66: Chapter 66 The Dragon-Slaying Sea Blade

His voice was arrogant and overbearing.

The diners in the restaurant, daring not to speak despite their anger, scattered to the corners, afraid of inviting trouble upon themselves.

Those two members of the Golden Sand Gang had nowhere left to retreat; backing against the wall, they panted desperately.

The bald man ignored them; instead, his gaze was drawn to the figure in the corner who had not even lifted an eyelid from the beginning.

It was Gao Feng.

And beside him was a long, heavy-looking weapon wrapped in thick oilcloth.

“Hey! You big guy!”

The bald man pointed his saber tip at Gao Feng, his tone flippant.

“What kind of treasure do you have there? Bring it over and let your Master have a look!”

The few Gang members behind him also burst into jeering laughter.

They were accustomed to throwing their weight around in Qinghe County and didn't take this fellow, who looked like a hick, seriously at all.

Gao Feng slowly raised his head.

His gaze was very calm.

So calm, like a bottomless cold abyss.

“Get lost.”

One word was softly spat from his mouth.

The voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

The bald man's smile froze on his face.

He thought he had misheard.

“Kid, what the hell did you say?!”

The Gang members behind him also began to clamor.

“You ignorant thing! How dare you speak to Brother Dragon Head like that!”

“Kill him!”

The bald man, who was that Brother Dragon Head, had a flash of cruel, murderous light in his eyes.

What he liked most was to crush such stubborn bones that didn't know the height of the sky and the depth of the earth.

“It seems you want to be carried out horizontally today!”

He gave a sinister laugh, raised his saber, and strode toward Gao Feng.

The atmosphere in the restaurant instantly froze to the freezing point.

Everyone held their breath, as if they had already seen the tragic scene of this outsider bleeding on the spot.

However, the moment Brother Dragon Head's saber was about to be raised.

Gao Feng moved.

No one could see his movements clearly.

Everyone just felt a blur before their eyes.

Immediately after, there was a series of teeth-aching bone-cracking sounds like popping beans!

“Crack! Crack! Crack!”

The sinister smiles on the faces of Brother Dragon Head and the seven Gang members behind him had not yet faded.

In the next second, they collapsed to the ground like soft mud with their bones removed, letting out pig-like wails.

Their limbs had been snapped by someone using an incredibly precise and cruel technique, bent at a bizarre angle!

Gao Feng had stood up at some point.

He hadn't even drawn the weapon on his back.

He just stood there quietly, looking down at the wailing trash on the ground.

At his feet lay the two Golden Sand Gang members who had narrowly escaped disaster.

They were frightened silly, trembling like chaff, not even daring to breathe hard.

The entire Listening Wind Tower was Silent as the grave.

Only the heart-wrenching screams of the eight Flying Dragon Gang members echoed continuously.

Gao Feng's gaze swept across the room.

Those diners who had previously been watching the excitement were now pale with fear, lowering their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.

“Innkeeper.”

Gao Feng's voice broke the suffocating silence.

“The meal money is on the table.”

After speaking, he bent down, straightened the overturned wine pot, then turned and prepared to leave.

“He... Hero! Please wait!”

A trembling voice came from behind him.

It was one of the two Golden Sand Gang members; he gathered all his courage, crawled over, and hugged Gao Feng's calf.

“Hero... the Golden Sand Gang will never forget your life-saving grace!”

“May I ask... for your honorable name!”

Gao Feng lowered his head and glanced at him, his eyes without a ripple.

“I just didn't want to be disturbed.”

After saying this, he gently shook himself free from the other's hand and walked out of the Listening Wind Tower without looking back.

Leaving behind only a scene of chaos and a room full of people terrified to the extreme.

He knew.

The bait had already been cast.

Now, it was just a matter of whether the fish would take the hook.

Gao Feng returned to the inn, and not long after, the innkeeper, with a fawning face, led someone to knock on his door.

The person who came was a middle-aged scholar of about forty.

He wore a cyan long robe, his face was refined, and his temples were slightly bulging, clearly also a Jianghu expert.

“I am Sun Qian of the Golden Sand Gang.”

