Gate of God

Chapter 206: Shame

The thing that Fang Zhengzhi didn’t lack the most was patience.

Control over the World of the Sage had been lost. Everybody in the World of the Sage kenw this. Hence, the people of the Imperial Academy would similarly know this. He didn’t know what was the situation at the Imperial Academy at this moment.

However, there was one thing he was sure of. The longer he dragged, the more advantageous it was for his side.

“How would you feel if I use this Blazing Qilin Spear to make an exchange with you?” A slight smile appeared at the edges of Fang Zhengzhi’s mouth. He patiently waved the Blazing Qilin Spear in his hand with a sincere expression of his face.

“Use the Blazing Qilin Spear to make an exchange with me?!” Ying Shan was slightly taken aback. Then, he became truly shocked.

He hadn’t interacted much with Fang Zhengzhi. In reality, this was the first time they had met with one another. However, he didn’t believe that Fang Zhengzhi was an idiot.

Will someone who attained the Double Roll Champion in the county and capital examinations be an idiot?

Definitely not.

Moreover, Ying Shan would definitely not be so naive as to believe that Fang Zhengzhi’s brain had suddenly failed. He could feel Fang Zhengzhi’s calm and collected demeanor. Under such dire circumstances, such a demeanor was already deserving of respect.

Then, what is Fang Zhengzhi’s intention?

Ying Shan couldn’t understand.

The surrounding examinees couldn’t understand as well. When they heard Fang Zhengzhi’s words, they were dumbfounded. Behind their confusion, there was even greater horror and worry.

They were truly afraid that Fang Zhengzhi would give the Blazing Qilin Spear to Ying Shan.

After all, Fang Zhengzhi was a person who would be impossible to read by ordinary thinking.

If the Blazing Qilin Spear was really passed into Ying Shan’s hands by Fang Zhengzhi, that would be the time that they would truly lose their last chance of survival.

The shock on Ping Yang’s face couldn’t be concealed as well.

If there was one person who seemed relatively calmer at the scene, that would be Yan Xiu.

Yan Xiu didn’t know what Fang Zhengzhi wanted to do. However, no matter whether Fang Zhengzhi’s words were true or false, he would still believe that Fang Zhengzhi had his own reason for doing this.

“Fang Zhengzhi, the Blazing Qilin Spear is mine!” Ping Yang felt like she had to remind Fang Zhengzhi of this fact.

“But, isn’t it now in my hands?” Fang Zhengzhi reminded Ping Yang as he held on to the Blazing Qilin Spear to accept the reality in front of her.

“If… you pass the Blazing Qilin Spear into the hands of the demon race, I will never forgive you.” Ping Yang evidently didn’t expect Fang Zhengzhi to say such a shameless thing.

“Between your life and the Blazing Qilin Spear, which one would you choose?”

“I want both!”

“One cannot be too naive. You always have to sacrifice one thing to gain another. I choose life, so, naturally I will have to sacrifice the Blazing Qilin Spear.” Fang Zhengzhi chided patiently.

“Hmph!” Being unable to win the argument, Ping Yang didn’t bother arguing further.

When Ying Shan heard the conversation between Ping Yang and Fang Zhengzhi, his eyes glinted with light. Even though he wasn’t keen on believing Fang Zhengzhi’s words, there was always a probability. If Fang Zhengzhi truly gave up the Blazing Qilin Spear, that would save him quite a lot of trouble.

“You are truly willing to pass the Blazing Qilin Spear to me?” Ying Shan thought for a moment, and then decided to maintain his patience for a little while longer.

“Of course.” Fang Zhengzhi seemed very sure.

“Alright, as long as you pass the Blazing Qilin Spear to me, I will spare your life!” A deep, sinister smile formed at the edges of Ying Shan’s lips.

“Make an oath.”

“An oath? Sure! I, Ying Shan, swear to the Demon God that as long as Fang Zhengzhi passes the Blazing Qilin Spear to me, I will definitely spare Fang Zhengzhi’s life!” Ying Shan hesitated for a moment, but decided to swear solemnly in the end.

After all, he only swore to spare Fang Zhengzhi’s life. He didn’t promise to not attack Fang Zhengzhi. For example, disabling him for life?

“Yes, this oath doesn’t seem too bad. However, what I want isn’t for you to spare my life, so… I believe this oath is useless.” Fang Zhengzhi nodded very seriously.

“You…” Ying Shan face fell. The smile on his face froze instantly. He felt as if he had been fooled around with.

Furthermore, him, the great Ying Domain Vice Domain Chief of the Ten Devilish Domains, was actually fooled around by this tiny kid in front of so many people of the human race?

You don’t want life. Then, what were you discussing with Ping Yang about? And why did you still ask me to make an oath?

This is shame, true shame!

The other examinees looked at one another, not knowing whether to laugh or to cry.

Call Fang Zhengzhi stupid?

But the great Vice Domain Chief of the Ten Devilish Domains seemed to have been fooled and played around with by Fang Zhengzhi.

Call Fang Zhengzhi smart?

What kind of smart person would take out the Blazing Qilin Spear, the only source of self-protection, as an item of exchange at such a time?

Ping Yang’s clear gaze shot towards Fang Zhengzhi. She really wanted to exclaim, well done! However, when the words reached the edges of her mouth, she swallowed it back. After all, Fang Zhengzhi was using her Blazing Qilin Spear to make a bet.

“Hmph, I just knew you would talk glibly!” Ping Yang huffed lightly and cocked her head to one side.

On the other hand, Yan Xiu’s expression remained calm. It was just as if everything was to be expected.

