Chapter 294: Massage

The vast sea.

Aboard the Piaoxiang.

"Be careful, Young Lady."

Four experts—Dan Yudie, Dan Xiu, Dan Qing, and Shang Kuitai—each occupied a position, surrounding the Dongming Princess, Dan Wanjing, who held a long sword.

The next moment, the four drew their weapons, and with a whistling wind, they attacked Dan Wanjing like a violent storm.

Dan Wanjing's beautiful eyes flashed; amidst a delicate shout, she thrust her long sword out. The sword light transformed in mid-air, instantly becoming thousands of sword shadows, forming a dense, impenetrable net of blades that met them in overlapping layers.

In the blink of an eye, dull sounds of clashing weapons rang out incessantly.

Dan Wanjing unfolded her sword technique; it was fierce and peerless, and her sword momentum was like mercury pouring onto the ground, seeping into every gap. Even with four experts attacking at once, they could do nothing to her.

"The Young Lady's sword technique has improved by more than just a notch compared to a few days ago."

"Indeed. The Young Lady's previous sword technique, while fierce and imposing, could not be sustained. If she could not take down the enemy within fifty moves, she might lose. And once caught in an encirclement, it was even easier to be overwhelmed."

"This is all thanks to the guidance of Young Master Yu."

"Young Master Yu is the true master of sword technique. I once caught a glimpse of him thrusting his sword; that sword light was brilliant and magnificent. No sword master in this world could surpass him."

"It is not just the Young Lady's sword technique that has progressed rapidly on this ship; everyone who has been given pointers by the Young Master, even if only a few words, has gained a great deal."

"Indeed, when I heard the Young Master's words that day, it was like parting the clouds to see the sun; I was suddenly enlightened."

On the deck, many Dongming Sect experts were discussing animatedly, their faces filled with amazement.

During the few days on the ship, Yu Liancheng had used his spare time to train the experts on board, and the results were quite significant. This also made many Dongming disciples who had been hostile toward him become filled with admiration and worship.

No matter when, the strong are always respected.

Of course, there were also those who gnashed their teeth in secret hatred.

Such as Shang Ming, Shang Bang, and others.

Shang Ming was easy to understand; among the younger generation of the Dongming Sect, he was the most outstanding figure besides the Dongming Princess, known as the "Ming Marshal."

Yet Yu Liancheng not only easily defeated him but also stole all his thunder; how could he be willing to accept that? Furthermore, he was Dan Wanjing's fiancé.

In these past few days, Dan Wanjing had frequently sought out Yu Liancheng for martial arts instruction, yet she had become increasingly cold toward him, causing his sense of crisis to grow intense.

As for Shang Bang, it was a matter of interests.

The Dongming Sect was ostensibly led by Lady Dan Meixian, but in reality, it was a combination of over a dozen factions on the Island. The marriage between Dan Wanjing and Shang Ming was a compromise between the two sides, reaching a delicate balance.

The appearance of Yu Liancheng gave Lady Dan Meixian an additional powerful backer, breaking this balance and making the dozen or so Shang-surnamed factions on the Island feel threatened.

Clang!

With a crisp sound, Dan Wanjing's sword suddenly turned into a wisp of breeze, leaving no trace, and surged out in all directions, actually breaking the offensive of the four experts.

"This sword is simply as marvelous as if crafted by God; it is an impeccable strike." Dan Yudie's face showed astonishment, followed by an expression of praise.

"Young Lady, I wonder what the name of this sword technique is?" Dan Qing asked curiously.

"This is a sword stance passed to me by the Young Master, called 'Undetermined'."

A slight look of excitement appeared on Dan Wanjing's pretty face. Her talent was not bad, and her sword technique was excellent, but she was still young after all, and in the past, she could only handle one expert at the level of a protector or general.

If two people attacked at the same time, she would inevitably become flustered and overwhelmed.

And if one more person joined in, she would surely be defeated.

But now, she could calmly deal with four experts and even easily defeat them.

Compared to a few days ago, she had undergone a transformation.

And all of this was entirely due to Yu Liancheng's guidance.

"This sword is truly profound and peerless, flawless and without defect. With this one sword, the Young Lady is enough to rank among the first-class swordsmen of this world," Dan Xiu praised.

"Undetermined" was one of the "Three Flawless Stances," recorded in the *Great Brightness Canon*. Placed in this world, it was far from being a top-tier sword technique.

But after constant polishing and refinement by Yu Liancheng, it was no longer inferior to any brilliant sword technique in the world today.

Although Dan Wanjing had practiced this sword for a short time, under Yu Liancheng's hands-on instruction, she could still manifest three parts of its essence. It was more than enough to deal with ordinary experts.

"Where is the Young Master now?" Dan Wanjing wiped the fragrant sweat from her forehead with an embroidered handkerchief and asked a maid beside her.

"He is in the study," the maid replied respectfully.

"I have some points I don't understand and wish to ask the Young Master for advice; I shall take my leave." Having said that, Dan Wanjing walked toward a cabin.

Shang Ming saw this scene, and a cold light flashed in his eyes.

Before long, Dan Wanjing arrived outside a cabin.

Originally, to pass the time at sea, Lady Dan Meixian had someone build a study, and various books were collected within it.

Dan Wanjing smoothed her clothes, knocked on the door, and said in a crisp voice, "Young Master, Wanjing requests an audience."

In the few days she had spent with Yu Liancheng, she had been conquered by the strange charm he exuded and had completely lost her initial arrogant and cold demeanor.

"Oh? What is the matter?" A clear and bright voice came from the room.

Dan Wanjing hesitated for a moment and said, "Wanjing was sparring with Yudie and the others, and my moves were not connecting smoothly; I wanted to ask the Young Master for advice."

"Very well, but I am currently dealing with something; I will come find you after I am finished," Yu Liancheng's voice sounded.

"Wanjing understands."

Dan Wanjing left.

Yu Liancheng sat upright in the study. He held a brush dipped in ink, and several sheets of rice paper were spread out on the dark wood table in front of him, on which he wrote from time to time.

After filling a few sheets of rice paper, Yu Liancheng lay lazily on the chair, his eyes slightly narrowed, as if taking a nap.

It is unknown how much time passed, but Yu Liancheng suddenly spoke slowly.

"Shang Bang and the others already have thoughts of rebellion; you must be careful in how you handle them. I have written down a few martial arts here; you can practice the first two yourself, or pass them to Wanjing or other trustworthy experts. The remaining two are arrays and combined-attack techniques, which can be used to teach the disciples."

Dan Meixian was also in the study. After waiting for a moment, only her muffled voice could be heard: "Mm, I understand."

"We will reach the Central Plains in two more days. I have a premonition that once the Piaoxiang enters the Central Plains, trouble will come knocking."

Yu Liancheng seemed to be speaking lazily as he reached out to stroke Dan Meixian's thick, waterfall-like hair, enjoying her massage.

……

The Piaoxiang sailed for another two days and finally arrived at Yuhang, a large prefecture by the sea. They needed to dock here for a while to take on water and firewood, purchase provisions, and conduct some small business with a few local gangs.

The night grew deep, and the sea breeze wailed.

The giant ship of the Dongming Sect lay at the pier like a behemoth from the primordial wilderness; the surroundings were devoid of lights, save for four small wind lanterns lit at the bow and stern, desolate and cold, flickering gloomily in the sea breeze.

But tonight was destined to be filled with bloodshed and slaughter.