The Bright Moon Heart Sutra, Yang Yunxing's Entrustment, and the Beautiful Operator

Chapter 64 The Bright Moon Heart Sutra, Yang Yunxing's Entrustment, and the Beautiful Operator Shang Xiuxun!

West City, noon.

Suddenly, bugle calls and cries of agony erupted from below the city walls!

The dense crowd of refugees was driven toward the moat, followed closely by the Jianghuai Army's siege echelons. The countless siege ladders, like ferocious serpents, rushed toward the city walls.

Arrows rained down, stones roared, and the thick blue brick city wall trembled violently under the impact of the ramming vehicles, with rubble falling in a flurry.

Su Yang stood as firm as a rock behind the battlements, his gaze sweeping across the battlefield below like an icy blade. His intuition, honed by the Perfected Killing Sword Technique, allowed him to pinpoint the fierce enemy soldiers atop the siege ladders, who had begun their ascent; close combat was imminent!

Wang Tiezhu gripped his long knife tightly, veins bulging on his forehead.

On the foremost ladder, three Jianghuai Army warriors, clad in armor and wielding shields and long swords, had scaled the ramparts. With each swing of their steel blades, they instantly felled four or five defenders, and the breach was about to be torn open. He immediately roared and charged forward, sword in hand: "Block the breach! Don't let the bandits succeed!"

"Captain Wang! I'm here to help you!"

Zhao Daqi, on the flank, roared and rushed to the rescue, brandishing his sword to try and flank the enemy. But as soon as he got close, he ran headlong into a fierce soldier wielding a wooden shield reinforced with iron. The soldier grinned maliciously, neither dodging nor avoiding, and instead used his arms to slam the heavy wooden shield down like a battering ram!

"Bang!"

Zhao Daqi hastily swung his sword to block, but the immense force from the shield caused his tiger's mouth to split open, his long sword nearly slipped from his hand, and he staggered back three steps, almost falling off the city wall.

Further away, the Jianghuai army, like ants, frantically climbed the ladders. The Jingling army soldiers defending the city fought to the death, but they could not withstand the enemy's fearless charge. The sounds of fierce fighting rose and fell, and blood flowed down the cracks in the city wall.

"Hold on! Everyone, hold on!"

The garrison commander on the city wall roared and urged the troops to fight, but the defensive line was already on the verge of collapse in the face of the fierce attacks of the Jianghuai Army.

Su Yang's eyes sharpened, and he placed his hand on the hilt of the ring-pommel straight sword, instantly channeling his perfected internal energy into his legs! His cultivation technique had reached its peak, and his internal energy had become increasingly refined. At this moment, it all burst forth, leaving a shallow mark on the blue brick beneath his feet.

He slammed his right foot against the brick wall and shot out like an arrow. A charging enemy soldier tried to stop him with his sword, but he rammed into him, and the soldier was struck as if by a battering ram. His sternum shattered and he flew backward, crashing into the crenellation and falling silent.

This seemingly casual collision was actually a display of his internal strength concentrated in his shoulder, a skill honed through years of battlefield experience.

"Get out!"

Su Yang roared like a tiger howling in the mountains, and his blade flashed, each strike precisely killing a Jianghuai soldier who had climbed the wall.

The trajectory of the blade light vaguely revealed the shadow of the Breaking Edge Blade Technique passed down by Yang Yunxing, but it was more concise and domineering—this was his perfect Breaking Army Tiger Soul Blade killing move, "Tiger Soul Slash," carrying the ferocious will of bloodshed on the battlefield!

In the blink of an eye, he had ruthlessly killed more than a dozen Jianghuai soldiers who had climbed up the battlements, and their corpses were thrown off the city wall and smashed to pieces.

Just then, a fierce and burly man wielding two axes roared and charged from the city wall. With a series of slashes and hacks, the soldiers of the Jingling Army fell to the ground one after another. No one could withstand his attack.

