owlsbooks Chapter 346 Several times they flew in but no one was seen.
Chapter 346 Several times they flew in but no one was seen.
As the eerie resonance resounded, like countless steel needles piercing the brain, causing intense pain, the onlookers instantly bent over, erupting in waves of vomiting and screams.
Jiang Wen frowned and used his internal energy to protect his ears. Only a few people who practiced internal energy could resist him, and even Yuan Ziyi and Yan Yongchun were in great pain.
He vaguely sensed that this was a martial art similar to "The Song of the Azure Sea Tide," but it was much cruder and more violent. It relied solely on internal energy to drive the movement, shaking the banners and drums to disturb people's minds. If someone with weak internal energy and composure heard this song, they would inevitably be swayed by it, and in mild cases, they would be injured, and in severe cases, they might even lose their lives.
And he happened to have some research on this.
Some have argued that the principle behind this skill is simply resonance, citing examples like infantry marching in unison across a bridge, causing it to collapse and resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. However, the structure and composition of the human body are far more complex than those of a cable-stayed bridge, making it much more difficult to find a fixed frequency capable of causing destruction.
Unless Huang Yaoshi's attack was a subsonic wave below 20Hz.
In that case, the listener would die from ruptured internal organs and vomiting blood, which had nothing to do with whether or not he practiced internal energy cultivation. Moreover, Huang Yaoshi would need to play a bass drum with a diameter of more than one meter to wreak havoc in the martial arts world.
Jiang Wen further analyzed the phenomenon and discovered that certain organs in the human body were experiencing strong resonance under the specific vibrational pattern described in "The Song of the Azure Sea," thus interfering with the body's normal physiological and mental state. Such phenomena have long been observed in nature; for example, the 360Hz fundamental frequency resonates with the human heart; 507.8Hz can stimulate the amygdala to produce fear; and 780Hz is highly likely to induce memory disturbances in the hippocampus…
These audio recordings happen to be produced by a very small number of people who, through special vocal techniques, can briefly emit low frequencies close to 60Hz or high frequencies slightly above 1200Hz. Ultimately, the energy contained in the sound waves enhanced by internal force is precisely transmitted to the target of the attack through resonance. This explains why Huang Yaoshi was even able to roar and injure his enemies.
The solution is simple: rely on internal force to make a loud noise to cover it up.
All that could be seen was that Yu Zhenzi's gill slits, which resembled wood grain, were stretched to their limit. The pair of tender fleshy horns on his forehead had grown to half a foot in length, and their surfaces were covered with blood vessels that coiled like tree roots. They pulsated with his heavy breathing, emitting a dull sound that intertwined with the maddening buzzing sound.
At that moment, Jiang Wen took a half step forward with his left foot, and an overwhelming internal force surged from the depths of his dantian, instantly rushing along his meridians to his chest cavity. To outsiders, all they could see was his chest bulging at a visible speed, and his mouth suddenly opening wide...
"Roar--!"
An even more intense sound rang out, a clear whistle that was like a thunderclap and could be heard for miles. It was none other than the "Lion's Roar," one of the seventy-two Shaolin arts, which was extremely powerful and forceful!
Yu Zhenzi turned his head sharply and saw that the Lion's Roar had shaken the glazed tiles of the Tongtian Hall and made the copper bells hanging at the corners of the hall jingle. In just a few seconds, it had completely destroyed the killing trap he had painstakingly created. He was immediately furious.
He still had a human-like body, but his Taoist robe was already torn to pieces. On his exposed skin, the cracks that resembled tree bark were so deep that the bone was visible. However, the wood-grain-like cracks in his cheeks had stopped oozing sap and were even slowly healing.
The next moment, he took a step forward and rushed towards Jiang Wen.
"Boom!"
Along the way, pebbles flew everywhere. Yu Zhenzi attacked Jiang Wen like a tiger released from its cage. Jiang Wen, who was about to be attacked, remained calm. Just as Yu Zhenzi was about to reach the top, he moved slightly and his body floated up three feet like a willow catkin blown by the wind.