As soon as the middle-aged scholar entered, he bowed respectfully to Gao Feng in the style of a Jianghu greeting.

“Sun has already heard about the matter at Listening Wind Tower. I have come specifically to thank Brother Gao for rescuing my brothers.”

His posture was very low.

Gao Feng gestured for him to sit, poured himself a cup of tea, his expression indifferent.

“I said, I just didn't want to be disturbed.”

“Brother Gao is straightforward, so I will not beat around the bush.”

Sun Qian gave a bitter smile, his face showing a trace of unconcealable worry.

He recounted the current situation in Qinghe County and the predicament facing the Golden Sand Gang to Gao Feng in detail.

His account was much more detailed than what Gao Feng had heard in the restaurant.

It turned out that the Golden Sand Gang and the Flying Dragon Gang had been fighting in Qinghe County for more than ten years, always evenly matched and minding their own business.

On the Golden Sand Gang's side, although the personal martial strength of their leader, Heavenly Hero, was slightly inferior to the Flying Dragon Gang's leader, Liu Chongshan.

But within their Gang, there were four powerful hall Masters.

These four hall Masters were from the same sect and were proficient in a combined attack Formation, called the "Four Symbols Dragon-Locking Formation".

The four of them joined forces to set up the Formation, which doubled its power, enough to easily contend with or even suppress Liu Chongshan.

This was also the Foundation upon which the Golden Sand Gang could always stand firm.

But just half a month ago, everything changed.

The Flying Dragon Gang leader, Liu Chongshan, had obtained a massive stroke of luck from somewhere.

He spent three days in seclusion, and after coming out, his strength surged.

His cultivation had actually reached the Peak of the Third Stage, only one step away from the legendary Fourth Stage "Bone Refining Realm"!

With his strength greatly increased, Liu Chongshan's ambition also expanded.

He began to frantically encroach on the Golden Sand Gang's territory and snatch their businesses.

The two Gangs erupted into the most tragic conflict in history.

In that battle, the four hall Masters of the Golden Sand Gang joined forces again, setting up the "Four Symbols Dragon-Locking Formation" to fight Liu Chongshan to the death.

But today is not the past.

Liu Chongshan's strength was simply too formidable.

At the last moment, the Third Hall Master, in order to cover everyone's retreat, did not hesitate to burn his essence and blood to trigger the forbidden killing Move of the Formation, which barely blocked Liu Chongshan's fatal blow.

But because of this, the Third Hall Master himself was exhausted and died on the spot.

After returning to the Gang, he didn't even last a day before passing away.

The Four Symbols Dragon-Locking Formation, missing a corner, had already been broken.

The Golden Sand Gang was also severely damaged as a result.

Adding insult to injury, the request for help they sent to their top boss, the "Four Seas Merchant Guild", was like a stone sinking into the sea, with no response for a long time.

The Merchant Guild's attitude had become unusually ambiguous.

On the Flying Dragon Gang's side, after learning of the Third Hall Master's death, their arrogance became extreme.

They issued an ultimatum directly.

Three days later, either the entire Golden Sand Gang would merge into the Flying Dragon Gang, so that there would be only one voice in Qinghe County from then on.

Or, they would wait to be wiped out, with blood flowing like a river!

Speaking of this, a flash of deep powerlessness and despair crossed Sun Qian's eyes.

Gao Feng listened quietly, but in his heart, he was analyzing rapidly.

He knew his opportunity had come.

“So, you came to find me, wanting me to replace your dead Third Hall Master and fight Liu Chongshan to the death?”

Gao Feng's tone carried a hint of mockery.

Sun Qian's face showed a trace of embarrassment, but he still braced himself and said: “Brother Gao's strength is unfathomable. If you are willing to help, my Golden Sand Gang will definitely reward you heavily!”

He took a five-hundred-tael silver note from his bosom and pushed it in front of Gao Feng.

“This is just a deposit.”

“After the matter is accomplished, another three thousand taels of silver will be offered!”

Gao Feng looked at the silver note without even lifting an eyelid.

“Money is useless to me.”

Sun Qian's heart sank; he feared encountering someone unmoved by money the most.

