A Thousand Years of Elegance Discussed in Laughter (Complete) - 6

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-24

Volume Nine, Chapter One: Meeting a Soulmate Over Wine

. After a long and intimate moment, the three finally parted ways, Nangong Fengyi and Nangong Fengzi nestled on either side of their lovers.
"Brother Xiaoyao, you...you can't let me down," Nangong Fengzi murmured.
"Silly girl, how could I bear to?" Ren Xiaoyao said softly, his love growing stronger with each glance. "Come, let me kiss you."
"Mmm," Nangong Fengzi closed her beautiful eyes tightly, her cherry lips parting slightly, looking as if awaiting tenderness.
Ren Xiaoyao slowly lowered his head, about to kiss her soft, fragrant lips.
"Bang!" The door suddenly burst open.
"Who?" Nangong Fengzi opened her eyes in alarm, her voice trembling.
"Fu...Furong! You...how did you get here?" Even Ren Xiaoyao, known for his composure and calmness, was startled to see the beautiful but fierce-looking Shui Furong standing outside the door.
"I...if I hadn't come, how would I have known...how would I have known you would leave me...all alone there for another woman?" Shui Furong looked at Ren Xiaoyao with tears welling in her beautiful eyes, her stunningly beautiful face filled with a sorrowful pain. Ren Xiaoyao had gone to Flower Calyx Valley to deliver medicine and hadn't returned for a long time. Worried that something had happened to him, she had specially inquired about the route and came to check on him. However, upon arriving at the door, she found Ren Xiaoyao and the Nangong sisters making love inside, their passion raging. Her grief and resentment were unimaginable.
"Furong, let me explain..." Ren Xiaoyao quickly sat up and hurriedly put on his clothes.
The Nangong sisters, clever and quick-witted, were well aware that the other woman was also in love with Ren Xiaoyao. Nangong Fengyi, elegant and unassuming, simply covered herself with an embroidered quilt and quietly leaned against the headboard. Nangong Fengzi, however, loved to play pranks. She immediately hugged Ren Xiaoyao from behind, her naked body pressed against his broad back, and said in a sweet voice, "Brother Xiaoyao, who is she?" It was clear she was showing off to Shui Furong.
"You...you..." Shui Furong was so angry that tears streamed down
her face as she sobbed. "Why are you crying? Didn't you see Brother Xiaoyao is with us..." Nangong Fengzi, ultimately shy, blushed and couldn't finish her sentence.
"Hmph!" Shui Furong glared at Ren Xiaoyao, then turned and walked away.
"Furong, wait for me!" Ren Xiaoyao hurriedly put on his shoes and socks, but Nangong Fengzi grabbed him.
"Brother Xiaoyao, where are you going?" Nangong Fengzi asked with a coquettish smile.
"I'm going after her," Ren Xiaoyao said anxiously.
"Don't go, stay with her a little longer," Nangong Fengzi pleaded.
"Oh dear, stop it!" Ren Xiaoyao, fearing Shui Furong might cause trouble in her haste, flung Nangong Fengzi aside and rushed out the door.
Under the starry sky, there was no sign of Shui Furong.
Ren Xiaoyao glanced to the side and suddenly realized that the Wind and Fire Lightning Steed tied beside the hut was gone. He immediately realized that Shui Furong had already ridden away from Flower Calyx Valley.
"Furong is alone; if she encounters a deadly attack..." Thinking of this, Ren Xiaoyao felt a chill run down his spine. He grabbed a horse and galloped straight towards the valley entrance.
There was only one path out of the valley, but after a short while, he still hadn't seen Shui Furong.
Ren Xiaoyao knew that the Wind and Fire Lightning Steed was incredibly fast; since he hadn't caught up at the beginning, it would be difficult to catch up now.
As dawn broke, a line of hoofprints appeared to the west of the valley entrance. Remembering Shui Furong's tender love and Yi Tianhan's earnest instructions before leaving Yanxia Island, Ren Xiaoyao secretly resolved to follow the hoofprints, no matter where he went, to find Furong.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Several days passed unnoticed. Ren Xiaoyao tirelessly rode day and night, hoping to close the distance between himself and Shui Furong. Initially, the hoofprints were clearly visible on the main road, and passersby mentioned a beautiful girl riding a
white horse. However, after entering the Xiangdong border region, he found no trace of Shui Furong. One day, he arrived at a bustling town, where the boundary marker clearly read "Hengshan Town."
"Huh, how did we end up at Hengshan?" Ren Xiaoyao's heart skipped a beat. "Damn it, I've been chasing her day and night, I might have already left Furong behind, otherwise how come I haven't even seen the hoofprints of the Wind and Fire Lightning Steed along the way?"
Logically, with his rich experience in the martial world, he shouldn't have been negligent, but as the saying goes, "concern leads to confusion," Ren Xiaoyao's mind was entirely focused on Shui Furong's safety, he had no time for such trivial matters.
Thinking of this, Ren Xiaoyao suddenly felt thirsty, so he spurred his horse into town and randomly entered a tavern.
The tavern wasn't large, although it had two floors, the lower floor only had eight or nine tables. Ren Xiaoyao was displeased to see so few customers around him, so he strolled up to the second floor.
"Waiter, ten catties of Shaoxing wine," Ren Xiaoyao picked a table by the window and sat down, calling out loudly.
"Ready—" the waiter shouted as he brought the wine.
"Give me ten jin too." A composed young man in purple robes suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs, speaking leisurely.
Ren Xiaoyao's eyes lit up. This man appeared to be in his early twenties, handsome, with an extraordinary manner of speaking. His calm and collected demeanor revealed a spirited and arrogant nature, and his sharp, hawk-like eyes held a profound insight that made people hesitant to look him in the eye.
"Brother, you have a good capacity for alcohol." Ren Xiaoyao, wanting to get to know the young man in purple, instructed the waiter to bring him cups and chopsticks, moved to his seat, and said with a smile.
"Likewise." The young man in purple looked at Ren Xiaoyao intently and replied readily.
"Brother, please." Ren Xiaoyao refilled the young man's cup, spoke slowly, then picked up his own cup and drank it all in one gulp.
"Life is short, so seize the day and enjoy it to the fullest; don't let your golden goblet stand empty before the moon." The purple-clad youth's eyes gleamed brightly. He put down the wine pot, gazed at the strong liquor rippling in his cup, and said in a deep voice, "Since we're going to drink, we should drink to our hearts' content. What 's the point of
cups?" With that, he grabbed the wine jar and began to gulp it down. Seeing his hearty drinking, Ren Xiaoyao laughed heartily, grabbed his own wine jar, and said loudly, "Good! A thousand cups are not enough when
drinking with a bosom friend. Cheers!" The two of them drank jar after jar,
and in no time, they had finished off twenty catties of top-grade Shaoxing wine. Just as Ren Xiaoyao was about to call the waiter for a few more jars, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly sounded downstairs. The footsteps were disordered yet deep and powerful, clearly indicating that the person coming was not alone and that their martial arts were not weak.

Volume Nine, Chapter Two: The Four Fiends of Ludong, Green Bamboo House on the Peak of Zhurong

. "Waiter, bring me a plate of beef!" The burly man at the head of the group shouted as he came upstairs.
Ren Xiaoyao glanced sideways and saw that the man held a ghost-head knife, had a face full of scars, and looked extremely rough and burly. A thought flashed through his mind: "Judging from his appearance, he seems to be 'Thunder God Breaker' Li Tianba, the leader of the Four Fiends of Ludong. I wonder if the other three brothers have arrived yet."
Just then, several more people followed behind. The man in front was short and fat, carrying a four-foot-long iron club on his back; the middle young scholar was tall and thin with a long face, imposing and robust, with a pair of judge's pens at his waist, and looked quite pleasing; the last man had a weasel-like face, a wretched physique, and a fierce and ugly appearance, giving off a monkey-like feeling.
"Good heavens, all four fiends are here!" Ren Xiaoyao exclaimed in surprise. "Their territory is far away in the caves, what are they doing coming all the way to Hengshan?"
"Ye Zhi Qiu, why did you invite us brothers here?" Li Tianba shouted. His real name was Li Yihu, originally a notorious bandit in Gansu and Shaanxi, known as "Thunder God Breaker." This didn't refer to his martial arts skills, but rather to his volatile temper, as fierce as the Thunder God. Ten years ago, Li Tianba offended Yu Kong, one of the Four Elders of Mount Tai, and had to hide in the Shandong area under an assumed name. During this time, he met many skilled underworld figures, and thus reopened his business, returning to a life of low-risk, high-return ventures.
The short, stout man wielding a staff was named Xu Chao, nicknamed "Impenetrable," and his skill in the Mountain-Splitting Staff Technique was quite formidable. The middle-aged scholar, "Stone-Shattering" Shi Tao, appeared to be a refined and cultured man, but was actually a notorious womanizer. The cunning, monkey-like man was the last of the four villains, "Soul-Hooking Claw" Diao Tiemin. Although his martial arts were inferior to the other three, he was insidious, despicable, and treacherous. After the four became sworn brothers, they relentlessly murdered, robbed, and abducted women, committing countless atrocities in eastern Shandong. Not only were the government powerless against them, but even some gangs and sects dared not provoke them.
Upon hearing the name "Ye Zhi Qiu," Ren Xiaoyao was visibly shocked. The incomparably handsome and spirited young man in purple before him was none other than Ye Zhi Qiu, the leader of the Green Forest Alliance, one of the Four Heroes of the Martial World alongside himself, from the seven southern provinces and sixty-three northern provinces.
Ye Zhi Qiu sneered, slamming his hand on the table, shattering both cups simultaneously. The wine jar, however, miraculously remained intact. He laughed loudly, "I clearly stated at the Green Forest Assembly that no mountain stronghold within the Great Song Dynasty should ever again oppress the innocent or violate the 'Three Robberies, Three No-Touch' rules. Who would have thought that you four would turn a blind eye,
openly robbing the 100,000 taels of silver personally escorted by Zhou Yi, the head镖师 (chief镖师) of the Weiyuan Escort Agency, on the eighth day of last month. If it were only for the money, that would be one thing, but you even raped Zhou's fourteen-year-old daughter to death. As the leader of the Green Forest Alliance of thirteen provinces, how can I face the people if I don't severely punish this?"
"I...we have already disbanded our stronghold, why are you still pursuing us relentlessly?" Shi Tao stammered.
"Hmph, abusing women and children is a cardinal sin in the bandit world. You four have been in the martial world for decades, surely you know that?" Ye Zhi Qiu sneered. "I invited you here today to settle things once and for all."
"Damn it, don't think we're afraid of you!" Diao Tie Min roared angrily.
"If you were afraid of me, you would have already fled to the ends of the earth," Ye Zhi Qiu said coldly, his smile fading. The four villains hadn't attended the bandit gathering, so they were unaware of his power. Their disbandment of the stronghold was entirely due to the unanimous condemnation from bandit leaders like Yang Wenhao, Chen Bashan, and Zhang Donghua, making it impossible for them to maintain their foothold in Shandong.
"Ye Zhi Qiu, what do you want?" Li Tianba, being the leader of the four villains, displayed the composure and asked in a deep voice.
"The ringleader shall commit suicide, and the rest shall each lose an arm," Ye Zhi Qiu said, slowly reaching for his waist.
A chilling, sharp sword aura erupted instantly. The sword was entirely black, subtly radiating a mysterious light. Looking down at its blade was like gazing down into a deep abyss from a high mountain—ethereal, profound, and utterly unfathomable. "What a divine
weapon! It seems to be no less powerful than the Ice Soul Frost Sword," Ren Xiaoyao thought to himself, secretly praising it.
"Don't...don't be tempted by its sharpness!" Li Tianba, overwhelmed by the weapon's edge, lost his composure and stammered.
"That's right, you won't feel a single pain if you use it to commit suicide," Ye Zhi Qiu said coldly, his eyes flashing with murderous intent as he stared at the ringleader, Shi Tao. "
The Four Fiends of Lu Dong have always shared life and death, advancing and retreating together. If you want to take my third brother's life, you'll have to overcome..." Xu Chao, extremely loyal, raised his iron rod
, poised to attack. Before he could finish speaking, Li Tianba beside him had already rushed to Ye Zhi Qiu's side, delivering a powerful, head-on slash.
"What a 'Splitting Mount Hua' move! It seems Li Tianba is indeed quite capable." Seeing the fierce and powerful strike of his sword, accompanied by the faint sound of wind and thunder, Ren Xiaoyao couldn't help but worry for Ye Zhi Qiu.
"Bang!" A loud crash followed, and Li Tianba's burly body tumbled back like a kite with a broken string.
"Big brother..." Xu Chao reached out to help him, but the force of the fall was unexpectedly great; not only did he fail to steady Li Tianba, but he also knocked him to the ground.
"The 'Proud Snow Cold Sword' truly lives up to its name!" "Ren Xiaoyao exclaimed in praise.
Just now, Li Tianba slashed down with his sword, but Ye Zhi Qiu merely feinted Mo Lianfeng, completely blocking the opponent's path. At the same time, he launched a flying kick with his right foot, striking Li Tianba's lower body. The transition between offense and defense was as smooth as flowing water, without any hesitation.
Li Tianba was shocked and immediately withdrew his strength, slashing horizontally at Ye Zhi Qiu's abdomen. Unexpectedly, Ye Zhi Qiu's move was a feint. Taking advantage of the opponent's turn, Mo Lianfeng suddenly caught the back of the Ghost Head Saber, and then unleashed his inner force, forcefully knocking Li Tianba away. These three moves were swift and unparalleled, calculated perfectly by both the opponent and himself
. They defeated the opponent in the blink of an eye. If Ren Xiaoyao hadn't improved his eyesight after practicing the Lingxiao Sword Technique, he would never have seen it clearly. As for the other three villains, they looked at each other in bewilderment. "Brothers, kill!" Xu Chao was extremely fierce. With a somersault, he leaped up and wielded his iron rod, raining blows down on Ye Zhi Qiu like a storm.
Li Tianba and Shi Tao, each wielding a weapon, flanked Ye Zhi Qiu from the left and right, attacking
his flanks. This group had been famous for many years, and their teamwork was extremely skillful, making them a formidable opponent. Diao Tiemin, being quite shrewd, knew that Ye Zhi Qiu's ability to defeat all the heroes at the Green Forest Gathering meant his martial arts were unfathomably high. Even if all four of them attacked together, they might not fare well. So he stood still, looking around, secretly planning how to escape.
At this moment, Ren Xiaoyao, who was standing alone to the side, caught his attention...

Volume 9, Chapter 3, Green Bamboo House on the Peak of Zhurong: Heroes Cherish

Each Other. Ren Xiaoyao was drinking while watching the four fight. He saw Ye Zhi Qiu... With graceful movements and light steps, he attacked and defended swiftly, advancing and retreating in an instant. Even amidst the encirclement, he maintained his elegant and composed demeanor. Xu Chao's staff strikes were fierce, and Shi Tao's calligraphy was exquisite, yet they couldn't even touch a corner of his clothing.
Li Tianba shouted, slashing wildly with his knife, each move brimming with power, wide and sweeping, all in a reckless fighting style. He had calculated that even if he couldn't defeat Ye Zhi Qiu, he would fight him to the death.
Seeing that Ye Zhi Qiu couldn't gain the upper hand, Ren Xiaoyao was about to rise to help when he suddenly felt a pair of azure steel claws grabbing at his chest.
The sneak attacker was naturally Diao Tiemin. Seeing Ren Xiaoyao at the same table as Ye Zhi Qiu, he assumed they were his friends, so he grinned maliciously and attacked, attempting to capture Ren Xiaoyao to use as leverage against Ye Zhi Qiu.
"Overestimating yourself!" Ren Xiaoyao put down his empty wine cup, the alcohol in his eyes vanishing, replaced by a sharp, hawk-like glint. He casually picked up a pair of bamboo chopsticks and thrust them straight at Ren Xiaoyao. Strangely enough, even though Diao Tiemin's hands were still more than a foot away from Ren Xiaoyao's chest, the chopsticks struck first, right in front of his eyes. If Diao Tiemin hadn't grabbed back to save him, it was uncertain whether he could have injured his opponent, but his own eyes would have been ruined.
In desperation, Diao Tiemin suddenly turned his head to the side, barely dodging Ren Xiaoyao's attack. At the same time, he swiftly twisted his wrists, his hands moving forward to grab Ren Xiaoyao's right arm.
"Goodness, you've got some skill." Seeing his initial attack fail, Ren Xiaoyao feigned praise for Diao Tiemin, then suddenly unleashed the eighteenth move of the "Heaven-Defying Palm," "Moon and Star Evil."
While all thirty-six forms of the "Heaven-Defying Palm" were renowned for their ferocity, this particular move was unpredictable and elusive, making it impossible to defend against. Ren Xiaoyao possessed exceptional comprehension; having only seen Yi Tianhan use it a few times, he had already mastered it to a high degree. Midway through his attack, Diao Tiemin suddenly saw Ren Xiaoyao's palms flashing, protecting his front. This seemingly impenetrable defense concealed a deadly intent. Realizing he couldn't defeat his opponent, Diao Tiemin had no choice but to retreat, planning for a later attack.
"I'll beat you, 'Quze,' 'Giant Bone.'" "Ren Xiaoyao gave a low shout, and his bamboo chopsticks flashed out like lightning, attacking Diao Tiemin from both the front and back. Diao Tiemin was secretly pleased: My steel claws are forged from cold iron a hundred times; they can break even ordinary swords and blades, so what fear do I have of mere bamboo chopsticks? Moreover, the 'Quze' and 'Jugu' acupoints are located in the crook of my arm and on my shoulder, respectively. As long as I defend with my elbows, there is absolutely no way my opponent can take advantage of them. So, his left claw remained still, while his right claw extended in a snake-like shape, fully prepared to neutralize his opponent's attack with one move.
Ren Xiaoyao threw..." The technique used with the chopsticks was a unique skill from the Meng family's hidden weapons—"Going South by Driving North," a method vastly different from ordinary techniques. The first chopstick was initially as fast as lightning, but when it was still two feet away from Diao Tiemin, it suddenly slowed down, while the second one suddenly accelerated.
Diao Tiemin was caught off guard, his moves were outdated, and in a flash, a thought flashed through his mind: to save him or not to save him? Ren Xiaoyao had clearly stated that he should attack his "Quze" and "Giant Bone," but judging from the momentum of the chopsticks, they were clearly aimed at his chest and abdomen.
"A feint... a diversionary tactic." Diao Tiemin quickly made a judgment, and his left claw hastily struck out.
His actions played right into Ren Xiaoyao's hands. His arm had just straightened when the two bamboo chopsticks collided in mid-air, instantly shifting direction and striking the 'Quze' and 'Jugu' acupoints precisely.
These two acupoints were extremely vital; any blockage would result in paralysis of half the body. Diao Tiemin, momentarily careless, fell into Ren Xiaoyao's trap. The internal force penetrated his internal organs, causing excruciating pain that pierced his heart and lungs, and he couldn't help but howl in pain.
"When you were committing evil deeds in Ludong, did you ever imagine this day would come?" Ren Xiaoyao sternly reprimanded Diao Tiemin, who lay paralyzed on the ground.
"I..." Diao Tiemin was speechless.
"Brother Ye, I'll help you." Ren Xiaoyao flicked his sleeve and lunged towards Shi Tao.
"Thank you for your kindness, brother. I merely wish to see a few more of their moves; there's no need for assistance." Ye Zhi Qiu said, his longsword swirling smoothly, easily deflecting Xu Chao's deadly attack.
Ren Xiaoyao was relieved: "I thought Li Tianba and the others were only second-rate fighters, how could they have held their own against Ye Zhi Qiu for so long? It turns out he wasn't going all out to observe the coordinated attacks of the three villains.
" "The fierce and deadly attacks will shatter the heavens and earth!" At the crucial moment, Ye Zhi Qiu roared to the sky, his attack suddenly surging. Countless sword flowers flashed, like a shower of stars falling from the sky, sword light and figures flashing all
around, dazzling the three villains and filling them with fear. Ren Xiaoyao had never seen such beautiful moves before, and he was deeply impressed. Before he could even utter a word of praise, Li Tianba, Xu Chao, and Shi Tao had all been struck by swords and staggered back to the side.
"The leader of the Green Forest Alliance of the Seven Southern Provinces and Sixty-Three Northern Provinces truly lives up to his name." Ren Xiaoyao smiled and handed over a large jar of fine wine. Ye Zhi Qiu didn't refuse, tearing off the seal and drinking it all in large gulps.
"Excellent!" Ren Xiaoyao, feeling a surge of pride, drank with him.
"Thank you, brother, for dealing with that scoundrel Diao Tiemin for me." Ye Zhi Qiu put down his wine jar and cupped his hands in thanks.
"Eliminating evil is our duty, no need for thanks." Ren Xiaoyao laughed heartily and said loudly, "But the swordsmanship of the chief thief truly broadened my horizons."
"I also greatly admire your skill in using hidden weapons, brother." Ye Zhi Qiu's eyes shone brightly as he spoke.
"So they don't know each other at all." Diao Tiemin was annoyed.
"By the way, I haven't yet asked your name, brother." After a few rounds of drinks, Ye Zhi Qiu asked with great interest.
"My surname is Ren, and my given name is Xiaoyao." Ren Xiaoyao, displaying his usual carefree attitude, answered without any hesitation.
"'The Romantic Thief Ren Xiaoyao'?" Ye Zhi Qiu's eyes shone with excitement as he asked in surprise.
"Hehe, I dare not accept the title of 'romantic'." Ren Xiaoyao cupped his fists in thanks.
Li Tianba and Xu Chao were about to beg for mercy when they were suddenly asked the words "Romantic Thief" and were immediately terrified. Ye Zhi Qiu only said that he wanted to take Shi Tao's life, and perhaps he could spare them. However, Ren Xiaoyao was always quick to hate evil and never showed mercy to the wicked and petty. He was afraid that he would not be satisfied until the two of them were beheaded.
"Brother Ren, what should we do with them?" Ye Zhi Qiu looked at him and asked casually.
"In my opinion..." Ren Xiaoyao was about to speak when several more people entered the tavern.

