Chapter 49: Wuming Battles Xiongba

For experts at the level of Wuming and Xiongba, battles are often a contest of momentum before they even begin; both were respectively elevating their own momentum.

The two closed their eyes, and the momentum surrounding them rose unceasingly.

Duan Fengyun and the others on the sidelines were completely stunned by the two's momentum; the momentum of the pair no longer allowed outsiders to approach, as touching it meant death, and Duan Fengyun, who had intended to launch a sneak attack, could only give up.

The four of them had never imagined that a Martial Artist's momentum could reach such a stage, and they deeply understood that the path they had yet to walk was still very long.

As their momentum rose continuously, the two, having reached the peak, opened their eyes almost simultaneously.

Having reached the peak of their momentum, the two assumed their opening stances, preparing to begin the battle.

Knowing that their opponent was unfathomable, neither dared to hold anything back, and both brought out their trump cards.

Xiongba, who had always led with his Fist Palm Leg Three Peerless, this time discarded them entirely, directly circulating his Three Points Origin Return Qi and attacking Wuming with his Three Points Divine Finger.

Wuming was not to be outdone; he opened his Heavenly Sword domain, used his fingers as a sword, and unleashed his famous signature technique, the Nameless Sword Art, to its fullest potential.

The fierce, simplified-to-the-essence killing moves of the two made Duan Fengyun and the others exclaim in admiration; high-level martial arts emphasize simplifying the complex, where a simple move can be devastating and leave one with nowhere to hide.

Although they had fought Xiongba several times before, the group had never forced out the strongest version of Xiongba, as he was a person who did not like to reveal all his life-saving measures.

Today, Xiongba's opponent was Wuming, the Martial Arts Myth who had been the number one in the world before him, so Xiongba had no choice but to bring out all his hidden assets.

This finally made the group realize that their own strength was still lacking in many ways; if Wuming had not intervened today, they probably would not have been able to heavily injure Xiongba even if they had fought to the death.

Xiongba's Three Points Divine Finger blasted toward Wuming without reservation, but it had no effect on Wuming, who had opened his Heavenly Sword domain and possessed invincible defense, and it was blocked by Wuming with a light, casual gesture.

It was Wuming's turn to counterattack; as he raised his hand, countless Sword Qi flew toward Xiongba, and compared to Wuming's casual ease, Xiongba appeared somewhat disheveled.

Xiongba formed a claw with one hand and charged at Wuming, while Wuming formed a sword finger with one hand and charged at Xiongba; their killing moves collided, and a massive explosion occurred in the surrounding area.

Under each other's offensive, both retreated. Wuming was fine, having only taken two steps back, but Xiongba retreated several dozen steps, and the True Qi within his body churned violently, making him feel extremely uncomfortable.

Seeing this state, Xiongba immediately had no desire to continue the battle.

Xiongba knew that if he wanted to decide a winner with Wuming, it would inevitably lead to a tragic outcome.

With the unfathomable Martial Arts Myth Wuming in front and the four tiger-like guys including Duan Fengyun behind, Xiongba dared not gamble, for he knew that if he did, he would undoubtedly lose.

Xiongba feigned composure and said, "Wuming, today I will give you, the Martial Arts Myth, some face and let these traitors go; next time, this group won't have such good luck."

Duan Fengyun, on the sidelines, shouted directly, "Xiongba, if you can't beat Senior Wuming, just admit defeat; why be so hypocritical? Sooner or later, we will definitely take your head."

Xiongba glared fiercely at Duan Fengyun, but he ignored Duan Fengyun's words, turned his head, and left with the lackeys of the World Union.

Seeing that Xiongba was about to leave, Jian Chen hurriedly rushed over, wanting to leave with Xiongba.

But Xiongba had never intended to take Jian Chen with him from the start.

On one hand, someone with Jian Chen's strength and talent was mediocre, and to Xiongba, he no longer had any value.

On the other hand, since Jian Chen could betray Wuming, who had raised him since childhood, he could betray him as well one day; Xiongba detested such people who betrayed their masters and ancestors.

Fortunately, Duan Fengyun did not know his thoughts, otherwise, he would have mocked him for being a hypocritical saint. He was clearly a person who betrayed his own master and ancestors, yet now he was looking down on others.

Seeing that Xiongba had abandoned him, Jian Chen hurriedly knelt before Wuming and admitted his mistake, saying, "Master, this disciple was wrong. It is all because this disciple was momentarily confused and forgot Master's teachings, which led me into a demonic obsession. I beg Master to give this disciple one more chance and forgive me."

Before the conflicted Wuming could speak, the always outspoken Bu Jingyun walked over, carrying his Peerless Sword, and looked at Jian Chen, saying:

"The people I despise most in this life are cowards who fear death and betray their loved ones. Today, I will clean up the sect for Senior Wuming and take your dog life."

Duan Fengyun hurriedly stopped Bu Jingyun and looked at Jian Chen, saying, "Jian Chen, I was usually just joking with you, but you mistook it for humiliation. I won't do that in the future. I hope you can walk out of your demonic obsession and become the chivalrous Jian Chen you once were."

Although Duan Fengyun also looked down on Jian Chen, he knew that with Wuming present, they certainly could not touch Jian Chen today. Rather than damaging his relationship with Wuming, it was better to take this opportunity to do Wuming a favor.

Wuming was a shrewd person; he naturally understood the meaning between the lines of Duan Fengyun's words, but he was still inwardly grateful to Duan Fengyun for giving him this way out.

Wuming helped the still-kneeling Jian Chen up and then said to him:

"Chen'er, I hope you will remember today's actions in the future. We practice martial arts not just for the exterior, but even more for the heart. When our hearts are tempered to be firm enough, our cultivation will also become stronger as our hearts grow firmer."

Jian Chen nodded, indicating that he would surely keep today's events in his heart and would not forget Wuming's teachings.

When saying goodbye to Duan Fengyun and the others, Wuming instructed them:

"Duan Fengyun, Bu Jingyun, the sword is the leader of all weapons; those who practice the sword should forge ahead courageously. You need to have that indomitable tenacity of knowing there are tigers on the mountain yet choosing to walk toward it. Similarly, Nie Feng, your broad and open blade technique, and Qin Shuang, your Overturning Seas and Mountains axe technique—if you want to become strong, you must constantly make your hearts firmer."

The four of them heard this and immediately bowed in thanks, saying, "Thank you for your teachings, Senior Wuming. We will definitely ponder them carefully."

Wuming looked at these four young people of the Jianghu with satisfaction; these four dragons among men would surely achieve extraordinary things in the future.

After these teachings, Wuming and his disciple left.

Duan Fengyun and the five of them also left the Imperial Mausoleum simultaneously, returned to the inn to pack their luggage, and then went to Huo Family Manor together.

Watching this battle between Wuming and Xiongba made the four of them realize that with their current strength, they still could not kill Xiongba.

To avoid a repeat of the incident where Nie Feng and Qin Shuang were ambushed, the four reached a consensus that as long as nothing major happened, they would strictly avoid acting alone to prevent unimaginable situations.

After days of rushing about, the five finally welcomed a brief moment of happiness and could rest and recuperate for a while.