Chapter 3: Peril at the Inn

Li Xiaotian's face immediately turned red, and he leaped to the side, angrily saying: "Hey, kid, what are you doing? Are you watching me perform a monkey show? Why aren't you attacking?"

The members of the Flying Tiger Escort Agency were overjoyed, and Peng Wuwang quickly expressed his gratitude

"Open and aboveboard, good, children of the rivers and lakes, it should be so." Li Xiaotian praised repeatedly, raising his four-foot-long sword, "Good lad, I did not know when the Peng Family Escort Agency produced such a heroic figure. I have roamed Hebei relying on my self-created Seven Styles of Horizontal Sword, each style consisting of seven moves, with each move varying in numerous ways, interrelated and responsive. If you can withstand my forty-seven sword techniques, we brothers will just pat our backs and leave. How about it?" If you can withstand my forty-seven sword techniques, we brothers will just pat our backs and leave. How about it?"

"You are indeed unfortunate, Feihu Escort Agency. Someone has already leaked the news that you are preparing to transport the 'World's First Record' to Chang'an." Suddenly, Lü Buyou, who had been silent, spoke up, "I have calculated repeatedly and still find your escort suspicious. At this critical juncture, Feihu Escort Agency is still taking on such inconspicuous small jobs, so I am certain that the 'World's First Record' must be hidden within this escort. Using a charming figure, you do not wish to cause unnecessary casualties. However, now that we have revealed ourselves and are aiming to intercept such a coveted item as the 'World's First Record', it is inevitable that we will have to silence you. Hmph, do not blame us for being ruthless."

Peng Wuju also shouted, "Innkeeper, bring the wine, bring the wine, fill me up with the yellow liquor so I can hit the road."

"Hi, what do I think I am! Just a book!" Peng Wuwang patted his head, "Is one person enough? Is that book very heavy?"

"Ha ha, no need!" Peng Wuwang sheathed his simple sword and said to Zuo Liantian, "This uncle's hammer technique is indeed formidable, but I have put in special effort into the sword techniques that counter hammers, so I was fortunate enough to win a move or two. There is no need to take it to heart"

"You little brat, you have quite the audacity." With a fierce roar, Zhen Guichui Zuo Lianshan swung his right hand, and the iron hammer, the size of a watermelon, was already at his face, as shadows flickered.

This series of offensive and defensive transitions is dazzling, leaving even the spectators Li Xiaotian and Lü Buyou in awe, secretly praising Peng Wuwang's astonishing swordsmanship. The more discerning Li Xiaotian has already discerned that in this round of confrontation, Peng Wuwang has gained the upper hand through his extraordinary sword techniques, which will be fully unleashed due to the repeated defensive stances of Zuo Lianshan.

A burst of triumphant laughter came from behind the store, and dozens of men in black surged out. Leading them were three disheveled thugs. The foremost one had a large head and a small body, eyes like copper bells, and three small mustaches protruding outward. In his left hand, he wielded a long, gleaming knife about four feet in length, while his right hand held an iron shield. The second was tall and slender, with a pale face and a pair of narrow eyes that revealed a sinister and vicious expression, each hand holding a judge's pen. The third was broad-shouldered and stocky, with a square face, thick eyebrows, large eyes, a gaping mouth, and a full beard, wielding a hammer the size of a watermelon in one arm. The second was tall and slender, with a pale face and a pair of narrow eyes that revealed a sinister and vicious expression, each hand holding a judge's pen. The third was broad-shouldered and stocky, with a square face, thick eyebrows, large eyes, a gaping mouth, and a full beard, wielding a hammer the size of a watermelon in one arm.

The members of the Flying Tiger Escort Agency immediately erupted in a commotion. Peng Wuwang quickly asked the escort beside him, "What’s wrong with you all? Is Li Xiaotian's reputation that formidable?"

