Chapter 5

The robust man at the front, resembling a fierce tiger with his thick beard, gripped the long sword slung across his back with one hand. His gaze was not fixed on the young boy, but rather on the young marquis, who stood with his spear. After a moment, he asked in somewhat stiff Mandarin, "Are you the young marquis?"

At the moment of entering the village, Ma Yunlong could not help but ask, "Why did you suddenly think of looking for that madman, Shi Qingquan?"

The young lord's long spear suddenly struck out, his wrists flicking as it whistled towards the boy. The boy jumped to the side, countering with a stick that hit the spearhead, but it was barely caught by the small branch of the spearhead. The young lord twisted his wrist, causing the spearhead to turn, forcing the boy to retreat quickly a step to withdraw his Qitian stick, while the long spear shadowed him closely, thrusting towards his right hand that held the stick.

I never expected that there would be such a brave person among the southern barbarians

Ma Yunlong said in a low voice: "That kid is using the Qitian Staff from the Sacred Spring Peak of Wushan Gate"

Aware of the situation, and knowing that he was not at an advantage, he hesitated slightly before responding: "Alright, but I am curious about your method of betting"

Ma Yunlong could not help but say: "I never would have guessed that that madman Shi Qingquan is so wealthy, with villas everywhere."

Xiao Wenhou looked at the Tongbai Mountain Villa right in front of him: "Let us rest here for a while"

In the thirty-sixth move, the young lord's long spear struck the youth down to his knees, yet the Qi Tian staff remained firmly pressed against the long spear

Aowuer has always been renowned for his divine power, yet he did not expect that this unassuming youth also possessed extraordinary strength. Moreover, that seemingly inconspicuous iron staff could actually withstand a direct clash with the cutting deer knife.

Ma Yunlong nodded and replied: "I was just thinking of going into the village to take a look. I hope to find some more clues."

Xiao Wenhou fixed his gaze on him and replied: "Shi Qingquan should be in his forties now, so he certainly cannot be Shi Qingquan. However, it is very likely that this is the last clue we have to find Shi Qingquan"

Ma Yunlong cannot help but express the sentiment of "a beauty brings disaster"

The further south one travels, the more radiant the spring scenery becomes, with gentle breezes that soothe the soul. Xiao Wenhou noticed that Ji Yaoguang's leg ailment seemed to flare up only during rainy weather, especially during thunderstorms; in such warm weather, he appeared just like a normal person. Consequently, Ji Yaohua's expression also relaxed considerably, and her appearance grew increasingly bright, captivating like the spring light, making it hard for one to look away.

The voice of the old constable seemed to tremble slightly: "Chief Constable, that kid's iron rod looks like the Qitian Staff; I recognize the patterns on it."

As Ma Yunlong and Xiao Wenhou walked at the forefront, their expressions changed as they gazed into the distance

The young marquis lightly raised his long spear, pointing at the youth: "https://www.hetushu.com. Shall we bet on who can take him down? Who goes first, you or me?"

Ma Yunlong felt Ji Yaohua let out a gentle sigh. Beneath her solemn reserve, there must still be a deep concern for the young Lord Wen, right? Ma Yunlong couldn't help but feel a bit closer to Ji Yaohua in his heart, and he softly said to her: "The young lord is invincible, Miss Ji need not worry."

The young man said coldly: "A good method, to persist relentlessly, to fight for several days and nights, eventually someone will be able to defeat me. However, if you think you can extract any information from me, that is a delusion"

Ma Yunlong nodded and said, "I am certain."

Young Lord Wen gazed at the youth. The subordinates of Ouer had already counted to the thirtieth move with the guards of the marquis's residence, yet the youth remained unhurried in his defense, which made Ouer somewhat anxious

The boy's arms trembled slightly, his dark complexion had turned pale, and sweat dripped from his head and body

Behind each of their groups, there seems to be an invisible giant hand, guiding them to converge on the same path from different directions

The expression of the young marquis also showed a slight tremor

The long spear of the young Marquis has once again approached the youth, creating a whirlwind that forced the people of Ouer, who were directly in its path, to retreat several steps.