Among the people present at the scene, the person who was affected the most was Nangong Mu. He could clearly feel that Ying Shan’s emotional state had been battered greatly.

The pressure from Ying Shan’s territory had been noticeably reduced by a little.

Within the time span of a few sentences, Fang Zhengzhi was able to cause Ying Shan to almost lose control over his emotions twice, giving Nangong Mu more time and more strength. How is Fang Zhengzhi able to achieve this? Nangong Mu really couldn’t understand.

Xing Qingsui’s expression was a ghostly shade of pale. But, he strenuously continued to hold his eyes open. He felt somewhat angry, angry at himself for bringing Ying Shan into the World of the Sage. Even more, he hated himself for not holding his guard against Ying Shan.

If it wasn’t for this, how would Ying Shan’s sneak attack be a success?

Now, all he wished for was to use his life to exchange for all the mistakes he had made. However, he had already lost his qualification to do so. The only person who was qualified to do this now was Fang Zhengzhi.

“What are your terms? I will only give you one chance to speak!” Ying Shan had no way to continue negotiating with Fang Zhengzhi happily any further. Because, he felt that he might die of anger if this continued.

“My terms are very simple. I want to use the Blazing Qilin Spear to exchange for your weakness!” Fang Zhengzhi could feel Ying Shan’s rage. Thus, he couldn’t continue to fool around. It is fine to play with fire, however, no matter what, it isn’t fine to burn up oneself.

“Weakness?” Ying Shan was taken aback. He really didn’t expect Fang Zhengzhi to ask for this.

The other examinees were also taken aback.

This exchange simply couldn’t complete. Why would Ying Shan be stupid enough to tell his weakness to Fang Zhengzhi? That was evidently impossible. Then, what were the intentions of Fang Zhengzhi’s words?

“The Blazing Qilin Spear is what I use to protect my life. Your weakness is what you use to protect your life. I am using my life protection to exchange for yours. Such an exchange is only fair, don’t you think so?” Fang Zhengzhi ignored the glances coming from the surrounding people. Instead, he looked at Ying Shan calmly.

“Ha ha, what you said does makes sense.” When Ying Shan heard this, he finally laughed out. “Then, how can you prove that the weakness I speak of is real?”

“All you have to do is to make an oath to the Demon God. Or, maybe you can let me jab at your weakness just once?” Fang Zhengzhi looked at Ying Shan anticipatedly.

His intention naturally wasn’t to make an exchange.

Even people of his previous world weren’t stupid enough to make an exchange with a stranger, and there were even less reasons to do so under current circumstances. Thus, the reason he wanted to exchange Ying Shan’s weakness was because weakness was too vague, and hard to trade.

Of course, if Ying Shan really revealed it, he didn’t mind listening.

However, will the Vice Domain Chief of the Ten Devilish Domains be so stupid? Fang Zhengzhi didn’t have such a hope. Yet, what would be the difference whether he did or not? His aim was to delay time, hence, the purpose of this exchange was only an excuse to delay time.

A vague and extremely complicated exchange was the best way to delay time.

Furthermore, most importantly…

Fang Zhengzhi was conducting a test.

He was testing how much Ying Shan feared the Blazing Qilin Spear.

From their conversation, Fang Zhengzhi could confirm that Ying Shan knew very well the power of the Blazing Qilin Spear. Hence, if Ying Shan really agreed to this exchange, it meant that he was indeed extremely fearful of the Blazing Qilin Spear. The results of the battle will hence be an unknown. If Fang Zhengzhi himself fought with all his strength, there would be at least a fifty percent hope of winning.

However, if Ying Shan immediately chose to give up on the bet.

This meant that the threat of the Blazing Qilin Spear to him would at most cause some light injuries, that was it. If he wanted to leverage on the Blazing Qilin Spear to defeat Ying Shan, there wasn’t even a one out of ten chance of winning.

“Ha ha ha… You are truly willing to go to such painstaking lengths as to use the Blazing Qilin Spear to exchange for my weakness? Unfortunately, I will have to disappoint you.” Ying Shan already didn’t bother to engage in any further conversations with Fang Zhengzhi. Waving the blade on his hand, he prepared to advance.

When Fang Zhengzhi saw Ying Shan’s determined attitude, he knew that the Blazing Qilin Spear on his hand didn’t pose as much of a threat to Ying Shan as he thought.

However, he was just trying to delay time. Hence, he didn’t mind talking more.

“Calm down. If you don’t agree to these terms, we can change to another one…”

“Stop your nonsense, prepare to die!”

Ying Shan was truly enraged this time.

Even though the Blazing Qilin Spear posed as a threat to him, he was ready to fight to the death. He hadn’t even thought of walking out of the Yan Capital alive. Then, as long as this threat didn’t cost his life, it wasn’t considered a threat.

Stepping out, Ying Shan had actually given up on the trapped Nangong Mu under his immense rage and instead turned around and charged towards Fang Zhengzhi.

Fang Zhengzhi’s eyes lit up, and his plan instantly changed.

The tactic of delaying time immediately turned into creating a diversion and luring the enemy away. Moreover, he had never thought that he would have to fight face-to-face with Ying Shan so quickly.

Hence, when Ying Shan moved, he quickly shouted out.

“Quick, run!”

Then, without giving any opportunity for Ping Yang and Yan Xiu to speak, he pulled along the two people on his left and right and began to run. That demeanor was completely devoid of any hesitation and doubt.

The examinees who were prepared to watch a huge battle unfold at one side were instantly stunned.

If this was the combat examinations, wouldn’t running immediately when the battle began mean that one admitted defeat and was to be eliminated?

Can he not be so weak?

