Chapter 1122: Chapter 1122: The Sword’s Offense and Defense

Ban Deming looked at Lin Zimu in front of him, and couldn’t help but speak first:

"Zimu, three years ago, you and I fought to a draw. It leaves a lingering regret, making my food tasteless!"

"Three years later, after diligent training, forsaking sleep and food, I have achieved Minor Achievement."

"I have prepared for today’s battle long ago, but I wonder how well you have prepared, Zimu?"

Lin Zimu glanced at him casually, holding the Seven-foot Cyan Blade in his hand, trembling slightly in the air:

"With a heart towards Dao, the sword is my heart, if you want to fight, then fight."

For those who wield the sword, it is the king among weapons.

Now a clash between two kings is imminent, everyone stared wide-eyed, afraid to miss even a single detail.

Upon hearing this, Ban Deming pulled up the corners of his mouth, raised the longsword slowly, the tip pointing directly at Lin Zimu:

"Zimu, sorry for making you wait!"

As soon as these words fell, Ban Deming’s body had already vanished from the original spot, transforming into a white streak.

A violent wind suddenly arose!

"Ban, you are quite bold."

Even when Ban Deming struck first, being swift, Lin Zimu maintained a calm demeanor.

When that violent wind suddenly stopped, a longsword cleanly pierced through Lin Zimu’s chest.

Through the heart!

However, what was left behind was merely Lin Zimu’s afterimage!

The real Lin Zimu had already flickered to tens of meters behind, smiling at Ban Deming.

Ban Deming wasn’t surprised by this outcome.

On the contrary, everything seemed as expected, anything different would have been abnormal.

He sneered, a cold gleam flashed in his eyes, his whole body turning into a stream of light as he attacked Lin Zimu again.

"Lin Zimu, that was just a probe. After three years of dedicated training, I have gained a lot. Today, I will show you!"

"First technique—Sword Disciple Embracing the Sword!"

This sword from Ban Deming seemed ordinary on the surface, merely slashing towards Lin Zimu.

Yet Yang Yan saw through the intention.

The purpose of Ban Deming’s sword was not to injure, but to lay the groundwork!

For just thinking slightly, Yang Yan could foresee thousands of successive moves!

No matter how you change, it’s hard to resist it.

Careless attention could lead to immediate defeat.

However, Yang Yan was quite confident.

If it were him, he would have ways to break Ban Deming’s move.

Lin Zimu’s comprehension in Sword Dao was evidently no lesser than Ban Deming’s.

He not only saw Ban Deming’s subsequent moves but also discovered the flaw!

The sword light flashed like lightning, darting straight towards Ban Deming’s heart with unrivaled speed.

Using a faster speed than before, this method of exchanging injury for a fatal strike made Ban Deming’s face turn dark.

Unexpectedly, Lin Zimu not only had such high attainments in Sword Dao but acted so decisively.

Forced by circumstances, Ban Deming had no choice but to change his move.

A sword barely struck Lin Zimu’s sword, causing it to slightly veer off course.

Simultaneously, he quickly retreated, narrowly dodging the strike by a hair’s breadth.

"Second technique, Plum Blossoms in Three Movements!"

A failed strike did not deter Ban Deming; after a moment, he launched a furious attack, the longsword unleashed myriad blossoming sword flowers.

"Third technique..."

"Fourth technique!"

Endless techniques forced Lin Zimu into constant defense.

However, as an observer, Yang Yan had a clear view of the situation.

Though Ban Deming’s Sword Dao attacks were fierce, as the aggressor, he still had to be wary of Lin Zimu’s countermoves.

Lin Zimu focused solely on defense, perfectly guarding every point.

Occasionally, a countermove forced Ban Deming to expend greater heart power to resolve it.

In terms of mana consumption, Ban Deming consumed more as well.

At this rate, inevitably, Lin Zimu should win the duel.

Meanwhile, Ban Deming, unable to break through, suddenly paused, retreating after clashing moves with Lin Zimu.

Ban Deming retreated to the side of the peak, behind him a sheer cliff.

His gaze turned somber; he suddenly smiled as he fixed his eyes on Lin Zimu, showing a playful expression.

"Lin Zimu, it has been three years, yet you still cling stubbornly to your Path of Defense."

"Three years ago, just because you defended flawlessly, I strived for a draw."

"Nothing else, just because you’re tough like a smelly tortoise shell!"

Upon hearing this taunt, several Sword Sect disciples spectating burst into laughter.

At this time on Ten Thousand Mountains, people gradually gathered unknowingly.

It seemed the ceremony had ended, and guests began to tour the sect’s scenery led by Ancient Abyss Sect’s disciples.

There were now Inner Sect disciples from the Marquis Mansion leading groups of disciples from other sects to spectate this battle nearby.

On one side was Ancient Abyss Sect’s Inner Sect eldest disciple Lin Zimu, on the other was Sword Sect’s senior brother Ban Deming.

Both were somewhat renowned figures on Wandering Dragon Star.

Especially Sword Sect’s Ban Deming, who three years ago won a single duel against the eldest brothers of nine great sects, making him famous on Wandering Dragon Star for a time.

Naturally, Ancient Abyss Sect’s disciples hoped their senior brother would win.

As for disciples from other sects, they were purely here for the spectacle.

Faced with Ban Deming’s deeply taunting words, Lin Zimu remained with tranquil eyes, quietly stood holding the longsword.

"In Sword Dao, there is both attack and defense. As for now, I have just stepped into Minor Achievement of the Path of Defense."

On hearing this, Ban Deming scoffed:

"Indeed! It so happens I’m just the opposite, on the path of offense, and three years later, I have achieved Great Success!"

"Lin Zimu, watch closely, this technique is one of the last four from Sword Emperor Scripture of Sword Sect, and also the most powerful!"

"Sword Emperor’s Fury—Three Thousand Miles of Bloodlight in Rage! Cleave the Sky!"

As his final syllable fell, an unprecedented momentum erupted from Ban Deming’s body.

The surrounding disciples were shocked.

Everyone involuntarily raised defensive barriers to avoid being affected by the residual force of the sword technique.

If it weren’t for their concern with reputation, such a terrifying move would certainly have caused them to retreat far away!

The only individual whose reaction differed from others was Yang Yan, who sat alone at a stone table.

Oh no!

More accurately, there was one more person.

The one still standing behind him—Gu Sheng.

Ban Deming’s move carried an overwhelming Sword Momentum, accompanied by a force that seemed unstoppable, sweeping all in its path.

It was as if any enemy standing before him would be torn to pieces!

When the Sword Aura devoured everything, Yang Yan saw most clearly.

A splendor surged forth; although Yang Yan didn’t move visibly, a barrier had already risen in front, shielding Gu Sheng behind.

With Gu Sheng’s current cultivation, even the slightest residual force of Ban Deming’s sword technique could not be endured.

Boom!

A deafening roar echoed through the clouds, akin to a powerful attack clashing against a massive stone, generating a loud shockwave.