Chapter One: Fate Plays Tricks

Madam Zuo, feeling flustered, said: "Min'er, this is your uncle; you should bow to him!" Although Zuo Yuanmin was young, he understood from the whole situation that Zuo Pinghan was not a bad person. However, he still felt a bit hesitant about bowing to someone he had never met before. Nevertheless, he was accustomed to obeying his mother, and since she had said so, it must be correct. Thus, he bowed.

Suddenly, a cold light rushed towards him. Wang Bo Cong swiftly moved his right hand, and every aspect of his timing and positioning was impeccable. However, he unexpectedly heard Wang Bo Cong shout, "Not good!" At the same time, he hurriedly leaned his upper body back. The cold light swept past his left shoulder and landed on the grass about five or six zhang away.

Seeing this, Old Liu let out a cold laugh, brandishing the steel knife in his hand to establish a barrier, and said, "Please!" Left Pinghan, however, was not one to be polite; with the tip of his umbrella pointed to the ground, he pushed off with his right foot, moving his left shoulder forward as if dragging a thousand-pound weight, charging towards Old Liu's entrance. Observing that he was lifting lightly yet with great effort, and brimming with energy, Old Liu did not dare to underestimate him. Knowing that Left Pinghan had an injury on his back, he decided to take advantage of his own ease to counteract the opponent's strength, resolving not to dance to his tune. With this determination, he raised his steel knife, executing a set of "Eight Directions Concealing Knife" technique, firmly guarding the entrance, preparing to first exhaust Left Pinghan's burst of energy.

Wang Zhongqi said, "Zuo Yuanmin, hmm, that is a nice name. Did your mother give it to you? Or did this Uncle Huo give it to you?" The child, not understanding, looked up at Madam Zuo. Huo Butong replied, "What do you mean by that?"

Then, the old man stepped onto the gangplank and shouted, "Old Liu! Old Liu!" A muffled groan came from the cabin. The old man continued, "Old Liu, are you dead? If you’re not dead yet, hurry up and get up; I have a guest to introduce to you." The person in the cabin gently coughed and said, "No more drinking, no more drinking. I drank all night yesterday and vomited it all out this morning. It was all in vain; no more drinking, no more drinking!"

Unexpectedly, the child said: "But he is gravely injured, bleeding profusely, and has now fainted, with no ability to resist. To kill a dying person, isn't that... isn't that..." Old Liu, filled with anger, suddenly felt a wave of dejection. He certainly knew that killing someone who was utterly defenseless was not the act of a hero. Unconsciously, he sighed, unsure of what to say.

Upon hearing this, Zuo Pinghan felt that this person was utterly incomprehensible, to an extreme degree. Could he be a madman? He then said, "My friend, it doesn't matter that you don't know who I am, but do you still remember your surname and given name?" The man replied, "I have long discarded my name; knowing who I am has nothing to do with having a name."

Zuo Pinghan was acutely aware of his current situation. Noticing his opponent take a step back with the left foot and raise the knife to block, he understood that the adversary was preparing for a war of attrition. He thought to himself, "You think you can just defend without attacking? I will make you regret it beyond measure." A flurry of aggressive attacks ensued, and in an instant, the sound of clashing metal filled the air. Shadows of people and blades danced back and forth across the arena, with both sides engaging in rapid exchanges. In the blink of an eye, over one hundred moves had been exchanged. Throughout these moves, the attacks flowed seamlessly, without hesitation, each strike more powerful than the last; the defense was exceptionally rigorous, forming a barrier as impenetrable as an iron drum, not even allowing a fly to pass through. The result remained evenly matched, with neither side gaining the upper hand.

The hull gradually approached the shore. Old Liu put away the oars and replaced them with a bamboo pole, slowly pushing the boat to the bank. At this moment, Zuo Pinghan felt as if he had taken a calming pill. Without waiting for the boat to dock properly, he walked to the bow. At that time, the sky had not yet cleared, and a fine rain fell gently. Standing at the bow, braving the wind and waves, was originally a unique experience, but now he had no mood to savor it. He saw that he was only about one zhang away from the shore, exerted himself, and leaped onto the land.

Zuo Pinghan was aware of the developments that followed, but due to his severe injuries, he could only continue to feign death and was unable to assist in any other way. Later, when Wang Zhongqi dared to approach him to steal something, Zuo Pinghan could not let this opportunity slip by. As Wang Zhongqi opened his mouth to speak and turned away in distraction, Zuo Pinghan swiftly retrieved the item pressed beneath him and executed a move called "Four Stable and Eight Even" to strike at Wang Zhongqi's waist. At that moment, Wang Zhongqi was positioned directly between Wang Bozong and Zuo Pinghan, while the attention of the Zuo mother and son was also focused on Wang Bozong. Thus, Zuo Pinghan's surprise attack was successful, and he immediately returned to his original position, lying down skillfully, with no one in the vicinity being aware of what had transpired. It was also due to the formidable nature of the item in Zuo Pinghan's hand that Wang Zhongqi, even until his death, remained oblivious to the fact that he had nearly been cleaved in two, and after taking a few steps, he finally collapsed forward.

At this moment, the young scholar in blue was unwilling to believe him, yet there was nothing he could do. He nodded slightly. After a while, he suddenly said: "Old Liu, in your opinion, in such weather, who besides you could operate a boat to cross the river?"

Wang Bo Cong seemed quite interested in this as well; he paused for a moment and said, "Is that so?" Although he said this, he could not help but move forward. Just at that moment, a sudden rush of wind was heard near his ear, indicating that someone was attempting a stealthy attack. The two brothers simultaneously thought, "It must be Huo Bu Tong!" One moved to the left, and the other to the right, evading the attack.

At that moment, a child, around ten years old, rushed out of the small house. Dressed in simple clothes, it was evident that he was a poor rural child. As he ran, he shouted, "Uncle Huo! Uncle Huo!" He dashed to the old Liu's side and directly threw himself into his arms. Old Liu's expression changed slightly as he pushed the child away, hurriedly saying, "Did I not tell you to hide well and not come out? Why... why did you come out? Quickly... quickly go back inside! Go back inside!" He pushed the child away again. The child said, "Uncle Huo, you... you are injured and still bleeding. I... I..." Tears began to fall. Old Liu's expression changed again as he pushed the child away, urgently repeating, "Did I not tell you to hide well and not come out? Why... why did you come out? Quickly... quickly go back inside! Go back inside!" The child continued, "Uncle Huo, you... you are injured and still bleeding. I... I..." and tears fell once more.

The woman, upon hearing Huo's words, feared that he might act impulsively, and quickly said, "Brother Huo, you must not..." The man on her left interjected, "Madam Zuo, it has been a long time since we last met. Do you still remember me? My name is Wang Zhongqi, and this is my elder brother, Wang Bozong." Madam Zuo glanced at the two and shook her head.

Madam Zuo's expression changed dramatically as she sternly said, "Do you dare?" Although her tone was fierce, her hand holding her son trembled slightly. Wang Bo Cong coldly replied, "My brother and I have always been reckless; what is there to fear?" At that moment, Wang Zhong Qi, who was listening to their conversation, suddenly interjected, "Elder brother, although this woman is a bit older, she is quite different from some common and superficial beauties, possessing a unique charm. To kill her like this would be a pity. If elder brother does not want her, why not leave her for me?"

Wang Zhongqi said: "Isn't this asking knowingly? Zuo Pingxi's wife and child have been dead for ten years, how could they possibly come back to life? However, my elder brother, in his great mercy, intends to leave a way out for both of you. We will first take you back and await further instructions." Madam Zuo tightly held her son and said: "Back? Where to? We are not going anywhere." Wang Zhongqi laughed and said: "At this point, do you still have a say in the matter?"

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He dashed forward about five or six zhang, suddenly took a diagonal step, and with a twist of his waist, wielded the deformed umbrella like a long spear, turning back to thrust at that person. This tactic of luring the enemy and then suddenly counterattacking, akin to the techniques of a backhanded spear or dragging the knife, is not uncommon in the martial world. However, that person had considerable confidence in the knife strike that had just hit Zuo Pinghan's back, and truly did not expect that Zuo Pinghan still had the strength to scheme against him. Caught off guard, he could only raise his knife to block, and with a loud "clang," the tip of the umbrella grazed the blade, this time cutting into his right shoulder.

Upon receiving this item, Wang Bozong immediately intended to deal with the Zuo mother and son. However, just as he moved, a sudden chill surged from behind, causing his entire back to feel half frozen. Wang Bozong was startled and thought to himself, "The main person has arrived!" It seemed that since this individual was coming for his brother, they must be from a different faction than Huo, and would certainly be concerned about the safety of the Zuo mother and son. Therefore, he decided to act accordingly, took a deep breath, pushed off with his left foot, and shot towards the Zuo mother and son like an arrow.