But this was his only chance.

He gritted his teeth and said: “My Golden Sand Gang still hides a trump card martial art!”

“It is called the 'Flood Dragon Overturning Sea Saber Technique'!”

“This saber technique is a top-tier Third Stage martial art, grand and open, with infinite power! If it can be matched with Brother Gao's divine weapon, it will surely be like a tiger adding wings!”

“As long as Brother Gao agrees, after the matter is accomplished, I am willing to persuade the Gang Leader to offer this saber technique with both hands!”

“In addition, although my Golden Sand Gang is just a small Gang, we still have some connections with the Four Seas Merchant Guild. We are willing to use all our relationships to write a recommendation letter for Brother Gao to the head office in Hanyang City!”

This last condition finally caused a ripple in Gao Feng's eyes.

A recommendation letter, and a saber technique that fit his weapon perfectly.

This was exactly what he needed most right now.

But he did not agree immediately, his face instead showing a look of difficulty.

He clutched his chest and coughed gently twice, an unnatural flush flashing across his face.

“Second-in-Command Sun, your conditions are very tempting.”

“It's a pity that I suffered some internal injuries from a feud with someone before, and they haven't fully healed yet.”

“Since Liu Chongshan is a Peak Third Stage expert, I'm afraid I am powerless in my current state.”

These words were a mix of truth and lies, making it difficult for Sun Qian to distinguish.

But looking at Gao Feng's slightly pale face, he believed it seven or eight points in his heart.

Yes, how could such an expert end up in a small place like Qinghe County for no reason?

He must have been hunted by enemies and suffered heavy injuries, so he came here to take refuge!

Thinking of this, Sun Qian was not disappointed; instead, a ray of hope erupted in his eyes!

As long as it's an injury, it's easy to handle!

“Brother Gao! Your injury is important!”

“I don't know what kind of Medicinal Pill Brother Gao needs to heal? My Golden Sand Gang has some influence in Qinghe County; even that 'Tiger Heart Bear Gall Pill', which is hard to find for a thousand gold, we can find a way to get it for you!”

“Oh?” Gao Feng raised an eyebrow, “Are you serious?”

“A gentleman's word is as good as a whip to a fast horse!” Sun Qian said decisively.

“Good.” Gao Feng nodded, “Since Second-in-Command Sun is so sincere, then I will stay in your Gang for a few days.”

He didn't commit himself entirely.

But this attitude already made Sun Qian overjoyed!

He knew this matter was done!

Over the next two days, guided personally by Sun Qian, Gao Feng moved into the Golden Sand Gang's main headquarters located in the south of the city.

It was a massive estate covering a vast area, with three courtyards and three exits, featuring blue bricks and dark tiles, possessing quite an imposing Aura.

However, the estate was currently shrouded in a lingering atmosphere of oppression and sorrow.

The Gang members seen along the way all had solemn expressions; many had white mourning bands wrapped around their arms, hurrying to and fro, their brows filled with worry and unease.

The air seemed to still carry the faint scent of blood and medicinal herbs, which, mixed with the chill of late autumn, added a touch of desolation.

The Gang leader, Heavenly Hero, personally came forward to receive him in front of the meeting hall. This leader, who once dominated Qinghe County, now had an undisguisable weariness on his face.

He attached great importance to Gao Feng's arrival, personally treating him as a guest of honor and arranging for him to stay in the quietest and most elegant independent courtyard within the headquarters.

Inside the courtyard were small bridges and flowing water, with swaying bamboo shadows, forming a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere outside.

"Brother Gao, the Gang has suffered a great upheaval, and hearts are unsettled. If there is any lack of hospitality, I hope you will forgive us."

Heavenly Hero cupped his fists heavily, his tone carrying a hint of pleading, "The lives of the hundreds of brothers in the Golden Sand Gang are all entrusted to you, Brother!"

Gao Feng only nodded calmly; he was long accustomed to this look of eyes pinning all their hopes on the strong.

He was not a savior; he came here only for a transaction.

Sun Qian kept his promise, almost mobilizing all of the Golden Sand Gang's connections and resources in the city.

