A Thousand Years of Elegance Discussed in Laughter (Complete) - 9

Volume Fourteen, Chapter Six: What More Could One Ask For?

"Xiaoyao... Xiaoyao..." Nangong Fengyi's gentle, clear voice interrupted his thoughts.
Ren Xiaoyao snapped back to reality, only to find the moon high in the sky, the vast hall utterly silent, with no one else beside him except for the graceful Nangong Fengyi standing quietly beside him.
"Fengyi, you've been waiting for me all this time?" Ren Xiaoyao asked in astonishment.
Nangong Fengyi lowered her head, a look of utter resentment on her face, and said softly, "You've been standing here for almost half an hour. The heroes all found it boring and have long since dispersed."
Ren Xiaoyao smiled bitterly, "Then what about you? Why didn't you leave?"
"Because I couldn't bear to leave." Nangong Fengyi's beautiful eyes became deep and unfathomable, veiled with a melancholy look, and she said softly, "Since we parted at Flower Calyx Valley, I've thought of you every moment, and I've longed for you to return to my side. Today, I've finally seen you again. Even if the sky falls, I won't leave."
Ren Xiaoyao's body trembled, and he felt an urge to embrace her, but the time and place were inappropriate, so he suppressed the thought and said softly, "I think... I think you must be disappointed."
Nangong Fengyi remained silent.
Ren Xiaoyao said apologetically, "I...I'm so sorry. I knew you always cared about me, yet I didn't even send a message, and instead I was out having affairs with other girls. I..."
Nangong Fengyi's jade-like face remained calm as still water. She said lightly, "Actually, I had already guessed this outcome. You don't need to apologize at all."
The more frank and indifferent she was, the more guilty Ren Xiaoyao felt. He said with difficulty, "I know my actions are unacceptable to the world, but my love for you is not false at all. I can swear to heaven..."
Nangong Fengyi's elegant and beautiful face revealed a meaningful smile as she interrupted, "There's no need for such vows between us. I..."
"No, I must say it." Ren Xiaoyao suddenly grabbed Nangong Fengyi's soft, boneless shoulders and said first, "Heaven above, Earth below, if Ren Xiaoyao ever betrays Nangong Fengyi's deep affection in this life, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death."
Nangong Fengyi stared at him without any emotion for a long time, then her beautiful eyes gradually brightened, and a smile escaped from the corner of her lips, then spread like ripples, turning into a "pfft" of a coquettish laugh, and she said with a touch of shy joy, "Xiaoyao, do you really care about me that much?"
Ren Xiaoyao nodded without hesitation, "If fate could start over, I would go to the underworld again for you... I would use my own body to block that poisoned needle."
Nangong Fengyi's beautiful eyes shot out a burning light, and she carefully glanced at Ren Xiaoyao first, and said softly, "But, I have never blamed you."
Ren Xiaoyao looked at her in astonishment, with an incredulous expression.
Nangong Fengyi smiled and said, "That's right. I only wanted to advise you not to overthink things, but you wouldn't even let me finish my sentence, and you even misunderstood that I was angry that you were flirting with girls everywhere."
Ren Xiaoyao felt ashamed inwardly, and at the same time, he was deeply moved by Nangong Fengyi's tolerance and magnanimity.
Nangong Fengyi looked like she had a thousand words to say but didn't know where to begin. Her beautiful eyes sparkled, extremely captivating. She seemed to want to throw herself into Ren Xiaoyao's arms, yet she also seemed to be trying her best to restrain herself. Suddenly, she lowered her head and said softly, "It's perfectly normal for a man to have three wives and four concubines. My father has several concubines besides my mother."
Ren Xiaoyao was startled and exclaimed, "Fengyi, I..."
Nangong Fengyi pressed her lips to his, stopping him from continuing, and then withdrew her slender fingers that had captivated Ren Xiaoyao's soul. With deep concentration, he said, "'A chivalrous hero who stands alone, with countless beauties in his arms,' Xiaoyao, you are the young hero admired by all, and the lover longed for by every woman in the world. Fengyi dares not hope to possess your heart exclusively, but only wishes to serve you by your side for life, sharing your love with the other sisters."
Ren Xiaoyao felt a strong longing. If the four women, Nangong Fengyi, Nangong Fengzi, Shui Furong, and Lin Yuxiu, could get along as well as sisters, riding alongside him and venturing into the world, what more could he ask for in life?
Nangong Fengyi's fragrant lips parted slightly, and she said shyly, "Originally, Father didn't want me and Fengzi to come to Shaolin, but when I thought about you appearing, I couldn't care less about anything else. I cried and begged Mother to force Father to agree."
Ren Xiaoyao smiled and said, "The usually aloof Fengyi must have a unique charm when she cries."
Nangong Fengyi gave him a shy yet sweet smile and spat, "You just know how to tease me, and... don't you care about other people's feelings?" Her bright, clear eyes were like two stars shimmering in the night sky, extremely captivating. Especially when she spoke, her eyes changed with her expressions, as if rippling with waves, who could not be mesmerized?
Ren Xiaoyao asked knowingly, "Feelings, what feelings?"
Nangong Fengyi's cheeks flushed red, and she lowered her head even further, saying softly, "Fengyi has rarely shed tears since she was little, but that day for you, I... I cried my eyes out."
Ren Xiaoyao couldn't help but grasp Nangong Fengyi's delicate hand, overwhelmed with emotion, and said, "Fengyi, you've given me so much. How can I ever repay you?" Nangong
Fengyi gently pulled her soft hands away from his, nestled obediently into his embrace, pressed her cheek against his, and whispered, "As long as you treat me sincerely, I'll be content."
Ren Xiaoyao couldn't resist pinching her flawless cheek, and whispered in her ear, "What does 'treating you sincerely' mean?"
Nangong Fengyi rested her chin on his broad shoulder and said softly, "At least you have to be with me often, and you can't hide anything from me, and it would be best if..." She stopped abruptly.
Ren Xiaoyao smiled mischievously, "Is that all?" Nangong
Fengyi's pretty face flushed again, making her even more breathtakingly beautiful. She left Ren Xiaoyao's embrace like a gust of wind, her clear, watery eyes blazing with fiery passion. Her hesitant, unspoken expression was utterly captivating.
Ren Xiaoyao gazed intently at her, as if he could see right through her, and whispered, "Don't hide it from me. Your body has already betrayed you. Even if you rush away, it's no use."
Nangong Fengyi stretched her alluring body and nestled into his arms, her arms snaking around his neck like snakes. She brought her fragrant lips to his ear, her starry eyes half-closed, and breathlessly whispered, "Xiaoyao, I want…" (Note: The last sentence is a
promotional message for a fan account and doesn't need a direct translation.)

Volume Fourteen: A Beauty Like Jade, A Heart Fluttering, Chapter Eight: Purple Phoenix and Jade Luan

"Senior Brother Wei, open the door!" Wei Sihan was meditating and adjusting his breathing inside when a rapid knocking sounded at the door.
Just as Wei Sihan was about to get up, Lin Yuxiu pushed open the door and rushed in anxiously.
"Xiuxiu, is there something you need?" Wei Sihan asked softly.
"Of course!" Lin Yuxiu leaned closer, like a helpless child. "Big brother hasn't come back yet, it's so late, I'm so worried."
Wei Sihan was taken aback. "Brother Ren's swordsmanship is superb, his lightness skill is outstanding, and besides, in Shaolin Temple, I thought I could kill him..."
"Oh dear, that's not what I meant." Lin Yuxiu lightly stamped her foot, a blush spreading across her pretty face. She stammered, "Xiuxiu is afraid that big brother is on a date with some other girl and won't be back tonight. I... I still have so much to say to him."
Wei Sihan asked in surprise, "You don't mean you want me to help you find Brother Ren, do you?"
"Yes, yes." Lin Yuxiu revealed a cute, girlish expression and said coquettishly, "Senior Brother Wei, please help Xiuxiu."
Wei Sihan said seriously, "One must find one's own way of handling one's life's most important matters. How can I interfere?"
Lin Yuxiu slumped down, resting her elbow on the table and propping up her cheek. Her delicate brows furrowed as she murmured, "But my parents won't let me go out. Even if I want to chat with you for a while, they send people to watch me."
Wei Sihan chuckled, "Of course! You and the three girls were making such a racket at the meeting; if you ran into them again, you'd definitely fight. The sect leader is doing this for your own good, that's why he sent people to protect you."
Lin Yuxiu said pitifully, "I understand my parents' feelings, but I really miss my big brother."
Wei Sihan whispered, "Abbot Xiaoming will be coming to discuss matters with the Supreme Elder later. Master and the sect leader definitely won't be able to leave. Just force your way in; your fellow disciples won't really stop you anyway."
Lin Yuxiu said sadly, "No, I might be able to manage under normal circumstances, but my parents are certain I'll sneak away. They've already made it clear to my fellow disciples that if I leave even half a step, everyone will be punished."
Wei Sihan spread his hands, "Alright, then I'll run the errand for you."
"Thank you, Senior Brother Wei!" Lin Yuxiu exclaimed excitedly.
Wei Sihan stood up abruptly and walked straight towards the gate.
"Senior Brother Wei, wait a minute," Lin Yuxiu called softly. "I just arrived and you're already out. Parents will definitely guess you're going to find my older brother. Perhaps you should stay a little longer."
"It's alright, I'll be back soon." Wei Sihan vanished like a wisp of smoke, disappearing instantly into the rows of houses.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Wei Sihan now enjoys a reputation in the martial world second only to the Four Heroes of the Martial World, especially when he walks alone outside the Thousand Buddha Hall, attracting the attention of the heroes who come to offer incense and prayers at night.
"Hey, isn't that 'Starry Sky' Young Hero Wei?" A soft, melodious girl's voice sounded behind him.
Wei Sihan turned around in surprise, only to see a beautiful young woman standing not far away. A pale yellow, form-fitting dress accentuated her slender, graceful figure. Two strings of crystal-clear jade pendants dangled from her earlobes, and a necklace of colorful beads adorned her delicate neck. Her glossy black hair framed her lively, bright, and charming eyes, as pure as spring water. She possessed a healthy, graceful, and delicate beauty, almost as if she were barely dressed.
She stood beside a waist-thick elm tree, staring intently at Wei Sihan. Moonlight streamed through the gaps in the trees, illuminating her outward-facing side with a bright, clear glow, while her side facing Wei Sihan remained hidden in darkness, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene where she seemed to merge with the moonlight.
Wei Sihan had lived in Hengshan for a long time, and in his life he had only ever loved Lin Yuxiu, but that was mostly brotherly affection, mixed with a little admiration and longing. No other woman had ever been able to touch his heart. For some reason, the moment he turned around, a kind of unprecedented tremor suddenly surged in the depths of his heart. This was definitely not the amazement one feels when seeing a beautiful woman for the first time, but rather... he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He only felt as if his body was stiffening, his breath was about to stop, and his eyes could no longer leave her charming and beautiful face.
The girl glanced at him, seemingly annoyed that he was staring at her like Liu Zhen, yet also seemingly filled with a mixture of shyness and delight. She murmured, "Is this how disciples of the Hengshan Sect treat girls they've just met?"
Wei Sihan blushed slightly and apologized awkwardly, "I was rude for a moment, please forgive me, young lady."
The girl flashed a sweet, radiant smile, her hands behind her back, making her breasts appear even more prominent. She moved closer to Wei Sihan with a seductive gaze, about a foot in front of him, and said with a smile, "I was just teasing you, why did you take it so seriously?"
Wei Sihan looked extremely embarrassed and somewhat at a loss for words.
The girl, with a playful and mischievous expression, seemed intent on leaving an indelible impression on Wei Sihan. She chuckled sweetly, "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I really wouldn't believe that Wei Sihan, who won twelve consecutive matches at the martial arts tournament, actually knows how to be shy."
Wei Sihan stared blankly at the girl, finally managing to stammer, "Miss...Miss is..."
The girl smiled gently, her beautiful eyes sweeping over Wei Sihan's handsome figure, and said softly, "My surname is Tang, and my name is Tang Yan. You can also call me 'Purple Phoenix Jade Phoenix'."
Wei Sihan exclaimed in surprise, "You...you are the eldest daughter of the Tang Clan of Sichuan, the daughter of 'King of Hidden Weapons' Tang Yunhe?"
Tang Yan reached out and played with her hair, her captivating face fully exposed to the moonlight. Adding a touch of allure and charm, she exclaimed in surprise, "Yes, you know me?"
Wei Sihan chuckled, "Of course! You're the only daughter of the Tang Clan Master. Everyone in the Tang Clan of Sichuan cherishes you like a precious jewel. I often heard people talk about the Purple Phoenix and Jade Phoenix in Hengshan."
Tang Yan gave a sweet, gentle smile, her charming demeanor tinged with coquetry, and asked, "Can you tell them what they say about me?"
Wei Sihan pondered for a moment, then replied with a hint of exaggeration, "Purple Phoenix and Jade Phoenix Tang Yan, she inherited all the secrets of her father Tang Yunhe's hidden weapons, especially darts and crossbows. She has also practiced double swords since childhood, her skill level no less than her mother Yin Shuangshuang's."
Surprisingly, Tang Yan didn't show any joy upon hearing this; instead, she lowered her head, revealing a lingering sadness.

Volume Fourteen, Chapter Nine: A Beauty Like Jade, A Heart Fluttering

, Relationship Deepens. Wei Sihan was bewildered and cautiously probed, "Miss Tang, did I say something wrong?"
Tang Yan frowned slightly and shook her head, saying, "Why is it that everyone who mentions me involuntarily thinks of my parents?"
Wei Sihan said softly, "Because you are their daughter, everything you have is given to you by them."
Tang Yan's expression darkened, and she murmured, "No wonder... no wonder everything I do is always successful and effortless. It turns out everyone is giving me face because of my father and mother."
Wei Sihan quickly comforted her, "You've made a name for yourself in the martial arts world, and you've also contributed a lot, like..." He recounted several of Tang Yan's well-known "chivalrous acts," although they were mostly hearsay and fictional, but it was enough to temporarily alleviate her sorrowful mood.
Tang Yan finally revealed a smile as bright as moonlight breaking through the clouds, her pretty face flushed, and she murmured, "I didn't expect you to know me so well. There are many things even Uncle Seventeen might not know."
Seeing that Tang Yan had misunderstood her meaning, and not wanting to expose her, Wei Sihan changed the subject, asking, "Which senior member of the Tang Clan in Sichuan is this Uncle Seventeen you mentioned?"
Tang Yan giggled, her beauty like a blooming flower, and gave Wei Sihan a charming glance, saying, "Stop calling him 'senior' all the time. He's your defeated opponent."
"A member of the Tang Clan, a defeated opponent..." Wei Sihan murmured.
Tang Yan showed an expression of both amusement and exasperation, and said softly, "Oh dear, is that even a question? You just beat him a few hours ago."
Wei Sihan exclaimed in surprise, "Tang... Tang Dingnan, he's your Uncle Thirteen?"
“Yes,” Tang Yan said softly, her breath sweet as orchids. “Although Dingnan is only five or six years older than me, he’s from the same generation as Father, belonging to the main branch of the clan. Anxi and Dingbei also have to call him uncle.”
Wei Sihan asked in surprise, “Tang Dingnan, Tang Anxi, and Tang Zhenbei, aren’t the three young masters of the Tang Clan cousins?”
Tang Yan explained, “Every ten years, the Tang Clan in Sichuan gathers its young disciples under the age of twenty for a competition of hidden weapon techniques. The top disciples in the sword, crossbow, and dart categories are awarded honors and taught the three great martial arts techniques: ‘Silver Knife Shooting the Moon,’ ‘Heavenly Net,’ and ‘Nine Palaces Flying Stars.’ However, after Father became the sect leader, he suddenly had a whim and changed their names. That’s when the title ‘Three Young Masters of the Tang Clan’ started.” As she finished speaking, she revealed a sweet, unguarded smile, which made Wei Sihan’s heart flutter.
Wei Sihan asked softly, "We've got the south, west, and north, but what about the east?"
Tang Yan gave him a rare, playful, and charming little girl expression, and habitually kept him in suspense, saying, "I can't tell you that. You can guess for yourself if you're so sure."
Wei Sihan thought to herself: Tang Yunhe is already the most outstanding young man in the Tang Clan of Sichuan. There is no reason for Tang Yunhe to leave the title of "Dong" to someone else, unless it is his own daughter. So he boldly stared at Tang Yan and said in a deep voice, "I think that person must be you, young lady."
Tang Yan's beautiful eyes shone brightly, captivatingly charming. She clapped her hands and said, "So clever! You guessed it right away. My father originally named me Tang Yan Dong, but I dropped the 'Dong' because I thought it sounded awful."
Wei Sihan coughed and cupped his hands, saying, "Miss Tang, I have urgent business to attend to, so I must take my leave."
Tang Yan's joyful expression vanished instantly. She pouted her cute little lips and said in a slightly resentful tone, "Young Master Wei, I'm really bored. Can't you chat with me for a while?"
Wei Sihan asked incredulously, "Young lady, you are naturally beautiful. You must have no shortage of suitors. How could you feel lonely?" In terms of status, appearance, and personality, Tang Yan was extremely similar to Lin Yuxiu. Considering the latter's constant busyness, Tang Yan's situation was easy to imagine.
Tang Yan's pretty face flushed red instantly. She shook her head frantically, then patted her chest, displaying the charming demeanor of a naive young girl. She lowered her head and said, "Father said that all Tang Clan disciples are forbidden from having close contact with me, and he forbids me from making friends with random figures in the martial arts world. So
, I don't even have a single friend I can confide in." Wei Sihan spread his hands and laughed, "In that case, I guess I have to keep my distance from you too."
Tang Yan let out a melodious, bell-like laugh and said sweetly, "I forgot to tell you, those whose martial arts are superior to mine are not subject to these restrictions."
Wei Sihan frankly asked, "How did you know, Miss…?"
“Even Uncle Thirteen wasn’t your match, so of course I’m no match for you.” Tang Yan smiled sweetly, innocently taking Wei Sihan’s arm, and said coquettishly, “Young Hero Wei, please keep me company, okay?”
Looking at the beautiful contours of her profile, her delicate, fair face, and her bright, expressive eyes, Wei Sihan was a little at a loss for words. He said, “Miss Tang, I am just an ordinary disciple of the Hengshan Sect. I am far from deserving the title of ‘Young Hero.’”
Tang Yan giggled, “Father often says that excessive humility is pride. You wouldn’t be so pretentious, would you?”
Wei Sihan said awkwardly, “Miss is joking. Since joining the sect, I have rarely traveled in the martial world, and I have never done anything chivalrous, so…”
Tang Yan’s expression was complicated, with a hint of praise and a hint of reproach, as she interrupted him, “After the Holy Blessing Ceremony, everyone knows that the Hengshan Sect has produced a ‘Starry Sky’ Wei Sihan, plus your battle in the arena…” "Your heroic bearing and continuous victories have made you second only to the Four Heroes of the Martial World. People calling you 'Young Hero' isn't just flattery; it's because you truly deserve it."
She paused slightly, then added, "If that sounds awkward, then I'll call you Brother Wei."
Wei Sihan's heartstrings trembled violently; he was almost captivated by her friendly and meaningful address. He quickly composed himself and said seriously, "Miss Tang, since this is our first meeting, it's best to address each other by our names."
Tang Yan allowed him to... The evening breeze made her hair flutter freely behind her. She spoke almost to herself, "Well, from now on I'll call you Sihan, and you can call me Yan'er, okay?"