Seeing this, Wang Tiezhu gritted his teeth and rushed forward, using his Breaking Edge Blade Technique to defend himself, but was sent flying by the opponent's axe, his body crashing heavily into the wall, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

"Die!"

Su Yang turned around and, without stopping, charged straight at the burly man wielding the axe, slashing down with a fierce blow!

Seeing this, the burly man crossed his two axes to block.

"clang!!!"

The ear-piercing sound of metal clashing together was so loud it made my eardrums ache!

The next instant, to the horrified gazes of everyone around, the burly man's massive body was sent flying backward by the force of the blade, knocking away two of his companions behind him. The three of them fell straight off the city wall, their bodies shattered upon impact.

One strike sent three people flying!

"Captain Su's swordsmanship is truly superb!"

"As expected of Captain Su!"

There was a brief moment of deathly silence on the city wall, followed by a deafening roar of cheers!

"kill!!!"

Su Yang didn't stop, his blade following his movements.

At this moment, he seemed to transform into a ferocious tiger on the battlefield, each strike precise and ruthless, aimed directly at vital points such as the throat and heart. His moves were extremely simple, yet his lethality was extremely fierce!

With a second slash, an enemy soldier's shield and arm were severed, and he fell off the city wall with a scream.

The third horizontal slash sent two heads flying into the air.

The fourth thrust was aimed straight at the heart, and the enemy soldier fell to the ground without even a chance to react.

With his fifth slash, he forced back two fierce soldiers who had surrounded him. The back of his blade struck one of them on the back of the knee, and as the man staggered, Zhao Daqi, who had caught up in time, finished him off with a fatal blow!

Wherever he went, the fierce soldiers of the Jianghuai Army fell like grass, and none of them could withstand a single blow!

The ferocious aura contained in that swordsmanship intimidated the surrounding enemy soldiers, causing their originally fierce offensive to collapse instantly.

"My goodness!"

Li Shitou's mouth gaped open, and he could barely grip the knife in his hand. Watching Su Yang maneuver through the enemy ranks, he felt a chill run from the soles of his feet to the top of his head—this was no longer the Su Captain who had practiced swordsmanship with them; he was clearly a killing god who had emerged from the bloodbath of Hushan!

"Instructor Yang said long ago that Captain Su was a genius in swordsmanship. Seeing him today, his talent is indeed amazing!" Zhao Daqi's throat was dry. The fierce soldier who had just left him helpless was so vulnerable under Su Yang's sword.

"Su Yang's swordsmanship is incredibly fierce!"

Wang Tiezhu, leaning on his knife, barely managed to stand up. He stared wide-eyed at Su Yang, who was wreaking havoc on the battlefield, utterly shocked.

He had just been nearly killed by the burly man with two axes, while Su Yang had managed to kill him with a single, deadly strike. The difference between the two men shocked him.

Not far away, Yang Yunxing, who was overseeing the battle, stared intently at Su Yang's figure, his breathing becoming rapid.

He could see clearly that Su Yang's rapid advance was the result of precisely channeling his inner strength into the speed of his legs, combined with his accurate understanding of the battlefield situation!

What excited him even more was the sword technique—it was indeed the foundation of the Breaking Edge Sword Technique that he had taught him, but in Su Yang's hands it had developed a fierce sword aura far exceeding its original form, and had been completely transformed!

"This kid—truly a genius in swordsmanship! He's managed to master the Breaking Edge Sword Technique to this level and even come up with new moves!"

Yang Yunxing's lips trembled, and his eyes blazed with an almost fanatical light.

Seeing the martial arts he had taught unleash their ultimate power in the hands of his disciple filled him with such a sense of awe and accomplishment that he almost roared to the heavens.

Several more ladders were set up, and four enemy soldiers climbed up the ramparts at the same time.

With a flash of light, Su Yang slashed down the first person, then dodged the blade on the other side and slashed the throat of the second person with a backhand stroke.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the third person raise his foot to kick Zhao Daqi in the back of the head. Without hesitation, he kicked him back and then stabbed him in the heart with a knife.

