Chapter 1053: Chapter 1053

The Joyous Monk moved quickly, but it was a pity that Helian Tiehua was not an ordinary person. He didn't even intend to turn around, he just stood there, completely unconcerned that his back was fully exposed to his enemy.

The Joyous Monk would certainly not miss such an opportunity. He raised his hand and delivered a palm strike right on Helian Tiehua's back. This strike was practically an ambush, aimed straight at the major acupoint on Helian Tiehua's back, intending to defeat him in one move. After all, even though Helian Tiehua had trained in the Thirteen Protectors' Horizontal Golden Bell Shield, the body's major acupoints are still very fragile. A slight mistake could result in serious injury, and a full-strength attack could easily take a life. This palm strike was specifically targeting the most vulnerable spot, and the Joyous Monk was extremely confident he could knock Helian Tiehua down in one blow.

The onlookers were watching the duel, some of whom were experts with keen eyesight. Seeing the Joyous Monk make his move, they immediately understood his intention, and they all gasped in unison, worried for Helian Tiehua. If this palm landed solidly, even if Helian Tiehua had the Thirteen Protectors' Horizontal Golden Bell Shield for protection, he would be severely wounded.

Among the crowd, only Helian Tiehua's subordinates showed no change in expression, as if they hadn't seen the Joyous Monk's intention at all. In fact, these people were confident in Helian Tiehua, convinced that the Joyous Monk couldn't harm him. Their admiration for Helian Tiehua had reached a blind level.

Under the amazed gaze of the onlookers, the Joyous Monk's palm finally landed on Helian Tiehua's back. Helian Tiehua's body remained as steady as Mount Tai, as if he hadn't been struck at all. In contrast, the Joyous Monk's expression changed, and he staggered back two steps, having been knocked back.

Witnessing this situation, everyone was astounded once more, their admiration for Great General Helian Tiehua's strength reaching new heights. Though the Joyous Monk's power was considered top-notch, Helian Tiehua just stood there and let him strike, yet the Joyous Monk couldn't harm him in the slightest. How could this not inspire awe?

The Joyous Monk's face changed considerably. The first time he suffered a setback, it was because he was unprepared, and he felt somewhat unconvinced. But this second time, he had attacked with all his might, and selected such a vulnerable spot, yet still couldn't harm Helian Tiehua. Instead, he was knocked back a step. If this were to spread, he would lose face completely!

Even before the surrounding crowd could speak, the Joyous Monk shouted directly: "Third move!"

This time, the Joyous Monk didn't advance but stood behind Helian Tiehua, once again charging at him.

The spectators felt that there was no suspense with this move because the disparity between Helian Tiehua and the Joyous Monk had become very clear in the previous two moves. Continuing the fight would only further embarrass himself, unable to harm Helian Tiehua in the slightest.

However, just as everyone believed the outcome was certain, the Joyous Monk suddenly changed his palm into a claw, drew the Seven-Star Ancient Sword from behind, and slashed forcefully at Helian Tiehua's shoulder.

This move drew sharp breaths from everyone. No one expected that the Joyous Monk would disregard his status so completely, using the Seven-Star Ancient Sword to ambush Helian Tiehua. The Seven-Star Ancient Sword was a particularly formidable famed instrument, cutting through iron like mud, let alone a human body. If this sword landed, Great General Helian Tiehua could potentially die here!

But at this moment, it was too late for Great General Helian Tiehua to turn around; the Joyous Monk's attack was too sudden, leaving him no chance to dodge.

Even Helian Tiehua's subordinates became anxious; the person at the forefront urgently shouted: "Great General, be careful!"

Actually, as the word "Great" was being pronounced, the Seven-Star Ancient Sword in the Joyous Monk's hand had already struck Helian Tiehua's shoulder. By the time the final four characters were spoken, the Seven-Star Ancient Sword had already been rebounded, and the Joyous Monk was knocked back several steps before regaining his footing. This sword attack not only failed to harm Helian Tiehua in the slightest but also rebounded, causing blood to seep from the Joyous Monk's mouth.

Everyone was dumbfounded, and it took a while for people to come back to their senses. No one knew who first shouted "Great General is mighty!" but immediately this cry echoed throughout the scene, exciting the entire venue. This sword strike left everyone astounded. Who could have imagined that a physical body could withstand an attack from a famed instrument!?

Great General Helian Tiehua truly is the mightiest of the pinnacle fighters!

Even Prince Nalan, who had remained indifferent throughout, now had a glimmer in his eyes, looking at Helian Tiehua with newfound interest.

As for the Joyous Monk, who was knocked to the ground, he felt utterly disheartened, realizing the gap between himself and Helian Tiehua. Even with the Seven-Star Ancient Sword, he could never be a match for Helian Tiehua.

