Chapter 409: Three Swords, Two Kisses

Mist rose in layers over the river in the early morning.

A plain-colored figure sat on a bluestone, hair like a waterfall of ink draped over fragrant shoulders.

At this moment, veiled by the mist, she appeared even more like a fairy—ethereal and transcendent, hardly a person of the mortal world.

Who could it be if not Chen Yu?

Chen Yu was practicing breathing and meditation, circulating a warm current within her body.

In the words of her master, Murong Tonghuang, this was internal True Qi.

Or rather, Cihang True Qi.

It originated from a miraculous art called the "Cihang Sword Canon."

It takes the five great essentials of "Qi, Master, Spirit, God, Heart" as its guiding principles, consisting of the "Jian Qi Chang Jiang," "Sword Master of Heaven and Earth," "Sword Spirit of the Universe," "Sword God Selflessness," and the supreme "Sword Heart Clarity" realm.

Yu Liancheng intended to teach Chen Yu three styles of swordsmanship, but to unleash the true power of the sword techniques, she naturally needed the corresponding internal arts, so he taught her the "Cihang Sword Canon."

Of course, it was a modified version.

Chen Yu had remarkable talent and was extremely spiritual. After one night of bitter cultivation, she actually produced a wisp of True Qi; although weak, it was quite pure, which made her very excited.

Just then, the figure of Yu Liancheng emerged from the thin mist.

"Greetings, Master."

Chen Yu stood up, graceful as a painting.

"I am not your master."

Yu Liancheng flicked his robe sleeve, and the Duoqing Sword appeared in his palm.

"I am now teaching you the first sword style; watch closely."

His wrist moved slowly, full of poetry, graceful as a painting. Paired with that handsome face, he seemed like an immortal waving a long sword, matching the rhythm to perform a sword dance.

Swish!

The moment Yu Liancheng's long sword unfolded, thousands of dazzling golden rays of sword light erupted, as if a scorching sun had suddenly exploded. It left one dazzled and bewildered under the magnificent sword light.

The sword momentum and halos shifted, and Yu Liancheng's entire person dissipated into the sword light. As far as the eye could see, there was only sword light—sword light filling the sky and earth, sword light everywhere.

Suddenly, all the sword light retracted, forming an extremely tiny "point," moving like lightning the size of a needle tip, leaping and dancing between heaven and earth.

By the time Chen Yu regained her senses, the tip of Yu Liancheng's sword had appeared before her throat.

Turning his wrist to sheath the sword, Yu Liancheng smiled: "This style is named 'Flowing Light.' A thousand rays of flowing light capture the soul and kill invisibly; it requires coordination with highly advanced light-body techniques."

Next came the explanation of the mysteries of this sword.

Chen Yu listened, utterly enchanted.

If she possessed such swordsmanship, why would she need to be a puppet for others?

And when her beautiful eyes drifted over that face, handsome to the point of being demonic, she could not help but reveal a trace of infatuation.

This was not only because of that face, but also due to her reverence for the strong.

The second day.

"The second sword I am teaching today is called 'Alluring City,' one sword to 'Allure the City.' This sword is very suitable for you; the 'Alluring City' Sword Intent, combined with your appearance, can exert twelve times the effect."

Clang!

Yu Liancheng was drawing his sword.

The action of drawing the sword was slow and graceful, and his whole person seemed to radiate a perfect artistic conception, making one unable to help but be immersed in it, heart captured and spirit shaken.

As the sword momentum unfolded, the slightly chilly banks of the Luoshui River transformed into a boundless, wondrous realm of empty mountains and spiritual rain, as if real yet illusory, beautiful beyond compare, with endless scenery rushing forth. A dazed look appeared in Chen Yu's eyes, as if she had sunk into this fairyland of great joy, great freedom, and great mystery.

"When you have practiced 'Alluring City' to extreme proficiency, reversing the sword momentum in turn becomes another sword style no less inferior to 'Alluring City'."

Just at this moment, Yu Liancheng's sword momentum shifted.

The boundless, wondrous realm shattered, turning instead into an abyss and Darkness; Chen Yu felt herself sinking continuously, as if immersed in a nightmare from which she could not wake.

It was as if someone were whispering in her ear, filled with pain and resentment. But when she listened carefully, all the sounds vanished, returning to silence.

Yet fear seeped into her marrow along with the cold wind.

The third day.

Yu Liancheng taught the third sword style.

—Jiemie.

With one thrust of the sword, the sun turned to flowing gold, the earth cracked, the river water dried up, the world was destroyed, and everything reached its end, with only death and Jiemie remaining eternal.

"I have taught you the three sword styles; as for how much you can comprehend, that all depends on yourself. But your True Qi is still lacking by quite a bit; at your current age, without a miraculous encounter, you cannot make up for this flaw."

Yu Liancheng rubbed his chin, appearing to think, and beckoned to Chen Yu: "Come here; I will help you to the end, seeing the Buddha to the West."

