"Spiritual Ape Emerges from the Cave!"
Su Yu dropped low, shooting forward and hugging the ground like a Spiritual Ape. Then, treating his jade sword as a saber, he unleashed a lightning-fast chop from behind him.
Instantly, a layer of Formless Flowing Gold coiled around the emerald jade sword. The blade’s edge turned pitch-black, and thin, dark-gold, vein-like patterns swirled and flickered across its surface like living things, exuding a chilling killing intent!
SWOOSH—
Empowered by the wrapping of Formless Flowing Gold, the jade sword’s weight increased dramatically, and its sharpness was greatly enhanced. As he slashed, it tore through the air with ease, letting out a piercing shriek.
A sharp glint flashed in Su Yu’s eyes. Without breaking stride, he stomped hard on the ground, executing the Seven Fiends Thunder Collapse Step.
With a BANG from an explosive burst of air, his body became a blur as he shot skyward.
"Ape Arm Star-Picking!"
While in mid-air, Su Yu looked down from his high vantage point. His dark-gold jade sword, carrying the force of a thunderclap, swept viciously toward the thick Ironwood Stake below, resembling a falling, dark-gold crescent moon!
This move, "Ape Arm Star-Picking," was the epitome of the sweeping and powerful techniques in the White Ape Saber Style, with an immense attack range and speed as fast as a thunderbolt.
The Ape Arm Star-Picking was, by nature, a grand, sweeping strike with a vast attack range and extreme speed.
Now, empowered by the Formless Flowing Gold, the arc of the blade transformed into an exquisite, dark-gold crescent moon!
SCHLICK!
There was no violent clang of metal on metal—only the grisly sound of a sharp blade slicing cleanly through.
The dark-gold arc of light passed through the Black Iron Stake without the slightest resistance, as if slicing through a block of soft tofu!
THUD!
A moment later, the top half of the Ironwood Stake slowly slid off and crashed onto the stone slabs below.
Su Yu withdrew his sword and stood tall. Looking down, he saw that the cut surface of the remaining half of the Ironwood Stake was as smooth as a mirror; even the grain of the wood was perfectly clear!
’Such terrifying sharpness and Penetration Power! When Formless Flowing Gold combines with a weapon, its destructive power increases by at least thirty percent!’
Su Yu gazed intently at the jade sword in his hand, watching as the dark-gold color slowly faded and it returned to its original emerald green. He felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
’And since weapons are objects that Qi and Blood can adhere to, it seems Formless Flowing Gold can do the same. This effectively extends my attack range by several feet beyond the weapon itself!’
’Come to think of it, this effect is a lot like an enchantment. How interesting!’
’Once my Mo Yuan Saber is upgraded, I can enchant it with Formless Flowing Gold. My combat power will reach a whole new level!’
...
「The next day, at the crack of dawn.」
Su Yu changed into a sharp set of martial attire, took a carriage from the Su Mansion, and arrived early at the Lin Family estate in the eastern part of the city.
As soon as he stepped out of the carriage, his eyes fell upon the Lin Family’s magnificent vermilion gate, flanked by two imposing stone lions. The towering gatehouse and the long, orderly courtyard walls all spoke of a profound heritage.
Looking at the familiar gate, Su Yu couldn’t help but recall his first visit to the Lin Family. Back then, he had just been a penniless boy preparing for the Martial Examination.
How quickly fortunes can change.
With his hands clasped behind his back, Su Yu ascended the steps. Arriving at the main gate, he spoke nonchalantly to the two guards who stood ramrod straight, "Su Yu of the Su Family, here to visit Senior Sister Lin Wanzhu."
Though neither guard had ever seen him in person, the name "Su Yu" now resounded like thunder throughout the Outer City!
Hearing those two words, both men stiffened abruptly, shuddering as if they’d been struck by lightning.
"Lo... Lo... Lord Su! You... Please, come in!"
The younger of the two guards was completely tongue-tied.
He never imagined that such an important figure would announce himself so calmly to a lowly gatekeeper like him!
Fortunately, the older guard beside him was much quicker on the uptake. With a wide smile plastered on his face, he bowed deeply and began to lead the way.
"Lord Su, your presence is a great honor for the Lin Family! Our master gave instructions last night that you are a distinguished guest and require no announcement. I will take you to the rear courtyard immediately!"
"Mm, thank you."
Su Yu gave a slight nod and followed the old guard through the Lin Family’s main gate, his expression composed.
As they crossed the spacious front courtyard, Su Yu glanced out of habit toward the plaza where merchant caravans usually unloaded their goods.
The area, which in his memory was always bustling and packed with Cyan Armored Bulls, now seemed rather empty. Not a single bull was in sight; it seemed they were all out on the trade routes.
After all, with supplies growing scarce in Black Stone City, the merchant caravans had become much busier.
As they continued further in, the guard excused himself and departed.
Su Yu passed through a Moon Gate and came upon the open-air training grounds where the Lin Family disciples practiced.
Dozens of Lin Family disciples, stripped to the waist, were fervently training to temper their Qi and Blood. The familiar shouts and the sight of sweat flying through the air made Su Yu feel a pang of nostalgia, causing him to pause and watch for a moment.
Just then, the subtle whistle of something cutting through the air came from right behind his head!
WHOOSH!
Su Yu didn’t even turn his head; instead, a faint smile played on his lips. He casually reached back with his right hand, pinching his index and middle fingers together like a pair of iron tongs.
SNAP.
He had caught a Flying Locust Stone with perfect precision between his fingers.
"Big Bro, you’re amazing! Long time no see! Please accept my bow of respect!"
The next moment, a clear, youthful shout filled with admiration rang out.
An agile boy darted out from behind a weapons rack like a wildcat. He sprinted in front of Su Yu and, without hesitation, dropped to one knee, clasped his fists, and performed a formal salute.
"Xiaotian, get up. Your aim with those Flying Locust Stones and your hidden weapon techniques have certainly become much more refined."