owlsbooks Chapter 321 Gold First Gift to Huo Piaoyao
Chapter 321 Gold First Gift to Huo Piaoyao
Chapter 321 Gold First Gift to Huo Piaoyao
The price of Wudang Sect's two consecutive defeats was that one Wudang disciple had blood flowing from his shoulder and another disciple vomited blood. Meanwhile, Feng Daode, the Wudang Sect leader, sat upright with a sullen and iron-like face, not uttering a word.
The Immortal Capital Sect Leader, Dongxuan, remained respectful and silent, but the Daoist disciples behind him whispered amongst themselves, their eyes frequently glancing towards the Wuyi Sect's seats, their eyes filled with suppressed surprise and doubt. Meanwhile, the discussions below the stage gradually rose, spreading like gentle waves through the crowd:
"This person's attack was truly ferocious and ruthless..."
"That move just now was completely chaotic, almost like it was possessed by a demon!"
"My master said there are evil martial arts circulating in the martial arts world, could this be...?"
Jiang Wen, who had heard everything around him, was unsure how to comment, but calmly dusted off his Taoist robe and sat as still as a mountain.
Seeing that Hu Fei had sheathed his sword and returned to his seat, his gaze turned to Hong Wending. At this moment, Hong Wending exhaled a breath of internal energy, and the Heavenly Silkworm True Qi was gradually gathering into his body, finally suppressing the Dragon-shaped Fist that had been restless earlier.
"Wen Ding, has there been any unusual activity with the Dragon Form Fist?"
Hong Wending sat upright like a pine tree, nodding to indicate that he was unharmed. Jiang Wen, however, sighed inwardly, recalling how this skill was elusive and unpredictable, and leaned closer to whisper:
"The first two matches were due to my unclear instructions. Now that our Wuyi Sect has had its moment in the spotlight, as the host, we must also save face for the Wudang Sect. You don't need to win this last match. Remember your father's admonition to 'be patient and avoid haste.' Losing by even half a move will be considered fulfilling the etiquette of the martial world."
Jiang Wen made this choice for two reasons: firstly, Hong Wending was currently distracted by suppressing the secret Dragon Form Fist, and his strength could not be fully displayed; secondly, Jiang Wen felt more at ease entrusting the acting to him.
He had just carefully examined the last disciple of the Wudang Sect. This man's face was now grim, his muscles tense, and he showed little expression. Clearly, he was employing a strategy similar to Tian Ji's horse racing, placing his best horses in the first two rounds, preparing to seize the first two victories in one fell swoop and secure victory early.
This situation presents a significant challenge for the last, inferior horse.
Feng Daode summoned him and whispered instructions in his ear. When the war drums sounded again, the last disciple of the Wudang School had already straightened his clothes and walked onto the stage with a heavy step.
With his opponent on stage, Hong Wending stood like a javelin in the arena. His gaze was calm, and although his Heavenly Silkworm True Qi was concealed and suppressed, he possessed a serene and composed demeanor. On the other side, Qi Tianheng, the last disciple of the Immortal Capital Sect, walked forward slowly, his steps slightly heavy, and his eyes carried a hint of tension that was not easily detected. Clearly, the defeats in the previous two matches had cast a shadow over him.
"Please!" Hong Wending clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, his voice clear and melodious.
"Please!" Qi Tianheng took a deep breath and assumed the starting stance of the Immortal Capital Sect's Spirit Treasure Fist.
As soon as they exchanged blows, Hong Wending sensed something was amiss.
Qi Tianheng's martial arts skills were solid, and his footwork was also excellent, but he would stop immediately after making a move and never linger.
Hong Wending tentatively unleashed a series of punches using the Hong Family Fist's "Gongzi Fuhu Fist," the wind howling and the force heavy. Qi Tianheng, however, moved like a willow catkin in the wind, blocking with both arms and dodging with his body, demonstrating the ultimate in "defense." Every time Hong Wending's fists and palms touched the edge of his opponent's defensive circle, they were neutralized by a flexible force. Although he had the upper hand, his offensive was like a mud ox sinking into the sea, unable to pose a substantial threat.