(Volume Fourteen, Chapter Ten: A Fateful Marriage)

Seeing that she was becoming increasingly absurd, Wei Sihan forced a smile and said, "Miss Tang, I... I was just talking nonsense, don't take it seriously. Just call me... call me as you said before..." As he spoke, he unusually lowered his head, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
Tang Yan nodded, her face beaming with a smile as she tilted her head back, her beautiful eyes sparkling. "Brother Wei, please tell me quickly, will you talk to me for a while?"
Wei Sihan was captivated by her sweet smile and innocent, childlike charm. He felt that every smile, every gesture, every feature of hers was almost identical to Lin Yuxiu's. After staring at her for a long while, he nodded and said, "Miss Tang, I'm going to find a friend. Shall we walk and talk?"
Tang Yan cheered excitedly, "Brother Wei, you're so kind!" She tightly gripped Wei Sihan's sleeve, showing no intention of letting go.
Wei Sihan felt a wonderful sense of flattery and delight at Tang Yan's affectionate gesture. Lost in the moment, Tang Yan gently asked, "Brother Wei, who is the friend you're looking for?"
A smile played on Wei Sihan's lips as he softly replied, "I've long heard of Zi Luan Yu Feng's intelligence and wit; I'm sure you can guess the answer."
Tang Yan's eyes sparkled as she smiled, "It wouldn't be your charming junior sister, would it?"
Wei Sihan slowly shook his head, sighing, "Xiuxiu was..." "My father locked me in my room and wouldn't let me leave even for a moment, how could I possibly come looking for her?"
Tang Yan pondered for a moment, then blinked her beautiful eyes and said decisively, "I know, you're looking for Ren Xiaoyao, and you rushed out in a hurry because your Junior Sister Lin asked you to."
Wei Sihan smiled noncommittally, "Aren't you so sure? Aren't you afraid there's more to it than meets the eye?"
Tang Yan seemed to be able to see into his heart as she looked at Wei Sihan for a long time, then said sweetly, "You still have to participate in the competition tomorrow, Hengshan... " " Everyone in the sect wants you to rest and recuperate. Only the arrogant Lin Yuxiu would dare to ask for your help at such a crucial time, and only she could persuade you, right?"
Wei Sihan's eyes lit up, and he said solemnly, "Miss Tang is incredibly insightful. I, Sihan, am completely humbled."
Tang Yan gave him a proud yet slightly shy smile, her starry eyes half-closed as she said sweetly, "Speaking of which, I'm also looking forward to your brilliant performance. Even my most favored Uncle Thirteen was defeated by your sword. If you can't win a few more matches, you'll have let me down."
Wei Sihan smiled bitterly, "Tomorrow's opponents are all senior masters. I really can't guarantee how far I can go."
Tang Yan giggled, revealing her lovely, white teeth, her eyes filled with a dreamy look, and said softly, "Don't worry, I'll cheer you on. As long as you give it your all, it doesn't matter if you lose."
Wei Sihan's body trembled violently, and a warm and sweet feeling almost melted his heart.
Tang Yan's jade-like cheeks flushed, and she sighed softly, "Having witnessed your invincible and heroic figure, many of my sisters are filled with longing. I wanted to make friends with you, so I went out late at night to try my luck, but I never expected... I never expected to actually run into you."
Wei Sihan, being astute as he was, naturally understood the double meaning in Tang Yan's words and frankly said, "In terms of dashing handsomeness, I am not as good as Ren Xiaoyao; in terms of shrewdness and competence, I am not as good as Xiong Xiaotian; in terms of composure, I am far inferior to Xiao Xingchen; in terms of magnanimity, I am even less than Ye Zhi Qiu."
Tang Yan glanced at him, pursed her lips slightly... She chuckled, “Ren Xiaoyao is good in every way, except he’s not faithful. You saw what happened today—four women vying for one man! If I were one of them, I’d be ashamed to death. Xiong Xiaotian is a beggar leader; I can’t be bothered with him. Xiao Xingchen is a complete idiot, a blockhead; he has no idea how to make a girl happy. Ye Zhi Qiu is too arrogant; I’m not confident I can keep him. Only you have the best martial arts, personality, and character—you’re perfect for making friends.”
Wei Sihan didn’t dare reply, her eyes scanning the crowd, trying to find Ren Xiaoyao as quickly as possible.
Tang Yan acted as if she hadn’t seen him, chattering on and on. Wei Sihan was helpless against her, occasionally responding with a few words, but the girl seemed quite happy.
They searched everywhere Ren Xiaoyao might go: the Heavenly King Hall, the Earth Store Hall, the Great Buddha Hall, the First Ancestor’s Temple, the Bodhidharma Cave, the Standing Snow Pavilion—but instead of finding him, they were met with countless envious and jealous glances.
As dusk fell, the number of pedestrians dwindled.
Wei Sihan said softly, "Miss Tang, it's getting late. Let me take you home first."
Tang Yan stretched lazily, emphasizing her alluring curves and charm, and breathed softly, "Hmm, I'm sleepy too... Ah, no, you haven't found Ren Xiaoyao yet."
Wei Sihan said softly, "Brother Ren must have already gone back. Perhaps I could..."
"No need, no need, really no need," Tang Yan said with a gentle smile, revealing her understanding nature. "A promise made must be kept. I won't hinder your search."
Wei Sihan nodded with a smile and added, "Miss Tang, be careful on the road."
"I know," Tang Yan replied, her pretty face slightly flushed, and she turned and ran away.
Watching her slender and beautiful figure, Wei Sihan couldn't help but fall into deep thought: In his pursuit of Lin Yuxiu, he had voluntarily stepped back, allowing her to marry Ren Xiaoyao, but this had left him filled with melancholy and sadness, unsure of what to do next. Thanks to Ren Xiaoyao's encouragement, he had regained his spirits, first winning first place in the Celebration Ceremony, gaining the recognition of the entire sect, and then achieving consecutive victories in the Martial Arts Tournament, becoming a rising star in the martial arts world. He had just met Tang Yan, who bore a striking resemblance to Lin Yuxiu, by sheer chance. Could she be a messenger sent by fate to fill the void in his heart? Tang Yan's words clearly revealed a hint of affection, which he sensed but dared not express. Firstly, Lin Yuxiu's image in his heart was too deep to be replaced in a short time; secondly, Tang Yan's status was too noble, beyond his reach. Even now, he still hesitated, wondering whether he should cast aside the shadows of his past feelings and face this predestined fate.
Suddenly, something on the ground caught his attention.

Volume Fourteen, Chapter Eleven: Saving the Beauty, Like Jade.

It was an exquisite sachet woven with seven-colored silk threads, its edges made of yellow-green brocade, tightly embroidered with chain stitch. In the center was a purple phoenix, its wings and tail embroidered with three layers of red, blue, and indigo using nail-stitch embroidery, its feathers outlined with seed stitch. It was filled with fragrant herbs and angelica, emitting a delicate and elegant scent. The bottom was adorned with green beads and three vermilion tassels, making it appear refined and elegant.
"This is Tang Yan's accessory; she must have accidentally dropped it when she left," Wei Sihan thought. "She must be very worried about the missing sachet. I should take it to her."
With this thought, Wei Sihan quickly moved forward, heading back the way Tang Yan had taken.
She hadn't gone far when a fierce fight suddenly broke out in the woods ahead. Wei Sihan assumed it was just people practicing martial arts and didn't pay much attention. Just as she was about to detour, a familiar cry for help rang in her ears.
"It's Tang Yan!" Wei Sihan exclaimed in shock.
Under the heavy darkness of the night, three black figures, each wielding a sharp weapon, launched a fierce attack on Tang Yan. Tang Yan, caught in the middle, was panting heavily, drenched in sweat, and staggering, clearly unable to hold on for long.
In this critical moment, Wei Sihan arrived with lightning speed, his longsword whistling through the air, passing over the heads of two of them, and with a "Wild Goose Formation Startling the Cold" move, he thrust at the third person closest to Tang Yan.
The man had just turned around when a streak of green light was already close to his throat, causing him to take two steps back in fright.
Wei Sihan's wrist flicked lightly, and his longsword moved with lightning speed, sweeping across the chest and abdomen of the second man.
The man hurriedly raised his knife to block, while simultaneously stepping to the left to dodge, intending to hold him back and buy time for his companions to kill Tang Yan.
Unexpectedly, Wei Sihan changed his move midway through the attack, his longsword flashing through the air, directly attacking the third man.
In a flash, he had already overwhelmed his opponents, displaying the exceptional skills of a Hengshan Sect disciple.
Wei Sihan had no intention of fighting; he only wanted to protect Tang Yan. He feinted an attack, then darted back to Tang Yan's side, softly asking, "Miss Tang, are you alright?"
Tang Yan shook her head, still shaken, and said, "Brother Wei, they tried to kill me."
Wei Sihan's eyes flashed with a sharp light. He pointed his longsword at his opponents and said in a deep voice, "Who are you people?"
The leader of the black-clad assassins sneered, "Want to know? Hmph, go ask the King of Hell." With that, he swung the iron ring in his hand, smashing it down on Wei Sihan's face.
Wei Sihan knew that this was a strange weapon he was using. There must be some strange methods and moves involved. If it were just a two-on-one fight, they would naturally be interested in using various methods to test each other and see what tricks the other could pull. However, with powerful enemies surrounding them, they had no time for such things. They could only counter each move and use their strength to buy Tang Yan a chance to catch her breath.
After exchanging blows for several rounds, Wei Sihan knew that his opponent was highly skilled and that he was not yet fully recovered from the fierce battle, so he deliberately raised his voice and shouted, "Don't you dare to act recklessly! Do you know that she is the young lady of the Tang Clan in Sichuan?"
The black-clad assassin wielding a sword showed a disdainful expression and sneered, "I'm dealing with the Tang Clan of Sichuan."
Another assassin urged, "Third brother, don't waste words with him. Killing is the priority." His palms moved like chasing butterflies, creating hundreds of palm shadows in the air, with a strong wind blowing around them and the power spreading several feet.
"Yes, drag that brat down with Tang Yan!" the leading black-clad assassin shouted. His iron ring, following an unpredictable, elusive arc in the air, sped up, emitting a sharp whistling sound as it struck directly at him.
The sword-wielding assassin unleashed his inner energy, launching a fierce and powerful attack.
In an instant, Wei Sihan was surrounded. The three assassins' surging inner energy formed a cage around him, leaving him nowhere to hide or escape. Under the relentless, tidal wave of attacks, he gradually lost his fighting ability.
If this were a competition, given his unyielding nature, he would have charged into the heart of the fray with his sword to confront his opponent head-on, lest his momentum falter and he be constantly controlled. He hated the black-clad assassins who were eager to eliminate Tang Yan, but he knew that the slightest moment of hesitation would give them an opportunity. Therefore, he had no choice but to abandon any offensive plans and focus on defense, hoping that the heroes would hear his earlier shout and come to his aid.
The situation was a hundred times more dangerous than any battle Wei Sihan had ever fought before. The black-clad assassins were not only highly skilled in martial arts, but their teamwork was also extremely precise. After several rounds of attacks, Wei Sihan was already feeling overwhelmed.
The three attackers launched a fierce assault, and Wei Sihan suddenly showed fear. His body swayed, his steps unsteady, seemingly forced off balance by the relentless onslaught. The black-clad assassins were overjoyed, thinking, "In no time, we'll kill this pesky brat!" No
sooner said than done, Wei Sihan's eyes flashed with a sharp light. Seizing the moment his opponent's attention faltered, he unleashed over ten seemingly effortless sword strikes at the assassin leader. Each strike was not only powerful but also strangely angled, leaving no opening for counterattack. Simultaneously, his abdomen bent inward, propelling him off the ground, and his right leg, imbued with immense power, delivered a powerful kick to the head of the black-clad assassin wielding the sword.
Caught off guard, not only were the two attacked thrown into a panic, but even the third black-clad assassin was bewildered, unsure whether to use the momentum to attack Tang Yan or rescue his companion.
He stood frozen for only a moment before Wei Sihan, having abandoned the startled assassin leader, pounced forward, her sword flashing like the wind, unleashing a barrage of slashes and thrusts that forced him to retreat,
desperately trying to defend himself. The vicious assassin, silently approaching Tang Yan's side, was about to capture her when he suddenly heard the whistling of a sword blade behind him. It was Wei Sihan, who had anticipated his move and rushed to his aid.
In the blink of an eye, between mid-air and upon landing, Wei Sihan unleashed the swift, agile, and powerful essence of the Meteor Thirteen Styles, her longsword flashing with azure light as she stormed towards her opponent. A chilling aura immediately filled the surroundings, chilling everyone to the bone.
The assassin struggled to keep up, feeling as if his sword strikes had sunk to the bottom of the sea, never to return. No matter how he attacked, it was like encountering an impenetrable wall, making no progress.
Wei Sihan was also inwardly groaning. Although his mixed-race physique made him far stronger than the average person, the combined strain on his physical and mental strength was gradually becoming unbearable. To make matters worse, his opponent's martial arts were unique; even though they could gain the upper hand for a short time, they couldn't kill him. Once the other two rejoined the battle, his chances of survival seemed slim. (

Volume Fourteen, Chapter Twelve: A Beauty Like Jade, A Heart Fluttering)

