Chapter 245: The Third Best in the World

Gu Mo frowned. "You don't believe me?"

Zhang Daoji nodded and replied, "It sounds unbelievable, doesn't it? That someone as prominent as Su Qianqiu would lack confidence. But he truly couldn't be confident. When we arrived at Penglai Immortal Island back then, Jiang Ruoxu, Su Qianqiu, and I were all renowned martial artists in the martial arts world, but none of us were ranked among the world's top martial artists.

After we emerged, the three of us claimed the top three spots in the world. People believed there wasn't much difference between us, but we ourselves knew that despite our close rankings, the gap between us was immense.

Su Qianqiu could defeat me with one hand. I could only endure twenty to thirty moves against him by relying on the defensive capabilities of the Great Formless Calamity Art. If he were determined to kill me, I wouldn't be confident in my ability to escape."

Gu Mo asked, puzzled, "Is the difference really that significant?"

Zhang Daoji nodded. "It truly is. That year, we all went to Penglai Immortal Island together. Before reaching the island, I, Su Qianqiu, Jiang Ruoxu, and Qi Tianshu were all fairly evenly matched in strength.

However, as we delved into various secret manuals and ancient texts on the island, the disparity gradually became apparent. Qi Tianshu went astray, pursuing an obsessive and extreme path, focusing solely on the Way of the Sword. Su Qianqiu, Jiang Ruoxu, and I, on the other hand, chose to cultivate both internal energy and martial arts will.

During this process, I comprehended the Great Formless Calamity Art, primarily for defense. Su Qianqiu developed his Millennial Sword Art, emphasizing ingenuity. Jiang Ruoxu also understood the Way of the Sword, creating an extremely overbearing technique which he named "Overbearing True Intent."

In fact, at this point, the gap between the three of us wasn't particularly obvious. The true divergence occurred when we finally observed the White Jade Capital. I cannot describe what kind of place it was; the island master simply told us it was called the White Jade Capital.

Inside, I only saw darkness. In the final moments, I saw a stone tablet on which I discovered incredibly stunning martial arts theories, ultimately leading me to fully comprehend the Great Formless Calamity Art. Su Qianqiu, on the other hand, said he met someone inside and benefited greatly from their teachings, which allowed him to perfect his Millennial Sword Art.

As for what Jiang Ruoxu saw, he didn't say, but we all knew his gains were the greatest because he brought out a sword from within – the Startling Thunder Sword, now hailed as the world's greatest divine weapon.

The White Jade Capital was an indescribable place. Everyone felt as if they had merely experienced a dream, and upon waking, they were still on Penglai Immortal Island. It was as if the White Jade Capital didn't exist at all, yet Jiang Ruoxu had obtained a sword from it.

Besides the three of us, no one else saw anything. When they recalled the experience, they all said they only remembered the island master mentioning he would take them to see the White Jade Capital, and then they lost consciousness. This meant that only the three of us gained anything from that entry into the White Jade Capital.

From then on, the gap between the three of us became increasingly apparent. During our return journey to the mainland, we often sparred. By the time we reached shore, I could barely last a hundred moves against Su Qianqiu, while Su Qianqiu couldn't even withstand thirty moves against Jiang Ruoxu. As for me, I was no longer fit to even face Jiang Ruoxu in combat!

Gu Mo's brows furrowed. He asked, "Since Jiang Ruoxu was so strong, how was he later besieged and killed by martial artists? And how did he become demonized?"

"I don't know either," Zhang Daoji replied. "It's very strange. After we returned to the mainland, we parted ways. Jiang Ruoxu then began challenging various masters everywhere, and within a few months, he earned the title of 'Number One Under Heaven.' Coupled with the fact that all of us who returned from Penglai Immortal Island at the time acknowledged him as the strongest, his reputation was quickly solidified.

Yet, within a few more months, Jiang Ruoxu started killing indiscriminately. Jiang Ruoxu was originally from the Jiang royal family. He directly massacred the Jiang Imperial Palace, killing over ten thousand people, including the imperial city guards, in a single night. Afterward, he killed his way out of the capital, embarking on a senseless rampage. Over two years, seven or eight countries, large and small, suffered from his devastation.

Finally, nearly ten countries, with their imperial courts taking the lead, gathered numerous masters and even formed a combined army. They confronted him in a place called Moonlight Plain, now in the Northern Jin Kingdom. Over ten thousand elite troops, along with hundreds of grandmaster-level experts sent by various nations, besieged and attacked him.

