Chapter 740: A Single Sword Strike to Slay the National Master

Yu Liancheng looked over; this Emperor Xuanzong was nearly seventy, but because of his cultivation of the Dao, he appeared to be only in his forties, his eyes brimming with divine light, and his demeanor carried an indescribable nobility and dignity. He wore a bright yellow long robe, his figure was moderate, and he gently stroked the fur of the cat in his arms, a smile on his face.

Noble Yang Guifei accompanied Yang Xuanzong, having changed from the clothes she wore on the swing earlier into a red, low-cut palace gown; she was magnificent and graceful. Perhaps there were other women in the world with such exquisite features, but few could possess her charm, and none had her skin, as delicate as congealed fat. Perhaps because she was skilled in dance, Noble Consort moved with a dancer's elegance and grace, her gait as lithe as a light dance.

Because of the appearance of His Majesty and the Noble Consort, the high officials, nobles, and elegant scholars in the Hua'eXianghuiPavilion all bowed slightly.

Meanwhile, Yu Liancheng, standing with his hands behind his back, Xiaoqing, who was looking around with curiosity, and Bai Suzhen, who wore a faint, bitter smile on her pretty face, appeared particularly conspicuous.

Emperor Xuanzong of Tang also saw the three of them; he was not angry, merely showing a hint of surprise, his gaze lingering on Xiaobai and Xiaoqing for a moment longer.

"Presumptuous."

An old eunuch standing behind Emperor Xuanzong and the Noble Consort stiffened his brows and barked: "In the presence of the Sage, how can you be so lacking in decorum? Why not bow to welcome him?"

Xiaoqing glared at the old eunuch.

Yu Liancheng merely cupped his hands slightly and smiled: "A person outside the world does not bow to emperors."

The old eunuch's brows shot up, and he raged: "Where did this madman come from? Someone, drag him out."

"General Gao, today is the Extreme Joy Banquet, where there is no distinction between high and low. Stand down." Just then, Noble Yang Guifei smiled slightly, her voice like large and small pearls falling onto a jade plate.

The eunuch worthy of the title "General Gao" was undoubtedly Gao Lishi, who had been enfeoffed as the Biaoqi General.

Gao Lishi could even issue orders on behalf of Xuanzong and mobilize the Imperial Guards, which showed how deeply favored he was.

At this moment, seeing Yang Yuhuan speak thus, Gao Lishi immediately changed his expression and fawned: "The Noble Consort is right; it is this old slave who lacked decorum."

Xuanzong was not angry either; he looked at Yu Liancheng with a smile and said: "I have learned about everyone who accepted the Extreme Joy invitation. What are the backgrounds of you three?" Just as Noble Yang Guifei said, this Extreme Joy Banquet had no order of status, so he did not use titles like "Zhen."

"This fellow Daoist Yu and the two young ladies were all invited by me." The Golden Light Sect leader walked forward and smiled: "His Majesty has always liked exotic Daoist arts; fellow Daoist Yu's Daoist arts are profound, and he is a supreme expert of this generation."

Xuanzong was slightly astonished: "The National Master often discusses Buddha and the Dao with me; I did not know there was such a person in the world."

"The world is vast; how could the National Master know everything?"

The Golden Light Sect leader smiled: "Fellow Daoist Yu's cultivation reaches the heavens, even surpassing my own sect. I just wonder, how does he compare to the National Master?"

"Indeed, the world is vast, and experts emerge in succession; many capable people hide in the mountains and forests, so how could this old Daoist know them all? But if the Sect Leader equates such demonic heretics with this old Daoist, that is greatly improper."

Just at this moment, an old Daoist with flowing wide sleeves and the complexion of a child despite his crane-white hair drifted into the Hua'eXianghuiPavilion; it was the current National Master, Taiyin Zhenjun.

As soon as Taiyin Zhenjun stepped into the pavilion, a grand yet cold aura, like that of a venomous snake, spread throughout, filling every inch of space. Many high officials, nobles, and elegant scholars could not help but feel a sense of oppression, as if a large stone were resting on their chests, unable to be moved.

"Your Majesty, these two women are snake demons who have practiced for at least a hundred years. Shall I, this old Daoist, use my methods to subdue these monsters?"

Taiyin Zhenjun's gaze turned toward the green and white snakes, a hint of greed flickering in his eyes.

Xiaobai had once attempted to assassinate him, so he naturally recognized this assassin.

Furthermore, he captured snakes for cultivation and was most sensitive to the aura of snake demons; he had already perceived that these were two snakes that had attained essence.

If he could absorb the essence of these two snakes, it would be far more nourishing than ten thousand ordinary small snakes, and his cultivation would surely advance greatly.

His greed was intense, and coupled with the fact that he was in the Imperial Palace, which was reinforced by a great array, he was not at all worried that these fellows could turn the tables.

"Snake demons?" Xuanzong was immediately startled.

"Indeed, they are snake demons."

The greed in Taiyin Zhenjun's eyes grew more intense, and his gaze swept over Yu Liancheng once more.