The assassin leader, with his keen eye, noticed Wei Sihan's unusual stance. Recalling his performance at the martial arts tournament, he immediately realized what was happening and laughed loudly, "Second brother, third brother, this guy is at his last gasp. He won't last much longer. Let's finish him off first, then deal with Tang Yan." He then gripped the iron ring tightly in both hands and slowly approached Wei Sihan. With each step, a deep footprint appeared on the ground, indicating he was constantly gathering his strength.
"Give me your life!" With the assassin leader's roar, the iron ring spun rapidly, emitting a sharp whistling sound, sweeping towards Wei Sihan's left shoulder. Its movements were unpredictable and elusive.
Wei Sihan clearly realized that the iron ring contained both deflecting and impacting force; if it struck him, the consequences would be unimaginable. Therefore, he straightened his longsword and unleashed a powerful strike.
The move "Meteor Shower in the Wilderness," originally aimed at the opponent's left shoulder, suddenly spun in mid-air, striking instead towards the right ribs—a change of attack so swift it was astonishing.
The assassin leader spun in mid-air, using the momentum to push forward, the iron ring precisely catching Wei Sihan's sword.
In the instant the weapons clashed, the tip of the opponent's sword suddenly generated an astonishing force, simultaneously containing both deflecting and impacting force, not only dissipating the ring's force but also causing it to lose its aim.
Wei Sihan drew her longsword, forcefully channeling her inner strength to pull the assassin leader close, and then launched a swift kick to the opponent's abdomen.
The assassin leader's eyes gleamed with a sharp light. He shouted "Good!" and abandoned the iron ring, simultaneously parrying and striking with both palms. His left index and middle fingers flicked the spine of the sword, while his right hand pressed down to meet Wei Sihan's kick. Even more strangely, the iron ring, which had been released from his hand, followed an unpredictable and elusive curve in the air, circling towards Wei Sihan's lower body, emitting a sharp whistling sound as it cut through the air, adding to its momentum.
Even with Wei Sihan's shrewdness and experience, he still couldn't have anticipated this brilliant move from the assassin leader. His downward kick was completely blocked, rendering it ineffective; his right hand, which was holding the sword, felt as if it had been struck by lightning, numb and tingling.
Despite being shocked by the assassin leader's skill, Wei Sihan remained calm and showed no sign of tension. With a slight exertion of his strength, he instantly recovered, his longsword slicing through the air, bending to deflect the heavily impacting iron ring. He had already discerned the assassin's eagerness to win, knowing that the calmer and more confident he appeared, the more panicked the assassin in black would become, thus buying time for the Tang Clan to arrive.
The assassin leader laughed heartily, the iron ring flying back into his hand as if it were alive. Just as he was about to launch a powerful attack, completely disrupting Wei Sihan's formation, he suddenly felt a flash of yellow light and a piercing cold glint. Wei Sihan's "Snow on Hengshan Mountain" strike came crashing down, the spiraling energy causing her clothes to flutter wildly.
The ring and sword clashed, the clanging and banging sounds like firecrackers ringing out incessantly!
Wei Sihan flew above the assassin leader, her longsword transforming into countless streaks of light, striking down with the fierce killing moves of the "Thirteen Forms of Meteor," wave after wave, one after another.
The assassin leader showed no weakness, his iron ring flying out of his hand. It broke through the sword aura at astonishing speed, emitting a clear, resonant sound as it hurtled towards Wei Sihan. Surprisingly, the ring itself only spun slowly, a stark contrast to its unparalleled gliding speed and the ferocious, chilling force of its energy, sending shivers down Tang Yan's spine.
"Clang!" The sword and ring clashed again. Wei Sihan intended to use his strength to knock it away, but the ring seemed to weigh over ten thousand pounds. Although it struck him squarely, it dissipated most of his power, and instead spun back towards the assassin leader who was leaping through the air.
Wei Sihan watched helplessly as the assassin leader bent down, gripping the ring tightly, unable to change the situation. He knew that any hesitation would be met with a barrage of sharp attacks, but Tang Yan was weak and powerless, unable to withstand the combined assault of the other two assassins. He could only risk being attacked from both sides and forcefully return to her side.
Tang Yan, after all, was the daughter of Tang Yunhe and Yin Shuangshuang. While Wei Sihan was locked in combat with the assassin leader, she managed to hold out for quite some time, even managing to injure the sword-wielding assassin's arm with
her unique hidden weapon, the "Jade Phoenix Cone." However, due to her previous injuries from the encirclement, she no longer possessed her former heroic and valiant spirit. "Yan'er, meditate and regulate your breathing. I'll handle them," Wei Sihan whispered, knowing her frail constitution and that she shouldn't fight after her injury.
"Okay, Brother Tang, you be careful too," Tang Yan said tenderly, her heart trembling.
"Boy, who is Tang Yan to you that you'd risk your life for her?" The assassin leader gestured to his companions to flank the two, forming a triangular formation, and said in a deep voice. Judging from the ruthlessness of Wei Sihan's earlier attack, it wasn't hard to tell that he wasn't offering help out of a sense of justice, but rather determined to protect Tang Yan.
"As long as I have a breath left, you will not touch Yan'er!" Wei Sihan suddenly roared to the sky, his voice echoing across the surrounding area. An unprecedented sense of responsibility surged through his chest, and his longsword moved with his movements, unleashing a rapid series of strikes.
The energy surged, flashing with azure light, and countless sword flowers, like stars in the night sky, scattered in the air—Wei Sihan's signature move, "Stars Fill the Sky."
Although the three of them were only a few feet apart, the assassin leader clearly felt himself alone in the center of the battle formation, about to face Wei Sihan's overwhelming offensive, as if a thunderbolt had struck from the horizon, making everything tremble.
Before the sword even arrived, the chilling energy had already completely locked him in place. The assassin leader's heart trembled with fear, and he wielded his iron rings with impenetrable precision, seeking nothing but survival.
"Clang!" The two passed each other, and the assassin leader and his men stumbled and fell backward. Wei Sihan followed like a shadow, his body twisting and turning as he attacked
. A sword strike to the left, a sword strike to the right, a sword strike above, a sword strike below—each move ruthless and vicious, culminating in a "Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Source," a display of brilliance beyond description. The other two assassins were overwhelmed by his sword energy, powerless to stop him. "Ah!" the assassin leader cried out in agony, thrown aside like a kite with a broken string. The iron ring slipped from his grasp and rolled to the side, making a noisy grinding sound. Blood gushed from his chest; even a close look revealed he had only a sliver of life left, certain to die. Wei Sihan exhaled deeply, his inner energy circulating rapidly three times, and with a series of swift, sweeping sword strikes, "swish, swish, swish!" The other two assassins exchanged glances, realizing Wei Sihan's momentum was overwhelming and his fighting spirit immense, no longer something they could withstand. In desperation, a venomous thought arose within them. Volume Fourteen, Chapter Thirteen: A Beauty Like Jade, A Heart Stirred. The swordsman's body swayed rapidly, seemingly about to flee in a certain direction, but ultimately he stood still, assuming a defensive stance. Wei Sihan was secretly puzzled, wondering why his opponent, whose skill was far inferior to his own, showed no fear. Could it be that witnessing his companion's death had aroused his ferocity? The energy continued to flow from his sword, striking Tang Yan's chest without the slightest hesitation. Taking advantage of his momentary lapse in attention, another assassin swung his palm at Tang Yan's head, clearly taking advantage of her being in a state of circulating her qi and unable to move. "You bastard!" Wei Sihan, seeing this, was filled with rage. Forgetting his own safety, he quickly leaped up, deflecting the palm strike with his sword. In a battle between masters, no slightest difference is acceptable. His aim was to rescue Tang Yan, leaving his defenses wide open. The sword-wielding assassin seized the opening, raising his weapon high, then suddenly swung it upwards like lightning, slashing towards his neck . Wei Sihan, having nowhere to brace himself, barely managed to raise his right foot to kick at the assassin's wrist. The sword-wielding assassin immediately changed his move, first dragging his sword downwards to avoid Wei Sihan's kick, then flicking the blade upwards. This time, Wei Sihan could no longer dodge; with a hiss, his left arm was struck by the sword, and blood gushed forth instantly. Wei Sihan was completely focused on Tang Yan's safety, oblivious to his own injuries. Despite taking another palm strike and two punches from the black-clad assassin, he finally reached Tang Yan's side, holding his sword protectively in front of him. He asked softly, "Miss Tang, are you alright?" Tang Yan, having calmed down slightly, nodded and suddenly cried out, "Blood... Brother Wei, you... you're injured!" Only then did Wei Sihan feel a sharp pain in his arm. Before he could even apply pressure to stop the bleeding, two figures suddenly leaped out. The black-clad assassin paused on one foot, his forward momentum suddenly increasing, his palms merging with profound and unparalleled internal energy, unleashing a series of strikes; the sword-wielding assassin shifted his footwork, closing in, his long sword humming as he attacked from the side.

Knowing that Wei Sihan, though injured, could not be subdued in a short time, they focused their attack on Tang Yan, forcing him to hesitate, forcing him to both defend her and not launch a full-scale attack.
Wei Sihan's longsword swung in a circular motion, parrying the black-clad assassin's palm strike. His inner energy surged forth, transforming a forward thrust into a horizontal parry, striking the attacker's menacing weapon squarely.
Undeterred, the black-clad assassin leaped into the air, his left hand outstretched like a claw, aiming for Tang Yan's crown, while his right hand pointed out with a halberd-like finger, the energy piercing Wei Sihan's back.
The sword-wielding assassin swiftly moved to Wei Sihan's side, his sword flashing, aimed directly at Tang Yan's brow, arriving with lightning speed.
Wei Sihan was gripping his sword with fierce intensity when he suddenly felt a tightness in his chest, realizing his inner energy was waning and he was at his last gasp. A surge of panic gripped him; his long howl echoed through the mountains, yet not a single member of the
Tang Clan from Shu had come to his aid. Continuing to fight on would likely cost him his life. He was naturally unafraid of death, but he couldn't allow the young Tang Yan to perish at the hands of these bandits.
"Yan'er, I'll hold them off! You go!" Wei Sihan roared hoarsely, forcing himself to unleash the still-unmastered Seven Absolute Swords of Hengshan, attacking his opponents with a frenzied frenzy.
Tang Yan's eyes suddenly reddened, two glistening tears streaming down her face. Her eyes, filled with tenderness, gazed at him, and she said firmly, "Brother Wei, I won't leave. Even if I die, I'll die with you."
The shared hardships they had endured had stirred feelings between them, and the two strangers had suddenly found love.
The sword-wielding assassin laughed wildly, "Fine, then I'll grant you two a wish for death."
Before he finished speaking, a powerful attack of sword and palm strikes rained down upon him.
Deprived of the powerful internal energy that served as his backup, Wei Sihan was thrown into disarray, completely on the defensive, yet he still struggled to hold on, driven by his
unwavering belief in protecting Tang Yan. Tang Yan, her eyes filled with tender affection, gazed intently at Wei Sihan, who was fighting bravely for her.
From childhood, hundreds of men had surrounded her, including heroes and talented young men, but none had ever won her favor. Tang Yunhe's strict requirements were certainly one reason, but more importantly, none of them could provide the sense of security that Tang Yan, a young woman, needed most.
But Wei Sihan had done it; he proved with his actions that no matter the situation, he would protect Tang Yan at all costs.
Tang Yan prayed silently, "I will marry no one but Brother Wei in this life. I hope Heaven will protect us both."
After a fierce attack, Wei Sihan finally exhausted himself.
"Clang!" The black-clad assassin struck the sword's blade heavily with his bent finger.
Wei Sihan let out a miserable groan, stumbling backward along with his sword. Tang Yan hurriedly caught him, but Wei Sihan's momentum hadn't subsided, and he crashed into her arms. The two of them tumbled back into the house like tumbleweeds, looking utterly disheveled.
Wei Sihan suddenly seemed to lose control, all his internal energy forced back into himself. In an instant, he endured excruciating pain, as if his internal organs had shifted. He slowly collapsed, and with the slightest movement, he coughed up a mouthful of blood, nearly fainting.
"Brother Wei! Brother Wei!" Tang Yan cried out anxiously, tears streaming down her face.
"What a beautiful little girl! I really want to keep you here and take you back to train you properly." The assassin in black leered as he approached, shamelessly teasing her. "It's just a pity you were born into the Tang Clan in Sichuan. Alas, your beauty has faded and your life is cut short."
"You... what deep-seated hatred do you have for my family?" Tang Yan cried, tears streaming down her face.
"Go ask Tang Tianying." The sword-wielding assassin chuckled coldly, then abruptly turned to look at Wei Sihan. He was about to utter a few sarcastic words when he saw Wei Sihan still tightly protecting Tang Yan. Although his body was too injured to sit upright, his eyes showed no sign of fatigue, his piercing gaze fixed on him.
"You brat, what are you looking at?" the sword-wielding assassin shouted angrily.
Wei Sihan clutched his wounded arm, panting heavily, his eyes still bright, fixed on the assassin like a pair of sharp swords piercing his eyes.
The sword-wielding assassin looked down at Wei Sihan from his high vantage point. Wen Yuan slightly raised his head, gazing up at the assassin. As their eyes met, the assassin suddenly shouted, "You're not convinced? If you have the guts, stand up and fight me!"
Wei Sihan remained silent, her eyes unwavering, burning like flames.

(Chapter 14: A Beauty Like Jade, Heart Fluttering)

For some reason, the assassin in black grew uneasy, seemingly annoyed by Wei Sihan's piercing gaze. He suddenly pointed his spear and shouted, "You're about to die, what are you still trying to prove?"
Wei Sihan remained silent, her eyes locked on him, unblinking.
"Second brother, don't waste time talking to this kid. Kill Tang Yan first, then we'll deal with him," the assassin in black urged.
"Alright!" A sinister sneer appeared on the assassin's lips as he raised his sword and slashed down at Tang Yan.
"Ah!" Tang Yan let out a piercing scream.
Blood splattered, staining his clothes crimson. A crisp sound of bones cracking echoed from Wei Sihan's shoulder; he had actually used his own flesh and blood to shield Tang Yan from the sword!
"Brother Wei..." Tang Yan wept uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face.
"As long as...as long as I have a breath left, I will not allow you to harm Yan'er in the slightest." Wei Sihan braced himself against the ground with his sword, forcing himself to stand. His voice was bold and resolute, revealing an undisguised sincerity.
Tang Yan's heart trembled violently. Two red clouds instantly rose to her pale cheeks, and coupled with her sorrowful and melancholic expression, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
The sword-wielding assassin laughed wildly, mocking, "Look at this, what a touching scene! The number one young master of the Hengshan Sect is willing to die for a woman. Too bad, I'm ruthless and never fall for that. You two can go report to the King of Hell now."
The black-clad assassin chuckled sinisterly, "Second brother, after we're done, strip them naked and hang them on a tree. Then put a white banner with the words 'The eldest daughter of the Tang Clan is lovesick in the middle of the night, and Wei Sihan of Hengshan bestows upon her love.' Let's see how Tang Yunhe and Lin Feifan will face the heroes of the Central Plains."
"You...you're shameless!" Tang Yanxiu's eyes widened in fear as she cried out in despair.
"Hmph, I'm not a righteous person, what's the point of talking about benevolence and morality?" the black-clad assassin grinned.
"The three heroes of Shouzhou have willingly fallen into depravity, throwing themselves into murder. I think we should call them the three dogs of Shouzhou." Wei Sihan's gaze suddenly sharpened, and he said coldly.
The two assassins trembled violently upon hearing this, as if struck by a powerful punch to the chest. They staggered back three steps, their faces drained of color, and exclaimed in disbelief, "You...you've already seen through our identities?"
Wei Sihan hissed, "The Three Heroes of Shouzhou: the eldest, Zhou Weifeng, is skilled in unorthodox weapons; the second, Yang Feng, is a master swordsman; and the third, Jin Bowei, is renowned for his external martial arts techniques. You might be able to fool Yan'er with your black masks, but you can't fool me! Dream on!"
"Brother Wei, they're from the Absolute Killers?" Tang Yan exclaimed in shock.
"Besides the Absolute Killers...cough cough...who would dare offend the Hengshan Sect and the Tang Clan of Sichuan all at once?" Wei Sihan aggravated his internal injuries, coughing violently. Tang Yan felt a pang of heartache, tears streaming down her face.
"Since you've discovered our identities, I have no choice but to kill them to silence them." The assassin with the sword sneered and thrust out his sword.
"Swoosh!" Without a doubt, Wei Sihan blocked the attack for Tang Yan again, and blood gushed out instantly.
"I'll see how long you can protect him," the sword-wielding assassin roared with laughter.
"A lifetime!" Wei Sihan roared to the sky, his deep eyes suddenly flashing with a sharp light.
Yang Feng and Jin Bowei felt a chill run down their spines simultaneously.
In the blink of an eye, Wei Sihan stood up abruptly, his longsword spinning in a circle, instantly releasing a torrent of true energy that enveloped Yang Feng and Jin Bowei.
Sword shadows flashed, a myriad of images unfolding, like clouds, water, wind, and smoke. He was no longer able to wield the Thirteen Forms of Meteor, but the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" move from the Returning Wind and Falling Wild Goose Sword technique alone was enough to turn the tide of the battle.
Yang Feng and Jin Bowei suddenly felt themselves enter a void, as if intoxicated. When they regained their senses, countless sword shadows followed one after another, leaving no room for evasion.
In a flash, Yang Feng's weapon, struck by the force, snapped in two; Jin Bowei, unable to react in time, was pierced through the chest by Wei Sihan's sword, blood gushing out, and he staggered to the ground.
Yang Feng managed to block, but his internal energy surged, and he felt dizzy. Glancing at the half-broken sword in his hand, he involuntarily took two steps back.
Wei Sihan leaned against a tree, blood gushing from wounds on his shoulder and arm, his clothes soaked in red. Despite his pale face, his expression remained resolute, as if he would not rest until his opponent was annihilated.
Yang Feng, filled with shock and anger, coughed up blood several times and hissed, "You...your right collarbone is broken, yet you can still make a move..."
Wei Sihan said in a deep voice, "If you can't use your right hand, you still have your left."
Yang Feng stared at his left hand holding the sword, and exclaimed in shock, "To buy time, you'd rather I lose an arm?"
Wei Sihan wiped the blood from his mouth and smiled, "If not, why would you two have let your guard down?"
Tang Yan's eyes were misty, and she said bitterly, "Why did you disregard yourself completely, even..." At this point, tears streamed down her face, and she couldn't speak.
Wei Sihan smiled bitterly, "Of course I wanted my right arm, but unfortunately, my internal energy wasn't sufficient at the time, making it difficult to achieve a decisive blow. I had to prioritize the overall situation and endure for the time being."
Yang Feng's expression was blank, and the corners of his mouth twitched intermittently. He murmured, "So that's how it is...so that's how it is..."
Suddenly, a fierce light flashed in his eyes, and with a "clang," he thrust his sword at Wei Sihan.
Despite his weapon being broken in half, Wei Sihan dared not confront Tang Yan directly under his frenzied attacks. He shoved Tang Yan aside and shifted to the side.
Yang Feng, deceived by Wei Sihan and enraged, had no energy left for Tang Yan. Gripping his longsword tightly, he unleashed his most powerful techniques, relentlessly pursuing and attacking, determined to kill Wei Sihan.
Wei Sihan ducked and crouched, his sword flashing, but his movements were even faster. When he could lower himself as far as he could, he abruptly turned and shrugged, dodging Yang Feng's attack.
Yang Feng's sword missed its mark, the ground trembling. Taking advantage of Yang Feng's slight lapse in movement, Wei Sihan sprang up, instantly shifting from a crouching position to a flying angle, sweeping past Yang Feng's side. Just as he was about to stab Yang Feng in the ribs, a sudden, sharp pain erupted from his fractured bone, abruptly halting his attack.
Yang Feng pressed forward relentlessly, showing no mercy. Each move was like a storm, the clanging sounds echoing endlessly.
Wei Sihan, already severely injured, despite her unexpected kill of Jin Bowei and the subsequent blow to Yang Feng's morale, lacked follow-up attacks and was left only to be beaten.
In the blink of an eye, she was stabbed twice more. A moment later, Yang Feng's attacks grew faster and faster, Wei Sihan's defense crumbled, and she was struck again, crashing into a tree trunk and sliding to the ground.
"Die!" Yang Feng roared viciously, swinging his sword straight at Wei Sihan's head.
In a moment of quick thinking, Wei Sihan spat a mouthful of blood onto Yang Feng's face, hissing, "Yan'er, quickly..."
Before she could finish the word "run," Wei Sihan, exhausted, finally fainted.

