Chapter Nine, The Resistance at Yishan

Peng Wuxin had never been to Tingsong Pavilion before, so he could only seek out a local woodcutter familiar with the mountain paths at the foot of Yishan Mountain. With his guidance, they traveled all the way to the foot of Lianhua Peak. Coincidentally, this woodcutter had once met Mr. Fang Butong, who was knowledgeable about everything, thus Peng Wuxin did not expend much effort in finding Tingsong Pavilion.

Jin Tianbao furiously exclaimed: "You, with the surname Peng, we have already let you go, yet you still dare to act recklessly"

Guangming Peak is the second highest peak of Yishan Mountain. The summit is flat and spacious, making it a treasure for mountain travelers. Standing at the peak, one can overlook the sea of clouds in all directions, and witness the flowing mist during the sunrise at Yishan, which can be described as a single peak capturing the clouds of five seas. The world-renowned Yue Nu Palace is also built here.

Peng Wuxin retreated more than ten steps, raising his pen to prepare for action, secretly alarmed. In the recent exchange, he had already discerned that among these five individuals, at least three possessed internal skills deeper than his own. Moreover, the knife techniques of these five were intricately concealed, demonstrating extraordinary mastery. Even in a one-on-one confrontation, Peng Wuxin had no confidence in his ability to secure a definitive victory over any of them.

Jin Tianjiao angrily said, "Second Brother, I have not yet been defeated." After saying this, he suddenly tensed his body, and the light of his single saber surged forth, executing a move called "Iron Horse Crossing the River" to slash horizontally at Peng Wuxin's waist.

Yishan is also renowned as the birthplace of the Sword of the Yue Maiden, dating back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Furthermore, there is a significant connection between the Tianshan Sword Sect and Yishan.

Jin Tiantai hesitated for a moment, shook his head, and said: "Let's wait a little longer"

The tall, muscular man at the forefront revealed a cold and cruel smile, saying: "Today, we have come to this Listening Pine Pavilion specifically to welcome the young lady of the Fang family into marriage, to marry me, Jin Tiantai, as my wife. This Fang Baitong has been exceedingly difficult, and I have already taught him a lesson, eliminating all his household servants and attendants. Ultimately, it was the young lady of the Fang family who demonstrated great understanding and finally agreed. Now, we are here to take the old man Fang and the young lady back to get married. You, with your foolish and delusional thoughts, might as well wait for the next life."

"Be careful, little escort!" Just as a few of the runners let out a startled cry, three or four of them were struck by long arrows and fell backward. Peng Wuxin was furious, seized the judge's double pens, deflected the cold arrows, and shouted sternly: "Which group of vermin dares to wreak havoc in the Listening Pine Pavilion? Come and accept your fate!"

Peng Wuxin suddenly shook his hand, and several throwing arrows flew out like lightning. The Jin brothers exclaimed in unison, only to see several strong men collapse to the ground, arrows lodged in their throats, clearly on the brink of death

The Ting Song Pavilion's courtyard is exceedingly small, and the furnishings are exceptionally simple, completely unlike a place where the renowned master Fang Baitong resides with his children. However, the golden sign of the Ting Song Pavilion is clearly hung above the main hall, leaving no room for doubt. As Peng Wuxin passed through the somewhat chilly main gate of the courtyard, he felt a wave of cold air rush towards him. He turned back to glance at the several experienced bodyguards from the escort agency who had entered the house with him; their faces all displayed signs of unease. Peng Wuxin forced himself to remain calm and knocked on the main door of the Ting Song Pavilion. Just then, a faint sound of a woman's gasp was heard, followed by several powerful black-feathered arrows shooting towards him.

"This is bad!" The Jin brothers sensed the danger and rushed forward, but Peng Wuxin had already struck Jin Tianjiao's soft acupoint with his left-hand brush. With a flick of his right-hand brush, he shouted, "Do not approach, or I will pierce his Tiantu acupoint with this Judge's Brush." The Tiantu acupoint is a vital point on the human body, located just above the throat; a strike to it would result in immediate death.

Jin Tiantai waved his hand and said, "Third brother, silence."