This sudden movement was utterly effortless; her robes fluttered wildly in the gust of wind stirred up by Yu Zhenzi, and she resembled a white crane with folded wings, barely brushing past Yu Zhenzi's palm, drawing gasps of amazement from onlookers.
"This seems to be the Wudang School's 'Ladder Cloud Leap'?"
"The Land of Blessed Land is indeed real!"
"As expected! He even knows the Wudang martial arts!"
Yu Zhenzi's attack missed, which made him even more frantic. He swung his arms around like two giant logs, frantically striking at Jiang Wen. Jiang Wen tapped his toes repeatedly, first stepping on a blue stone, which suddenly lifted him two zhang into the air. Then, he used the steps to step on the steps, and with an elegant spin in the air, he landed on the tiles of the Tongtian Hall.
However, at this moment, Yu Zhenzi seemed to become even more frenzied. He suddenly rammed into a pillar of the Tongtian Hall. The nanmu pillar, which required two people to hug, made a teeth-grinding "creak" sound when it hit his shoulder, and then broke in the middle. The upper half, along with the beams and tiles, collapsed with a crash, raising a cloud of dust.
"Run! This monster has gone mad!"
"The Heavenly Palace is about to collapse! Get out of here quickly!"
The martial arts practitioners who had been watching from afar finally broke down completely. They no longer dared to have any thoughts of seizing credit or searching for treasure. They all ran away with their heads in their hands, leaving only Jiang Wen with a stiff smile, pretending to be a master, while his heart was suffering ten thousand points of real damage.
"You wicked scoundrel!"
Jiang Wen forced out three words through gritted teeth, then roared, "Old Ye, close the door and unleash the dogs!"
After he finished speaking, four figures emerged from the mountain path beside Tongtian Rock, including an old man who shouted a question.
"Sect Leader, this fellow looks ferocious, how should we fight him!"
Jiang Wen was worried about him contacting other people, and also afraid that he might have some strange things on him, so he pretended to throw stones.
They were four identical, chubby white men, all dressed in the same gray short-sleeved shirts, with round heads, a somewhat dazed expression on their faces, and a trace of drool at the corner of their mouths.
They were around thirty or forty years old. Although they were overweight, they moved with unusual steadiness, and each step they took caused a slight tremor.
"...Don't... smash things..."
The chubby white guy on the far left stammered, his voice sharp and shrill, as if he were choking.
The bloodthirsty audience only wondered where these four people came from, but before they could finish speaking, they saw him bend down and pick up a piece of blue stone the size of a millstone from the ground. His arm muscles were bulging, and he slammed it down on Yu Zhenzi.
"call--"
The blue stone, accompanied by a whistling sound, slammed into Yu Zhenzi's chest with a loud "thud." Yu Zhenzi staggered back two steps, and the wooden gill slit on his chest opened and closed violently several times.
"Great! That's strong!"
Seeing this, the three chubby men beside him clapped and cheered, and following the example of the first man, each picked up a huge bluestone and took turns hurling it at Yu Zhenzi. In an instant, the millstone-sized bluestones crashed down on Yu Zhenzi with tremendous force, creating deafening sounds.
Jiang Wen couldn't help but sigh, "It was definitely worth raising these four stone lions."
The Celestial Master's Breathing Technique is a superior Taoist method for cultivating internal alchemy, emphasizing the transformation of essence into qi and qi into spirit. When practiced to a high level, it can grant immense strength and bones as solid as rock. However, these four stone lions of the Wuyi Sect, with their simple minds and pure hearts, cultivated the Celestial Master's Breathing Technique several times faster than ordinary people. Their internal strength has already reached its peak, and their brute strength is unparalleled in the world.
Seeing that Yu Zhenzi had been subdued, Jiang Wen quickly ordered them to stop. The Tongtian Hall had already been badly damaged by the collapse of one pillar, which was already heartbreaking. After a series of throws, broken beams collapsed and stones flew everywhere. Half of the roof of the Tongtian Hall was blown off.