Volume Fifteen: The Martial Arts Alliance Leader's Determination, Chapter One: The True Purpose.

Ren Xiaoyao dragged his weary body back to his residence, listlessly lying down on the edge of the bed. Although Nangong Fengyi had promised to help him persuade his sister, he still had to deal with Lin Yuxiu and Shui Furong himself. Thinking of the two women's jealousy and near-fighting, he felt a terrible headache coming on and drifted off to sleep.
In the middle of the night, a series of hurried footsteps startled Ren Xiaoyao awake. At first, he thought it was just loud footsteps and didn't pay much attention. But the more he listened, the more something seemed amiss. Judging from the chaotic breathing around him, there were dozens of people commotion outside the door.
Ren Xiaoyao sensed something was wrong and was about to go out to inquire when the door was suddenly kicked open. Lu Yan rushed to the bedside in a panic, trembling as he said, "Young Master Ren, it's terrible! The Assassins have launched a night attack on Shaolin! Junior Brother Wei is seriously injured and on the verge of death!"
"What!" Ren Xiaoyao jumped up, exclaiming in shock.
Lu Yan repeated his words, adding, "The Supreme Master instructed me to summon you to the Bodhidharma Hall immediately, without the slightest delay."
Ren Xiaoyao nodded, and while dressing, asked, "Besides Brother Wei, who else was attacked? Xiuxiu... is Xiuxiu alright?"
Lu Yan answered truthfully, "Xiuxiu is safe and sound, and all the fellow disciples are safe as well. However, Junior Brother Wei is too badly injured, I'm afraid..."
Before he could finish speaking, Ren Xiaoyao dashed out of the room like an arrow and disappeared in an instant.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Shaolin Temple, Bodhidharma Hall.
Dugu Yu, Lin Feifan, Tang Yunhe, Yin Shuangshuang, Tang Tianying, and the Four Great Monks who rushed to the scene all had solemn expressions and remained silent. Tang Yan trembled and shrank in her mother's arms, unable to utter a single word, clearly deeply shaken and still feeling lingering fear.
Dugu Yu picked up Wei Sihan and saw that his breathing was weak, barely a thread, and tears streamed down his face.
Tang Yunhe said apologetically, "Senior Dugu, my daughter..."
Dugu Yu waved his hand to interrupt, placing his palms on Wei Sihan's Xinlingtai acupoint on her back, continuously channeling his profound internal energy, honed over eighty years of cultivation, into her.
A steaming aura rose above Dugu Yu's head, like a sauna. Half of Wei Sihan's face flushed crimson, while the other half turned ashen. Sweat poured down her forehead as she gasped and inhaled heavily.
Tang Yunhe followed suit, using his own power to help his daughter calm her mind. For a moment, the hall was deathly silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was secretly terrified, immersed in the ominous atmosphere of impending doom.
Suddenly, Wei Sihan coughed up a mouthful of blood. Tang Yan's delicate body trembled slightly, and she involuntarily showed concern. Stealing a glance at Dugu Yu, she saw no joy or sorrow on his face, unable to guess Wei Sihan's fate, and her heart pounded with anxiety.
"Senior Dugu, how is Brother Wei?" Almost simultaneously, Ren Xiaoyao flew into the hall, asking with great concern.
Dugu Yu looked on with regret, sighed deeply, and after a long while, said, "His life has been saved, but Sihan's right shoulder is broken and cannot be reattached. From now on, I'm afraid... I'm afraid he will never be able to wield a sword again." He then shook his head sadly. Wei Sihan's martial arts skills all came from his right hand; if his right hand was crippled, the consequences were unimaginable.
"Waaah—" Tang Yan asked, her nose tingling, and she cried uncontrollably, choking out, "It's my fault, I've harmed Brother Wei."
Dugu Yu gave a signal, and Xiaoming immediately instructed his disciples to carry Wei Sihan into a room to rest, while dismissing the other monks outside the hall to ensure that the conversation inside the hall would not be leaked.
"Sect Leader Tang, how could my disciple and your daughter..." Dugu Hong wanted to say "a rendezvous at midnight," but considering the reputation of both sides, she didn't say it.
Tang Yunhe shook his head and said, "I'm also completely baffled by this matter. Let Yan'er tell me herself."
Tang Yan sobbed as she recounted the whole story, finally crying, "Father, Mother, Brother Wei was willing to risk his life for Yan'er. You must heal him!"
Tang Yunhe's expression turned solemn, and he said sternly, "Young Hero Wei is seriously injured, and I cannot shirk my responsibility. But if there is anything that can be done by the Tang Clan of Sichuan, Yunhe will go through fire and water without hesitation.
" Both women embraced their daughter, offering a few words of gentle comfort before nodding and saying, "The Tang Clan of Sichuan will never forget your great kindness to Yan'er."
Lin Feifan cupped his hands and said, "Upholding justice is our duty. There's no need for thanks from Clan Leader Tang and Madam Tang. However, we must ascertain the purpose of the assassination operation as soon as possible, otherwise, many more martial arts practitioners will suffer as a result."
Tang Yunhe smiled bitterly, "The assassination operation has come after my daughter, isn't it to avenge the attack on twenty-four of our branches eighteen years ago?"
Tang Tianying's imposing figure trembled slightly, his tiger-like eyes flashing with a sharp light, which he quickly concealed.
Ren Xiaoyao frowned and said, "The three heroes of Shouzhou are not weak in martial arts, but they may not be able to guarantee their safety against Miss Tang, who has a profound family tradition of martial arts. If the other party intends to kill to establish their authority, it seems that they should not be the ones to take action."
Tang Yunhe smiled bitterly and said, "At the same time that my daughter was attacked, Jue Sha attacked our sect's residence with dozens of people. I suppose they were confident that we would be unable to defend ourselves, so they were fearless. Fortunately, the young hero intervened to save her, and the Shaolin disciples on night patrol arrived in time, which saved her life.
" Ren Xiaoyao pondered and said, "May I ask the sect leader, were Jue Yue, Duo Hun, and others among the assassins who came to attack?"
Tang Tianying shook his head and said, "Although they were all wearing black masks, I dare say that none of the five great assassins came." Ren Xiaoyao focused his gaze and whispered, "The Absolute Assassins have a deep-seated grudge against the Tang Clan of Shu. If they were determined to take revenge, they would have deployed their elite forces. Yet, the assassins who attacked the residence and Miss Tang were all second-rate."
Yin Shuangshuang said thoughtfully, "Are you saying there's more to this than meets the eye?"
Ren Xiaoyao said decisively, "Yes, I even suspect that Miss Tang wasn't their target at all."
Xiaoming asked solemnly, "How do you know?"
Ren Xiaoyao analyzed, "Miss Tang is from a prestigious family. She wouldn't be allowed to go out late at night. Even if she were to visit a temple or historical site, she would be surrounded by attendants. The Absolute Assassins are always cautious. Unless Hentian personally intervened, they wouldn't have attacked Miss Tang. I think the three heroes of Shouzhou probably discovered Miss Tang was alone on their way to meet up with the other assassins. They saw this as a rare opportunity and couldn't resist launching an attack."
Tang Yunhe asked in astonishment, "Where did the five assassins go?" "
Ren Xiaoyao asked in a deep voice, "Two hours ago... um, around the time Miss Tang was attacked, I met Tang Dingnan. I wonder if Tang Anxi and Tang Zhenbei were also not at their residences."
Tang Tianying replied, "The three of them left one after another and have not returned since... Ah! Could it be that the true target of Juesha... Juesha's real target is..."
Ren Xiaoyao slowly continued, word by word, "The Third Young Master of the Tang Clan."

Volume Fifteen: The Martial Arts Alliance Leader's Destiny, Chapter Two: Too Much Bullying .

Tang Tianying gasped, his expression changed drastically, and suddenly stopped abruptly, turning and rushing out of the hall.
He hadn't run two steps when the hall door burst open, and Tang Li'ang, the second-ranked of the four protectors, ran towards him, panting, "Sect Master, something bad has happened!" " Dingnan, Anxi, Zhenbei, they're all...all of them..." He fainted halfway through his sentence.
Everyone was shocked and moved. Tang Yunhe rushed forward and helped him up. After a flurry of fumbling around for a while, Tang Li'ang slowly regained consciousness and said in a hoarse voice, "The bodies of Anxi and Zhenbei are hanging outside Lixue Pavilion. Dingnan...Dingnan..."
Tang Tianying said anxiously, "Tell me quickly, what happened to Dingnan?"
Tang Li'ang showed a heartbroken expression and said miserably, "Brother Tian, I...I can't say it. Go to the woods behind the mountain and see for yourself." Tang Yunhe
made a quick decision and said, "Shuangshuang, you stay and take care of Yan'er. Uncle Tian, let's go."
"Wait!" Ren Xiaoyao stopped him, "Shaolin has been suddenly attacked, and the heroes are in chaos. Jue Sha will definitely take advantage of our journey to the back mountain to cause trouble. We ask Abbot Xiaoming to stay in the temple and take charge of the situation. Master Tang should immediately return to his residence, gather the disciples, and not panic."
Everyone knew Ren Xiaoyao was resourceful and wise, and they all followed his advice. ※
※ ※ ※ ※
Lips pale, eyes closed, bones shattered, groin a bloody mess.
Tang Dingnan, the leader of the Tang Clan's Three Young Masters and a renowned young swordsman known as "Nine Palaces Flying Star," was now a lifeless corpse.
Lying beside him was Ai Yunjing, naked and long dead, her dilated pupils filled with terror, a clean cut on her neck, clearly a fatal blow to the throat.
Hundreds of onlookers, seeing their gruesome deaths, were all terrified and horrified.
When the crowd arrived, Ai Feixu was holding her daughter's body, covered by a blanket, weeping... She wept uncontrollably.
At this moment, she was no different from an ordinary woman grieving the loss of her beloved daughter, bearing no resemblance to the proud, beautiful, and elegant mistress of Piaohua Palace.
Ren Xiaoyao sighed inwardly. Not long ago, the two lovers were tenderly entwined in the woods, but in an instant, they were killed by the executioner's blade. If the other party had acted even slightly earlier, just in time to coincide with his and Nangong Fengyi's passionate lovemaking, in the throes of unbridled excitement, wouldn't that have been...
Even with his boundless audacity, the thought sent chills down his spine.
Ai Feixu glared at Tang Tianying and angrily rebuked, "Tang Laosan, it was you... it was your son who killed my daughter." Tang Tianying seemed to have aged several years in an instant, and said fiercely, "
Hmph, if it weren't for my daughter seducing my son to go out in the middle of the night..." His gaze glazed over, tears streaming down his face, and he could no longer speak. Tang Dingnan was not only his only son, but also carried the future hope of the Tang Clan in Sichuan. Now, dying at the hands of Juesha's ambush was unbearable for Tang Tianying
, both personally and professionally. Ai Feixu looked heartbroken, still babbling on, "Juesha was targeting the Third Young Master of the Tang Clan, it had nothing to do with my Piaohua Palace
. Poor Yun Jing, she was only sixteen and Tang Dingnan had already harmed her." Tang Tianying retorted angrily, "It's your own fault for not disciplining your daughter properly, for not keeping an eye on her. Besides... besides, my son is a young man who has achieved great success and is famous throughout the martial arts world. He has plenty of beautiful girls around him, why would he bother with that little bitch from Piaohua Palace?" In his haste, he even swore.
Ai Yunjing, tears streaming down her face, shook her head repeatedly, saying, "Yunjing, how many handsome young men have I introduced you to? Why couldn't you resist Tang Dingnan's sweet talk? He... he's a frequent visitor to the brothel, who knows how many girls he's ruined!"
Tang Tianying, enraged by his insult to his son, retorted, "Ai Feixu, stop spouting nonsense! My son is indeed dashing, but he's not promiscuous. It's your Piaohua Palace disciples who are utterly chaste, a bunch of wanton sluts!"
Both grieving the loss of their son, they disregarded their status as martial arts masters, arguing fiercely and nearly coming to blows.
Seeing the situation about to spiral out of control, Xiaochen clasped his hands together and shouted in a deep voice, "The Absolute Killer is still lurking around us. Are we going to fight amongst ourselves and throw our formation into disarray?" He didn't intentionally raise his voice; each word was clear and resonant, as if he were speaking directly to the assembled heroes, demonstrating that his mastery of the Yi Jin Jing had reached its pinnacle.
The moment the head of the Arhat Hall spoke, everyone fell silent.
Tang Tianying and Ai Feixu, both seasoned veterans of the martial world, though momentarily out of control, quickly regained their composure.
Tang Tianying, disheartened and dejected, said, "Palace Master Ai, the dead are gone; let us go with them."
Seeing his distraught state, Ai Feixu felt a pang of pity and said sadly, "So be it. You lost your son, I lost my daughter. Piaohua Palace and the Tang Clan of Shu owe each other nothing."
Tang Tianying turned to Ren Xiaoyao and said solemnly, "Young Master Ren said he saw my son two hours ago. What was the situation then?"
Ai Feixu bit her lower lip and sobbed, "Yes, perhaps we can find some clues."
Ren Xiaoyao thought to himself, "If I tell the truth, Piaohua Palace and the Tang Clan of Shu will be utterly humiliated." So he lowered his voice and said, "Please accept my condolences, Great Protector and Palace Master Ai. I will explain the whole story later."
Tang Tianying and Ai Feixu understood his intention and immediately ordered their men to collect the body.
"Bang!" "Bang!" Two fireworks suddenly exploded near the pagoda forest, and more than a dozen shouts of battle rang out from the mountain gate to the rear hall, stretching for several miles.
The onlookers were terrified and cried out as they prepared to flee. Dugu Yu looked up to the sky and roared, "Don't worry, everyone. Abbot Xiaoming is in the Dharma Hall presiding over the defense. The disciples of the nine branches of the Beggars' Sect and the monks of Shaolin have surrounded Shaoshi Mountain. Not a single one of us will be able to escape."
The first half of his words was true, the second half false, but the way he said them carried a convincing force.
The crowd immediately calmed down, rubbing their hands together, eager to deliver a decisive blow.
Xiao Chen's mind raced, and he raised his arm, shouting, "Heroes, this 'Decisive Kill' is too much! Let us return to the temple first and discuss a better strategy to defeat them." (

Volume Fifteen: The Martial Arts Alliance Leader's Determination, Chapter Three: Night Raid on Shaolin)