After withdrawing from the Yishan territory, Peng Wuxin immediately deposited all the betrothal gifts at the Hangzhou branch and purchased several swift horses. Once everything was in order, he released Jin Tianjiao's acupoints and said: "Go back and tell your brothers that those who commit many injustices will surely bring about their own demise. I advise them to act wisely."

At that moment, Peng Wuxin suddenly changed his technique, wielding one brush with bold and sweeping strokes, employing the Peng family knife technique, while the other brush moved with agility and grace, resembling the delicate strokes of small regular script. It turned out that Peng Wuxin had created a unique style of brushwork known as the Judge's Brush Technique, derived from his mastery of calligraphy with both hands. One brush wrote in wild cursive, while the other wrote in slender gold script, both brushes flying in unison, alternating in a remarkable display. Jin Tianjiao's relentless attacks were continuously thwarted, forced to retreat step by step under the pressure of this brush technique, clearly at a disadvantage.

Tiandu Peak is the most perilous summit among the five hundred miles of Yishan. The mountain rises ten thousand fathoms high, and from its peak, one can gaze far into the sea of clouds, surrounded by lush greenery, exuding an extraordinary elegance. This peak is incredibly steep, with no paths to ascend, and it has been said since ancient times that no one has ever managed to reach its summit. However, it has been passed down through generations that there are immortal beings gathering at the top, playing the qin and xiao for their amusement, thus earning the beautiful name of the abode of the immortals.

Mount Yi rises a thousand zhang high, with seventy-two peaks that are elegant and extraordinary, soaring into the clouds. The mountain is adorned with ancient pines and bizarre rocks, each with its own unique style, resembling a group of unconventional hermits dwelling here. The peaks are shrouded in mist throughout the day, creating a serene and ethereal atmosphere. The steep terrain evokes a sense of reverence, as if one is gazing up at a majestic mountain, reminiscent of a fairyland beyond the world. At the foot of the mountain, one occasionally encounters waterfalls between the peaks, cascading like a snow-bathed flying dragon, spilling like the Milky Way, or floating like a light silk ribbon, captivating the observer and making them forget their fatigue. The most perilous and exquisite peaks are three in number, namely: Tiandu Peak, Lianhua Peak, and Guangming Ding.

At this moment, Jin Tianhao, the fourth son of the Jin family, suddenly said: "Now is the time for us to deal with those Peng family's henchmen, so they won't be a hindrance." Jin Tianhao was short and stocky, with a sharp chin and a monkey-like face, his appearance was rather unsightly, and his bloodshot eyes, along with his head of red hair, made him look like a bloodthirsty maniac

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Until Wang Qiong was born, he was dissatisfied with the situation of the female celestial beings and male earthly beings in the palace. He sneaked into the palace at night to secretly learn the advanced martial arts of the palace. Over time, he became thoroughly familiar with the palace's superior martial skills and even made innovations. However, his secret learning of martial arts was eventually discovered. More than a hundred top swordsmen from the Burial Sword Pool of the Yue Female Palace emerged in full force to hunt down Wang Qiong, who was fleeing the Yue Female Palace under the cover of night. The male faction within the Yue Female Palace admired Wang Qiong's courage, wisdom, and determination, and in order to protect his escape, they finally engaged in a fierce battle with the female masters of the palace.

Jin Tianba brandished his sword and shouted: "Fifth brother, step back."

Among the martial arts families that specialize in bodyguard services, the Jin family of Baisheng Shendao in Luoyang and the Pengmen of Qingzhou stand out the most. Jin Baiba, the master of the Baisheng Shendao, served the renowned general Wang Shichong during the late Sui Dynasty. With his golden saber, he displayed extraordinary skills and assisted Wang Shichong in subduing the formidable hero Li Mi of Wagang in Shandong. Later, when Wang Shichong deposed the young emperor Yang Tong and declared himself king, Jin Baiba felt discontented and resigned from his official position to live in seclusion. Subsequently, when Li Shimin's army advanced into Luoyang, Jin Baiba, along with numerous martial arts heroes, opened the city to assist, leading to the fall of the most impregnable city in the world. In this battle, Jin Baiba made significant contributions, and Li Shimin granted him a golden medal of exemption from death, making the Luoyang golden saber famous throughout the land.

