Dao Twelve Makes a Domineering Appearance, One Man and One Blade Overawing the Multitude!

Lu Changsheng remained at the Heavenly Maiden Sect. Naturally, he did not let the time go to waste. Yun Haitang had secured an opportunity for him within the sect, granting him access to inspect nearly all of the Heavenly Maiden Sect's martial arts and combat skills below the Divine Strength Realm. He was permitted to practice them, provided he did not transmit them outside. Lu Changsheng gave his abilities a thorough test. For second- and third-rank combat skills, it took him barely a fleeting moment to attain perfection, requiring virtually no time at all. Only skills of the fourth rank and above demanded a modest expenditure of effort, and even then, roughly two or three days was enough. Such was the terrifying reality of his comprehension having surpassed one thousand points. However, the Heavenly Maiden Sect did not possess many second- or third-rank martial arts, falling far short of the Four Seas Gang in that regard. The sect had never relied on its own raw martial might, focusing instead on cultivating connections and relationships. The martial arts it had accumulated over several centuries were naturally rather limited. Moreover, Lu Changsheng had already mastered many of them before. After sweeping through the second- and third-rank martial arts in the sect that he had not previously practiced, he found there were only several dozen in total—fewer than a hundred. Still, this directly added over two hundred points to his comprehension. Factoring in the fourth- and fifth-rank arts that required two, three, or more days to reach perfection and had not yet been accounted for, this trip to the Heavenly Maiden Sect was undeniably fruitful. Time flew by, and several more days passed. Lu Changsheng called up his attribute panel to examine his status. Host: Lu Changsheng Comprehension: 1420 (Praised in All Directions) Qi and Blood Sword Casting Secret Method: Cast sword for 10 months and 26 days. Starry Sky Waterfall Conception: Progress 1% Ocean Wave Conception: Progress 20% Qiantian Treasure Transformation Secret Method: Second Layer Ninefold Carp Leaping Dragon Gate Art: Fourth Layer Glancing at the attribute panel, his comprehension had leaped to 1420 points in just a few days, an increase of several hundred points. Such a rate of growth was downright terrifying. Even so, Lu Changsheng understood full well that this had only occurred after his comprehension surpassed one thousand points and underwent a total qualitative leap. Each time his comprehension underwent a qualitative leap, the results were immediate and strikingly tangible. This time was no different. If it could be said that his comprehension below one thousand points was still within the realm of the ordinary, then once it crossed that threshold, it completely severed ties with what normal people could fathom. After all, who could grasp one martial skill after another to absolute perfection in mere moments? Even the simplest Basic Sword Technique or Basic Saber Technique would normally be impossible to master so fast. No matter how high one's comprehension, there had to be a process. Yet once his comprehension broke past one thousand points, the laws of ordinary perception were utterly shattered. "Brother Dao, there is news of the Yunying ore mother," Yun Haitang said as she arrived to deliver the update. The Heavenly Maiden Sect truly lived up to its reputation as one of the factions with the widest networks of connections. In just a handful of days, they had managed to track down word of the Yunying ore mother. "Into whose hands has the Yunying ore mother fallen?" Lu Changsheng asked. "It seems to be an unaffiliated rogue martial artist named Ning Donghe. He is quite formidable, said to also be in the Hundred Tripods Realm, and excels in movement and stealth. Unfortunately, his tracks have already been exposed, and word is that the three gangs and two sects have all dispatched top experts to intercept and kill him," Yun Haitang explained in detail. In truth, the Heavenly Maiden Sect was also counted among the major sects, which normally made them three sects in total. However, the Heavenly Maiden Sect was only investigating intelligence regarding the Yunying ore mother this time, without taking part in the contest for it. Yet that was merely what the sect considered internally. In reality, the rumors circulating in the outside world were entirely different. The Heavenly Maiden Sect had brazenly spread word that "Dao Twelve" was determined to obtain the Yunying ore mother at all costs. In the eyes of outsiders, that was equivalent to the Heavenly Maiden Sect getting involved. "Is that so? None of them have given up on competing for it?" Lu Changsheng's brows furrowed slightly. "Indeed. It seems... they do not hold much dread for you, Brother Dao." The true reason was that Dao Twelve's reputation was simply not large enough yet. It had not reached the point where a single word would deter anyone from contending for the Yunying ore mother. After all, Zhanhai City was not Nanyang City. Had they been in Nanyang City, who would dare disobey a single decree from "Zhuang Thirteen"? "Very well. A formidable reputation is always forged in blood!" Lu Changsheng stood, preparing to depart the Heavenly Maiden Sect. "Brother Dao, is there anything you require of the sect?" Yun Haitang asked. "No need. It is better for your