Finally, on the evening of the second day, he arrived in a hurry, respectfully handing an exquisite brocade box that emitted a rich scent of blood and medicinal herbs into Gao Feng's hands.

"Mr. Gao, I have not failed your commission! This 'Tiger Heart Bear Gall Pill' was obtained at a great cost and will certainly be of help to your injuries!"

There was a trace of heartache on Sun Qian's face, but even more anticipation.

Gao Feng opened the brocade box to see a Medicinal Pill the size of a dragon's eye, completely crimson, lying quietly inside, with a pure yet violent medicinal power rushing towards his face.

He accepted it with satisfaction and heard Sun Qian say, "To show our sincerity, the Gang leader has agreed to let you first peruse the first three Moves of the Flood Dragon Overturning Sea Saber Technique."

As he spoke, he handed over a slightly worn booklet.

Gao Feng took the Secret Manual, and just as he was about to speak, the courtyard door was rudely pushed open with a "bang."

A young man of about twenty, with a tall, upright figure and a resolute face, burst in, his eyes bloodshot.

He was dressed in a worn-out, faded martial suit, with a white mourning band similarly wrapped around his arm, his face bearing a sorrow and stubbornness inconsistent with his age.

He ignored Sun Qian and instead fixed his gaze, filled with scrutiny and hostility, firmly on Gao Feng.

"Second-in-Command! Gang leader! Are you really going to give my Master's position to an outsider of unknown origin?!"

The young man's voice was hoarse, filled with suppressed anger.

Sun Qian's expression changed, and he quickly reprimanded, "Silent! Do not be rude to Mr. Gao! Retreat at once!"

The person who arrived was none other than the Personal Disciple of the late Third Hall Master, Silent.

He was also recognized by the Golden Sand Gang as the most talented and strongest rising star among the younger generation.

His Master's tragic death filled him with deep-seated hatred for the Flying Dragon Gang and made him value the position his Master left behind more than his own life.

He did not retreat, but instead stepped forward, cupped his fists at Sun Qian and Heavenly Hero, who had also arrived at some point, and said loudly:

"Gang leader, Second-in-Command! The position of Third Hall Master should be inherited by me, his Disciple! Regarding the Four Symbols Dragon Locking Formation, Master had already taught me all the changes of the Three Talents position; I am confident in my ability to fill Master's gap, fight side-by-side with you uncles, and avenge Master!"

Heavenly Hero looked at this child he had watched grow up, a trace of reluctance flashing in his eyes, but he still said in a deep voice:

"Silent, we all understand your intentions. But this battle concerns the life and death of our Golden Sand Gang; we cannot afford any mistakes. Your cultivation is, after all, still lacking; we cannot afford to gamble."

"Cannot afford to gamble?"

Silent smiled bitterly, then suddenly turned to Gao Feng, his eyes becoming as sharp as a blade, "So, you would rather bet all your hopes on an outsider whose name we don't even know, and where he comes from?!"

"What does he have to offer?!"

Silent's voice suddenly rose, and he pointed at Gao Feng, asking word by word, "Just because he knocked over a few low-class thugs in a restaurant?! I do not accept this!"

These words caused the atmosphere in the scene to instantly freeze.

The expressions of Heavenly Hero and Sun Qian became extremely ugly, and just as they were about to erupt, Gao Feng raised his hand to stop them.

He looked calmly at the young man before him, who was like an angry young lion. In the other's eyes, he did not see jealousy, but pure sorrow, indignation, and a persistence to prove himself.

This reminded him of the young people in Panshi Stockade who were equally eager to achieve success.

"What do you want?" Gao Feng asked calmly.

"It's simple!"

Silent drew his saber from his back, the tip pointing directly at the ground, emitting a crisp ringing sound.

"I want to challenge you! If you can defeat me fair and square, then I, Silent, will say nothing more and will be at your beck and call from now on! If you dare not, then please leave the Golden Sand Gang!"

"Nonsense!" Heavenly Hero was furious.

"Let him try."

Gao Feng unexpectedly spoke, walking slowly into the courtyard and beckoning to Silent with his finger, "I will give you one chance to attack. Use your strongest Move and come at me."