Li Xiaotian and Lü Buyou understood that victory or defeat hinged on this moment, and hurriedly rushed forward. Peng Wuwang, inopportunely, smiled leisurely; his technique suddenly changed. He released the grip of the knife with his left hand, and with a gentle twist of his right hand, the downward strike of the wooden knife transformed into an upward thrust, aimed at the throat of Zuo Lianshan. The strike, which contained the entirety of Zuo Lianshan's lifelong power, unexpectedly struck nothing but air. The feeling of misapplied force was so distressing that he felt like vomiting blood. As he saw Peng Wuwang's wooden knife already aimed at his throat, he realized he had exhausted all his techniques and could not help but let out a desperate roar. The strike, which contained the entirety of Zuo Lianshan's lifelong power, unexpectedly struck nothing but air. The feeling of misapplied force was so distressing that he felt like vomiting blood. As he saw Peng Wuwang's wooden knife already aimed at his throat, he realized he had exhausted all his techniques and could not help but let out a desperate roar

Li Xiaotian unleashed a flurry of attacks on the Iron Barrel Mountain River, wielding his sword and shield without pause, executing over thirty sword techniques in one breath. Upon closer inspection, it became evident that Peng Wuwang was not attacking at all; he merely brandished his sword, standing to the side and observing. It turned out that during that brief moment, while Li Xiaotian was busy, Peng Wuwang was simply standing there enjoying the cool breeze.

"Good." Li Xiaotian roared, leaping into the air. His four-foot-long blade sliced through the air like lightning, covering a distance of four zhang in an instant. Seven blade shadows appeared, resembling seven white rainbows, enveloping the vital points of Peng Wuwang's upper, middle, and lower body. His left hand wielded an iron shield at an angle, sweeping the edge of the shield directly across Peng Wuwang's left shoulder. A chilling aura of killing intent surrounded Peng Wuwang completely

What impressive acupoint release skills! Lu Buyou secretly clicked his tongue and felt fortunate that he did not have to face Peng Wuwang.

The leading villain laughed wildly towards the sky: "Very well, the younger generation is indeed formidable, formidable. I, Li Xiao Tian, have roamed the rivers and lakes for thirty years, and yet no junior has dared to speak such arrogant words in front of me."

And the book "Hi, No, No. You have no idea how sought after this book is, especially this edition. Mr. Fang always waits two to three years after completing each edition of the "Number One in the World" before sending it to Chang'an for publication, by which time the rankings in the book have already become outdated. Otherwise, those martial artists who have not been ranked as number one will immediately seek out those who have been, either to duel or to employ underhanded tactics, determined to ensure their own rankings are included in the roster. From then on, the martial world will be rife with troubles. Otherwise, those martial artists who have not been ranked as number one will immediately seek out those who have been, either to duel or to employ underhanded tactics, determined to ensure their own rankings are included in the roster. From then on, the martial world will be rife with troubles

"The dishes are here." With the cheer of a bodyguard, the waiters hurriedly placed the freshly prepared hot meals on the table, followed by barrel after barrel of fine wine. Steamed chicken and braised beef filled the dining table. Peng Wuju and the bodyguards immediately began to shout and eat heartily.

Zuo Lianshan also laughed and said, "Elder brother, listening to his words, I suddenly feel quite remarkable myself."

The group of bodyguards in the shop were all swaying unsteadily, deeply poisoned, and were on the verge of collapsing. Meanwhile, a small portion of the porters outside had not yet had the chance to eat, so they were still able to stand. Upon hearing Peng Wuju's shout, they quickly raised their guns to protect the escort cart

Am I really that foolish? Third Brother, you are going too far!

"The antidote for the heartthrob, one for each person, the charm will dissolve itself," Lü Buyou declared loudly

Li Xiaotian said, "Little brother, I find that we have a great affinity, and I would very much like to become sworn brothers with you. However, upon further consideration, you are a bodyguard, and I am a robber; we are like water and fire, truly unable to come together. How about this: we will never interfere with the escort from the Feihu Escort Agency to Hebei."

