Section 5
Yunmeng pondered for a moment and said: "I cannot say that I have won this round. However, there is still the final round."
Lan'er and Hui'er lightly scolded, and the Fusang branch, carrying the howling of the strange python out of the cave, trembled as it pointed towards the wrists of Li Yingxuan and his companion, who were holding their swords. The long sword slashed horizontally, and the Fusang branch slid along the sword's edge towards the hilt, as if a soft, web-like force was trying to ensnare the long sword and pull it towards them. The power on the sword immediately intensified, the sword tip spun and broke free from the invisible web, and then the sword light burst forth, a long rainbow piercing the sun aimed at the sisters' faces. The Fusang branch immediately retracted, wrapping around the long sword, parting the flowers and brushing the willows, pulling outward, opening the central gate wide. The sisters struck out with both palms, meeting the Li brothers' palms in a powerful clash. The power on the sword immediately intensified again, the sword tip spun and broke free from the invisible web, and then the sword light burst forth, a long rainbow piercing the sun aimed at the sisters' faces. The Fusang branch immediately retracted, wrapping around the long sword, parting the flowers and brushing the willows, pulling outward, opening the central gate wide. The long sword echoed, and the Fusang branch followed like a shadow. The swordsmanship of the Taiyi Temple, known for its subtle transformations, at this moment seemed to have fallen into the soft web of a beautiful woman, unable to be unleashed.
The Dragon Lord, who had been observing coldly from the sidelines, furrowed his brow, seemingly displeased that the other party had publicly exposed his secrets. He said, "I dare not decline, nor do I dare to compete. I have embarrassed myself—"
Chief Steward Hou clapped his hands and said, "Alright, this round will be considered a draw; there is no need to continue fighting." He had understood why Zhao Peng had not used his full strength to defeat Xiao Xiao earlier. At this moment, if Brother Li Yingxuan persisted, he could indeed defeat or even kill the two sisters, but the cost would undoubtedly be enormous.
Zhao Peng sighed, realizing that those who harbored dissatisfaction and doubts felt they no longer understood the way of the sword; if the historical sword were to slay such a defenseless and fragile woman, would it not tarnish its reputation
Veins bulged prominently on the back of his hand; however, Xiao Qing remained calm and composed. The birds in the sky were frightened away by the murderous aura emanating from the treasured blade in Shi Qing's scabbard, keeping their distance from the patch of sky above his head, yet he still found himself unable to take action
The green-clad maid glanced at Yunmeng, who softly said: "Lan'er, Hui'er, you shall witness the swordsmanship of the Taiyi Temple."
Her smile is both extremely charming and extremely annoying, resembling a clever and self-satisfied little fox.
On the East Sea's Flying Fish Island, there exists the "Three Arts Beyond the Huawai": the Sunbathing Hand, the Fusang Branch, and the Millennium Sleep. The Sunbathing Hand is characterized by its utmost rigidity and yang energy, while the Fusang Branch embodies the utmost softness and yin energy. The Millennium Sleep is actually a form of yoga that was transmitted from India. The East Sea King, hailing from Flying Fish Island, is fierce and cold-hearted, yet he excels in the use of the Fusang Branch. Twenty years ago, he engaged in a three-hour battle on Tiantai Mountain with Li Yingxuan's junior master, Qingjing, using the Fusang Branch, ultimately exhausting Qingjing's internal energy and killing him in one decisive strike.
This opponent is precisely the one he chose himself
Xiao Qing walked out gracefully, her face beaming with a smile. Shi Qing tightened his grip on the handle of the knife and said in a deep voice: "Draw your weapon!"
In those years, the King of the East Sea contended for territory with another great pirate. Beside him was a Kunlun slave who walked barefoot on a mountain of knives and crossed a bridge of fire, instilling fear in all directions. From that point on, the pirate submitted to the King of the East Sea, and the Kunlun slave became renowned at sea as the "Barefoot Immortal." Unexpectedly, although he was a trusted confidant of the King of the East Sea, he did not perish in the East Sea campaign of that year
Zhao Peng smiled: "I do not intend to take action, as that would be too disruptive. However, it is best for everyone to cover their ears. Of course, Chief Steward Hou may listen with complete peace of mind."