At that time, the sky was gradually clearing. Zuo Pinghan stepped back a few paces and looked around. He saw that this wooden house stood alone in the open space. To the east, one would have to walk a hundred steps to reach the street, while if one were to head west, it would lead into the forest, connecting to the mountain path towards Zaocheng.

The young scholar in blue showed a worried expression and said, "Old... Old Liu, is it alright for you to drink at this time?" Old Liu took several gulps before he had the time to respond, "Rest assured, my lord, this wine, when consumed in moderation, can invigorate the mind; when consumed in excess, it can strengthen the body. My capacity for alcohol is such that I can handle one or two jars without issue. This pot of wine is merely to refresh the mind, so you can be completely at ease! Hahaha..." The young scholar in blue uneasily forced a smile for a while before he finally managed to say.

The young scholar in blue was quite disappointed and muttered to himself, "Is it really impossible to pass today?" The man named Shao interjected, "That's right, you won't be able to pass today." He picked up his hat, took a few steps, and suddenly turned back, saying, "Sir, how about this? I can introduce you to someone who values money over life. If you're interested, just follow me..." The young scholar in blue turned his worry into joy and said, "That would be absolutely wonderful..." He suddenly turned back and said, "Sir, how about this? I can introduce you to someone who values money over life. If you're interested, just follow me..." The young scholar in blue turned his worry into joy and said, "That would be absolutely wonderful..."

He said nothing and truly fell silent. After a while, he even stopped drinking. He put the gourd back under the lid, returned it to its original place, then donned his raincoat and hat again, walking from the cabin to the stern of the boat. The scholar in blue slightly opened his eyes, observing every move of Old Liu, and noticed that shortly after Old Liu went out, the sound of rain gradually diminished, while the boat began to sway gently as it continued to move forward. The scholar thought to himself: "Is this person so familiar with the changes in the weather on this river that he is merely an ordinary boatman?"

Zuo Pinghan had a gut feeling that this person had mistaken him for someone else, but the other party was aggressive and there was no time to explain. In a hurry, he crouched down and slipped away from the side. He thought about whether there were other ambushes in the room; he was indeed in a perilous situation. Without turning back, he extended his right arm, moved his five fingers, and pressed towards the window, intending to break through. However, it seemed that the other party had sensed his intentions; a flash of white light suddenly blocked his path.

Having successfully struck, Zuo Pinghan should have followed up with "Drawing on Both Sides" or "Wild Horse Splits Its Mane" to capitalize on the momentum and pursue the attack. However, at that moment, the two faced each other in broad daylight. When Zuo Pinghan clearly saw the other person's appearance, he was taken aback, and his offensive stance faltered. He pointed the tip of his umbrella at the man's face and exclaimed, "You... you are Old Liu, the foreman!"

The young scholar in blue could not help but furrow his brow. The old man, skilled in reading faces and discerning emotions, understood his intent and said, "Rest assured, his skills are quite exceptional; within a radius of one hundred miles, it would be hard to find a rival." The young scholar hurriedly replied, "I mean no offense." The old man chuckled, "Young people should be more straightforward; being so coy is like a big girl." The young scholar smiled awkwardly and ceased to engage in conversation.

Unexpectedly, that person said: "I do not know you, so if you want to laugh, go ahead. Once today is over, I will certainly keep my distance, and no matter where it is, you will not encounter me."

Madam Zuo could not help but open her eyes out of curiosity to see what had happened. She saw Wang Bocon staring with wide eyes, looking at his right hand in disbelief. Following his gaze, Madam Zuo noticed that four of the five fingers that should have been on his right palm were missing, and blood was continuously flowing from the wound. The situation was equally terrifying, yet he was unaware that he had just walked past the gates of hell.

Such a result certainly left Wang Bozong and the Zuo family in a state of shock, and even Zuo Pinghan was quite surprised. Although his heart was pounding violently, he could not discern whether he was astonished or excited. In any case, he secretly moved his right hand closer to his side, poised and ready, waiting for Wang Bozong to approach, preparing to act accordingly.

Old Liu thought to himself: "Even if he is unscathed and fights with all his might, what do I have to fear from him? Have I become overly cautious in my old age?" He reflected that he had practiced martial arts for twenty more years than his opponent, and such cowardice was not the behavior of a true hero. Coming to this realization, he felt a surge of bravado, and with a single stroke, he unleashed a flurry of attacks using the "Furious Wind and Quick Blade" technique, each move seamlessly connecting with the next. Zuo Pinghan, not even touching the ground, fought while retreating, evading whenever possible, only resorting to a counterattack when absolutely necessary. Old Liu, now without any doubt, pursued relentlessly, attacking without respite.

Wang Bo Cong knew that his younger brother was always careless and inattentive in his actions. He fixed his gaze on him, waiting for him to bring the items over. However, he saw Wang Zhong Qi just lift the bundle when suddenly he lost his balance and fell forward.

Zuo Pinghan had no more doubts at that moment. He approached the door, raised his hand, and knocked on it, calling out, "Is anyone there?" He repeated this three times, but there was no response from inside the room. He thought to himself, "Could it be that they have just stepped out?" Turning around, he walked to the window and looked out, but saw nothing but darkness inside the room, unable to discern anything. He then returned to the door, lightly touched it with his hand, and finally mustered the courage to push the door with some force.

Wang Bo Cong called out twice, but Wang Zhong Qi not only did not respond, he did not even move his body. Wang Bo Cong felt that something was seriously wrong, and his heart began to race. He approached, crouched down, and placed his hands on his brother's shoulders, attempting to turn his body over. However, a strange thing happened; Wang Zhong Qi's upper body was turned over, but his lower body remained in the same position, lying flat. Then, whether it was his waist or lower abdomen, blood suddenly gushed out, staining his clothes and the yellow earth and grass red. But a strange thing happened; Wang Zhong Qi's upper body was turned over, but his lower body remained in the same position, lying flat. Then, whether it was his waist or lower abdomen, blood suddenly gushed out, staining his clothes and the yellow earth and grass red.

Only Wang Bozong witnessed his brother's untimely death with his own eyes. Not only did he not know who the enemy was, but he had not even seen the opponent's appearance, so he had to be particularly cautious in his actions. Although Zuo Pinghan also seized the opportunity to ambush Wang Bozong as he turned around, Wang Bozong was on high alert, waiting for the sneak attack. As soon as he sensed something unusual behind him, he immediately took off running forward. Zuo Pinghan's strike missed, and he was unable to pursue further. He raised his right hand and forcefully threw the object in his hand towards Wang Bozong's back. Wang Bozong, unaware of the danger, barely managed to respond, resulting in injury to his right hand.

Zuo Pinghan was both startled and angry, quickly retreating as the blade swept just two inches from his lower abdomen. The assailant, seeing his agile evasion, seemed quite shaken internally. With a loud shout, he began to wildly wield his steel knife, instantly creating a flurry of blade shadows in all directions. Zuo Pinghan, witnessing the impressive momentum of this move, felt a surge of fear and thought: "This person possesses remarkable martial skills, certainly not an unknown figure in the martial world. But why is he hiding here to ambush me? If there is another person in this room with skills comparable to his, I fear I may find it difficult to escape today." His mind raced as he pondered: "This person possesses remarkable martial skills, certainly not an unknown figure in the martial world. But why is he hiding here to ambush me? If there is another person in this room with skills comparable to his, I fear I may find it difficult to escape today." While his mind was racing, his hands did not lag behind. With a flick of his left hand, he pointed his umbrella, and the handle struck the blade precisely, producing a loud "clang". Both of them felt a jolt in their hands and stepped back a pace, secretly admiring each other's martial prowess.

Old Liu chuckled, "It's not just an old man's bragging; in weather like this, I'm the only one in town brave enough to set out! Ha, ha, ha!" The scholar in blue nodded in satisfaction. After a moment of silence, Old Liu asked, "May I ask your surname, sir?" The scholar replied, "My surname is Jia." Old Liu said, "So it is Master Jia. By the way, I haven't asked where Master Jia is headed across the river."

Seeing that his opponent was merciless, Zuo Pinghan no longer held back. He shouted, "Good!" and stepped back at an angle. With a sharp sound, he opened the umbrella, just as the steel knife broke through the umbrella paper and pierced inside. Zuo Pinghan gripped the handle with both hands and immediately rotated the umbrella, using the ribs to entangle the steel knife. With a swift motion, he pulled the knife towards him.

Old Liu, the boatman, stood at the stern of the boat, clearly unaware of Zuo Pinghan's actions. After the boat docked, he continued to tidy up at the stern for quite some time before making his way to the front of the boat. Zuo Pinghan could not discern any unusual expression on his face, so he directly inquired about the fare and paid an additional twenty coins. Old Liu expressed his gratitude repeatedly and then returned to the cabin.