Zuo Lianshan let out a furious roar, retreating several steps, as the drum and hammer danced wildly, making it difficult for water to enter. Peng Wuwang wielded a knife with one hand, the six-foot-long broadsword spinning around Zuo Lianshan, moving up and down, left and right, three strikes forward and four strikes back, five strikes to the left and six to the right, leaving Zuo Lianshan howling in distress. Suddenly, Peng Wuwang stepped forward, holding the knife with both hands, and a myriad of knife lights converged into one, striking down towards Zuo Lianshan. Zuo Lianshan shouted sharply, exerting all his strength to raise the hammer and strike at the long knife. This blow was the culmination of his lifelong power, truly formidable. Suddenly, Peng Wuwang stepped forward, holding the knife with both hands, and a myriad of knife lights converged into one, striking down towards Zuo Lianshan. Zuo Lianshan shouted sharply, exerting all his strength to raise the hammer and strike at the long knife. This blow was the culmination of his lifelong power, truly formidable.

Peng Wuwang shook his hand and tossed the "Number One Record in the World" into the center of the arena, then loudly proclaimed: "The Number One Record in the World is here. If anyone can surpass me, then esteemed seniors are welcome to observe at will"

"Hmph, what is there to fear from a mere escort leader?" With a command from the leading thug, dozens of strong men surged forward, instantly surrounding the escort group both inside and outside the hotel.

The followers of Peng Wuwang initially believed their lives were in peril, facing imminent danger. However, as soon as Peng Wuwang took the stage and displayed such astonishing swordsmanship, it immediately ignited their will to survive, prompting them to cheer in unison, and their morale soared.

However, Li Xiaotian's fierce swordsmanship ignited Peng Wuwang's ambition for competition and victory. He let out a long howl, suddenly leaping backward, retreating four zhang to evade the first move of Li Xiaotian's seven consecutive sword techniques. Li Xiaotian let out another explosive shout, and the blade light surged violently, seemingly extending a foot in length. The snowflake-like blade light transformed into countless variations, as twenty-one thunderous and rapid blade lights enveloped Peng Wuwang.

Li Xiaotian sighed and said, "Young man, you have already broken through the most fierce offensive and the most stable defensive techniques of my Seven Styles of Horizontal Blade. Although there are still five moves left in the Seven Styles, there is no need to bring them out and embarrass myself. This time, we cannot deny our defeat. Ha ha, young man, I have gained invaluable experience from our duel. If in the future my somewhat aged swordsmanship can advance further, it will all be thanks to you!"

"Hey, Fourth Brother, you forgot that I don't like drinking. Drinking leads to mistakes," Peng Wuwang quickly said

At this moment, Peng Wuwang's figure, which had been retreating urgently, suddenly halted and transformed into a forward charging stance. The six-foot-long wooden knife was held in his right hand, and the blade, radiating brilliance, suddenly flickered with dazzling light, as if the clouds at the edge of a colorful sunset were swiftly and gracefully pouncing towards Li Xiaotian. Meanwhile, Peng Wuwang's figure seemed to transform into a ghostly apparition, forcefully piercing through Li Xiaotian's web of blades, advancing directly towards him

Peng Wuwang swiftly dodged the blow, his hands shaking as he brandished the knife, its blade gleaming, aiming directly for Zuo Lianshan's neck. Zuo Lianshan retracted his neck, concealing his head, as the iron hammer descended, threatening all vital points below Peng Wuwang's knees. Peng Wuwang leaped into the air, unfurling his knife, and with a series of swift motions, he created three knife shadows, targeting Zuo Lianshan's head, chest, and abdomen. Zuo Lianshan slightly bent his right leg, gripping the hammer with both hands, pivoting on his left foot, and spun around, the iron hammer tracing a circle that completely neutralized Peng Wuwang's assault. Peng Wuwang exclaimed in admiration, loosening his left hand, extending his right hand, and with just two fingers pinching the knife, he thrust the entire knife forward like a whip into Zuo Lianshan's hammer shadow, aiming directly for Zuo Lianshan's lower abdomen.