"The Passionate Hand." Zhao Peng felt his heart flutter, quickly averting his gaze, afraid to look again. If the timing of the family-inherited internal skill, Butterfly Love, was not yet ripe, the threat of the Passionate Hand to him would be much greater than to others.
Then the maid in the yellow shirt stepped out in response, her face resembling an ice sculpture, sending a chill through everyone present. She gazed at Zhao Peng, remaining silent.
The long-awaited flute player finally appears, yet she is a pale, beautiful, and melancholic mountain spirit, her long hair flowing, her slender fingers as cold as ice, and her chilling gaze slicing through the poet's joyful sentiments. Undeterred, the poet playfully tries to make her smile, leading her to admire the various hues of plum blossoms, teaching her to play carefree.
Chief Steward Hou looked at Zhao Peng with approval. He had originally harbored suspicions about Zhao Peng's calculated efforts to cultivate a relationship with Tang Tingyu. However, he now understood that the Suzhou Zhao family had gained the strong support of both the Xuan Wangfu and the Taiyi Temple due to the affinity between Zhao Peng and Tang Tingyu. This was undoubtedly a stroke of luck for the Suzhou Zhao family, but was it not also a stroke of luck for the Xuan Wangfu and the Taiyi Temple?
Zhao Peng still wore a smile, yet his heart was heavy with worries. If he exerted all his strength, Xiao Xiao would become his slave due to her inability to resist; however, he was unwilling to go all out. His opponent was not Xiao Xiao, but Yun Meng. He had to conserve his strength. The problem was that for the first time, he lacked absolute confidence in his own abilities.
In the plum garden, the crowd was abuzz with discussion; some were astonished, while others expressed dissatisfaction. Chief Steward Hou cast a glance over the crowd, pondering how to justify Shi Qing's actions. Zhao Peng, however, had already exclaimed loudly: "I originally only knew that the Shi family was invincible in battle, but now I understand the reason behind their invincibility. The benevolent have no enemies; the ancients truly do not deceive me"
Chief Steward Hou felt a peculiar sensation in his heart. Yunmeng could unhesitatingly sacrifice Hong Gu; her actions were undoubtedly cold-blooded, yet surprisingly open and just. This demeanor and magnanimity were not inferior to those of the King of the East Sea. No wonder the bandits of the East Sea surrounded her like stars encircling the moon; it seems that it was not solely because she could defeat each of their leaders.
Chief Steward Hou shook his head and smiled: "Bachang, you may leave now."
Zhao Peng let out a long sigh. Yunmeng was being particularly cautious today; before dealing with him, they had not forgotten to send a maid to test him first. He stepped forward, surprising everyone. Chief Steward Hou looked at him carefully and asked, "Young Master Zhao, are you certain you want to confront her?"
He had no way to draw his blade against a smiling, completely unskilled woman. The Shijia blade is meant for breaking formations and killing enemies, not for slaying a delicate woman as fragile as flowers and grass
His wealth and the nobility that comes from being born into a royal family make it seem unnecessary for him to take risks by engaging in physical confrontations with others; should anything go wrong, it would be far too costly.
Zhao Peng walked with composure, his steps remarkably similar to those of Xiao Xiao, except that a faint white mist had risen above his head, and his complexion was pale and cold, resembling the mountain spirit in the melody. However, the hand that played the xiao was full of charm, akin to a beautiful maiden with a playful smile. Somewhere, whispers arose from nowhere, flowers danced throughout the garden, fluttering like butterflies.
How fortunate it is, to sing in celebration
He nodded slightly to Xiao Xiao, and the sound of the flute rose gently.