That battle, it is said, shook heaven and earth, resulting in countless casualties. Thousands of soldiers and dozens of grandmasters reportedly died. In the end, they only succeeded in killing Jiang Ruoxu by summoning heavenly lightning. After that, both Jiang Ruoxu and the Startling Thunder Sword disappeared. People commonly believe that the Startling Thunder Sword's demonic nature was too strong, leading Jiang Ruoxu to become demonized!"

Gu Chutong, standing nearby, gaped in shock. "Are you saying that ten thousand elite soldiers from various nations, plus over a hundred grandmasters, besieged one person, yet still couldn't kill him and only won by a trick?"

Zhang Daoji clarified, "Not ten thousand elite soldiers, but ten thousand elite cavalry, and that was on a plain where they could fully deploy their battle formations."

"Is that even human?" Gu Chutong remarked.

Zhang Daoji pursed his lips, pointed at Gu Mo, and asked, "Then is your brother human?"

"Of course my brother is human!" Gu Chutong retorted. "Even though my brother also fought an army of ten thousand yesterday, it wasn't as outrageous as what you just described about Jiang Ruoxu, was it?"

Zhang Daoji said, "As far as I know, yesterday he first fought a great battle in Ghost City, turning it into a river of blood, and then, without rest, he stormed into the Imperial City!"

"But it still wasn't as outlandish as Jiang Ruoxu?" Gu Chutong said.

Zhang Daoji chuckled softly. "But are you sure that was your brother's limit?"

"This..."

Zhang Daoji continued, "In the current world, there are three people who have withstood over ten thousand regular troops. The first was Jiang Ruoxu back then, the second is Su Qianqiu, who defended the national gate alone, and now the third is your brother.

In comparison, your brother's achievement is more direct. Although Jiang Ruoxu's killing was more brutal and bloody, and he faced stronger forces, he ultimately died. While Su Qianqiu was lauded for holding off an army of a hundred thousand alone, in reality, he relied on the advantage of the city walls. Furthermore, he was accompanied by thousands of elites and over a dozen grandmasters defending the national gate. It was only because he contributed the most, and ultimately slew the enemy marshal in the midst of their army, that people praised him for defending the national gate single-handedly.

As for your brother yesterday in the Imperial City, he had no assistance whatsoever. He single-handedly slaughtered over three thousand people, utterly routing an army of ten thousand regular troops. In terms of overall battle record, it might be slightly less, but the difference isn't significant, especially since your brother emerged unscathed, while Jiang Ruoxu died, and Su Qianqiu was severely wounded!"

Gu Chutong blinked, saying, "So, you're saying my brother really has the qualifications to contend for the title of 'Number One Under Heaven'?"

Zhang Daoji replied, "Whether he's stronger than Su Qianqiu, I don't know, but he's certainly stronger than me. If I hadn't been trapped yesterday and had appeared at Jiucheng Palace, I could only have held off the army, preventing them from breaching the palace for a short time while waiting for reinforcements. To utterly defeat the Black Armored Army, I wouldn't have been able to."

Gu Chutong gasped, "Then, doesn't that mean my brother is the new 'Number Three Under Heaven'?"

Zhang Daoji chuckled softly, "He should be 'Number Two Under Heaven.' Realistically, no matter how strong Jiang Ruoxu was back then, he's dead now. Only that scoundrel Su Qianqiu is still putting on an act.

Furthermore, Su Qianqiu has been constantly improving over the years. Twenty-eight years ago, on our way back from Penglai Immortal Island, I could still exchange a hundred moves with him. But ten years ago, Empress Yan wanted to rule from behind the curtain and made a deal with Su Qianqiu. I don't know what she used to persuade him, but she asked him to lure me out of the capital.

However, back then, when I fought Su Qianqiu, only the first move was an even match. For the subsequent nineteen moves, I was passively taking blows, relying entirely on the defensive capabilities of the Great Formless Calamity Art to withstand them.

In truth, I've also been improving, but the difference in our rates of progress is too vast. Now, after another ten years, I can no longer estimate what level he has reached, but he has certainly reached the level Jiang Ruoxu was at when he died! So, he is 'Number One Under Heaven,' but he insists on putting on airs. Those who don't know him truly believe he's some sort of immortal, dignified, and proud figure. In reality, that old geezer is just a complete show-off; he used to love showing off, and now that he's old, he's even more prone to it!"