In any case, you are holding on to the Blazing Qilin Spear, one of the ten great treasures of the Great Xia Dynasty. If now isn’t the time to fight with all your might, when is? At the very least, why can’t you at least make a few jabs with the spear and run away when the situation turns dire?

Isn’t running away once the enemy comes like what you are doing now a little too shameless?

Will Fang Zhengzhi care about these things that didn’t cause any pain or discomfort?

Of course not.

Preserving his life was his greatest virtue. As for enlightenment during a battle or making a comeback, to hell with these! That’s forceful cheating.

“We are just making an exchange, can you at least show some sincerity? If you can’t accept one of the terms, we can always continue discussing. If the next one is rejected as well, there is always another one! Fighting and killing are never ways to resolve a problem…” As Fang Zhengzhi ran, he didn’t forget to shout out loudly.

“Alright, let’s sit together and talk this out nicely!” Ying Shan’s eyes were already somewhat bloodshot. The feeling of being shamed affected him deeply, hence, he gritted his teeth tightly.

“I feel that it is still better to maintain some distance. If you stop, I will definitely stop immediately.” Fang Zhengzhi would definitely not fall for this trick.

“Hmph!” Ying Shan huffed coldly. He didn’t bother replying Fang Zhengzhi any further. The speed of his legs increased, instantly turning into a smoky shadow…

Ying Shan’s speed gave Fang Zhengzhi a huge shock.

Isn’t this a little too fast?

Luckily, I am prepared and learnt Yan Xiu’s Wind Shadow Technique so that I won’t be too slow either.

One chased, while the other ran.

Ying Shan’s territory naturally shifted a little towards Fang Zhengzhi’s position.

Nangong Mu, who was initially trapped within Ying Shan’s territory, regained some colour in his face. The pressure on his body also relaxed very evidently. His eyes were filled with a slight shock as the green and blue territory illuminated up and expanded.

Even if the rest of the examinees didn’t understand Fang Zhengzhi’s intention, it was impossible for him not to understand.

Only he knew how many intentions Fang Zhengzhi had.

Without further ado, and even without much hesitation, Nangong Mu turned around and leapt towards the position of the rock. The Green and Blue Dual Blades on his hands slashed towards the four black chains that sealed the golden sword.

The golden sword hilt was wrapped around by a golden dragon, whose faint golden glow illuminated the blade of the sword.

The chains that were able to seal such a sword naturally couldn’t be broken with any ordinary weapon. However, the swords on Nangong Mu’s hand were not ordinary weapons either.

They were treasures that were passed down through generations among the Nangong Nobles. The Green and Blue Dual Blades.

The Green and Blue Dual Blades, other than being the essential weapon for employing the Green and Blue Secret Art, was extremely sharp. Even among the weapon list of the Great Xia Dynasty, it ranked in the top thirty.

“Clang!” A crisp sound resounded.

A pinkie sized incision was made on the black chain.

Nangong Mu’s body trembled. Fresh blood spurted out of the wound on his chest, staining the robe he wore on his body red.

Such a movement naturally wouldn’t escape Ying Shan’s ears.

The figure that charged towards Fang Zhengzhi decelerated. Turning back his head, Ying Shan realised that Nangong Mu had raised his Green and Blue Dual Blades once again and slashed down with lightning speed.

“I see!” As the Vice Domain Chief among the ten domains, he was naturally well-versed with the arts of war. However, due to his rage, he fell for Fang Zhengzhi’s trick.

This struck another blow to his pride.

Fang Zhengzhi must die!

However, the more pressing problem now was to stop Nangong Mu from pulling out the sword.

Ying Shan instantly made a decision. Turning his body, the entire body once again charged towards Nangong Mu, who was standing on the rock. He simply didn’t bother with Fang Zhengzhi anymore.

Fang Zhengzhi always upheld a famous quote.

If the enemy doesn’t move, I won’t move. If the enemy moves… I will move around, anyhow!

Now that Ying Shan had moved towards Nangong Mu, he naturally couldn’t allow Ying Shan to reach Nangong Mu’s side as easy.

“Watch out for my hidden weapon!”

Chapter 207: Shadowless

Fang Zhengzhi roared as if he was afraid that Ying Shan wouldn’t know.

“Hidden weapon?” Ying Shan definitely didn’t feel that using a hidden weapon behind his back was shameless. Not too long ago, he had used the same method to harm majority of the examinees at the scene.

However, he didn’t slow down. Because, his target was Nangong Mu.

On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi’s actions now was undoubtedly disturbing him from behind.

With his vast battle experiences, Ying Shan definitely wouldn’t be held back by Fang Zhengzhi’s harmless disturbance.

Fang Zhengzhi’s state was only Heavenly Reflection. Even if he threw out a few hidden weapons, how could they even harm him?

On the other hand, Nangong Mu had already raised his sword once again and the chain was very likely to be broken.

Time was everything.

Hence, Ying Shan continued to advance.

Not knowing what hidden weapons Fang Zhengzhi threw at him, he instinctively waved the blade on his hands behind his back, causing a black barrier to appear behind him.

That was enough.

But…

The impact of the hidden weapon he imagined seemed a little too forceful.

“Boom!” A loud bang resounded.

The black barrier behind Ying Shan’s back was completely shattered without any resistance, turning into spots of black light. A force with the power of a volcanic explosion rushed towards him, instantly slamming into Ying Shan’s back.

Ying Shan, who didn’t have any time to react, stumbled and almost fell face-down onto the ground.

The rumbling in his chest resembled the rolling of waves.