Looking at the countless swarms of demons, Ren Xiaoyao couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat. The assassination of the Tang Clan's Three Young Masters was merely a pretext for the "Decisive Kill" operation; their true purpose was to seize Shaolin and annihilate the heroes of the Central Plains in one fell swoop.
Fortunately, he had sensed something beforehand, otherwise he would have fallen into their trap.
Xiao Chen's expression was solemn as he solemnly said, "It seems that Jue Sha has come out in full force this time, making them difficult to deal with."
Ren Xiaoyao pondered, "The strength of the heroes in the temple far surpasses that of the enemy, but unfortunately, they are all acting independently and without a unified command. Facing well-trained assassins, I'm afraid..."
Dugu Hong stamped his foot and sighed, "Alas, if only a martial arts alliance leader had been elected earlier to command the heroes, Jue Sha would be nothing to fear." It should be known that many people in the martial arts world are arrogant and self-righteous. Unless the martial arts alliance leader personally intervenes, it is difficult to get them to obey any other instructions.
Ren Xiaoyao decisively said, "The most urgent task is to immediately select an acting alliance leader to issue commands."
Everyone deeply agreed and nodded in agreement.
Xiao Chen chanted a Buddhist prayer and said solemnly, "Senior Dugu, for the sake of all living beings, please temporarily take charge of the Central Plains martial arts world." With
a formidable enemy at hand, there was no room for refusal. Dugu Yu was about to agree when two more clusters of flames rose from the east and south corners of Shaolin Temple, shining brightly in the pitch-black midnight.
Dugu Hong exclaimed in astonishment, "This...this is the Divine Fire Hall's thunderbolt! Could it be that the four great families have already made preparations?"
Ren Xiaoyao suddenly realized and laughed, "Oh dear, it's my fault for being so careless. How could I forget the infallible strategist, Mr. Zhuge?" Zhuge Wenjie's wisdom and strategy were unparalleled; no deadly move could escape his meticulous planning.
Almost simultaneously, a sharp, piercing whistle came from the west, echoing across the fields.
Lin Feifan exclaimed with delight, "The Taishan Sect, the Taishan Sect is also prepared!"
Seeing this, the heroes' morale soared. Dugu Yu seized the opportunity to issue orders: "Abbot Xiaoming, please dispatch Shaolin monks to defend the west; Feifan, quickly send your disciples to support the Taishan Sect, and inform the Songshan, Huashan, and Huangshan Sects, requesting their immediate assistance; Master Xiaochen, go quickly to Chief Xiong's place and mobilize the Beggars' Sect disciples to blockade Shaoshi Mountain."
Ai Feixu and Tang Tianying took their leave one after another, everyone knowing that they would each lead their troops to seek revenge against Juesha.
Ren Xiaoyao whirled around, blocking their path, and said in a deep voice, "Palace Master Ai, Protector Tang, if I'm not mistaken, there must be spies planted by the Tang Clan of Shu and Piaohua Palace. If we attack rashly, unforeseen consequences may arise."
Ai Feixu's almond-shaped eyes widened, her phoenix eyes flashing with murderous intent, and she shouted, "The entire Piaohua Palace will surely avenge this blood debt!" With that, she raised her slender hand and rushed forward.
Ren Xiaoyao couldn't stop her, so he turned his gaze to Tang Tianying.
Tang Tianying stood up with a flick of his sleeve and said fiercely, "Dingnan is my son. Now that he has been attacked and killed, how can I, as his father, stand idly by?"
Ren Xiaoyao stared intently at Tang Tianying and said, "You are Tang Tianying's father, that's true, but you are also the chief protector of the Tang Clan of Shu. With a formidable enemy at hand, is your son's revenge more important, or the rise and fall of the Tang Clan of Shu?"
Tang Yan, as if venting her anger, slapped Ren Xiaoyao's shoulder heavily and said no more.
Ren Xiaoyao paused, then continued, "Tang Dingnan, Tang Anxi, and Tang Zhenbei have all been murdered, and Tang Yan narrowly
escaped death. The Tang Clan disciples must be filled with apprehension. If you can't even control your own emotions, how can you appease them?" Tang Tianying was speechless, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty. After a long while, he sighed, "Is Dingnan's death just going to be left like this?"
Ren Xiaoyao spoke clearly and firmly, "A gentleman takes revenge even after ten years. Why is Great Protector Tang in such a hurry?"
Tang Tianying retorted angrily, "No, Ai Feixu is gone, how can I..."
Ren Xiaoyao lowered his voice ... A voice interrupted, "The Floating Flower Palace and the Absolute Killer have no deep-seated hatred, but the Tang Clan of Sichuan... Besides, Great Protector, your identity is special, so you must be even more cautious in your actions."
Tang Dingnan let out a long sigh to vent the resentment that had been building up in his chest. As if calming down, tears suddenly welled up in his tiger-like eyes, and he pointed to the sky and swore, "Dingnan, one day your father will definitely kill Hentian with his own hands, cut out his liver and gall to offer as a sacrifice to your spirit in heaven."
Ren Xiaoyao, fearing that he was still unwilling, said casually, "Great Protector, don't worry, let me kill a few traitors for you to vent your anger." After saying that, he lightly touched the ground with his feet and leaped away .
Tang Tianying's eyes showed gratitude, and he murmured, "What a dashing and chivalrous thief! It was not in vain that I betrayed you eighteen years ago... to save your life."
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Ren Xiaoyao did not hesitate and headed straight for the west of Shaolin Temple.
With Zhuge Wenjie looking after them, Nangong Fengyi and Nangong Fengzi's safety was not a problem; Lin Yuxiu herself was skilled in martial arts, and Dugu Hong would also be closely by her side, so she should be safe; only Shui Furong was alone, and could be attacked at any time.
The east, south, and north sides were all heavily fortified, but the battle on the west side was chaotic. Shui Furong was naturally warlike, and it was obvious that she had gone there to "have some fun." With the palm techniques she learned from Yi Tianhan, she should have been more than capable of protecting herself, but Shui Furong had completely inherited her master's irritable and stubborn temperament, charging forward bravely when encountering enemies, fighting recklessly, and it was possible that she would unknowingly become surrounded. Sure enough
, when Ren Xiaoyao arrived, Shui Furong was trapped by more than a dozen black-clad assassins in a circular area of about five or six zhang in diameter. Even though she used her palms like the wind, attacking back and forth, she could not break free.
The leader of the black-clad assassins, with his keen eyesight, recognized that she wielded the Heaven-Defying Palm technique and specifically instructed his men to engage her in hit-and-run combat, avoiding a direct confrontation. If it were Yi Tianhan trapped in the formation, he could naturally break through with his powerful, seven-foot-wide palm strike. However, with his direct disciple, Shui Furong, the situation was quite different.
Firstly, Shui Furong was a woman, and in her prime, making many close-quarters combat techniques unusable. Secondly, her internal energy was only thirty percent of Yi Tianhan's, hindering the full power of the Heaven-Defying Palm.
Shui Furong fought fiercely for a long time without gaining any advantage, becoming increasingly anxious. In her frustration, she ignored the seven or eight weapons attacking from behind and unleashed a powerful palm strike, sending the black-clad assassin wielding a short staff flying, blood splattering everywhere.
The assassin leader was overjoyed, thinking: "This time, let's see if you don't get your hands on swords and die on the spot."
Unfortunately, he overlooked Ren Xiaoyao, who was watching the battle from the sidelines.

Volume Fifteen: The Martial Arts Alliance Leader's Determination, Chapter Four: The Act Completely Done.

"Whoosh!" The Ice Soul Frost Sword whistled through the wind, its melody continuous. Wherever the sword pointed, it was like slicing through melons and vegetables; the black-clad assassins fell dead one after another.
"Idiot, what are you doing here?" Shui Furong glared at him, scolding him playfully.
"Of course, I'm here to save you." Ren Xiaoyao stood back-to-back with Shui Furong, smiling calmly.
"Hmph, go keep your Lin sister company. Who needs your help?" Shui Furong, still clearly angry, spat lightly.
"Then consider me a spectator here to witness the Water Heroine's magnificent display of power." Ren Xiaoyao said, holding his sword in his right hand, while his left hand used the Free and Unfettered Palm to slightly squeeze and pull. Two black-clad assassins immediately lost their balance, flanking Shui Furong and falling towards her.
Shui Furong showed no mercy, finishing them off with a single palm strike, feeling immensely satisfied.
Ren Xiaoyao laughed loudly, "Furong, was it fun? You can't hold back when dealing with assassins."
Shui Furong giggled and said, "Fool, I'll forgive you after you've killed a hundred." As she spoke, she unleashed a "Mountain Pushing and Sea Filling" attack, which drew upon immense force, forcing the assassin leader to retreat repeatedly.
Ren Xiaoyao, with an air of arrogance, feigned surprise and asked, "How about a 50/50 split?"
Shui Furong shrugged slightly, her pretty face displaying a charmingly naive expression that could bewitch any man, and resolutely shook her head, saying, "No, no, not even one less."
The two of them continued their "bargaining," completely disregarding the deadly assassination that terrified everyone in the martial world.
The assassin leader was alarmed, furious, and anxious. He knew he and his men were no match for Ren Xiaoyao and Shui Furong, but his leader had given them a death order to storm the temple and slaughter everyone in the martial world. If he deserted, the consequences would be a hundred times worse than death.
Ren Xiaoyao, single-mindedly seeking revenge for Wei Sihan, showed no mercy in his attacks. The black-clad assassins he "sent" to Shui Furong were either crippled or paralyzed. Shui Furong, caught up in the heat of the moment, unleashed powerful and relentless blows, the sounds of bones breaking and flesh tearing echoing across the area. The assassins' agonizing screams before death were truly chilling.
Shui Furong, being a young woman, was understandably frightened by the sight. Her grip faltered slightly, nearly allowing herself to be struck by the approaching assassins.
Taking advantage of her momentary distraction, the assassin leader suddenly attacked, his body like an arrow, charging straight at Shui Furong. His left hand, fingers tightly clenched into a knife shape, struck out, while his right hand flashed like lightning as it slashed down. Seeing this, the remaining assassins
roared and charged forward, brandishing their weapons and swords, all attacking Shui Furong.
Ren Xiaoyao was about to draw his sword to her aid when a sudden thought struck him, and he immediately abandoned his plan.
Seeing the sudden increase in numbers, Shui Furong sensed danger. Before she could regain her footing, two assassins were already at her with swords drawn. Without hesitation, she used a "whirlwind sweep" to deflect their weapons, then unleashed a series of kicks, forcing them back
. Shui Furong's clothes fluttered, her lotus-like steps delicate, and she used all her skills to weave through the group of black-clad assassins as freely as if navigating through flowers and trees. Despite their numbers, none could stop her.
Shui Furong beamed with delight, smiling sweetly, "Now you know how powerful I am! I'll make you all..."
A sudden gust of wind rose behind her; the assassin leader's sharp attack erupted in the moment of her carelessness.
Shui Furong's mind raced; she leaned forward to barely dodge, but the force of the palm strike hit the back of her head, causing her instant dizziness. Unable to stop herself, she collapsed with a "thud."
The assassin leader immediately pursued, his left palm striking towards Shui Furong's chest.
With a deafening boom, the palm struck, creating a deafening roar. Before the assassin leader could even rejoice, a searing pain shot through his abdomen.
The Ice Soul Frost Sword had pierced right through him, blood gushing from the blade. His all-out palm strike had only struck Ren Xiaoyao's left shoulder.
"Ah!" Ren Xiaoyao screamed, staggering back several feet as the Ice Soul Frost Sword was severed from his body.
"Boom!" The assassin leader, his life extinguished, slowly collapsed.
A satisfied smile lingered on his lips. Trading his own life for Ren Xiaoyao's grievous wound—worth it!
"Fool—" Shui Furong cried out, throwing herself into Ren Xiaoyao's arms, tears streaming down her face. "You...why were you so foolish to take the blow for me?"
Ren Xiaoyao wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes burning with intense emotion. He smiled and said, "I told you, you are my woman, and I will not allow anyone to harm you in the slightest." With that, he vanished like a feather, his Ice Soul Frost Sword cleaving the sky. True energy surged and swirled within a radius of ten feet, a manifestation of the profound truth he had gleaned for Shui Furong: "It is difficult to meet, and even more difficult to part."
Shui Furong's heart trembled, tears wetting her clothes. Ren Xiaoyao's selfless devotion, though not earth-shattering, was enough to move the world.
In truth...Ren Xiaoyao's supposed serious injury and vomiting of blood was merely a carefully orchestrated performance. Its purpose was undoubtedly to resolve the rift between him and Shui Furong caused by the interference of Lin Yuxiu and the Nangong sisters. Otherwise, unless Hentian or the Five Great Assassins personally intervened, no one could harm him in the slightest.
The incident stemmed from Wei Sihan. After Wei Sihan was seriously injured and unconscious, Tang Yan's concern and care deeply moved Ren Xiaoyao. Already troubled about how to mediate between Shui Furong and Lin Yuxiu, he immediately thought of using the same tactic to change their attitude towards him.
Shui Furong had said she would forgive Ren Xiaoyao if he killed a hundred black-clad assassins, but the group attacking them numbered less than twenty. Desperate, Ren Xiaoyao had no choice but to try. He deliberately created a situation where the black-clad assassins attacked from both sides, then bravely took a blow for Shui Furong, even feigning serious injury and coughing up blood.
With Ren Xiaoyao's superior martial arts skills, he was naturally confident in controlling the situation. When the assassin leader struck him, the force of his palm strike was already neutralized by his protective inner energy; the blood spurting and the staggering fall were entirely an act.
Ren Xiaoyao, exceptionally intelligent, naturally understood the importance of playing his part perfectly. His body swayed, his steps unsteady, as if he were waking from a deep dream, drunk and seemingly on the verge of collapse, almost indistinguishable from someone severely injured. Yet, he always managed to strike first, killing his opponent just before he could fall.
Shui Furong, concerned for her lover's safety, attacked even more fiercely. After several rounds, the black-clad assassins were either dead or wounded, completely losing their ability to resist. (

Volume Fifteen: The Martial Arts Alliance Leader's Determination, Chapter Five: The Strange Monk of Shaolin)

"Fool, are you... are you alright?" Shui Furong hurriedly supported Ren Xiaoyao, her beautiful eyes glistening with tears, staring intently at him as she softly asked.
Ren Xiaoyao sheathed his sword, coughed violently a few times, bloodstains appearing between his teeth, and said arrogantly, "What can a mere minor injury do to me?"
The more composed he was, the more nervous Shui Furong became. Her slender fingers brushed across his muscular chest, reaching the wound, and her gentle, considerate, and perfectly timed pinching made his soul melt.
Ren Xiaoyao suppressed his lustful thoughts and pretended to be serious, saying, "Furong, we haven't killed a hundred yet, shall we go look for more?"
Shui Furong said anxiously, "No, no, you're already injured like this, how can you continue..."
Ren Xiaoyao reached out and pressed his hand to Shui Furong's cherry lips, shushing her to stop her from continuing, and said with a smile, "Ren Xiaoyao is a man of his word, I never go back on my promises."
Shui Furong shrugged her fragrant shoulders, her charming and coquettish demeanor inadvertently becoming more apparent, and said coquettishly, "Alright, alright, I forgive you, you should come back with me to heal your wounds."
This was exactly what Ren Xiaoyao had been waiting for. He pinched Shui Furong's delicate little nose and gently said, "Baby, are you really not angry anymore?"
Shui Furong stamped her foot and said angrily, "Silly boy, you're such a silly boy, do I look angry like this?"
Ren Xiaoyao achieved his goal and was very happy. He put his arm around Shui Furong and walked into the temple.
"Wow... Hahaha... Heh... Hehehe..." After taking two steps, a strange laugh suddenly came from the treetop.
Ren Xiaoyao was shocked. He hadn't even noticed someone secretly watching him.
"Who are you?" Ren Xiaoyao spread his arms to shield Shui Furong behind him and asked in a deep voice. If he were wrong and it really attracted Hentian's attention, they would both be in grave danger.
"Hehe, little girl, you've been fooled. Your sweetheart isn't injured at all." An old monk suddenly jumped down from the treetop, laughing heartily, then made a face, looking quite comical.
Ren Xiaoyao breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that he was a Shaolin monk, but he was also surprised that the old monk's tone lacked any of the demeanor of a high monk, sounding more like that of a thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy.
Lin Yuxiu was slightly taken aback, scrutinizing Ren Xiaoyao intently. Her beautiful eyes flashed with suspicion as she said indignantly, "Fool, you're not really lying to me, are you?"
Ren Xiaoyao, while surprised by the old monk's accurate judgment, feigned seriousness, saying, "Furong, you saw me take the blow yourself. I don't need to explain further, do I?"
Shui Furong nodded, turning to the old monk, "Master, you must be mistaken. That fool really did take a blow from the black-clad assassin for me, and... he even coughed up a lot of blood! It broke my heart to see him like that."
The old monk's eyes flickered, and he hopped around, saying, "Oh dear, you're so stupid! That palm strike only used three-tenths of its force. The blood he coughed up was all forced out by his own internal energy."
Ren Xiaoyao, hearing his perfect accuracy, was immediately dumbfounded.
Shui Furong, after all, deeply loved Ren Xiaoyao, and although she had some doubts, she still couldn't believe it.
Ren Xiaoyao quickly pulled Shui Furong aside, showering her with sweet words and oaths.
Seeing Shui Furong's expression gradually soften, the old monk became increasingly anxious, his face flushed, jumping around, sometimes doing somersaults, sometimes scratching his head, appearing more nervous than anyone else.
Although Ren Xiaoyao was very interested in this childlike old monk, he was afraid that he would break Shui Furong's trust in him, so he quickly grabbed Shui Furong and turned to leave.
"Liar, don't go!" The old monk lunged forward, his palm strike exploding like thunder, aimed directly at Ren Xiaoyao's face.
This palm strike was even more powerful than Yi Tianhan's by three points. Ren Xiaoyao dared not take it head-on. He lightly touched the ground with his feet and sprang backward, about to unleash his Flying Immortal Transformation technique, when suddenly he felt an unfathomable and powerful force surge straight into his chest, making him dizzy and seeing stars. He
almost fainted on the spot. Ren Xiaoyao was suspended in mid-air, but had no way to defend himself. He fell headfirst to the ground with a "thud," looking extremely disheveled.
The old monk chuckled, "Hahaha, now you know how powerful it is. I told you not to lie."
Ren Xiaoyao took a deep breath, barely suppressing the surging blood and qi in his chest and abdomen. He looked up at the old man, quite surprised: this man's martial arts were even above that of the Holy Monk Xiaochen. Could he be a hidden master in Shaolin Temple? Thinking of this, he hurriedly cupped his hands in a respectful bow and asked, "May I...may I ask for your Dharma name, Master?"
The old monk lowered his body, put his hands behind his back, and stared at Ren Xiaoyao, saying, "Dharma name, what is a Dharma name?"
Ren Xiaoyao was taken aback, thinking to himself: Are you pretending to be crazy with me? He forced a smile and said, "It's what others call you, Master."
The old monk nodded thoughtfully and murmured, "Some call me Uncle-Master, some call me Grand Uncle-Master, and some call me Grand Uncle-Master. Which one are you asking about?"
Ren Xiaoyao was both amused and exasperated, but Shui Furong was quick-witted and said softly, "How does your master address you?"
The old monk frowned and said, "Well...let me think...sixty years ago...mentally challenged, yes, mentally challenged!"
"Mentally challenged?!" Shui Furong couldn't help but giggle.
Ren Xiaoyao thought to himself: The Shaolin monks are ranked according to their wisdom, understanding, intelligence, and enlightenment. If the old monk wasn't lying, he must be Abbot Xiaoming's uncle. But the title "Idiot" is just too... too bizarre.
The old monk raised his head and said, "What? You don't believe me? Come, come, try stabbing me twice."
Ren Xiaoyao quickly waved his hands and said, "I believe you! I believe you! Master's martial arts are superb; I admire you greatly."
The old monk coldly said, "Hmph, you're no good. You only know how to deceive young girls. I'm going to teach you a lesson."
Ren Xiaoyao smiled bitterly, "Master, you misunderstand..."
Before he could finish speaking, the old monk slammed his palm down.
Ren Xiaoyao didn't dare to be careless. He crossed his arms and hugged his chest protectively. Fearing the old monk was too powerful, he immediately used his "Soaring Clouds Step" technique to retreat with all his might. This seemingly ordinary movement, a mere glance upwards and a graceful leap, actually combined the two supreme martial arts techniques, the Free and Unfettered Palm and the Flying Immortal Transformation, creating a defense so tight it was practically impenetrable, capable of blocking any attack in the world and evading any pursuit.
But who would have thought that the old monk's palm strike would deflect Ren Xiaoyao's hands, and in his haste, strike his Baihui acupoint right on the top of his head, causing a violent jolt and immediate unconsciousness. The
Flying Immortal Transformation, hailed as the world's premier lightness skill, was utterly ineffective against the old monk's attack!