Heavenly Maiden Sect to remain uninvolved in this matter. One man, one blade is enough!" Without looking back, Lu Changsheng made his way down the mountain, step by step. *** In Zhanhai City, darkness had not yet fallen, yet the streets were already deathly still, devoid of all commotion. Although Zhanhai City had no curfew, no ordinary person dared wander the streets after nightfall in recent days. The violent clashes among martial artists had reached a near-frenzied, blood-drenched peak. Ning Donghe gazed at the Shangyuan Daoist Sanctuary not far in the distance, a flicker of longing gleaming in his eyes. Just a little further, and he would have reached it. Regrettably, he had still been intercepted. His movement arts and stealth were of little use now, for experts surrounded him on all sides. The Divine Strength Realm martial artists who were normally so rare and revered could now be seen in abundance wherever he looked. "Heh heh, Ning Donghe, your disguise technique is pointless now. You are already at the doorstep of the Shangyuan Daoist Sanctuary, so what meaning is there in wearing that skin?" The speaker was a hunchbacked, silver-haired old woman. Ning Donghe gave a cold scoff, wiping away the disguise from his face to reveal his true features. "You truly think highly of me to assemble such a grand lineup. The three gangs and two sects have gathered all their experts, have they not? And of course, there are also those lurking in the shadows, waiting to fish in troubled waters." Ning Donghe cast his gaze about. He could sense that numerous martial artists were likely concealed in hidden corners. A single piece of Yunying ore mother had stirred the desires of countless figures. "Let me see, where is Dao Twelve? The Dao Twelve of the Heavenly Maiden Sect who claimed to be determined to take it—why has he not shown himself? Could it be he hopes the snipe and the clam will fight so the fisherman can reap the spoils?" Ning Donghe let out a cold laugh. He had long since received the news spread by the Heavenly Maiden Sect. Dao Twelve's tone had been extraordinarily overbearing, even reckless. Especially with the Heavenly Maiden Sect circulating it, the crowd essentially regarded Dao Twelve as one of their martial artists. After all, throughout the sect's generations, the Dao Protectors of each Heavenly Maiden had always maintained exceedingly close ties with them. "Dao Twelve? After having the Heavenly Maiden Sect spread the word, he has never once shown his face. Ning Donghe, whether Dao Twelve is here or not changes nothing. Do you truly believe you can carry the Yunying ore mother into the Shangyuan Daoist Sanctuary? Hand it over, or else you die this very day!" Countless gazes bore down on Ning Donghe. "Heh, if you want the Yunying ore mother, you will have to prove you have the ability!" How could Ning Donghe surrender it so easily? He had exhausted every ounce of cunning and calculated relentlessly before securing the prize. He would never hand it over for nothing. Whoosh! The next instant, Ning Donghe moved. His reputation for movement arts and stealth was no empty boast. Like a dark wisp of smoke, he dashed instantly toward the Shangyuan Daoist Sanctuary. "Courting death!" A thunderous roar suddenly shook the entire street. A burly brute firmly grasped a colossal broadsword. Wide as a door panel, the weapon was not even sharpened. Leaping high into the air, the brute smashed downward from above toward the ground with savage force. Rumble! A massive crater was blasted into the cobblestones. A black figure rolled across the ground in utter disarray. Spurt! Ning Donghe spat out a mouthful of blood. From just a single strike, he was already overwhelmed! "Broadsword Chen Lei!" Ning Donghe glared fixatedly at the man. He knew Chen Lei was renowned, but he was a Hundred Tripods Realm expert as well—how could he fail to endure even one blow? For a moment, the pupils of many Divine Strength Realm martial artists shrank slightly, their hearts seized by shock. All of them were in the Hundred Tripods Realm; some had greater renown, while others had less. But in the martial world, much of that fame often relied on bluster. When everyone stood in the Hundred Tripods Realm, why should one person be inferior to another? Without an actual clash, hardly anyone would yield to anyone else. Yet Broadsword Chen Lei's strike instantly overawed many martial artists who had been itching to act. Severely wounding Ning Donghe in a single blow was something not just anyone could accomplish. "Life or death—choose for yourself!" Chen Lei declared icily, heavy blade held steady. Ning Donghe was unwilling to concede. Glancing around, he sneered, "Did you all travel from afar just to watch the spectacle?" A cold glint flickered in Chen Lei's eyes. "It seems you wish to die!" Gripping his broadsword, an icy aura of murderous intent surfaced from Chen Lei's frame. Ning Donghe's heart sank. He knew Chen Lei's intent was no bluff. Moreover, after that direct clash, he had gauged Chen Lei's depth. If Chen Lei truly wanted to kill him, it would likely take no more than three moves! "Hahaha! Chen Lei, you are impressive indeed, and so is your Heavy Sword Sect!" Ning Donghe let out a laugh through gritted teeth. In the next breath, he pulled the Yunying ore mother from his robes and hurled it forcefully behind him. Whoosh! The Yunying ore mother flew through the air and landed heavily on the ground