The last man tried to escape, but Su Yang quickly caught up with him and slashed him down from the top of the wall.

Within four moves, all four fierce soldiers were killed!

"Captain Su is amazing!"

The defending troops erupted in a deafening roar, their morale soaring, and they launched a counterattack.

"Waaaaaah!!!!"

Just then, a desolate and powerful bugle call rang out from the flank of the battlefield!

The thunderous sound of hooves grew louder as a cavalry force, like a silver lightning bolt, suddenly charged out from behind the hills.

Although they numbered no more than five hundred, their momentum was as powerful as a rainbow piercing the sun.

The leader was a white horse as swift as a dragon, with a silver spear as white as snow. She was slender and graceful. Although her face was covered by armor, it was still clear that she was a female general. Her fierce spear intent, which looked down on the battlefield, was breathtaking!

This elite cavalry's attack was timed with extreme cunning, striking precisely when the Jianghuai army was fully engaged in the siege and its flanks were vulnerable. Their iron hooves thundered, their spears like a forest, instantly turning the rear of the attacking force upside down!

"Reinforcements! Reinforcements from Pegasus Ranch!"

"Great! Our reinforcements have arrived!"

A roar of jubilation erupted from the city walls, throwing the Jianghuai army into disarray and abruptly halting their siege.

"Reinforcements from Pegasus Ranch? Could that silver-spear, white-horse general leading the way be the beautiful ranch owner, Shang Xiuxun?" Su Yang slashed away an enemy soldier in front of him with his sword and took the opportunity to look up.

Just then, the figure on white horse with silver spear sent an enemy rider flying, reined in his horse, and looked back. Their gazes met briefly in mid-air, across the billowing smoke and the corpses scattered on the ground.

Shang Xiuxun's gaze was sharp as an eagle's, landing precisely on Su Yang's blood-stained blade and the enemy corpse at his feet, a hint of surprised scrutiny flashing in her eyes. Then, the turmoil in her eyes subsided, and she brandished her silver spear: "Turn around, left flank!"

The cavalrymen tore through the enemy lines like silver arcs, instantly reversing the tide of battle.

On the city wall, Su Yang took a deep breath, suppressed his surging internal energy, and turned his gaze once again to the Jianghuai army that was still putting up a stubborn resistance below the city.

The fierce battle in the western city came to an end, and the setting sun, like blood, stained the mottled city walls and the corpses scattered everywhere.

After the Jianghuai Army was defeated, the defending troops were busy clearing the battlefield and treating the wounded. The clamor gradually subsided into tired breathing.

Su Yang leaned against the battlements, wiping the blood from his ring-pommel straight sword. His mastered internal energy flowed slowly, calming the turbulent blood and qi from the fierce battle. The blade reflected the blood-stained fabric of his clothes, but could not conceal the sharp glint in his eyes.

"Su Yang".

A deep voice came from behind him, and Yang Yunxing strode over, his face still covered in battlefield dust, but his eyes were more intense than ever. He glanced around and, seeing that the surrounding soldiers were busy and no one was paying attention to them, lowered his voice and said, "Come with me, I have something important to tell you."

Su Yang's heart stirred slightly. He sheathed his sword, followed Yang Yunxing's footsteps, and crossed the chaotic battlefield to arrive at a secluded abandoned arrow tower under the city wall.

The arrow tower was dark and damp, filled with dust and a musty smell.

Yang Yunxing closed the door behind him, then turned around, his gaze fixed on Su Yang, his tone carrying an undeniable solemnity: "In the battle just now, I saw that your swordsmanship and internal strength far exceeded my initial expectations. The Breaking Edge Sword Technique in your hands has been completely transformed. This talent and comprehension in swordsmanship truly makes you a prodigy in the way of the sword."

Su Yang nodded calmly: "All of this is thanks to the coach's excellent guidance."