“Pssh!” A mouthful of fresh blood spurted out from Ying Shan’s mouth into the air, which quickly turned into steam. A powerful scorching, piercing pain came from the skin on his back.

Without even looking, Ying Shan knew that he suffered minimally broken bones and torn muscles.

Ying Shan was deeply shaken.

He really couldn’t understand what kind of hidden weapon had such a strong power?!

Turning back his head, he discovered a fully scarlet spear impaled onto the ground. The golden rays glinted from the tip of the spear, glowing faintly from under the ground.

On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi dashed towards the spear with lightning speed and smoothly regained the spear.

“I have already reminded you, yet you didn’t take it seriously? You are really disappointing me too much…” Fang Zhengzhi held the Blazing Qilin Spear and gazed at Ying Shan with an innocent expression on his face.

“The Blazing Qilin Spear?! You… You used the Blazing Qilin Spear as your hidden weapon?” Ying Shan’s eyes were wide with shock.

He would never have thought that Fang Zhengzhi would be so brave as to send the Blazing Qilin Spear as a hidden weapon flying towards his back.

One must note that under the circumstances just now, if he didn’t pursue Nangong Mu, or, as long as he treated it a little more seriously and turned his head around to look, that Blazing Qilin Spear would definitely land in his hands.

Throwing the Blazing Qilin Spear as a hidden weapon? This was the act of a daredevil.

Not only was Ying Shan unable to comprehend this, the rest of the people on the scene also stared with their eyes opened wide.

Nobody would ever had thought that Fang Zhengzhi’s “hidden weapon” was actually the powerful Blazing Qilin Spear! Wasn’t that a little too much?

“He threw out the Blazing Qilin Spear?!”

“Oh my God, that’s the Blazing Qilin Spear? Isn’t he afraid that…”

“This is simply nonsense!”

The examinees stared at Fang Zhengzhi in disbelief, their mouths agape.

Ping Yang’s face similarly turned somewhat pale with fear.

Standing behind Fang Zhengzhi, she had the clearest view of what had transpired.

When Fang Zhengzhi shouted out, “watch out for my hidden weapon”, the Blazing Qilin Spear had already left his hands and turned into a ray of light and flew towards Ying Shan, bringing along a small golden glow.

At that moment, her heart had fallen apart.

Most importantly, Fang Zhengzhi had purposely shouted, “Watch… hidden weapon!”

The most important factor was the word, “watch”.

What is this guy trying to do? You don’t value other people’s treasures at all? Ping Yang regretted somewhat, regretted lending her Blazing Qilin Spear to Fang Zhengzhi.

However, what left her speechless was that Fang Zhengzhi had actually retrieved the Blazing Qilin Spear. Furthermore, he seemed to have caused Ying Shan of the Supernatural State to spurt out a mouthful of blood?

That was completely unbelievable.

Yan Xiu had also witnessed Fang Zhengzhi’s actions. No matter how much he trusted Fang Zhengzhi, he was ultimately stunned by such a daring move.

However, fortunately, Ying Shan actually didn’t turn around.

Instead, he used a simple black barrier to defend against the Blazing Qilin Spear, the treasure with the greatest offensive power among the ten great treasures of the Great Xia Dynasty.

This move was naturally effective.

However…

This move? Why is this effective?!

Nobody had thought of such an outcome. However, it was a fact that Ying Shan didn’t use his full powers to defend against this move.

One move was enough to injure Ying Shan?

Among the people present at the scene, even Nangong Mu with his Green and Blue Secret Art was unable to injure Ying Shan beyond a few superficial wounds. However, Fang Zhengzhi’s move caused Ying Shan to spurt out a mouthful of blood?

It was obvious who was better.

“Clang!”

Right at this moment, a crisp sound snapped people out of their thoughts.

Nangong Mu’s sword had already landed at this moment. One chain among the four black chains had already been broken off. This caused the wound on his chest to once again flow with streams of bright, fresh blood.

However, he didn’t stop.

Instead, he continued to slash towards the other three chains.

Nangong Mu didn’t distract himself by observing Fang Zhengzhi’s battle. For some unknown reason, he felt that Fang Zhengzhi would definitely be able to hold back Ying Shan.

Maybe it was because Fang Zhengzhi was able to rile up Ying Shan’s emotions with just a few sentences previously.

Or, maybe it was because that there was no other choice at the moment.

After weighing the pros and cons, he decided to focus on what he was supposed to do. As for the rest, he would let Fang Zhengzhi settle them.

Just as Nangong Mu had expected.

After Fang Zhengzhi’s powerful blow, Ying Shan stopped. His eyes flashed with a faint cold glow. For the second time, he felt shamed. And this time, it was built upon his vast battle experiences.

Hidden weapon…

Who in this world would use the Blazing Qilin Spear as a hidden weapon?

He really wanted to turn around and grab Fang Zhengzhi, then place his mouth close to Fang Zhengzhi’s ear and shout, “Why would you throw the Blazing Qilin Spear?”

However, he couldn’t do this. Because, he had to stop Nangong Mu.

Once the sword was pulled out.

Only the Heavens would know whether the World of the Sage would once again fall under the control of the Imperial Academy. When that time comes, all his plans would be foiled. Hence, he didn’t have time to delay any further.

Injury?

This was indeed true. However, being of the Supernatural State, how could he be afraid of injuries? The blood and charred flesh on his back began to peel off rapidly, and slowly began to recover with a speed that could be observed with one’s naked eyes.

The Supernatural State.

Even though such a heavy injury required some time to heal, Ying Shan didn’t delay much longer. Lifting his feet, he pounced towards Nangong Mu once again.