Yu Zhenzi, panting heavily, looked around, seemingly worried that the rain of stones would fall again. But at that moment, a golden light, like a venomous snake emerging from its hole, suddenly pierced towards Yu Zhenzi's back.
It was Yuan Chengzhi!
Holding the Golden Serpent Sword, he moved like a ghost, circling behind Yu Zhenzi. The tip of the Golden Serpent Sword trembled, and whether it was dragged or thrust, it could injure the enemy. Instantly, it turned into specks of cold stars, accurately piercing the gaps in the wood grain on Yu Zhenzi's back.
The Golden Serpent Sword is a rare divine weapon in the world, capable of cutting through iron like mud. However, when it pierced those gill crevices, it only made a "hiss" sound, and the tip of the sword only penetrated half an inch, as if it were stuck in rubber and tightly clamped.
After being struck, Yu Zhenzi turned around abruptly and swung his palm at Yuan Chengzhi. However, Yuan Chengzhi was prepared. He first flipped and pressed his wrist, drawing out the Golden Snake Sword. Then, his figure swayed and drifted away like a falling leaf, avoiding the thunderous blow.
"That was close! It's impervious to blades and spears!"
Yuan Chengzhi flipped over and landed on a crossbeam. Jiang Wen just shook his head slightly. When Chief Chen brought the Giant Sword to Wuyi Mountain, he also felt that he had it in the bag.
Just then, six figures arrived like startled swans, forming a hexagonal circle around Yu Zhenzi. With a clear shout, six longswords were drawn simultaneously, their sword light flashing like shimmering water under the moon, weaving into an impenetrable sword net in the air, enveloping Yu Zhenzi.
The Six Ding Goddess's Celestial Flying Immortal Sword Formation was now perfectly coordinated, and her attacks were relentless. As the sword light flowed, it continuously struck Yu Zhenzi, making "clanging" sounds, but it still could not pierce his skin.
"Zhao is here to help you too!"
This time, Zhao Banshan's figure blurred, and he appeared on a boulder not far away.
With a series of swift movements, he unleashed a barrage of hidden weapons at Yu Zhenzi, swarming towards him like locusts in the sky. Flying Swallow Silver Shuttle, Returning Dragon Jade, Poisonous Caltrops, Bone-Piercing Nails… a variety of unique hidden weapons appeared one after another, precisely striking Yu Zhenzi's eyes, throat, brow, and other vital areas.
Yu Zhenzi roared and raised his arm to protect his head and face. The hidden weapons that hit his arm were deflected, and only a few bone-piercing nails managed to pierce the wood grain cracks in his arm, but they only penetrated a little over an inch and did not cause him any real damage.
He suddenly swung his arm, and the bone-piercing nails were shaken out, shooting into the wall next to him and embedding themselves deeply into the bricks and stones, making Zhao Banshan shake his head and frown.
"This monster's skin is too thick!"
Seizing the opportunity, Yu Zhenzi charged forward, forcefully breaking through the gap in the sword formation. He then swung his arms to shield his head and face, and was about to rush down the mountain path of Tongtian Rock.
"Oh no! He's trying to escape!" Feng Daode exclaimed in alarm, brandishing his sword to give chase. If Yu Zhenzi were to escape down the mountain, who knew how many troubles would ensue.
Standing on the roof tiles, Jiang Wen's eyes narrowed, and he finally moved.
He slowly drew the Gaozu Serpent-Slaying White Jade Sword from his waist. Martial arts practitioners felt that the moment Jiang Wen grasped the sword, his demeanor instantly changed.
The original composure vanished, replaced by an incomparably sharp sword intent—a sword intent that seemed to have substance, like a purple lightning bolt poised to strike in the heavens, or a fleeting dragon shadow in the abyss, sending chills down one's spine.
Jiang Wen held the white jade sword. Yu Zhenzi seemed to sense the threat, stopped running, turned around and stared intently at Jiang Wen, and preemptively struck out with a palm.
"Take this!"