Silent did not expect him to agree so readily. He was stunned at first, then the anger in his chest was completely ignited; he believed this was the other party looking down on him!

"Fine! You said it yourself!"

He let out a low roar, exerted force with his feet, and shot out like an arrow from a bow. The steel saber in his hand brought with it a shrill whistling sound; it was the most ferocious Move in his Master's saber technique, "Fierce Tiger Descends the Mountain"!

Facing this aggressive saber strike, Gao Feng did not even blink. He did not even draw the three-pointed, double-edged blade from his back.

Just as the blade was about to reach him, his figure swayed slightly, like willow catkins in the wind, and with an incredible angle, he lightly avoided the fatal edge.

At the same time, his right hand reached out, index and middle fingers together, fast as lightning, and accurately tapped onto Silent's wrist holding the saber.

"Cling!"

A light sound.

Silent felt his wrist go numb, a clever force came through, his tiger's mouth shook violently, and the steel saber he regarded as his life uncontrollably flew out of his hand, falling to the ground several meters away with a "clang."

One Move!

Just one Move!

And he hadn't even used a weapon!

Silent's proudest full-force strike was neutralized so easily.

He stood frozen on the spot, the color drained from his face, his eyes filled with disbelief and confusion.

He hadn't even seen how the other party made his Move.

That feeling was like a toddler learning to walk, provoking a giant standing between heaven and earth—small and ridiculous.

In the courtyard, Heavenly Hero, Sun Qian, and the others all gasped in shock.

Although they knew Gao Feng was strong, they did not expect him to be this strong.

Silent's strength was already outstanding among the younger generation in the Gang, and he was only one step away from the Third Rank.

Yet in front of this man, he couldn't even withstand one Move!

Gao Feng ignored everyone's shock. He looked at the dejected Silent and spoke calmly, his voice clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"Your saber is too rigid."

"Your heart is filled with hatred. This hatred gives your saber strike plenty of Killing Intent, but at the same time, it makes your saber lose all its changes and spirituality. Charging forward without knowing how to turn."

"Remember, a saber that cannot turn cannot split a stubborn stone; it will only be shattered."

These words were like a heavy hammer, striking hard at Silent's heart.

He stood there blankly, chewing over Gao Feng's words repeatedly, as if a brand-new door in his mind was being slowly pushed open.

Yes, ever since his Master died, all he thought about every day was revenge, revenge!

His saber had therefore become increasingly ruthless and fierce, but also... increasingly rigid.

Gao Feng watched his thoughtful appearance, knowing that this young man was still salvageable.

He said no more and turned back into the room.

This "clash that led to acquaintance" not only failed to make the Golden Sand Gang members resent Gao Feng but instead made his unfathomable strength and Grandmaster-like demeanor even more deeply ingrained in their hearts.

Late that night, Silent came alone to the outside of Gao Feng's courtyard.

He no longer had the impulsiveness and hostility of the day, his face bearing a bit of guilt and an inner respect.

He stood outside the courtyard for a long time, finally summoning the courage to knock on the door.

"Mr. Gao, during the day... I was reckless."

As soon as Silent entered the room, he bowed deeply to Gao Feng.

Gao Feng signaled for him to sit, his expression still calm: "You want to avenge your Master; that is not wrong."

"But I..." A look of pain appeared on Silent's face, "I am too weak."

"Knowing that you are weak is the beginning of becoming stronger." Gao Feng looked at him and said slowly, "Practice your saber technique again, and let me see."

Silent's spirits lifted, and he immediately walked into the courtyard, practicing his saber technique, Move by Move, without any reservation.

This time, Gao Feng watched very carefully.

"Your Foundation is not bad, but the way you exert force is wrong in three places. The connection between your Moves is awkward in five places. Also, your breathing is completely disconnected from your saber momentum..."

Gao Feng mercilessly analyzed and pointed out all the flaws in his saber technique one by one.

Every sentence was like a sharp needle, accurately piercing the most uncomfortable parts of Silent, yet giving him a feeling of sudden enlightenment.