"Huh? Why are these disciples of the Immortal Capital only defending and not attacking?"
Sharp-eyed martial arts practitioners below the stage were already whispering among themselves. During this time, Hong Wending changed his moves several times. The "Tiger and Crane Double Form" of Hong Family Fist combined hardness and softness, and he launched a series of attacks. Each punch was accompanied by a deep, tiger-like roar that cut through the air. The wind from the punches was so strong that it made Qi Tianheng's Taoist robe cling tightly to his body.
Although the Heavenly Silkworm True Qi was deliberately contained at this moment, when the Dragon-shaped Fist touched the opponent's blocking arm, there was still a strange force that penetrated like a needle, causing Qi Tianheng's muscles at the blocking point to stiffen and go numb instantly. He had to quickly use his internal energy to dissipate it, forcing Qi Tianheng to retreat repeatedly, looking disheveled. However, he always kept his defenses firm and never took the initiative to attack.
After a series of attacks, Hong Wending spotted an opening and used the "Bridge-Piercing" move from the "Iron Wire Fist" to strike directly at Qi Tianheng's center. His fingertip just barely touched the area near Qi Tianheng's Tanzhong acupoint. If this finger strike had been delivered with force, it would have been enough to make the opponent's breathing stagnate, and the outcome of the battle would have been decided immediately!
However, the instant his fingertips touched the hem of her clothes, Hong Wending forcefully withdrew ninety percent of his finger strength, leaving only a trace of gentle force to penetrate, intending to awaken rather than severely injure her.
Qi Tianheng grunted, his face slightly pale, his legs staggering, but he gritted his teeth and stood firm, showing no sign of admitting defeat. He took a deep breath, assumed a defensive stance again, his eyes even carrying a hint of almost obsessive persistence.
"Ha! It didn't even fall down after being hit?"
"It's probably due to the Iron Shirt technique protecting the body."
"This has quite a history; allow me to take a closer look."
Jiang Wen stroked his beard and chuckled, noticing the Wudang disciple's slight trembling. He knew that this "half-move defeat" was more mentally taxing than a true victory. He looked at Hong Wending in the arena and secretly praised him for remembering the profound meaning of "to use its advantage, first blunt its edge"—blunting not only the opponent's edge but also the spirit of the martial arts world's conflicts.
Hong Wending knew exactly what was going on. He pressed forward again, his "Twelve Bridges Hand" of Hong Family Fist flowing like clouds and water, sometimes sticking, sometimes striking, sometimes sealing, sometimes entangling. He used exquisite techniques to grab Qi Tianheng's wrists and shoulders. With just a burst of force, he could dislocate the opponent's joints and completely disable him.
But every time he subdued his opponent, Hong Wending chose to stop short of attacking, waiting for the opponent to take advantage of the situation so he could create an opening.
On the field, not only did he keep his master's instructions in mind, but Qi Tianheng also kept Feng Daode's instructions in mind. Before leaving, Feng Daode had given him a detailed warning, telling him that the Wuyi Sect was extremely treacherous. In the first two matches, they feigned hostility and weakness, using all sorts of tricks to make both Wudang and Xiandu Sects lose face.
Therefore, for the sake of our sect's honor, no matter how the other side tries to tempt us, we must guard the central gate and never admit defeat!
Therefore, in Qi Tianheng's eyes, Hong Wending, like his brother, was cunning and treacherous, and had vicious methods. Now, he was constantly playing tricks on him in an attempt to provoke him and make him lose face. So even though his anger was spreading and rising, he remained cautious and used defense as a substitute for offense.
"These disciples of the Immortal Capital Sect have such thick skin! They are clearly no match for the enemy, so why won't they admit defeat?"
"Tsk tsk, after such a humiliating defeat in the first two matches, they actually think they can get away with cheating in this last one? The Immortal Capital Sect has completely lost face today!"
