Chapter 239 - 237: Duel with the Sword Venerable, Number One Under Heaven!
Song Changming allowed him to display his skills freely, without interference.
This can also be seen as a form of tolerance for Nan Chen Guang bringing a precious scroll, allowing him to perform to his heart’s content, bowing his head in acceptance upon defeat.
With a single thrust of the sword, green light burst forth, reflecting across the entire mountain pass.
Song Changming still hadn’t drawn his saber, instead he swung his arm, wielded his fist, striking out again.
The seemingly straightforward punch accompanied by a thunderous roar, with Fist Force layer upon layer blasting open, crushing the powerful Sword Qi released by the opponent.
The Sword Qi shattered, and Nan Chen Guang was injured by his Fist Force, his face turned pale. He spat blood and leaned on his sword, barely managing to stay upright.
"A very impressive strike." Song Changming commented.
He felt that the Sword Might of this strike was enough to injure him, so he used Fist Force to disrupt it, rather than relying on physical defense.
"I lost..."
Nan Chen Guang wiped the blood from his mouth, acknowledging his bitter defeat.
It could be said he lost utterly and completely.
"I concede." Song Changming initially intended to offer a few comforting words, but in the end, he simply stated that if he wanted to spar again in the future, he could come find him anytime.
"I will!" Nan Chen Guang said in a low voice.
Even though the outcome of this battle left him disheartened, his inner strength was formidable enough that his spirits were not truly crushed by Song Changming’s barrage of punches.
He would continue to grow and persist in challenging Song Changming.
"Do you need me to take you to the County City for treatment?" Song Changming, seeing that Nan Chen Guang was quite injured and seemed to have difficulty moving, couldn’t help but suggest.
"No need."
This response did not come from Nan Chen Guang. Suddenly, Song Changming looked up and aside.
Two figures were flying in from the distance, landing gracefully.
Song Changming’s eyes sharpened, perceiving from these two far more potent life auras than Nan Chen Guang!
These two who suddenly appeared were strong!
They could arguably be the strongest Martial Artists he had ever encountered!
"Father," Nan Chen Guang spoke, bowing his head.
The two who arrived were Sword Venerable Nan Wuji and Su Yaoguang, who had been observing for some time.
Nan Chen Guang did not expect his father to be here; it was like a student who had failed an exam, feeling ashamed in front of his father.
"Father?" Song Changming’s mind raced, quickly realizing that the tall middle-aged man in front of him was the Sword Venerable Nan Wuji, famous as the number one sword master in the world!
Top rank on the Celestial List!
And the elegant, beautiful woman beside him, looked like a fairy descended from the Celestial Palace.
Her identity was not hard to guess.
A Female Martial Artist with such a powerful aura, standing beside Sword Venerable Nan Wuji, whose presence did not fade, is just one person possible in the world today.
That would be the Pavilion Master of Wangyue Pavilion, Fairy Yaoguang!
Earlier, Liu Yan’Er had mentioned to him that her mentor Fairy Yuehan and the current Pavilion Master of Wangyue Pavilion were sisters.
He had seen Fairy Yuehan’s face before and could see some resemblance to this woman.
Both were beautiful, although their temperaments were considerably different.
In contrast, Sword Venerable Nan Wuji and his son Nan Chen Guang did not show much resemblance in appearance.
Coupled with the fact that Nan Wuji did not look particularly old, one wouldn’t think of them as father and son if it weren’t mentioned...
Song Changming never expected to meet these two extraordinarily powerful individuals today!
"It’s good that this battle gives you a sense of defeat, smooth sailing can be troublesome..." Nan Wuji said to his son.
"You can be discouraged but your will must not falter."
"Yes," Nan Chen Guang nodded in acknowledgment.
Then he turned to Suaoguang and saluted, "Junior greets the Pavilion Master."
This confirmation solidified what Song Changming had thought.
"First, meditate to stabilize your injuries, then come to my Wangyue Pavilion to rest for a few days." Su Yaoguang said with a gentle smile.
Nan Chen Guang glanced at his father, then quietly went to meditate nearby.
