Dao Equaling the Heavens
Chapter 91 - 79: A Draw Seems Like a Victory

Chapter 91: Chapter 79: A Draw Seems Like a Victory

All sides were shocked and then fell into silence.

Seeing this, Gu Wen gained a deeper understanding of his own situation, just as he had initially predicted. Justice was always something nice to shout about, but in reality, it was filled with pettiness and chaos.

Merely a dead man could not fight against the world; only irresistible benefits could.

Since it was benefits that everyone desired, most would rather be the last sparrow to catch the mantis, not the first mantis to enter the fray.

Besides, we’re not cicadas.

Gu Wen, holding his spear, pointed it at Xiao Yunyi and said, "Tenth on the human list, Gu Wen, seeks guidance."

’Just as the rumors described, truly a madman, but only with a Third Level fulfilled Daoist Skill.’

Xiao Yunyi assessed Gu Wen’s cultivation level and was slightly relieved. If his opponent’s cultivation had been on par with his own, it was highly likely he couldn’t have beaten him.

In the struggle for Immortal Land, one looks first at Daoist Skill and second at dharma form. Daoist Skill is the primary consideration, dharma form the next in actual combat, with remaining techniques following these.

Daoist Skill is the foundation of everything, representing both the cultivator’s future potential and their current anchor of techniques in Immortal Land.

He was one level higher than Gu Wen in Daoist Skill, naturally having an advantage in all aspects.

However, having heard that his opponent had escaped from the hands of Hundred Battle True Monarch, he was evidently no ordinary individual—he wouldn’t be able to defeat him as easily as he did Hee Huan.

Xiao Yunyi dared not be careless, channeling his Mana and said coldly:

"Descendant of Broken Sword Mountain, Xiao Yunyi."

As their energies met, they clashed like water and fire, unmistakably opposed; the cultivators below felt a profound heaviness.

To avoid hindering the combat, Hee Huan flew down from the eaves and landed back in the tavern they were originally at.

Most here were worldly individuals and their protectors, gathered by the dozens—a mere exchange gathering. But with a group together, discussions about Bianjing arose alongside talks of a sudden military prodigy, a survivor who had run from Hundred Battle True Monarch.

Most admitted Gu Wen’s strength, but comparisons inevitably arose when discussing who was stronger or weaker.

Thus, Hee Huan ended up debating with them, eventually leading to a contest of martial skills—where the mightier fist dictated the truth.

"Such arrogance in this fellow, does he truly think he can defeat Senior Brother Xiao?"

An untimely voice sounded, which Hee Huan noticed belonged to a recently defeated subordinate, ranked around eightieth.

Those middling individuals often became sycophantic, as when they couldn’t push into the top echelons through strength, all they had left was to sell their confidence.

Hee Huan couldn’t judge their morality; not everyone was after becoming Immortal or seeking Daoist enlightenment. Many just wanted to break through to the Fourth Realm and then live a comfortable life revered as a True Monarch for a thousand years.

But that didn’t stop him from mocking them—shameless and still expecting respect?

"Are you from Broken Sword Mountain?"

"The seasoned cultivators take precedence. Senior Brother Xiao’s Sword Dao is profound, worthy of the title ’Senior Brother.’"

"Your face is colossal; why didn’t you go to Broken Sword Mountain back in the day? Didn’t want to, perhaps?"

"How dare you disgrace me!"

Before their conflict escalated, suddenly, the outer space flashed, enveloping the whole market in a myriad of lights, and then a fierce, crisp sound filled their ears.

Bang!

Gu Wen collided with Xiao Yunyi, their Spear Gang Qi like a dragon and Sword Qi like the wind, touching thousands of times in an instant, blossoming mid-air like a metal tree blooming.

They both unintentionally dragged the fight towards the sky, but due to the heavenly limit, they couldn’t fly and just kept soaring in low altitude.

Now was the test of movement techniques: Gu Wen’s technique, from Yuqing Sect, emphasized flowing naturally, while Xiao Yunyi seemed to correct the softness in his swordsmanship, with a very bold and direct movement technique, bursting through the air directly.

Overall, Gu Wen was at a disadvantage as he hadn’t yet mastered the advanced "Moon Stepping" technique.

This was Gu Wen’s greatest disadvantage among all prodigies; his cultivation time was much shorter, only a fraction or even a hundredth of others. Without Heavenly Marrow, merely relying on talent, Gu Wen might have needed over a decade in hiding.

But bridging this gap was the true test of his talent’s caliber.

As his Spear Gang Qi shattered the Sword Qi, similar to what Hee Huan had faced earlier, razor-thin Sword Qi still managed to resist the Spear Gang Qi.

Gu Wen, already channeling his Mana to its limits, pushed his energy once more into his spear. With his palm’s veins bulging, the Spear Gang Qi suddenly doubled in intensity.

A Break Skill Gang Qi evolving from the first style of Heavenly Gang Spear.

The silken Sword Qi snapped in response, and Xiao Yunyi swung another sword, his dense Qingfeng Sword Qi canceling out the remaining Spear Gang Qi.

The two disengaged again, both somewhat spent. Gu Wen was slightly breathless, the immediate condensing of Spear Gang Qi was formidable but also very taxing. Although Xiao Yunyi wasn’t breathless, his relaxed demeanor was gone.

Anyone with clear eyes could see that Gu Wen held the upper hand. Xiao Yunyi had to use two moves to counter one of Gu Wen’s, and if this tiredness continued, he might wear himself out.

The previously loud mouths below went quiet as Hee Huan slammed the table and cheered, then turned and said, "Speak up, why don’t you speak now?"

"I underestimated you," admitted Xiao Yunyi.

His aura shifted, and a breeze stirred; a Thousand Sword Willow Tree manifested behind him.

Sword Dao Dharma, Thousand Sword Willow Tree.

"I will fight with all my might, but this bustling area is not suitable for a prolonged battle."

"Then let’s change the venue."

Gu Wen’s breathing intensified slightly, his eyes filled with undisguised murderous intent, never considering himself a martial fanatic. But challenging stronger opponents undoubtedly accelerated his progress, his Flame Dharma thriving in combat.