Li Xiaotian was momentarily taken aback, suddenly recalling the words of his deceased master: if one is purely defensive, even an invincible defense that is as impenetrable as a water barrier has insurmountable flaws, and a peerless expert can surely break it with ease. Reflecting on it now, Peng Wuwang, by merely standing still, turned the Iron Barrel Mountain River into a futile joke, having truly reached an exceptionally high realm in martial arts. In a clash between experts, during the engagement, the enemy attacks while I defend, the enemy defends while I attack, back and forth, the transition between offense and defense is as swift as lightning, leaving no room for careful consideration. If one cannot remain agile in mind and spirit during the execution of techniques, and cannot take the overall situation into account, one must not be like the current Peng Wuwang, who, upon the first engagement, could discern the simplicity of the Iron Barrel Mountain River's defensive stance and decide to conquer it without attacking. In contrast, Li Xiaotian had to wait until more than thirty moves had passed before realizing Peng Wuwang's technique, which was indeed a step behind.

The escorts let out a cheer and, at an unprecedented speed, charged towards the small hotel

"That's not right. In any case, with such a large escort, it is only proper to have the elder brother come and help." Peng Wuwang shook his head vigorously

"Boss, we will take this route back as well. If there is anything you would like us to bring from Chang'an, please feel free to let us know," Peng Wuwang said generously

However, Li Xiaotian's second brother, Lü Buyou, felt somewhat displeased at this moment, as he had not yet had the opportunity to compete with Peng Wuwang. He was quite confident in his acupoint striking technique and thought to himself: "If I could compete with Peng Wuwang in acupoint striking, I might not necessarily lose; at the very least, I could regain some face, and the elder brother would not have to make such a significant promise that could lead to loss." He was quite confident in his acupoint striking technique and thought to himself: "If I could compete with Peng Wuwang in acupoint striking, I might not necessarily lose; at the very least, I could regain some face, and the elder brother would not have to make such a significant promise that could lead to loss."

"Pah," Peng Wuwang spat out the beef and said angrily, "What is going on? These dishes are too strange. How can perfectly good poached chicken and braised beef have an unpleasant sour taste?"

"Well, young brother, just now I praised your swordsmanship, and this time, I must say you are a true man. Are you not afraid that we might turn against you and take action?" Li Xiaotian said with a smile.

***

"I, Peng Wuwang, the junior, " Peng Wuwang said excitedly, "As I venture into the world for the first time, I am truly delighted to encounter a master today, far beyond my expectations. I shall follow everything as you, the senior, have advised."

"I never expected that the heartthrob of the masses, the second son, would not have a single successful completion, and there is still a bodyguard standing there." The giant man holding the iron hammer said with a sinister smile.

Wow, such an important escort mission, why have you entrusted it to us

Of course, hehe, our Flying Tiger Escort Agency reaches as far west as Chang'an, east to Penglai, north to Liaodong, and south to Jiangdu. Wherever our escort flags go, there is no obstruction whatsoever.

This is the scheme of the second brother, let us protect this bright escort. Inside is the escort silver that the wealthy merchant Duan Million from Tai'an wishes to transport to the Chang'an Zhenguan Bank, genuine and valuable. However, this hidden escort is tucked in my bosom

At this moment, Li Xiaotian and the members of the Feihu Biaoju were laughing and chatting joyfully, creating a lively atmosphere. Peng Wuwang and the just-awakened Peng Wuju had already become brothers with Li Xiaotian and Zuo Liantian, mutually agreeing on a future meeting date. The exuberant Peng Wuju quickly became acquainted with Zuo Lianshan, and they planned to visit the brothels in Youzhou and Yizhou in Hebei together to seek out scenic spots. Even if Lü Buyou wanted to propose a contest, it would be impossible to realize, and it might provoke dissatisfaction from Li Xiaotian and Zuo Lianshan. He sighed and could only remain silent.