(Volume Fifteen: The Martial Arts Alliance Leader's Determination, Chapter Six: Keeping the Secret

) Shui Furong was dumbfounded. She knew that even with her master's personal presence, it would take at least a hundred or eighty moves to defeat Ren Xiaoyao. The old monk's leap, palm strike, and landing were all executed in one fluid motion, leaving Ren Xiaoyao utterly powerless to retaliate. Was he human? A ghost? Or… a god?
The old monk grinned, looking quite pleased with himself, and said arrogantly, "Little girl, I've dealt with the swindler. Are you satisfied now?"
Shui Furong burst into tears, sobbing, "He's not a swindler, he's my friend! How... how could you knock him unconscious?" Her tears were partly due to Ren Xiaoyao's serious injuries and unconsciousness, and partly due to the old monk's astonishing skill.
The old monk said in astonishment, "I was teaching him a lesson for you..."
Shui Furong sobbed, "I... I willingly let him play me, willingly let him deceive me, what's it to you?" Saying this, she threw herself onto Ren Xiaoyao, wailing, "Fool, wake up... wake up! Don't scare me anymore!"
Ren Xiaoyao remained motionless like a corpse for a long time.
The old monk patted his head, muttering to himself, "Oh no, the little girl is angry. This is terrible, terribly terrible. Looks like I need to find a place to wake him up, otherwise Xiaoming will say I've gone mad again."
Shui Furong cried even harder, sobbing with snot and tears, "Fool, you can't die! You promised Master you'd take care of me for life!"
The old monk walked to Shui Furong's side, his face hardening, "Little girl, you really want to save him?"
Shui Furong stood up gracefully, nodding hurriedly, "Yes, please..."
Before she could finish speaking, the old monk suddenly kicked Ren Xiaoyao in the back.
Ren Xiaoyao was like a leaf blown by a storm, flying uncontrollably into the distance, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
The old monk said in a deep voice, "At most two days, I guarantee he'll return safely to your side, but if you dare tell anyone about this, you'll never see him again."
Before Shui Furong could speak, the old monk had vanished.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
After an unknown amount of time, Ren Xiaoyao slowly awoke to find himself curled up in a quiet room, surrounded by bookshelves filled with various classic texts from Shaolin Temple.
"The...the Hidden Tendon Pavilion?" Ren Xiaoyao was surprised when a hoarse voice suddenly came from behind the bookshelves: "Young man, your internal strength is quite good. You've only been awake for less than half a day."
As he spoke, a gaunt monk in a blue robe, with white hair and beard, appeared before Ren Xiaoyao.
"It's you! Ah...no!" Ren Xiaoyao glanced at him and saw that this old monk looked exactly like the old monk he had seen in the forest. However, upon closer inspection, he noticed that the monk moved slowly and seemed weak, unlike the peerless master who had easily defeated him with a mere flick of his wrist.
The old monk smiled and said, "You guessed right, I am indeed mentally challenged."
Ren Xiaoyao was taken aback at first, then shook his head and said, "Master, you have a dignified appearance, you must be a high-ranking monk from Shaolin, how could you be..."
The old monk smiled and said, "How could you be that muddle-headed, confused, and childlike mentally challenged person, right?"
Ren Xiaoyao slowly nodded.
The old monk said calmly, "You have just recovered from serious injuries, you must not sit and talk, otherwise it will hinder the circulation of your qi and blood."
Ren Xiaoyao felt a gentle force lifting him up from under his arm, and he involuntarily stood up, but he did not see the old monk make any movement. He was shocked and thought to himself that such a subtle use of divine power, where the mind and the force are in sync, could only be done by the old monk who knocked him unconscious, besides Dugu Yu. Could it be that the old monk in front of him really was him?
The old monk seemed to sense Ren Xiaoyao's doubts and explained with a smile, "Sixty years ago, I suffered a severe head injury. Although I was lucky enough to survive, I was left with an ailment. Every half day, I would become mentally confused and act like a child."
Ren Xiaoyao suddenly realized, "So when I met you in the woods, you were having an attack."
The mentally challenged man nodded and said, "Yes, usually when I have an attack, there are always monks watching over me. Last night, I think they were all busy defending against the deadly attack and went out of the temple to fight, which is why I had to leave the Sutra Repository and almost made a terrible mistake."
He patted Ren Xiaoyao's shoulder and continued, "If you had been hit by my Vajra Palm, you would have certainly died. Fortunately, your internal strength is not weak and your foundation is solid, so you were able to save me in time."
Ren Xiaoyao slightly gathered his breath and felt that his internal energy was circulating smoothly without any stagnation. He asked in surprise, "Master, how come I..." "I feel perfectly normal, not like someone recovering from a serious injury," Ren Xiaoyao thought.
The mentally challenged man chuckled, "Hehe, I used over seventy years of Yi Jin Jing internal energy to heal you. If you still feel chest tightness and muscle aches, then the Shaolin martial arts are nothing but empty boasts."
Ren Xiaoyao was sincerely convinced and bowed, saying, "Master, I will never forget your life-saving grace." The
mentally challenged man helped him up, clasped his hands together, and said calmly, "I was the one who injured you, and I was also the one who saved you. It's all due to fate; there's no need to blame me, nor is there any need to say anything." "Thank you."
Ren Xiaoyao thought of Shui Furong and hurriedly asked, "Master, is the girl I was with alright?"
The mentally challenged man said calmly, "Don't worry, she has a solid foundation in martial arts. Ordinary assassins can't do anything to her... Luckily, I still have my memory from when I had my attack, otherwise I really wouldn't be able to answer."
Ren Xiaoyao suddenly asked, "Master, how long until Chenshi (7-9 AM)?"
The mentally challenged man laughed, "Hahaha, Chenshi has just passed. You'll miss quite a few of the mandatory tests at the martial arts tournament."
Just as Ren Xiaoyao was about to take his leave, the mentally challenged man said solemnly, "If you're going to leave, then leave quickly. Remember not to mention anything about me to anyone."
Ren Xiaoyao was stunned and said, "This... why is that?"
The mentally challenged man said solemnly, "There are some things you'd better not know. Oh, and remember to tell the girl you were with to keep this a secret as well."
Ren Xiaoyao nodded slowly, showing a sincere expression, and clasped his hands, saying, "Master, this junior is going now. I wish you a speedy recovery. We'll meet again." After saying that, he went out the window.
Watching his receding figure, the mentally challenged man gave a bitter smile and murmured, "Young man, if we meet again, the martial arts world of the Central Plains will surely suffer a catastrophe. If that day truly comes, as a descendant of the Four Saints of Qin, Qi, Shu, Hua (music, chess, calligraphy, and painting), can you turn the tide?" (

Volume 15, Chapter 7: The Final Battle, Martial Arts Alliance Leader)

Ren Xiaoyao rushed to the venue, where Shui Furong immediately greeted him, weeping with joy, "Fool, you've finally returned to my side safely! Before... before I was so worried!"
She wiped away her tears and continued, "Who was that old monk last night? What did he do after taking you away?"
Ren Xiaoyao briefly recounted the events, then pulled Shui Furong into his arms, showering her with affection, and whispered, "Master Zhizhang said..." "Don't reveal a single word about him to anyone else. You must remember this well and don't let anything slip."
Shui Furong chuckled, "Don't worry, I might not listen to others, but Master Zhizhang's martial arts are even higher than Master's. How could I dare to ignore his instructions?"
Ren Xiaoyao felt her intimate tenderness and asked softly, "How is the martial arts tournament going?"
Shui Furong answered truthfully, "More than a dozen matches have been held. Currently, only Master Xiaochen and Headmaster Liu are undefeated. If nothing unexpected happens, the leader of the alliance will be one of them." After speaking, she couldn't help but show a regretful expression, thinking: If Master were here, he would definitely use "Water and Sky in One Color" to win the competition. Not only would he avenge the humiliation of defeat twenty years ago, but he could also get the leader of the alliance. His disciple would also be very proud.
Ren Xiaoyao frowned and asked, "Who did Sect Leader Nangong and Sect Leader Tang lose to?"
Shui Furong casually replied, "Sect Leader Nangong said he had no intention of competing for the position of Alliance Leader, so he didn't participate. As for Sect Leader Tang, he claimed to be ill and stayed at his residence, not even coming to the venue." Ren
Xiaoyao's heart skipped a beat, thinking to himself: Nangong Bubai is a leader in the business world and has no time for anything else, so it's understandable that he didn't participate. But with the three young masters of the Tang Clan murdered and Tang Yan seemingly in danger, Tang Yunhe should be striving to become the leader of the martial arts alliance, using the power of the heroes of the Central Plains to avenge his family, both publicly and privately. Why is he claiming to be ill and not showing up? There must be some hidden reason.
Suddenly, a commotion arose throughout the arena. It turned out that Xiao Chen and Liu Yuxu had simultaneously ascended the high platform, preparing for the final battle.
Ren Xiaoyao and Shui Furong's attention was immediately drawn to them.
Xiao Chen clasped his hands together in front of his chest, his lowered eyelids lifting to reveal deep, unfathomable eyes filled with the wisdom of a philosopher and sage. His grey monk's robe sank inwards, further emphasizing his tall, slender physique.
Liu Yuxu stood solemnly, his feet planted firmly on the ground, his Taoist robe fluttering slightly as his inner energy circulated, protecting his entire body.
"Sect Leader Liu, please." Xiao Chen slightly raised his hand, assuming the starting stance of the Great Vajra Palm, "Paying homage to the Tathagata."
Liu Yuxu smiled and said, "The Great Vajra Palm is powerful and invincible, and is known as one of the four great martial arts of the world, along with the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms, the Carefree Limitless Palm, and the Heaven-Defying Divine Palm. My sect's Sun-Viewing Palm technique pales in comparison, so today I can only learn from your swordsmanship." With that, he drew his Purple Lightning and Azure Frost swords with a "whoosh," pointing them at his opponent.
Xiao Chen clasped his hands together and struck out at Xiao Chen's chest, two surging energies immediately flanking him from both sides, rushing towards Liu Yuxu.
Liu Yuxu's eyes gleamed brightly as he met Xiao Chen's piercing gaze. He realized that while Xiao Chen's moves seemed fierce and sharp, they had actually reached a state of simplicity and naturalness, a mastery of seemingly clumsy yet profound martial arts. His movements were fluid and unpredictable, like a gazelle leaping through the air, full of hidden mysteries. No matter what ingenious techniques he used to counter, he would ultimately only be able to withstand Xiao Chen's palm strike. The profound mystery within was beyond words.
Liu Yuxu charged forward like lightning, his longsword flashing, thrusting swiftly towards Xiao Chen's palm. The sword energy instantly pierced through the palm's force, penetrating without hindrance. Liu Yuxu was not pleased but alarmed. Xiaochen had studied the Yi Jin Jing for decades, and his internal strength was unmatched in the Central Plains martial arts world except for Dugu Yu. How could he be at a disadvantage so soon after the first exchange? He immediately twisted his body and stepped
back, withdrawing his sword to defend himself. Xiaochen chanted a Buddhist prayer, clasped his hands together, and his energy immediately surged back towards Liu Yuxu with overwhelming force. Even though Liu Yuxu had anticipated this move, he still couldn't have imagined the change would be so swift. He retreated quickly, but he couldn't escape the palm wind before the internal energy was transmitted from the blade.
"Boom!" Liu Yuxu's face turned pale, and he staggered backward. Fortunately, the Taishan Sect's Rising Sun Divine Skill also had its unique aspects. After adjusting his internal energy, he immediately recovered. Purple Lightning and Green Frost transformed into rings of sword energy, pouring down like a great river towards Xiaochen.
It wasn't that he was overconfident in his superior skill and forced a direct confrontation with Xiao Chen; rather, it was because in a battle between masters, once either side is forced into a disadvantageous position, it's extremely difficult to recover, and the situation will only worsen. Especially for a high-ranking Buddhist monk like Xiao Chen, whose every move is refined to perfection,
honed through countless trials, there's simply no way for him to gain an advantage. Liu Yuxu's retreat and advance, though forced by the situation, were as natural as the ebb and flow of the tide. Those with slightly weaker skills couldn't discern the subtlety behind it, only seeing him as effortlessly maneuvering under Xiao Chen's swift and sharp attacks, cheering loudly.
Xiao Chen's palms flew, each move unleashing immense power capable of shattering the heavens and earth, a terrifying aura surging and resounding, containing the vast and profound true energy of Buddhism, like an overflowing and raging ocean.
Liu Yuxu, fully focused on his Sun-Gazing Sword Technique, simultaneously moved his two swords forward, then backward, then to the left, then to the right, forming a series of vortexes of pure, powerful, and fierce true energy to meet Xiaochen's unparalleled attack.
"Boom!" A thunderous explosion resounded as both retreated, stopping abruptly when the distance was about ten feet, facing each other directly.
"Sect Leader Liu's swordsmanship is exquisite; I admire you greatly." Xiaochen's gaze was intense, his profound eyes, surpassing worldly wisdom, seemingly able to see through every intention of his opponent, leaving no detail overlooked.
Suddenly, Liu Yuxu felt a surge of astonishment and fear that he himself could not explain. This feeling was like a mountaineer suddenly facing a precipitous peak with a thousand blades, or a boatman suddenly finding himself caught in a raging sea. It was an emotion he had never experienced in the course of a battle with an opponent.
"The moon wanes after it is full, and the sun declines after it is at its zenith!" Liu Yuxu suddenly shouted, using the supreme secret of the Rising Sun Divine Skill to dispel the tremor in his heart. His twin swords surged with dazzling blue light, aiming straight for Xiaochen's chest.
Even with Xiaochen's cultivation, he could not help but show surprise. He raised his hands in the air and used the "Double Dragons Snatching the Pearl" technique from the Shaolin Dragon Claw, unleashing two sharp, ruthless, and incomparably powerful forces. He regarded the lightning-fast twin swords as nothing and directly grabbed them towards Liu Yuxu's shoulder.

Volume Fifteen: The Martial Arts Alliance Leader's Determination, Chapter Eight: Shaolin's Ultimate