“Watch out for my hidden weapon!” Fang Zhengzhi’s voice was like an overly attached woman bugging Ying Shan. He had no choice but to slow down slightly.

Ying Shan was already injured. If he was impaled by the Blazing Qilin Spear once more, he would require at least an hour to recover completely.

An hour…

There were many things that could happen under such circumstances. For example,the sword would be pulled out, or, he could even be killed by these people.

The Supernatural State was very powerful.

However, that didn’t mean that he was invincible.

In reality, every human had one similar weakness. That, was their pocket dimension.

The pocket dimension was the core of all their power. The heart of Dao grew from the heart. The access of Dao was done through the heart. Hence, the power of human’s pocket dimension lay in their hearts.

On the other hand, the demon race’s powers lie within their demon eye. They gained and controlled power through their demon eye. If the demon eye was injured, this meant that all their powers would disappear.

Ying Shan naturally couldn’t allow such a thing to happen. Hence, this time, he definitely wouldn’t dare to underestimate his opponent like what he did previously.

He turned his head.

However…

The Blazing Qilin Spear he expected didn’t arrive.

What came was a silver light that filled the entire sky. It was like stars that shone in the night sky, bright yet hidden. The sound of air being pierced could be heard.

Naturally, that was the “Torrential Pear Blossom” which Fang Zhengzhi always loved to use.

Under the additional power provided by the Heavenly Reflection State, the silver needles were each covered with ice and frost. As for its deadliness, killing a person of the Star Conglomerate State wasn’t a problem at all.

Ying Shan gazed at the starlights that flew towards him and narrowed his eyes. He didn’t know what trick Fang Zhengzhi was trying to play, and what treasures Fang Zhengzhi threw at him.

But, after the lesson learnt from his first experience, he definitely wouldn’t underestimate his opponent.

A powerful force rose from Ying Shan’s body.

The dense, ink-like territory instantly condensed itself, focusing on blocking the starlights that flew over.

“Clang clang clang clang…”

A stream of sounds rang out. The starlights clashed into the territory, then, fell to the floor one-by-one, revealing a scene of broken needles…

Other than that, there wasn’t any further changes.

“Just that?” Ying Shan stared, somewhat confused, at the broken needles on the ground.

Ping Yang was also somewhat confused.

When she saw Fang Zhengzhi give up using the Blazing Qilin Spear for a second time and instead, fish out a handful of silver needles from his pockets, she was filled with hope and expectation. She eagerly anticipated Fang Zhengzhi to make another miracle.

But now…

This eager anticipation seemed somewhat inappropriate.

The other examinees also stared with their eyes wide open. When Fang Zhengzhi injured Ying Shan in one move, they had actually pinned all their hopes on Fang Zhengzhi.

As the saying went, taking advantage of one’s injury to take one’s life. Quoting military tactics, pursue while at an advantage. The essence of these were that the second attack would be stronger and deadlier than the first.

Then, what was the meaning of this starlight that was loud as thunder, yet as small as raindrops.

Couldn’t he at least make a nicer show?

On the other hand, Yan Xiu wasn’t too shocked this time.

He knew very well that the handful of silver needles were very ordinary street products. There wasn’t even the smallest bit of improvement or enhancement. How could such a thing harm Ying Shan?

“How is the power of my Torrential Pear Blossoms?” Fang Zhengzhi fished out another handful of silver needles once again and waved them in front of Ying Shan, anticipating his review.

“…” Ying Shan didn’t speak. He fell into silence. Because, he really didn’t know what to say.

He only knew that he seemed to have turned cultured today, so cultured that he didn’t even have the slightest bit of temper. He really wanted to swear, however, that was evidently a waste of time.

Hence, he didn’t pay any further attention to Fang Zhengzhi. Instead, he continued to charge towards the rock.

However, due to the previous delay.

Nangong Mu’s sword once again slashed onto the second chain. This time, Nangong Mu’s strength seemed to be even stronger than the previous time. He was actually able to cut halfway into the chain.

“Don’t run, watch out for my hidden weapon!” Fang Zhengzhi shouted out once again the moment Ying Shan turned his head.

This time, Ying Shan didn’t turn his head immediately. His speed was fast as lightning, turning into a smoke-like shadow just with his speed alone. In an instant, he had arrived beside the rock.

He was too fast, so fast that people couldn’t see clearly what was happening.

Under such circumstances, there was no hidden weapon that could be faster than Ying Shan’s speed.

Everybody held their breath. Because, as long as Ying Shan ascended the rock, Nangong Mu wouldn’t be able to slash the chain. Then, the battle would turn into a horrible one.

Nangong Mu’s expression was as calm as ever. With his abilities, he could naturally feel that Ying Shan had arrived below the rock. However, he didn’t move. The sword in his hands slashed down with the same powerful determination.

As if he completely missed what was happening.

Xing Qingsui’s hand strenuously pushed against the ground. He wanted to stop Ying Shan. However, having lost so much blood, to be able to resist fainting was already the best he could do.

This moment seemed to have become the most critical moment in the battle.

Anybody would be able to guess Ying Shan’s intentions. No matter how Fang Zhengzhi attempted to harass Ying Shan, as long as he didn’t dare to fight head-on with Ying Shan, it would forever be futile.

Everybody could predict that Ying Shan’s next move would be to mount the rock, and then descend into a killing spree.

However, right at this moment, the blade in Ying Shan’s hands suddenly turned around.

As always, people move with their blades.

The moment he turned his blade, he seemed to spin backwards on the spot. Instantly, the advance became retreat, slashing towards his back with the speed of a black light.

A sly and crafty military tactic.