With that, Zhang Daoji looked at Gu Mo and said, "Gu Mo, if you can defeat Su Qianqiu, you absolutely must declare yourself 'Number One Under Heaven' and make that old geezer the 'Number Two Under Heaven' in name and reality. I'm telling you, that old fellow cares an incredible amount about the title of 'Number One Under Heaven,' all for the sake of showing off. Knowing Jiang Ruoxu was dead and no one could beat him, he deliberately claimed to be 'Number Two Under Heaven.' He enjoys the feeling of forcing everyone else down one rank.

If he were truly to become 'Number Two Under Heaven,' he'd be miserable. When Jiang Ruoxu suppressed him back then, that old fellow practiced his sword like a madman every day, carving 'Defeat Jiang Ruoxu' on the wall daily. Then, in front of others, he'd pretend to be detached from worldly concerns and fame, which was utterly fake!"

Feeling Zhang Daoji's indignant demeanor, Gu Mo felt a slight urge to tell him that Su Qianqiu might not be faking it, because Jiang Ruoxu was actually not dead.

Gu Mo knew this because he had received a system notification:New Target DetectedWanted Target – Jiang RuoxuMission Level – Eight StarsMission Reward – Sword Twenty-Three

Sword Twenty-Three, from *Storm Riders*, is a martial art that completely transcends traditional martial arts concepts. It involves projecting one's primordial spirit to create a sword energy barrier around the target, freezing time and space, and causing enemies to enter a "static" state. This move integrates the essence of the first twenty-two forms of the Sacred Spirit Sword Art, using intent to drive countless swords to attack, forming absolute suppression within a "sword domain."

It is a martial art beyond the realm of mortals, one that should not exist in the world.

Of course, Gu Mo didn't rule out Zhang Daoji's possibility that Su Qianqiu truly was putting on an act. After all, Zhang Daoji had known Su Qianqiu for many years and understood his personality. It was possible that Su Qianqiu had already convinced himself Jiang Ruoxu was dead and was immensely pleased, but for the sake of appearance, he deliberately called himself 'Number Two Under Heaven,' feigning indifference to fame and fortune.

However, for him, it didn't really matter.

He loved martial arts, but he had no obsession with being 'Number One Under Heaven.'

Just like since his debut, his reputation in the martial arts world grew steadily, but he never deliberately pursued it. Things simply happened, and his fame came naturally, as a matter of course.

So, regarding Zhang Daoji's suggestion that he declare himself 'Number One Under Heaven' after defeating Su Qianqiu, Gu Mo merely smiled and offered no response.

Zhang Daoji didn't press further. Changing the subject, he said, "Penglai Immortal Island will open in two years. With your reputation and martial arts prowess, the immortal island's envoy will certainly send you an invitation. How about we go together then?"

Gu Mo chuckled, "Aren't you worried I'll receive an invitation and you won't, Old Celestial Master?"

"No, that won't happen," Zhang Daoji said. "The invitations from Penglai Immortal Island follow a pattern. Those who went last time, as long as they are still alive, will receive an invitation when it opens again."

"I see." Gu Mo nodded and said, "Then we'll see when the time comes. Penglai Island might not necessarily send me an invitation."

"They definitely will," Zhang Daoji affirmed.

As he spoke, Zhang Daoji took out a wooden token from his embrace and said, "This is my decree. You can go to the Ascension Platform whenever you wish. However, I personally recommend going in May next year.

The Ascension Platform isn't as mysterious as the legends say. In reality, there are just a few Enlightenment Trees growing there. Enlightenment Trees are rare spiritual treasures of heaven and earth, and the scent they emit has a strong guiding effect, helping people to comprehend the Dao.

Therefore, masters from Longhu Mountain throughout history have liked to go there to seek enlightenment. They would then leave behind their martial arts will, and over time, through continuous circulation, the martial arts effect of the Ascension Platform grew stronger and stronger, leading to increasingly exaggerated rumors, until now it's even said one can ask for enlightenment and ascend there.