Skill. The heroes were all astonished. How could Xiao Chen, a highly accomplished monk, use such a mutually destructive move? It truly violated the Buddhist principles of humility and benevolence.
Only top masters like Dugu Yu, Lin Feifan, and Nangong Bubai could discern the mystery within.
Liu Yuxu's swordsmanship was fierce and relentless, unpredictable and continuous. At first glance, it seemed substantial, yet it concealed illusion within its substance; it appeared ever-changing, yet it was simple and unadorned. Its subtle and profound mysteries fully displayed the astonishing skill of a contemporary swordsmanship master. While Xiao Chen's internal strength was indeed superior, it was unwise to confront the iron-slicing power of Zidian and Qingshuang with bare hands. Therefore, he abandoned defense and launched a preemptive attack.
He used the Dragon Claw Hand to strike Liu Yuxu's shoulders, not to injure the enemy, but to relieve the siege of Wei by attacking Zhao.
This is because the acupoints on the shoulder, specifically the Quepen and Jugu points, are crucial points for the tendons and veins of the arm. If these points are controlled, no matter how skilled one's swordsmanship, it will be useless. Liu Yuxu knew he might not be able to strike Xiaochen before the Dragon Claw Hand could reach him, so he had no choice but to slightly turn his body and gracefully dodge, thus neutralizing the attack.
Xiaochen seized the opportunity to attack, his second claw following immediately, its momentum becoming increasingly swift and fierce.
Liu Yuxu dodged to the right, preparing to meet the attack with his sword, but Xiaochen unleashed his third, fourth, and fifth claws with a whoosh, as if he had transformed into a flying dragon. Sometimes he seemed to be hovering in the abyss, shifting and maneuvering; sometimes he seemed to be circling the wilderness, reaching everywhere; sometimes he seemed to be soaring through the heavens, his dragon claws dancing rapidly; sometimes he seemed to be shaking the sky, his might overwhelming and unstoppable.
Liu Yuxu, relying on his light and agile footwork and his dense and focused swordsmanship, defended flawlessly, no longer easily attacking or being greedy for merit, embodying the Taoist principles of humility and frugality to the fullest extent.
Xiao Chen, having used all thirty-six forms of the Dragon Claw Hand, hadn't gained the slightest advantage. Suddenly, a smile appeared on his face. His left palm bent inward, resting on his right wrist, while his right middle finger snapped back, his thumb pressed firmly, as if he were picking a flower.
"Flower-Picking Finger!" the crowd below exclaimed in unison.
Several "pop" sounds rang out as five finger strikes shot out.
Liu Yuxu immediately felt a gentle, peaceful aura rush towards him. He quickly slid three feet to the right, unleashing a "Gentle Breeze" attack to strike Xiao Chen diagonally. Midway through the attack, his sword suddenly spun, followed by a "Rippling Water" counter-attack to the lower body.
Xiao Chen used "Crossing the River on a Reed," and before the crowd could even see clearly, he had retreated seven feet away. Then, with a spin, the resulting gust of wind perfectly neutralized Liu Yuxu's immense pressure.
"Fool, Master Xiao Chen's footwork is even faster than yours!" Shui Furong exclaimed in surprise.
"He's not just faster than me, even if my master were here in person, he might not be able to beat me," Ren Xiaoyao said with heartfelt admiration.
"Hehe, when it comes to lightness skill, Meng Fei truly deserves the title of the best in the world." Dugu Yu stroked his beard and said, "Flying Immortal Transformation is known for its lightness, agility, and skill, emphasizing the changes in body shape in mid-air; Crossing the River on a Reed emphasizes speed, swiftness, and agility, with ground movement and leaps that are unparalleled in the world. Both can be said to have their own merits, but Meng Fei has only studied the Free and Unfettered Palm and Flying Immortal Transformation in his life, while Master Xiaochen not only has to take care of the other twelve Shaolin martial arts, but also has to manage the affairs of the Arhat Hall. Although his martial arts are slightly higher than Meng Fei's, his lightness skill is slightly inferior."
Ren Xiaoyao nodded thoughtfully and muttered to himself, "So even if you master the ninth level of Flying Immortal Transformation, 'Vast Universe,' it will be difficult to reach the highest level of lightness skill cultivation?"
Shui Furong giggled and said with a smile, "At worst, you can steal the Crossing the River on a Reed..." She stopped abruptly, afraid that the Shaolin monks would hear her.
Dugu Yu mused wistfully, "Flying Immortal Transformation, Crossing the River on a Reed, and the Heavenly Pole Sect's Illusory Shadow Step—if one could truly master these three supreme lightness skills, one would be unprecedented and unparalleled."
Little did he know that years later, Ren Xiaoyao would indeed achieve this.
Xiao Chen and Liu Yuxu had been locked in a fierce battle for nearly a hundred moves, each employing their own methods without yielding an inch, resulting in a near-stalemate.
"The Dharma Assembly is divided for a reason; thus have I heard!" As the chanting began, hundreds upon hundreds of palm shadows suddenly appeared before Liu Yuxu's eyes, crashing down with the force of Mount Tai.
Facing the "Great Compassion Thousand-Leaf Hand," Liu Yuxu remained calm and composed. Unlike Wei Sihan, who had been eager to interrupt the opponent's palm strike, he observed the situation and waited until Xiao Chen's momentum was almost exhausted before attacking. Zi Dian and Qing Shuang secretly neutralized the force, deflecting up to 70% of the opponent's attack. Then, they retreated, avoiding the remaining palm strike. As they twisted back, they stepped to Xiao Chen's left and swung their swords horizontally. The sword strike appeared slow but was actually fast, seemingly clumsy but actually skillful, flashing like a meteor across the space where the two were facing off, swiftly striking Xiao Chen's waist.
"What a move, 'Cloud Sea Jade Plate'!" Xiao Ming exclaimed in surprise. "It combines neutralization and attack, without any trace of movement, perfectly in line with the natural law of 'The Three Realms are only mind, all phenomena are only consciousness'." An
ordinary person would have been severely injured by the sword energy, which had the power to shake mountains, before the blade even touched their body. However, Xiao Chen activated the Yi Jin Jing, instantly pushing his spiritual awareness to its peak. His entire body remained motionless, not even his clothes fluttered. His palms swept down from left to right, overlapping in front of his chest, eight fingers hanging loosely, only the thumbs together, striking precisely the spine of the Purple Lightning Sword.
Liu Yuxu felt a chill run down his spine. Xiao Chen's Maha Finger Technique had surpassed the pinnacle of skill; every movement was slow and deliberate, completely different from the speed of the two swords. Even a layman unfamiliar with martial arts could see it clearly. Yet, it was precisely this seemingly ordinary "slowness" that could restrain his "speed," because Xiao Chen's slow movements were merely an illusion created by his eyesight.
Buddhist profound skills were indeed astonishing and beyond description!
The clash of their energies produced no sound whatsoever. Liu Yuxu felt as if the two swords had been thrown into a dry well that had been parched for countless years, without causing any ripples. But when his energy was completely depleted, the dry well suddenly transformed into a surging ocean, rushing towards him relentlessly.
Liu Yuxu grunted and retreated hastily.
Xiao Chen seized the opportunity to attack, his palms forming a claw, drawing a swastika in the air, layer upon layer, dense and unparalleled, like wolves charging forward—this was the seventeenth move of the Annihilation Claw, "Ten Thousand Buddhas Paying Homage."
Liu Yuxu roared, his arms vibrating rapidly, the Purple Lightning and Azure Frost becoming heavier than a thousand pounds, yet lighter than a feather; both majestic as mountains and ethereal and intangible, their power no less than his opponent's, and perhaps even surpassing it.

Volume Fifteen: The Martial Arts Alliance Leader's Determination, Chapter Nine: The Dust Settles.

"Boom!" The two forces clashed, yet were evenly matched, their swords and claws repelling each other in mid-air, freezing in place for a moment.
"The master of thirteen ultimate techniques only used nine; could it be that he deliberately concealed his abilities?" Liu Yuxu said with a smile.
"Hahaha, didn't Sect Leader Liu also not use his Heavenly Annihilation Three Forms?" Xiao Chen said cheerfully.
Their conversation flowed without pause, as if they were calmly discussing something. If one hadn't witnessed it firsthand, no one would believe that the two seemingly talking were actually engaged in a contest of internal energy cultivation.
Suddenly, a surge of energy erupted, swirling back and forth, the scattering spray stinging the eyes of the assembled heroes. Those with weaker skills even felt a tightness in their chests, nearly vomiting blood.
Xiao Chen stumbled back three steps before regaining his footing. Experienced in battle, he immediately adopted a defensive stance using the Prajna Palm, both intangible and tangible, to prevent his opponent from launching a powerful attack.
Liu Yuxu leaned backward, spinning rapidly like a top, transforming into several indistinguishable figures.
In an instant, sword energy crisscrossed the stage, silver light danced, and Liu Yuxu's expression gradually shifted from composure to calm. He changed his moves in quick succession, a dazzling array of attacks, sharp and unparalleled.
Xiao Chen heard the whistling wind in his ears and saw that each of his opponent's moves was more unpredictable and elusive than the last, capable of splitting mountains and shattering rocks, breaking tendons and bones. He knew that he couldn't withstand it with just the Prajna Palm, and in a flash, he had already devised a countermeasure.
"Whoosh—" Suddenly, a red cloud swept towards Liu Yuxu's face. Liu Yuxu looked closely and saw that it was the bright red kasaya that Xiao Chen had been wearing. He hurriedly thrust his sword at it, but unexpectedly, he couldn't pierce it.
"Master, you have incorporated the techniques of the Samantabhadra Heart Sutra into the Kasaya Subduing Demon Technique. This is probably unprecedented in history!" Liu Yuxu's expression changed slightly as he murmured.
Xiao Chen said calmly, "This old monk has been a monk for decades, often neglecting his Chan studies due to martial arts practice. When reciting scriptures, I inevitably think of other things. Over time, I've become a laughing stock for Sect Leader Liu."
Liu Yuxu said nonchalantly, "The method described in the Samantabhadra Heart Sutra for resolving the five poisons of greed, anger, resentment, ignorance, and jealousy has been transformed in your hands into a soft force that uses the opponent's strength against them and transforms strength into force. The mystery within is truly beyond words."
As they exchanged their words, the crowd applauded and cheered.
It turned out that while the two were talking, their hands continued to move without stopping, and their tone remained exactly the same as usual, without the slightest pause or shortness of breath. When Liu Yuxu said, "This is probably unprecedented throughout history," he unleashed three swift sword strikes. When Xiaochen said, "This old monk has been a monk for decades," he concealed the sword's edge with his robe. As he said, "I'm afraid I've made a fool of myself in front of Sect Leader Liu," the robe suddenly shifted position, descending directly upon Liu Yuxu's head.
The two fought and talked, their voices never drowned out by the cheers of the assembled heroes. No sooner had Liu Yuxu uttered, "The profound mysteries within are truly beyond words," than the sword light shifted rapidly, a chaotic and vast expanse, a mix of blue and green, creating a bizarre and wondrous spectacle.
Xiao Chen let out a low shout, his figure suddenly leaping up, flashing to Liu Yuxu's side. His cassock billowed and billowed, his momentum fierce. He launched several attacks in quick succession, then with a swift turn, he lightly and deftly leaped behind Liu Yuxu, unleashing another powerful strike. Liu Yuxu struggled to block, preparing to counterattack, but before he could react, Xiao Chen had suddenly retreated more than ten feet.
The assembled heroes were all dumbfounded. If they hadn't witnessed it with their own eyes, they would never have believed that such lightness skill existed in the world. Even those skilled in this art, such as Ren Xiaoyao and Ye Zhi Qiu, were filled with envy and felt utterly inferior.
Liu Yuxu murmured, "Master, this humble Taoist is about to unleash 'Unity of Heaven and Earth'." With that, he raised his Purple Lightning Sword high above his head in his left hand, slashing it through the air like a master calligrapher splashing ink, a powerful and unrestrained expression of his inner thoughts. His right hand pointed his Azure Frost Sword diagonally downwards, concealing an incredibly profound follow-up move.
The same moves, executed by him, were completely different from Xiao Xingchen's in terms of direction, force, and speed. Liu Yuxu's casual sword swings were merely the starting stance of the Unity of Heaven and Earth, not only pushing speed to the limit but also concentrating all his power at the tip of the sword. His entire spirit and energy suddenly rose to the highest realm of swordsmanship, creating an opportunity for his subsequent attacks.
Twenty years ago, Xiao Chen narrowly lost to Xiao Yusun because he failed to break the Three Forms of Heavenly Annihilation. He was unwilling to repeat the same mistake today. He immediately changed his previous calm demeanor, flung out his cassock, and threw it at Liu Yuxu like a shadow. At the same time, his body moved with the shadow, his legs containing the power of thunder, kicking out in succession.
"Good, Shadowless Kick, indeed, it came with earth-shattering force!" Liu Yuxu roared, dodging the attack from the cassock. His body moved with his sword, his aura soaring like a rainbow, directly facing Xiao Chen.
The two were less than three feet apart. Xiao Chen secretly circulated his inner energy, preparing for a direct confrontation at any moment. Unexpectedly, Liu Yuxu suddenly leaped up, as swift as a hawk, soaring into the air. Behind him, a series of sharp cracking sounds rang out. A pine tree near the high platform suddenly snapped in two, the upper half flying out horizontally and crashing two zhang away. Only a five-foot-long half of the trunk remained on the ground, the veins at the break shattered, demonstrating the immense power of the attack.
Liu Yuxu swiftly used "Heaven and Earth United," and purple lightning and green frost flashed out in streaks of light, like a yellow dragon soaring into the sky, thunder breaking through the clouds, carrying a powerful and domineering aura as he pressed forward.
Xiao Chen's eyes were sharp, anticipating the sword's trajectory. He shifted his form, using a mysterious, river-crossing movement technique to evade it all, while simultaneously counterattacking. His left hand, employing the One-Finger Zen skill, swiftly struck Liu Yuxu's brow, while his right hand, with the Vajra Palm, struck towards his face.
Their inner energies clashed in mid-air, rumbling like thunder and lightning, the roar of tigers and the cry of dragons.
Liu Yuxu hastily activated his divine power, gripping his sword hilt tightly, twisting his wrist to deflect Xiao Chen's follow-through. Purple lightning and icy frost flashed, their shadows shifting, instantly drawing an unpredictable arc.
Unity of Heaven and Man!
Even from several feet away, Xiao Chen clearly felt the threat of his opponent's sword strike.
Liu Yuxu retreated with a slight shoulder drop, circulated his inner energy, and then thrust out his twin swords. All his movements were seamless, forming an inseparable whole. The most awe-inspiring aspect was that when his attack arrived, it would be at the peak of his sword energy. For anyone directly confronting him, there was only a desperate, all-or-nothing chance of survival.
If Xiao Chen were to rely on the powerful inner strength of the Yi Jin Jing and his Vajra Indestructible Body technique, already at 80% mastery, to withstand Liu Yuxu's attack while simultaneously using his Dragon Claw Hand to seize Liu Yuxu's waist, he would have a 70% chance of victory. However, this would leave both of them severely injured, requiring years to recover. Not only did he have to consider the grand plan to defend against the Asura Sect and eliminate the invading forces, allowing no room for error from these two masters, but Xiao Chen himself had no intention of fighting Liu Yuxu to the death.
At this crucial moment that would determine victory or defeat, Xiao Chen had no choice but to unleash the final, painstakingly practiced move of the past eighteen years, forcefully halting Liu Yuxu's attack before his sword momentum reached its zenith. The question of
who will become the leader of the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance is about to be settled!

Volume 15, Chapter 10: The Martial Arts Alliance Leader's Determination.

Xiao Chen, the Hero of the Heavenly Realm, let out a loud "Hoo!" and unleashed his full power, roaring to the sky!
A muffled boom echoed through the heavens, shaking the true energy within a ten-zhang radius, as if the sky itself had undergone a transformation, with dark clouds obscuring the sky and countless
thunderbolts pouring down, exploding one after another above Liu Yuxu's head. "Not good, quickly cover your ears!" The heroes recognized that this was the supreme martial art of Shaolin Temple, the "Vajra Lion's Roar." If injured by it, one would either faint instantly or lose all martial arts skills. In addition, Xiao Chen had used the internal energy cultivation method of the Yi Jin Jing, so among those present, only Dugu Yu might be able to withstand it.
Unexpectedly, while Xiaochen's roar was deafening, it contained not a trace of internal energy. The assembled heroes felt a slight tingling in their ears, which quickly subsided, leaving them with a growing sense of doubt: This was the Shaolin martial art that once struck
fear into the hearts of the Asura Sect and the Absolute Killers, yet it sounded almost identical to the shout of an ordinary mountain villager. In truth, Xiaochen had long known that while the "Vajra Lion's Roar" was incredibly powerful, it could easily injure others. Therefore, he had spent nearly twenty years in seclusion in the Arhat Hall, diligently studying and refining it until he finally reached a level of mastery where he could concentrate his internal energy within a specific area, greatly increasing the power of his moves while avoiding harming innocent bystanders.
The one groaning in agony was none other than Liu Yuxu. Xiaochen had concentrated all his life's power into a single point before him; while others were unaffected, he endured an unprecedentedly intense impact. At times, he felt as if he were in a sea of fire, his entire body swelling and on the verge of bursting; at other times, he felt as if he were in an icy wasteland, his limbs stiff and powerless. Most painfully, his meridians seemed to have lost their master, becoming uncontrollable, making even self-defense difficult, let alone counterattacking.
The assembled heroes rose to their feet, thousands of eyes fixed intently on the two,
everyone, including Dugu, believing Xiaochen's victory was inevitable.
"Boom!" The energy exploded, a whirlwind of energy erupting with a deafening, thunderous roar.
Liu Yuxu, bracing himself with his Purple Lightning Sword, stood firm, having miraculously withstood Xiaochen's earth-shattering, awe-inspiring attack. His Azure Frost Sword remained held horizontally, only half an inch from his chest!
Xiao Chen clasped his hands together, chanted a Buddhist prayer, and sighed with heartfelt admiration, "Sect Leader Liu's martial arts are unparalleled, this old monk is willing to admit defeat." Both of them were exhausted and could no longer deliver a single move, but if Liu Yuxu gritted his teeth and pushed the Qing Shuang Sword forward slightly, with its sharpness that could cut through iron like mud, Xiao Chen would definitely not be able to withstand it.
Liu Yuxu's face was deathly pale. He cupped his hands and said, "Master, your compassion is boundless. My victory was truly a stroke of luck." He knew that Xiaochen's Buddhist teachings were profound, and that he was detached from worldly affairs, unwilling to fight to the death for the empty title of martial arts alliance leader. This was why he ultimately lost, and he truly admired him.
Dugu Yu was quite puzzled, thinking to himself: The power of the Rising Sun Divine Skill is limited, and Liu Yuxu has only cultivated internal energy for over forty years. How could he withstand Xiaochen's "Vajra Lion's Roar"? Could it be that the Mount Tai Sect possesses some unknown mental cultivation technique that can greatly enhance one's power within a few years?
Seeing that the outcome was decided, Xiaoming announced loudly, "In today's martial arts competition, Headmaster Liu of the Mount Tai Sect is the most skilled among all. Anyone who disagrees may come forward and challenge him." He asked three times, but no one answered.
Dugu Yu, in his capacity as the former leader of the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance, ascended the high platform and announced, "The position of leader of the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance belongs to Master Liu Yuxu, the head of the Taishan Sect!"
The crowd cheered in unison, especially the Taishan Sect disciples, whose shouts were particularly loud. After
the noise subsided slightly, Liu Yuxu said in a clear voice, "This humble Taoist is neither virtuous nor capable, and originally dared not presume to assume the position of leader. However, the Asura Sect and the Absolute Killing Sect are becoming increasingly rampant. As a member of the Central Plains Martial
Arts Alliance, and having received your undeserved favor, this humble Taoist naturally has no choice but to accept the position!" Liu Yuxu surveyed the entire audience and continued, "As the saying goes, 'Unity brings strength, division brings weakness.' If we, the fellow martial artists, can unite as one to resist external threats, what are these mere barbarians and bandits to fear?" The Asura Sect and the Absolute Killing Sect, feared by righteous sects, were denounced as barbarians and bandits by him, and the entire audience was filled with righteous indignation and heroic spirit.
Liu Yuxu declared with righteous indignation, "Heaven above, earth below, as long as Liu Yuxu has a breath left, I will never allow evil demons and heretics to wreak havoc on the martial world!"
The heroes shouted in unison, "Slay the Asuras! Exterminate them! We swear to defend the Central Plains martial world to the death!"
The atmosphere in the hall instantly reached its peak.
At this moment, a guest monk rushed over in a hurry and reported, "Abbot, the Tianji Sect has arrived!"
Xiaoming's expression changed, and he said in a deep voice, "What? Explain clearly."
The guest monk said breathlessly, "Liu Ningtao, the leader of the Azure Dragon Hall of the Tianji Sect, Zhu Shunwu, the leader of the White Tiger Hall, and Liu Qingping, the leader of the Vermilion Bird Hall, have arrived at the mountain gate with eight hundred followers."
Xiaoming thought to himself: Today's gathering brings together heroes from the Central Plains. It's understandable that the Dragon Sect Leader was too busy with national affairs to attend in person, but even the Vice Sect Leaders Qin Huaiyu and Zhang Jinghong are not here. Only three hall leaders are present. This is a gross underestimation of Shaolin Temple.
Liu Yuxu didn't mind and said seriously, "Quickly, invite him in."
The guest monk, unaware that he was the newly appointed leader of the martial arts alliance, dared not move rashly since the abbot hadn't spoken.
Xiaoxuan hurriedly said, "As Leader Liu wishes, go quickly."
The guest monk left hastily. Dugu Yu, Xiaoming, and Liu Yuxu exchanged glances and shook their heads simultaneously. It turned out that the three of them had all sensed something amiss.
A short while later, eight hundred members of the Tianji Sect, dressed in blue, white, and red robes, entered the venue in a well-ordered and orderly fashion. Leading them were Liu Ningtao, Zhu Shunwu, and Liu Qingping.
Despite their low reputation in the martial arts world, they were all highly skilled and influential figures in the imperial court.
Twenty years ago, Long Yinxiao led 100,000 followers of the Tianji Sect to fight against the Northern Han under Emperor Taizong, completing the great feat of unifying the Central Plains. The five hall masters of the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, and Qilin Halls all made great contributions. Liu Ningtao was granted the title of Duke of Wei and appointed as the commander of the Dongting Lake Navy; Zhu Shunwu was granted the title of Marquis of Wuning and appointed as the military governor of Taining Army in Yanzhou; Liu Qingping was granted the title of Marquis of Wuding and appointed as the military governor of Xingde Army in Qizhou. If the three of them had not been busy with their religious affairs and could only hold their positions remotely, they would have long become powerful local officials.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Liu Ningtao approached Xiaoming, cupped his hands, and said, "The Master received the invitation to your temple's martial arts conference and immediately set off for Shaolin. However, halfway there, the Emperor suddenly issued an edict, urgently summoning the Master and Vice Masters Qin and Zhang to the capital for an audience. Therefore, he was unable to attend. We hope the Abbot will forgive us."
Xiaochen understood immediately, and Dugu Yu and Liu Yuxu also breathed a sigh of relief.
No one had anticipated that a storm capable of shaking the martial arts world was about to break.