As the Vice Domain Chief of the Ying Domain in the Ten Devilish Domains, Ying Shan was very proud. All along, he had been respected for his outstanding talents.

However, this time, he had been controlled by Fang Zhengzhi multiple times.

He could indeed charge immediately up the rock. However, if he did this, he wouldn’t be able to live with himself. This wasn’t related to the task at hand. He only wanted to win on an intellectual level for once.

Even though it was only once.

If he couldn’t achieve this, he would never be able to calm his own heart. If his heart wasn’t calm, how could he reach the peak level of power?

Hence, he chose to counter-attack.

Using slyness to defeat slyness.

He decided to change the direction of his blade at the critical moment Fang Zhengzhi chased up to him and thrust suddenly towards him, catching him off guard. This would take down that annoying person in one move.

The blade was still the same blade, carrying along the faint smell of blood.

However, under the intense wrapping of shadows, the shiny, bright blade turned pitch-black, as if it was soaked in ink. Within this pitch-black shadow territory, not a glimmer of light shone.

This was Ying Shan’s most powerful technique, a technique that shook their entire Ten Devilish Domains.

The Shadow Blade Technique.

There was another name for this blade technique, Shadowless.

Under the influence of his dark shadow territory, his blade was able to become untraceable and unable to locate.

Due to this blade technique, when Ying Shan became known to the world, he gained a nickname within the demon race. That was, Ghost Shadow Blade.

Either he didn’t participate in a fight, or he would deliver the killing blow in one hit!

Chapter 208: Face Head-On

Going from advance to retreat was something that was extremely hard to achieve. However, Ying Shan’s movements were as smooth and natural as the moving clouds and flowing water. It was as if everything he had done before was in preparation for this strike.

Darkness covered the ground, and the blade in Ying Shan’s hand had already disappeared.

This was Shadowless.

However…

Disappearing alongside Ying Shan’s blade was also Fang Zhengzhi, as well as Yan Xiu and Ping Yang.

This seemed to not make any sense at all.

However, it was for a fact that when Ying Shan drew his blade and counter-attacked, Fang Zhengzhi disappeared. Or, it could be said that all along, Fang Zhengzhi had never appeared behind Ying Shan.

Ying Shan’s expression of unparalleled self-confidence froze.

He couldn’t understand. Where did Fang Zhengzhi go? Why would Fang Zhengzhi suddenly disappear?

“Are you looking for me?” Fang Zhengzhi’s voice sounded out from behind Ying Shan’s body.

Ying Shan turned around and was even more shocked to see Fang Zhengzhi standing below the rock. Holding a Blazing Qilin Spear in his hands, a similarly shocked expression appeared on his face.

Of course, Fang Zhengzhi never expected Ying Shan to turn around suddenly.

He was indeed pursuing Ying Shan from behind, and his objective was naturally also to delay Ying Shan from going up the rock.

However, he didn’t chase closely behind Ying Shan. Or, it could be said that all along, he maintained a misalignment behind Ying Shan’s body. This wasn’t because he could guess Ying Shan’s intentions.

Instead, it was a habit.

To someone who was well-versed with sneak attacks, it was only natural for him to instinctively avoid a few possibilities of falling for a sneak attack as well.

This was similar to a general on the battlefield who was well-versed in cutting off people’s supplies. He would definitely guard the back of his own battlefield very heavily.

Fang Zhengzhi was such a person. He was used to unleashing sudden attacks, and used to sudden counter-attacks. Hence, he would definitely not allow himself to follow so closely behind the enemy’s back, and instead, pursue at a misaligned angle.

Ying Shan’s counter-attack was incredibly beautiful.

However, there was one greatest flaw in this counter-attack. That was before one’s blade turned, one mustn’t turn his head, not even reveal the slightest bit of intention to do so.

Hence, it would naturally be impossible for Ying Shan to know Fang Zhengzhi’s position.

Hence, Ying Shan counter-attacked.

On the other hand, Fang Zhengzhi didn’t have time to react, charging in front of Ying Shan. In an instant, both of them entered each other’s visual blind spot. This was a golden opportunity.

If Fang Zhengzhi took advantage of this, he would definitely be able to inflict serious damage upon Ying Shan.

However, Fang Zhengzhi had no way of knowing that Ying Shan would turn around. Hence, he maintained his blazing speed and charged in front. He wanted to stop Ying Shan from the side, thus, he naturally didn’t take advantage of this opportunity.

This was a coincidence that left people speechless.

However, this coincidence caused Ying Shan’s heart to once again be unable to reach a state of calm. Such a perfect plan was foiled? What hint did he reveal?

How could this not harm him?

A list of doubts rose up within Ying Shan’s head.

These questions similarly filled the minds of the surrounding examinees.They already couldn’t understand the reason why Ying Shan turned around.

Now, they were still unable to understand the reason.

The scene that unfolded a moment ago.

Ying Shan very evidently unleashed a powerful killing blow. The power of that blade likened one that aimed to slice off a mountain peak.

However, all along, Fang Zhengzhi wasn’t following behind Ying Shan.

This was something they had seen very clearly.

Then, what is Ying Shan trying to slash with this blade? The air? Or, was it to vent his rage?

Nobody could understand. However, there was one point which they understood very well.

Fang Zhengzhi had successfully blocked the way between Ying Shan and Nangong Mu. Yan Xiu and Ping Yang stood in the same row beside Fang Zhengzhi.

Standing below the rock.

Ying Shan’s blade was as ink-black as before. However, this ink-black blade seemed somewhat heavy in his hands. The Shadow Blade Technique emphasized slyness and being traceless. If it was used during a sneak attack, it would be even more unexpected. That was the most important reason he was sent for this task.