Yunmeng cast a cold glance at Zhao Peng and said to the attendant in the yellow robe beside her, "Xiaoxiao, you choose the opponent for this round"
He leaped onto the stone platform, clasped his hands on all sides, and fell to the ground, his entire body resembling a dragon in the waves, as he advanced with punches. On the square stone slabs, sixteen large characters were already left behind
Xiao Qing: "I have never practiced martial arts; otherwise, I would not have been able to mingle in the world and get close to Young Master Fang."
Lan'er and Hui'er leaped into the stone platform, drawing out a multicolored soft rod from within their garments
Chief Steward Hou looked at Zhao Peng. It seems that what Zhao Peng said was not wrong; without the assistance of the Suzhou Zhao family, it would indeed be difficult to deal with the disciples of Wushan. Among those present today, only Zhao Peng could easily resist the temptation of Xiao Xiao's hands
Chief Steward Hou: "Fusang Branch?"
The stone is quite shallow, yet the brushwork is vigorous and free, with boundless energy remaining. Lord Long Jun stands at the edge of the stone platform, casually brushing off the dust from his clothes. Chief Steward Hou remains silent in contemplation. Lord Long Jun's accomplishments in both literature and martial arts are quite remarkable, and his arrogance is unlike the typical hubris of ordinary underworld tyrants. With a son like this, what kind of person is Long Rao San?
Yet, in the moonlit night, countless plum blossoms gradually bloom, adding boundless spring vitality to this plum grove. The poet invites the melancholic flute player to join in the appreciation of the plum blossoms with the sound of the flute
Chief Steward Hou secretly nodded. The Li brothers had practiced martial arts under Master Huayang of Taiyi Temple since childhood. The master had once said that when the two joined forces, few could withstand them. Using four horses to attack the opponent's two was a good tactic by Li Yingxuan. However, those two girls, who appeared to be only around fourteen or fifteen years old, had a faint aura of green energy that flickered in and out between their brows. The Serpent Island of Bohai was skilled in the use of poison, and some of the toxins they concocted could rapidly enhance martial arts skills while simultaneously depleting a significant amount of vital energy. Given the situation, it seemed that these two girls regularly consumed poison, and their true abilities might far exceed their age. Did Li Yingxuan have confidence?
Lan'er and Hui'er quickly retreated to the small boat, sitting face to face. After each taking a pill, they pressed their palms together, closing their eyes in silence. After all, they were young and lacked sufficient skill.
Zhao Peng's mood was even heavier. Two young girls, who could wield the Fusang branches and the Binding Immortal Rope with such ease, and could execute the "Entangle" technique so thoroughly, would almost certainly have mastered the "Soft" internal skill, which is extremely yin and gentle. The practice method of the Bohai Snake Island, which uses poison to stimulate internal power, is indeed domineering, yet it shows results remarkably quickly. If Yunmeng also practices in this manner, it raises even greater concerns about the outcome of this battle.
Shi Qing resentfully stepped back. Xiao Qing smiled and also returned to her original position
The Kunlun servant made a grimace, returning to the sedan chair with a smile, seemingly acquiescing to his conjecture
The mountain spirit, unable to resist the poet's fervor, summoned two companions. They entangled themselves, insisting on dragging the poet into the dark, damp tomb. The poet fled through the forest, the moon hidden behind clouds, the wind howling, and fallen flowers scattered on the ground. The mountain spirit laughed triumphantly, her long nails nearly tearing into the poet's back. Suddenly, the poet let out a long howl towards the sky, and two cranes responded, flying in from the heavens, their long wings stirring the wind, sharp beaks like swords, their clear calls overwhelming the mountain spirit's mournful wails. The mountain spirit lingered, hesitant to advance, yet still watching with a predatory gaze. The poet, disinterested in entangling with them, mounted the crane's back and soared towards another bright, untainted realm. The mountain spirit, helpless, drifted away with the wind
He made a gesture, and Asu handed over a white jade flute. He gently wiped the flute with a silk handkerchief, tested the sound, and then raised his head to smile at Xiaoxiao. Xiaoxiao's hand, hidden within her sleeve, extended out, resembling ten white jade flutes, flawless and radiant, filled with emotion and laughter, captivating all gazes.