"I will only teach you the basic Blade Breaking Technique."

Yang Yunxing waved his hand, his voice deepening: "You were able to hone your basic swordsmanship to such a fierce level, even reaching a new level and comprehending new moves, all thanks to your own comprehension and ruthlessness. But your current internal energy is more gentle and mellow, solid but lacking in sharpness, ultimately falling short of the harmony with your domineering sword aura... This will limit the upper limit of your swordsmanship."

Su Yang's heart stirred. He did indeed feel that although the Nourishing Life and Strengthening Qi Technique was stable, it was difficult to fully unleash the ferocity of the Breaking Army Tiger Soul Blade. Yang Yunxing's words hit the nail on the head.

Seeing this, Yang Yunxing took out a handwritten booklet from his bosom and handed it to Su Yang: "In my early years, I wandered the martial world and met a reclusive master. Seeing that I had a foundation in martial arts, he passed on this 'Bright Moon Heart Method' to me, saying that this skill is most suitable for sword cultivation, and can condense internal energy into a cold edge and fuse sword momentum into moonlight, making internal energy more solid and sword moves more penetrating."

Su Yang took the thin booklet, which felt slightly heavy in his hand. The cover had no extra decorations, only the four seal characters "Haoyue Xinfa" (Bright Moon Heart Method), written with vigorous strokes, exuding a sense of coldness.

The handwriting is still fresh, indicating that it was copied not long ago.

"This mental cultivation method has a mysterious origin. The master never revealed his name, only saying that those with the right destiny will obtain it."

Yang Yunxing's voice carried a hint of melancholy as his gaze drifted towards the setting sun outside the arrow tower: "I have practiced for so many years, and although I have made some progress, I have never been able to fully unleash its power. Firstly, my talent is limited, and secondly—I have a blood feud that I have not yet settled, and I am plagued by inner demons, making it difficult for me to concentrate on my studies."

He turned his head sharply, his eyes becoming incredibly sharp: "My enemies are extremely powerful and ruthless. I am powerless to fight them, and all these years I have been forced to live in hiding, barely surviving. But I am unwilling to let this martial art be buried forever, and I am even more unwilling to let my grudges sink into the sea."

Yang Yunxing stepped forward, placing his hands on Su Yang's shoulders with a force that was both urgent and hopeful: "You are the most talented swordsman I have ever seen. In your hands, this 'Bright Moon Heart Method' will surely unleash its true power. I am passing on this method to you, not asking for immediate repayment, but only hoping that when you have achieved great strength, you will help me settle that deep-seated blood feud—as for who the enemy is, you don't need to know now. Knowing too early will not be good for either of us."

Su Yang held the thin booklet, his fingertips able to feel the rough texture of the hemp paper.

Looking at the almost desperate determination and expectation in Yang Yunxing's eyes, he felt a convergence of past guidance, present entrustment, and the reality that the mental cultivation technique could make up for his own shortcomings.

Without hesitation, he slowly nodded, his tone as firm as iron: "Since you trust me, I will accept. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will definitely help you fulfill your wish."

After speaking, Su Yang took a step back, widening the distance between the two. Under Yang Yunxing's slightly startled gaze, he carefully put the booklet into his pocket, then clasped his hands together and solemnly and deeply bowed to Yang Yunxing.

"I will always remember the kindness of my instructor in passing on his skills and knowledge and entrusting me with the responsibility of passing on his knowledge."

He raised his head, his gaze clear and firm: "From now on, in front of others, you will still be Instructor Yang, but in my heart, Su Yang, you are already a teacher who imparts knowledge and resolves doubts. Today, please accept my bow."

This bow was not only to the "Bright Moon Heart Method" before him, but also to Yang Yunxing's unreserved guidance in the past, and to this trust that was especially heavy in the treacherous world of martial arts.

Yang Yunxing's tense body suddenly relaxed, and the sense of relief in his eyes quickly expanded, transforming into an indescribable complex emotion—a sense of relief, a touch of emotion, and perhaps a hint of bewilderment after a heavy burden had been lifted.

