World's No. 1 Swordsman
Chapter 67: Making Friends Through Swordsmanship

Chapter 67: Making Friends Through Swordsmanship

Gao Shixing was lean, of average height, and had a somewhat dark complexion. His shoulders were slightly lowered, making his posture resemble a drawn bow. Moreover, though he already seemed to be in his forties, his eyes were still sharp, like two deep, tranquil pools.

He donned a slightly loose Daoist robe, cloth shoes, and pants with hemp cords tightly binding them to his legs. He had also tied his hair up with a Daoist headband.

The moment the Daoist master saw Wang Sheng, he immediately asked, "May I see your swordsmanship?"

Wang Sheng cupped his hands respectfully, knowing that the Daoist master before him was an expert in swordsmanship. He dared not show any sign of neglect.

"I look forward to your guidance, Martial Uncle."

"Mm." Gao Shixing gestured for him to proceed. He then followed Zhou Yinglong to the side and watched Wang Sheng's demonstration in silence.

Holding nothing back, Wang Sheng showcased his level of swordsmanship through the Seven-Star Sword Formation. However, after finishing the entire set, he still felt a lingering restlessness in his heart. Hence, he casually executed a few moves from the Taiyi Golden Immortal Sword Art, leaving Zhou Yinglong momentarily stunned.

"Junior Brother, when did you learn that sword technique?"

"I memorized it when we sparred last time," Wang Sheng replied with a smile. He then turned to Gao Shixing and cupped his hands again. "Please, Martial Uncle, guide me."

Gao Shixing shook his head. "Hmmm. Your swordsmanship is already profound, and we follow different paths. I'm not in a position to instruct you."

He slowly stepped forward. With a slight wave of his right hand, Zhou Yinglong's treasured sword flew from its sheath and landed in his grasp.

"My Seven-Star Sword Technique has been passed down since Wudang's founding," he said. "It differs greatly from your Seven-Star Sword Formation. Watch carefully."

Wang Sheng immediately focused all his attention on the Daoist Master.

With a deep breath, Gao Shixing seemed to instantly transform into a celestial sword that radiated dazzling starlight. Streams of primal qi gathered around him, subtly assuming the form of a sword.

He then performed a profound and exquisite sword technique. Though it shared some similarities with the Seven-Star Sword Formation, it was an entirely different style of sword technique.

Even his footwork transitions were vastly different from Wang Sheng's, revealing new insights that made his eyes light up. He quietly committed everything to memory.

Over ten minutes later, Gao Shixing finished his demonstration. As the sharp gleam in his eyes gradually faded, he smiled awkwardly at Wang Sheng. "What do you think?"

"Martial Uncle, your swordsmanship far surpasses mine," Wang Sheng replied earnestly.

That was no empty flattery. The Daoist master before him would one day rank among the top fifty experts on the Immortal Rankings, becoming one of the rare sword-focused cultivators on the list.

Qing Yanzi was a scholar of the heavens and possessed vast and profound knowledge. However, he never pursued a single path exclusively.

Gao Shixing was different. He specialized in swordsmanship, walking the pure path of a sword cultivator.

Having met such a master who had immersed himself in the Dao of the Sword for two or three decades, Wang Sheng realized just how shallow his understanding truly was.

Thus, he directly requested, "Martial Uncle, please guide me in my cultivation of the Dao of the Sword."

"Let's spar instead. Your swordsmanship may not be beneath mine," said Gao Shixing.

Zhou Yinglong could only chuckle helplessly from the side. After all, he was the one who had originally proposed the idea of sparring.

Following his last duel with Wang Sheng, Zhou Yinglong had gained new insights regarding sword intent. Hence, yesterday, he showed off to his junior brothers, and Gao Shixing happened to overhear their conversation.

Gao Shixing had long been interested in Wang Sheng, especially after his impressive performance at the Mount Mao exchange meeting. However, due to their difference in seniority, he had never sought him out directly.

Now, with Zhou Yinglong's scheduled sparring match as an excuse, Gao Shixing had come along, eager to see for himself whether the young Wudang disciple truly possessed exceptional skill.

From the moment he first laid eyes on Wang Sheng, Gao Shixing already saw the sword intent that was ready to burst forth within him.

After watching Wang Sheng execute the Seven-Star Sword Formation, Gao Shixing became even more impressed. When he was Wang Sheng's age, he hadn’t yet reached such a level in the Dao of the Sword.

Soon, however, he detected flaws in Wang Sheng's Seven-Star Sword Intent and recognized the limitations of the Seven-Star Sword Formation. The formation was a blend of sword and array techniques. Though it focused highly on variations, it lacked the sharp decisiveness of pure swordsmanship.

Intending to help, he deliberately demonstrated the orthodox Seven-Star Sword Technique, a skill not easily passed on to low-ranking disciples. Given Wang Sheng's understanding of the sword, simply witnessing it once would make it hard for him to forget its essence.

When Wang Sheng respectfully requested guidance again, Gao Shixing replied, "Let's go for a few rounds and see."

Wang Sheng readily agreed.

The two entered the courtyard and assumed their stances. The flat space before the gate was a bit narrow, making the courtyard a better choice.

Wang Sheng held Abyss Listener, while Gao Shixing wielded Zhou Yinglong's treasured sword. They stood ten meters apart.

As their gazes met, a clash of steel seemingly rang out between them. The primal qi around them stirred violently.

Gao Shixing's eyes shone with excitement as he forced another awkward smile. "You're already on the verge of breaking through to the Seed Formation stage. Such exceptional talent and comprehension."

Zhou Yinglong rubbed his nose, deciding it was best to stay unnoticed for now.