Ji Yao Hua smiled gently, her lips moving slightly as if she wanted to say something, yet in the end, she said nothing at all

Xiao Wenhou turned his gaze towards him and said: "My spear technique consists of thirty-six moves. If I cannot subdue you within these thirty-six moves, I shall naturally cease my efforts"

Awuer was taken aback

Xiao Wenhou nodded slightly and said to Wo Er: "As long as I am here, you shall not take Shi Qingquan away."

At this moment, a young boy dashed out from the small door of the backyard, wielding a staff that reached his eyebrows, while several strong men pursued him relentlessly from behind

The enigmatic Wushan Sect has produced a multitude of talents over the past century, standing out in its time. Although it is situated in a remote corner, it commands great respect across the rivers and mountains. Within the Wushan Sect, only twelve disciples are passed down each generation, corresponding to the twelve peaks of Wushan. The capriciousness and eccentric behavior of the Wushan disciples are well-known throughout the world, and some have mockingly referred to the twelve disciples as the "Twelve Madmen of Wushan." Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, no one wishes to provoke them, choosing instead to revere and keep their distance from the supernatural.

Ma Yunlong felt a moment of shock in his heart

The Tongbai Mountain Villa is already in sight

Ma Yunlong frowned. Barbarians are ultimately barbarians, quick to resort to killing and arson. However, at this moment, he could not afford to argue with him and coldly replied: "Of course I have my own methods"

Upon arriving at Tongbai Mountain Villa, it was early morning. Ji Yaoguang, whose leg ailment had not flared up for several days, insisted on riding up the mountain together, unwilling to be left behind. Ji Yaohua looked at the young lord with difficulty, who was hesitating. Ma Yunlong said, "It is better to go together, lest we encounter Han Wu'er and his group if we stay here, which would be unfavorable."

They rode down the mountain, hoping to save the people in the village in time

A profound silence enveloped the surroundings

Xiao Wenhou's expression changed slightly: "Are you sure?"

The blue stone came spinning towards him, and Young Lord Wen held his halberd to block it. However, the blue stone curved along the long halberd and struck diagonally towards the right side of Young Lord Wen. The guards of the Hou residence and the group of constables gasped in shock, but Young Lord Wen exerted a bit more force, causing the small branch at the head of the halberd to flip over and press the diagonally flying large stone down to the ground. He then kicked up his foot and sent the large stone flying away.

Ji Yaohua looked at her younger brother, a gentle smile gracing her lips, and softly said: "Yaoguang has loved raising birds since he was little. He once told me that he could understand many kinds of bird languages and could converse with various birds. I didn't believe him at the time, but it turns out he truly can."

Both individuals displayed expressions of surprise in their eyes

Ji Yaoguang still spoke in that languid tone, casually saying from the side: "Yes, sister, Young Lord Wen will surely be able to smash that stone to pieces, so you need not be so anxious."

Ji Yao Hua turned her head to glance at Young Lord Wen, then quickly shifted her gaze away, softly saying: "If Yao Guang could hear this evaluation from the Young Lord, she would surely feel a sense of kinship."

Ma Yunlong and Xiao Wenhou were both momentarily taken aback

Their last hope is Tongbai Mountain Villa

Wuer pointed at the young man and said, "Does the young lord think he is Shi Qingquan?"

He must prepare in case he cannot find that young man, so that there will still be clues for tracking.

The one who acts first will undoubtedly exhaust the youth's energy, allowing the one who acts later to gain an advantage; however, the one who acts later also takes a risk, which is that he may not have the opportunity to seize the youth at all

The silence of that moment seemed to last for a long time. Xiao Wenhou finally slowly retracted his long spear and said to the young man: "If Shi Qingquan can teach a disciple like you, I look forward to consulting him personally. You may leave now; I will give you three hours. After three hours, I will continue to pursue you."

Perhaps with one more move, the gentle Lord Wen could deal with this boy who is as hard as stone

In the valley, the sound of fighting faintly echoed, likely indicating that the Ouer had entered the valley from another path on the opposite mountain, arriving ahead of them and engaging in battle with the people in the villa

If it is said that she is deliberately tempting Xiao Wenhou with ulterior motives, it seems... probably... that it is not quite justifiable, right

Ma Yunlong couldn't help but murmur softly, "I wonder what sect this kid comes from, and what his relationship is to Shi Qingquan. If he is indeed a disciple of his, then he must be much more troublesome to deal with."