Chen Yu walked over, her beautiful eyes blinking as she looked at Yu Liancheng.

"Sit down and circulate your True Qi."

Chen Yu obediently sat down and circulated her True Qi.

A large hand pressed onto Chen Yu's head, and Yu Liancheng reversed the Art of Absorbing Power, and pure, vigorous True Qi immediately poured into her.

He had absorbed the energy of the Evil Emperor Relic, and with the Myriad Phenomena Returning to Origin Art constantly absorbing the essence of heaven and earth to temper his body and strengthen his True Qi, the vigor and purity of his True Qi far exceeded what ordinary people could imagine.

Even if a tiny portion of True Qi leaked out, he could recover it quickly.

The reason Murong Wuzhu progressed so rapidly was also inseparable from his infusions.

"Mm."

Chen Yu let out a soft moan, and a flush appeared on her fair cheeks, bright as peach blossoms.

The True Qi Yu Liancheng output was but a drop in the ocean to him, but to Chen Yu, it was as vast as a river. Just one wave of injection almost filled her up.

Not only filled.

And it was all about to overflow.

Yu Liancheng stopped infusing True Qi at the right moment and helped Chen Yu stabilize it.

After nearly half an hour, Chen Yu finally opened her beautiful eyes again. Feeling the vast True Qi within her body, she couldn't help but show a sweet, charming expression, and she bowed to Yu Liancheng, saying, "Many thanks to Master for imparting your cultivation."

Yu Liancheng shook his head and smiled: "I have already said, I am not your master. I have merely led you onto this path of Martial Dao; as for how you walk it specifically, that is still up to you."

When it came down to it, this was just a chess piece he had placed down casually.

Perhaps it would be useful in the future, perhaps not.

It seemed that when he first met Chen Yu, he had condemned that fellow Huang Longshi for using people as chess pieces, saying he was no good, but was he not the same?

Perhaps this world is just like this: the strong oppress the weak, the wise toy with the foolish...

Compared to when Huang Longshi came, Yu Liancheng had simply poured more heart and blood into this particular chess piece.

"Internal energy, sword techniques, movement techniques... I have passed them all to you. It is time for me to go."

Yu Liancheng turned around and was just about to leave when he suddenly heard Chen Yu's voice.

"Wait."

Yu Liancheng looked at the stunningly beautiful young woman: "Hmm?"

Chen Yu bit her cherry lips slightly, her fair cheeks flushed with a red glow: "Are we... are we really not master and disciple?"

Yu Liancheng shook his head: "No."

Chen Yu's voice was soft and sweet, shy and timid: "Then Master... can Young Master Murong close your eyes?"

Yu Liancheng was startled, then closed his eyes, only to feel a warmth against his lips. He opened his eyes in surprise.

He saw Chen Yu with her eyes closed, standing on tiptoe to kiss him. She was just clumsy, knowing only to press her lips against his and rub them hard.

"I... we are not master and disciple. You taught me martial arts, this is my reward."

Chen Yu lowered her head, her dark hair cascading down, veiling her flawless face in shadow, unaware that the blush had already spread to her crystalline earlobes.

"But your repayment is truly a bit poor. Let me lead you along a stretch of the path once more."

Yu Liancheng chuckled; he could probably guess some of what the other party was thinking.

He was never a true gentleman who could remain unmoved by beauty. Amidst Chen Yu's exclamation, he pulled her into his embrace. As two soft, full mounds pressed against his chest, he lowered his head and kissed her moist, cherry lips.

It was not merely pressing their lips together; it became increasingly unrestrained, making Chen Yu in his arms grow more and more intoxicated.

The duration of their action was quite long. Yu Liancheng probably never imagined that the first benefit of teaching her internal energy would be like this.

When the two separated, Chen Yu could barely stand steady. Her face was flushed red, her plain white clothes were slightly disheveled, and her whole person radiated a heart-stopping beauty.

"Tonghuang, I, I must become the number one female swordswoman in the world."

Chen Yu suddenly raised her head, her cheeks still flushed, yet she displayed a spirit that did not yield to men. But as soon as she finished speaking, her cheeks turned even redder, and her voice involuntarily lowered: "Did I speak too boldly?"

Yu Liancheng rubbed Chen Yu's head and said: "Since you have already picked up the sword, how can you not even dare to speak a few bold words? That would be better than continuing to be your canary."

Chen Yu was slightly stunned, then immediately smiled brilliantly, a smile that could topple cities.

"Do you want to come with me?"

Yu Liancheng's heart stirred. People are not made of wood or stone; how could he be without feeling? "Do not worry about the Liyang Dynasty. You have seen my methods these past few days. Even if I cannot compare to Wang Xianzhi, I am not far off."

In three days of getting along, he had developed quite a fondness for this cool-tempered yet clever, stunningly beautiful girl. And after the two previous kisses, how could he still treat her as a dispensable chess piece?