He suddenly raised his hand, as if to help, but stopped before touching Su Yang's arm. In the end, he just nodded heavily and pressed his hand back onto Su Yang's shoulder.

"well!"

His throat bobbed, his voice a few decibels hoarser than before, and beneath that usual seriousness surged a warm current of recognition and a heavier sense of responsibility: "Get up. This matter is known to you and me."

He took a deep breath, forcibly calming his emotions, and resumed his instructor's tone: "This cultivation method requires the Cold Moon as a guide, and its internal energy leans towards Yin and softness. It complements your Nourishing Life and Cultivating Vitality Technique, rather than contradicting it. You can try it tonight. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me."

He paused, his gaze as sharp as ever, but the additional admonition he gave had a deeper meaning because of that bow he had just received: "Remember, this matter must never be mentioned to a third party, including anyone in the Huang family. The world is a dangerous place; possessing a treasure is a crime."

This is both my requirement for you and—my only constraint on you.

"Disciple understands."

Su Yang agreed, his tone remaining firm.

Yang Yunxing gave him a deep look, as if trying to etch his image into his mind, then turned and opened the door: "Go back and rest well. There are probably still tough battles to fight."

Su Yang followed him out of the arrow tower. The evening breeze brushed his face, carrying the scent of blood and the freshness of grass and trees. He touched the silk scroll in his arms, clearly feeling its heavy weight—it was not just a set of cultivation techniques, but also a heavy entrustment and promise.

Under the setting sun, his figure stood even more upright, and he had already made up his mind: he would master the "Bright Moon Heart Method" as soon as possible, which would not only enhance his strength and help him cope with the crisis of the chaotic world, but also live up to Yang Yunxing's trust.

Su Yang's figure disappeared into the afterglow of the battlefield, upright and resolute.

Yang Yunxing stood alone at the entrance of the abandoned arrow tower. The evening wind ruffled his robes, carrying the stench and desolation of the battlefield. He gazed in the direction Su Yang had left, remaining motionless for a long time, his eyes swirling with complex emotions.

"Grandmaster, it's been twenty-eight years—"

He murmured softly, his voice filled with an unyielding melancholy: "When you passed on the 'Bright Moon Heart Method' to me, you said that this skill requires a clear mind and decisive action to master. But I was plagued by inner demons and haunted by hatred, so I only managed to learn the basics and failed to live up to this wonderful skill."

As the light of the setting sun gradually dimmed, it made the lines on his face appear even deeper—a mixture of suppressed pain, resentful struggle, and a desperate hope.

"Our enemies are powerful and ruthless. I have been living in hiding for years, walking on thin ice, and I don't even have the courage to get close." He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. "I am not willing to let this cultivation method be buried, and I am even less willing to let the blood feud of my family end up as nothing more than empty talk."

He turned to look at the crescent moon that had just appeared on the horizon; the cold moonlight reflected perfectly in his eyes.

"Su Yang is a true gem in the rough."

A faint smile played at the corners of his lips, a smile of relief mixed with a sense of hope: "He has the talent, the temperament, the ruthlessness—he can master the basics of swordsmanship to a whole new level, and he can comprehend the fighting spirit in the face of death. In his hands, the 'Bright Moon Heart Sutra' will surely shine with its due brilliance."

"Passing on the mental cultivation method to him and entrusting my last thoughts to him is the only thing I can do right now."

He raised his hand and wiped his face, brushing away the dust and dampness that had somehow gotten on it. His eyes gradually hardened: "I only hope I haven't misjudged him. I only hope that he will achieve great things in the future and remember this request, so that those who have passed away can rest in peace!"

"Su Yang—I hope my choice wasn't wrong."

The last whisper faded into the evening breeze. Yang Yunxing turned around and rejoined the flow of people clearing the battlefield. His back view showed more relief than when he came, and also a heavier sense of entrustment.