The reason I suggest going in May next year is that Enlightenment Trees are different from ordinary trees. They complete their flowering and fruiting process in a very short period: they bloom on the fifth day of the fifth month, bear fruit on the twelfth, and mature on the eighteenth. The flowering stage is when the Enlightenment Tree's effect is at its best. Afterward, you can also take the opportunity to pick one or two Enlightenment Fruits to take back."

Gu Mo nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for the guidance, Old Celestial Master."

Originally, he had planned to take Gu Chutong to the Ascension Platform to help her break through the ninth level of the Bright Jade Skill. Now that the Bright Jade Skill was perfected, he changed his plan, intending to go only when Gu Chutong needed a martial arts breakthrough. With Zhang Daoji's current suggestion, he had even less intention of going immediately.

Zhang Daoji then said, "Regarding Sima Kong's invitation, you really can go. You'll just make it in time for a big event."

"What event?" Gu Mo asked curiously.

"The 'Number Four Under Heaven,' Grandmaster Liansheng of the Great Brightness Temple, and 'Number Two Under Heaven' Su Qianqiu have arranged to debate the Dao on the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month at Tianji Plain in Southern Jin... well, it's essentially a duel!" Zhang Daoji explained.

Gu Mo had heard of Grandmaster Liansheng of the Great Brightness Temple and had specifically looked him up. This was because he was the master of Zen Master Dingchan, formerly the tenth strongest expert in the Qian Kingdom.

When the Nine Virtues of Qingzhou fell apart, Zen Master Dingchan, then known as Gu Huatong, suffered damage to his Dao heart. He happened to meet a young monk in his twenties, who was none other than Grandmaster Liansheng.

Grandmaster Liansheng was much younger than Zen Master Dingchan, but his Buddhist teachings were profoundly deep. After debating the Dao with Zen Master Dingchan for three days and three nights, Zen Master Dingchan attained great enlightenment, embraced monastic life, became a disciple of Grandmaster Liansheng, went to the Great Brightness Temple in Chu Kingdom to practice Buddhism for three years, and then returned to Qingzhou to establish the Brightness Temple Zen Courtyard.

Last year, Zen Master Dingchan was killed in a decisive battle against Ye Jinglan at Soulbreak Cliff in Qingzhou.

After Gu Mo returned Zen Master Dingchan's body to the Brightness Temple, he specifically learned about Grandmaster Liansheng and even heard people chanting the Buddhist scriptures written by him in the Brightness Temple Zen Courtyard. They were indeed extremely profound.

"Why are Grandmaster Liansheng and Su Qianqiu fighting a decisive battle? Who challenged whom?" Gu Mo asked.

Zhang Daoji replied, "Grandmaster Liansheng proactively challenged Su Qianqiu. As for why, I don't know the exact details, but rumor has it that Grandmaster Liansheng's Thirty-Two Heavenly Sutra of the Lotus has reached mastery, and he has entered the Buddhist realm of Arhats, having reached the pinnacle of martial arts with no further path to advance. Therefore, he seeks to challenge Su Qianqiu to glimpse the way forward in martial arts.

However, I don't believe that rumor. I once debated the Dao with Grandmaster Liansheng. We are, in a sense, opposing figures, one a Daoist leader and the other a Buddhist leader. Yet, after meeting Grandmaster Liansheng, I was truly impressed by his spiritual state. He is indeed a genuinely enlightened monk whose intellectual realm has long transcended the distinctions of the Great Dao.

I don't believe that a person of such a high spiritual state would challenge Su Qianqiu purely out of an obsession with martial arts."

Gu Mo said, "If we go by your assessment of Su Qianqiu, wouldn't Grandmaster Liansheng challenging him be tantamount to seeking death?"

"Not necessarily," Zhang Daoji replied. "Gu Mo, you know that martial arts duels test many things. I don't deny that Su Qianqiu's cultivation has surely reached a level incomprehensible to ordinary people. However, he is not the only one in this world who is improving.

I have exchanged blows with Grandmaster Liansheng. He cultivates external and internal arts, martial arts true intent, and Qi cultivation all simultaneously. Although I used to have a clear advantage over him, I've cultivated for thirty more years than him, and he is over thirty years younger than me. His cultivation speed surpasses mine, and his spiritual realm is also higher than mine.

If, as rumored, his self-created Thirty-Two Heavenly Sutra of the Lotus has truly reached mastery, then he will directly surpass me by a great margin. But by how much, I don't know, just as I don't know how much Su Qianqiu surpasses me, and I don't know how much you currently surpass me – it's all the same principle!"