I believe that a true man stands between heaven and earth, seeking only to have a clear conscience. By putting oneself in others' shoes, everyone here, with their dignified appearances, should share the same sentiments. If you, esteemed seniors, were to turn against each other and resort to violence, regardless of success or failure, how could one find peace in their heart in the days to come, every thought returning to this matter

"Come at me," Peng Wuwang shouted fiercely, brandishing his knife. The bright blade immediately enveloped the seven or eight burly men. It seemed as if seventeen or eighteen steel knives appeared before them, each aimed at their vital points. In a panic, they desperately swung their single knives, blocking and parrying in all directions, creating chaos. A series of clanging sounds erupted, followed by screams as the seven or eight burly men were sent flying out of the hotel, landing on the ground. Among them, three had their belts cut, three had their shirts slashed into twenty-seven or eight pieces, and another three were struck at their acupoints, writhing on the ground.

Peng Wuwang recalled the time he drank with his master on Tianmu Mountain, and thought that since then, it had been difficult to see his master again, which made him feel a wave of sadness. He picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of chicken, put it in his mouth, and chewed vigorously, only to be taken aback. It turned out that the white-cut chicken had an unusual sour taste, not like vinegar, and the flavor was strange, completely ruining the essence of the white-cut chicken. Peng Wuwang felt quite troubled and spat the chicken out. Then, he tried a piece of braised beef. To his surprise, the braised beef also had the same peculiar sour taste, obliterating the delightful aroma of the braised meat.

"Good courage," the leading thug shouted loudly, "Charge!" From all around, seven or eight men in black rushed out, their blades gleaming like snow, and they pounced on the six porters.

"To kill and silence, " Peng Wuwang laughed and said, "If you want to obtain beauty, even if it is just me alone, you may not be able to keep me, let alone think about wiping us out completely? Don't even think about it."

Peng Wuwang repeatedly cupped his hands and smiled, saying: "Thank you, Senior Li, for your mercy. In fact, the distinction of martial arts skills is merely a minor detail. It is truly meaningful to be open-minded and magnanimous like you, Senior."

Learned from you

"Where is there any sourness!" Peng Wuju laughed and said, "Third Brother, could it be that your sense of taste is malfunctioning?"

"Rest assured, these fellows know their limits. Third Brother, you should have a drink as well." Peng Wuju reached out to bring over a jar of wine and was about to pour it into Peng Wuwang's cup.

However, this time, Mr. Ouyang, with great prestige, earnestly requested Mr. Fang to lend him the new edition of the "World's Number One Record" for an early preview. Just think about it, this book was completed less than a month ago, and it contains the latest rankings of the martial arts world. Which proud and ambitious top experts would not want to see it first? Moreover, this new edition of the "World's Number One Record" is priced higher than gold. If anyone possesses this book and publishes it, even if it is worth a hundred taels of gold, they could easily sell one or two hundred copies, thus making a fortune. Therefore, those minor sects and gangs in the martial arts world must be drooling over our escort mission.

Peng Wuwang hurriedly said: "Brothers, we have had just enough to drink; we still have a journey ahead of us"

Exiting from Qingzhou Road, there are still several hundred miles to Chang'an, requiring passage through Jiyin, Rongyang, Luoyang, and Shangluo before finally reaching the Guanzhong region of Chang'an. However, Peng Wuwang could no longer endure the dry rations prepared for the escort members at the escort agency, constantly clamoring for a good meal at an inn. Although Peng Wujue was experienced, he did not shout and make a fuss like Peng Wuwang; nevertheless, the dry rations were hard to swallow, and after hastily traveling a hundred miles from Tai'an, having not eaten any meat for several days, he too was beginning to struggle.

"No," Peng Wuwang said in a deep voice, "Damn it, there is a murderous aura."

"Hey, Fourth Brother," Peng Wuwang said, "Your third brother has been a master of culinary arts for three years now. My training at the Qingzhou Hotel has further refined my skills to an extraordinary level. Can it be that you cannot even detect the strange taste in the dish?"

Peng Wuju was about to say more when suddenly he felt a wave of dizziness. With his rich experience in the martial world, he immediately realized something was amiss and shouted, "You scoundrel, you used a sleeping drug." After saying this, he kicked over the dining table and drew the twin blades from his back

The shopkeeper, with a beaming smile, said to the Peng brothers: "Gentlemen, where are you headed?"