Xiao Wenhou smiled slightly: "I understand your meaning. How about we make a bet? If you win, we will leave immediately; if I win, you will return to where you came from."

Ma Yunlong couldn't help but be taken aback. When Ji Yaohua removed the veil of her reserved and aloof demeanor, her smile subtly exuded a rich and intoxicating fragrance akin to fine wine, leaving one feeling slightly tipsy.

Xiao Wenhou leaped off his horse and gestured for the guards to clear the area a bit more. With a long spear resting on his back, he looked at the young man and said: "I am impatient and cannot wait. Moreover, I can see that you still have enough strength to withstand thirty-six more moves, so I will not hold back. You need to be careful; this spear technique of mine is originally designed for breaking formations and killing generals, and the killing intent is rather heavy. If by any chance I accidentally kill you, do not blame me."

The people around felt a gradually rising aura of coldness emanating from Young Lord Wen. With a long spear in hand, Young Lord Wen was no longer as amiable as the spring sun. They unconsciously took a few steps back to avoid the increasingly intense aura of coldness surrounding Young Lord Wen

It is hard to believe that the little brat, who is disliked by everyone, actually has such skills

Ma Yunlong is extremely troubled and even more so filled with resentment. Why do the disciples of Wushan never like to openly display their insignia when they walk about, to avoid innocent bystanders accidentally running into their blades?

Subsequently, they searched for Shi Qingquan's three villas in succession, but either they were disturbed by Han Wuer and found empty, or only a gatekeeper remained. The information relayed by local constables and friends of the young Marquis was largely similar.

Xiao Wenhou no longer hesitated

Suddenly, Ouer drew his sword and pointed it at the young man: "Then I will also limit myself to thirty-six moves. If I cannot subdue you, I will withdraw! Young Lord, I apologize, but I will make the first move!"

In the early morning forest, it was precisely the time when a hundred birds emerged from their nests. The sound of their hooves startled the birds in the woods, causing them to take flight in a flurry. Ma Yunlong and Xiao Wenhou both frowned. Ji Yaoguang suddenly pursed his lips and whistled a series of notes. As his whistle flowed melodiously, the bird flock gradually calmed down, no longer taking flight in panic and screaming.

He frowned

His appearance is rough, yet his thoughts are exceedingly meticulous. After a single inquiry from the young Lord Wen, his mind has already turned several times.

The guards of the marquis's residence shouted gleefully: "Thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six! Aha, it's our young marquis's turn now, that barbarian, www.hetushu.com, hurry and step aside!"

The youthful vigor of that young man seemed so enduring that it appeared he could continue fighting for another three days without any hindrance

Unbeknownst to him, at some point, Ji Yaohua and her brother had already ridden their horses to Ma Yunlong's side. Ma Yunlong noticed a hint of tension in Ji Yaohua's expression. Was she worried about Xiao Wenhou?

However, her solemnity made him dare not act rashly

The Han Wuer's great sword is heavy, and his strikes are swift. Although the young man feels somewhat passive while parrying, each move he makes is remarkably steady, unwavering like a mountain amidst wind and rain

Wuerchi laughed and said: "Everyone in the village is dead, where could there be any clues!"

Xiao Wenhou let out a soft "oh," slightly turned his head, yet his gaze remained fixed on Wu'er and the young man.

The young man had consecutively blocked several attacks and had retreated to the edge of the open ground, next to a large bluestone. Seeing that he had nowhere left to retreat, he suddenly swung his staff, sweeping the large bluestone towards Xiao Wenhou.

With a grin, Wa Erciya said, "Of course, it was the guidance of a divine being that led us to consider the use of Shiqingquan." He glanced at Ma Yunlong and Xiao Wenhou, then continued, "Since the divine being has directed us to seek Shiqingquan, we will surely find it."

Turning his head, he noticed that the expression of an old constable behind him was unusual, and Ma Yunlong looked at the old constable with a questioning gaze

Young Lord Wen sighed, saying: "His younger brother is physically limited; he loves to raise birds. Perhaps it is because deep down he wishes he could soar freely like the birds."