The discussions below the stage grew louder and louder, quickly shifting from initial doubt to disdain for the Xiandu Sect.
People in the martial arts world aren't fools. It's one thing for Hong Wending to go easy on them time and time again, but who can grit their teeth and stand still unharmed after being hit repeatedly on acupoints such as Baihui, Fengchi, Tanzhong, Shenshu, and Jianjing? And what family has a unique hard qigong technique that allows them to focus on vital points and become stronger with each hit?
Feng Daode sat upright, his face ashen, while his disciples behind him were flushed with shame and indignation. Qi Tianheng listened to these discussions, his facial muscles twitching slightly, a hint of humiliation flashing in his eyes, but his feet were rooted to the ground, he did not retreat an inch, still holding onto that last line of defense.
"The Wuyi School is simply toying with its opponents."
"This isn't a martial arts contest, it's clearly a test of who has the thicker skin!"
"The actions of the Immortal Capital Sect are utterly despicable!"
Clearly, the martial arts community did not believe that Hong Wending was inferior in skill. They unanimously believed that he, like the previous two, was simply toying with and insulting his opponents before launching a surprise attack.
Hong Wending gave a signal with his eyes, but Qi Tianheng was blinded by anger and completely ignored the good intentions. After easily bypassing Qi Tianheng's defense once again, Hong Wending had already made up his mind.
His eyes narrowed, and he deliberately created an opening, slightly opening his shoulder gate. Qi Tianheng, who had been guarding for a long time, was under high tension. Seeing this opportunity, he almost instinctively used the "Stepping on the Clouds" technique from the Lingbao Fist to intercept and strike, spreading his arms to block Hong Wending's elbow!
A glint flashed in Hong Wending's eyes, and his Heavenly Silkworm True Qi instantly receded to its lowest level, leaving only the most fundamental power of the Hong Family Fist. Then, without dodging or avoiding, he lowered his waist and sat firmly, steadily executing the Hong Family Fist "Sinking Bridge" stance, his arms like an iron bridge across the river, to meet the opponent's "Stepping on the Clouds".
"boom!"
A muffled thud. Hong Wending's shoulders swayed slightly, and he stumbled back three steps, each step seemingly bearing a tremendous impact. His face paled slightly, just the right amount of time, and then he clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice still steady: "Senior Brother Qi, your skill is excellent, I'm honored."
Qi Tianheng was stunned. He knew best the weight of his attack. The opponent's offensive was like a tidal wave, and his defense was as steady as a mountain. How could he be repelled by a casual move from Qi Tianheng, who was at the end of his strength? Was he really not lying to him?
He stared blankly at his slightly numb hands, then at Hong Wending, who had taken three steps back and was breathing somewhat erratically. He didn't know how to react for a moment, and subconsciously walked towards the edge of the ring to see what Feng Daode wanted to say.
Feng Daode's tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed slightly. Although the process was extremely ugly, this final "half-move" victory had at least managed to salvage the last bit of face for both Xiandu and Wudang Sects—he roughly guessed that this was due to Jiang Wen's favor and Hong Wending's forbearance.
The audience erupted in uproar, mixed with more discussion about the Xiandu Sect's unfair victory and questioning Hong Wending's noble character—the Wuyi Sect had clearly used biting and beatings, and even changed their appearance to win, so this sudden politeness and restraint was very unfamiliar to them.
Jiang Wen sat upright in the main seat, stroking his beard and chuckling lightly. His gaze swept over Feng Daode's calm and composed face, and he bowed to him from afar. Then his gaze turned to Hong Wending, who had a calm expression. He secretly praised that after these three battles, the reputation and demeanor of the Wuyi Sect had firmly surpassed that of the resurrected Xiandu Sect in the hearts of heroes across the land.
Seeing that the commotion had subsided, Hong Wending took three steps back, cupped his hands, and said in a deep voice, "Senior Brother Qi's skill is superb; I, Hong, am honored to have yielded." His breathing was steady, and his clothes fluttered slightly, giving the impression that the fight had ended and the outcome was already decided.