Volume Nine, Chapter Four: The Green-Clad Girl at the Summit of Zhurong Peak.

Leading the procession was a stunningly beautiful young girl, around fifteen or sixteen years old. Her long hair cascaded down her back, loosely bound by a pale purple gauze. She wore a light green silk robe and a pink silk skirt. Her beauty was breathtaking, her figure graceful, her fair skin and elegant attire perfectly complementing each other, highlighting her exquisite and captivating beauty.
Gazing upon her, one could sense a captivating charm, both outwardly graceful and inwardly intelligent. Her beautiful eyes, brimming with autumn water, shimmered with boundless affection, their captivating gaze revealing a myriad of alluring qualities, making her utterly alluring.
"What a beautiful girl!" Ren Xiaoyao was mesmerized, involuntarily captivated by the girl's ethereal and graceful figure.
"Waiter, bring me tea!"
"Quickly, quickly, we're dying of thirst!"
the crowd exclaimed. Except for the girl in green, all of them were dressed in gray robes with long swords at their waists, clearly disciples of the Hengshan Sect.
The second floor of the tavern was usually managed by three waiters, but they were terrified by the earlier fight and huddled trembling in a corner, not daring to respond for a long time.
The girl in green, thirsty, frowned slightly, about to lash out when another Hengshan Sect disciple hurriedly said, "Senior Sister, there's fighting here, look!" He pointed at the Four Fiends of Lu Dong.
"Well, where did these petty thieves come from, daring to fight at the foot of Hengshan?" The girl in green, seeing Li Tianba and the others covered in blood and disheveled, was furious and scolded them.
Seeing this, Diao Tiemin thought to himself: This girl is arrogant and domineering; her parents must be prominent figures in the Hengshan Sect. Why not instigate her to fight Ren Xiaoyao and Ye Zhi Qiu, so I can slip away? So he hurriedly pointed at Ren Xiaoyao, feigning horror, and said, "Miss, save me! He... he's 'Flower-Picking Demon' Qin Shang, and that's 'Hundred-Lust Demon Lord' Wang Xuanqi. They said they're going to challenge the Hengshan Sect and rape your women. I... my four brothers and I are no match for them. Please, have mercy..."
Ren Xiaoyao and Ye Zhi Qiu exchanged a laugh. Diao Tiemin's ability to spread rumors was far too poor. With a grandmaster like Dugu Yu guarding Hengshan, who in the world would dare to cause trouble here? Not to mention Qin Shang and Wang Xuanqi, even Gui Ming Shenjun or Hentian might not dare to openly appear at the foot of Hengshan. Unexpectedly
, the girl in green flew into a rage upon hearing this, drew her long sword, and without a word, stabbed at Ren Xiaoyao. It turned out that she had been pampered since childhood and had no experience in the martial world. Seeing the arrogant expressions of Ren and Ye, and their unrestrained laughter, she assumed that what Diao Tiemin said was true.
"What an impatient little girl, how will you get married in the future?" Ren Xiaoyao chuckled and raised his palm to meet her attack.
There is a saying in martial arts, "The knife moves white, the sword moves black." White is a direct attack from the center, while black is a flanking attack. This means that swordsmanship should be elegant and agile, and should be used from the left and right, unlike the knife and spear, which can be used to attack from the front at will. The girl in green attacked the chest with her first move, which was a serious violation of the taboo of swordsmanship. It was either because she was extremely skilled or because she was eager to win.
Ye Zhi Qiu, being of such status, naturally did not bother to explain in front of the Hengshan Sect disciples. He withdrew Mo Lianfeng with his right hand, and gently stroked the wine jar with his left hand, watching with great interest the wonderful exchange between Ren Xiaoyao and the girl in green.
Suddenly, a sharp cry rang out from the girl in green. Her longsword, brimming with energy, surged forth, relentlessly attacking Ren Xiaoyao with unstoppable force, instantly unleashing a terrifying, earth-shattering power.
"The Thirteen Forms of Meteor!" Ye Zhi Qiu's expression changed slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "Brother Ren, be careful!"
The girl in green was using the Hengshan School's ultimate technique, the Thirteen Forms of Meteor. This sword technique consisted of thirteen moves, each with thirteen variations. Once one move was unleashed, the remaining twelve followed in quick succession, like a meteor falling to earth, infiltrating everywhere and destroying everything in its path, enough to chill the heart of any opponent. When Lin Feifan first entered the martial world, he used this sword technique to defeat dozens of masters, earning the reputation of "Meteor Swordsman," demonstrating its formidable power.
The girl in green's sword conjured countless sword shadows, raining down like a storm, both beautiful and terrifying. Ren Xiaoyao lightly touched the ground with his feet and suddenly retreated, his first attack missing its mark. When the second attack came, he didn't retreat but advanced, twisting his body and leaping over it. The third, fourth, fifth attacks… Ren Xiaoyao gradually entered a state of serene stillness, his movements fluid and effortless, barely dodging the attacks with seven leaps and bounds. On the ninth attack, the girl in green channeled her energy into her sword, unleashing a powerful burst of internal force that aimed directly at Ren Xiaoyao's face, but he intercepted it with a flick of his sleeve. Facing the tenth attack, which seemed to fly through the air without a trace, Ren Xiaoyao used ghostly speed to laterally shift his weight, once again rendering the girl in green's attack futile.
"Stop fighting! Stop fighting!" the girl in green gasped, leaning against the table leg, angrily scolding, "All you do is dodge and dodge, what kind of hero are you?"
"Hahaha, did I admit to being a hero?" Ren Xiaoyao chuckled.
"You, you..." The delicate girl in green blushed crimson, stammering.
"Listen carefully, I am the 'Flower-Picking Demon'." Ren Xiaoyao teased the girl, intending to play with her. Despite his usually upright demeanor, he occasionally convincingly portrayed a lecherous rogue.
"What are you going to do?" The girl in green asked in horror, seeing Ren Xiaoyao's "ferocious" expression.
"What am I going to do? Of course, it's... hehe." Ren Xiaoyao pressed closer, grinning sinisterly.
"Waaah... waaah... I'm scared." The girl in green unexpectedly dropped her sword and burst into tears.
"Oh dear, don't..." Ren Xiaoyao had never seen such a delicate girl before. Even with his exceptional intelligence and cunning, he didn't know what to do.
Ye Zhi Qiu chuckled, amused that even a dashing and romantic thief could be helpless in the face of a young lady.
"Senior sister, we'll teach him a lesson for you!" The Hengshan Sect disciples drew their swords, ready to attack, but the girl in green cried even harder, truly pitiful and heartbreaking.
"Miss, I'll stand still and let you attack for thirteen moves, okay?" Ren Xiaoyao said with a helpless and regretful expression, forcing a smile.
"Really?" The girl in green stopped crying immediately, choking back sobs.
"Sigh, why would I lie to you?" Ren Xiaoyao had no choice but to smile bitterly.
"Take this!" The girl in green suddenly snatched a long sword, first trembling it rapidly in mid-air, then straightening it, the blade transforming into a point of silver light, thrusting upwards at an astonishing speed towards Ren Xiaoyao's throat.

Volume Nine, Chapter Five: The Lewd Thief's Violence at the Green Bamboo House on the Summit of Zhurong Peak.

At first glance, this move seems to resemble the Jade Maiden Throwing Shuttle of the Huashan Sect, yet it also bears some resemblance to the Long River Sunset of the Tianji Sect. Upon closer inspection, it seems to have transformed into the Mountain-Pushing and Sea-Filling of the Tingyu Pavilion. It is truly ever-changing and difficult to fathom.
Ren Xiaoyao lowered his shoulders and braced himself, using the Xiaoyao Wuji Palm to fully engage in combat. He stood firmly on his feet, calm and composed, strictly adhering to the martial arts principle of "If the enemy does not move, I do not move; if the enemy wants to move, I move first." He recognized the enemy's moves and countered each attack. No matter how fiercely the girl in green attacked, she could not gain the slightest advantage.
Ye Zhi Qiu observed carefully and felt that although Ren Xiaoyao could not use the ghostly speed and illusion-inducing footwork, he had perfectly executed the eight techniques of swallowing, spitting, sealing, closing, blocking, striking, entangling, and seizing. His defense was impenetrable and flawless, and when he occasionally launched an attack, it was as smooth and effortless as flowing water, truly unpredictable. Ye Zhi Qiu praised him in his heart: No wonder the dashing thief is so famous in the martial arts world. Not to mention his unparalleled lightness skill, his palm technique alone is enough to make him the best in the martial arts world.
"Miss, stop now." Ren Xiaoyao had reached the eleventh move and met the beautiful and ever-changing eyes of the girl in green, and said with a serious smile.
"What's the rush? There are still two moves left." Before the girl in green finished speaking, her sword style suddenly changed, and the originally dense sword momentum suddenly became sparse. Upon seeing this, the disciples of the Hengshan Sect all assumed the girl in green was struggling and felt great pity. Only Ye Zhi Qiu's expression changed drastically. It turned out that the girl in green was using the third move of the Seven Absolute Swords of Hengshan, "Stone Granary Spitting Mist."
The Seven Absolute Swords of Hengshan was the supreme sword technique of the Hengshan Sect, its power surpassing even the "Reign of the Emperor" of the Tianji Sect and the "Three Heavenly Forms of Annihilation" of the Taishan Sect. In the past, on the summit of Mount Hua, the grandmaster Dugu Yu used this ultimate technique to defeat all the heroes of the Central Plains, and was unanimously recognized as the number one master in the world. The exquisiteness and ingenuity of its moves were unimaginable.
"Whoosh whoosh whoosh," the suffocating sword energy rushed towards him. As the girl in green continued to approach, all Ren Xiaoyao could see were specks of silver light. A few months ago, he had no idea from which direction or angle his opponent was attacking, let alone how to defend himself.
The saying goes, "A scholar should be looked at with new eyes after three days' absence." The Ren Xiaoyao of today is no longer the frivolous, naive youth he once was. Facing the fierce attack of the girl in green, he focused his mind, his senses instantly heightened to their limit, and his hands moved with effortless grace, drawing circles as he swiftly aimed for the sword's edge. The girl in green felt a powerful force push her forward, her weapon involuntarily veering to the side. The Hengshan disciples were all stunned by Ren Xiaoyao's exquisite palm technique of using the opponent's force against them, frozen in shock.
"The final move!" The girl in green slightly raised her slender hand, her body shifting as she charged forward again.
Sword light flashed, cold light gleamed, and surging true energy rapidly spread in all directions.
Ren Xiaoyao felt a fierce wind rise around him, rolling waves forming vortexes, like tangible weapons, attacking him relentlessly. Even more horrifying, the moment the girl in green unleashed her sword strike, his mind went blank, his limbs trembled, as if he were in the dead of winter, his fighting spirit utterly extinguished, his confidence completely gone. He watched helplessly as the sword pierced his chest, yet he was unable to make any defensive move.
With a clang, the Ice Soul Frost Sword sprang from its sheath, emitting a clear and melodious sword cry that captivated the soul.
Ren Xiaoyao's body trembled violently, but in an instant, his mind returned to normal. He countered with a move called "Clouds Think of Clothes, Flowers Think of Face," meeting the attack head-on. The two swords clashed, and the girl in green's sword snapped in two. In her haste, she stumbled and fell into Ren Xiaoyao's arms, her beautiful face instantly turning bright red, revealing her shyness and reserve.
Ye Zhi Qiu laughed loudly, "It has been said since ancient times that swords can be spiritual, and will warn of danger. Today... oh dear, Brother Lu Dong has run away."
Ren Xiaoyao hurriedly turned his head and saw that Li Tianba and the others, who had been huddled in the corner, were all gone.
"Brother Ren, I'll go after the enemy. I'll leave this to you." Ye Zhi Qiu stood up and made a decisive decision.
"No one is allowed to leave." Three Hengshan Sect disciples blocked the stairwell and shouted loudly.
"Hmph!" Ye Zhi Qiu sneered, pulled out a large red invitation card from his robes, and said arrogantly, "Go back and tell Sect Leader Lin that I have important business to attend to and will come up the mountain to ask for your guidance another day." After saying that, he casually threw it and jumped straight out of the window.
The leading Hengshan Sect disciple picked up the invitation card and saw that it read: "Respectfully presented by Ye Zhi Qiu, the leader of the Green Forest Alliance of the Seven Southern Provinces and Sixty-Three Northern Provinces." He was so frightened that he trembled and looked at each other in dismay.
The girl in green, blushing shyly, stepped aside. The eldest disciple of the Hengshan Sect strode forward and said loudly, "Your swordsmanship is superb, and we admit we are no match for you. However, you have caused trouble within Hengshan territory, and our sect cannot ignore this. We hope you will come up the mountain to explain everything that has happened here to our master." Seeing that Ren Xiaoyao was composed and eloquent, and that he was on good terms with Ye Zhi Qiu, he guessed that Ren Xiaoyao was not the "Flower-Picking Demon" Qin Shang, so his tone softened considerably.
Ren Xiaoyao thought to himself: The Hengshan Sect is the head of the five major sword sects; it is really not easy to offend them. So he tossed down a silver ingot to pay for the wine and nodded, saying, "In that case, please lead the way."
"Hmph, once we get to the mountain, you'll see what happens," the girl in green made a face at Ren Xiaoyao and said angrily.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Hengshan has been one of the Five Sacred Mountains since ancient times. Its majestic peaks, clustered together, rise from Huiyan Peak and extend to Yuelu Peak, forming a continuous range of seventy-two peaks. Ancient trees reach for the sky, and secluded paths wind through the mountains, earning it the reputation of "the most beautiful of the Five Sacred Mountains." Its "Eight Wonders" include the height of Zhurong Peak, the depth of Fangguang Temple, the depth of Water Curtain Cave, the elegance of the Sutra Repository, the antiquity of Yuwang City, the perilousness of Chengxin Bridge, the grandeur of Longfeng Pool, and the seclusion of Magu Wonderland. The mountain is filled with the sound of pine trees rustling in
the wind, the sea of clouds churning, and the magnificent sunrise, creating a captivating scene. The girl in green and her companions, having lived here for a long time, knew the way well and ascended the mountain quickly. Ren Xiaoyao, with his exceptional lightness skill, also moved swiftly, reaching the main hall of the Hengshan Sect in just half an hour.
"Father, a lecherous thief is bullying your daughter!" The girl in green glared fiercely at Ren Xiaoyao and rushed inside.
"Just you wait, you're dead," a Hengshan disciple coldly sneered.
Ren Xiaoyao stood proudly, smiling silently, but secretly pondering: Who could her father be?

Volume 9, Chapter 6, Meteor Swordsman, Green Bamboo House on the Peak of Zhurong:

"Xiuxiu, you and your fellow disciples have caused trouble again after coming down the mountain?" A tall, middle-aged man stepped out, his voice carrying a hint of reproach and concern. He appeared to be around thirty-eight or thirty-nine years old, with handsome features and a dignified appearance. His tall and strong physique exuded the aura of an extraordinary master.
"No, Father, there really is a lecherous thief!" The girl in green fluttered her long eyelashes, her slender hand linked with her father's right arm, and said coquettishly.
"Greetings, Sect Leader." All the Hengshan Sect disciples bowed in unison.
"So he is the Hengshan Sect Leader, 'Meteor Swordsman' Lin Feifan." Ren Xiaoyao was shocked. "So, the girl in green is... is the granddaughter of Senior Dugu Yu. No wonder her swordsmanship is so powerful at such a young age, almost even I couldn't withstand it.
" "Look, the lecherous thief is him." The girl in green pointed at Ren Xiaoyao and said irritably.
Lin Feifan looked Ren Xiaoyao up and down a few times, then clasped his hands and said, "My daughter spoke rudely and mistook the young hero for a villain. Please forgive her."
Ren Xiaoyao said seriously, "Sect Leader Lin is too kind. Your daughter was just bewitched by a villain..."
"Father, don't listen to his nonsense." "The girl in green interrupted.
Lin Feifan's face darkened, and he scolded in a low voice, "Shut up, apologize to him right now."
"Why? He bullied me first." The girl in green insisted, her face tense.
"That's right, Sect Leader, Mingming..." The disciples chimed in.
"Hmph!" Lin Feifan said angrily, "How have I taught you all? How come you can't even tell good people from bad people today?"
Hearing this, everyone stepped aside, not daring to say anything more.
Lin Feifan turned to Ren Xiaoyao and said solemnly, "Young hero, your spirit is restrained, your heroic spirit is strong, you are definitely not the lecherous thief that my daughter described. Although many talents have emerged in the martial arts world recently, there are only a handful like you."
"Sect Leader Lin, are you referring to the Four Heroes of the Martial Arts World?" Ren Xiaoyao asked with a smile.
"Exactly." "Lin Feifan said with delight, "The Beggar Clan leader,
Xiong Xiaotian, is exceptionally intelligent and skilled in martial arts. Before he even turned thirty, he had mastered the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms and the Dog-Beating Staff Technique, making him arguably the most accomplished scholar and warrior in the Beggar Clan's more than a hundred years of history." He paused, then added, "Xiao Xingchen, the chief disciple of the Mount Tai Sect, though young, is renowned for his prowess. He annihilated the Eighteen Fortresses of Taihang, intercepted and killed the Five Tigers of Eastern Sichuan, and helped Tingyuxuan find the Jade Blood Pearl, all of which are widely praised." "I am but a
humble man, how dare I compare myself to 'The Divine Beggar of the Nine Provinces,' 'Iron Sword Autumn Frost,'" Ren Xiaoyao said, his smile fading as he bowed.
"Young hero, there is no need for such modesty," Lin Feifan said with an appreciative look, chuckling, "In my opinion, your martial arts and reputation are no less than these two. If I am not mistaken, young hero should be..."
He stared intently at Ren Xiaoyao and slowly said, "'The Romantic Thief,' Ren Xiaoyao."
"Sect Leader Lin's insight is truly remarkable; this junior greatly admires him. " "Ren Xiaoyao was moved.
"You...you really are a dashing chivalrous thief?" the girl in green exclaimed in disbelief.
"I am unworthy of such praise from my friends in the martial world," Ren Xiaoyao said with a charming smile.
"Xiuxiu, Father knew you had mistaken me for someone else." Lin Feifan chuckled, pulled the girl in green over, and introduced her to Ren Xiaoyao, "This is my daughter, Yuxiu. Her mother and I have spoiled her since she was little, so she is a bit willful. Please don't take offense, young hero—Yuxiu, quickly apologize." "
I...I'm sorry." Lin Yuxiu shrugged her fragrant shoulders, her charming demeanor unintentionally becoming more and more apparent, and lightly touched her soft breasts.
"Zhong Ling Yuxiu, indeed, she lives up to her name." "Ren Xiaoyao smiled gently, his eyes sparkling.
Lin Yuxiu, flattered by his praise, blushed slightly, her beautiful face flushing, her eyes sparkling with a shy charm that could melt even the hardest heart.
"Xiuxiu, did you upset your father again?" A beautiful woman in her thirties walked out with a smile, strolling slowly to Lin Feifan's side, and said softly.
"Mother—" Lin Yuxiu showed a playful and mischievous expression, tugging at the woman's sleeve and pouting. She must be Dugu Jian's beloved daughter, Lin Feifan's wife, the "Hibiscus Fairy" Dugu Hong.
"Indeed." Lin Feifan accepted the visiting card from his disciple, glanced at it quickly, and said with a smile, "Our good daughter not only mistook the 'Romantic Thief' for a villain, but also offended Ye Zhi Qiu, the leader of the Green Forest Alliance of thirteen provinces." "
Upon hearing this, Dugu Hong couldn't help but chuckle, then turned her gaze to Ren Xiaoyao, saying seriously, "This must be the renowned 'Romantic Thief Ren Xiaoyao,' indeed a young hero with an imposing presence." "
This junior greets Madam Lin," Ren Xiaoyao said, clasping his hands in greeting.
"Come, everyone, let's go inside and discuss this in detail," Lin Feifan warmly invited.
The group entered the main hall, took their seats according to their status as host and guest, and Dugu Hong, while instructing her disciples to serve tea, asked, "By the way, hasn't Chief Ye come up the mountain yet?"
"Brother Ye, he..." Ren Xiaoyao began, recounting the events that had occurred at the tavern from beginning to end.
"Xiuxiu, you're not young anymore, how can you still be so unable to distinguish right from wrong?" Lin Feifan said angrily, flicking his sleeve.
"Sigh, what did Mother say to you before?" Dugu Hong scolded gently.
"Father, Mother, don't listen to him," Lin Yuxiu said, her voice filled with grievances, both anxious and angry. "
Sect Leader Lin, Madam Lin, there's no need to worry." "Ren Xiaoyao hurriedly interjected, "With Brother Ye chasing after them, Li Tianba and the others won't be able to escape. They might already be dead by now."
"Hehe, the four brothers of Ludong deserve their evil deeds after meeting you two." Lin Feifan said with delight.
"Young Hero Ren, you've acted righteously to rid the people of evil. The martial world is fortunate indeed." Dugu Hong said softly. They thought Ren Xiaoyao and Ye Zhi Qiu were old acquaintances who had agreed to deal with the four brothers of Ludong together, but their daughter had almost ruined their plans. They couldn't help but praise him.
Upon hearing this, Ren Xiaoyao, unusually, became a little embarrassed and said seriously, "Sect Leader Lin, Madam Lin, you flatter me. It is only my duty to eliminate evil."
"Xiuxiu, did you hear that?" Lin Feifan instructed his daughter, "This is called not taking credit for success and being humble. Learn from this in the future."
"Hmph!" Lin Yuxiu frowned slightly, abruptly stood up, revealing a melancholy expression that could captivate any man, and walked past Ren Xiaoyao, leaving a trail of fragrance.
"Xiuxiu, where are you going?" Dugu Hong asked hurriedly.
"I'm going to Zhurong Peak to seek justice from my grandfather." Lin Yuxiu stamped her foot and ran off without looking back.