Jin Tianba hesitated for a moment and said, "Fifth brother, be careful"

"Young Master Peng Er indeed possesses extraordinary insight, and we brothers truly admire him." The leading man sheathed his long knife and cupped his hands in salute to Peng Wuxin

"I wonder what grievances you all have with Mr. Fang Baitong that you would lie in wait here." Peng Wuxin glanced at the bodies of several thugs lying by the roadside and said angrily

Jin Tianba let out an angry snort and said, "You all come out."

Peng Wuxin exclaimed, "I only ask Young Master Jin Wu to accompany me for a trip. As long as we leave the borders of Yishan and you do not pursue us, I will naturally release him."

Peng Wuxin wielded his dual pens with a swift motion, one pen veering off to the side while the other struck at the center, employing the Taishan acupuncture technique. The two engaged with all their might, fighting for their lives, neither yielding to the other. Peng Wuxin's techniques were steady and fierce, his strokes smooth and meticulous, each move executed with utmost precision. In contrast, Jin Tianjiao's knife techniques were broad and forceful, his attacks aggressive and fierce, yet lacking in composure, seemingly becoming increasingly restrained by Peng Wuxin's pen techniques. Jin Tianba and Jin Tiantai exchanged glances, a glint of cunning laughter flashing in their eyes. Jin Tianjiao's knife techniques were broad and forceful, his attacks aggressive and fierce, yet lacking in composure, seemingly becoming increasingly restrained by Peng Wuxin's pen techniques. Jin Tianba and Jin Tiantai exchanged glances, a glint of cunning laughter flashing in their eyes

"It seems that Young Master Peng Er has been made a joke of." The second son of the Jin family took over the conversation, smiling slyly, "Today, we brothers have come to invite Old Mr. Fang to our residence for a discussion regarding the marriage alliance between the Jin and Fang families."

Since the Qin and Han dynasties, the Yue Nu Palace has been the supreme realm of martial arts in the world. During the period of the Two Jin Dynasties and the Northern and Southern Dynasties, a remarkable figure emerged in the history of martial arts from the Yue Nu Palace: Wang Qiong. The era of the Two Jin Dynasties was marked by great chaos, and many chivalrous heroes and recluses, disillusioned with the world, sought refuge in the Yue Nu Palace to escape the turmoil and remain aloof from worldly affairs. However, the Yue Nu Palace has always revered women since the Spring and Autumn period, and the men who entered the palace were relegated to menial roles, never granted the opportunity to learn advanced swordsmanship, and were commanded and subjugated by the female disciples within the palace. As a result, the men in the palace felt deeply oppressed and resentful.

Jin Tianjiao stretched his limbs and suddenly revealed a strange smile: "Peng Wuxin, the various humiliations you have inflicted upon me today, I will surely repay you tenfold in the future." After saying this, he turned and left

Wang Qiong had already arrived at the foot of Yishan, but upon hearing of the battle at Guangming Peak, he resolutely turned back up the mountain. Armed with only a single sword, he ascended Guangming Peak alone, facing the combined assault of one hundred and eight unparalleled masters at the Sword-Burying Pool. He sustained thirty-six injuries, killed fifty-two, and wounded fifty-six. It was not until the last of his male disciples descended from Guangming Peak that he left with pride, thereafter gaining immense fame in the martial world, unmatched for a time.

Jin Tiantai was furious and shouted, "Shut up! My Jin family's swordsmanship is renowned throughout the world, how dare you comment on it? Just now, who was it that we struck down with three consecutive blows?"

Jin Tiantai glanced at the few brothers behind him, and saw that they all nodded helplessly. He then said, "Young Master Peng Er has always been a man of his word, and we brothers can trust him. It is decided this way."