Inside the house, two pairs of curious eyes peeked out. Mu Wanxuan anticipated gaining some insights from the upcoming duel, while Chi Wen thought she could at least grasp half of their movements if she focused.

"Here I come, Martial Uncle."

With a low shout, Wang Sheng's true essence surged. He emitted a weak radiance, and Abyss Listener gleamed with dazzling starlight.

With a serious expression, Gao Shixing stepped forward and raised his sword. At that moment, he and his weapon became one, making his defense seem full of openings yet flawless.

A breeze soon swept through, and the two simultaneously charged at each other!

Although it was just a spar, Wang Sheng still gave it his all. Any less would have been disrespectful to his martial uncle.

Gao Shixing's cultivation and swordsmanship were superior to Wang Sheng's, but he concluded that Wang Sheng was not far behind. Hence, he did not hold back much either. Still, he only used the Seven-Star Sword Technique, countering Wang Sheng's Seven-Star Sword Formation with Wudang's authentic version.

The courtyard was instantly filled with sword phantasms, scattering star-like gleams in all directions.

Wang Sheng used a restricting formation, while Gao Shixing parried with his sword. Occasionally, longsword clashes rang out, but the two more often rapidly exchanged moves, each seeking the other's weaknesses.

Inside the house, Chi Wen stared in a daze for half a minute before softly murmuring, "Senior Brother... is really that strong?"

"Mm!" Mu Wanxuan nodded. Unblinkingly watching the battle, her lips curved into a gentle smile.

Chi Wen sighed, but this time, she did not cry.

The incident with the Supernatural Revelation Club had hit her hard. In her understanding, she had grown up under the care of her mother, who was a textbook strong woman. She even managed a large corporation, ensuring that Chi Wen's future would be one of wealth and security.

Chi Wen was completely different from her mother. She was much more like Qing Yanzi, cheerful and lively, though perhaps a little lacking in intelligence. Before university, she had always been under her mother's protection, completely oblivious to the ways of the world.

Joining the Supernatural Revelation Club was her way of seizing what she saw as an opportunity brought about by the world's changes. Funding the club had been her first real investment, though it nearly resulted in disaster.

Her mother's slap had shattered her pride, her dream of rising to immortality, and the goal of bringing prosperity that she had briefly entertained. Nevertheless, she had already stumbled onto the path of cultivation and made her mistakes.

After Wang Sheng had sternly warned her, she felt even more guilty, believing that she had brought harm to thousands of her fellow students. That guilt had swelled into an ocean within her heart. Hence, right now, anything that could distract her even slightly from that guilt and pain was a welcome relief.

The spar lasted for nearly ten minutes. Finding and hitting an opening in Wang Sheng's sword movements with precision, Gao Shixing quickly put a stop to Seven-Star Sword Formation.

Wang Sheng retreated gracefully, his mind brimming with newfound comprehension. It was as if he had encountered sweet rain after a long drought.

Gao Shixing gestured for Wang Sheng to process his insights. He then sat cross-legged and meditated right in the courtyard.

Wang Sheng quickly followed suit, sitting down in meditation. Abyss Listener trembled gently beside him.

Sparring with a similarly skilled opponent was the best way to discover one's shortcomings and learn from others' strengths. Like Wang Sheng, Gao Shixing also gained valuable insights from their match.

They sat in meditation for an hour before sharing their thoughts on sword cultivation. Afterward, they sparred again.

That day, Gao Shixing and Wang Sheng sparred four or five times. Noticing Zhou Yinglong standing awkwardly on the sidelines, they pulled him into the practice session as well.

In reality, it was a simple battle between overwhelming strength and struggling endurance.

As the sun set, Wang Sheng reluctantly escorted Gao Shixing and Zhou Yinglong down the mountain. Though he wanted to ask when they could meet again, he ultimately held back, fearing that requesting more guidance would disrupt Gao Shixing’s cultivation.

However, just a day later, Zhou Yinglong returned with Gao Shixing. Three or four of Zhou Yinglong's close junior brothers and sisters also accompanied them.

The small courtyard suddenly became lively.

***

Although it had only been a week since they had returned to the mountain, Wang Sheng had already made rapid progress in the Dao of the Sword.

He and Gao Shixing seemed like the legendary Bo Ya and Ziqi[1]. They conversed through their swords, exchanged sword intent, and became both mentor and friend to one another.

Wang Sheng had already mastered the Seven-Star Sword Technique, but integrating it into his Seven-Star Sword Formation required further contemplation and refinement.

Word of their duels quickly spread across the mountain. Eventually, the small courtyard became a place of aspiration for disciples passionate about sword cultivation.

By the time Gao Shixing visited for the fourth time, they had already attracted the attention of twenty to thirty disciples. They perched atop the courtyard walls, watching the sparring sessions that could go on for up to half a day.

Zhou Yinglong found it quite exasperating. He had originally hoped to receive pointers on swordsmanship from his junior brother, but now, he had become little more than a background figure.

Perhaps due to the bustling atmosphere, Chi Wen gradually regained some of her energy. Watching her Daoist-robed senior brothers and traditionally dressed senior sisters moving about the courtyard, her gloom slowly dissipated.

Eventually, the two custom-made dresses that Wang Sheng had ordered for her arrived. Imitating Mu Wanxuan's style, she donned a long dress and twirled in front of the mirror, unable to conceal her joy.

Watching her, Wang Sheng could only smirk to himself.

Truly, nothing delighted a woman more than fine clothing. The ancients did not lie.

1. Two ancient characters. Bo Ya loves to perform Guqin, and Ziqi loves to enjoy his Guqin performance; the two got along very well. ☜