Volume 9, Zhurong Peak, Green Bamboo House, Chapter 7, A Fortunate Encounter

"This...this is too willful." Lin Feifan said with a wry smile.
"Miss Lin is still innocent and charming, and it's not wrong for her to be a little willful." Ren Xiaoyao gazed at Lin Yuxiu's graceful back and shrugged casually.
"Young Master Ren is so young, yet his martial arts are so advanced. May I ask who your master is?" Dugu Hong asked softly.
Ren Xiaoyao pondered for a moment, then said seriously, "My master has ordered that I not mention his name without permission. I hope Headmaster Lin and Madam Lin will understand." "Logically speaking, Lin Feifan and Meng Fei are both among the eight top masters of the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance, and Dugu Hong is a contemporary female knight-errant. Even if we told them, it wouldn't be taboo. However, the Hengshan Sect has many disciples, and if the news were to spread, the consequences would be unimaginable. Therefore, we deliberately concealed it. "
Lin Feifan and Dugu Hong smiled at each other. After all, there are bound to be some eccentric senior masters in the martial arts world who are unwilling to reveal their names. So they turned to talking about anecdotes of the martial arts world, and before they knew it, half an hour had passed.
"Sect Leader Lin, Madam Lin, this junior..." Ren Xiaoyao was concerned about Shui Furong's safety and was about to get up to take his leave when a deep and resonant voice suddenly rang out from all around, "Feifan, since a young knight-errant has come to visit, why not invite the elder to come and meet me?" These words clearly came from a great distance, yet every word reached my ears with perfect clarity, their intonation and tone balanced and even, demonstrating the depth of his inner strength. In the world today, no one possesses such profound cultivation except Gu Yu.
Lin Feifan's face lit up with delight, and he exclaimed, "My father-in-law has lived in seclusion in the deep mountains for many years, making it extremely difficult for me to even see him. That he would take the initiative to invite me today is truly... truly..."
"It is truly an honor beyond measure," Ren Xiaoyao blurted out, unable to contain his excitement. Since childhood, he had heard Meng Fei recount Dugu Yu's heroic deeds in upholding the martial world, and had long admired him. He desperately wanted to hear the profound teachings of this venerable elder of the martial world, a grandmaster, and immediately forgot all about finding Shui Furong.
Lin Feifan and his wife gave a few instructions to their disciples and led Ren Xiaoyao straight out of the hall.
Zhurong Peak, shaped like a flying phoenix, rises majestically, surpassing Furong, Zigai, Tianzhu, Xiangguang, Yanxia, and Zhensu Peaks. It is the foremost of the seventy-two peaks of Hengshan, with sheer cliffs, piled-up strange rocks, surrounded by pines and firs, their green leaves providing shade. Against the backdrop of mist and clouds and the overlapping peaks, it presents the magnificent and awe-inspiring sight of "Ten thousand feet of Zhurong rising from the ground, barely visible in the light smoke."
"Young Master Ren, please look," Lin Feifan pointed to the summit and introduced, "The summit of Zhurong Peak rises majestically, steep on three sides, with the other side gently sloping down. It connects to the Cuijiu and Xiyang peaks on either side. To the north, one can see the vast expanse of Dongting Lake, and to the west, the majestic Xuefeng Mountains. Furthermore, one can admire the boundless scenery of Hengshan's sea of clouds, forests, bamboo groves, tea plantations, and flower fields. Throughout history, countless travelers and poets have sung its praises."
Ren Xiaoyao, hearing this, gazed around. Below, the peaks resembled waves, undulating green, with the Xiang River faintly visible, curving into five white ribbons stretching towards Zhurong. He couldn't help but ask, "Is this the legendary 'Five Dragons Supporting the Saint'?"
"Indeed," Dugu Hong nodded. "If it's after a rain and the sky clears, one can even see the wondrous sight of 'a red sun rolling a golden ball.'"
Ren Xiaoyao exclaimed in admiration, "This place connects to Hengyang to the south, its city walls visible amidst the mist and clouds; looking north towards Dongting Lake, one can imagine its undulating waves. It truly is a perfect place to escape the world and live in seclusion."
"Hehe, Father-in-law's vision is truly exceptional, far beyond our reach," Lin Feifan said with delight. "Oh, we've arrived."
Ren Xiaoyao gazed intently, and saw a quiet and elegant bamboo house standing beside the Moon-Gazing Terrace, piled with strange rocks. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have imagined that Dugu Yu would live in such a secluded place, far from the hustle and bustle of the world.
"Father-in-law, Hong'er and I have brought Young Hero Ren," Lin Feifan said, pushing open the door.
Inside sat an old man with dragon-like eyebrows and white hair, his expression kind. Although his clothes were simple, they exuded an unparalleled aura of righteousness, quite like a Taoist immortal.
Ren Xiaoyao bowed and said, "This humble student, Ren Xiaoyao, greets Senior Dugu." After saying this, he knelt down on both knees and respectfully kowtowed three times.
"Young hero, there's no need for such formalities." Dugu Yu flicked his sleeve, and Ren Xiaoyao immediately felt an irresistible force rushing towards him, lifting him up involuntarily.
"Grandpa, he's the one who bullied me!" Lin Yuxiu, a little embarrassed, glared at him and scolded playfully.
Looking at Ren Xiaoyao's handsome face, Dugu Yu suddenly recalled the haggard scene when he first met Ren, and was momentarily stunned.
"Grandpa, Grandpa..." Lin Yuxiu tugged at Dugu Yu's clothes, almost bursting into tears.
"Young Master Ren, thank you for showing mercy, Xiuxiu." Dugu Yu realized his lapse in composure, regained his composure, and said in a deep voice, "By the way, how is your master, Meng Fei, doing lately?"
"Senior Dugu, you... how do you know your master's name?" Ren Xiaoyao was greatly surprised and asked in a trembling voice.
Dugu Yu stroked his beard and smiled, saying calmly, "The main hall is about two miles from here, yet you and my daughter and son-in-law arrived in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, which shows your lightness skill is not weak; at this moment, your faces are not red and your breath is not out of breath, so your internal strength must be quite advanced; I only heard your footsteps several feet away from the house, and in the martial world, apart from the Shaolin School's 'Crossing the River on a Reed' and your master's 'Flying Immortal Transformation,' there is no other footwork with such miraculous effect. Based on these three points, if I still cannot guess that you are Meng Fei's successor, then Dugu Yu is truly blind."
Ren Xiaoyao said sincerely, "Back on Yanxia Island, Senior Yi Tianhan recognized my master's lineage after hearing me describe three moves. Today, Senior Dugu, without seeing my face or hearing my voice, has revealed your master's name in a single sentence, which truly makes me admire you to the core." "
Young Master Ren, what about Brother Meng…?" Lin Feifan, eager to know Meng Fei's recent situation, asked impatiently.
Ren Xiaoyao bowed deeply and said happily, "My master has been living in seclusion overseas, diligently studying martial arts, and hasn't returned to the Central Plains for over ten years." Only Dugu Yu, Dugu Hong, Lin Feifan, and Lin Yuxiu were in the Green Bamboo House, so there was no need to hide anything.
"I see. That explains why I haven't seen Brother Meng for so long," Lin Feifan said, relieved.
"How did you meet Yi Tianhan?" Dugu Hong interjected.
"Brother Xiao and I went to the East Sea to search for the Azure Blood Pearl, and happened to meet Senior Yi on Misty Cloud Island. He gave us several pointers and guidance, from which we truly benefited greatly," Ren Xiaoyao said solemnly.
"It seems Brother Yi is still obsessed with martial arts, studying it day and night." "Lin Feifan chuckled.
Ren Xiaoyao replied casually, "Senior Yi still harbors resentment over his defeat to Master Xiaochen back then, and vowed never to return to the martial world unless he created a move to counter the Great Vajra Palm."
"That's just his stubbornness," Dugu Yu said with a smile.
"Has Senior Yi created this move?" Lin Yuxiu asked curiously.
"Yes," Ren Xiaoyao nodded slowly.
"How powerful is this move?" Lin Feifan asked seriously.
"Unparalleled!" Ren Xiaoyao exclaimed with lingering fear.
"Hehe, if I have the chance someday, I will definitely seek Brother Yi's guidance." Lin Feifan said eagerly.
"I heard that Young Hero Ren once broke Xiuxiu's sword. I wonder if you could let me see your weapon?" Dugu Yu pondered for a while, then asked with a smile.
Ren Xiaoyao dared not delay and hurriedly unsheathed the Ice Soul Frost Sword and bowed as he handed it over.
"Ice... Ice Soul Frost Sword!" "Lin Feifan and Dugu Hong exclaimed in shock.

Volume 9, Zhu Rong Peak, Green Bamboo House, Chapter 8, Astounding Divine Power .

"Is Ren Qiaocui your father?" Dugu Yu asked, enunciating each word clearly.
"No, I lost both my parents at a young age and have been raised entirely by my master." Ren Xiaoyao replied solemnly.
"Does Meng Fei have any other disciples?" Lin Feifan asked respectfully.
"No, not at all." Ren Xiaoyao shook his head. "However, my master gave birth to a daughter, whom I call Senior Sister."
"Oh, it seems your parents had a close relationship with Meng Fei." Lin Feifan said with a smile.
"Alas, I am unfortunate. My parents passed away when I was still an infant, and I can't remember many things." Ren Xiaoyao said sadly, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Then where did you obtain the Ice Soul Frost Sword?" Dugu Yu frowned.
"I found it by chance at the bottom of Yunwu Valley." "Ren Xiaoyao replied.
"Yunwu Valley, could it be near Wuyun Mountain in Hangzhou?" Lin Feifan murmured.
"That's right, at that time..." Ren Xiaoyao recounted the whole story in detail.
"Fate, fate!" Dugu Yu sighed, "Brother Ren, you were a hero for life, a romantic figure for half your life. You not only saved the Central Plains martial arts world with your own hands, but also left behind a successor with outstanding martial arts skills. I, your old brother, am truly gratified." With his sixty or seventy years of experience in the martial arts world, he had long seen that Ren Xiaoyao must be Ren Qiaocui's direct descendant, so he did not reveal it. He also had the same thought as Yi Tianhan: since Meng Fei did not tell his disciple, why should he say anything?
Ren Xiaoyao asked in surprise, "Senior Dugu and Senior Ren are old acquaintances?"
Lin Feifan said seriously, "More than old acquaintances, my father-in-law and Hero Ren are close friends despite their age difference."
"I would like to hear the details." "Ren Xiaoyao said with great interest.
Dugu Hong smiled and said, "Young Master Ren, you must have heard of the Junshan Gathering twenty years ago, right?"
"Hmm," Ren Xiaoyao nodded and said, "At that time, the Asura Sect launched a massive invasion of the Central Plains martial arts world, swallowing up dozens of large and small gangs and sects in just a few months. Senior Dugu, you were compassionate and cared about the common people. You rallied the heroes of the martial arts world and held a martial arts conference at the Beggars' Sect headquarters on Junshan Mountain. You elected the eight greatest masters of the Central Plains martial arts world and unanimously decided to fight against the foreign enemy under their leadership."
Dugu Yu continued, "Due to the urgency of the situation, we did not rank the eight masters. Instead, we immediately went to various places to assist those gangs and sects that were in dire straits."
"But among those in the martial world, who can relinquish the desire for fame and fortune? Who doesn't yearn for the title of the greatest martial artist in the Central Plains?" Lin Feifan sighed. "The eight of us are all heroes of our time, full of vigor and righteous indignation, yet we still couldn't let go of our ambition for fame and victory. So, a month later, we agreed to meet at Mount Hua for a martial arts contest.
" Dugu Yu looked nostalgic and slowly said, "Back then, we fought fiercely for three days and three nights..."
"Three days and three nights, isn't that ten days?" Ren Xiaoyao asked blankly.
"The ranking of the eight masters was determined in three days. The rest of the time was spent competing with him," Lin Feifan explained. "
Is the 'he' that Sect Leader Lin is referring to Senior Ren?" Ren Xiaoyao asked solemnly.
"Indeed, just as we were about to descend the mountain, Brother Ren and his wife appeared beside Jade Maiden Peak, declaring that Ren Xiaoyao would challenge us to a duel." "Dugu Yu said loudly, "The matter of the martial arts competition is known to everyone in the martial arts world, and tens of thousands of people have come to watch. Firstly, to allow us to compete in peace, and secondly, to save face for everyone, Shaolin, Beggars' Sect, Hengshan, Taishan, and Huashan each dispatched elite disciples to guard the path up the mountain. The fact that Ren Qiaocui and his wife were able to easily avoid them shows that their martial arts are not weak. In addition, Meng Fei is his sworn brother..."
"What? Senior Ren is Master's elder brother?" Ren Xiaoyao was greatly surprised. "I... I've never heard Master mention him."
"Ren Qiaocui was only in his thirties at that time, a hero who had achieved his ambitions and was full of vigor. His wife, Mei Ruoxue, was also peerless in beauty." Lin Feifan's tone seemed to return to twenty years ago. "Everyone present is a master of martial arts. Everyone can see that the cultivation of this couple is definitely not below ours. Therefore, we accepted Ren Qiaocui's challenge. After resting for a night on the mountaintop, I, ranked eighth, will go first."
"What will be the outcome of this battle?" "Ren Xiaoyao hurriedly asked.
"Alas, I, Lin Feifan, am confident in my mastery of the Seven Swords of Hengshan and the Thirteen Forms of Meteor, two great martial arts. My martial arts have been passed down from my father-in-law, and I am rarely matched in the martial world. But I never expected... but I never expected that my weapon would be torn away in eleven moves."
"Impossible, Father, you only managed to withstand ten moves." Lin Yuxiu said in astonishment.
"The Lingxiao Sword Technique is the best sword technique in the world. Not to mention me, even Xiao Yusun could only withstand sixteen moves." Lin Feifan sighed.
After hearing this, Ren Xiaoyao thought to himself: Senior Yi once said that the power of the Lingxiao Sword Technique is even above the Nine Transformations of the Dragon and the Three Forms of Heavenly Annihilation. It seems that he was not wrong.
"Grandfather, you are the number one master in the world. You must have defeated Hero Ren." Lin Yuxiu chuckled and said in a trembling voice.
"Me? I lost too." Dugu Yu said with a bitter smile.
"Father-in-law, didn't you two finish your battle?" "Lin Feifan said.
"That was just Ren Qiaocui being considerate of my feelings, not saying it directly." Dugu Yu murmured, "After Xiao Yusun's defeat, Ren Qiaocui invited me to Chaoyang Peak for a duel, while the others stayed behind to recuperate."
"That's so unfair!" Lin Yuxiu shouted, "Grandpa, you've been fighting fiercely with everyone for days to win the title of the number one martial arts master in the Central Plains. Your energy and spirit are greatly depleted. How can you still compete with Ren Qiaocui?" "
Silly child, didn't Ren Qiaocui also defeat Headmaster Xiao and Chief Xiong?" Dugu Hong said softly.
"But..." Lin Yuxiu was about to say something more when Dugu Yu interrupted, "The Lingxiao Sword Technique emphasizes the fusion of emotions and intentions, the harmony of sword and heart, great skill appearing clumsy, and endless variations. I used all my strength in my life to counter it with the Seven Absolute Swords of Hengshan, but in the end, I was still defeated by the eighteenth move, 'A Thousand Years of Elegance in Laughter'." "
Upon hearing this, Ren Xiaoyao was greatly shocked. Since defeating the Ghostly Lord at Wuyun Mountain, Dugu Yu had become the undisputed number one expert in the world. Who would have thought that he would directly declare himself no match for Ren Xiaoyao? Then the eight characters carved on the stone wall, 'Swordsmanship is supreme, but only defeat is sought,' must be absolutely true.
"Unbelievable, unbelievable!" Lin Feifan was dumbfounded and exclaimed in horror, "The Seven Absolute Swords of Hengshan, the seven absolutes linked together, are perfectly round and smooth, endlessly repeating, forming a seamless whole, with almost no flaws. Coupled with my father-in-law's profound internal strength cultivated for sixty years, how could Ren Xiaoyao possibly neutralize it?"
"It's useless. Even if all eight great experts came together, they still couldn't withstand the astonishing power of 'A Thousand Years of Elegance in Laughter'." Dugu Yu's face was extremely solemn as he spoke each word seriously. (
The update is early due to a classmate reunion at noon. Please forgive me!

Volume 9, Chapter 9, Green Bamboo House on the Peak of Zhurong, Where is One?