Volume Fifteen: The Martial Arts Alliance Leader's Place is Determined, Chapter Eleven: A Sudden Change Occurs

. After the members of the Heavenly Extreme Sect took their seats, the conference was chaired by Liu Yuxu. The heroes expressed their opinions and discussed specific measures to counter the Asura Sect and the Absolute Kill.
The senior figures like Dugu Yu, Liu Yuxu, and Xiaochen advocated a cautious and steady approach, avoiding large-scale battles to prevent a repeat of the mutually destructive conflict at Wuyun Mountain. Rising stars like Xiong Xiaotian, Ye Zhiqi, and Ren Xiaoyao suggested a proactive attack, striking first before the enemy could act.
The Beggars' Sect, the Thirteen Provinces Green Forest Alliance, and the Tang Clan of Sichuan naturally supported this aggressive approach. Shaolin
, the Five Great Sword Sects, and other factions, however, agreed with a more conservative recommendation.
Only the Four Great Families and the Tianji Sect remained silent.
Nangong Bubai looked at Zhuge Wenjie, asking him to make a decision. The latter slowly shook his head, glancing towards the Tianji Sect's seats, indicating he would listen to their arguments before making a decision.
Liu Ningtao stood up, his expression solemn, and said, “More than fifty years ago, the founding emperor established this sect with the intention of acting on behalf of Heaven, benefiting all people, and maintaining the stability of the martial world. The precept that ‘the rise and fall of the martial world is related to the rise and fall of the nation’ is still engraved on the plaque outside the Daqing Hall, and we, the descendants, dare not forget it. Before leaving for Bianliang, the sect leader
entrusted me to convey that whatever decisions the Central Plains martial arts alliance makes, the entire Tianji Sect will obey.” The crowd, hearing that he had not made a clear statement, did not care much. After all, the Tianji Sect was the state religion of the Song Dynasty and was always at the beck and call of the court. In many cases, even the sect leader, Long Yinxiao, might not have the final say.
Suddenly, a deep and pleasant voice rang out from outside the arena: “Hall Master Liu, you are mistaken!”
Liu Ningtao turned around in surprise, moved, and said, “Vice Hall Master Xing, didn’t you also go to Bianliang?” This person was named Xing Guodong, the current Vice Hall Master of the Qilin Hall, and one of Long Yinxiao’s confidants.
Xing Guodong strode forward, his expression solemn. "The Sect Leader has changed his mind and has specifically ordered me to inform the heroes of the Central Plains." He handed a letter to Liu Ningtao.
Liu Ningtao glanced at it and his expression immediately changed drastically. He stammered, "Vice Hall Master Xing, this...this is truly what the Sect Leader asked you to give me?"
Xing Guodong remained expressionless and coldly replied, "You should be more familiar with the Sect Leader's handwriting than I am."
Liu Ningtao remained silent, standing there dumbfounded. Zhu Shunwu and Liu Qingping leaned forward to take a look and were equally horrified.
Xing Guodong leaped onto the high platform and announced in a clear, deliberate voice, "By the holy decree of Sect Leader Long, the Tianji Sect withdraws from the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance immediately!"
These words immediately caused an uproar among the heroes.
The Tianji Sect had 100,000 members, all seasoned veterans and well-trained, capable of single-handedly resisting the invasion of the Shura Sect. If what Xing Guodong said was true, not only would the Central Plains Martial Arts Alliance suffer a great loss of strength, but the impact on morale and the hearts of the people would be immeasurable.
Xing Guodong walked to a flagpole beside the high platform, leaped into the air, and casually placed the letter of withdrawal from the alliance at the top of the flagpole. After landing, he cupped his hands towards Liu Yuxu and said indifferently, "Sect Leader Liu, please do as you wish." He did not address Liu Yuxu as the Alliance Leader, clearly to make his stance clear.
The flagpole was over six zhang high. With Liu Yuxu's cultivation, it would not have been difficult for him to climb to the top. However, he had just finished a fierce battle with Xiaochen, and his internal energy was almost exhausted. He could not muster any true energy at the moment, so how could he use his lightness skill to retrieve the letter of withdrawal from the alliance?
Xing Guodong had already anticipated this. He laughed and said, "The dignified martial arts world of the Central Plains..." Before he could finish speaking, a beautiful young woman with a graceful figure suddenly rushed out from the crowd. Her delicate body was like a gentle spring breeze in February. She floated up to the top of the flagpole and easily took the letter of withdrawal from the alliance in her hand. Her agility was even better than Xing Guodong's.
"Senior... Senior Sister!" Ren Xiaoyao exclaimed in surprise. This young woman was none other than Meng Fei's daughter, Meng Ruyan.
It turned out that when Ren Xiaoyao left Coconut Island, he promised Meng Fei that he would definitely return within six months, but due to various reasons, he was unable to do so. At first, Meng Fei thought that he was just delayed by something and did not pay attention. However, several months passed and his beloved disciple still did not return, so he had no choice but to send his daughter to the Central Plains to inquire about the news.
Meng Ruyan was strikingly beautiful, but also arrogant and willful, making it impossible to find Ren Xiaoyao anywhere. Coincidentally, Shaolin Temple was holding a martial arts tournament, so she rushed there overnight, hoping to bump into her junior brother. However, due to the long journey, she only arrived this morning, missing Ren Xiaoyao's exciting duel with Xiong Xiaotian yesterday.
"Hmph, such lightness skill dares to show off in front of me." Meng Ruyan glanced disdainfully at Xing Guodong, then, holding the letter of withdrawal from the alliance, walked to Dugu Yu and Liu Yuxu, bowing gracefully, "This junior, Meng Ruyan, greets Senior Dugu and Alliance Leader Liu."
"Good! Good!" Liu Yuxu smiled and accepted the letter of withdrawal, saying happily, "Miss Meng, please rise."
Meng Ruyan stepped aside, her gaze sweeping across the crowd, trying desperately to find Ren Xiaoyao among the assembled heroes.
"Sect Leader Liu, farewell." Xing Guodong, feeling awkward, left sheepishly.
Liu Ningtao hesitated, looking as if he wanted to say something, but after several moments of deliberation, he ultimately remained silent. He abruptly stamped his foot, turned, and walked away. Zhu Shunwu and Liu Qingping shook their heads simultaneously, helplessly following behind. In an instant, all eight hundred members of the Tianji Sect had vanished.
The assembled heroes exchanged bewildered glances, and the entire hall fell silent, a cloud of gloom hanging over everyone's hearts.
Dugu Yu took the letter of withdrawal from the alliance from Liu Yuxu's hand, opened it briefly, and immediately closed it again, smiling with delight: "So His Majesty is planning a northern expedition, intending to appoint the Dragon Sect Leader to command the three armies, with the Tianji Sect as the vanguard. It seems that before conquering the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, we must rely on everyone present to resist the Shura Sect and the Absolute Killer." He hadn't even read the contents of the letter of withdrawal, so this was merely to appease the heroes and avoid causing chaos.
Zhuge Wenjie's mind raced, and he smiled at Nangong Bubai, saying, "Sect Master, no wonder the court suddenly bought large quantities of grain from us; it turns out they're preparing for an attack on Liao."
Nangong Bubai, ever as astute, replied loudly, "Yes, we must maintain stable grain prices no matter what. Tingyuxuan can't make more money off the country." Their voices, though seemingly a discussion, were drawn out, ensuring everyone in the crowd heard them clearly, and their anxieties immediately subsided.
Xiaoming secretly breathed a sigh of relief; if it weren't for Dugu Yu's quick thinking and the effective cooperation of Zhuge Wenjie and Nangong Bubai, the situation would have truly spiraled out of control. (

Volume 15: The Martial Arts Alliance Leader's Determination, Chapter 12: A Mischievous Thought)

Liu Yuxu, after a brief discussion with Dugu Yu and Xiaoming, announced loudly, "Heroes, the Martial Arts Conference is now concluded. Later, we would like to invite the leaders of the Beggar Clan, the Four Great Families, the Five Great Sword Sects, the Tang Clan of Sichuan, and the Green Forest Alliance of the Thirteen Provinces to the Dharma Hall for a meeting." The withdrawal of the Tianji Sect from the alliance was a matter of great importance, naturally requiring the gathering of all forces to discuss countermeasures.
As the assembled heroes departed, Dugu Yu approached Meng Ruyan and asked with delight, "Miss Meng, how has your father been lately?"
Meng Ruyan replied softly, "Father is doing very well... Oh, how did Senior Dugu know..."
Dugu Yu smiled and said, "Young Master Ren told me about the situation on Coconut Island long ago, so Miss Meng need not be surprised."
Meng Ruyan's beautiful eyes brightened, and she asked, "Senior Dugu, have you seen Xiaoyao? Is he... is he in the venue?"
Dugu Yu nodded slowly and pointed to the Hengshan Sect's seats ten feet away.
Meng Ruyan looked in the direction he was pointing, but there was no sign of Ren Xiaoyao.
Dugu Yu wondered, "Strange, he was clearly there just now."
Meng Ruyan, being incredibly clever, naturally knew that Ren Xiaoyao was avoiding her. She first giggled frilly, then pointed her halberd and said, "Ren Xiaoyao, I'll count to three. If you don't show up within three, you'll be in big trouble if I catch you."
The crowd of heroes, who had been gradually dispersing, stopped and watched, most of them with a "let's see what happens" attitude. They'd only ever heard of girls vying to please Ren Xiaoyao, but they'd never seen anyone dare to order him around like that.
"One—" the heroes thought: Has this girl gone mad? She's just talking, but she actually dares to count?
"Two—" the heroes thought: Hmph, wait until you finish counting and Ren Xiaoyao doesn't show up, then let's see how you get out of this mess.
"Three—" The heroes thought to themselves: Haha, another one has been…
Just as the thought crossed their minds, Ren Xiaoyao suddenly appeared beside Meng Ruyan, like a child who had done something wrong, and said with a fawning smile, "Hey, senior sister, my dear senior sister, what brings you here?" His bowing and scraping, respectful demeanor made the heroes exchange amused glances.
Meng Ruyan's pretty face turned cold, and without saying a word, she grabbed Ren Xiaoyao's ear and said angrily, "Hmph, you're something else! You've been gone for half a year, and Father and I were worried sick."
Ren Xiaoyao was fearless in his life, except for his senior sister, because Meng Ruyan had been active and playful since childhood. Whenever martial arts training became a little boring, she would drag her junior brother around the mountains and fields, often causing trouble. Meng Fei doted on Ren Xiaoyao and naturally wouldn't punish him, but disciplining his daughter was inevitable. Meng Ruyan had a rather unpleasant temper; after being scolded by her father, she would drag Ren Xiaoyao out and beat him, threatening to break his legs if he dared to report her. Ren Xiaoyao was only five years old at the time, and being threatened by Meng Ruyan, who was two years older than him, he was terrified and submissive. From then on, he grew up under his senior sister's "fist and kick," never daring to disobey her in the slightest.
The dashing and romantic thief, who had been so adept at navigating the world of romance, was now so pathetic in front of a woman. The assembled heroes stared wide-eyed, dumbfounded, and then burst into laughter. Many busybodies even started to jeer.
"Oh my, your old flame has come knocking!"
"What old flame? I think it's your first wife."
"Surrounded by five beauties, you're quite the lucky one."
"Five beauties?" Meng Ruyan asked, frowning. "How many girls have you met outside?"
"N-not many, just..." Ren Xiaoyao didn't finish his sentence before he received a slap across the face.
"You brat, you're something else." Meng Ruyan put her hands on her hips, poked Ren Xiaoyao's nose, and nagged incessantly, "You have time to steal kisses and chase after women, but you don't know how to come back and see me and Father."
"Senior sister, let's go downstairs and talk slowly, there are too many people here..." Ren Xiaoyao pleaded, his face falling.
"Hmph, I won't! I'll expose your dirty secrets on stage!" Meng Ruyan raised her eyebrows, revealing a charmingly irritated expression full of girlish allure, and shouted, "Who said, 'Senior Sister, I'm going to travel in the Central Plains for at least three months, and at most half a year, and I'll definitely come back to see you,' but half a year has passed and I haven't seen a trace of her; who said, 'Master, your disciple will definitely remember your teachings and dare not disobey,' but ended up causing trouble everywhere; who said..."
Her voice stopped abruptly as Nangong Fengzi rushed onto the platform first, her almond-shaped eyes wide open, and said, "You're not allowed to spread rumors and slander Brother Xiaoyao!"
Shui Furong and Lin Yuxiu were not to be outdone, and rushed onto the platform at the same time, saying in unison, "That's right, if you keep talking nonsense, we won't be polite!"
Hearing the discussion among the crowd, the three women really thought Meng Ruyan was Ren Xiaoyao's wife, and immediately put aside their previous misunderstandings, and began to condemn her with a shared hatred.
Meng Ruyan stared in astonishment at the three women, each possessing their own unique charm and beauty. She immediately understood, and chuckled, "Oh, so you've been entangled with them. No wonder you haven't come back."
Ren Xiaoyao's face flushed red, and he said awkwardly, "Senior Sister, you've misunderstood. I... I really had something to do and couldn't get away, so..."
Meng Ruyan's beautiful eyes remained fixed on him, showing no reaction, as if observing the sincerity of his words.
Lin Yuxiu, however, was growing impatient. Leaning on Ren Xiaoyao's right shoulder, she said in a coquettish voice, "Big Brother, Xiuxiu has something to tell you. Let's find a secluded place to talk slowly, okay?"
Shui Furong quickly took Ren Xiaoyao's left arm and said softly, "Silly boy, you promised to stay with me."
Nangong Fengzi moved closer, her breath sweet as orchids in Ren Xiaoyao's ear, "Brother Xiaoyao, I know everything about you and Sister last night. You can decide what to do next."
Ren Xiaoyao was caught in a dilemma, unable to agree to anyone or refuse anyone, his face filled with hesitation and helplessness.
A fragrant breeze wafted by, and Nangong Fengyi's sweet, familiar voice rang out: "Xiaoyao, let's talk about this offstage. Everyone's watching."
Ren Xiaoyao seized the opportunity, saying, "Yes, there are too many people here; it's inconvenient to say many things." He then coaxed and tricked the three women away, comforting them one by one.
All eyes were on Meng Ruyan, and some busybodies muttered things like "she's fickle" and "nobody wants her anymore," clearly trying to stir up trouble.
Meng Ruyan frowned in anger, and suddenly a mischievous idea popped into her head.

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