Gu Mo nodded slightly, saying, "That's true enough!"

Zhang Daoji rolled his eyes and said, "You're really not modest, are you? Come on, let's exchange a few moves. I want to see exactly how much stronger you are than me."

Gu Mo replied, speechless, "Didn't you say it yourself? I was just agreeing with you."

"Enough talk!"

Zhang Daoji sprang from his reclining chair and declared, "Gu Mo, the transition of the 'Number Three Under Heaven' title, old to new, still requires a formality!"

Gu Mo smiled faintly, took off the Celestial Demon Guqin from his person and handed it to Gu Chutong, then cupped his hands toward Zhang Daoji, saying, "Old Celestial Master, let's fight outside. I'm afraid your Imperial Preceptor's Residence might need to be rebuilt soon!"

"Let's go!"

Immediately, both men leaped up simultaneously and swiftly flew towards a small mountain peak not far away.

That day, outside Mount Wuwei, Gu Mo, the youngest Grandmaster of Internal Arts in the world, and Zhang Daoji, the 'Number Three Under Heaven' and leader of the Daoist sect, fought a decisive battle.

Quickly, masters from all corners of the capital rushed to witness the battle. Upon hearing the news, Emperor Qian immediately dispatched troops to prevent any unforeseen incidents.

All factions in the capital stirred, especially the martial artists, who poured out of the city in droves, creating a great commotion.

That day, outside Chang'an City, a mountain collapsed.

That day, the two exchanged over three hundred moves, fighting from noon until nightfall.

That day, a new 'Number Three Under Heaven' was born. This was a 'Number Three Under Heaven' about whom there was no dissent!

Gu Mo's title as 'Number Three Under Heaven' spread at an unimaginable speed, sweeping through the martial arts world like a plague. Furthermore, this news did not cause much controversy, nor did many people suspect that Zhang Daoji had deliberately lost to make way for a younger generation.

This was because the day before, Gu Mo had just gone on a rampage in the Imperial City, and that bloody incident, along with the battle for the succession of the 'Number Three Under Heaven' title, spread throughout the martial arts world.

That day, in the battle outside the capital, although they exchanged over three hundred moves, from the very beginning, neither used weapons for a death match. Instead, they directly entered a phase of pure internal energy contest. The reason they fought for over three hundred moves was that both had immensely profound internal energy, and they continued to compete until past the three hundredth move.

Ultimately, Zhang Daoji's true qi was exhausted, and he voluntarily conceded, bringing the battle to a close.

Both were Grandmasters of Internal Arts, and Gu Mo had defeated Zhang Daoji precisely in the realm of internal arts, becoming the true new 'Number Three Under Heaven'!

Afterward, Gu Mo stayed at the Imperial Preceptor's Residence on Mount Wuwei for two days, then left Mount Wuwei with Zhang Daoji.

Zhang Daoji resigned from his post as the Supervisor of the Imperial Observatory, retaining only the title of Imperial Preceptor, and requested leave from Emperor Qian to return to Longhu Mountain for solitary cultivation.

His stated reason was that his battle with Gu Mo had yielded significant insights, and he felt too old to concern himself with state affairs, wishing only to focus on cultivating the Dao.

The true reason, however, was that when the five imperial clan elders from the Imperial Clan Court intercepted him, they spoke of the dangers of the Daoist sect becoming too dominant in the imperial court. This deeply affected Zhang Daoji; he also worried that a sole dominant Daoist sect would cause the court to repeat the disaster of being controlled by aristocratic clans and powerful families in the past. Therefore, he voluntarily resigned to give the aristocratic faction some breathing room.

At the same time, Zhang Daoji understood that because of Gu Mo's battle in the Imperial City, Emperor Qian would undoubtedly be extremely wary of top masters afterward. If Zhang Daoji continued to stay in the capital, Emperor Qian would likely be restless, and over time, favor would turn into enmity!

Gu Mo and Zhang Daoji traveled together for two days before parting ways. Gu Mo was returning to Yunzhou, while Zhang Daoji was heading back to Longhu Mountain.

Returning from the capital to Yunzhou, Gu Mo and Gu Chutong hired an escort agency specifically to guide them. As a result, they didn't take any detours and traveled very quickly, reaching their destination in just half a month.