"Young friend, given your Body Refinement prowess, sparring with my son is somewhat unfair." Nan Wuji said, looking to Song Changming first.
"This battle was not initiated by me, and I was reluctant. I hope for your understanding, Senior." Song Changming replied respectfully.
He realized Nan Wuji was not truly blaming him, just acknowledging the disparity in their abilities. Anyone would see Song Changming as bullying someone weaker.
"That may be so, but as a father, I can’t ignore when my child is bullied and I don’t want you underestimating the Sword Dao heritage of Sword Cliff. How about you and I have a duel?" offered Nan Wuji.
Song Changming was shocked but soon adopted a serious demeanor.
This was no ordinary contest!
Nan Wuji, this Sword Venerable ranked first on the Celestial List, was inviting him to a sparring match!
If this news spread, any Martial Artist would consider it a great honor.
This in itself represented his ability being recognized by Nan Wuji as worthy competition; otherwise, Nan Wuji wouldn’t bother inviting a duel.
If Nan Wuji truly wanted to teach him a lesson, a single sword stroke would be enough.
"Your Body Refinement prowess has surpassed even the Ghost-faced Vajra of the past, and combined with your Inner Qi Cultivation, I’m curious about your true strength." Nan Wuji stated directly.
He was purely interested in seeing what Song Changming’s full strength was capable of.
"Since I have memory, it’s the first time I’ve seen the Sword Venerable personally instigate a challenge. Don’t worry, young friend, it’s just a Martial Tao exchange. We have no intentions against you." Su Yaoguang kindly reassured.
"If the two of you truly wished to confront me, I’d have no choice but to surrender," Song Changming admitted helplessly.
He wasn’t so arrogant because of his great power that he would disregard others.
He knew well that if Nan Wuji and Su Yaoguang teamed up against him, his defeat was almost inevitable, perhaps even costing him his life.
"Haha, you possess such astounding physical strength yet are capable of maintaining control; this is your most commendable skill," Su Yaoguang said, retreating gracefully to Nan Chen Guang’s side, who had his eyes closed in healing meditation.
The field was left for Nan Wuji and Song Changming.
"We can begin anytime." Nan Wuji looked at Song Changming, his gaze as tranquil as a clear lake, completely calm.
"Alright!" Song Changming slowly drew the Dragon Pattern Saber, not daring to underestimate his opponent, the Sword Venerable.
In fact, when Nan Wuji proposed to spar, he was more eager to fight than surprised.
After years of cultivation, it had been quite some time since he fully exerted his strength.
So much so that even he wasn’t sure of his current full power, or what level his combat capability could reach.
Moreover, the aura of the Sword Venerable was extraordinarily dazzling.
Across the world, any Martial Artist with ambition would want to defeat the Sword Venerable head-on, rising to new heights, overlooking the world.
However, for most Martial Artists, such dreams only existed within their sleep, yet today, Song Changming had the chance to realize it!
He had little interest in the title of number one in the world, but defeating this Sword Venerable did intrigue him!
Inner Qi surged within him violently, with Thunder Light flickering around, his Power poised for action.
On his saber, Sword Qi flickered, and five Wind Dragons manifested, their claws and fangs stirring strong winds across the mountain!
Beneath his feet, the ground gradually cracked, spreading outwards, as if unable to support the weight of Song Changming.
"Even your Spiritual Power is formidable, allowing such a perfect fusion of physical strength and Inner Qi! Truly an outstanding Martial Tao achievement..." Su Yaoguang marveled on the side.
Even with her perspective, she couldn’t help but acknowledge how uniquely strong Song Changming was!
On the other side, despite maintaining a seemingly unaffected appearance, Nan Wuji already had one hand on his sword grip behind his waist.
In the next moment, Song Changming moved first!
With power from his legs, he shot forward as if riding the wind, his speed surpassing what it was against Nan Chen Guang earlier.
In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Nan Wuji.
Roar!
Accompanied by five Wind Dragons, Song Changming’s Dragon Pattern Saber struck downward!
Nan Wuji also made his move then!
A red flash appeared, a Sword Qi refined to the utmost extent, thin as thread yet toppling Song Changming’s five Wind Dragons effortlessly.