Everyone burst into laughter

"The little escort," the porter answered tremulously, "Li Xiaotian is the chief of the Eighteen Villages of the Hebei Green Forest, known as the 'Ghost Who Makes the Blade Wail.' He has defeated over thirty masters from three factions, seven gangs, and eighteen villages in Hebei, earning the title of the number one swordsman in Hebei. That pale-faced man must be Li Xiaotian's sworn brother, known as the 'Death Calculator,' Lü Buyou. His Judge's Pen is also a unique skill in the Hebei martial arts world, reputed to be able to strike all seventy-two vital points on a person in the blink of an eye. However, his most formidable trait is his cunning and schemes, truly feared by all. That third man must be Li Xiaotian's second sworn brother, the 'Ghost-Subduing Hammer,' Zuo Lianshan. He possesses incredible strength, and his drum hammer technique is renowned throughout Hebei. The lineup for this escort mission is indeed formidable."

"Third brother, come back." Although Lu Wuyou also harbored a good impression of Peng Wuwang and Zuo Lianshan, given the confrontation between the two sides and Zuo Lianshan's perilous situation, he called out to avoid any prolonged complications.

Only the sound of a few claps was heard, and those big men rose to their feet, full of spirit, showing no signs of lethargy.

Peng Wuwang also felt a bit awkward, cleared his throat, and said: "Well, well, senior, this technique of yours, www.hetushu.com, is a defensive move; water cannot penetrate it. Only by refraining from attack can it be broken!"

"Oh, Chang'an City?" The shopkeeper said with a face full of envy, "Chang'an City is quite far from here, and the travel permits are rare. You two gentlemen are truly fortunate to be able to visit the prosperous and wealthy Chang'an City. We common folks from these small places wouldn't even dare to dream of it"

Peng Wuwang was overjoyed and quickly handed the antidote to a nearby attendant, instructing him to administer aid immediately. He then approached Peng Wujun, crouched down, and took from his embrace the coveted "The Number One Manual in the Martial World" that everyone desired.

"Ha, Third Brother, what a pity, your life is missing such a great enjoyment, it is incomplete to the utmost, incomplete to the utmost." Peng Wuju laughed, and as soon as he finished speaking, he downed another large bowl of wine

Peng Wuju raised his head proudly and said, "Hehe, boss, our buddies are going to take a trip to the capital, Chang'an."

In an instant, Peng Wuwang's overwhelming blade aura surged forward. Li Xiaotian could only let out a muffled groan as he raised his iron shield, desperately protecting his vital points. The four-foot-long blade was retracted, transforming into a series of circular blade rings that shielded his waist. The sound of dozens of weapons clashing echoed like exploding beans. Peng Wuwang's numerous fierce and unmatched offensive techniques were completely blocked by Li Xiaotian's iron shield and long blade, yet they also countered Li Xiaotian's ferocious attack, which was at its peak. After retreating three steps, Li Xiaotian finally steadied himself, having suffered a significant disadvantage while being forced to switch from offense to defense.

"Understood," Peng Wuwang quickly straightened his back and said loudly, "You esteemed seniors are renowned figures in the martial arts world; why resort to such despicable means to scheme against our inconspicuous small escort."

"Of course there is," Peng Wuju said with a smile, "Chickens are being slaughtered in the kitchen; it would be strange if there were no killing intent."

Peng Wuwang also picked up the wooden knife that his elder brother Peng Wuji had personally given him, protecting Peng Wuju, and shouted sternly: "Friends from which line, please reveal yourselves now"

The porters sat on the ground outside the small hotel, taking care of the convoy. The escorts removed their hats and rushed into the hotel, immediately occupying all the seats inside. The innkeeper and the staff became busy at once, serving drinks and slaughtering chickens, creating a scene of bustling activity

Peng Wuwang let out another long howl, unfurling his simple blade, which floated like blue smoke towards Li Xiaotian's left side. Planting his left foot on the ground, his body spun like a whirlwind, and the simple blade struck head-on towards Li Xiaotian's neck.

