A Bitter Encounter Upon finding out that Bi Fan wished to go down the mountain for training and to gain some experience, Xiaofeng gave him her permission. Next morning, Bi Fan was ready to set off. Xiaofeng personally came to see him off: Bi Fan, take care of yourself. Bi Fan boarded the red-crowned crane, and waved good bye, his eyes gleamed with a hint of moisture. The crane took off and flew out of sight and into the horizon at a very quick pace, and soon Bi Fan was at the foot of the mountain. The last time Bi Fan was in the region, he had managed to procure an awful amount of items. Bi Fan hadnt really used any of these items yet, but wasnt against the idea of using them for the purpose of his training. Bi Fan had a lot of inner organs Dan pellets and could use them to quickly break through to the inner organs layers. But Bi Fan didnt want to use them too early, as he didnt want to build up his strength on a shaky foundation. Hence, he had been waiting for the opportune time to use these subsidiaries. While on the road to Quinyang town, Bi Fan decided that it was time to go on a shopping spree in order to make preparations for the road ahead. In possession of the Tian Yuan ring and two Yin Yang pouches, Bi Fan knew that storing all that he needed and even a little extra wouldnt be an issue. Soon after, Bi Fan planned on taking off to Ting Feng valley; he needed to buy a few items before going into the devils territory. Bi Fan intended to use his strength to survive in the devils territory. The entry into the devils territory was regulated, there was a registration process that would mark the entry and exit time of anyone entering the region. So Bi Fan knew that he wouldnt have to worry about any proof of the time spent in the region. Bi Fan decided against using the divine essence seals he possessed. He wanted to travel on foot, just to experience the countryside. Bi Fan had already bought a map of Jiu Yu territory, as he was afraid that he might not be able to find the place on his own. He decided to rest in Quinyang town for a while before setting off again. The path was rocky and rugged, the road was surrounded by soaring peaks and the sound of water flowing in the river nearby made it a very pleasant journey. Its so beautiful! Bi Fan thought to himself, mesmerized by natures charm. Just as he was appreciating the scenery, he suddenly started feeling uneasy in his gut, like something was about to happen. And suddenly, Bi Fan was on high alert, ready for anything at any moment. In front of him lay the passage of going into the forest, a dense forest with tall and towering trees all around. As he got closer to the forest, Bi Fans earlier tranquil state of mind had now drastically changed. However, upon reaching the entrance of the forest, Bi Fan decided to go inside, without the slightest trace of hesitation. It takes more than just luck to become powerful, one requires many other virtues, such as willpower, valor, and wisdom. If Bi Fan had backed off from going into the forest because he was afraid, then where would he find the courage he would needed for the thousands of other obstacles that waited out there for him in the devils territory. With the light-ray double-edged sword in his hand, Bi Fan moved forward quickly, paying extreme attention to his surroundings for any sign of trouble. Haha, youre a careful one, arent you? suddenly a man laughing rather heartily came out of the woods and walked into Bi Fans path. The man, covered in black from head to toe, seemed awfully strong and exuded a strong negative vibe. Needless to that this man was a rather strong martial artist was judging by the aura he expelled, a follower of the devils ways. Bi Fans mind was shaking with fear as he could make out that the man in front of him was at least one or two layers above his strength. The man on the other hand, was at ease, and seemed to like this game of cat and mouse that he had been playing with Bi Fan. Moreover, he seemed to be appreciating the fearful look on Bi Fans face. But well, Bi Fan turned out to be a disappointment on that note, as he calmed down soon enough. Looks like youre here to kill me, what are you waiting for then? Are you afraid of me? This infuriated the man: Boy, you look like youre in a hurry to die. But I wont make it that easy for you. First I will beat you, and then torture you in more ways than you can count. I wont allow you die even after you have lost all will to live. Bi Fan lashed at the man, putting Fufeng double-edged sword technique to use. Bi Fan had already learned all the seventy-two strokes of the Fufeng double-edged sword technique, and now was his chance to put it to use. Bi Fan had managed to incorporate the dance of mist footwork with his sword play, making his attacks very quick, graceful and effective. The man suddenly took out a very dark colored broadsword, and managed to repel Bi Fans attack. Boy, you have done a good job learning the Fufeng double-edged sword, but your strength is no match for mine. The man said as he repelled Bi Fans attack, seeming exceptionally relaxed. Hes in the spiritual intelligence layer! Bi Fan realized in that shocking moment. This man could indeed kill Bi Fan with ease, he was stronger than most of the core disciples of Quinyang schools, and was at the same level as the top students in Neimen. Bi Fan had never fought such a strong opponent before, and things werent looking good for him. Bi Fan knew that things were going to get very complicated here; he had gotten himself into a very tricky situation here. Well, By, since, you have just realized the true difference between our strength levels, surrender. And I will make this easy for you. The man said, overly arrogant of his ability. Bi Fan, presently, was at the peak of inner breath layer, and the gap in their strengths was three layers. Even with all the skills and techniques that Bi Fan was aware of, he couldnt think of any that would allow him to cover up such a massive difference. Even while his mind was busy thinking of a way to get out of this situation, he didnt let his hands sit idly. He kept attacking his enemy with his sword. Even though he knew he would lose, he still, couldnt admit defeat. The man on the other hand, seemed to be intentionally teasing Bi Fan, as he constantly blocked Bi Fans every attack with ease, but didnt launch any counter-attacks. This seemed more like a training exercise for Bi Fans cool-headed opponent. Bi Fan started increasing the force of his attack in an orderly fashion. Bi Fan barely had any combat experience, but still was able to fight like an experienced fighter. This was Bi Fans second attempt to attack him with Fufeng double-edged sword technique, which his opponent didnt seem to appreciate, and he started launching counter-attacks. Credit to the mans spiritual intelligence strength and his broadsword, he easily started suppressing Bi Fan, leaving him breathless. Bi Fan decided to change his attack, and started using rainy-fly sword technique. Bi Fan attacked his opponent head-on, with all his might. This one still needs work. The man retaliated with a sudden force, and damaged Bi Fan sword with his attacks. The difference in strength of the two fighters was too huge, and there seemed no point in taking this fight any further. Boy, youre no match for me; I could crush you this instant. The man stated, with a mad and violent look his face. Bi Fan realized that he was no match for this man in terms of sword play, so cast his sword aside and decided to go with the most proficient skill, Wan Zu fist boxing. Lets have some fun shall we? The man cast aside his broadsword as he sneered at Bi Fan. Bi Fan wasnt afraid of using Wan Zu fist and had several patterns of attack. Since his opponent was intentionally making fun of him, Bi Fan launched a full force attack. His attacks were a mixture of Wan Zu Fist, dance of mist and prancing tiger boxing. He even tried to use the immortal finger and the blood devil techniques in a haphazard fashion. He was mainly relying on Wan Zu fist, the dance of mist and blood devil techniques for attacking and used prancing tiger and the immortal finger, only to sneak a surprise. The man seemed to be enjoying the fight, so naturally, wasnt using much of his strength, as he wished to prolong the fight. Especially since Bi Fan had used the blood devil technique, the man was even less anxious to finish the fight and his face had visibly lit up. The blood devil technique was secret martial art technique that was only used by darker martial artists, and had managed to take him by surprise. He was really enjoying himself, and wanted to see the exact extent of Bi Fan ability.