already gone from a third-rate master to a second layer Qi Practitioner. Almost a year had not gone to waste. When he saw Li Qingshan, he was rather afraid to recognise him. In less than a year, Li Qingshan seemed to have been reborn. His gaze was calm, and his bearing was heavy. He did not lose out at all as he stood before their sect master.
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