Helian Tiehua maintained a calm demeanor, turning his head to look at the Joyous Monk, saying: "Three moves. Between you and me, there is no longer any enmity. However, I advise you, if this is all you have, you'd best not challenge Prince Nalan!"

Having said this, Helian Tiehua walked to the side and stood there, no longer sparing the Joyous Monk a glance. In fact, those three moves just now had already made him the focus of the entire venue. Today's battle would soon spread across the world. The Great General is mighty, and none can oppose him!

The Joyous Monk stood up straight, angrily wiping away the blood from the corner of his mouth, and said in a deep voice: "I have a mortal grudge against Nalan Old Thief. Today, either he dies, or I perish. There's no need for General Helian to worry!"

Helian Tiehua spread his hands, indicating he wouldn't say anything further.

The Joyous Monk directly turned to look at Prince Nalan, and said in a deep voice: "Nalan Old Thief, it's your turn!"

Prince Nalan slowly stood up, calmly looking at the Joyous Monk, and said, "I think General Helian is right. If you are willing to sever your arms and never step foot in the Capital again, I can spare your life!"

"Ridiculous!" Joyous Monk laughed heartily, saying, "Helian Tiehua has the Thirteen Protectors' Horizontal Golden Bell Shield protecting him; I can't kill him. But can I not kill you?"

Prince Nalan said, "The Seven-Star Ancient Sword is indeed formidable, yet it doesn't acknowledge you. In your hands, it's merely sharper than an ordinary weapon. To think you can harm me with this Seven-Star Ancient Sword alone, you underestimate me, Nalan Jingwei, don't you?"

"Humph, whether I can harm you or not, you'll know when we try!" Joyous Monk raised the Seven-Star Ancient Sword in his hand, pointing it at Prince Nalan, and said, "Nalan Old Thief, do you dare to duel with me!"

Prince Nalan sighed, took off his coat, and said, "Since you are obstinate, today, I will break the commandment. Joyous Monk, back then you slaughtered so many in the Nalan Family, today, I'll make sure you pay with blood!"

"Enough with the nonsense, Buddha Master isn't here to banter with you today, see the sword!" Joyous Monk yelled, brandishing the Seven-Star Ancient Sword, and charged straight at Prince Nalan. Before reaching him, he swung three swords.

Prince Nalan stood leisurely, effortlessly dodging the three swords, while simultaneously reaching out to strike at the Joyous Monk.

However, to Prince Nalan's surprise, the Joyous Monk hadn't intended to reach him. The three swords were but a feint; seizing the moment as Prince Nalan dodged them, Joyous Monk bypassed him directly and rushed to Ye Qing's side, grabbing Ye Qing's shoulder and pulling him aside.

Ye Qing, though quite capable, had no defense against someone as skilled as Joyous Monk. Moreover, there was an element of ambush, leaving Ye Qing no time to evade.

With Joyous Monk gripping his shoulder, a gentle force surged into the acupoints of Ye Qing's shoulder, instantly rendering him powerless, let alone able to resist.

Beside him, Huangfu Ziyu shouted angrily, moving straight to rush forward but was held back by Helian Tiehua.

Liu Mubai also clenched his fists, but was directly blocked by the monk beside him.

"Leave it to me!" Helian Tiehua pulled Huangfu Ziyu behind him, slowly stepping forward, and quietly watched the Joyous Monk, saying, "I won't interfere in your grudges with the Nalan Family. But, you cannot harm that young man!"

"Rest assured, General Helian!" Joyous Monk laughed loudly, saying, "This kid won't suffer a single hair of damage. I'm merely borrowing his Inner Strength!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was astonished, unsure of what Joyous Monk actually meant.

Helian Tiehua frowned, turning to look at Prince Nalan.

Prince Nalan was also frowning, saying in a low voice, "Joyous Monk, no wonder you dare to come back seeking revenge on me; you've actually trained in such an Evil Technique! It seems, today, I truly cannot let you walk away."

"You should first worry about whether you can stay alive!" As Joyous Monk spoke, he pressed his hand on Ye Qing's shoulder, and Ye Qing felt his Inner Strength in both arms being incessantly absorbed by Joyous Monk. This sensation was extremely peculiar.

Prince Nalan's expression turned cold, and he said in a deep voice, "Bring me the sword!"

Nalan Lie immediately handed over a longsword, which Prince Nalan took, and with cold eyes, looked at Joyous Monk, speaking solemnly, "Joyous Monk, let us resolve our past grievances today. A debt of blood must be paid with blood!"

Saying this, Prince Nalan began to walk slowly toward Joyous Monk. Though his movements were not fast, every step was firm, exerting immense pressure, as if each step was trampled upon one's heart, causing hearts to race along with his pace.

Seeing Prince Nalan make a move, the crowd once again became excited. Earlier, Helian Tiehua was so fierce, what level would Prince Nalan's strength reach? It's well known that Prince Nalan's fame predates Helian Tiehua substantially; could his prowess be greater?