Just as he was about to turn around and step off the stage, a sudden change occurred!
With a soft "whoosh," a piece of pebbles the size of a pigeon egg, with sharp edges, shot out from the hem of his black outer robe, which had become slightly loose due to the intense fighting!
The stone flew with lightning speed and at an incredibly tricky angle, striking Qi Tianheng's slightly forward-leaning left knee at the Chengshan acupoint with a sharp "thud".
Qi Tianheng was still immersed in the astonishment and a bit of luck of "winning by half a move" and was standing at the corner of the arena. Caught off guard by this hidden weapon, he suddenly felt his left leg go numb and weak, and lost his footing. With a muffled groan, he was actually taken aback by the force contained in the small stone and fell straight off the arena in a sorry state!
"Huh?!" The entire room fell into a deathly silence for a moment, then erupted into an even louder buzz of discussion.
"What...what's going on?"
"A hidden weapon? Young Master Hong used this as a last resort?"
But even Hong Wending himself was stunned on the stage.
He looked down at the dust-covered corner of his robe. He was certain he hadn't thrown any hidden weapons, yet two broken pieces of bluestone had indeed appeared beneath his feet...
He had part of his Heavenly Silkworm True Qi contained within, and part of it was busy suppressing the secret Dragon Form Fist, so he failed to notice the hidden weapon approaching him. However, he clearly felt that two hidden weapons were launched one after the other, one shattering the other and changing its trajectory, appearing to shoot rapidly from under his robe.
He never expected it to end this way, and he subconsciously looked at his master, Jiang Wen.
Jiang Wen sat upright in the main seat, his face calm and composed, but his eyes flashed with complex light. There was a momentary surprise at his disciple's unexpected move, but more so, understanding and a hint of amusement. He nodded slightly, as if everything was under his control.
This subtle movement made Hong Wending scratch his head, thinking that his master had made a move. He had no choice but to bow in respect, which further confirmed the suspicion in everyone's mind that "this was a trick".
The audience erupted in a cacophony of voices, filled with shock, confusion, and debate.
"Oh dear, I knew it! How could the Wuyi Sect admit defeat so easily? They really did have a backup plan!"
"Brilliant! This hidden weapon technique is truly masterful; it was launched from under the robe! A surprise attack that caught the opponent off guard!"
"Yes, yes, that's more like it! This is the Wuyi School style we're familiar with! It's full of surprises and deceptions, making it impossible to guess what's going on!"
"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! It turns out that the earlier surrender was just to lull the opponent into a false sense of security, and this final move was the finishing touch!"
In the audience, those martial arts figures who were initially puzzled or even disappointed by Hong Wending's voluntary surrender now seemed to have their clouds cleared and were all relieved, their faces showing smiles of sudden understanding and relief. They finally understood!
At this moment, some people also looked at Jiang Wen, but Jiang Wen's gaze seemed to bypass the questioning eyes of the crowd. A very faint and elusive smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He nodded slightly, as if he had everything under control.
"Look! Sect Leader Jiang has nodded!"
"As I knew it! I told you it was a scheme!"
"The Wuyi Sect is truly... unpredictable!"
Feng Daode looked at Qi Tianheng, who was being helped up by his disciples and was filled with shame and indignation, and then at Hong Wending, who was pretending to be innocent on the stage. He turned and left with a gloomy expression. Immediately afterward, the Xiandu Sect also left. It seemed that the Wuyishan Martial Arts Conference had come to an end, and it ended in an extremely subtle way.
As the setting sun slanted across the cliff face of Dawang Peak, Zhizhi Nunnery, like an old book gently placed in the forest, slowly closed its pages in the twilight. Jiang Wen stood at the gate of Zhizhi Nunnery, waving to each departing martial arts practitioner, his face still bearing that stiff, almost permanent smile.
He was genuinely puzzled. Why were people looking at him with such excitement? Why were they all congratulating and praising him? He had just been exchanging glances with two people in the crowd.