He had also sensed a trace of the 'Xuan Yin Seal' on Yu Liancheng.

That Xuan Yin Seal was something he had placed within his disciple's body; once the disciple died, it would attach itself to the person who killed him.

When Yu Liancheng killed the purple-clothed man, although he had removed the Xuan Yin Seal, a trace of the Xuan Yin aura had remained.

The Xuan Yin aura was only a trace, and it could not be sensed from a distance, but now that they were within arm's reach, the National Master could naturally perceive it clearly.

By now, the National Master finally became slightly serious.

To be able to erase the Xuan Yin Seal at will and kill his eldest disciple, the person's cultivation was likely extraordinary.

Hearing the National Master say that the green and white women were snake demons, the crowd was in an uproar, and they began to examine the two women with interest, wanting to see what a snake demon looked like.

Why not run away? Just kidding, the Golden Light Sect leader and the National Master were right here; where else in the world could be safer than this place?

Yu Liancheng shook his head and smiled: "Indeed, they are snake demons, but demons are also divided into good demons and bad demons. Xiaoqing and Xiaobai are two good demons; they have never killed anyone."

"A demon is a demon; where would there be good or bad demons?" Taiyin Zhenjun said coldly.

"Naturally, there are good and bad demons, and we can only kill the bad ones, not the good ones." Yu Liancheng smiled slightly: "The National Master might consider this: if a good demon who is kind-hearted and has never harmed anyone is injured by the National Master, and then harbors resentment, and after another hundred years of cultivation does evil in retaliation, whose karmic debt is that?"

A divine light flashed in the National Master's eyes: "Although this old Daoist's magic power is not heaven-defying, I believe that in dealing with small demons, I will never miss, nor will I give them the chance to retaliate."

Yu Liancheng said: "If all the demons in the world know that the National Master kills regardless of whether they are good or bad, will they not think that whether they do good or evil, they will be beaten until their souls are scattered and they are doomed forever? Then, tell me, will they not give up and act recklessly, killing until the rivers run red and the sky turns dark, making everyone pay with their lives?"

The National Master snorted coldly: "A demon is a demon. They may have no intention of harming people now, but they harbor murderous intent, and one day it will erupt. Once such a demon that has attained essence causes trouble, at least hundreds or thousands of people will be swallowed into the snake's belly. Rather than using the lives of thousands to gamble on the nature of a snake demon, it is better to suppress and kill it directly."

At this point, both of them knew that based on the other's temperament and cultivation, it was impossible to be persuaded by words.

Jinguang smiled slightly: "Although those of us in the Daoist path speak of Daoist arts and supernatural powers, winning through magic, it is not appropriate for the two of you to resort to violence in the Hua'eXianghuiPavilion. Why not put aside your weapons for now?"

The National Master flicked his sleeves and bowed to the Emperor: "Your Majesty, although there are illusion performances in the Hua'eXianghuiPavilion, how can they compare to a real battle of profound arts? Why not let this old Daoist exchange moves with this fellow Daoist, adding luster and fun to this Extreme Joy Banquet?"

"This..." Xuanzong stroked his beard and nodded, hesitating, his gaze scanning Yu Liancheng and the National Master several times, his heart filled with curiosity.

The high officials, nobles, and famous scholars also had the intention to watch. It was said that the National Master's magic power was profound, almost comparable to the Golden Light Sect leader, but no one had ever seen his methods, so how could they not be curious? They did not know that if these two truly fought, a single shockwave would be enough to finish off those of them who were just there to watch the fun.

"I request Your Majesty's permission." Taiyin Zhenjun bowed again.

"Very well, granted."

Xuanzong waved his sleeve.

Jinguang sighed repeatedly on the side.

How did a perfectly good banquet turn into a battle of magic?

Zhuque rubbed her eyes; she didn't know why, but she seemed to see the Sect Leader smiling, yet in the blink of an eye, he was sighing endlessly.

The National Master looked at Yu Liancheng, having returned to his calm, immortal-like posture, and said: "Just fighting one match without a wager is quite boring. Why don't you and I place a bet?"

"That suits me perfectly. What shall the wager be?" Yu Liancheng nodded.

The National Master scanned the green and white women and said: "If I win, I will take these two little demons away. I hope you will not interfere."

Yu Liancheng said calmly, "If you lose, what will you do?"

A flash appeared in the National Master's eyes as he said, "If this old Daoist loses, I shall resign from the position of National Master and disband the Taiyin Dao."

"Good, we have a bet." It was indeed not Yu Liancheng who spoke, but Bai Suzhen, who was one of the stakes.

"Big sister, why make a bet? Although Yu Liancheng will definitely beat Taiyin Zhenjun to a pulp, I don't want to be a stake." Xiaoqing glared at the National Master.

Bai Suzhen said, "If Taiyin Zhenjun resigns from the position of National Master and disbands the Taiyin Dao, it will undoubtedly be a great joyous event for the snake demons of the world." Xiaobai's expression was very solemn, then she suddenly gave a playful smile, like ice and snow melting and spring returning to the earth, making the hearts of many who were watching the two women waver and lose control: "What's more, just as you said, he will definitely be able to beat Taiyin Zhenjun to a pulp, so what is there to worry about?"

