The Queen travels through time and dominates the four realms

Chapter 487

On this day, as the sun was setting, Ren Xiaoyao stood on a dilapidated wooden bridge at the edge of a small town, his eyes fixed on a dense forest ahead through the dusk. There, a group of bandits were besieging a caravan carrying grain, with swords flashing and cries for help everywhere.

"Today, let me meet you." Ren Xiaoyao whispered, his tone without any panic, only determination. He stretched out his body and rushed to the battlefield like a ghost, so fast that even the air made a slight whistle behind him.

The bandits were immersed in the joy of success and did not notice the crisis. Suddenly, a silver light passed through the crowd, followed by a few muffled groans. Several bandits were hit in the acupuncture points and collapsed to the ground. The remaining bandits were terrified and looked around, but they could not even catch the shadow of the attacker.

"Who are you?! If you have the guts, come out and fight me head-on!" roared a ferocious-faced bandit leader, waving the broadsword in his hand wildly, trying to intimidate the unknown opponent.

Ren Xiaoyao's figure appeared slightly, standing on a branch, his sleeves fluttering in the wind, looking calm and unhurried. "A head-on confrontation? Are you worthy?" Although his words were soft, every word was clear and resounded throughout the valley.

The bandit leader was so angry that he rushed to where Ren Xiaoyao was with his knife. Ren Xiaoyao flashed like a ghost and easily avoided the oncoming blade. Then, he used the force of the opponent to counter the opponent's force and lightly tapped the bandit leader with his finger. The bandit leader flew several feet away like a kite with a broken string and fell heavily to the ground without any movement.

The other bandits were all frightened when they saw this, and they all knelt down to beg for mercy. Ren Xiaoyao looked around and said in a cold but dignified voice: "I will let you live today, but if you dare to do evil again, don't blame me for being ruthless."

After saying this, he did not stop, but leaped up and down, and disappeared into the depths of the jungle in a few jumps, leaving the caravan members with tears of gratitude, watching his back as he went away.

As night fell, Ren Xiaoyao returned to the library. Wuhenzi was standing in front of the window with his hands behind his back, gazing at the starry sky, seemingly lost in thought.

"Well done, Xiaoyao. But remember, true martial arts is not only about punishing evil, but more importantly, it is about protecting and guiding." Wuhenzi turned around, his eyes gentle and deep.

Ren Xiaoyao bowed respectfully, his eyes gleaming with determination: "I will remember your teachings, senior. I will continue to improve and live up to your expectations."

Wuhenzi nodded with satisfaction, and the two stood opposite each other. The candlelight in the library illuminated two figures fighting side by side, which seemed to indicate that a new legend was being quietly written.

"However, Xiaoyao, do you know that tonight's trip has attracted the attention of an old friend?" Wuhenzi changed the subject, with a barely perceptible worry in his tone.

A hint of surprise flashed across Ren Xiaoyao's brows: "Old friend? Is he an enemy or a friend?"

"This man's name is Yunyin. He was once my fellow disciple, but we parted ways due to different understandings of martial arts. He has always been unpredictable, and there has been little news about him in recent years. But Yunyin's pursuit of martial arts is almost crazy, and he has an extraordinary interest in lost secret techniques. Once he gets to know your 'Xiaoyaobu', I'm afraid it will bring you unnecessary trouble." Wuhenzi spoke slowly, his words revealing his complicated emotions towards his old friend.

Ren Xiaoyao's heart trembled, and then he said firmly: "Disciple understands, I will be more cautious. But if he really comes to me, I will never back down."

"Okay, I am relieved to have such determination. But you still need to prepare. Yunyin is good at planning and has sophisticated means. You need to learn deeper martial arts and mental methods to take the initiative in the confrontation." Wuhenzi said, taking a yellowed ancient book from the shelf and handing it to Ren Xiaoyao, "This is the Guixu Heart Sutra, which contains the method of self-cultivation and the ultimate truth of martial arts. If you study it carefully, you will definitely gain something."

Ren Xiaoyao took it with both hands, feeling the weight of time and wisdom contained in the ancient book, and an indescribable excitement and awe surged in his heart: "Thank you, senior. I will practice diligently day and night and live up to your high expectations."