Peng Wuwang felt as if his entire body was almost frozen by the severe and menacing aura of the blade emanating from Li Xiao Tian. A chill ran through his skin, as if he were bound by invisible yet tangible strands of blade energy.

"Well said!" Lü Buyou and Li Xiaotian exchanged glances filled with admiration. Lü Buyou raised his hand, and a blue gourd-shaped porcelain vase flew over.

At last, the day has come! Peng Wuju shouted loudly, "Brothers, quicken your pace, charge!"

"Fourth Brother," on this day, Peng Wuwang suddenly asked, "What kind of escort are we protecting on this trip?"

Peng Wuwang let out a muffled grunt: "You rascal, these words were said to you by Second Brother, weren't they?"

At this moment, Li Xiaotian smiled and said to Peng Wuwang, "My several brothers have had their acupoints sealed by my younger brother; can they be unsealed now?"

The two brothers were arguing passionately when the porters in front suddenly cheered: "Young escort! There is a small inn with a pig's head, a sheep's head, and a fat chicken hanging outside. There is meat to eat!"

"How do you know?" Peng Wuju was taken aback

The leading thug was momentarily taken aback and said sternly: "You little brat, the boss of the Flying Tiger Escort Agency uses a gun, the second-in-command uses a fan, and the fourth uses dual knives. Where do you think you're running off to, you skilled user of the wooden staff?"

The remaining dozen or so porters immediately designated six individuals to rush into the store, dragging the bewildered bodyguards along with Peng Wuju out of the shop.

Everyone was taken aback, unsure of what he intended to do

The shopkeeper was taken aback for a moment, seemingly unable to comprehend that Peng Wuwang had such a kind heart. He cleared his throat and said, "How could I dare to have such extravagant hopes? You jest, esteemed guest." After saying this, he apologized and went to the kitchen to urge the dishes.

"Fool, if someone with your intelligence can say such a thing, then even a monkey could master our family's Pengmen sword technique."

Peng Wuwang immediately and decisively shouted: "Drag the escort leaders under the escort cart, quickly"

"Good swordsmanship!" Li Xiaotian strode into the arena, "Since the third brother is in your hands, we have nothing more to say. This time, we concede defeat in this escort mission."

Peng Wuwang felt a shiver in his heart: "Alright, I've been exposed." And - illustrations - books

"Kill the chicken, cut the beef, hurry up, the brothers still have a long way to go." Before his bottom even touched the chair, Peng Wuwang impatiently shouted loudly.

Peng Wuwang slapped his forehead desperately and exclaimed, "I forgot, I forgot, this is truly damned, truly damned." After saying this, he struck the long table in front of him with his right palm. A container of chopsticks on the table leaped off, and Peng Wuwang then waved his palm, striking the upper edge of the bamboo tube. Several pairs of chopsticks inside the tube shot out rapidly, flying straight towards a few of Li Xiaotian's subordinates who were lying about seventy to eighty feet away.

"Don't make a fuss, Third Brother," Peng Wuju suddenly said in a low voice, "It's quite embarrassing"

Li Xiaotian felt a jolt in his heart; never had anyone been able to counterattack so swiftly under the most ferocious attack of his Seven Sword Techniques, particularly the most formidable Three Flowers Gathering at the Apex.

"Hmph, little escort," Li Xiaotian said with a cold smile, "who dares to say that the number one record in the world is just a small escort"

Peng Wuju cautiously looked left and right for a long while before mysteriously saying: "This is no trivial matter, no trivial matter. This time, the escort is to deliver Mr. Fang Baitong's newly revised 'The Greatest Record Under Heaven' to the esteemed elder of the Guanzhong martial arts community, Mr. Ouyang Xizhao of the Guanzhong Sword Sect, for his perusal"

"That makes sense," Peng Wuwang suddenly realized, giving his head a firm slap.

Zuo Lianshan's face was black and red; he felt both fortunate that Peng Wuwang had spared his life and grateful that he had preserved his dignity. He repeatedly cupped his fists in salute to Peng Wuwang, but due to his clumsiness, he was unable to articulate a single coherent word.