Now that tracelessness had turned into traceable, the power of this blade technique had been reduced by at least seventy percent.

“How… did you see through it?” Ying Shan had to ask this in the end. This stemmed from his pride and self-respect.

Fang Zhengzhi knew very well what Ying Shan was asking.

Answer with the truth?

That was just because his luck was a little bit good…

Fang Zhengzhi wasn’t so stupid. If he wasn’t able to win based on abilities, then, he had to defeat the opponent with his temperament, at least causing the opponent to feel afraid.

“Because, your move contains a life-threatening weakness. Or, it could be said that every single one of your moves contained a life-threatening weakness. This is a habit you cannot change. And it is this very habit that lets me know whatever you are going to do.” Fang Zhengzhi’s expression was very serious. It was like an elder pointing out the flaws of a younger person’s techniques.

Ying Shan frowned slightly. Everyone had a weakness. He was no exception. However, he didn’t know whether Fang Zhengzhi was speaking about the same weakness which he knew of.

He was more inclined to believe that Fang Zhengzhi was spouting nonsense.

However, Fang Zhengzhi had indeed previously proved this with his actions. Each of his actions were indeed expected and foreseen by Fang Zhengzhi. That was a rather bad feeling, it was even somewhat scary.

Being able to determine an opponent’s weakness with one look?

Has Fang Zhengzhi’s talents already reached such a level?

“He really saw through Ying Shan’s moves?”

“Isn’t that… not very possible?”

“So it seems that Ying Shan previously wanted to deliver a killing blow to Fang Zhengzhi? But, it has been foreseen by Fang Zhengzhi, allowing him to dodge it? No wonder…”

When the examinees heard the conversation between Ying Shan and Fang Zhengzhi, they began to guess.

“Clang!” A gentle sound snapped Ying Shan and the examinees from their thoughts.

On the rock, two chains had already been broken. The golden sword let out a low cry, as if it could break out from the stone any moment.

At this moment, success took another step forward.

From the moment Fang Zhengzhi stood out until now, he hadn’t even fought once with Ying Shan face-to-face. However, he injured Ying Shan badly on his back, and most of all, delayed at least two minutes worth of time.

Most importantly, up till now, Ying Shan hadn’t even taken a single step up the rock.

There was no other way to describe this other than being a miracle.

Just like how Fang Zhengzhi used two hours to complete six examination papers in the theory examination of the Imperial Examination, becoming the theory examination roll champion with his full marks.

Nobody would have thought of such an outcome, much less that such a thing would occur.

But these were the facts. Facts that cannot be argued against.

“Will you be able to stop me even if you are able to see through my techniques?” This time, Ying Shan didn’t rush to ascend the rock immediately. Because, he had already viewed Fang Zhengzhi as a true enemy.

At least, it was an enemy that allowed him to take seriously.

“There is a saying. When you meet with a problem, you must face it head-on!” Fang Zhengzhi stood his spear on the ground with a proud and unyielding expression on his face.

However, this aura appearing from Fang Zhengzhi’s body.

In addition to everything Fang Zhengzhi did previously, truly caused people to feel slightly unwell.

Ying Shan had this exact feeling.

Face head-on?

Then, what did you just do? Sneaking an attack on me from behind, relentless sly and cunning tactics, since when did you ever face head-on?

The surrounding examinees also had this same thought. However, at this moment, they stood in the same camp as Fang Zhengzhi. Hence, they could get used to this indisposed feeling.

At this moment, Yan Xiu had opened the Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan in his hands and stood quietly beside Fang Zhengzhi. He didn’t feel indisposed. Instead, he only chose to fight alongside Fang Zhengzhi at this time that Fang Zhengzhi decided to face this battle head-on.

Ping Yang similarly stood shoulder-to-shoulder beside Fang Zhengzhi. By right, Ping Yang should have walked away at this moment. Because, she already had no more strength to fight. More importantly, she had already given her Blazing Qilin Spear to Fang Zhengzhi. Then, how could she fight with Ying Shan of the Supernatural State?

However, Ping Yang didn’t walk away.

She stood beside Fang Zhengzhi and waved her fists, preparing for the fight.

“Can you take a rest at the side?” Fang Zhengzhi’s words harshly cracked down on Ping Yang’s determination for the battle.

Ping Yang’s tiny mouth instantly pouted, seeming as if she was very angry. As the great Princess Ping Yang, she had pride and arrogance that ran through her bones. Furthermore, she had another reason to be arrogant, one that came with her birth.

That was a reason that everybody within the Yan Capital knew.

She didn’t believe that Fang Zhengzhi didn’t know this. However, all along, Fang Zhengzhi gave her the feeling that either he didn’t know, or he didn’t care.

“I am very strong!” Ping Yang insisted.

“Strong? Can you defeat me?” Fang Zhengzhi looked at Ping Ying with a look of despise.

“I can defeat you!” Ping Yang’s clear eyes looked towards Fang Zhengzhi as her tiny lips curled into an arrogant look. Her expression was very serious, as if she was reciting a fact.

“Will you die… if you don’t boast?” Fang Zhengzhi casually shot a middle finger towards Ping Yang.

Ping Yang’s face instantly flushed red. She stared hatefully at Fang Zhengzhi, then looked at Ying Shan, then finally gritted her teeth and “gloomily” went to one side.

“You will definitely regret this!”

“I wont!” Fang Zhengzhi replied Ping Yang’s words very directly.

Then, he looked towards Ying Shan. There were some things that he could not avoid forever. When facing Ying Shan, he might be able to temporarily suppress Ying Shan based on intellect. However, the huge difference in enlightenment state meant that he wouldn’t be able to deliver a life-threatening blow.