In the following days, the lights in the library were always on, and Ren Xiaoyao studied the Guixu Heart Sutra without sleep or food. His cultivation improved day by day, not only did his martial arts improve, but his state of mind also became deeper and more peaceful. Whenever it was late at night, he would practice his newly learned martial arts in the courtyard, his posture was agile, like the brightest star in the night sky.

However, the peaceful days did not last long. An anonymous letter quietly appeared in front of the library. There was only one sentence in the letter: "Yunyin is visiting. I hope you can meet me at Qingfengling on a full moon night."

On a full-moon night, the light was as clear as a silver thread. Ren Xiaoyao stood alone on the top of Qingfeng Ridge, surrounded by pine trees and waves, and the wind and clouds were surging. Yunyin's figure slowly walked out of the night, wearing a green shirt, standing with his hands behind his back, his eyes as sharp as an eagle.

"I have heard of Young Master Ren's great name for a long time. After meeting him today, I find that his reputation is indeed well-deserved." Yun Yin's voice was cold but with a hint of inquiry.

Ren Xiaoyao clasped his fists in return, his tone neither humble nor arrogant: "Senior Yunyin is too polite. I am just following my heart and doing justice."

Yunyin smiled slightly, but there was some deep meaning hidden in his smile: "Original heart? Everything in the world is born from the heart. Without a strong heart, how can you gain a foothold in this world? I think young man Ren has unlimited potential, why don't you follow me and explore the highest realm of martial arts?"

"I appreciate your kindness, but I have my own path to follow. If you really want to learn from me, I will be happy to accompany you." Ren Xiaoyao's answer was firm and forceful.

Yunyin's eyes narrowed when he heard this, and then he smiled with relief: "In that case, then come on. Let me see if you are really worthy of my attention."

The two figures intersected in an instant, the sword light and the palm wind intertwined, drawing a gorgeous trajectory in the night sky. This duel was not only a contest of skills, but also a collision of will and belief. After a fierce confrontation, in the end, Ren Xiaoyao won the victory with his newly realized mind method and indomitable will.

After the battle, Yun Yin was half-kneeling on the ground with injuries, but he smiled freely: "What a Ren Xiaoyao, you really exceeded my expectations. I lost, and I lost with conviction. From now on, there will be no more grudges between you and me."

Ren Xiaoyao reached out his hand to help, but Yun Yin declined politely: "No need. After this battle, I, Yun Yin, will practice in seclusion. Perhaps one day in the future, we will meet at a higher level."

After that, Yunyin turned into a green shadow and disappeared into the vast night, leaving Ren Xiaoyao alone, standing alone on the top of the peak, looking at the full moon in deep thought. He knew that this battle was not only a recognition of his own strength, but also an important milestone on his growth path.

"Senior, I look forward to meeting you again at a higher place." Ren Xiaoyao murmured softly, turned around and set out on the road back, his heart filled with unprecedented determination and expectation.

The library once again welcomed a quiet night. Amid the flickering lights, Ren Xiaoyao gently put the Guixu Heart Sutra back to its original place, his heart filled with infinite longing for the future. This experience made him deeply realize the ups and downs and breadth of the martial arts path, as well as the persistence and loneliness of pursuing perfection.

Just as he was immersed in his thoughts, Wuhenzi walked in slowly, his eyes full of satisfaction. "Xiaoyao, I heard the sound of the wind on Qingfeng Ridge. It told me that you have surpassed yourself and exceeded expectations."

Ren Xiaoyao bowed respectfully and said, "Thanks to Master's guidance, I was able to make a breakthrough. However, I still have some doubts in my heart."

"Oh? What are your doubts? Just tell me." Wuhenzi encouraged his disciples to ask questions in a gentle tone.

"Although Senior Yunyin was defeated by me, the desire and pursuit for martial arts in his eyes shocked me. Master, what is the true highest realm of martial arts?" There was both confusion and desire in Ren Xiaoyao's eyes.