Wang Bo Cong said, "Why say so much to them? Quickly take the things, and we will leave." Wang Zhong Qi replied, "Yes." He walked to Zuo Ping Han's side and bent down to pick up the wooden box. Wang Bo Cong then approached Madam Zuo and said, "Madam Zuo, let us go!" Madam Zuo replied, "I have said, we are not going anywhere." Wang Bo Cong said, "If it weren't for wanting the two of you to be more convincing alive, I could kill both of you and just bring back your heads to report. Otherwise, I could just kill you and take your son back. However, in that case, your son would suffer all sorts of hardships along the way, and as a mother, you would not be able to take care of him."

Wang Bozong fully intended to strike with both hands, believing that even if the opponent had weapons in hand, they would have no choice but to respond. However, as he turned around, he found the front empty, with no one in sight. Only a cold light was approaching him. Wang Bozong was taken aback, thinking, "What is this thing that can emit such a chill?" The coldness he felt on his back was formidable, and he had already formed the subjective awareness that "this is a master of Yin cold internal energy" rushing towards him. Therefore, he executed a move called "Parting the Clouds to Reveal the Sun," believing that even if the opponent had three heads and six arms, they would still have to counter his attack.

The two individuals clung to each other desperately, one in pain pulling and pushing without rest, resulting in a stalemate. Amidst this, apart from Zuo Pinghan's labored breathing and Wang Bozong's wails, there were also the cries of Zuo Yuanmin, who was collapsed over her mother, creating an extremely chaotic scene. It seemed destined that the Wang brothers would have to sacrifice their lives for Zuo Pinghan, unlike Huo Butong, who suddenly crawled over to Wang Bozong's side, dragging Zuo Pinghan's umbrella with him.

In early spring, the weather is changeable. In the morning, it is clearly a bright sunny day, but by noon, the river breeze picks up, and dark clouds suddenly cover the sky, rolling in continuously. At the dock by the Yishui River, several boatmen anchor their boats, tying the ropes securely to the shore, calling out to each other: "It's about to rain, let's call it a day!"

Old Liu exclaimed, "What did you say? Min'er, are you sure you didn't see it wrong?" The woman, equally alarmed, said, "Brother Huo, we should leave quickly. Min'er, you get up first and walk in front of your mother." The child replied, "Yes," and stood up. Old Liu said, "No, no, I can't stand up straight yet. You two go ahead."

Seeing this, the woman hurriedly walked towards Old Liu, helping the child assist him to sit properly, while gently patting his back and saying: "Brother Huo, you have endured a lot of hardships for the sake of us mother and child over the years, and now you have been seriously injured for us. How can we act as if nothing has happened and only care for our own safety, hiding inside all the time?" Old Liu, noticing that Zuo Pinghan was still lying motionless, felt somewhat reassured. With a worried expression, he sighed and said: "You are still one of us, why do you treat me as an outsider..." The woman furrowed her brows slightly and did not respond directly. Instead, she gently patted his back and continued: "It is shameful to say, this child is much braver than I am. I had always wanted him to stay inside for his safety, but he insisted that he could not just watch Brother Huo get hurt without doing anything. I think this child is right; his father, if he has a spirit in heaven, must know that his Min'er values loyalty and righteousness, and he would surely be pleased."

Zuo Pinghan and Huo Butong jointly strangled Wang Bozong, and their emotions gradually relaxed. Suddenly, they raised their eyes and met each other's gaze, both momentarily stunned. Huo Butong recalled how he had indiscriminately and recklessly attacked someone, leading to the current disaster. Besides feeling wronged, he also felt guilty towards Zuo Pinghan and even towards the deceased Zuo Pingxi. Reflecting on his ten years of living in hiding, constantly on the run, only to end up in such a situation, he was suddenly overwhelmed with mixed feelings, a torrent of words flooding his mind, yet he did not know where to begin.

Zuo Pinghan had barely used over a hundred moves, and he could not help but feel anxious. He thought to himself, "I have changed my techniques three times—staff, spear, and halberd—and still cannot do anything to him. If this continues, I fear I will truly perish here today." For the first time, he felt a sense of life and death, and he was unconsciously drenched in sweat, with his palms slightly trembling. However, he was unaware of Old Liu's condition, which was fortunate for him. In fact, after fending off those hundred moves, Old Liu had already exhausted all his lifelong abilities. He thought, "Fortunately, when he first entered, he was caught off guard and took a blow from me; otherwise, how could I withstand his fierce assault this round?" He also pondered, "This man is only about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, yet his skills are so profound. If he had brought someone else with him, would I still be alive at this moment?" He could only feel that the opponent's momentum had not yet diminished, and he broke out in a cold sweat.

Just as he was hesitating, he suddenly heard someone approaching from a distance. Although he was severely injured externally, his internal strength remained intact, and his hearing was no different from usual. At that moment, upon hearing the footsteps, he recognized that it was the Wang brothers who had been following him for some time. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he discreetly began to untie the bundle he had brought with him, took out the items from the wooden box, and pressed them beneath his body. He then returned the wooden box to its place and secured the bundle. It was at this moment that Zuo Yuanmin said he saw Zuo Pinghan moving.

Wang Bo Cong swiftly dodged, turning half of his body, his left palm passing through the umbrella, and pressed down towards Huo Bu Tong's right shoulder. Meanwhile, Wang Zhong Qi, in contrast to his elder brother, turned and executed a spinning kick aimed at Huo Bu Tong's left side. These two brothers, of similar age and trained under the same master, not only possessed comparable martial skills but also shared similar thoughts. This coordinated attack, combining both offense and defense, was executed perfectly. Even if Huo Bu Tong were uninjured, he would likely struggle to withstand it.

Lao Liu observed that the two men were of similar height, both around thirty to forty years old, and bore a striking resemblance to each other. The man on the right had a beard, while the one on the left had a mustache; aside from that, their clothing and demeanor were indistinguishable, making them appear to be true blood brothers. The man on the left walked three steps closer to Zuo Pinghan and paused to scrutinize him for a moment, noticing that he was lying in a pool of blood, breathing heavily. He smiled and said, "Such an arrangement is truly exquisite, brother. Do you think this is fate?" The man on the right replied nonchalantly, "Whether it is fate or not, we should hurry and finish this matter, then return to report back." The man on the left continued to chuckle, saying, "Brother, you are truly impressive, knowing to follow Zuo Pinghan all the way. I have actually found him displeasing for a long time, but I held back because of his formidable weaponry. Hehe, he never imagined he would die at the hands of his own people, right? Hahaha..."

The man leaped back, reaching out to probe the new wound on his right shoulder. He realized it was merely a superficial injury, and immediately smiled faintly, saying: "Mr. Jia, we meet again."

Zuo Pinghan Road: "Is this the Fu Family Gathering?" As soon as these words were spoken, he felt regret, for this revealed that he had never been to the Fu Family Gathering. Seeing that the old Liu, the guide, did not respond, he decided to treat it as if he had not spoken and remained silent.

Old Liu turned his head and glared at him, saying: "Indeed, I only die now, which is too late." It turns out that his real name was indeed Huo Butong. For certain reasons, he had concealed his identity and was living in seclusion in this Fu family village with the widow and unborn child of his sworn brother, Zuo Pingxi. It seems that it was destined to be this way. Zuo Pinghan, who was Zuo Pingxi's cousin, and Huo Butong both knew each other's names but had never met. When they finally met for the first time in their lives, they both used false names, leading to such a misunderstanding, ultimately resulting in a regrettable outcome that made one lament.

That person was indeed Old Liu, the foreman, but he had changed from his usual foreman attire into a stylish outfit. His eyes were bright and full of spirit, making him appear much more energetic. If it weren't for the fact that Zuo Pinghan had just parted ways with him not long ago, he might not have recognized him at all

Although this strike was cushioned by the umbrella's frame, sparing him from the gruesome fate of being cut open, the assailant's strength was not to be underestimated. Upon impact, Zuo Pinghan felt a sharp pain in his right back, unsure of how many bones had been broken. He quickly pushed himself off the ground with his left hand, using the momentum to roll to the left; otherwise, he would have collapsed onto the ground, and that would have meant the end of his life.

It is indeed strange; although the door appears to be tightly shut, it is merely ajar. Zuo Pinghan thought to himself: "This wooden house is so dilapidated that even a thief would know to keep their distance, right?" He then called out again, "Is anyone there?" as he stepped into the house.