Just now, after the hidden weapon appeared, Jiang Wen's eyes flashed like lightning, and he subconsciously swept his gaze across the noisy crowd below the stage, trying to find the mastermind behind this "accident".
In that instant, he keenly spotted two familiar figures.
At the edge of the crowd, a woman dressed in bright red was standing on tiptoe, holding a blue stone triumphantly, her face full of a relieved smile; beside her was an old monk with disheveled hair and a strange appearance, who was now clasping his hands together, looking down at his nose and mind, as if saying "this old monk knows nothing".
It was none other than the long-unseen Red Bean Girl and Master Hen—people from the Southern Shaolin Temple had also arrived!
………………
There's more to this story.
It wasn't until later that Jiang Wen learned that after this battle, the martial arts skills of the three disciples of the Wuyi Sect might not have been widely recognized, but their acts of biting, threatening, and throwing hidden weapons had become popular topics of conversation in the martial arts world. This was partly due to the Wuyi Sect's "Three-Part Return to Origin Qi" and the disciples' ability to "adapt to changing circumstances," and thus spread far and wide.
However, the rumors circulating in the martial arts world soon took a dramatic turn, subtly shifting course with an even more powerful force. Feng Daode, wanting to secure his last advantage, naturally knew how to manage public opinion and minimize losses. Martial arts leaders like the Wudang Sect quickly found themselves supported by a group of people. Since controlling public opinion is far more effective than natural dissemination, the Wudang Sect swiftly suppressed the embarrassing stories about them, causing the rumors to fade into obscurity.
But there was one more thing that even the Wudang Sect hadn't anticipated—
Lin Zhennan, the chief镖头 (bodyguard/escort) of Fuwei Escort Agency, was a shrewd businessman who deeply understood the saying "even good wine needs a good location." During and after the conference, he took his "silver notes to pave the way" strategy to the extreme.
His original intention was to promote his own silver notes, but for a long time, whether it was casual conversation in restaurants and teahouses or news reports along the escort route, whenever the disciples of the Wuyi Sect were mentioned, the name "Lin Pingzhi, the young head of the Fuwei Escort Agency" was always mentioned and emphasized along with the lingering warmth of the Wuyi Sect martial arts conference and the silver that Lin Zhennan had scattered. After all, there is no such thing as a free lunch.
"Do you know Lin Xiu, the top disciple of the Wuyi Sect? He received the true teachings of Sect Leader Jiang at such a young age, and his Falling Flower Divine Sword Palm is incredibly elegant!"
"I was there at the time. Young Master Lin was indeed elegant and unassuming. He is the most valued successor of Sect Leader Jiang!"
"Indeed! The Lin family has close ties with the Wuyi Sect. Young Master Lin is undoubtedly the best candidate to take charge of the sect in the future. How could his martial arts skills be weak? Do you believe me?"
"Who dares not believe it? Gui Xinshu, the 'Invincible Divine Fist,' and even Second Master Gui, have all specifically requested to spar with him!"
Lin Zhennan used real money and well-timed "commercial hype" to carve out a unique path of glory for his son, even as the dazzling achievements of Hong Wending, Hu Fei, and others were tarnished.
Over time, among many people in the martial arts world who had never been there in person but only heard of it, a peculiar consensus began to circulate:
Lin Pingzhi, the eldest disciple of the Wuyi Sect, is the one with the highest martial arts skills, the most prestigious position, and the most limitless future among Jiang Wen's disciples! As for Hong Wending? Oh, that disciple who's very good at fighting? Probably the second or third disciple? In any case, he's definitely not as valued or received as much true instruction as Young Master Lin, the镖头 (bodyguard/escort)! Otherwise, he can't just be a disciple who only knows how to bite and fight!
Jiang Wen could only sigh at this matter. While martial arts skills and reputation are useful when traveling the martial arts world, one still has to think twice before encountering the Lin family's ultimate technique, "Qiankun Yizhi".