"There are such powerful moves in the world.") "Lin Feifan, Dugu Hong, and Lin Yuxiu exclaimed in unison.
"Love is unwavering until death." Recalling the meaning of the eight-character phrase "A thousand years of elegance and wit," Ren Xiaoyao murmured to himself, seemingly understanding but not quite.
"It's a pity that the great hero Ren has already passed away, and we younger generations will never have the chance to witness this earth-shattering, awe-inspiring technique." Lin Yuxiu sighed softly.
"Xiuxiu, do you really want to witness the power of 'A thousand years of elegance and wit'?" Dugu Yu stroked his beard and asked.
"Of course." Lin Yuxiu nodded hastily.
"Senior Dugu also knows the Lingxiao Sword Technique?" Ren Xiaoyao's expression shifted, and he asked tentatively.
Dugu Yu nodded with a smile, then slowly stood up and said solemnly, "Come with me." Having said that, he took a precious sword from the wall and strolled out of the hut.
At the misty summit of Zhurong Peak, the grandmaster Dugu Yu stood, sword in hand, like a god. The mountain wind whipped his robes, revealing his unparalleled heroic spirit, gazing down upon the world with pride.
"Juque, Juque," he said, "eighteen years have passed since the Battle of Wuyun Mountain. Today, though the Ice Soul Frost Sword has arrived, my old friend has died, haggard and filled with resentment. I fear the heavy responsibility of restoring order to the martial world will once again fall upon your shoulders." "Dugu Yu's eyes flashed with intense emotion as he gazed at the sky and sighed deeply.
Ren Xiaoyao stared intently, noticing the towering spine of the Giant Sword, its entire body jet black, a stark contrast to the mirror-like brilliance and chilling aura of ordinary blades. He couldn't help but think to himself: I've seen many divine weapons in this world. The Ice Soul Frost Sword and the Mo Lian Feng are elegant and noble, incomparably beautiful; the Purple Lightning and Azure Frost, though simple and unadorned, are still meticulously crafted; only the Giant Sword appears as ordinary iron, completely unadorned. It seems that divine weapons don't necessarily have to be outstanding in appearance; even seemingly ordinary weapons can become unparalleled treasures.
"Hong'er, Feifan, Xiuxiu, Young Hero Ren, the four of you, come at me together." "Dugu Yu held his sword horizontally to his chest, adopting the starting stance of the first move of the Lingxiao Sword Technique, 'The Rising Clouds Over the Sunset Pavilion,' and solemnly declared.
Everyone knew that Dugu Yu was instructing them on martial arts, so they dared not be negligent.
Ren Xiaoyao's tiger eyes flashed, and his Ice Soul Frost Sword transformed into a rapidly swirling azure light, shooting forward with unparalleled speed, also performing 'The Rising Clouds Over the Sunset Pavilion.'
Lin Feifan sidestepped and moved aside, unleashing three consecutive strikes in quick succession, each strike taking a different angle, the force varying slightly." Heavy, its speed fluctuating wildly, anyone directly confronted would find it difficult to defend themselves.
Dugu Hong's swordsmanship followed a light and unpredictable path; the sword's edge conjured beautiful, cloud-like points of light, attacking Dugu Yu within three feet before suddenly contracting into a ball of light about a foot in diameter, completely enveloping him.
Lin Yuxiu lightly waved her hand, her sword suddenly transforming into a cold star, accompanied by a sharp and fierce force, hurtling towards his chest.
"Good!" Dugu Yu shouted, his giant sword drawing a graceful arc, a torrent of light and shadow pouring down, creating a whirlwind of sword energy. Not only did it easily neutralize the four's attacks, but the relentless true energy clung to them like a leech, relentlessly pressing forward. No matter how they dodged and shifted their positions, they could never escape the giant sword's threat.
"The drums and horns sound mournfully at dawn," "There will be a time when the wind will break the waves," "Whose jade flute plays a soft, secret tune?" The same moves, the same swordsmanship, wielded by Dugu Yu, possessed astonishing power. Lin Feifan and his wife, fighting side by side with their swords, struggled to defend themselves. Although they barely managed to withstand the mercury-like onslaught of the Lingxiao Sword Technique, they were already panting heavily and struggling immensely.
Ren Xiaoyao watched with great interest, understanding perfectly. He secretly realized that the moves inscribed on the stone wall could be executed in such a way; if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed it.
"Do not let your heart vie with the flowers in spring," "Affectionate yet seemingly heartless," "Meeting is difficult, parting is even more difficult"—Ren Xiaoyao had always thought he had mastered the essence of these three newly comprehended moves, but upon closer inspection, they seemed completely different, filling him with doubt.
As the sword techniques "Drawing a knife to cut water only makes it flow more," "Wishing to be birds flying wing to wing in the sky," "Having seen the vast ocean, other waters are nothing," and "Though I have no colorful phoenix wings to fly with you," Ren Xiaoyao's shock was palpable. He had witnessed Nangong Bubai's twin sword clashes, Xiao Xingchen's Heavenly Annihilation Three Forms, and Lin Yuxiu's Hengshan Seven Absolute Swords. No matter how subtle and ingenious, how profound and mysterious, or how elusive and uniquely crafted, none could compare to the Lingxiao Sword Art in the slightest.
Dugu Yu stepped forward and flashed to Ren Xiaoyao's left. His massive sword, like a surging waterfall, rushed towards Ren Xiaoyao's lower abdomen. The surrounding air seemed to freeze, trapping Ren Xiaoyao in a small, immobile space.
Ren Xiaoyao held the Free and Unfettered Palm in his left hand and the Lingxiao Sword Art in his right, ready to unleash all his strength to forcefully block. But then, Dugu Yu suddenly flicked his sleeves to meet the attack, and the sword energy instantly vanished without a trace.
The four were greatly surprised and simultaneously looked at Dugu Yu. They saw his movements become increasingly slow and deliberate, until he stood motionless like a rock.
His massive, black sword seemed to carry an indescribable weight of sluggishness and heaviness. Countless alternating, flickering vortexes of energy appeared around Dugu Yu as he wielded his sword, each vortex revealing a flaw, dazzling and unreal.
Lin Feifan and his wife were both masters of their time, and Ren Xiaoyao and Lin Yuxiu were also quite skilled, but none of them knew where to attack. No one was certain that if they rashly attacked a perceived weakness, they could strike accurately. They even suspected that before they could even act on their thoughts, the target would have already vanished into one new flaw after another.
Time ticked by, and Dugu Yu's bizarre and unparalleled moves continued unabated, leaving everyone dumbfounded, drenched in cold sweat, almost forgetting where they were.
After a long… a long time… Ren Xiaoyao finally snapped out of his daze. He saw Dugu Yu standing silently atop the cliff, sword sheathed, gazing at the rolling sea of clouds in the distance, tears welling in his eyes.
Ren Xiaoyao said softly, "Senior Dugu, I…"
Dugu Yu waved his hand to interrupt, saying with delight, "Rare indeed! To regain your senses in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea! You are far superior to me in my youth."
"Senior… Senior, is it the 'Eternal Elegance and Casual Conversation' technique?" Ren Xiaoyao suppressed his excitement and asked seriously. (
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Volume Nine, Chapter Eleven: The Supreme Realm at the Green Bamboo House atop Zhurong Peak.

"The essence of 'A Thousand Years of Elegance in a Laugh' lies entirely in the word 'elegance.' Without experiencing the passionate, tumultuous years of youth, how could one comprehend the supreme sword intent imbued with emotion within the technique?" Dugu Yu's eyes grew increasingly solemn, his tone revealing sincere and profound emotion. "Brother Ren, in the past, was a womanizer, exhausting his life's learning to create this technique. However, since marrying Mei Ruoxue, his heart has been unable to accommodate any other woman, thus his progress stalled halfway through. I, on the other hand, have only ever loved my wife. Without relying on nearly eighty years of profound cultivation, I could never have reached Brother Ren's level."
"Is there no one in the world who can truly master 'A Thousand Years of Elegance in a Laugh'?" Dugu Hong murmured.
"Mother, have you forgotten him?" Lin Yuxiu pointed at Ren Xiaoyao, her smile warm and earnest. In terms of exceptional talent and extraordinary physique, the fact that Ren Xiaoyao could master the thirteen forms of the Lingxiao Sword Technique in just half a year speaks volumes about his high aptitude. In terms of youthful arrogance and dashing charm, if Ren Xiaoyao were to claim second place, who in the world would dare to presume to be number one?
Dugu Yu nodded slowly, then emphasized in a very solemn tone, saying to Ren Xiaoyao, "The so-called 'romantic' doesn't mean you should fall in love with every woman you meet, flirt with everyone, and lust after beautiful women. It means you should pour all your feelings into the woman you truly love, think what she thinks, and keep her in your heart at all times. Only then can you experience a deeply unforgettable infatuation."
Upon hearing this, Ren Xiaoyao broke out in a cold sweat. Since his debut, he had indeed had intimate relations with many women. Nangong Fengyi, Nangong Fengzi, and Shui Furong had all given themselves to him. Now, facing the mischievous, willful, lively, and adorable Lin Yuxiu, his heart was also filled with emotion. If doing so violated the principles of the Lingxiao Sword Technique, he truly didn't know what to do.
Dugu Yu, a worldly-wise man, naturally understood Ren Xiaoyao's thoughts and patiently guided him, saying, "I don't mean you should be
faithful to one woman, but rather that you should change your promiscuity into universal love, completely integrating your truest and purest feelings for each woman into your sword techniques, truly reaching the highest realm of controlling the sword with love and emotion." Ren Xiaoyao suddenly understood. No wonder he only grasped the three moves "Do not let your heart vie with the flowers in spring," "Affectionate yet seemingly heartless," and "Meeting is difficult, parting is even more difficult" after meeting Fengyi, Fengzi
, and Furong. It seemed that to master the entire Lingxiao Sword Technique, he had to "persistently pursue this." Dugu Yu's eyes shone brightly as he continued to patiently guide him, "There's one thing you must remember: no matter how many women you fall in love with in the future, you must treat them all equally, without the slightest favoritism, otherwise… *poof!*" Dugu Yu suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood.
"Grandpa, what's wrong?" Lin Yuxiu exclaimed in surprise.
"It's nothing. I just used up too much internal energy while using the 'Eternal Elegance and Talking with Equanimity' technique. I'll be fine after a short rest," Dugu Yu said calmly.
"Father-in-law, let us help you back," Lin Feifan and his wife hurriedly helped Dugu Yu up.
"No need, I can walk by myself," Dugu Yu laughed heartily, pulling Ren Xiaoyao down the cliff.
The group returned to the Green Bamboo House. Just as Ren Xiaoyao was about to take his leave, Dugu Yu said solemnly, "Young Hero Ren, if you don't mind my advanced age, why not stay for a few days and study the Lingxiao Sword Technique with me?" For his old friend's son, Ren Xiaoyao, the only thing he could do was to do his utmost and impart all his knowledge to him. Only in this way could he repay the great kindness Ren Qiaocui had shown him twenty years ago.
Ren Xiaoyao was overjoyed. To receive guidance from Dugu Yu, the number one master in the world, was something he had dreamed of since childhood. Just as he was about to nod in agreement, the beautiful and elegant face of Shui Furong suddenly appeared in his mind.
"If I stay in Hengshan, what will happen to Furong? What if she's kidnapped by Juesha..." Ren Xiaoyao dared not think any further and hesitated, "Senior Dugu, I..."
"Young Hero Ren, what are your concerns? Please speak frankly," Dugu Yu said with a smile.
Ren Xiaoyao dared not conceal anything and truthfully recounted how he had followed Shui Furong all the way to Hengshan, naturally omitting the reasons for her angry departure and the emotional entanglement between the two.
"Since Miss Shui is Brother Yi's direct disciple, her martial arts must be quite formidable. Even if she travels the martial world alone, there's nothing to worry about," Lin Feifan said frankly.
"Sect Leader Lin, you may not know, but Miss Shui has a grudge against Juesha, I'm afraid..." Ren Xiaoyao stammered.
"Young Hero Ren, you can rest assured. If Miss Shui falls into Hentian's hands, I will stand up for you!" Dugu Yu said righteously.
Upon hearing this, the heavy weight in Ren Xiaoyao's heart was finally lifted, and he nodded happily.
"Xiuxiu, you accompany Young Hero Ren back to the main hall first. Feifan and Hong'er, please stay here for now. I still have some things to say," Dugu Yu instructed.
"Young Hero Ren, let's go," Lin Yuxiu said, moving closer to him and whispering sweetly in his ear.
Ren Xiaoyao stepped outside and gazed at the vast expanse of the Xiang River, taking in the distant and near mountains. He couldn't help but recite, "Mount Heng, verdant and deep, pierces the purple sky, overlooking the Southern Star. A whirlwind scatters the snow from the five peaks, and often, flying blossoms fall upon Dongting Lake."
Lin Yuxiu smiled sweetly, "People often say, 'Mount Heng is like walking, Mount Dai is like sitting, Mount Hua is like standing, Mount Song is like lying down, only Mount Heng is like flying.' This poem, 'Sending General Chen Back to Mount Heng,' perfectly captures this sentiment, truly worthy of the hand of the Poet Immortal."
Ren Xiaoyao's tiger-like eyes gleamed with an unusual light as he stared at her in astonishment. Lin Yuxiu's swordsmanship was among the best of the younger generation, and she was also quite cultured in literature; she was definitely not just an innocent young girl.
"Surprised?" Lin Yuxiu said with a smile. "To tell you the truth, I know all the poems about Hengshan by heart." Every expression she wore revealed a captivating beauty, coupled with her delicate and lovely face, truly exuding charm beyond words.
Ren Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Miss Lin..."
Lin Yuxiu's beautiful eyes drifted towards him, and she said softly, "Call me Xiuxiu, okay?"
Ren Xiaoyao's heart fluttered, and he complied, "Xiuxiu, have you always stayed in Hengshan since you were little?"
"Yes, for over ten years. I haven't traveled far from home. I really don't know what the outside world is like," Lin Yuxiu replied, her pretty face slightly flushed and her voice slightly coquettish.
"Actually..." Ren Xiaoyao wanted to tell her some interesting and novel stories about the martial arts world to amuse her, but he was afraid that after hearing them, she would insist on going to the martial arts world, thus giving him the blame for "abducting a young girl," so he quickly stopped.
"You... why did you stop talking?" Lin Yuxiu asked anxiously.
"Oh, I meant to ask how you usually pass the time?" Ren Xiaoyao changed his question quickly.
Lin Yuxiu rolled her eyes at him, her expressive eyes seeming to say, "How dare you ask that?" She stammered, "Well... you really want to know?"
Ren Xiaoyao thought to himself, "Now that things have come to this, can I say no?" He nodded and smiled, "Of course."
Lin Yuxiu clearly misunderstood him. She raised her pretty face and said happily, "On odd-numbered days, I go to Zhurong Peak to learn swordsmanship from my grandfather. On even-numbered days... I either go to town with my fellow disciples or find Lele to keep me company."
"Lele?" Ren Xiaoyao was completely confused.
"Yes, he's my best friend." Lin Yuxiu smiled and put her arm around Ren Xiaoyao's shoulder, her captivating face almost touching his chest. She said mysteriously, "When you see him later, you'll definitely fall in love with him too." (

Volume 9, Chapter 12: Lele's Best Friend at the Green Bamboo House on the Summit of Zhurong Peak )

Ancient trees reached for the sky, evergreen year-round, with exotic flowers and herbs, fragrant in all seasons.
Ren Xiaoyao followed Lin Yuxiu to the summit of Yanxia Peak, gazing at the surrounding lush greenery and the beautiful scenery of bamboo groves and rosy clouds, feeling a sense of exhilaration.
"Lele, where are you? Big brother and I have come to see you!" Lin Yuxiu stood beside the majestic pine tree on the summit, a radiant smile blooming on her face, and called out sweetly.
"Xiuxiu's friend lives in a tree?" Ren Xiaoyao was secretly amazed when suddenly, with a "whoosh," something leaped down and landed directly in Lin Yuxiu's arms.
Ren Xiaoyao looked closely and realized it was a squirrel. Its small, delicate face had a pair of bright, black eyes that darted around, watching Lin Yuxiu intently. Its grayish-brown fur was smooth as if oiled, and its fluffy tail curled upwards, making it look exceptionally beautiful.
"Lele, did you miss your sister?" Lin Yuxiu held the squirrel high above her head and said softly.
"So Lele is it." Ren Xiaoyao realized, but also chuckled inwardly: animals can't communicate with humans, and Yuxiu was still a little girl, her innocent charm hadn't faded yet.
"Squeak—squeak—" To his surprise, Lele seemed to understand Lin Yuxiu's question, leaping onto her shoulder with its little paws and licking her smooth, delicate face.
Lin Yuxiu giggled and said sweetly, "Lele, your sister brought a big brother to see you. Say hello to him too." With that, she pointed to Ren Xiaoyao behind her.
Lele reluctantly left Lin Yuxiu's shoulder, first tentatively taking small steps, then changing to a zigzag pattern, gradually increasing its speed, cautiously approaching Ren Xiaoyao.
Ren Xiaoyao knew Lele went through a period of shyness, so he chuckled and bent down, ready to embrace it. But Lele suddenly stopped, its hind legs on the ground, front paws raised, its paws swaying as it rested on its chest. Its agile, gentle, and adorable appearance was indescribably endearing.
Ren Xiaoyao was startled at first, then realized it was bowing, and secretly marveled.
Lin Yuxiu smiled gently, "Big brother, go and hug it, Lele is very well-behaved."
Ren Xiaoyao nodded happily, opening his arms to embrace it.
Lele blinked its bright, shining eyes, and as Ren Xiaoyao approached, it shook its head and "squeaked" back behind Lin Yuxiu.
"Looks like it's a little afraid of me." "Ren Xiaoyao chuckled.
"No way, Lele is brave..." Lin Yuxiu turned her head away, her delicate body suddenly trembling, and exclaimed, "Eh, Lele!"
"What's wrong?" Ren Xiaoyao hurriedly stepped forward and asked softly.
"Lele... Lele is gone." Lin Yuxiu said sadly. As she spoke, her eyes became red and swollen, and two crystal tears overflowed from the corners of her eyes.
Ren Xiaoyao looked around, and indeed there was no trace of Lele within a radius of ten feet. He was full of doubts: Where did the little guy go in the blink of an eye?
"Waaah... Waaah... Lele is missing." Lin Yuxiu wailed, which puzzled Ren Xiaoyao. It was just a squirrel, it was gone, what was the big deal?
"Don't cry, Xiuxiu." Ren Xiaoyao comforted her, "Maybe Lele is hiding somewhere and playing a joke on you."
"Then... then big brother, please help me look for it. If you really can't find it, I'll ask my fellow disciples for help. " "Lin Yuxiu looked up at Ren Xiaoyao's heart-wrenching face and said sadly.
"Looking for...looking for what? Looking for Lele?" Ren Xiaoyao asked, both annoyed and amused. It was such a small matter, why make such a fuss? Maybe Lele would reappear next time.
"Yes, if I can't find Lele, I'd rather die than go back." Lin Yuxiu opened her beautiful eyes weakly and said sadly.
Watching two lines of clear tears slide down her delicate, jade-like cheeks, Ren Xiaoyao was surprised to find that Lin Yuxiu at this moment had a charming and pitiful beauty, making her even more beautiful and elegant, as if she had absorbed all the beauty of the world. Even though Ren Xiaoyao had seen many beautiful women, he was still captivated by the extraordinary charm and beauty she displayed in her tearful eyes.
"You...what are you looking at? Hurry up and look." Lin Yuxiu blushed under his gaze and scolded him playfully. Ren Xiaoyao, realizing his rudeness, nodded helplessly.
Just as he was about to conduct a thorough search, Lele's comical and adorable little head suddenly popped out from the top of the pine tree.
Lin Yuxiu, with her sharp eyes, caught a clear look. Her pretty face, still wet with tears, showed a mixture of laughter and tears. She stamped her foot and exclaimed, "Lele, you almost scared me to death! Come here!"
Lele leaped down from the branch with a "plop," hopping and skipping to Lin Yuxiu's side.
Lin Yuxiu picked up Lele and asked with a low, reproachful tone, "Where did you go just now?" Lele
wagged its fluffy tail, playfully brushing against Lin Yuxiu's armpits, making her gasp and giggle.
Then Lele offered its paws to Lin Yuxiu. Lin Yuxiu looked closely and saw that Lele was holding a large handful of almonds, hazelnuts, beech nuts, and acorns. She suddenly realized and giggled, "Big brother, so Lele went to find us food! You should try some too!"
Ren Xiaoyao watched with genuine admiration. Lin Yuxiu and Lele could indeed "converse," a skill likely unparalleled in the world.
"Xiuxiu, besides Lele, do you have any other...other 'friends'?" Ren Xiaoyao asked while eating, praising the various dried fruits for their crispness.
"Of course! All the animals on Hengshan Mountain are my good friends!" Lin Yuxiu replied, her beautiful eyes sparkling with excitement and joy.
"They...they can understand you too?" Ren Xiaoyao asked, his eyes shining with surprise.
"They understand a little," Lin Yuxiu said with a smile, resting her delicate cheek on her hand. "But Lele is the smartest; it knows everything I say.
" "Then why don't you keep Lele with you, so it can play and keep you company?" Ren Xiaoyao leaned forward and smiled.
"Because it has Beibei," Lin Yuxiu said with a sweet smile, revealing her pearly white teeth.
"Who is Beibei?" "Ren Xiaoyao was intrigued and asked softly.
"It's Lele's old flame, isn't it?" Lin Yuxiu stood up gracefully and said in a coquettish voice, "But I didn't see her today. Maybe she's gathering mushrooms in the back mountain to store up food."
Ren Xiaoyao revealed his dashing nature and teased, "Then aren't you ruining someone's marriage?"
"How could I?" Lin Yuxiu murmured innocently.
"I think Lele was originally going to go with Beibei, but because you came to see it, she couldn't go." Ren Xiaoyao said with feigned seriousness.
"So...so this counts as ruining a marriage?" Lin Yuxiu gave him a resentful look and straightened her body.
Ren Xiaoyao wanted to tease her and nodded hastily in agreement.
"Then...then you're not a good person either." Lin Yuxiu showed a playful and charming little girl expression and scolded angrily.
"Why?" "Ren Xiaoyao was surprised by her 'reversal' and asked with a smile.
"Senior Brother Lu originally made plans to go bird watching at the Half-Mountain Pavilion, but Xiuxiu... Xiuxiu is going with you instead..." Lin Yuxiu's cheeks flushed red, and she lowered her head shyly.
"Xiuxiu!" Before Lin Yuxiu could finish speaking, Ren Xiaoyao grabbed her slender and beautiful hand.