The scholar in blue said, "Old Shao, be careful." The old Shao was momentarily startled, stammering, "Why are you standing so close? You scared me!" He thought to himself, "Just now, that voice seemed quite far away; how did he suddenly appear right in front of me? Am I seeing ghosts?" Upon closer inspection, the scholar in blue appeared to be around thirty-five or thirty-six years old, with sword-like eyebrows and an eagle-like nose, a tiger's jaw and a leopard's neck. He was taller than average, with a robust and sturdy physique. Most importantly, his complexion was rosy, and he exuded a spirited demeanor, looking very much like a person. He couldn't help but ponder, "Could it be that I am getting old and starting to lose my hearing?"

Zuo Pinghan shouted loudly, and just as he spoke, in a flash, he crossed his palms and struck the blade, producing a sharp "crack" as he broke the steel knife. At the same time, he kicked out a leg, hitting Old Liu in the chest. In an instant, both of them were injured, and Zuo Pinghan's final kick caused both to tumble to the ground.

Zuo Pinghan could not help but feel great anger, saying: "Who exactly are you? I knew you were not an ordinary boatman when we were on the ship. Now tell me, who sent you? I have no grievances or enmity with you, yet you are scheming to take my life!" Just now, with a great effort, his back creaked, as if his bones were about to fall apart.

At that moment of self-reproach, the man suddenly said: "I see your strength has diminished; within a hundred moves, you will join your previous companions in the underworld to meet Yama!" Zuo Pinghan was both furious and indignant, cursing inwardly: "What nonsense is this? You must have mistaken me for someone else!" However, to explain himself at this moment would imply a plea for mercy. Moreover, he had clearly allowed the other party to see his appearance earlier, indicating that this person was either insane or deceived. Even if he wanted to speak, he did not know where to begin. His anger surged, and he cursed aloud: "Encountering a madman like you, dying without reason, even Yama would exclaim how unfortunate!"

Lao Liu's expression changed dramatically. Unbeknownst to where he found the strength, he suddenly stood up, fists clenched, glaring at him with anger. The man on his left abruptly stopped laughing and took a step back. His older brother, the man on the right, instead stepped forward and said: "Huo Butong, ten years ago you were strong and robust. Although you chose to hide and protect yourself, it was still a wise decision. Now, you are seriously injured, yet you wish to stubbornly resist. Hmph, isn't it too late for that?"

It turns out that the person covered in wounds is Zuo Pinghan. Unlike Huo, he fought without having met his opponent first, and in the end, he was even stabbed. Although, at the moment the blade pierced his body, he managed to retract his chest by about an inch due to his cultivation, a six to seven-inch gash was still opened on his chest, penetrating more than three-tenths deep. Even if he were to die at any moment, in this remote area, there would be no way to seek medical treatment. Coupled with the injuries on his back, the situation was indeed dire. The only regret was that after exchanging blows with his opponent for hundreds of rounds, he still did not know who the other party was. Even in death, he could not close his eyes in peace. Thus, he decided to feign death, hoping to lure his enemy closer, and then launch a sudden attack, using them as a shield. Even if he were to die at any moment, in this remote area, there would be no way to seek medical treatment. Coupled with the injuries on his back, the situation was indeed dire. The only regret was that after exchanging blows with his opponent for hundreds of rounds, he still did not know who the other party was. Even in death, he could not close his eyes in peace. Thus, he decided to feign death, hoping to lure his enemy closer, and then launch a sudden attack, using them as a shield.

The man, still half-asleep, quickly glanced at the scholar in blue and said, "Are you crossing the river, sir?" The scholar replied, "I am in a hurry to cross the river, thank you for your trouble!" The man said, "Everyone here calls me Old Liu; please board the boat first, sir." After expressing his gratitude to the old boatman who was guiding him several times, he finally pushed off from the bay.

Since this is not a misunderstanding, and Zuo Pinghan has always been quite confident in his martial arts, after confirming that there is only this one person in the room and no other ambushes, how could he be intimidated into retreating by a few threats? With a hearty laugh, he said: "Your martial skills are commendable, yet setting an ambush here for a sneak attack is not the act of a true gentleman. I advise you to turn back while you still can. Since you have no face to meet me, why not withdraw now to avoid becoming a laughingstock when we meet again on the road in the future"

Old Liu said sternly: "What are you crying for? No crying allowed; a man should not shed tears lightly. Haven't you heard that before?" His tone softened as he continued: "Don't come out, hurry back inside! Where is your mother? Quickly go back and hide with her..." He turned to see a woman leaning against the door, staring blankly in this direction, and in a state of panic said: "Sister-in-law, hurry... quickly take Min'er inside. Didn't I say, no matter what, absolutely do not come out? Oh dear, don't come out, quickly take Min'er... cough... cough..." He had been injured in the chest, his breath still unsteady, and in his agitation, he suddenly couldn't catch his breath, leading to a violent coughing fit, with blood continuously flowing from the corner of his mouth. In a state of panic, he said: "Sister-in-law, hurry... quickly take Min'er inside. Didn't I say, no matter what, absolutely do not come out? Oh dear, don't come out, quickly take Min'er... cough... cough..." He had been injured in the chest, his breath still unsteady, and in his agitation, he suddenly couldn't catch his breath, leading to a violent coughing fit, with blood continuously flowing from the corner of his mouth.

However, at this moment, there was no one in front of him; what came rushing towards him was merely a gigantic "hidden weapon." Who cared about its concealed tricks or feints? The object approached with incredible speed, and Wang Bozong had no time to ponder what it was; in any case, it was an inanimate object. With both hands, he executed a move called "Parting the Clouds to Reveal the Sun" and pressed forward, intending to swat it away.

This young scholar, surnamed Zuo and named Pinghan, although dressed as a scholar, is actually a martial artist. He had a hard time finding a ship willing to set sail at the dock by the Yishui River. Initially, he felt lucky and fortunate, but after boarding the ship, his mood calmed, and he realized that the boatman was not an ordinary person. Firstly, the boatman was not particularly old; he was the first elderly boatman he had encountered, and his experience was evidently much more profound than his own. Even he did not dare to set sail. This person, besides being naturally bold and courageous, must have other reasons as well.

Although I do not know what they are talking about, since it was brought by Zuo Pinghan and these two brothers are so interested, it does not matter what it is. In any case, as long as it is something they desire, the key is to prevent them from obtaining it.

Old Liu took a few more sips alone and caught a glimpse of the scholar in blue, who appeared awkward. Suddenly recalling something, he awkwardly said, "Sir, are you not drinking? I’ve been drinking on my own and completely forgot to ask you." The scholar in blue replied, "No, I don’t touch alcohol at all." As he spoke, he glanced outside the cabin; the rain was pouring down heavily, showing no signs of letting up. Seeing this, Old Liu remarked, "This rain will probably last for a few more moments. Rest assured, sir, as long as the rain eases up a bit, I will be able to set sail."

What Zuo Pinghan wanted was this very opportunity; he lowered his body and darted out through the door. Although the man was injured and bleeding, it was merely a superficial wound. He shouted, "Do you think it's too late to leave now?" After being injured, he became even more ferocious, brandishing his steel knife and rushing out.

The old man was both angry and amused as he stepped onto the gangplank and said loudly, "I'm not here to drink with you, but to introduce a guest!" The person in the cabin replied, "A guest? Why didn't you say so earlier?" The old man laughed and said, "I told you about it last month; look at your memory!" The person in the cabin retorted, "Get lost... I'm coming out, I'm coming out." Suddenly, there was a loud bang, followed by a cry of distress from the person in the cabin: "Ouch, my head is still a bit dizzy; wait a moment!"... "I'm coming out, I'm coming out." Suddenly, there was a loud bang, followed by a cry of distress from the person in the cabin: "Ouch, my head is still a bit dizzy; wait a moment!"

***

However, after being struck, Zuo Pinghan felt a darkness before his eyes and a splitting headache. Anxious in his heart, he no longer cared about the rules of the martial world and immediately bit into the inner side of Wang Bozong's upper arm. Wang Bozong, feeling the pain, bent his left fingers and reached to pull Zuo Pinghan's hair. This pull, rather than alleviating the situation, only intensified Zuo Pinghan's bite, causing him to scream in agony like a slaughtered pig. Instinctively, Wang Bozong's right hand pushed against Zuo Pinghan. Yet, he had forgotten that half of his right palm was gone, and the injury was severe. With this exertion, the wound burst open, blood gushed forth, and waves of intense pain followed. Even as he screamed hoarsely in madness, it did nothing to lessen the torment he was enduring.