Yunzhou in October had already become very cold, with an air that suggested snow could fall at any moment.

However, Gu Mo and Gu Chutong did not return to Linjiang Commandery this time. Instead, they took a boat directly to Yuncheng, the prefectural capital of Yunzhou.

After disembarking, Gu Mo and Gu Chutong headed straight for the Six Doors office in Yuncheng's East City. Zhuo Qingfeng was the commander of the Six Doors in Yuncheng's East City.

Inside the Six Doors office.

Zhuo Qingfeng circled Gu Mo several times, tutting and exclaiming, "Number Three Under Heaven, tsk, tsk, tsk, my heavens, my elder brother! Can't you slow down a bit? Didn't we agree you'd become 'Number One Under Heaven' within ten years? Looking at you, are you planning to make a trip to Southern Jin and then come back as 'Number One Under Heaven' already?"

Gu Mo said with a smile, "Oh, you know, it just so happens I am indeed planning a trip to Southern Jin soon."

Zhuo Qingfeng's eyes widened. "Are you really going to challenge Su Qianqiu?"

"Not exactly," Gu Mo replied. "Sima Kong, the Seventh Prince of Southern Jin, asked me to help catch a wanted criminal. The price he offered was simply too high for me to refuse!"

"How high?" Zhuo Qingfeng asked curiously.

Gu Mo held up two fingers.

Zhuo Qingfeng said, "Twenty thousand taels! Damn, I'm so envious of you. This money makes my molars ache from grinding them in envy!"

"Don't break them just yet," Gu Mo laughed. "It's two hundred thousand taels!"

"How much?! How much did you say?!"

Zhuo Qingfeng's eyes widened, his neck flushed red, and he let out two consecutive exclamations that nearly shattered the ceiling. In shock, he exclaimed, "Brother, from now on, you're my true elder brother! Take me with you, I'll be your assistant. I'll follow you from now on!"

Gu Mo said with a look of disdain, "No, that won't do. Your martial arts are too weak!"

Zhuo Qingfeng retorted, unconvinced, "My martial arts are weak? I'm at least a first-rate master in the martial arts world. Sister Chutong's martial arts... Ugh... alright, I'm not worthy!"

Zhuo Qingfeng suddenly remembered that while the martial arts world had been mainly abuzz with news of Gu Mo becoming 'Number Three Under Heaven,' there were also rumors about Gu Chutong single-handedly slaying two grandmasters and breaking through a hundred armored guards, with whispers that she too would enter Yunzhou's Heavenly Rankings.

"Oh, right, Brother Zhuo, has Iron Head finished forging the sword I asked him to make?" Gu Mo asked.

Zhuo Qingfeng nodded. "It was already formed half a month ago, but it's been in the sword-forging furnace. Iron Head said that although your sword can't compare to a divine weapon like the Gouchen Demon Blade, it has, after all, incorporated Profound Heaven Floating Stone, giving it extremely strong spirituality. It's best if you personally take it out of the furnace; the first person to touch it will have a strong bond with the sword."

Gu Chutong quickly asked, "Then, where's Iron Head now?"

"Where else would he be? The Armory, of course," Zhuo Qingfeng said. "Iron Head has no other hobbies; he just loves forging weapons and studying hidden weapons. He spends every day in the Armory tinkering with his creations. For the past few months, to help your brother forge his weapon, he's barely left the place!"

Gu Chutong said, "Iron Head mentioned before that he wanted to study hidden weapons. My Thousand Mechanism Case is currently used up, so he can take it apart and research it."

Zhuo Qingfeng chuckled. "I don't expect him to replicate the Thousand Mechanism Case, but if he can just tinker out a lower-spec version, as long as it's mass-producible, then it could truly guarantee both our rise to prominence!"

The three chatted as they arrived at the Armory. From a distance, they saw Iron Head hammering a weapon, sparks flying onto his dark, muscled shoulders, which he completely ignored. His arms, larger than most people's heads, exuded a powerful presence, and his iron hand was particularly striking.

"Iron Head, look who's here!" Zhuo Qingfeng shouted.

Iron Head looked up, a surprised smile on his face. "Hero Gu, Heroine Gu, you're back!"

Gu Chutong ran over and handed the Thousand Mechanism Case to Iron Head, saying, "Iron Head, this is the casing for the Thousand Mechanism Case. All the hidden weapons inside have been used up. I promised to give it to you once it was empty, and I brought it back for you!"