Chen Yu shook her head: "No, since I have already picked up the sword, I intend to walk this path myself."

Following Murong Tonghuang would be nothing more than moving from one cage to a larger one, remaining someone else's canary all the same.

She wanted to walk on her own.

Yu Liancheng looked at her deeply and said: "Very well, since that is the case, I shall not force it."

Chen Yu looked at the fishing rod on the bank and asked curiously: "By the way, this fishing rod has been here since I first saw you, but I have never seen you catch a fish."

"Because I came here specifically to fish for you, this 'Chen Yu' (Chen Fish), and now you have taken the bait."

Yu Liancheng shrugged. He had originally wanted to imitate Ning Daoqi and appear as an expert, but he suddenly took an interest in practicing his Flying Sword, and then the subsequent events followed.

"However, it is not too late to put on a show now."

He picked up the fishing rod and gave it a tug. The entire Luoshui River began to churn. There was no bait on the end of the thin line, yet he fished up a "dragon."

A water dragon.

A "water dragon" woven and gathered from thousands of waves, its body massive, reaching seven or eight zhang in length. Water splashed everywhere, its scales and claws shifting as if it were a living creature with a spirit of its own. It even radiated a monstrous dragon's might, sweeping in all directions.

"How is it? How is this move of mine?"

Yu Liancheng wore a smile, quite satisfied. He turned his head and saw Chen Yu's astonished expression. Compared to her usual cold arrogance, she appeared a bit more charming and naive.

"Truly cute." Yu Liancheng pinched Chen Yu's smooth, tender cheek, let out a long whistle, and spread his arms. His body rose slowly like a dark cloud, and in the blink of an eye, he landed on the dragon's head.

"Alright, I am leaving. I will come to find you in the future."

Accompanied by a dragon's roar, the water dragon surged into the clouds and vanished in an instant.

"He, he... he is truly a God-like figure." Chen Yu finally regained her senses, then smiled slightly, a smile that could topple cities: "I will wait for you."

Splash!!

The water dragon collapsed with a roar, and countless waves poured back into the river. Yu Liancheng drifted down onto the deck and laughed: "Deng Taohua, how is your cultivation going?"

Deng Taie, who was also standing on the deck, still wore a smile and gave an answer that had nothing to do with the question: "Perhaps after parting with you, I will have to take a trip to Wudi City."

"Tsk, it seems your progress is rapid," Yu Liancheng chuckled.

If his progress were not rapid, how would he have the confidence to challenge Wang Laoguai?

Deng Taie asked: "How is the talent of Chen Yu from Luoshui?"

Yu Liancheng smiled: "She is a one-in-a-hundred genius, and she has even made a great vow to become the number one female swordswoman in the world in the future."

Deng Taie asked again: "How is her appearance?"

Yu Liancheng said: "A beauty who could topple cities, the fourth in the world."

Deng Taie then asked in confusion, "Since that is the case, why haven't I seen you bring her onto the boat?"

Yu Liancheng shook his head and said, "She is a woman who does not wish to be a canary in a golden cage; she has her own ideas, and she also has intricate ties with the Liyang imperial family."

Deng Taie said, "But with your strength, it would not be a difficult task to take anyone you wanted."

"I originally thought so too, but I suddenly remembered a saying," Yu Liancheng laughed heartily.

Deng Taie slowly twirled the Peach Blossom Branch in his hand: "I am all ears."

Yu Liancheng said, "If I like a flower, I don't necessarily have to pick it. If I like the wind, should I tell the wind to stop, so that I can smell it..."

"It seems I, Deng, was narrow-minded." Deng Taie nodded, then smiled again: "In the few days you were gone, your sister seemed quite unhappy."

"I had forgotten about this Buddha." Yu Liancheng slapped his forehead and turned to leave.

When Yu Liancheng saw Murong Wuzhu, she was reading "The First Snow in the East Wing," which had caused countless young ladies of noble families and daughters of wealthy households to shed tears; her beautiful eyes were misted with moisture, as if she might shed tears at any moment.

The moment she saw Yu Liancheng, she was first delighted, then gave a delicate huff, her elegant brows slightly raised: "So you still know how to come back."

Yu Liancheng looked Murong Wuzhu up and down, seeing her wearing a light gauze dress that looked like swirling clouds, the hem of the skirt fluttering, as immaculate as a fairy in a painting, and immediately praised, "Sister, you are so beautiful."

"Really?" Murong Wuzhu stood up, twisted her slender waist, and the skirt flew up, a sincere smile appearing on her stunningly beautiful face.

"So easy to coax." Yu Liancheng rubbed Murong Wuzhu's head.

Just as Murong Wuzhu was about to flare up, Yu Liancheng sat down and smiled: "What book are you reading? Tell me about it."

"Okay, okay." Murong Wuzhu then began to explain with great interest, and when she reached certain parts, she couldn't help but shed tears.

"So easy to coax."

Yu Liancheng sighed to himself once more.

"Sister is so easy to coax."