Volume 9, Chapter 13, Green Bamboo House on the Summit of Zhurong Peak, Heart Like a Striking Deer

"Big brother, I... I didn't blame you..." Lin Yuxiu was naive about matters between men and women, and thought that Ren Xiaoyao was angry at her for her rude words, so she blushed with embarrassment.
Ren Xiaoyao thought to himself: Lin Yuxiu is just a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl. Even if he wanted to pursue her, he shouldn't have acted impulsively and almost made a lewd move on her. He was extremely annoyed and immediately withdrew his right hand, smiling apologetically: "Xiuxiu, big brother was just joking with you, please don't take it seriously."
"Xiuxiu thought big brother was angry." "Lin Yuxiu gently stroked her breasts and let out a long sigh. "If not, that's for the best."
So pure and innocent, so guileless, Ren Xiaoyao truly didn't know whether to laugh or cry. To be honest, if he wanted to win Lin Yuxiu's heart, with his experience in the dating scene, he could easily have her. But facing such a pure and innocent young girl, if he really "hardened his heart" and pursued her relentlessly, dragging her into the whirlpool of emotions, making her, who was originally carefree, suffer for love, how could he not feel guilty?
"Big brother, the brothers often talk about your heroic deeds of robbing the rich to help the poor and rescuing the distressed. Could you tell Lele and me a few stories?" Lin Yuxiu's tone revealed an undisguised sincerity.
"Trivial matters, nothing to mention." Ren Xiaoyao said indifferently.
"No, I want to hear it, I insist on hearing it." Lin Yuxiu revealed a sweet and delicate smile, her charming demeanor tinged with coquetry, and said, "Father, Mother, and Grandfather all praise you as a young hero, and I have admired you for a long time."
"Squeak—squeak—" Lele wriggled her petite body, jumping and skipping at Ren Xiaoyao's feet, as if she also wanted to hear his gentle explanation.
Ren Xiaoyao couldn't resist her, so he had to answer evasively, "Actually, what I did was insignificant. Only contemporary heroes like Senior Dugu and Headmaster Lin truly deserve the title of hero."
"But what about providing relief for the famine in Hongzhou, capturing the corrupt official Deng Bin..." Lin Yuxiu lowered her head slightly and said softly.
"Xiaoyao did his best, only to seek some well-being for the people of one city, one prefecture, and one state. However, twenty years ago, countless heroes of the martial world used their blood and lives to uphold the dignity of the country. Without them, how could the country be stable forever? Without them, how could the nation be peaceful?" Ren Xiaoyao's expression turned solemn, and he abruptly interrupted, "Compared to the heroic deeds of our predecessors, which is more important, which is superior?"
"Does the Battle of Wuyun Mountain have anything to do with the fate of the nation?" Lin Yuxiu shrugged slightly, asking in surprise.
"Of course it does. Imagine if we had been completely wiped out in the Battle of Wuyun Mountain, the martial arts world of the Central Plains would have been thrown into chaos. With the martial arts world in disarray, various forces would have seized the opportunity to invade, and Jing, Xu, Yu, and Yang provinces would have been unable to find peace. Add to that the covetous eyes of Dali, Liao, Western Xia, and Tubo, and how long could the Song Dynasty, beset by internal and external troubles, have lasted? If one day the Song Dynasty were to fall because of this, the plight of the common people… alas." Ren Xiaoyao revealed a look of deep understanding, and said with righteous indignation, "
Lin Yuxiu frowned slightly, seemingly understanding, and said, 'Big brother, are you saying that battle wasn't a typical clash between good and evil, but rather…'"
"It is a momentous gamble concerning the rise and fall of the nation and the fate of all people." Ren Xiaoyao's eyes shone with intense emotion as he spoke in a deep voice, "Senior Dugu, at the advanced age of sixty, reappeared in the martial world, gathering heroes from all over the land to jointly resist foreign invasion; Xiao Yusun, the sect leader, Xiong Lei, the gang leader, and eight other masters selflessly offered their assistance; countless patriots sacrificed their lives, shedding blood and shedding tears, risking their lives one after another. These are the true heroes and good men worthy of the respect of all people. Compared to them, what am I, Ren Xiaoyao?"
His words were sincere, earnest, humble, and solemn, moving Lin Yuxiu deeply. Even though she knew that Ren Xiaoyao was praising others throughout his speech, she still couldn't help but feel admiration for him. Her beautiful eyes were fixed on his dashing and handsome face, and her shapely chest rose and fell, her heart pounding like a deer.
Ren Xiaoyao quickly changed the subject, saying, "Xiuxiu, it's getting late, let's hurry back to the main hall."
Lin Yuxiu, realizing her rudeness, nodded absentmindedly.
Each lost in their own thoughts, they walked in silence.
Ren Xiaoyao was still struggling internally, wondering whether he should try to win her heart as he had with Fengyi, Fengzi, and Furong, or treat Xiuxiu like a younger sister, offering her selfless care as an older brother.
Even the naive Lin Yuxiu knew she harbored an inexplicable affection for Ren Xiaoyao, a natural and heartfelt feeling she could never experience with her fellow disciples. However, being young, she didn't know how to express her feelings, and her shyness and joy inevitably led to awkwardness.
"Looking around, the clouds are boundless, the wind howls and blows my clothes," Ren Xiaoyao hesitated, then began to recite a poem.
"The bright moonlight of the mortal world has faded, but the clear light here still lingers." Lin Yuxiu's charming eyes drifted towards him, her pretty face glowing with a holy and bright light, making her even more graceful and charming, as she softly replied.
The two smiled at each other, and the awkward atmosphere instantly dissipated.
"It seems Junior Sister is very happy." A male voice with a Xiangxi accent came from afar.
Ren Xiaoyao turned his strong body and looked at the uninvited guest who had disturbed their thoughts. This person was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a broad back and broad shoulders, and a steady gait. He should be one of the best disciples of Hengshan Sect.
"Senior Brother Lu!" Lin Yuxiu stared ahead and exclaimed in surprise. This man was none other than Lu Yan, who had invited her to go bird watching at Banshan Pavilion earlier.
"Young Master Ren is indeed a romantic, I admire him greatly." Lu Yan stared at Ren Xiaoyao and said sarcastically.
"Brother Lu is too kind." Ren Xiaoyao noticed the displeasure in his words and smiled calmly.
"Hmph!" Lu Yan, displeased, strode over to Lin Yuxiu and asked in a low voice, "Xiuxiu, why didn't you..."
"I was playing with my big brother on the mountain. Let's just consider our agreement canceled." Lin Yuxiu flashed a charming smile, her expression innocent.
"Ren Xiaoyao, who...who told you to pester Xiuxiu?" Lu Yan glared at Ren Xiaoyao, his anger flaring. Every unmarried disciple of the Hengshan Sect who descended to the mortal realm vied to please Lin Yuxiu. They pleaded and flattered her, finally getting a chance to be alone with her, only to have Ren Xiaoyao "interfere." Their resentment was palpable.
"What, do I need your approval to be with someone?" Ren Xiaoyao whirled around, sneering.
"Senior Brother Lu, don't be angry. It's my fault. I was the one pestering my big brother." Lin Yuxiu said aggrievedly.
"Big brother, you sound so affectionate." Lu Yan said sarcastically.
"What do you mean, Brother Lu?" Ren Xiaoyao asked, displeased.
"Hmph, you know perfectly well what I mean," Lu Yan sneered.
"Xiuxiu, let's go." Ren Xiaoyao, too lazy to argue with him, pulled Lin Yuxiu along and headed straight for the main hall.
"Trying to slip away? Not so easy!" Lu Yan shouted, swinging his fist at Ren Xiaoyao's back.

Volume Ten: The Asura Reappears, People Fear Chapter One: Heartfelt Blessings

"Outrageous! You...you have such a lack of decorum!" Lin Feifan slammed his fist on the table, furious.
Half an hour earlier, a disciple reported that Lu Yan and Ren Xiaoyao were fighting fiercely in the back mountain, and the others couldn't stop them, so he was asked to go and mediate. When he rushed over in a panic, he saw Lu Yan and several of his fellow disciples surrounding Ren Xiaoyao, attacking him indiscriminately.
Who was Ren Xiaoyao? Son of Ren Qiaocui, disciple of Meng Fei, one of the Four Heroes of the Martial World, possessing three supreme martial arts techniques: the Free and Unfettered Palm, the Flying Immortal Transformation, and the Soaring Sky Sword Technique. He was no ordinary person. Even with Lu Yan and his incompetent disciples using all their skills, Ren Xiaoyao easily maneuvered through the encirclement using only his lightness skill and footwork.
Lin Feifan naturally knew that Ren Xiaoyao was trying to save face for the Hengshan Sect; otherwise, with the Ice Soul Frost Sword, he would have immediately broken through the encirclement. He immediately ordered his disciples to pull them away to prevent further embarrassment. Unexpectedly, Lu Yan overestimated himself, spouting arrogant words, demanding a one-on-one fight with Ren Xiaoyao. This infuriated Lin Feifan, who personally escorted him back to the main hall, leading to the scene described at the beginning of this story.
"Sect Leader, I..." Lu Yan knew he was in the wrong and lowered his head in silence.
"Wang Chao, Deng Qiang, Li Zhe, Wei Sihan, do you know your mistakes?" Lin Feifan turned to the other four who had participated in the attack and reprimanded them in a low voice. The Hengshan Sect's position as the top of the five great sword sects was not only due to the presence of two masters, Dugu Yu and Lin Feifan, but also to its strict and demanding seven chapters and forty-three rules and regulations. Regardless of rank or status, anyone who violated them would not be spared.
"Disciples know their mistakes," Wang Chao, Deng Qiang, and Li Zhe kowtowed, saying in unison.
"What did you do wrong?" Lin Feifan asked in a deep voice.
"Private...private fighting," Wang Chao said tremulously.
"Anything else?" Lin Feifan's face turned ashen, and he said coldly.
"Gathering...gathering a crowd to cause trouble," Deng Qiang answered with difficulty.
"Just two? That's it?" Lin Feifan's face became extremely cold, and he said each word slowly and deliberately.
Wang Chao, Deng Qiang, and Li Zhe looked at each other, unsure how to answer.
"What rule have I broken, Sect Leader? Please tell me." Wei Sihan, who had been silent all along, finally spoke, his voice loud and clear, even startling Ren Xiaoyao.
"Sihan, do you think you've done everything right?" Lin Feifan's eyes gleamed, but his tone was surprisingly calm. Wang Chao, Deng Qiang, Li Zhe, and Lu Yan were all taught by the same master, so their anger and subsequent actions were understandable. Wei Sihan, however, was the Madam's most beloved disciple, known for his quick wit and intelligence. How could he possibly help them make things difficult for Ren Xiaoyao?
"I was passing by the back mountain when I saw Senior Brothers Lu, Wang, Deng, and Li sparring with Young Hero Ren. I felt an urge to join in, and I have not violated any sect rules." Wei Sihan said calmly and loudly.
"Nonsense! You are clearly inciting trouble and engaging in unauthorized fighting." Lin Feifan's expression shifted, and he frowned.
"Sect Leader, you misunderstand. These disciples are still learning; if Young Hero Ren intended to make things difficult, I'm afraid… I'm afraid we wouldn't last until our senior brothers arrive," Wei Sihan said solemnly. "If you truly wish to punish us, then punish us for disgracing the sect."
"Hahaha, Brother Wei, you have good eyesight!" Ren Xiaoyao stepped forward, helped Wei Sihan up, and laughed loudly. Lin Feifan felt somewhat reluctant to use Lu Yan and the others as scapegoats, but as a guest, he couldn't interfere, which was why he hadn't said much. Fortunately, Wei Sihan stepped forward in time, shifting the topic to a martial arts competition, giving him and the Hengshan Sect a way out, preventing him from making enemies of Xiuxiu's fellow disciples upon his arrival.
Lin Feifan was unwilling to punish his disciples for such a trivial matter, but he couldn't show favoritism due to the sect rules. Since Ren Xiaoyao went along with Wei Sihan's suggestion, indicating he didn't want to delve deeper, he decided to let it go for now.
"Young Master Ren, we were very rude just now, please forgive us." Wang Chao, Deng Qiang, and Li Zhe, seeing their sect leader's expression soften, knew he intended to forgive them, and hurriedly bowed and said with a sigh.
"You three are too kind, it should be Xiaoyao apologizing." Ren Xiaoyao returned the gesture with a fist and a fist.
Lu Yan knelt on the ground, still showing a disgruntled look, occasionally casting venomous glances at Ren Xiaoyao. Master Li Liangbin had repeatedly signaled for him to compromise, but Lu Yan pretended not to see it, infuriating everyone who secretly cursed him for being arrogant and ungrateful.
"Senior Brother Lu, it was my fault, Xiuxiu apologizes to you." Lin Yuxiu, being quick-witted, tactfully walked up to Lu Yan and smoothed things over.
Seeing his junior sister's pitiful state, Lu Yan immediately lost his composure, all his fighting spirit vanished, and he said awkwardly, "Xiuxiu, senior brother doesn't blame you."
"Then I'm relieved." Lin Yuxiu revealed a charmingly naive expression that could bewitch any man, and sweetly said, "You should also apologize to your older brother. I think he will forgive you."
Lu Yan's mind went blank for a moment, and he immediately stood up and bowed to Ren Xiaoyao in apology. The tense atmosphere in the hall instantly vanished.
After dealing with some daily chores, everyone gradually dispersed. As soon as Ren Xiaoyao left the hall, he found Wei Sihan in a quiet place and said gratefully, "It was all thanks to Brother Wei for saving me just now, otherwise..." He had long seen that Wei Sihan was meticulous, intelligent, and quick-witted, and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances far surpassed that of the disciples of Hengshan Sect. He wanted to befriend him.
"No, I should be thanking you." Wei Sihan interrupted with a smile.
"Brother Wei, what do you mean by that?" Ren Xiaoyao asked, bewildered. The other party's words were too abrupt and he was really confused.
"Young Hero Ren has fulfilled a wish of mine that I have kept for many years. I am naturally grateful." "Wei Sihan said solemnly.
"Brother Wei, could you explain more clearly?" Ren Xiaoyao felt a strange sense of bewilderment and leaned closer to ask.
"To be honest, I have long admired Junior Sister Lin, but I know I am not worthy of her, so I have buried this feeling deep in my heart. I hope you will forgive me, Young Hero Ren." Wei Sihan said solemnly as if he had made a sudden decision.
Ren Xiaoyao's heart stirred, and he sighed softly, "A fair maiden is sought after by a gentleman, Brother Wei..."
"Young Hero Ren, please let me finish speaking." Wei Sihan interrupted again, "Junior Sister Lin is naturally beautiful, a beauty that could topple kingdoms. She is not a match for us ordinary mortals. Young Hero Ren is a dragon among men, and you and Junior Sister Lin are a match made in heaven. I sincerely wish you both a long and happy life together." "

Volume 10: The Asura Returns, People Are Terrified, Chapter 2: Cherishing Beauty

" "Brother Wei, you...you've misunderstood." Ren Xiaoyao said with a wry smile.
“If Young Master Ren doesn’t intervene, wouldn’t he be unworthy of his reputation as a ‘romantic’ man?” Wei Sihan chuckled.
“Xiuxiu is innocent and carefree, her childlike heart is still intact…” Ren Xiaoyao was about to clarify when Wei Sihan suddenly lowered her voice and said seriously, “Young Master Ren, can you bear to see your junior sister’s life ruined by those young brats like Lu Yan and Wang Chao?”
“But…” Ren Xiaoyao stammered for the first time in his life.
“Why are you hesitating, Young Master Ren?” Wei Sihan pressed, “Are you worried that your junior sister is too young, are you…”
“Alas, I’m afraid I can’t give her my whole heart.” Ren Xiaoyao interrupted with emotion, thinking of the Nangong sisters and Shui Furong.
Wei Sihan asked with a smile, “So, your romantic affairs with the two young ladies of Tingyuxuan are all true?”
Ren Xiaoyao’s old face flushed slightly, and he nodded somewhat awkwardly.
“Good, indeed, a man who isn’t romantic in his youth is a wasted youth.” "Wei Sihan laughed unexpectedly.
Ren Xiaoyao was completely bewildered. Wei Sihan should have lamented that he had entrusted his love to the wrong person and been furious, so why...?
" "Young Master Ren is a peerless hero with limitless potential, and the lover that countless women yearn for day and night. If you say you'll remain faithful to him for life, I'm afraid no one will believe you." Wei Sihan's smile faded, and he said seriously, "I think it's better for my junior sister to become one of Young Master Ren's many beautiful wives than to marry a mediocre, ordinary man."
"Brother Wei, aren't you afraid I'll disappoint you?" Ren Xiaoyao's eyes flashed, and he said calmly.
"I can see that Young Master Ren is a man of compassion and tenderness. If my junior sister submits to you, she will never suffer any injustice in the future." Wei Sihan smiled confidently.
"Are you really sure you can let go?" "Ren Xiaoyao noticed the faint glint of tears in Wei Sihan's eyes and, fearing he wasn't being sincere, asked frankly.
'Loving someone isn't about possessing them, but about hoping they can be happy,' Wei Sihan sighed. 'I dare say that Young Master Ren's favor is the key to Junior Sister's lifelong happiness.' With that, Wei Sihan turned and left.
Ren Xiaoyao stood there, stunned, his mind churning. Although Wei Sihan was deeply in love with Lin Yuxiu, his willingness to step back now meant he wouldn't have to constantly scheme and plot against Lu Yan, Wang Chao, and others; it would also resolve a long-standing unresolved issue; and it would persuade him to make up his mind to pursue Lin Yuxiu wholeheartedly—truly a win-win situation.
'Young Master Ren, what are you thinking about?' After a moment, Lin Feifan strolled to Ren Xiaoyao's side and asked with a smile.
'Oh, nothing,' Ren Xiaoyao replied casually.
'Just now I saw you talking with Sihan for a long time. Were you talking about Xiuxiu?' " Lin Feifan placed a hand on his shoulder and said solemnly.
Ren Xiaoyao knew that Lin Feifan had profound inner strength and had overheard his conversation with Wei Sihan, so his question was simply to inquire about his feelings for Lin Yuxiu. He immediately replied respectfully, "I will remember Brother Wei's request. I ask Sect Leader Lin to be my witness."
Lin Feifan stroked his beard and smiled, "I am naturally at ease entrusting Xiuxiu's life to you." "At that time, marriage was primarily arranged by parents. Ren Xiaoyao was second to none among the younger generation in terms of status, position, appearance, knowledge, and martial arts. If his daughter could marry him, it would save him so much trouble."
Ren Xiaoyao sighed inwardly, wondering how Lin Feifan, like Nangong Bubai, had already considered him his future son-in-law after only knowing him for half a day. Little did he
know that Dugu Yu had kept Lin Feifan and his wife behind precisely to tell them about Ren Xiaoyao's background and to discuss whether to betroth his granddaughter to him. This would both find a good match for Lin Yuxiu and quell the other disciples' vain thoughts. Lin Feifan and his wife had long admired Ren Xiaoyao, and their goodwill towards him only increased after meeting him. Upon learning that he was the son of Ren Qiaocui, they immediately began making arrangements.
"What does Young Hero Ren think of Sihan's character?" Lin Feifan suddenly asked.
"He is calm and composed in the face of adversity, quick-witted and intelligent, and exceptionally clever. He is honest, kind, gentle, and refined, and he is shrewd and considerate of the overall situation." "Ren Xiaoyao's eyes flashed with admiration as he frankly stated, 'Most importantly, he can take things on and let them go, making him an outstanding member among the many disciples of the Hengshan Sect.'
'Every word is insightful and precious,' Lin Feifan said with a barely perceptible gleam in his eyes.
'There are some things I'm unsure whether to say,' Ren Xiaoyao said with a mysterious smile.
'Young Master Ren, please speak freely,' Lin Feifan said with a smile.
'I have been traveling the martial world for some time now and believe I have accumulated considerable experience and knowledge,' Ren Xiaoyao said in a deep voice as his eyes gleamed with a strange light. 'Excuse my frankness, but in today's world, it is difficult to find a fifth young talent comparable to Brother Wei, besides the 'Four Heroes of the Martial World.' Has Sect Leader Lin considered entrusting him with an important task?'" He rarely praised others, but he held Wei Sihan in exceptional regard.
Lin Feifan's breathing became slightly rapid, his face shifting between light and dark, and he slowly shook his head.
Ren Xiaoyao, unperturbed, said solemnly, "Of course, it's inconvenient for a junior like me to interfere in the internal affairs of the Hengshan Sect, but the principle of using talent appropriately is certainly..."
Lin Feifan waved his hand to interrupt, "Alas, how could I not know Sihan's character and integrity, but..." He hesitated several times, finally seeming to have made a great decision, before continuing, "But Sihan is a Khitan."
Ren Xiaoyao's body trembled violently, and he stood there stunned.
Since the founding of the country by Emperor Taizu, the Song-Liao border had been plagued by constant warfare, with decades of lingering resentment. If Wei Sihan was indeed a Khitan, it was already a stroke of luck that he could stay in the Hengshan Sect to learn martial arts, let alone be promoted and given important responsibilities.
"I see that Brother Wei's features seem no different from those of people from the Central Plains. Sect Leader Lin, you wouldn't be mistaken, would you?" "Ren Xiaoyao remained silent for a moment, then pondered.
"Sihan was brought back from the Liao Dynasty by me personally, how could I be mistaken?" Lin Feifan sighed, involuntarily falling into memories of the past. "It was winter sixteen years ago. Hong'er and I were traveling to Youzhou to visit an old friend. On our way, we passed through a deserted mountain village. Beside a ruin overgrown with weeds, we found Sihan—a ragged, disheveled little boy."
"The wind was biting, the snow was falling heavily, and he was huddled alone in a corner, his pale and thin body trembling." Dugu Hong appeared beside them at some point and continued slowly, "Feifan went up to ask and learned that a plague had broken out in the village half a month ago. The child's parents had both died from the disease, and the survivors had all fled far away, leaving Sihan unattended."