Iron Head gave a simple, honest smile, took the Thousand Mechanism Case, and said, "Thank you, Heroine Gu!"

"I should be thanking you," Gu Chutong said. "I heard Brother Zhuo say that the sword you forged for my brother is complete?"

"Yes, yes, yes," Iron Head quickly said, "I'll take you to retrieve it."

Soon, Iron Head led Gu Mo and the others to a sword furnace. Inside, a fierce fire blazed, and at its center was a square iron block, glowing red-hot.

Iron Head swung his iron hammer and struck it. Instantly, sparks flew, and the iron block split open in the middle, revealing a glowing red sword inside.

Gu Mo immediately channeled his internal energy, extending a surge of true qi to pull the sword from the iron block. Then, he swiftly released a stream of icy true qi to freeze the sword, which slowly floated down into his hand.

The ice shattered instantly, and the longsword revealed its true form: entirely snow-white, three feet seven inches long, one and a half inches wide, and as light and thin as a cicada's wing. It felt weightless in his hand.

Holding the sword, Gu Mo could clearly sense a responsive spiritual connection from within it. It was indeed a highly spiritual sword, similar in spirituality to the Abyss Rainbow Sword he had acquired from a certain system. However, this sword allowed Gu Mo to perceive its potential for growth.

Iron Head said from the side, "Hero Gu, just as I previously guessed, the Profound Heaven Floating Stone also has growth potential. I ground it into particles and integrated them into the sword body. Each particle has a unique attraction to the others, preventing them from breaking apart.

It's used in the same way as the previous Grand Void Divine Armor: you can store true qi within it. The more you store, the longer you can use it. As for how much it can store, that depends on what level this sword can grow to in your hands, Hero Gu."

"How does it grow?" Gu Mo asked.

Iron Head replied, "You propel it with your martial arts will. If you know spiritual martial arts, that would be even better. You can try attaching your mental will to the sword. Based on the properties of the Profound Heaven Floating Stone, theoretically, it truly can achieve what is described in legends: flying swords that slay enemies a thousand miles away and return. While a thousand miles is a bit of an exaggeration, it is theoretically achievable if your mental will is strong enough!"

Gu Mo held the longsword, feeling the responsive spirituality emanating from its body, and slowly said, "Since it was forged from the Grand Void Divine Armor, this sword shall be named 'Grand Void'!"

Iron Head then went into the room, retrieved a scabbard, and handed it to Gu Mo, saying, "This scabbard was also made from the leftover materials of the Grand Void Divine Armor; it's extremely tough!"

Gu Mo sheathed the sword and cupped his hands to Iron Head, saying, "Thank you, Iron Head!"

Iron Head scratched his head and chuckled, "With this Grand Void Sword in your hands, Hero Gu, it will surely become famous throughout the world. And if you use it to become a legendary flying swordsman, it will shock the entire world! As its blacksmith, hehe, I might even get to share in some of that fame and leave my name in history. Hehe, who knows, maybe one day I'll become the 'Number One Swordsmith Under Heaven'!"

After obtaining the Grand Void Sword, Gu Mo stayed at Zhuo Qingfeng's home. For several days in a row, he remained indoors, doing only three things: first, storing true qi into the Grand Void Sword; second, teaching Gu Chutong to cultivate the Grand Profound Scripture and the Ambidextrous Techniques; and third, pondering sword-riding techniques.

The techniques of Dragon Capture Art and White Rainbow Palm Force, combined with the Eight Swords Flying in Unison's ability to control swords with qi and intent, and then the Myriad Leaves Flying Flowers style's ultra-long-range control over countless flying leaves, along with the crucial inherent flight capability of the Grand Void Sword itself. A martial arts version of sword-riding techniques was thus formed.

However, just like with the Infinite Reversion Qi back then, combining several martial arts required some time. Fortunately, Gu Mo had mastered all these martial arts to their highest level, and coupled with his martial arts realm that had reached profound enlightenment, integrating them to form a new martial art was indeed not too difficult.

During this process, Sima Kong indeed arrived in Yuncheng to wait for Gu Mo. Gu Mo never went to meet Sima Kong until his sword-riding techniques were successfully integrated. Only then did he meet Sima Kong, preparing to depart together for Southern Jin!