Ouer raised his thumb at Young Lord Wen: "Good man! We will never set off before you to track down that fellow!"

At this point, Ma Yunlong could not help but wonder if his doubts were misplaced. It was evident that Ji Yaohua's entire focus was on her brother, to the extent that she was oblivious to everyone else, unless they were related to her brother

Ma Yunlong has caught up, whispering in Xiao Wenhou's ear: "This is Ouer."

The guards of the Hou residence had already counted to the thirtieth move, and it was evident that the young man could only defend himself, as nearly everyone anxiously awaited the final outcome

It was only then that Ma Yunlong noticed the dark stick, which was adorned with uniquely shaped snake patterns, shimmering with a faint blue light in the afternoon spring sun

Wuer's expression was quite unpleasant, and he reluctantly stepped aside.

He shouted loudly, turned around, and swung his knife downwards. The young man did not dodge or evade, instead using a technique akin to "lifting fire to the heavens," barely managing to block the cutting deer knife with his staff held at eyebrow level. Although he could not completely deflect the knife, the cutting deer knife was also unable to descend.

It is already unfortunate for the Kaifeng Prefecture to have to navigate among those royal relatives, high-ranking officials, and nobles all day long. Why must they also provoke the Wushan Gate, this great hornet's nest?

The only comfort I can find is that at least he has the Young Marquis Wen in front of him. If the disciples of Wushan want to target the Young Marquis Wen, they will likely think twice. I can only hope that those disciples of Wushan, who cannot be judged by common sense, do not dare to provoke the Young Marquis Wen but instead take their frustrations out on those of us who are easy to bully

The hand of Ouer tightened around the knife: "Does the young lord think we will yield without a fight?"

The young man was nearly completely exhausted, relying solely on the Qitian Staff to support his body, allowing him to barely stand. He did not dare to speak, fearing that the last trace of his vital energy would dissipate; he merely glanced at the young lord before laboriously making his way into the forest.

Even during the most intense moments of the battle, many people's gazes, whether intentionally or unintentionally, were directed towards Ji Yaohua

However, when facing the young Lord Wen, she remained solemn to the point of being reserved, never once feigning politeness. In contrast, her demeanor towards others was even more solemn, bordering on indifference

The few burly men who were pursuing also came to a halt.

The young man clearly did not anticipate that Xiao Wenhou could deflect his attack, and hurriedly dodged aside. The large stone flew past him almost touching his body, crashing into an old camphor tree with a trunk as thick as a person's embrace, which broke in half with a thunderous sound and fell down.

Xiao Wenhou could not help but gaze at Ji Yao's graceful and gentle profile, wanting to ask her whether every matter must be related to Ji Yaoguang in order to capture her attention

He just always felt that the little brat Ji Yaoguang, whom he found displeasing, seemed to look at them with a hint of pity in his eyes, as if he knew something that he wasn't saying.

Growing in the bustling area of Kaifeng, even though he is accustomed to the sights and sounds of the world, he finds himself inexplicably shy in the presence of Ji Yao Hua, unable to express himself as freely as usual

Xiao Wenhou replied nonchalantly: "It must be quite easy for Shi Qingquan to find a gold mine to use."

Ji Yaohua was momentarily taken aback, then smiled sweetly at him: "Thank you, Chief Ma, for your concern"

The youth's figure remained steadfast and unmoving, as solid as a mountain. However, a trace of hesitation had already flickered in his eyes

The young lord Ma Kuai, before the youth could ascend the mountain path, intercepted him, wielding two short halberds that, in the instant of halting the horse, had already combined into a single square-tipped halberd, positioned horizontally before the horse.

Even he could not help but feel a tremor in his heart and mind

Ma Yunlong's expression also changed: "I should have noticed this earlier—Young Master Hou, I fear we are in big trouble!"

After all, he is still too young and may have never encountered an opponent like Xiao Wenhou, making it difficult for him to maintain a steadfast and unyielding spirit.

With no way forward and enemies pursuing from behind, the dark-skinned, strong-featured youth suddenly came to a halt, brandishing a long staff in his hand, facing the two groups of adversaries without any fear.