Wuhenzi smiled and stroked his long beard. "The highest level of martial arts is not about breaking through thousands of pounds of force, nor about gorgeous moves, but about the harmony between the mind and nature, and the state of transcending life and death, and forgetting both the self and the world. When your mind is as still as still water, your actions follow the way of heaven, and you are not disturbed by external things, nor are you burdened by victory or defeat, at that moment, you have touched the true way of martial arts."

Ren Xiaoyao listened attentively, as if a new picture was unfolding before his eyes. "So that's how it is. I understand. The path of martial arts is ultimately the path of cultivating the mind."

"That's right." Wuhenzi nodded, "Remember, your true opponent is always yourself. Xiaoyao, keep moving forward. There will be more challenges waiting for you in the future, and I always believe that you can overcome them one by one."

The master and the disciple smiled at each other, their tacit understanding and trust needed no further explanation. As the night deepened, the lights in the library seemed to become especially warm, illuminating this long road to the pinnacle of martial arts.

"Master, I will live up to my mission and pass on this belief." Ren Xiaoyao said in a firm tone, with a determined light flashing in his eyes.

Wuhenzi nodded with satisfaction, and then gave another reminder: "Go, the world outside is vast and your story has just begun."

"Yes, Master." Ren Xiaoyao bowed deeply, turned around and walked out of the door of the library, his heart filled with infinite expectations for the future and deep understanding of the past.

Under the moonlight, his back looked particularly tall and straight, and every step he took was firm and powerful. He knew that this was not only the way back home, but also the beginning of a journey towards a higher realm.

"Senior Yunyin and Master, one day, I will stand at the pinnacle of martial arts and stand shoulder to shoulder with you." Ren Xiaoyao muttered to himself, with a confident smile on his face, and he bravely took his first step towards the unknown and challenging world.

The night wind blew on his face, bringing the freshness and coolness of the forest. Ren Xiaoyao walked down the winding mountain path, his heart full of endless fighting spirit and passion. The leaves rustled in the night wind, as if cheering him on. In front of him, the bluestone-paved path extended to the foot of the mountain, where was the starting point of the Jianghu and also his new trial field.

As he was walking, a dark figure suddenly jumped out from the bushes by the roadside and blocked his way. The man was wearing a nightgown and had a mask covering his face, revealing only a pair of sharp eyes that flashed with vigilance in the moonlight.

"Stop, this road is mine!" The voice was low and cold, and it was obvious that the other party was not friendly.

Ren Xiaoyao stopped walking, his hands hanging naturally, looking calm and unhurried. "Friend, are you blocking my way late at night just to recite a few clichéd lines?"

"Hmph, you smooth talker. Today I'll let you know how powerful I am!" Before the masked man finished his words, his figure approached like a ghost, and the short blade in his hand went straight for Ren Xiaoyao's vitals.

Facing the sudden attack, Ren Xiaoyao slightly turned his body and easily avoided it. At the same time, he flipped his right hand and grabbed the opponent's wrist. He did not exert any force, but just said calmly: "Martial arts is not a child's play. With your skills, you could have a bright future. Why do you have to do this kind of robbery?"

The masked man struggled a few times, but was unable to break free from Ren Xiaoyao's grip. A trace of surprise and unwillingness flashed in his eyes. "Who are you?"

"It doesn't matter who I am. What's important is that everyone has the opportunity to choose, and you can choose to become a better self." Ren Xiaoyao let go of his hand, with a bit of sincerity in his tone.

The masked man was stunned for a moment, then took a few steps back and said in a low voice: "Thank you for your advice, I will consider it carefully." After that, he disappeared into the night as quickly as he came.

Ren Xiaoyao looked at the direction he left, feeling mixed emotions. The Jianghu was always full of surprises and uncertainties. He sighed and continued to move forward, his determination to protect justice and improve himself strengthened.

Soon, a small village at the foot of the mountain came into view, with a hint of warmth and tranquility in the dim lights. Most of the villagers had fallen asleep, and only a few families had lights on, with faint laughter coming from them. Ren Xiaoyao walked slowly into the village entrance, and a warm current surged in his heart - no matter how turbulent the outside world was, this place always retained a sense of simplicity and tranquility.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps broke the silence of the night. A child ran out from the darkness in panic and almost bumped into Ren Xiaoyao.