At this moment, Jin Jia's second son, Jin Tianba, stepped forward and said to Jin Tiantai: "Elder brother, further discussion is futile; eliminate them all, leaving no survivors"

Peng Wuxin coldly said: "These arrows are shot for my deceased brothers, blood for blood, what is inappropriate about that?" He positioned Jin Tianjiao in front of him and slowly retreated, while the other members of the team held shields to protect him on either side. The Jin brothers watched him leave Lianhua Peak with fury in their eyes, yet they were powerless to act.

"In the martial arts world, which five masters possess such remarkable swordsmanship?" Peng Wuxin thought quickly in his heart, and suddenly a light dawned upon him as he said aloud, "So it is the Jin brothers of the Luoyang Divine Blade, my apologies for the oversight"

Lotus Peak has long been regarded as the highest peak of Yishan, towering infinitely, surrounded by clouds and mist. The rocky summit is uneven, resembling petals that open in four directions, hence the name "Lotus." From Lotus Ridge to Lotus Peak, a distance of about three to five miles, is known as Lotus Stem. Along the way, peculiar pines stand tall, some resembling flying dragons, others like inverted golden bells, or welcoming old men. Additionally, the mountains are adorned with brilliant azaleas, truly a beautiful scene in the world

Peng Wuxin was taken aback: the Jin brothers were highly skilled in martial arts, and among them, Jin Tianba was particularly formidable, with a robust physique, powerful moves, and exceptional swordsmanship. It would not be easy for me to defeat him. As long as I can survive today, I can plan for another opportunity. He let out a cold snort and said: "The Jin family is merely famous; in reality, their martial arts are mediocre and truly not worth mentioning"

Peng Wuxin's head buzzed and swelled, his face flushed with anger as he exclaimed: "Pah, shameless scoundrel! How can matters of marriage and literature be resolved with violence? Jin, the old hero and a man of great renown, I never expected his descendants to be so despicable and shameless."

Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, the Yue Female Academy has shown signs of revival, producing numerous renowned female heroes within the palace. More than thirty percent of the famous female heroes in the martial world hail from the Yue Female Academy. It is said that the master of the skilled Hongfu from the Tian Ce Mansion is also a disciple of the Yue Female Academy. In the early Tang period, the Bright Summit of the Yue Female Academy remained a revered place in the martial arts community, admired by all.

Peng Wuxin let out a cold laugh and said, "Jin Da, if I let him go, will I still be alive today"

The battle at Bright Summit was utterly horrific, with thousands of male swordsmen being surrounded and slaughtered by over a hundred masters from the Burial Sword Pool, resulting in a scene of blood and flesh flying everywhere, truly unbearable to witness. Some of these swordsmen possessed only a basic understanding of sword principles, to the extent that they could be considered unskilled in martial arts. Yet, in order to protect Wang Qiong as she descended the mountain, they resolutely severed ties with the Yue Female Palace, bringing upon themselves the calamity of death, which is indeed both commendable and lamentable.

Jin Tianba echoed, "Fourth brother makes a valid point"

Peng Wuxin took a deep breath, desperately trying to calm himself, and pondered: Indeed, Jin Tiantai's methods are ruthless. First, he killed the servant to establish his authority, then threatened Fang Baitong, forcing Meng Jing to submit. Once the wedding ceremony is completed, the deed will be done, and Meng Jing will have no choice but to accept her fate. What a cruel scheme. Since they have crossed my path today, I will do everything in my power to protect Meng Jing.

Jin Tianjiao let out a sinister laugh, brandishing a single saber as he advanced. He shouted at Peng Wuxin, "Peng Er, receive my challenge." With a flourish of the saber in his hand, he struck forward, executing the authentic Jin family's Six Harmonies and Eight Trigrams saber technique.

It is well known in the martial world that Jin Baiba has a wife of even greater significance. This woman hails from the Yueshan Yuenu Palace and is a guardian expert of the Burial Sword Pool. Not only is she stunningly beautiful, but her martial skills surpass those of Jin Baiba. Together, they have six children, five sons and one daughter. The five strong men before us, dressed in martial attire, possess profound and seasoned sword techniques, clearly following the path of the Luoyang Golden Blade.

Suddenly, Jin Tianjiao, one of the five sons of the Jin family, sprang out from behind him. He shouted, "Second brother, let me teach this shameless madman a lesson."