Volume Ten: The Asura Returns, Fearing the Heart, Chapter Three: Responding with Courtesy.

"We were moved by compassion and brought Sihan back to Hengshan, intending to take him as our disciple. However, after our fellow disciples learned he was a Khitan, they all demanded he be sent away to avoid raising a future threat," Lin Feifan recalled with lingering fear. "Fortunately, my father-in-law, being a man of great principle, allowed Sihan to become Hong'er's disciple and issued a strict order forbidding anyone from belittling or slandering him."
"Sihan's father is Khitan, and his mother is Song, hence his appearance combines the strengths of both Han and non-Han peoples," Dugu Hong explained.
"With Brother Wei's Khitan lineage, it is indeed difficult for him to establish himself in the Central Plains martial arts world," Ren Xiaoyao frowned. "However, there should always be a way to adapt. If we consider it carefully..."
"There is a solution, but we need Young Hero Ren's help," Lin Feifan said solemnly.
"I would like to hear the details," Ren Xiaoyao said respectfully.
"Seven days from now is our sect's once-every-five-years Blessing Ceremony. Disciples from all branches will gather at Hengshan to compete in martial arts," Lin Feifan explained succinctly. "If Sihan can excel in the ceremony, she will rightfully be given an important position."
"Sihan is not my top disciple, so according to the rules, she can only observe and not participate," Dugu Hong said regretfully.
"What does Sect Leader Lin mean...?"
"There were originally eight disciples attending the ceremony, but one of them went back to his hometown three days ago to visit his family due to his father's serious illness, and the vacancy has not yet been filled," Lin Feifan continued. "Hong'er and I intend to have Sihan take his place, but... we are just worried that our fellow disciples will object."
“Brother Wei’s abilities are evident to everyone in the Hengshan Sect. I don’t think you seniors would put personal matters aside and obstruct him,” Ren Xiaoyao said suddenly.
“Sihan’s intelligence and wit are well-known, but she never reveals the depth of her martial arts skills,” Dugu Hong said with a wry smile. “Even I, as her master, cannot see any clues.”
“Perhaps this junior needs to test Brother Wei’s abilities?” Ren Xiaoyao asked knowingly.
“Our sect has a precedent of inviting heroes from the martial world to the Celebration Ceremony, and we often arrange for our disciples to spar with them to learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Lin Feifan nodded with a smile and said slowly. “As long as my father-in-law agrees, sending Sihan to the arena is not difficult.”
“Does Sect Leader Lin want this junior to deliberately show off, or…” Ren Xiaoyao replied with his usual nonchalance and chuckled. If Wei Sihan could defeat… no, even fight to a draw with the renowned "Romantic Thief" of the Nine Provinces, he would immediately establish himself as a young hero within the Hengshan Sect. Even if someone objected to Lin Feifan entrusting him with such an important task, they probably wouldn't dare to speak up.
"Young Master Ren, you flatter me," Lin Feifan said leisurely. "I only wish to let the people of my sect witness the depth of Sihan's martial arts and agree to his participation in the Blessing Ceremony. As for whether he can ultimately stand out, that depends on Sihan's own destiny."
Ren Xiaoyao said solemnly, "I will obey your command, and I will certainly live up to your expectations if I have the ability."
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
"Big brother, why are you so late?" Pushing open the guest room door, Lin Yuxiu, who had been waiting inside, floated to him like a butterfly. Her youthful and pretty face was beaming with smiles, and her beautiful eyes sparkled under her long, upturned eyelashes as she spoke softly.
"Big brother talked with your parents for a while, so I came back late," Ren Xiaoyao said with a carefree smile.
"Hmph, I've been waiting so long." Lin Yuxiu shrugged her fragrant shoulders, her charming coquettishness inadvertently becoming more apparent, and wrinkled her nose as she spoke.
"Then I'll apologize to you." Ren Xiaoyao chuckled, "Good Xiuxiu, good Xiuxiu, please forgive your big brother, okay?" Lin Yuxiu and Nangong Fengzi were both the childlike type, and while teasing them occasionally was fine, most of the time they had to be coaxed and pampered, otherwise, if they were angered, it would take a lot of effort to appease them.
"Alright, then this young lady will let you off the hook." Lin Yuxiu chuckled sweetly, took a few steps back and sat down in the chair opposite him, resting her elbows on the armrests, propping up her chin, and said gracefully.
"Xiuxiu, your Senior Brother Lu isn't angry with me anymore, is he?" Ren Xiaoyao asked casually.
Lin Yuxiu stared at him intently for a long while, then suddenly burst into a coquettish laugh, her breath coming in short gasps, her voice full of allure. "He wouldn't dare! If he holds a grudge against you, I'll disown him as my senior brother from now on!"
"Hehe, did the others say anything gossipy?" Ren Xiaoyao sighed. After all, he had just arrived on the mountain and had already clashed with the Hengshan Sect disciples; it was inevitable that he had overstepped his bounds.
Lin Yuxiu said softly, with a touch of coquettishness, "How could they? My fellow disciples are so good to me. For my sake, they won't blame you, big brother."
"And how is Senior Brother Wei to you?" Ren Xiaoyao asked in a deep voice. Although he had already promised Lin Feifan, he still wanted to have a comprehensive understanding of Wei Sihan's character and temperament.
"Big brother, are you talking about Sihan?" Lin Yuxiu asked in surprise.
"Yes." Ren Xiaoyao nodded.
"Him? He used to practice martial arts with me a lot, and sometimes he would even help me... By the way, why are you asking this?" Lin Yuxiu asked in surprise.
"Oh, it's nothing, just asking around," Ren Xiaoyao said sheepishly.
"Unlike the other senior brothers, Wei isn't always clinging to Xiuxiu, but whenever Xiuxiu needs help, he's always the first one to appear," Lin Yuxiu recalled, her beautiful eyes sparkling. "Last time..."
Ren Xiaoyao wasn't interested in listening to her elaborate, secretly moved by Wei Sihan's sacrifices. His willingness to give up his years-long infatuation with Lin Yuxiu and withdraw from this love triangle was something he could never match, regardless of anything else. As the saying goes, "Give me a peach, receive a plum in return," since Wei Sihan was so honest, he should do his best to help him overcome the shadow of being a descendant of the Khitan.
Lin Yuxiu talked on and on, but then noticed Ren Xiaoyao's unfocused gaze, clearly lost in thought. She frowned and said, "Big brother, are you listening?" Two clear tears suddenly welled up in her eyes.
"I...I am listening," Ren Xiaoyao said hastily, snapping out of his reverie.
"You're lying!" Lin Yuxiu's beautiful eyes welled up with tears, revealing a delicate and charming allure that could easily captivate men, as she playfully scolded him.
Ren Xiaoyao knew she was prone to crying, so he quickly coaxed her, "Xiuxiu, it's your big brother's fault, your big brother apologizes."
"Waaah—who wants your apology?" The more he spoke, the more Lin Yuxiu cried.
Ren Xiaoyao was at his wit's end, so he could only force a smile and say, "Xiuxiu, please stop crying, it'll break my heart if you keep crying."
"Then...then you have to promise Xiuxiu that you won't ignore what I say anymore." Upon hearing the word "heartbreak," Lin Yuxiu stopped crying immediately, revealing an expression that could be both happy and reproachful, and said in a coquettish voice.
"Okay, okay, I promise, I promise, alright?" Ren Xiaoyao pleaded with a face full of grievance. "Tell me the truth, don't lie to me." Lin Yuxiu wiped her eyes with her sleeve and said with a coquettish smile.
"Sigh, even if I had the courage again, I wouldn't dare." Ren Xiaoyao said with a wry smile.

Volume 10, The Asura Returns, Fears the Heart, Chapter 4: Pride

"By the way, are you also participating in the Celebration Tournament?" Ren Xiaoyao asked, turning his attention to the topic.
"No, Xiuxiu has already learned the Seven Absolute Swords of Hengshan. The opportunity naturally has to be left for the other fellow disciples." Seeing the doubt on Ren Xiaoyao's face, Lin Yuxiu explained, "The Seven Absolute Swords of Hengshan is the sect's secret technique, not easily taught. Unless you can win first place in the Celebration Tournament, otherwise..."
"Hahaha, hahaha." Before Lin Yuxiu could finish speaking, Ren Xiaoyao burst into laughter.
"Big brother, what are you laughing at?" Lin Yuxiu asked anxiously.
"This...so five years ago, you...you defeated..." Ren Xiaoyao couldn't help but laugh, panting heavily.
"That's right. In the last Celebration Tournament, I fought hard for three rounds and finally won the championship." Lin Yuxiu put on a stern face and said proudly.
"Back then...back then you were only eleven years old, could...could you win?" Ren Xiaoyao asked with a smile.
"Oh dear, how could my senior uncles possibly make things difficult for Xiuxiu?" Lin Yuxiu giggled sweetly. "My senior brothers couldn't resist her persistent pleading, so they all went easy on her."
Ren Xiaoyao's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. If the Hengshan Sect had intentionally let her win five years ago, then the competition at the Blessing Ceremony in seven days would be unprecedentedly fierce, making it even more difficult for Wei Sihan to stand out.
"Big brother, did Father mention attending the ceremony to you?" Lin Yuxiu asked softly.
"Yes, Sect Leader Lin hopes I can spar with your sect's disciples at the ceremony," Ren Xiaoyao answered truthfully.
"The presence of the 'Romantic Thief' will surely bring glory to our Blessing Ceremony," Lin Yuxiu giggled, revealing her lovely, white teeth, her eyes sparkling with intoxication.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Hengshan, at the foot of Zigai Peak.
Entering the winding path, crossing the stone bridge, and walking along the stream for about a hundred steps, you will reach the "Purple Canopy Fairy Cave". Every spring and summer, the mountain spring gushes out, like leaping pearls and spraying jade, with snow splashing and thunder roaring, forming a spectacular waterfall of more than 20 feet. The water curtain waterfall is as white as snow, the sound is like surging waves, the silver light is dazzling, and the cold air is biting.
Standing to the right of the stone pool, beside the inscription "The First Spring of Mount Heng" written by Li Shangyin, Wei Sihan felt a deep sense of loss. Since joining the Hengshan Sect, he had only two aspirations: first, to master martial arts and bring glory to the sect; however, due to his special status, this was almost impossible. Second, to win the heart of his junior sister and marry into the Lin family (Dugu Yu only had one granddaughter, Lin Yuxiu, making marriage to someone else nearly impossible). But after meeting the elegant and aloof Ren Xiaoyao, he voluntarily gave up on that idea. Now, Wei Sihan was truly filled with melancholy and sorrow, unsure of what to do. Should he stay in the Hengshan Sect? No, there was nothing left for him to cherish. Should he leave this place of heartbreak and wander the world, making the world his home? No, the sect leader and his master had shown him immense kindness; how could he simply leave?
Suddenly, a warning signal flashed in Wei Sihan's mind; he clearly sensed an overwhelming killing intent.
"Boom—" A dark shadow, seemingly brimming with boundless explosive power, attacked with lightning speed.
In an instant, Wei Sihan felt an invincible sword aura hurtling towards him, as if he had fallen into a raging whirlpool. His heart pounded, his breath caught in his throat, and his entire body felt as if it were being cut by knives.
Anyone else, suddenly faced with such a terrifying, storm-like attack, would try their best to avoid its sharp edge and then attempt to regroup and reverse the tide.
But Wei Sihan knew that would only lead to certain death.
He had spent over a decade in the Hengshan Sect, mastering the true essence of Dugu Hong's martial arts. He could immediately discern the attacker's skill. Judging from the direction and force of the sword strike, the attacker was no ordinary assassin, but a master among masters.
If he lost the initiative and allowed the attacker to unleash his full power, he would have no chance to retaliate.
"Clang!" Wei Sihan drew her weapon, gathering all her strength, and countered with a backhand strike, hitting the sharpest point of her opponent's thunderous sword.
The attacker, clearly unprepared for Wei Sihan's timely parry of his swift and deadly attack, let out a slight "Eh," and leaped into the air, her longsword slicing through the air, unleashing a chilling and imposing force, aiming for Wei Sihan's abdomen.
Wei Sihan had no choice but to fight desperately, crashing headlong into the sword light, meeting force with force, attack with attack, unleashing a desperate close-quarters slashing and thrusting technique, charging forward with a doomed momentum.
The sounds of energy clashing with weapon rang out like firecrackers, a chaotic spray of energy scattering everywhere, killing intent filling the air, and countless sword shadows engulfing the two; the slightest misstep would mean instant death for either of them.
Wei Sihan's every move was imbued with the essence of Hengshan School martial arts, devoid of any shortcuts. Every dodge was perfectly timed, and every attack was swift and decisive. It seemed both deliberate and spontaneous, a masterful display of skill disguised as clumsiness, simple and unadorned. Even when at a disadvantage, he maintained an impregnable defense
. The attacker, sword held horizontally to his chest, forcefully pushed Wei Sihan back three steps. The sword's momentum expanded, transforming into a vast expanse of sword shadows, each point sharp and its energy surging, sweeping towards Wei Sihan with the domineering force of thunder and lightning.
Surprisingly, this seemingly overwhelming and unrestrained swordsmanship was actually deeply in harmony with the principles of nature. Each attack was executed with a subtle balance of intention and nonchalance, effortless and elusive, with countless follow-up moves combining offense and defense.
The moment he was forced back by the attacker's force, Wei Sihan felt dizzy and his blood surging. He inwardly groaned in despair. The attacker's skill and foundation were truly beyond his expectations. It would be extremely difficult for him to turn the tide, and if he made the slightest mistake, he might even lose his life.
Behind Wei Sihan was a curtain of water that neither swallows could fly into nor wind could disperse. Once he fell into it, there would be no chance to reverse the defeat. The attacker, assessing the situation, increased his power, tightly binding him, creating an unpredictable and eerie feeling.
In this adversity, Wei Sihan's shout, imbued with power, roared like thunder from a clear sky, causing the attacker's heart to tremble. His longsword drew an indescribable, mysterious arc in the air, and his seemingly casual steps, though seemingly light, actually covered two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) in an instant. The illusion of sudden change in distance, combined with his profound and mysterious swordsmanship, made Wei Sihan's move seem divinely inspired, possessing a terrifying power capable of changing the very fabric of the world.
"Good, good 'Stars Everywhere'!" the attacker laughed loudly, then suddenly retreated.
"Who exactly are you?" Wei Sihan asked in a deep voice, utterly astonished.
"Hahaha." The attacker threw down his longsword and ripped off his black mask.
"It's...it's you!" Wei Sihan exclaimed in surprise. "