Zuo Pinghan lay on the ground, his emotions fluctuating, repeatedly muttering, "Injustice, injustice!" He had heard the name Huo Butong mentioned by his elder brother, but had never met him in person. Since the martial world was filled with such rumors, it was highly likely that he would encounter this figure during his journey to find his sister-in-law and nephew. Why had he not thought of this earlier? In his self-reproach, he felt an inexplicable regret. Zuo Pinghan was known for his toughness in the martial world, impervious to both soft and hard tactics, and had offended many people. He had considered the possibility of a tragic end for himself, but if he were to die, so be it. Yet now, to die in such a manner was not only unjust but also left him feeling unwilling to accept it. Since the martial world was filled with such rumors, it was highly likely that he would encounter this figure during his journey to find his sister-in-law and nephew. Why had he not thought of this earlier? In his self-reproach, he felt an inexplicable regret. Zuo Pinghan was known for his toughness in the martial world, impervious to both soft and hard tactics, and had offended many people. He had considered the possibility of a tragic end for himself, but if he were to die, so be it. Yet now, to die in such a manner was not only unjust but also left him feeling unwilling to accept it.

Madam Zuo said, "I feel very tired and would like to rest here for a while. You go over to the bushes and find a single-edged sword. Once you find it, we will leave." Since Zuo Yuanmin had seen Huo Butong's steel sword, he was not unfamiliar with the appearance of the sword and readily agreed, setting off to search. After a short while, he found the single-edged sword. Zuo Yuanmin was of short stature and could only carry the sword back in his arms.

The person on the left laughed heartily and said, "You have killed someone, yet you do not even know who it is. Haha, the living deserve to live, and the dead deserve to die, haha!" After speaking, he continued to laugh uncontrollably

Madam Zuo was taken aback and said, "Little... little uncle, what are you saying? What does Pingxi's single knife..." Zuo Pinghan's face turned crimson, and he gasped, "That knife... the knife is related to Pingxi's death... don't... ask anymore, hurry... take it and leave..." Zuo Pinghan, enduring the pain in his chest and abdomen, found it increasingly difficult to hold onto Wang Bozong. At that moment, he spoke again, his hands growing weaker, and he felt his entire body creaking as if it might fall apart at any moment. Gasping, he said, "That knife... the knife is related to Pingxi's death... don't... ask anymore, hurry... take it and leave..." Zuo Pinghan, enduring the pain in his chest and abdomen, found it increasingly difficult to hold onto Wang Bozong. At that moment, he spoke again, his hands growing weaker, and he felt his entire body creaking as if it might fall apart at any moment.

Wang Zhongqi, with a playful smile, said: "Madam, it is common for esteemed individuals to forget things. On that day, Brother Zuo got married, and we brothers were also present to congratulate him. I never expected that in the blink of an eye, his son has grown so big." As he spoke, he slowly walked forward and looked at the child, saying: "Your name is Min'er, isn't it?" The child replied: "My name is Zuo Yuanmin." In his young heart, the term "Min'er" could only be used by close relatives.

Wang Bo Cong extended his left hand to grasp his right shoulder, and with a swift motion, tore off the sleeve of his right arm, firmly wrapping it around his left palm, while intently gazing ahead. It was only then that Madam Left noticed a person standing ahead, whose presence she had not registered until now. The individual was covered in blood, swaying unsteadily, as if he might collapse at any moment, appearing as though he were on the brink of death. However, Wang Bo Cong seemed unwilling to underestimate him; despite being both shocked and furious, trembling with rage, he managed to restrain himself, keeping his gaze fixed on the man.

His thoughts had only just shifted when, for some unknown reason, his foot suddenly slipped, causing him to kneel forward. He was taken aback and thought to himself, "This is bad!" Instantly, he broke out in a cold sweat

As Huo Butong approached inch by inch, Wang Bozong also inched closer to the gates of hell. He saw Huo Butong slowly and methodically place the handle of the umbrella across Wang Bozong's neck, then press down with both hands, exerting all his strength. Wang Bozong could only watch Huo Butong's every move with wide eyes, utterly incapable of resistance. He felt his neck tightening, his mouth agape, unable to make a sound, nor did he have the breath to do so. He desperately tried to inhale a few more breaths of the fresh air of this vibrant world, but soon, the air in his chest dwindled, and the sky gradually darkened. After several convulsions, he finally released his grip on the hair at the back of Zuo Pinghan's head, ultimately becoming completely motionless.

Not long after, a person in the cabin poked his head out. The scholar in blue initially thought it was an old man as ancient as the old boatman. To his surprise, what he saw at that moment was a middle-aged man, plump and in his forties or fifties. However, his hair was grizzled, and his voice carried a certain weariness, suggesting that his actual age might be even a bit younger.

Madam Zuo exclaimed: "Uncle! Uncle!" She called out several times, and Zuo Pinghan truly could not move any longer. Suddenly, Madam Zuo was overwhelmed with sorrow, and tears streamed down her face. Zuo Yuanmin, watching from the side, also cried out: "Mother, Uncle Huo is dead, Uncle Huo is dead..."

Wang Bo Cong turned his head and said, "Why does it take you so long to handle something? This place is not suitable for staying long, let's hurry up." Wang Zhong Qi replied, "The knot on this bundle is tightly tied, I can't untie it." Wang Bo Cong said, "Just bring the whole thing over, when did you become so honest?" Wang Zhong Qi, feeling a bit impatient, responded, "Alright, alright, I understand."

The tea doctor, holding a doctorate, led him out of the teahouse, pointing towards the west and gesturing as he explained. After listening attentively, Zuo Pinghan remarked, "From what you say, that place seems a bit remote. How can one do business there?" The tea doctor suddenly nodded vigorously and said, "You have hit the nail on the head, haven't you? That's exactly it. Therefore, selling oil is also a matter of chance. It would be better for you to persuade Granny Sun to engage in something else." He had an expression on his face that seemed to say, "Haven't I said this before?"

The person clearly did not know that this umbrella of Zuo Pinghan had such a function. The steel knife was inadvertently caught by Zuo Pinghan, almost slipping from his grasp. However, despite his shock, he remained calm, took a couple of steps forward, regripped the knife handle, and, following the momentum of the umbrella, pulled the steel knife back.

The two individuals exchanged blows, each evenly matched. The wooden cabin was not particularly spacious, and the original furnishings within were the first to suffer; the wooden table and chairs made several cracking sounds before being completely ruined. After about ten more exchanges, a loud crash echoed, as if something like a瓦罐 had been shattered. Left Pinghan was indifferent to the destruction of the items in the room, as he was unaware of the condition of the interior; everything being broken actually worked to his advantage, so he did not hold back in his attacks.

The child was clearly very reluctant, standing frozen in place, only saying: "But he is still alive..." The woman, feeling compassion, added: "Brother Huo, Min'er is still young..." Old Liu had made up his mind, ignoring what the woman said, and stated emphatically: "Min'er, if you do not kill him today, not only will your Uncle Huo not escape this ordeal, but your mother may also very likely die here." He thought that since he valued loyalty, using the lives of others as leverage would most effectively resonate with his feelings.

Upon hearing this, the man laughed heartily and said, "Your martial arts are quite impressive, far superior to those previous fools. I had no confidence in killing you; had it not been for your recent slip, you would have had the chance to leave unscathed today. However, since fate has decreed that I must take your life, if I do not comply, I fear I may face divine retribution. If you must blame someone, blame yourself for being an accomplice to evil and for your numerous wrongdoings."

Upon seeing that Huo Butong had died, Zuo Pinghan found himself at a loss for words. At the same time, he felt his own vitality rapidly fading away, so he seized the moment to ask, "Elder sister-in-law, are you... are you alright?" Lady Zuo, who had originally been lying on the ground, suddenly stirred upon hearing his voice and managed to lift her head with great effort. Zuo Yuanmin cried out, "Mother, how are you feeling?" Zuo Pinghan asked again, "Elder sister-in-law, I... I can't move anymore, I can't... can't come to see you. Are you... are you still alright?" Lady Zuo mustered her strength and replied, "I... I..." She repeated the word "I" several times. Zuo Yuanmin cried out again, "Mother, how are you feeling?" Zuo Pinghan asked once more, "Elder sister-in-law, I... I can't move anymore, I can't... can't come to see you. Are you... are you still alright?" Lady Zuo gathered her strength and said, "I... I..." She repeated the word "I" several times, and suddenly, with a loud "wah," she coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood.

Zuo Pinghan let out a soft "hm" upon noticing that the light rain was gradually ceasing. He then turned back into the shop, finished a pot of tea in one go, paid for the tea, and without further delay, followed the directions to head straight to his destination

The old boatman shook his head and said, "I won't take you, I won't take you!" The young scholar in green said with displeasure, "Why not? I have already apologized to you." The old boatman replied, "Look, it's about to rain, and judging by the clouds, it will definitely be a heavy downpour. My boat is small; you should find someone else!" The young scholar said, "I don't mind the small boat; I will pay extra." The old boatman, quite displeased, said, "Do you think I would take advantage of the situation and raise the price on the spot?" He added, "I am old and cannot earn your money."