The guards of the Flying Tiger Escort Agency nearby had already burst into laughter, while Li Xiaotian's two sworn brothers wore strange expressions, seemingly struggling to suppress their laughter as well

"Ah!" Peng Wuju shook his head proudly, "Discussing strategies with someone of your intellect is like trying to woo a mule; it is utterly futile. If the elder brother were to guard this shipment, it would be overkill; everyone would realize that he is actually here to protect this secret shipment. Only we can take on this task without raising suspicion. Haven't you noticed? Recently, the escort agency has been making moves both outside and inside to lower the enemy's guard."

Peng Wuwang said triumphantly: "Hehe, are you scared? If you're scared, just say it, and I will let you go. I am the third in the Flying Tiger Escort Agency, and today is my first day as a bodyguard. You underestimated me, a skilled expert; this time, your attempt to intercept the escort has been in vain. It would be best for you to leave quickly."

At this moment, Peng Wuju had already fallen into a deep sleep, and within the escort agency, the only one left capable of speaking up was Peng Wuwang

Li Xiaotian felt greatly pleased upon hearing this, as the disappointment from the earlier competition vanished completely. He laughed heartily and said, "Little brother, your words are quite refreshing and very amusing"

"Go away, you disrespectful one." Peng Wuwang struck Wu Ju with a heavy punch

Peng Wuwang reached out to take it, momentarily taken aback

"This is bad!" Li Xiaotian and Lü Buyou simultaneously leaped forward. At the same time, Peng Wuwang skillfully avoided the throat of Zuo Lianshan with his blade, targeting Zuo Lianshan's single hammer. Zuo Lianshan's hands had already become weak due to misapplied force, and the single hammer immediately slipped from his grasp, spinning towards the approaching Li and Lü. With no other choice, Li Xiaotian and Lü Buyou struck out together to deflect the flying hammer, but they were a moment too late, ultimately failing to free Zuo Lianshan. Zuo Lianshan stood there dejectedly, immobilized by Peng Wuwang's almost magical knife technique. Li Xiaotian and Lü Buyou, with no other options, struck out together to deflect the flying hammer, but they were a moment too late, ultimately failing to free Zuo Lianshan. Zuo Lianshan stood there dejectedly, immobilized by Peng Wuwang's almost magical knife technique.

At this moment, Peng Wuwang and Peng Wuju had already organized the escort team and were ready to set off. Peng Wuju turned around and said, "Brothers, remember our agreement; we will definitely visit Hebei!"

At that moment, Peng Wuwang suddenly felt a chill all over his body, shivering without reason, and his face suddenly turned pale. Peng Wujue noticed this and asked curiously, "Third Brother, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Li Xiaotian executed the Seven Star Step, with his iron shield flying diagonally, and the blade flowers scattered. He employed the most stable defensive stance of the Horizontal Blade Seven Styles, "Iron Barrel Mountains and Rivers," as his long knife danced to create a web of silver light, neutralizing Peng Wuwang's offensive. This Iron Barrel Mountains and Rivers consists of a total of one hundred seventy-four knife techniques, executed in succession, capable of rendering the coordinated attacks of seven or eight individuals ineffective. When one's skill reaches a profound level, even a wave of water splashed directly can be completely blocked, ensuring not a single drop touches the body. Li Xiaotian hoped to establish an undefeated position with this move, enticing Peng Wuwang to continue his assaults. When Peng Wuwang found himself unable to break through after prolonged attacks, growing anxious and irritable, Li Xiaotian would then seek an opportunity for counterattack. This was also due to the ferocity of Peng Wuwang's knife techniques, which prevented him from unleashing his typically dominant style, instilling a sense of trepidation. If Peng Wuwang were aware of Li Xiaotian's current thoughts, he would undoubtedly feel a sense of pride.

"Great! Welcome, welcome!" Lu Buyou said hurriedly. Li Xiaotian and Zuo Lianshan exchanged glances and smiled.