Brother

Wei, you didn't expect this, did you?" The attacker's eyes flashed with a divine light, then vanished, revealing himself to be Ren Xiaoyao.
"Brother Ren, what...what do you mean by this?" Wei Sihan asked疑惑地问道.
"Hehe, I just wanted to test Brother Wei's martial arts." Ren Xiaoyao revealed a knowing look, a satisfied expression on his face, and said casually, "It seems that you, Lu Yan, and Wang Chao did not go all out when you joined forces, otherwise I might not have been able to hold out until Sect Leader Lin arrived." Just now, he had only used half of the Lingxiao Sword Technique but still could not do anything to Wei Sihan, and was instead defeated by his opponent's final move of the Meteor Thirteen Styles, "Stars Fill the Sky." This showed that this person usually kept a low profile and concealed his true strength, but in reality, his martial arts were extremely formidable.
"Did the Sect Leader send you?" Wei Sihan asked in a deep voice.
"You could say that, and you could say that." Ren Xiaoyao shrugged slightly and laughed casually. "Sneaking" at Wei Sihan was purely his own idea, but his real purpose was to understand Wei Sihan's true strength and better help Lin Feifan and his wife achieve their wish of promoting their beloved disciple.
"Could it be that my master intends to send me to the Holy Blessing Ceremony, so..." Wei Sihan was too clever to guess correctly. He rarely displayed his martial arts skills within the Hengshan Sect. Even Dugu Hong, let alone Lin Feifan, found it difficult to decide whether to allow him to participate in the competition.
"Since Brother Wei has already seen through it, there's no need for me to elaborate further," Ren Xiaoyao said with a smile.
"Brother Ren, do you know I am not Han Chinese?" Wei Sihan suddenly said.
Ren Xiaoyao nodded slowly, his expression solemn. "Precisely because of this, the Blessing Ceremony is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shine."
"Impossible. Even if the Sect Leader and my master ordered me to replace Senior Brother Zhou, my uncles and elder brothers would unanimously oppose it," Wei Sihan sighed.
"Brother Wei's martial arts are among the best of the younger generation in the Hengshan Sect. I think the seniors wouldn't bury such talent because of mere racial prejudices, would they?" Ren Xiaoyao intentionally tested Wei Sihan, deliberately not revealing his true intentions yet.
“Alas, the grudges between the Song and Liao dynasties run too deep. Although I am only half Khitan, in everyone’s eyes I am nothing but a barbarian. If it weren’t for the Supreme Headmaster’s protection back then, how could I have survived until now?” Wei Sihan said with a look of grief and indignation. “For more than ten years, I have practiced martial arts day and night, hoping to one day rise above others and bring glory to the Hengshan Sect. However, my fellow disciples take my efforts as a provocation to them. They say I am cunning and scheming; they say I am shameless and covet the position of sect leader; they even say that I think I am deceiving the Central Plains and want to learn martial arts to return to the Khitan and help…help the Liao invade the Song.”
“Brother Wei, why take these idle words to heart?” Ren Xiaoyao deeply understood Wei Sihan’s hardships and comforted him gently.
“That’s why I have to keep a low profile and endure in secret, and pretend to be weak in martial arts, so as not to incur the hatred of others.” Wei Sihan said with tears in his eyes and sobs.
"Brother Wei, haven't you considered changing the current situation?" Ren Xiaoyao's gaze sharpened, seemingly piercing into Wei Sihan's very soul, as he asked solemnly.
"To be honest, Young Hero Ren, I do aspire to win the championship in the Blessing Ceremony, but I don't even have the qualifications to participate, so I can only be a spectator," Wei Sihan said with difficulty. "
Brother Wei, are you certain that the decisions of Sect Leader Lin and Madam Lin will not be accepted by everyone?" Ren Xiaoyao walked to Wei Sihan's side and asked slowly.
"Difficult, extremely difficult," Wei Sihan said resolutely, "The accumulated prejudices between the Han and the Hu people cannot be changed in a short time, unless..." At this point, he began to hesitate.
"Unless what?" Ren Xiaoyao pressed.
"Unless I can accomplish a few earth-shattering feats within seven days and find a way to let my senior uncles and elders witness my true martial arts skills." Wei Sihan frowned, his face full of worry. "However, time is too short to leave the mountain, and the elders are scattered across the five peaks. In addition, our sect strictly forbids private fights. Even if I wanted to show off my swordsmanship, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to."
Ren Xiaoyao reached out and put his arm around his shoulder, whispering in his ear, "If you could have a thrilling duel with 'The Romantic Thief' at the Holy Blessing Ceremony..."
"No way! How can I, Wei Sihan, a dignified seven-foot man, allow you to give way?" Wei Sihan abruptly refused halfway through the conversation.
Ren Xiaoyao admired this kind of resolute and unyielding spirit most of all. He laughed heartily and said proudly, "I guarantee with my reputation that I will not hold back at all. As for how effective it will be, that will depend on your own performance."
"So, Young Hero Ren's purpose is not just to test me, but to 'challenge' me!" Wei Sihan couldn't suppress his ecstatic emotions and laughed exaggeratedly.
"I look forward to the sparring in seven days." Ren Xiaoyao's eyes gleamed, but his expression was calmer and more composed than ever before.
"Likewise." Wei Sihan said loudly with great enthusiasm. Ren
Xiaoyao knew that he would definitely seek a place to practice intensively and make up for the shortcomings in his swordsmanship. He smiled and gave him some pointers: "Brother Wei's Thirteen Forms of Meteor has mastered the essence, but it lacks a bit of composure in its speed. I hope that you will improve in the next sparring session."
"Young Hero Ren, I am deeply grateful." Wei Sihan immediately realized and showed a very grateful expression. He cupped his hands in thanks and then turned to take his leave.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Jixian Peak, Huangting Temple.
One of the four major events in the Central Plains martial arts world, the once-every-five-years Blessing Ceremony.
Two hundred and seventy-six members of the Hengshan Sect, spanning three generations, gathered here.
The Taishan, Songshan, Huashan, and Huangshan Sects all sent senior elders of the rank of Protector or above to attend the ceremony. Among them, the Taishan Sect was the most complete, with not only their three disciples, Qin Weiliang, Feng Jianxiong, and Ge Hongzhou, all present, but also the two elders, Yu Ling and Yu Kong, personally attending.
In the center of the venue was a high platform built of solid wood. To the east were the seats for the leaders of the Hengshan Sect, such as Dugu Yu, Lin Feifan, and Dugu Hong. To the south were the seats for the guests from the four sects. As for the northwest and southwest sides, one side was a resting and preparation area for the disciples who would participate in the competition later, while the other side was naturally surrounded by Hengshan Sect members watching the battle.
Wei Sihan, originally in charge of greeting guests, must have been extremely busy. Lin Feifan, however, intentionally placed him by his side, firstly to conserve his energy for the later sparring match with Ren Xiaoyao, and secondly to seize the last opportunity to give him some pointers, hoping to help him perform even better.

In Volume Ten, "The Asura Reappears

, Causing Fear," Chapter Six, "Full of Confidence," Lin Yuxiu, who loved excitement, ran around boisterously in the crowd, never still for a moment. Many young talents from the five major sword sects were captivated by her charm, their hearts pounding and their eyes glued to her.
Ren Xiaoyao sat upright, recalling every detail of his "ambush" of Wei Sihan that day.
These past few days, whenever he had free time, he would go to Zhurong Peak to seek instruction from Dugu Yu. Initially, he only focused on the Lingxiao Sword Technique, but gradually he shifted to other martial arts. Dugu Yu's martial arts skills and
breadth of knowledge were unparalleled in the world, while Ren Xiaoyao's aptitude and talent were unprecedented. After their conversation, they both felt a sense of regret for not having met sooner.
Although Ren Xiaoyao possessed three great martial arts skills, his practical combat experience was still somewhat lacking, and he had many misunderstandings about their combined use. Dugu Yu cited examples from his past battles with Ren Qiaocui and Meng Fei, explaining each point to him, and also offered many pertinent suggestions based on his own understanding. Ren Xiaoyao was delighted and also brought out ideas that had been accumulating in his mind but hesitant to put into practice, asking Dugu Yu for guidance.
In short, each visit to the Green Bamboo House resulted in a considerable increase in his martial arts skills. Although not a meteoric rise, he benefited greatly and felt refreshed. As the sun rose high, the conference officially began. Lin Feifan leaped onto the high platform, bowed to the heroes below, and said loudly, "Our sect is holding a congratulatory conference today. We are honored to have the senior heroes and young talents from the Taishan, Songshan, Huashan, and Huangshan sects attend. Thank you in advance." He then bowed again.
"Sect Leader Lin, you're too kind," the crowd below rose to return the greeting.
Lin Feifan continued, "Five years ago, my daughter Yunxiu was fortunate enough to win the championship. Today, our sect has once again nominated eight disciples to participate in the competition. The winner will receive the Hengshan Seven Absolute Sword Manual. We hope that all martial arts practitioners will bear witness."
Zhou Kai, the "Returning Wind Sword," and Li Liangbin, the "Falling Goose Sword," who held positions second only to Lin Feifan and Dugu Hong in the Hengshan Sect, flanked Lin Yuxiu as they presented the slightly yellowed sword manual to the high platform. Of course, the manual only recorded the names of the various moves of the Hengshan Seven Absolute Sword and their founding history; the true secrets and inner workings could only be learned through personal instruction from the sect leader.
After the ceremony, the dashing Dugu Hong stood in the center of the high platform, cupped her hands, and said, "Every year at the Celebration Ceremony, our sect invites heroes from the martial world to attend and arranges for our disciples to spar with them, so that we can learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses."
"I wonder which of your esteemed disciples will step forward to offer guidance, Fairy?" Yu Kong asked with a smile. Dugu Hong's real name was "Hibiscus Sword." Nine years ago, when Lin Feifan was traveling, the Western Xia Tanguts seized the opportunity to send experts to Hengshan to provoke them. Dugu Hong, alone with her sword, faced the enemy single-handedly, killing three and wounding seven, before returning defeated. Those who escaped described her swordsmanship as ethereal and otherworldly, and the name "Hibiscus Fairy" became widely known.
"I dare not accept the title of 'disciple'," Dugu Hong said modestly. "Sihan, come out and pay your respects to the seniors."
As soon as she finished speaking, a figure flashed on the stage, and a burly young man in plain clothes stood there. His face was like cast iron, his features were simple, his physique was strong, and his skin was dark. Although he could not be called handsome, he possessed a powerful and masculine charm.
"This junior, Wei Sihan, pays his respects to the seniors." Wei Sihan bowed and then stood to the side, as imposing as a mountain. Everyone was secretly astonished: "The Hengshan Sect is indeed full of masters; any one of them is extraordinary."
"Good, what a fine junior!" Yu Kong praised with delight. Wei Sihan held nothing back this time, displaying her previously hidden martial arts prowess in its entirety. Not only the four sects who came to observe the ceremony, but even her fellow disciples were extremely surprised.
"Fairy, let's begin quickly; we can't wait to witness your sect's unique skills." Tu Hailiang, the vice-head of the Songshan Sect, said with a smug smile.
"Hmm, it seems there are no people here outside the five major sword sects." Zhang Zhijun, the Grand Protector of Huashan, looked around and shook his head. Ren Xiaoyao sat behind Dugu Yu, and his clothes were similar in color to those of the Hengshan Sect, so he was not conspicuous and Zhang Zhijun did not notice him.
Just as Dugu Hong was about to speak, Feng Jianxiong suddenly stood up and said loudly to Yu Kong, "Master, your disciple wishes to learn from Senior Brother Wei's skills."
After the Battle of Wuyun Mountain, the Hengshan Sect became a powerful force in the martial arts world, subtly showing signs of aligning itself with the three giants: Shaolin, the Beggars' Sect, and the Tianji Sect. Its disciples, when venturing out into the world, all considered themselves the leader of the five major sword sects. The Taishan Sect was originally on par with the Hengshan Sect, but after Liu Yuxu succeeded as its leader, its prestige gradually declined, far from its former glory. It was only thanks to the emergence of "Iron Sword Autumn Frost" that it managed to salvage some of its former prestige. For twenty years, the entire Taishan Sect had harbored resentment over Xiao Yusun's narrow defeat at the hands of Dugu Yu, and was determined to diligently cultivate and practice, hoping to one day surpass the Hengshan Sect and restore the prestige of the Eastern Peak. Feng Jianxiong's initiative to spar with Wei Sihan was precisely to defeat his opponent and prove the outstanding potential of the younger generation of the Taishan Sect.
Lin Feifan and Dugu Hong exchanged glances. Yu Kong was known for his protective nature, a fact well-known in the martial
arts world. Since Feng Jianxiong had already spoken, it was difficult to refuse. Thinking of this, they both glanced at Ren Xiaoyao. Originally, if he were the one to fight, Wei Sihan, even if she couldn't win, could at least lose gracefully. But with Feng Jianxiong as her opponent, the outcome was unpredictable. This man was one of the most renowned young masters of the Taishan Sect, extremely skilled in palm techniques. In the past, when the Tianji Sect eradicated the bandits of Dongting Lake, they widely invited heroes of the martial arts world to help them.
At the tender age of twenty, Feng Jianxiong deftly defeated Zheng Xinzhong's "Great Stele-Smashing Hand" with a palm strike, ridding the people of the two lakes of a scourge. It was rumored that within the Taishan Sect, besides Liu Yuxu and the two elders Yu Feng and Yu Xuan, his Dongyue Sword Palm was the most refined. They had no definitive judgment on Wei Sihan's martial arts skills, only hearing from Ren Xiaoyao that he could hold his own for a hundred moves. With time pressing, they couldn't think it through further and had to seek his opinion again.
Ren Xiaoyao secretly thought that Xiao Xingchen's swordsmanship was comparable to his own, and Feng Jianxiong should be slightly inferior. Moreover, the Taishan Sect was renowned for its swordsmanship; palm techniques were merely a secondary branch, and even if mastered, their power should be limited. Therefore, he readily nodded.
"Sihan, fight well, and don't disgrace the Hengshan Sect," Dugu Hong said confidently.
"If you really can't handle it, come down early. Don't force yourself." Lin Feifan leaned close to Wei Sihan and whispered his advice.
"Thank you for the advice, Sect Leader." Wei Sihan smiled confidently.

Volume 10, Shura Reappears, People Fear Chapter 7, The Fate of Victory and Defeat

"Please, Brother Wei, don't hesitate to teach me." Feng Jianxiong leaped onto the stage.
The Hengshan Sect disciples watching the battle secretly cursed. Feng Jianxiong had been famous for many years, and his palm technique must be extremely profound. Wei Sihan's martial arts were only second or third-rate among them, and his practical experience was far inferior. They were afraid that he would be defeated in less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
Although Lin Feifan and his wife had Ren Xiaoyao's approval, they were still uneasy.
Only Dugu Yu sat upright, stroking his beard and smiling.
"Brother Feng, please." Wei Sihan's eyes shone brightly, staring intently at his opponent. His sword was drawn with a "clang," pointing at Feng Jianxiong. He knew perfectly well that this battle was a must-win, not only for his own future but also for the century-old prestige of the Hengshan Sect.
A chilling, menacing sword aura instantly filled the entire arena.
In such public sparring matches, both sides would initially employ head-on clashes, partly to probe each other's strengths and weaknesses to formulate offensive and defensive strategies, and partly to intensify the atmosphere and quickly get both sides into a "battle mode."
Wei Sihan was precisely using this to create an atmosphere where they would immediately test their skills against each other. Unless Feng Jianxiong preferred to lose face and admitted he lacked the ability for a direct confrontation, he couldn't afford to dodge and weave at the very beginning; it would not only be beneath his dignity but also disregard the reputation of the Taishan Sect.
Ren Xiaoyao inwardly applauded. The Meteor Thirteen Styles were renowned for their ferocity; if faced head-on, few in the current martial arts world could withstand them. Wei Sihan had already gained the upper hand before even making a move, truly demonstrating both wisdom and courage, excelling in both martial arts and strategy.
Just as Feng Jianxiong realized he was in dire straits, his opponent's sword had transformed into a silver flash, hurtling towards him with lightning speed.
He had no choice but to meet it head-on, for offense and defense were no longer under his control.
Wei Sihan roared, his elbows slightly bent, and he slashed at the gap between Feng Jianxiong's outstretched palms, swift as lightning and precise as a god, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Surprised, Wei Sihan immediately changed his move, his palms quickly returning to a cupping shape, releasing a burst of true energy that suddenly shifted to his left side, slanting across his shoulder.
Wei Sihan slightly bent his knees, leaping into the air, and suddenly, a series of sword shadows surged from his chest, sweeping across his opponent without any fancy moves, the techniques strange, dense, and unpredictable.
Feng Jianxiong felt his opponent's seemingly clumsy yet incredibly skillful sword strike, like a surging, overwhelming wave crashing down upon him. Knowing that no matter how he leaped, he couldn't escape the sword's aura, he immediately lowered his shoulders, braced himself, interlaced his fingers, and gathered all his strength to strike the sharpest point of the sword's shadow.
"Boom!" The impact of the clashing energies produced a muffled thunderous sound. Even with Feng Jianxiong's years of diligent practice, he was still shaken and staggered backward. The surging, turbulent energy caused the high platform to tremble.
Wei Sihan, without touching the ground, pressed his attack, his sword like a wild horse, shooting straight at Feng Jianxiong. The power and angle were breathtaking, displaying a fierce, fearless, and reckless spirit, as if he were charging through the battlefield, disregarding life and death.
Undeterred, Feng Jianxiong slightly regulated his inner energy and immediately launched a swift and powerful counterattack. Each move was like a knife-cut, majestic and imposing, perfectly embodying the eight-character mantra of the Dongyue Sword Palm: "solemn and majestic, towering and boundless." Yet, it was also agile and ethereal, ever-changing, showcasing his extraordinary and unparalleled skill.
The disciples of the Taishan Sect cheered loudly, except for the two elders, Yu Ling and Yu Kong, who watched everything unfolding on the high platform with solemn expressions.
On the surface, Feng Jianxiong moved freely through the layers of sword shadows, sometimes chopping with his palm, sometimes deflecting with his hand, sometimes flicking with his fingers, sometimes striking with his fist, barely managing to block his opponent's fierce attacks. In reality, his inner energy was being consumed at an extremely rapid pace. Fortunately, he had diligently practiced since childhood, and his foundation was solid; otherwise, he would have already been worn down and exhausted by the endless, continuous killing moves of the Meteor Thirteen Styles.
Fortunately, although Wei Sihan gained the upper hand through wit, her lack of practical experience meant that she couldn't find a effective breakthrough point in the face of Feng Jianxiong's subtle and profound Dongyue Sword Palm in a short time. Therefore, while she could confine her opponent to a small, fixed space, she struggled to find an opening to advance and end the battle quickly.
Whether Feng Jianxiong could turn the tide before exhausting his strength, or whether Wei Sihan would be the first to grasp the secret of using palm against sword, would determine the final outcome of this sparring match.
Feng Jianxiong's clothes billowed, and with a series of unpredictable feints, he swiftly moved to Wei Sihan's left, his palms striking out like blooming flowers in rapid succession.
Wei Sihan didn't rush to respond, but instead retreated two steps to the side to avoid the attack before gracefully turning and striking back.
To onlookers, his move appeared utterly simple and unremarkable, but Feng Jianxiong, caught in the middle of the situation, clearly sensed that his opponent seemed to have precognitive abilities, knowing the angle and timing of his attack. If he maintained his original stance, he wouldn't be able to harm him in the slightest, but forcing a change of tactics felt too much for him, so he abruptly stopped.
Wei Sihan, judging that Feng Jianxiong was in an awkward position, his old strength depleted and new strength yet to arise, blazed a bright blue light in his hand, transforming it into a rain of swords that swept towards him.
To everyone's surprise, Feng Jianxiong neither dodged nor retreated, nor raised his palm to block; instead, he crouched low, raised his leg, and kicked out, aiming straight for his opponent's lower body.
Wei Sihan was greatly alarmed, quickly circulating his inner energy, retreating rapidly, his sword transforming into a dense, shimmering light and shadow surrounding his body, forming a tight defense.
Feng Jianxiong suddenly stood up, his previous fatigue gone, suddenly appearing as if he were a different person, launching a relentless and insidious counterattack.
His earlier claim of being exhausted and unable to hold out for long was merely a deliberate feint to mislead the enemy.
"Alas..." Lin Feifan pounded his chest and sighed deeply. Feng Jianxiong had been plotting for a long time, gathering his strength, but Wei Sihan's sudden mishap threw him into disarray, making the outcome almost certain. A
fierce palm strike, filled with heat, as three streams of refined true energy attacked Wei Sihan's chest and abdomen. Astoundingly, the first strike was slow, while the second gradually increased its speed. When they reached Wei Sihan's side, only a foot away from his vital points, they arrived simultaneously, their skill and precision truly transcending the realm of the divine.
The situation changed drastically; victory or defeat hung in the balance.
The disciples of the five major sword sects all rose, focusing all their attention on the scene before them.
With a deafening boom, Wei Sihan's sword felt as if it had been struck by a thousand-pound hammer, nearly slipping from his grasp. His blood surged, his meridians threatened to burst, and he suffered excruciating pain. Yet, he did not relinquish his will to win. Forcibly gathering his remaining strength, he unleashed a powerful strike, "Stars Everywhere," stabbing into his chest.