At that moment, the man finally spoke: "I ask you, what are you doing here?" Zuo Pinghan found the voice quite familiar, but could not recall who it was, so he replied, "So you are indeed here for me." The man said, "Turn back while you still can! If you agree to leave now, I will not make things difficult for you.

Zuo Pinghan saw that she was vomiting bright red blood and knew that her internal injuries were quite severe. However, at this moment, he did not want her to worry too much, so he could only pretend not to see it. Taking a deep breath, he continued: "I am no longer capable, I originally planned... planned to pass on all my martial arts to Min'er, but now... now it is no longer possible." After a pause, he added: "This place is not suitable for staying long, elder sister-in-law, hurry and take Min'er, bring the 'Cold Moon Blade' and leave quickly, this blade is of great importance. ... it is of great significance, you must not... must not lose it. This is related to... related to..." Lady Zuo suddenly shook her head and said: "Little uncle, don't say anymore, my head is spinning, I... I can't remember..."

Zuo Pinghan was taken aback, not knowing where he found the strength, and lunged forward to embrace Wang Bozong around the waist. The two lost their balance and rolled to the ground. However, although Wang Bozong was held around the waist, his upper body was free. He turned around, raised his left palm, and was about to strike Zuo Pinghan's right ear, saying, "You break my right hand, and I will take your head!" Zuo Pinghan was well aware of the danger but was unwilling to let go. Gritting his teeth, he instead leaned his face toward Wang Bozong's upper arm. Wang Bozong originally intended to break Zuo Pinghan's neck with a single strike, but since Zuo Pinghan did not evade and instead leaned in, and with himself lying on the ground, his arm could not retract, resulting in the strike merely grazing Zuo Pinghan, albeit with significantly reduced force.

Old Liu knew how to persuade them not to leave. He looked around and said, "Since you are unwilling to go first, that is fine. Min'er, come here." The child stepped forward. Old Liu said, "My knife is broken; do you see those large stones under the tree?" The child replied, "I see them." Old Liu continued, "Go pick one that you can carry, but the heavier, the better. Then take it to the mound and smash it on that villain's head..." The child exclaimed, "But he is still alive..." Old Liu sternly said, "It is precisely because he is still alive that you must hit him. Can't you see? Despite his severe injuries, he clapped his hands and broke my steel knife. If he dies... it would be fine, but if he is still alive, he might just be unconscious. If he wakes up, we might all be in danger!" This was a serious matter. Old Liu knew that his younger sibling was too gentle and would never dare to kill. Although Min'er was young, sometimes she acted like a little adult, and in this regard, she was stronger than her mother. However, suddenly asking her to kill required a bit of intimidation to lessen her sense of guilt.

However, Old Liu, the boatman, did not return after leaving the cabin. It was not until about an hour later that he poked his head in and said, "Master Jia, we are almost there." Zuo Pinghan looked outside the cabin and could faintly discern the trees and houses in the distance through the misty rain.

The place indicated by the tea doctor's degree was already on the outskirts of Fujiaji. Zuo Pinghan had essentially bypassed the entire small town to arrive at the location he was seeking. However, when he saw that the household he was looking for turned out to be a dilapidated wooden house right in front of him, he couldn't help but be slightly taken aback, standing there in a daze for a while, his mind blank.

Secondly, he walked on the slippery deck in the pouring rain, seemingly unfazed by the swaying of the ship, whether it pitched forward or rocked backward. This could be attributed to his long experience at sea, having grown accustomed to the undulating life on the water. However, the third point raises considerable suspicion: as a drunkard who had been thoroughly intoxicated the night before, he had several unopened bottles of liquor in the cabin below, yet he had just managed to suppress his craving and only consumed half a flask. This might suggest he wanted to remain sober, and his claim of being able to handle two large jars of liquor, while only drinking half a flask to maintain clarity, seems somewhat exaggerated and overly dramatic.

Fujiaji is a small place, primarily due to its proximity to the river mouth, which makes the fish market the mainstay of the local economy. On the 5th, 15th, and 25th of each month, there are also markets for various goods from the north and south. However, whether it is fish or miscellaneous goods, the majority is still supplied to the nearby Zaocun and Anguo County, making Fujiaji, at best, merely a transit station. Nevertheless, despite this, such an economic scale is sufficient to support two to three hundred households in the market.

Zuo Pinghan sensed that there was more to the man's words, which carried significant meaning and did not seem like something a madman would say. He replied, "I have important matters to attend to here; it would be rather naive of you to think I would leave empty-handed without any conditions set." The man responded, "To accomplish your business, you must first pass my test." Before he finished speaking, a steel knife suddenly emerged in his hand, aimed directly at Zuo Pinghan's chest and abdomen, the blade's momentum fierce, already a lethal strike.

The old boatman led the scholar towards the northern bank, and soon they arrived at another harbor. Continuing forward, they saw a boat that was even more dilapidated and smaller than the old boatman's vessel, moored by the shore. The old boatman joyfully remarked, "You are in luck today; he usually does not stay here, and finding him requires some fortune." The scholar in green, upon seeing this shabby boat, felt a moment of hesitation, but then thought that if this was the only boat willing to take them, it would be best to cross the river today.

The opponent's steel blade came slashing from the right front at an angle, the glint of the blade flashing ominously, suggesting a formidable follow-up move, waiting for the right moment to strike. Meanwhile, I raised my umbrella with my right hand and stepped back diagonally with my left foot, executing a move known as "Drowning the Guest to Take the Lead," which was just sufficient to counter the attack. This move is essentially two parts: the first half, "Drowning the Guest," involves many feints aimed at distracting the opponent, which is acceptable; however, the key lies in the second half, "Taking the Lead," which is crucial for subduing the enemy. It combines feints with solid strikes, blending softness with strength, making it a highly sophisticated technique. Yet at this moment, with my retreat and slide, I could not execute the second half of the move, rendering the first half effectively useless. This exchange felt as though I had conceded a move to my opponent, and to make matters worse, I suddenly knelt down, inadvertently exposing a flaw.

In the distance, it seemed as if someone was calling out: "Boatman, please, please, take me across the river"

Wang Bocong saw that Zuo Pinghan was covered in blood and on the verge of collapse. He thought to himself: "It is true that he is seriously injured, but he is just trying to scare me with his nonsense here." He then said: "What do you mean by lost and then found? This is truly absurd!"

Unexpectedly, his kick severely injured Huo Butong, but it instead drew out a mother and child who were hiding in the house. From their conversation, Zuo Pinghan was convinced that this mother and child were the elder sister-in-law and nephew he was seeking on this journey. To his astonishment, the person he had just fought for his life against was none other than Huo Butong, who, according to rumors in the martial world, had coveted his sworn brother's wife and ultimately abducted his brother's wife and child.

The scholar in blue sat in the cabin, only to hear the sound of rain pattering against the cabin roof, a thunderous noise that made him unable to resist softly exclaiming, "Heavens." He could hardly hear his own voice. Looking out towards the cabin, all he could see was a vast expanse of fog; apart from the boatman, nothing else was visible. He thought to himself, "No matter how high your martial skills are, if you encounter such weather, they are of no use at all." Just as he was admiring the rich experience of the boatman, Old Liu, he suddenly saw Old Liu retract the bamboo pole and enter the cabin to take off his raincoat. The scholar in blue, puzzled, asked, "What has happened?"

Zuo Pinghan was greatly alarmed and said, "You must not, I... I fear that if I do not speak, it will be too late..." As he spoke the words "too late," he suddenly found himself unable to catch his breath, his voice turning hoarse. He hurriedly tried to channel his internal energy, wanting to regain his breath, but he was unaware that he had already exhausted his strength. With a thud, he collapsed.

Zuo Pinghan slightly turned his face to one side, allowing the light from outside to illuminate his features, so that the other party could clearly see his appearance. He then asked, "Who are you, sir? Why are you ambushing me here?" He thought that once the other party recognized him, they would at least hesitate or say, "Sorry, I mistook you for someone else." However, the person before him merely chuckled softly twice, without uttering a word, and struck again with a knife aimed at his waist, showing no sign of having made a mistake in identification. Even if they did not say, "Sorry, I mistook you for someone else," they should have hesitated and stopped their attack. Yet, the person in front of him only let out a couple of soft chuckles, without speaking, and once again swung a knife at his waist, showing no indication of having recognized the wrong person.

The boat had just left the bay for a short while when faint rustling sounds began to echo all around, and the noise grew louder and louder, eventually resembling the sound of thousands of galloping horses. The scholar in blue felt a sudden change in color, sensing unease. The boatman, known as Old Liu, noticed this and said, "Sir, there is no need to be afraid; that is the sound of rain. Judging by the intensity, it will soon reach us here." As he spoke, he released the boat pole, began to don his raincoat and hat, and shortly after re-stabilizing the boat pole, a loud crash was heard as a torrential downpour suddenly descended.