Jiang Wen flicked his wrist, and the white jade sword bypassed the fist and palm, then rose straight up, aiming for Yu Zhenzi's throat. This sword strike was as fast as lightning, with an extremely tricky angle. It was the "Palm-Breaking Stance" of the Dugu Nine Swords. The Palm-Breaking Stance is designed to break all kinds of palm and fist techniques. No matter how fierce or ingenious the opponent's palm technique is, it can find the flaw in their defense.
Yu Zhenzi hurriedly raised his other hand to block, and the white jade sword pierced his arm with a "snap" sound, the tip of the sword actually piercing an inch deep!
Yu Zhenzi roared in pain and struck Jiang Wen with his other palm, but Jiang Wen swayed and mysteriously dodged the palm. The white jade sword was thrust out again, this time using the "Qi-breaking style".
The Qi-Breaking Style is specifically designed to counter all kinds of internal energy cultivation techniques, accurately pinpointing the points where the opponent's internal energy flows and breaking through them in one strike. Jiang Wen's sword tip skimmed across several major acupoints on Yu Zhenzi's body like a dragonfly skimming the water. Yu Zhenzi's body suddenly froze, his internal energy flow immediately became disrupted, and his movements slowed down considerably.
"Excellent! Master Jiang, what superb swordsmanship!" Someone nearby couldn't help but shout in admiration.
Jiang Wen ignored the cheers of the crowd and wielded the white jade sword faster and faster. The sword light was like snowflakes flying all over the sky, surrounding Yu Zhenzi. The essence of Dugu Nine Swords lies in "no moves are better than moves". There are no fixed moves. Everything changes according to the opponent's moves. Anticipate the enemy's moves and attack where the enemy must defend.
Arrow-breaking stance, rope-breaking stance, spear-breaking stance, whip-breaking stance, knife-breaking stance...
Yu Zhenzi kept parrying and struggling, while Jiang Wen also displayed all the variations of the Dugu Nine Swords to the fullest extent. The white jade sword seemed to come alive in his hands, and every sword strike was aimed at Yu Zhenzi's weakest point.
The final, ultimate technique is the essence of the Dugu Nine Swords, encompassing all variations of swordsmanship in the world. Once the sword is unleashed, all swords return to their origin. This sword strike, imbued with Jiang Wen's entire inner strength, carried a world-shattering power as it slashed towards Yu Zhenzi's neck.
Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on the condensed, lightning-fast sword strike. If this sword struck, Yu Zhenzi would surely die!
However, just as the white jade sword was about to strike Yu Zhenzi's neck, a sudden change occurred!
Yu Zhenzi abruptly stopped all resistance. His eyes, which had been bloodshot and lifeless, suddenly cleared. He used the fleshy horn on his head to block the white jade sword. Then he turned around sharply, his gaze fixed on two figures in the crowd. Despite his injuries, he was about to rush out.
Those were Yan Yongchun and Yuan Ziyi.
Because their martial arts skills were slightly weaker and they had a connection with their respective sects, the two of them had been protected by Yuan Chengzhi and watched the battle from afar.
Jiang Wen saw this and knew something was wrong. He was used to the idea that a person with a lot of hair is weak in fire and a large body is weak in the gate, and he always thought that going berserk would cause him to lose consciousness. However, he did not expect that Yu Zhenzi was more cunning than he thought. He had actually maintained a clear mind and was just putting on an act for them.
Even more terrifying is that Yu Zhenzi has been putting on an act to conceal one thing: he has even retained the memories of the Immortal Capital Sect's Cave Profound Stage. Otherwise, given his background and experience, he would never have known that Yuan Ziyi and Yan Yongchun, under the guise of Iron Sword Sect disciples, were clearly trying to force Yuan Chengzhi into a life-or-death battle with him!
This sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard.
Jiang Wen leaped into the air and exerted his strength again, slashing his sword across the fleshy horn and cutting off a section before striking empty air. The immense force even cleaved a trench in the ground, sending shards of rock flying. However, this also allowed Yu Zhenzi to completely break free of his restraints.