By the shores of Taihu Lake, a sea of fragrant snow
Li Yingxuan pondered for a moment and said, "My brother and I have worked together since childhood, so we would like to request guidance from the two of you, the twin sisters."
Yunmeng Dao: "I, this Kunlun servant, am renowned for my divine power. I have long heard of the name of the Dragon Young Master, the owner of the Zhuang, known for his Diamond Finger. Would you be willing to impart your teachings?"
She seems to be well aware of today's guests. Zhao Peng nodded to himself. The last time they fought at sea, Yunmeng acted too hastily and suffered a great loss; this time, her preparations are extremely thorough.
Li Yingxuan suddenly shouted loudly, exerting himself to draw his sword from the soft net. The long sword shimmered with silver light, standing like a towering wall. The branch of the Fusang tree advanced and collided with it, only to be swept aside with a single touch. Li Yinglong retreated into the sword wall, using it as support, transforming his sword into a saber, shouting and commanding as if he were an invincible warrior breaking through enemy lines amidst thousands of troops, forcing Lan'er and Hui'er to retreat repeatedly. Chief Steward Hou's eyes brightened at the sight. The vigorous Li Yinglong clearly suited this fierce warrior style much more than the tranquil and subtle swordsmanship of the Taiyi Temple. Did he learn to transform his sword into a saber and softness into hardness on the battlefield of Xiangyang? Perhaps Old Master Shi could train him into a true expert.
Chief Steward Hou looked at Yunmeng and asked, "What is your opinion on this situation?"
The Kunlun slave grinned, gave a thumbs-up to the Dragon Lord, and stepped out. Wherever his bare feet touched the ground, the footprints obscured the characters. In less than a moment, all sixteen characters had been covered by the footprints
Yunmeng Dao: "Lan'er, Hui'er, step back."
It is as if one sees high mountains and flowing water, with the lake's waves gently rippling. The poet, aboard a boat, descends the river from the mountains, gazing around on the lake, and beholds a vast sea of fragrant snow. Inspired, he abandons the boat and lands, ascending the steps, treading through the snow in search of plum blossoms. In the plum grove, there is a faint sound of the xiao, mournful and empty, as if expressing longing and affection, as if weeping and lamenting. The beautiful melody of the flute suddenly transforms into a scene of bleak winds and sorrow, leaving one in deep melancholy.
Lan'er and Hui'er had retreated to the edge of the plum grove, sensing impending defeat. The two exchanged glances, their thoughts aligned. Suddenly, one of them withdrew a branch of the hibiscus and shook out a light red soft ribbon from her sleeve, which floated gently into the sword wall. It was unclear what material the long ribbon was made of; it was soft and exerted no force, uncuttable, unshakeable, drawing in as if attracted, blowing away as if repelled, entwining endlessly. Li Yingxuan found himself unable to break free, leaving him unable to defend against Li Yinglong's attack. The other continued to wield the hibiscus branch, closely following the momentum of Li Yinglong's sword, twisting, rolling, hooking, and drawing, giving no ground. It was unclear what material the long ribbon was made of; it was soft and exerted no force, uncuttable, unshakeable, drawing in as if attracted, blowing away as if repelled, entwining endlessly. Li Yingxuan found himself unable to break free, leaving him unable to defend against Li Yinglong's attack. The other continued to wield the hibiscus branch, closely following the momentum of Li Yinglong's sword, twisting, rolling, hooking, and drawing, giving no ground.
Yunmeng's gaze was fixed unwaveringly on the sword techniques and figures of the Li brothers
Where is Shi Qingjiang
Chief Steward Hou asked: "Are you the Barefoot Immortal?"
Yunmeng Dao: "Please go first in the fourth round"