The umbrella in Zuo Pinghan's hand, with its handle and ribs forged from high-quality steel, was indeed his usual weapon. Thus, when he used the umbrella to block the knife, it was a fair match, which startled the other person. However, after exchanging a few moves, Zuo Pinghan still did not know who his opponent was. The contrast between light and shadow made him uncomfortable, and he could not help but ask again: "Who exactly are you? Have you recognized me yet?"

The scholar in blue said, "I am going to Fujiajiji." Old Liu replied, "That is somewhat downstream." The scholar in blue said, "Exactly." Old Liu continued, "Then there is no need to worry. The area downstream of the Yishui River, whether it is Shijiazhuang, Zaocheng, or Anguo County, I am very familiar with. No problem, no problem!" As he spoke, he patted his chest to assure.

In an instant, the roles of offense and defense were reversed, and the two engaged in dozens of exchanges. Suddenly, their weapons clashed with a resounding "clang," causing Zuo Pinghan's umbrella to slip from his hand and fly several meters away. Old Liu let out a cold laugh, showing no mercy, and made a diagonal slash. Zuo Pinghan had no way to defend himself and could only dodge to the side. Little did he know that Old Liu's slash was merely a feint; as he stepped forward with his knife, he positioned himself directly in front of Zuo Pinghan, and then with a swift "whoosh," he struck, hitting Zuo Pinghan in the right chest.

Zuo Pinghan's expression changed, and he said, "You are the descendant of the Nine Dragons?" The old Liu's eyes emitted a strange light as he replied, "Then are you still going to say I have found the wrong person?" Upon hearing this, Zuo Pinghan felt more relaxed and said lightly, "I didn't expect that in such a remote and impoverished place, you would have set up this hidden stake." As he spoke, he maintained a calm exterior while secretly channeling all his strength. He continued, "Since you arrived here before me, it seems your objective has already been achieved. If we are to stare at each other, let alone your urgent desire to kill me at this moment, I too must kill you!" With a slight movement of his left shoulder, he said, "I didn't expect that in such a remote and impoverished place, you would have set up this hidden stake." As he spoke, he maintained a calm exterior while secretly channeling all his strength. He continued, "Since you arrived here before me, it seems your objective has already been achieved. If we are to stare at each other, let alone your urgent desire to kill me at this moment, I too must kill you!" With a slight movement of his left shoulder, the burden on his shoulder slid down his arm to his hand, and he relaxed his fingers, allowing the burden to fall naturally to the ground.

Old Liu was seriously injured this time, but fearing that Zuo Pinghan might have the ability to pursue him, he hurriedly struggled to get up. However, he saw Zuo Pinghan lying stiffly on the ground, unaware of his condition, which eased his mind a little. Suddenly, a surge of blood and energy rushed through his chest, and with a "wow," he spat out a few mouthfuls of fresh blood. In an instant, the world spun around him, and his body swayed unsteadily, causing him to sit down on the ground.

Madam Zuo hesitated for a moment before taking her son's hand and walking towards the spot where the cold light had just fallen. However, the energy that Zuo Pinghan had expended had long surpassed the critical point, leaving no room for even a moment's hesitation. Suddenly, Wang Bocon shouted loudly, breaking Zuo Pinghan's restraints. With a loud "bang," he struck Madam Zuo on the back with his palm. She let out a muffled groan, and her body flew out like a kite with its string cut.

Wang Zhongqi smiled and said, "It doesn't mean anything, it has no meaning at all." He stepped back and noticed a bundle that had fallen beside Luo Pinghan. His eyes lit up as he pointed and said, "Elder brother, look, is it that thing?" Wang Bozong asked, "What?" As he approached to take a look, he saw that the blue cloth bundle contained several items, among which one was particularly eye-catching: a wooden box, approximately three feet long, with both ends protruding from the blue cloth bundle, making it hard to miss. He pointed and said, "Elder brother, look, is it that thing?" Wang Bozong asked again, "What?" Upon getting closer, he saw the same blue cloth bundle containing various items, with the wooden box being especially prominent. What Wang Zhongqi referred to as 'that thing' should indeed be this.

Then, as Zuo Pinghan successfully executed a move, he immediately followed up with an attack, leaving no opportunity for his opponent to catch their breath. The originally defensive party had now taken the initiative to launch an assault. At times, he wielded the umbrella with both hands, using it as a spear or staff; at other times, he held it solely with his right hand, treating it as a short dagger or club. Coupled with the umbrella's opening and closing, his techniques were exceedingly varied. He unleashed a series of twenty to thirty moves in quick succession, leaving his opponent at a loss, unable to counter even a single strike.

The young scholar in blue felt somewhat embarrassed and said, "I didn't mean to frighten you; I sincerely apologize and hope you can forgive me." After bowing deeply, he continued, "I need to cross the river; could you please give me a ride?" As he spoke, he took out a piece of broken silver from his bosom.

Wang Bo Cong's tears fell all at once. Upon seeing this, Madam Zuo nearly fainted, exclaiming in shock as she hurriedly embraced Zuo Yuan Min, tightly closing her eyes in fear. All she could hear was Wang Bo Cong shouting: "Who is it? Come out quickly! What kind of hero is one who harms others from the shadows? If you have the guts, kill me along with it! Otherwise, if I find you, I will definitely wipe out your entire family. Come out quickly! Are you just a useless, treacherous coward who can only shoot arrows from behind?" His voice was hoarse, using every kind of insult he knew, desperately trying to force the person to reveal themselves.

At this point, both sides were hesitant, yet neither was willing to relent. One relied on youthful vigor, while the other awaited the opponent's moment of weakness. Thus, they found themselves in a stalemate, one attacking and the other defending, and hurriedly exchanged over a hundred moves.

The woman said, "Brother Huo, you just said we are all in this together; why do you want us to leave first now?" The child said, "What mother said is right; if Uncle Huo doesn't leave, then Min'er won't leave either!" As she spoke, her small hands reached out and tightly clutched his arm. Old Liu shook her off with a flick, pretending to be angry, "You... you all... sigh..." Although the child saw him angry, she was not afraid, her pair of black eyes blinking as she stared at Old Liu.

Suddenly, Zuo Pinghan's figure changed, darting up and down, circling around Old Liu continuously. Whenever he struck, it was merely a fleeting touch, entirely different from his previous aggressive onslaught. Old Liu thought to himself: "In this round of fierce attacks, he has exerted too much force; I fear his back injury will worsen, and he is now in unbearable pain." In terms of his martial arts skills, he was also a notable figure in the martial world, and to merely evade and defend was certainly not his desire. Seeing the opportunity ripe, he could not wait to turn defense into offense. He aimed for Zuo Pinghan at the moment he missed his strike and returned empty-handed, swinging his knife to cut. Zuo Pinghan did not dare to directly parry and instead crouched to evade.

If it is said that Zuo Pinghan really intends to leave, it is not the truth. Because he is unfamiliar with the situation in that room, and under the circumstances where he cannot clearly see the other person's face, he feels a considerable psychological pressure. Therefore, he must leave the room first, no matter what. Furthermore, he knows that the inexplicable madman is relentlessly pursuing him. With his exceptional skills and boldness, what he is truly thinking about is how to turn the tables.

At this moment, Zuo Pinghan could clearly see that the person was not very tall, slightly overweight, and due to the backlighting, their face was not discernible. However, they appeared to be somewhat older, and in their hand, they wielded a steel knife, the blade cutting through the air with a sharp sound, demonstrating considerable power.

Standing by the dock, an old dockworker tying a rope turned his head suspiciously upon hearing a sound. He saw a young scholar in a blue robe, holding an oiled paper umbrella under his left arm and carrying a blue cloth bundle on his back, standing less than a step away from him, which startled him. Suddenly, his foot slipped, and he leaned backward. The young scholar, appearing delicate, was surprisingly agile; he stepped forward and immediately supported him.

The one who called himself Old Liu, upon hearing this, could not say it was wrong. He sighed, stroked the child's head, and said, "Min'er, you are very good; you are more loyal than Uncle Huo." The child replied, "Uncle Huo, mother, let's not talk about this anymore; we should hurry and leave. I just saw that villain; it seemed he moved a bit..."

With my mood slightly restored, I looked at the mother and son of the Zuo family, and then thought: "Now that my brother is dead and the enemy is lurking in the shadows, it is impossible to take these two away. The best course of action is to complete the task at hand; perhaps it will even draw out that rat hiding in the dark." Having made this plan, I did not forget the bundle that Wang Zhongqi had not yet had the chance to pick up. I extended my right foot, slipped my toes under the bundle, bent my knee, and the bundle seemed to come to life, suddenly leaping up and gently landing in Wang Bo Cong's palm.