behind Ning Donghe. Swish! In an instant, every gaze shifted to the piece of Yunying ore mother resting behind him. As for Ning Donghe himself, no one paid him any further heed. Many were on the verge of moving. Even with Chen Lei of the Heavy Sword Sect present, it could not stifle the burning greed in the crowd's hearts. Clack. The Yunying ore mother struck the cobblestones and rolled forward a short distance. Tap, tap, tap. Right then, an unhurried sound of footsteps emerged from who knew where, drawing closer step by step toward the ore mother on the ground. Eventually, the footsteps came to a halt, merely inches away from the Yunying ore mother. Bending down slightly would be enough to scoop it up. "Better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early. It seems my timing was just right." The unfamiliar figure glanced down at the ore mother, then bent and picked it up in one fluid, unhesitating motion before stowing it inside his robes. "Who is that?" "Insolence! The Yunying ore mother belongs to the Heavy Sword Sect!" Chen Lei's gaze grew as sharp as a blade. He looked up, taking in the figure not far off. Clad in black, saber slung at his side, the man exuded an aura that warned everyone to keep their distance. Yet he was an utter stranger to Chen Lei, and to most of the Divine Strength Realm martial artists of Zhanhai City as well. Even so, someone eventually recognized him. "Dao Twelve?" "He is Dao Twelve! The current Heavenly Maiden's Dao Protector!" "The Dao Twelve who executed Daoist Thousand Hands?" "Not only did he slay Daoist Thousand Hands, but Liu Tieta also died at his hands. He is not to be trifled with!" As the saying went, a man's reputation preceded him. In truth, few in Zhanhai City had ever seen Dao Twelve. However, his dazzling feats at the Heavenly Maiden Sect—slaying Daoist Thousand Hands and Liu Tieta in succession—were concrete accomplishments, and word of them had naturally spread far and wide. Before Dao Twelve appeared, people could mock and deride him as much as they pleased. Men of the martial world were boastful by nature and obsessed with saving face, placing themselves above all under the heavens. Yet when standing directly before Dao Twelve, not a single one dared underestimate him. Upon seeing Dao Twelve, another person's expression changed drastically. Zhu Qingshan, Master of the Blade Hall in the Four Seas Gang, turned pale and muttered, "So it was him? Gang Leader, it was Dao Twelve who killed Chen Shan!" Beside Zhu Qingshan stood the Leader of the Four Seas Gang. His eyes narrowed slightly, a strange light flickering within, yet he offered no response. At this moment, even Lu Changsheng felt somewhat surprised. He could not tell whether his luck was exceptionally good or remarkably poor. He had indeed only just arrived, yet the Yunying ore mother had landed right before him. Naturally, he accepted it without hesitation. For an ordinary martial artist—or even an ordinary Hundred Tripods Realm expert—obtaining the ore mother under these circumstances was not necessarily a blessing. With so many pairs of eyes watching hungrily, trying to carry it into the Shangyuan Daoist Sanctuary was an ordeal of nightmare difficulty. Yet Lu Changsheng did not care. The Yunying ore mother was his to keep! "Dao Twelve, put down the Yunying ore mother, or face death!" Broadsword Chen Lei said coldly, his face dark. "Since you know who I am, you naturally ought to know what I once declared. If you desire the Yunying ore mother, come test the blade in my hands!" "It seems you wish to test it. Then I shall grant your wish!" Clang! Lu Changsheng drew his saber. Without a sliver of hesitation, a crimson arc of blade light instantly tore through the air, slashing straight toward Chen Lei several zhang away. No one had anticipated that Dao Twelve would draw his blade with such utter decisiveness. That was Broadsword Chen Lei! Moreover, he was backed by the Heavy Sword Sect. When Chen Lei had acted so aggressively earlier, even Ning Donghe had not dared strike first, only fighting back when Chen Lei initiated the assault. Now, Dao Twelve completely disregarded all of that and attacked Chen Lei directly. Such sheer audacity far surpassed most Divine Strength Realm martial artists. It was completely unrestrained, answering to nothing but his own will! "You court death!" Fury erupted within Chen Lei. Raising his massive broadsword high, his qi and blood surged violently as he brought the weapon down toward Lu Changsheng with crushing force. A colossal blast of sword light, radiating dreadful pressure, surged forward to meet Lu Changsheng's crimson blade light. Boom! The two strikes collided head-on. Yet the grim satisfaction on Chen Lei's face instantly froze. His grand, sweeping sword light was like fragile paper, shattering to pieces upon impact as Dao Twelve's crimson blade light tore straight through it. The fractured radiance dissolved into scattering motes of light, while the crimson blade light drove forward unchecked, cleaving directly toward Chen Lei's head. Vaguely, Chen Lei seemed to perceive a colossal, monstrous wave rolling toward him with overwhelming majesty. A thunderous roar of crashing waves echoed in his ears, swelling louder and louder until it was nearly deafening. "No..." At the boundary between life and death, Chen Lei snapped to his senses in horror. Yet his figure was already swallowed whole by the crimson blade light.