Yuan Chengzhi's expression also changed drastically. In an instant, seeing that there was no room to maneuver, he stood in front of Yan Yongchun and Yuan Ziyi without thinking. Then, he suddenly lunged forward, his hands wrapping around Yu Zhenzi's arms like snakes. His body moved erratically like a water snake, bracing against the opponent's attack as if in a wrestling match. He was using the Golden Snake Swimming Palm.
Yuan Chengzhi has locked up Yu Zhenzi!
The Golden Snake Swimming Palm is known for its agility and unpredictability, and it excels at close-quarters combat. Its power is unpredictable and difficult to counter. At this moment, Yuan Chengzhi channeled all his internal energy into his palms, firmly gripping Yu Zhenzi's arms. No matter how much Yu Zhenzi struggled, he could not break free.
"I finally fooled you, Yuan Chengzhi."
Yu Zhenzi's voice was filled with a morbid ecstasy, and a ferocious grin spread across his lips. "This is the moment I've been waiting for!"
Yu Zhenzi revealed a sinister grin, his joints cracking as he closed his eyes and took deep breaths, as if undergoing a transformative rebirth. He could clearly feel his martial arts improving at an alarming rate, and the bottlenecks that had plagued him for years were now being easily broken through as if they were made of paper.
"Thank you for your help! I thought the path of martial arts could only end here, but I never expected to find such a magnificent view at the summit! I will personally slaughter you all to repay your great kindness today!"
Feng Daode and Gui Xinshu, who were present, knew best what this meant, and their faces turned ashen. They couldn't imagine what kind of terrifying monsters lay above Fu Yushu and Yu Zhenzi, let alone what indescribable horrors might lurk behind Jiang Wen and Yuan Chengzhi—
Once this monster is fully revealed to the world, who can stop its might?
However, only two people present remained unusually calm.
Jiang Wen, holding the white jade sword, smiled coldly, as if waiting to watch a good show. Yuan Chengzhi, on the other hand, remained expressionless, his arms still tightly gripping Yu Zhenzi, showing no sign of letting go even though the situation was beyond repair.
"Yu Zhenzi, you will not succeed."
Yuan Chengzhi said softly, then suddenly exerted his strength. Yu Zhenzi had no time to struggle and was lifted up by the force, his center of gravity shifting to one side. Not far to the other side was the cliff outside Tongtian Rock!
No one expected that at this moment, Yuan Chengzhi would choose to grab Yu Zhenzi and prepare to jump off the cliff. Yu Zhenzi naturally struggled violently, blocking Yuan Chengzhi's path, and in the struggle, Yuan Chengzhi gradually found himself facing the cliff.
However, at that moment, someone appeared from behind, took a deep breath, channeled energy into his Ren meridian, then slightly raised both elbows, and delivered a straight punch and a horizontal thrust with his right fist and left palm. The only soft and gentle move in the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms, "Treading on Frost, Ice Arrives," had already struck Yuan Chengzhi's back...
Zhao Banshan, Lu Feiqing, and the others exclaimed in surprise. They had not expected Yuan Chengzhi to be so determined to perish with his powerful enemy. They were even more surprised that Jiang Wen would suddenly make a move and knock them both off the cliff. They hurriedly ran towards the edge of the cliff.
People from all walks of life rushed over, only to find that the cliff below Tongtian Rock was bottomless. At this moment, due to the threatening rain and swirling clouds and mist, all that could be seen looking down was a vast expanse of white clouds.
"Where is it? Can you see it?"
"The fog is too thick! We can't see anything!"
"Master Yuan is dead just like that?"
Just when everyone was in despair, as the sun set, a ray of light seemed to flash through the clouds.
"Look! There!"
Yuan Ziyi, with her sharp eyes, pointed to a black dot in the clouds and shouted loudly.
Following her gaze, everyone saw a strangely shaped golden sword deeply embedded in the rock halfway up the cliff. Yuan Chengzhi was holding the hilt in one hand and gripping the vines on the cliff face with the other, barely dangling in mid-air.
As if hearing the shouts of the crowd, Yuan Chengzhi raised his head and gave a bright smile to the people above the cliff. (End of Chapter)