Taiyin Zhenjun naturally heard the conversation between the two women and gave a cold snort: "It is difficult to let go and fight at the grand banquet; it would be better to go outside to exchange blows."

Yu Liancheng shook his head and said, "No need. I will strike one sword; if you can receive it, this round will count as your win."

Taiyin Zhenjun was not angry and clapped his hands slightly: "Good, let me see the fellow Daoist's heaven-startling sword."

As he spoke, he brought out a bronze mirror. The edge of the bronze mirror was engraved with the Eight Trigrams, and the back featured a Taiji diagram, revealing an ancient and simple aura.

Although the bronze mirror was only the size of a palm, it condensed a sheet of brilliance, protecting his entire body without a single omission.

Hidden in the hand within his sleeve, he took out a handful of Talismans, ready to activate them at any moment.

After making preparations, Taiyin Zhenjun then made a gesture of invitation, his expression slightly relaxed, clearly having extreme trust in this magic treasure. He thought to himself, if it were a normal fight, I would not have absolute certainty, but if I bring out the "Dun Shen Mirror," even if an immortal or God descended to the mortal world, it would be impossible to defeat me in one strike.

Yu Liancheng brushed his sleeve across his waist, and a sword appeared in his palm, though no one knew when it had arrived.

The sword body was three feet and six inches long, with a dull color, as if it were merely an Iron tool casually forged by an ordinary blacksmith; it was far from being a divine weapon, and slightly arrogant people of the pugilistic world would likely not even look at such a sword.

The sword had no scabbard, but Yu Liancheng made the posture of drawing a sword, his five fingers rotating and pinching the hilt, his movements elegant and calm.

At the same time, a black aura spread out from his body. This black aura actually possessed a certain magical power; just looking at it made one's heart waver, and one would unknowingly sink their mind into the black aura, unable to extricate themselves.

Fortunately, the black aura merged into this sword in the blink of an eye.

"Heaven-Slaying Sword-Drawing Technique!"

"

Jinguang was startled, having already recognized the sword technique Yu Liancheng was currently using.

The next moment, a scarlet Sword Qi was slashed out, just like a silver waterfall descending from the sky.

Crack, crack, crack!

The Sword Qi collided with the brilliance condensed by the bronze mirror. That brilliance, which looked like glaze, emitted a crisp sound of being unable to bear the weight, and in an instant, it cracked with dense, spiderweb-like fissures, shattering one after another amidst the continuous sound of breaking.

Taiyin Zhenren's expression changed again and again, and he hurriedly activated the Talismans between his fingers, burning them all out to transform into walls of light, attempting to block this stunningly brilliant sword light.

However, it was all in vain.

In front of this sword light, it was sliced open like thin paper.

Before long, all the brilliance dissipated, and the Sword Qi struck the bronze mirror, immediately bursting out clusters of dazzling sparks.

Afterward, the bronze mirror also began to show cracks, falling apart into pieces.

Finally, this sword light slashed into the National Master's body.

The National Master had originally wanted to soar into the air, but at this moment, he remained motionless, his eyes dull, as if he had been struck by an immobilization spell.

The next moment, the National Master's whole body cracked with fragments like a porcelain Wawa, and within the cracks were streaks of scarlet Sword Qi, cutting the flesh and splitting the soul.

"Ah!"

"

A miserable shriek and wail.

The National Master's body finally could not withstand the Sword Qi and suddenly shattered.

The Sword Qi rushed out from within his body, turning into powerful air vortices that pushed through the great hall, causing a burst of exclamations, though it did not cause any substantial damage.

At the same time, a rainbow light crashed into the broken bronze mirror and then shot up into the sky.

"Don't let him escape!"

Xiaobai knew that was the National Master's Primordial Spirit and hurriedly wanted to give chase.

However, just as she soared into the air, she was suppressed by an invisible force, her face pale, and she stumbled two steps, returning without success.

Yu Liancheng shook his head and said, "There is an Array set up by the National Master in this Imperial Palace, as well as the suppression of the Imperial Dragon Qi. With your identity as a demon, it is simply impossible to hunt down the National Master. Let him go."

Xiaobai glanced at Yu Liancheng.

She knew that with Yu Liancheng's methods, wanting to kill the National Master was not a difficult task.

But since he did not make a move, she figured he must have his own considerations, so she did not say more.

"Wow, Yu Liancheng, you are really amazing."

Xiaoqing grabbed Yu Liancheng's arm, her beautiful eyes blinking, carrying undisguised reverence.

Although after these days of getting along, she knew Yu Liancheng's cultivation was profound.

But his opponent was the National Master; this National Master had forced this snake demon clan to near extinction.

Although this was due to the Imperial Court, it also proved the terror of the National Master.

Yet he could not even withstand one sword from Yu Liancheng.