However, why did the illustrious Jin brothers resort to banditry, and why did they choose the renowned Ting Song Pavilion as their target? Peng Wuxin pondered several thoughts, yet remained utterly perplexed.

Peng Wuxin snorted and said, "Alright! Call all of you hiding under the command of Ting Song Pavilion to come out, so that I can leave with peace of mind"

Peng Wuxin let out a cold laugh, not taking it to heart. His entire focus was solely on the safety of Fang Mengqing. He traveled swiftly under the stars, exhausting three fine horses in the process, and finally arrived in Luoyang within seven days. He understood that the matter of Wang Jiaqi marrying Fang Mengqing was of great significance; it was essential to invite a prominent figure from the martial world to preside over the situation in order to compel the Wang family to yield and to secure the release of the Fang father and daughter.

A total of two hundred and thirty-four disciples from the Yue Nu Palace followed him, and these individuals established a sect in Tianshan, named the Tianshan Sword Sect. Wang Qiong founded a Taoist temple in Tianshan, self-styled as the Wandering Sword Practitioner, and gathered numerous disciples, forming a formidable Tianshan Sect. He recalled the sword wounds he sustained during the battle at the Bright Summit and discovered thirty-six deficiencies in his swordsmanship, achieving enlightenment in the sword path and creating the historically significant Tianshan Thirty-Six Divine Swords. From then on, the Tianshan Sword Sect and the Yue Nu Palace stood equally in the martial world, alongside the Shaolin Sect, forming a tripartite balance.

Jin Tiantai hurriedly said: "As long as you release Fifth Brother, we will admit defeat today and let you leave."

At this moment, Jin Tianbao, the third son of the Jin family who was watching from the side, anxiously said, "Why is the fifth brother so impatient today?" Jin Tianbao was of medium build, with a horse-like face similar to that of his elder brother. One of his eyes was large while the other was small, and his exposed tiger teeth gave him a distinctly fierce appearance

The Jin brothers shouted in anger, and Jin Tianba exclaimed: "Today, I will meet with you and see what remarkable skills your Qingzhou Peng clan possesses."

Upon seeing each other, the Jin brothers were all taken aback. Jin Tiantai quickly said, "Young Master Peng Er, let us speak amicably; first, release my fifth brother."

Peng Wuxin shouted, "Well done." He pressed a judge's pen against the broadsword and pulled it. Jin Tianjiao's knife technique was overly hasty, and with this pen maneuver, he was pushed forward, exposing all vital points under his ribs to Peng Wuxin.

The Ting Song Pavilion is situated on the mountainside of Lotus Peak, located in the central area of Yishan. The surroundings are serene with mist, peculiar pines and rocks, blooming mountain flowers, hidden waterfalls, and gushing springs, creating an exceptionally beautiful landscape

Peng Wuxin smiled and said, "It turns out that the Jin family of Luoyang excels at attacking in numbers. It is a pity that Jin Baiba's self-proclaimed heroism has resulted in sons who are all timid cowards relying on their numbers to win."

Jin Tianjiao is short in stature, yet possesses strong limbs. He has thick eyebrows and large eyes, and his appearance seems quite honest and kind. However, there is a sinister black mole on the side of his face, from which several long hairs protrude, giving him an exceptionally terrifying look

A loud, arrogant laughter echoed as five agile figures burst through the doors of the Ting Song Pavilion and rushed out from within. Judge Peng Wuxin had long been poised with his dual pens; upon seeing someone emerge, he immediately trembled his arms and swiftly struck at the vital points of the intruders—Tian Tu, Zhou Tian, and Bai Hui—without any mercy. The intruders displayed remarkable martial skills, their five golden knives rising and falling in unison, not only blocking Peng Wuxin's attacks but also countering fiercely. Peng Wuxin danced with his left-hand judge's pen, strenuously deflecting seven knife strikes from three attackers. With a forceful twist of his body, he evaded the assaults of the other two, but he had already sustained three knife wounds.

Only fifteen or sixteen men in black, armed with powerful bows and crossbows, strode out of the Ting Song Pavilion hall.