The Supernatural State…

That, was the enlightenment state of a truly powerful man.

Ying Shan’s eyes narrowed. He didn’t expect Fang Zhengzhi to fight him face-to-face. However, Fang Zhengzhi stood right in front of him, holding the Blazing Qilin Spear, giving him no choice but to believe it.

“Then, show me your true powers!” There was no light on Ying Shan’s blade. It was like a shadow that danced in the darkness. However, the tip of the blade pointed towards Fang Zhengzhi.

The Blazing Qilin Spear on Fang Zhengzhi’s hand similarly pointed towards Ying Shan. The Blazing Qilin Spear glowed with a red light, and a tiny golden light glowed quietly at the tip of the spear. That, was the Blazing Qilin True Blood.

He knew that it was difficult to avoid this battle further. However, he suddenly realised a problem.

It seems like I don’t know any spear techniques?

What should I do?

This seemed to be a problem. However, Fang Zhengzhi didn’t have too much time to think through this. Because, Ying Shan’s blade had already moved.

Within the pitch-black darkness, Ying Shan’s blade stabbed directly towards him.

At this moment, Yan Xiu also moved. He flipped over the Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan in his hands almost at the exact instant Ying Shan’s blade moved.

“Heaven and Earth Reversal!”

To be considered among the Yan Five Treasures, the power of the Mountain and River, Heaven and Earth Fan was no ordinary matter. In the Star Conglomerate State, it could turn into a Mountain River Territory. Now, Yan Xiu had entered the Heavenly Reflection State.

His own territory and the Mountain River Territory complemented and gave life to one another. It was actually able to forcefully tear a gap within the boundless, infinite darkness. A huge mountain range extended towards the sky, just like the lone peak in the black darkness.

A powerful yet sad pressure pressed down upon Ying Shan.

Ying Shan’s figure slowed down slightly, then, he began to accelerate once again. However, the footprints he left on the mud became evidently deeper than before.

“Rise of the Eastern Red Sun!”

Yan Xiu let out a low bellow as a bright red sun appeared on top of his head. Following which, a powerful red crescent slashed towards Ying Shan.

Fang Zhengzhi naturally couldn’t let Yan Xiu face Ying Shan all by himself.

When Yan Xiu’s Mountain River Territory appeared, he had also moved. Even though he wasn’t familiar with spear techniques, did it matter? Nevermind that.

He held a spear in his hand, however, why can’t a spear be used as a sword?

For example…

“Mountain Waterfall Cascade!”

At the moment Yan Xiu employed the Asura Cut, Fang Zhengzhi also leapt upwards. Using the tip of the spear as the tip of a sword, he plunged the Blazing Qilin Spear down from top to bottom.

This blow.

Fang Zhengzhi had no idea what power it would have.

However, there was one thing he knew for sure. The slashing of a blade downwards and the plunging of a spear downwards were indeed different in their powers.

Most importantly, the Mountain Waterfall Cascade could concentrate all the powers on one single point.

This was a technique used for stabbing.

“I’ll stab you to death!” Fang Zhengzhi didn’t bother about which sword techniques couldn’t be used with spears. He only lived by one value. Any spear technique that could kill people was a good spear technique.

Ying Shan could feel an immense pressure on his body.

As he gazed at the killing intent from Yan Xiu’s sword, there wasn’t much change in his expression.

However, when Fang Zhengzhi leapt up and directed the tip of the spear towards the ground, plunging down towards his head, he was truly shocked by this strange technique.

The wielder of a spear.

King of the weapons. Pole for a month, blade for a year, spear for a lifetime.

Among the eighteen weapons, the spear was the hardest to use. However, once it was mastered, a spear could become one’s second life. A spear was like a dragon in the water.

Usually, there were three basic fighting techniques for the spear. Left head-off, right head-off and thrust.

However, no matter how much Ying Shan grinded his brain, he never would have thought that somebody would raise his spear and plunge it down from above.

“He doesn’t know how to use a spear?” This thought instantly flashed across Ying Shan’s mind. However, after this thought flashed, another thought arose.

“There is trickery involved!”

Such a great talent who attained the Double Roll Champion in the county and capital examination not knowing how to use a spear? That probability was too low. Even if he might not be proficient at it, he should at least be well-versed with its basics.

However, at this moment, Fang Zhengzhi was completely portraying a layman who used the spear as a stick.

Very evidently, he was definitely trying to employ some sort of trick.

Ying Shan couldn’t see through the trick, hence he didn’t bother. He lightly waved the blade in his hand, turning it into two blade intents, one of them real, and the other an illusion. The illusion led the attack, while the real one followed behind. This was experience, using an illusion to test one’s real power.

However, splitting one into two meant that the blade didn’t embody Ying Shan’s full power.

This caused the surrounding examinees to feel somewhat stunned.

When Fang Zhengzhi leapt up high in the air and plunged his Blazing Qilin Spear downwards, an icy feeling gripped their hearts. Because, nobody in history would ever use the Blazing Qilin Spear in this manner.

What caused them even more shock was that when Fang Zhengzhi plunged down with the spear, Ying Shan didn’t take the opportunity to advance. Instead, he held back and used blade intents.

Ying Shan didn’t have sufficient combat experience? Couldn’t he see the weakness in Fang Zhengzhi’s technique?

This was evidently something that wasn’t quite possible.

Then, could the truth be that Fang Zhengzhi’s strange spear technique contained a profound secret that they couldn’t understand? But, where in the world is the profound secret in this plunge?