Even

in broad daylight, Feng Jianxiong felt as if he were in pitch-black darkness, watching helplessly as countless meteors plummeted from the sky, unable to move an inch, forced to endure their tearing and piercing—this was the true, earth-shattering power of the Thirteen Forms of Meteor!
The change happened so suddenly that Lin Feifan, Dugu Hong, Yu Ling, Yu Kong… all those unaware of Wei Sihan's true strength had no time to react. The only one who knew, Ren Xiaoyao, was about to rush to his rescue, but his sleeve was gripped tightly by the horrified Lin Yuxiu, and he couldn't break free.
Seeing Feng Jianxiong about to be splattered with blood and lie dead on the spot, a chorus
of exclamations arose around them. Suddenly, Wei Sihan's body trembled violently, and his sword flew out of his hand without warning.
"Third Senior Brother!" The Taishan Sect disciples, thinking Feng Jianxiong had used a life-saving technique at the last moment, cheered. But they saw Feng Jianxiong wiping sweat from his brow, looking around with astonishment in his eyes.
Wei Sihan was also filled with doubt. He had immediately regretted his sword move, knowing his opponent was unlikely to dodge, and if he were killed… he would surely incur the wrath of the Taishan Sect. However, once "Stars Fill the Sky" was activated, it was impossible to retract it; even if he wanted to withdraw his sword, he was powerless. Fortunately, a sudden gust of wind arrived just in time, knocking the weapon to the ground; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
"Twenty years have passed, and Alliance Leader Dugu's 'One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones' has indeed improved considerably." A fleeting look of shock crossed Yu Kong's face as he strode to Dugu Yu and cupped his hands in greeting.
The entire audience gasped in admiration; it was Dugu Yu who had intervened in the crisis, no wonder almost no one had noticed.
"Jianxiong, quickly thank Alliance Leader Dugu for saving your life," Yu Ling said in a deep voice, giving Feng Jianxiong a meaningful look. Although Dugu Yu had been in seclusion for many years, the heroes of the Central Plains who had participated in the Five Clouds Mountain battle still addressed him as Alliance Leader.
Feng Jianxiong quickly bowed, and Wei Sihan followed suit.
"Senior Brother Wei's martial arts are superb; Jianxiong is truly convinced of my defeat," Feng Jianxiong said solemnly.
"Senior Brother Feng's palm techniques have also broadened my horizons," Wei Sihan said sincerely.
"Making friends through martial arts, this is all there is to it." Dugu Yu stroked his beard and smiled. Yu Kong and Yu Ling nodded in unison, instantly dispelling the frustration of the Taishan Sect members who had suffered defeat in the competition.
"So Sihan has been hiding her true abilities all along. You, as her master, should have revealed some secrets." Zhou Kai looked at Dugu Hong and laughed heartily.
"Hahaha, our junior sister loves to keep things to herself. We should have guessed it long ago." Li Liangbin was in high spirits and joked.
Wei Sihan leaped down from the platform, and his fellow disciples immediately surrounded him, praising him profusely.
Lin Feifan and his wife exchanged a smile. Wei Sihan, relying on his outstanding strength and unwavering will, had finally won the praise and respect of the entire sect. They believed that from now on, no one would care about his Khitan ancestry.
Lin Feifan stepped onto the high platform and announced the final participants in the martial arts competition. When Wei Sihan's name was called, the crowd showed not opposition but worry. After all, after his sparring match with Feng Jianxiong, Wei Sihan's internal energy was almost depleted, making it difficult for him to last until the final victory.
"Sihan, sit down," Dugu Yu gestured to the empty seat beside him, making casual conversation.
Wei Sihan was flattered and was about to say a few words of thanks for his "great master's guidance" when Dugu Yu quietly pressed his back and continuously channeled a powerful, gentle, and inexhaustible stream of true energy into him. Knowing his intention, Wei Sihan immediately sat down to meditate and regulate his breathing, channeling Dugu Yu's pure and refined inner energy into his dantian, directly through his eight extraordinary meridians. After circulating it three times, he felt all his fatigue disappear, and his limbs and bones felt completely refreshed.
"Perform well in the competition later, don't disappoint me," Dugu Yu patted his shoulder and instructed.
"Disciple will remember," Wei Sihan nodded, tears welling up in his eyes.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Shaolin Temple, Bodhidharma Pavilion.
Abbot Xiaojing of the Prajna Hall stands tall and upright beside the stone steps outside the pavilion. He is tall and slender, with a broad, flat forehead, glossy black eyebrows and beard, a long face, and eyes that shine with wisdom—the face of an enlightened monk, compassionate and benevolent.
There is a touching story about Bodhidharma Pavilion. According to Buddhist scriptures, after Bodhidharma arrived at Shaolin Temple, a Chinese monk named Shenguang followed him, humbly seeking instruction. Bodhidharma refused, but Shenguang was not discouraged. When Bodhidharma meditated facing a wall in a stone cave, Shenguang stood behind him. When Bodhidharma returned to the temple to attend to Buddhist affairs, Shenguang followed him back, taking meticulous care of Bodhidharma and never leaving his side. He was completely devoted to the Zen master's every action, and this continued day after day, year after year. Ten years later, one winter night, Bodhidharma was meditating in the Bodhidharma Pavilion when Shenguang stood outside. A heavy snow began to fall, burying Shenguang up to his knees. Shenguang remained motionless, hands clasped in prayer. The next morning, after Bodhidharma emerged from his meditation, he saw Shenguang standing in the snow and asked, "What are you doing standing in the snow?" Shenguang replied, "I seek your master's true teachings." Bodhidharma said, "I will only transmit the Dharma to you when the snow is red."
Shenguang understood, drew his dagger, and cut off his left arm. His blood immediately stained the white snow. Bodhidharma was moved and passed on his robe and bowl to Shenguang as proof of the transmission, naming him "Huike." The idiom "true transmission of the robe and bowl" originates from this story. The story of "cutting off an arm to seek the Dharma" has been passed down among Zen practitioners. Furthermore, to commemorate the Second Patriarch Huike's act of standing in the snow and cutting off his arm to obtain the Dharma, the Bodhidharma Pavilion is also known as the "Standing in the Snow Pavilion."
"Grandmaster Uncle, something's happened!" The guest monk rushed over in a panic.
"Juehong, how many times has Grandmaster warned you to remain calm and composed in the face of trouble, and not to overreact," Xiaojing chanted a Buddhist prayer, frowning as she spoke.
"A large number of martial arts figures have gathered outside the mountain gate, all clamoring to see the abbot," Juehong reported breathlessly.
"How many?" Xiaojing asked in a deep voice.
"Over... over a hundred people," Juehong answered truthfully.
Xiaojing's heart skipped a beat. Although Shaolin was a sacred place of martial arts, it rarely received outsiders. Occasionally, people would come to the mountain to seek apprenticeship or ask for martial arts instruction, but at most, it would be in groups of three or five. Why had there suddenly increased so many today?
"Have you asked them what their purpose was in coming to the temple?" Xiaojing asked seriously.
"Yes, but they said they would only report after seeing the abbot," Juehong replied.
"Who are these people?" Xiaojing secretly felt that something was amiss.
"There's the Kongtong Sect, the Flying Swallow Gang, the Divine Fist Sect..." Juehong rattled off the names of over a dozen minor sects and gangs, finally adding, "Oh, and there are also Senior Brothers Peng Yu and Liu Zhongtian."
Xiaojing exclaimed in surprise. Peng Yu and Liu Zhongtian were lay disciples of Shaolin, having graduated three years ago. Their return without a word suggested further turmoil in the martial world.
"Both senior brothers' limbs have been broken, and Junior Brother Juexin has taken them to the meditation room," Juehong continued.
"What did you say?" Xiaojing exclaimed in surprise.
Juehong repeated, adding, "This disciple dared not let anyone else into the temple, so I had to..." "Quickly report to the abbot
," Xiaojing abruptly interrupted, her monk's robes billowing as she rushed towards the mountain gate. Half an hour later, in the Great Buddha Hall. A stick of incense, lit and placed in the center of the offering censer, emitted fragrance that filled the hall. The four great monks of Shaolin Temple sat side by side on four prayer cushions in the center of the main hall. To their left and right were Xiaoxuan, the head of the Bodhidharma Hall, and Xiaokong, the head of the Discipline Hall. In the center, before the Kinnara Buddha, sat the abbot of Shaolin Temple, Xiaoming. The remaining monk, with long white eyebrows that reached past his ears, was Xiaochen, the head of the Arhat Hall of Shaolin Temple, ranked third among the eight great masters of the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance. Xiaojing led five men dressed in different styles of clothing into the hall. "Huo Jizhou, the deputy head of the Kongtong Sect; Zhang Lixing, the deputy leader of the Flying Swallow Gang; Zhu Jiang, the deputy head of the Divine Fist Sect; Ma Zhiyu, the deputy chief镖头 of the Qing'an Escort Agency; and Lan Yiqing, the special envoy of the governor of Tianshui, pay their respects to the masters." The four monks chanted Buddhist prayers in unison. Xiaoming's voice was clear and resonant, Xiaochen's was deep and powerful, Xiaoxuan's was gentle and soft, and Xiaokong's was deep and hoarse. But when the four voices were combined, they were like the morning bell and evening drum, reverberating throughout the hall.

"Fellow disciples, the martial arts world of the Northwest has recently been ravaged. Vice Sect Leader Huo and Vice Gang Leader Zhang have come to our temple specifically to report this," Xiaojing said solemnly, her hands clasped together.
Huo Jizhou said sorrowfully, "Half a month ago, a group of villains of unknown origin launched a night attack on our sect. In just half an hour, all the disciples left to guard Yuxian Peak were killed or wounded, and even our sect leader... was tragically murdered."
Zhang Lixing, Zhu Jiang, and Ma Zhiyu all cried out, finally saying in unison, "We beg Shaolin Temple to uphold justice for us and capture the culprits."
After hearing everyone's account, even the five monks, with their profound Buddhist knowledge, looked at each other in astonishment.
The Kongtong Sect, the Flying Swallow Gang, the Divine Fist Sect, and the Qing'an Escort Agency were all attacked without warning, and their respective leaders were killed on the spot, leaving only their deputies.
Xiaoming asked in a low voice, "Are the other gangs and sects in the same situation?"
Huo Jizhou replied solemnly, "Yes, in just a few days, more than twenty gangs and sects in the Northwest have been on the verge of disbanding, and the rest are all living in fear. Hearing that I was coming to your temple to report the news, many fellow martial artists have even abandoned their families and followed me."
Xiaoming said in a deep voice, "So the hundred or so people outside the mountain gate..."
Zhang Lixing said in a trembling voice, "Abbot, please understand, we really dare not stay in the Northwest, so we have no choice but to... we have no choice but to travel south together to seek the protection of Shaolin." Xiaoxuan
interjected, "Didn't the Beggars' Sect and the Tianji Sect respond in time?" Tianshui County is located on the northwestern border, with an extremely strategic geographical location. It has always been a place of contention for military strategists. Not only did the imperial court send heavy troops to garrison there, but the Beggars' Sect and the Tianji Sect also deliberately arranged elite troops there to prevent them from being unable to resist when the Liao and Western Xia invaded.
Lan Yiqing said sadly, "The Beggars' Sect's Tianshui branch was set on fire by them. Dozens of disciples perished. Zhou, the flag leader of the Tianji Sect, led his followers to the rescue, but they also failed to return."
Xiaoming was shocked and said in a deep voice, "Vice Sect Leader Huo, please tell us what happened that night." The other party was so brazen, openly opposing the Central Plains martial arts world, so they must be someone of great importance. Hopefully, we can glean some clues from Huo Jizhou's account. "
That night, my senior brother and I were discussing important matters in the main hall when a disciple suddenly reported that dozens of villains dressed in black fur coats had forcibly broken through the mountain and had already reached the outside of Yue Shi Gorge. My senior brother immediately ordered his two nephews, Huang and Liu, to investigate, while simultaneously gathering manpower to prepare for battle," Huo Jizhou recalled. "These people were all highly skilled in martial arts and extremely fierce. In less than half an hour, they had stormed up Yu Xian Peak."
"What? You didn't defend any of the natural barriers like the Eight Gorges, Nine Ridges, and Eighteen Platforms?" Xiaoxuan exclaimed in surprise.
"The opponent was truly formidable. Although we, the junior disciples, and I all gave it our all, we were still forced to retreat in defeat." Huo Jizhou said, his head bowed, still showing lingering fear.
"And then?" Xiaoxuan asked again.
Huo Jizhou continued, "Our sect suffered heavy casualties and could only retreat to the main hall. At that time, the opponent's leader took the initiative to challenge us, declaring that if the sect leader could withstand three moves from him, he would immediately lead his men to retreat without lingering."
"What did this person look like?" Xiaoming pressed.
"A rough and rugged face, a short beard like a halberd, a tall and burly figure, and a voice as loud as a bell." Huo Jizhou replied, "By the way, he only has one arm, and his whole body exudes a sinister and ferocious aura."
"Was his right arm severed at the shoulder, and was there a scar on his face running from the corner of his left eye to the top of his forehead?" Xiaoming asked solemnly.
"That's right. Could it be that the abbot knows this person?" Huo Jizhou nodded.
Xiaoming, Xiaoxuan, Xiaokong, and Xiaojing all turned their gazes to Xiaochen.
Xiao Chen stood expressionless, his hands clasped together, his expression solemn.
Huo Jizhou continued, "Our sect leader agreed to fight him to save our lives, but we don't know what kind of evil magic his opponent used. On the third move... on the third move, our sect leader vomited blood and died."
Xiao Chen sighed, "Alas, Cheng Feng survived the first two blows; he has already lived a worthwhile life of martial arts training."
"Junior brother, are you sure it's him?" Xiao Ming asked, moved.
Xiao Chen didn't answer, but walked up to Huo Jizhou and demonstrated a few moves. Huo Jizhou was first stunned, then exclaimed in shock, "Yes, he used this palm technique!" "
Amitabha, well said, well said." Xiao Chen gasped, and asked solemnly, "Did the Flying Swallow Gang, the Divine Fist Sect, and the Qing'an Escort Agency also encounter this person?"
"Master, you are wise." Zhang Lixing, Zhu Jiang, and Ma Zhiyu said in unison.
"Master, who exactly are these people?" Huo Jizhou asked tentatively.
Before Xiaochen could speak, Xiaoxuan interjected, "We are not certain of their true identities either. You should stay nearby for now. Once the temple has investigated, we will send someone to inform you."
"But..." Huo Jizhou hesitated.
"Rest assured, Vice-Sect Leader Huo, Shaolin Temple guarantees with its century-old reputation that we will certainly help the Kongtong Sect seek justice," Xiaoming declared loudly. "
Abbot, you misunderstand," Huo Jizhou said awkwardly. "We are only worried that if they continue to pursue us, we will be unable to resist. We are not questioning Shaolin Temple's..."
Xiaochen said indignantly, "If these villains dare to set foot on Mount Song, this old monk will ensure they never return!" His shout shook the roof tiles, making Huo Jizhou and the others' ears ring. They were startled, thinking, "Master Xiaochen's internal strength is truly remarkable; no wonder he is ranked fourth among the eight great masters."
Xiaoming added, "Please inform our friends in the martial arts world outside the temple that Shaolin Temple, as the leader of the martial arts world, will certainly give them a satisfactory answer."
After Huo Jizhou and the others left, Xiaoming solemnly said, "This matter is of utmost importance. Let's discuss it in detail in the abbot's room." (

Volume 10: The Asura Reappears, Chapter 10:

A Furious Outburst) Inside the room, the five great monks sat in prayer positions, each with a grave expression.
Outside the door, the eighteen Arhats stood solemnly, holding staffs, completely covering an area of several dozen feet.
"The Asura Cult has reappeared in the martial world. What do you all think we should do?" Abbot Xiaoming asked solemnly, assuming a Buddhist chant.
Xiaoxuan questioned, "To conclude that the other party is a member of the Asura Cult based solely on the descriptions of Huo Jizhou, Zhang Lixing, and the others seems somewhat arbitrary."
Xiaojing's gaze fell on Xiaochen, and she said seriously, "The appearance of the leader they described is exactly the same as that of the Wind and Thunder Envoy. Moreover, after Senior Brother Xiaochen demonstrated the Wind and Thunder Envoy's famous technique, the Heavenly Gang Finger Acupoint Hand, it was confirmed by Huo Jizhou. I think it's most likely them." "
Xiao Xuan said in a hoarse voice, "The problem is that Tianshui is adjacent to Western Xia, and still hundreds of miles away from the Liao Dynasty. Why would the Shura Sect go to such lengths..."
"Senior Brother suspects that the Tanguts are using the name of the Shura Sect to deliberately cause trouble on the border?" Xiao Kong asked in surprise.
"Very likely." Xiao Xuan said solemnly, "Western Xia has long coveted our Great Song Dynasty. If they want to launch an invasion, the first thing they should do is eliminate the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance's forces in the northwest."
Xiao Chen said in a deep, resonant voice, yet each word was clear and forceful, "There are only three people in the world who are proficient in the Heavenly Gang Finger Technique, and one of them happens to be in the Tanguts."
Xiao Xuan continued, "The governor of Tianshui may also suspect them, which is why he sent a special envoy to Shaolin with Huo Jizhou and others, hoping to find out the truth of the matter." "
Xiaoming, with a solemn expression, rejected the idea, saying, 'Li Daolin, the leader of the Tangut Association, is by no means a reckless person. He might be able to wipe out small sects like the Kongtong Sect, the Flying Swallow Gang, and the Divine Fist Sect, but I doubt he would dare to provoke the Beggar Clan and the Heavenly Pole Sect
.' 'That's precisely why they've resorted to using the name of the Asura Sect,' Xiaoxuan stated decisively.
Xiaoming, Xiaojing, and Xiaokong favored the Asura Sect, while Xiaochen and Xiaoxuan insisted on the Tangut Association. Each side held its own opinion, and neither seemed able to convince the other.
'Huo Jizhou and Ma Zhiyu were both present at the Battle of Five Clouds Mountain twenty years ago. Didn't they see the Wind and Thunder Envoy in person?' Xiaokong frowned."
“Junior brother, have you forgotten? Feng Lei Shi’s right arm was severed by Ren Qiao Cui, so he didn’t participate in the second decisive battle at all,” Xiao Chen said with a wry smile. “And by the time those two arrived, the first battle had already ended.
” “There are still over a hundred people outside the mountain gate. Perhaps I should go and ask them again,
” Xiao Jing said, standing up. “Hmm, perhaps one of them recognizes them,” Xiao Kong nodded.
“No need,” Xiao Ming waved his hand to stop him. “When the Asura Sect invaded the Central Plains, the martial arts practitioners in the Northwest were the first to suffer, and almost all of them were killed or wounded. There are only a few left alive today.”
Xiao Ming said seriously, “Sitting here like this is not a solution. We must come up with a countermeasure immediately.”
“But we haven’t even determined who our opponents are. How can we…” Xiao Kong sighed.
Xiao Kong pondered, “Peng Yu and Liu Zhongtian are seriously injured and are recuperating in the meditation room. I think we should be able to find clues from them.” "
After a short while, the eighteen Arhats carried the two men's beds to the abbot's room. It wasn't that the five great monks refused to come; rather, the whole matter was too important, and strict secrecy was required before a conclusion was reached, with no information to be revealed to the outside world.
Peng Yu and Liu Zhongtian's finger bones, wrist bones, arm bones, and leg bones—all the joints of their limbs—had been broken. They were barely
breathing and unable to move.
Xiao Chen briefly examined their injuries and said in a deep voice, 'As expected, it was the Heavenly Gang Finger Acupoint Technique again. Every broken bone has been crushed to powder and can no longer be reattached. Their lives are ruined.
' 'How vicious! To inflict such a heavy blow on my Shaolin disciples! '" "Xiao Kong roared in anger.
Xiao Ming moved with lightning speed, striking the "Quepen" and "Yufu" acupoints on their shoulders, and the "Yangguan" and "Mingmen" acupoints on their tailbone, preventing them from falling unconscious again due to the excruciating pain in their limbs.
"Abbot... esteemed monks..." Peng Yu and Liu Zhongtian slowly opened their eyes, seeing the high monks of the temple gathered around them. They struggled to sit up and pay their respects, but felt completely limp and unable to muster any strength.
"Lie down quickly, speak slowly," Xiao Kong comforted them. Peng Yu and Liu Zhongtian were his grand-disciples, and as their grandmaster, he should have been more anxious than anyone else, but their injuries were too severe, and if they were to become enraged, they would surely die. Therefore, he could only soften his tone to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.
"Abbot, our grandmaster... avenged us!" Peng Yu and Liu Zhongtian endured the pain and hissed.
"Who injured you?" Xiao Kong asked in a low voice.
"The... the Asura Cult!" "Peng Yu said in a trembling voice.
"Are you sure?" Xiao Kong pressed.
"No...it can't be wrong, disciple...disciple recognizes their clothes." Peng Yu gasped for breath and said decisively.
"That day outside Tianshui City, seven or eight members of the Asura Sect surrounded us. At first...at first, we disciples held on for a while, but suddenly an old man with a one-armed arm attacked, and then..." Liu Zhongtian showed a look of fear and dared not continue. Obviously, the scene at that time was extremely terrifying, and he was still afraid of it.
"Grandmaster, this disciple's injuries are due to him." Peng Yu said hoarsely.
Xiao Chen briefly described the appearance of the Wind and Thunder Envoy and asked if the one-armed old man they described was him. Peng Yu and Liu Zhongtian answered very affirmatively, saying that except for being slightly older than Xiao Chen's description, the other characteristics matched perfectly.
Xiao Chen pondered for a while and then asked, "Since you were seriously injured in Tianshui, how did you manage to return to Shaolin?" “
It was…it was that one-armed old man who ordered his men to bandage us up and then transport us by carriage all the way to the foot of Shaoshi Mountain,” Peng Yu said blankly
. “And they even gave their disciples pain-relieving and heart-protecting pills, as if…as if they didn’t want us to die on the way.” “This is a show of force against Shaolin!” Xiao Xuan slammed his fist on the table in anger.
“It’s more of a provocation than a show of force,” Xiao Kong said in a deep voice.
“The Asura Sect, it really is the Asura Sect!” Xiao Chen’s eyes shone with a deep and moving light of wisdom as he asserted.
“Junior Brother no longer questions the Tangut Association?” Xiao Ming asked in surprise.
“Why were they able to wipe out the Kongtong Sect, the Flying Swallow Gang, the Divine Fist Sect, and the Qing’an Escort Agency, yet they let Huo Jizhou, Zhang Lixing, and others go free?” Xiao Chen asked unexpectedly.

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