Zuo Yuanmin was taken aback, crying out as he rushed forward, leaning over Huo Butong's body, desperately trying to wake him. Although Wang Zhongqi had kicked Huo Butong, Zuo Yuanmin began to feel a dull pain in his lower back, likely having been injured by Huo Butong during the chaos. The pain intensified, fueling his anger as he approached Huo Butong, exclaiming, "You dare to ambush me!" He suddenly kicked, knocking Huo Butong over. Without a word, Zuo Yuanmin suddenly grabbed Wang Zhongqi's calf and bit down on the flesh of his calf. Wang Zhongqi, startled, flexed and extended his leg, flinging Zuo Yuanmin's small body away, cursing, "You little brat, are you trying to get yourself killed?" Zuo Yuanmin's body flew through the air, spinning several times before landing a few yards away.

The scholar in the green robe said, "If that is the case, I will give a little more for the boat fare." Old Liu squinted and smiled, saying, "Then I truly thank you." The scholar in the green robe replied, "It is only right." After saying this, he closed his eyes and remained completely still. After a while, Old Liu asked again, "Mr. Jia does not seem to be a local; are you here to visit relatives?" The scholar in the green robe lifted his eyelids slightly and said, "Old Liu, aren't you talking too much?" Old Liu suddenly realized and smiled apologetically, saying, "Yes, yes, I am disturbing your rest; I will not speak anymore, I will not speak anymore." After a while, Old Liu asked again, "Mr. Jia does not seem to be a local; are you here to visit relatives?" The scholar in the green robe lifted his eyelids slightly and said, "Old Liu, aren't you talking too much?" Old Liu suddenly realized and smiled apologetically, saying, "Yes, yes, I am disturbing your rest; I will not speak anymore, I will not speak anymore."

Upon hearing the name "Zuo Pinghan," the woman suddenly let out a cry, her knees buckled, and she knelt down. The child hurried to support her, exclaiming, "Mother, what is wrong with you?" Old Liu's face was filled with even more uncertainty as he trembled and asked, "Sister-in-law, is this... is this person truly..." The woman shed tears and replied, "I don't know, it has been... it has been so long since we last met... especially since..." Old Liu despondently said, "Especially since you have been hiding inside all this time..."

Zuo Pinghan cursed inwardly: "Damn it, what injustice have I committed!" However, seeing the opponent's blade gleaming fiercely, he realized that the other party was no longer holding back their strength and only sought to eliminate him quickly. Gritting his teeth, he thought, "If I am to die, I will take you down with me!" He considered that this person, on the oil-slicked ground, could move freely without obstruction, suggesting that their lower body skills were quite solid, yet he wondered if there were any weaknesses in their upper body. With his plan set, he reached down to lift the bottom of the umbrella handle, causing the supporting ribs of the umbrella to snap open with a 'whoosh,' transforming the umbrella into a stick with long spikes protruding from one end. He thought again, "If I am to die, I will take you down with me!" The umbrella, originally over three feet long, suddenly extended by two feet, executing a move called "Overturning Mountains and Seas" as it pierced through the opponent's blade net. The person was clearly startled by the sudden change in Zuo Pinghan's umbrella, and as they attempted to retreat, they were a moment too late. With a 'swish,' the tip of the umbrella swept across their left shoulder, leaving five or six bloody scratches.

Madam Zuo saw Zuo Yuanmin shivering while holding a single-edged sword and asked, "Are you cold?" Zuo Yuanmin replied, "Yes, a little cold." Madam Zuo said, "Then let us pack some clothes before we leave." Zuo Yuanmin asked, "Mother, where are we going?" Madam Zuo slowly stood up, gazed at the northern horizon, and said leisurely, "I do not know either..."

Zuo Pinghan interrupted him, saying: "I won't buy oil; I will find someone." The tea doctor remarked: "I thought that Mrs. Sun was all alone, without any relatives, and I didn't expect anyone would come looking for her. Is the guest a distant relative of Mrs. Sun?" Zuo Pinghan nodded and replied: "So you know each other." The tea doctor, lacking in tact, continued: "Indeed, if it weren't for the pity of their difficult lives, who would come to buy oil?" Zuo Pinghan felt displeased and thought: "Why is this tea doctor so harsh in his words?" However, not wanting to create further trouble, he simply said: "Please guide me on the way."

Wang Bo Cong was about to say, "What’s wrong?" but immediately felt something was off. He thought of his younger brother, whose martial arts skills were not weak; even if he accidentally fell, he could leap back up in an instant. However, at this moment, he had fallen flat on his chest, landing in a way that resembled a dog eating excrement. With such a fall, wouldn’t he risk breaking his nose? Wang Bo Cong felt a slight shock in his heart and quickly set aside the mother and son, Zuo Yuan Min, to investigate, simultaneously calling out, "Zhong Qi, are you alright?"

Old Liu, seeing him suddenly enraged with veins bulging, was also afraid that he might have some desperate and reckless tricks up his sleeve. To ease the tension, he said: "Who I am is not important, just as whether your surname is Jia or not is of no concern to me. However, since you have come here today, I absolutely cannot let you leave alive."

Indeed, the chilling force behind him pursued relentlessly, and its speed was astonishing. Wang Bozong initially intended to circle behind Madam Zuo to seize her as a human shield, which would place him in an invulnerable position. However, this powerful and swift chill compelled him to react prematurely. He let out a loud shout, suddenly turning around, his right hand's five fingers poised as if to play a pipa, while his left palm faced upward like supporting a pagoda, executing the final move of their family's ancestral technique, "Mo Yun Shou," known as "Bo Yun Jian Ri." This technique, which utilizes extreme yin to conquer extreme yang, combines great softness with great hardness, specifically designed to counter unknown powerful attacks, while also concealing a follow-up move that can be unleashed at the right moment, making it a formidable technique that balances both offense and defense.

The two gazed at each other, and it was unclear how much time had passed. Suddenly, Huo Butong's mind became clear, and with a hint of realization, he smiled at Zuo Pinghan. Zuo Pinghan's feelings should have been a hundred times more complex than Huo Butong's, yet upon seeing Huo Butong's smile at that moment, he inexplicably smiled back. After a while, Huo Butong tilted his head, said nothing, and unexpectedly passed away.

Zuo Pinghan said, "What just severed your finger is that very thing." Wang Bohan was taken aback and asked, "Really?" Unable to resist, he turned to look at the place where the object had fallen. Zuo Pinghan had precisely intended for him to turn around; seizing this moment, he crouched forward, stretched out both arms, slipped through Wang Bozong's side, raised his right hand, and pressed his thumb against his "Dazhui point," while extending his left hand forward to grip his throat from behind, simultaneously shouting, "Eldest sister-in-law... you are the eldest sister-in-law, right? I am Pinghan, the cousin of Pingxi. The single-edged sword I brought is all that Pingxi had in his lifetime. Hurry... hurry and pick it up, take Yuanmin's nephew and leave quickly, I... I can hardly hold on any longer..."

Then Zuo Pinghan thought to himself: "It seems I was overthinking it." He opened his umbrella, walked a few steps, turned back to look for a while, and then continued on his way.

Although the person appeared surprised and somewhat overwhelmed, his subordinates showed no signs of fear. With a change in their steps, they no longer guarded the door alone but began to move around the entire area. As the saying goes: "With a single sword, one observes the hand; with two swords, one observes the movement." Their footwork became agile, and the momentum of their blades suddenly expanded, increasing in power incrementally. Left Pinghan thought to himself: "It’s time to use your true skills, otherwise you won’t have the chance to unleash your ultimate move." Seeing the person’s blade technique suddenly intensify, he became even more cautious.

Huo Butong had no weapons at hand, so he picked up the umbrella that Zuo Pinghan had dropped nearby. Taking advantage of the moment when the two were distracted, he aimed a strike at their waists. Huo Butong's martial arts background allowed him to execute silent and stealthy attacks with considerable skill, so when it came to ambushes, he typically succeeded about fifty to sixty percent of the time. In this instance, he attempted to take on two opponents simultaneously, surprisingly managing to strike without prioritizing one over the other. However, Wang Bozong and Wang Zhongqi were not easy opponents either. Moreover, given that Huo Butong was already injured, the power of his strikes was reduced by seventy to eighty percent, making it even more difficult for him to achieve success.

In these two swift movements, Zuo Pinghan had exerted all his strength, especially since his life was hanging by a thread. The intricacy of his techniques surpassed his usual performance by threefold. However, precisely because of this, the pain in his back intensified rapidly. He gritted his teeth and endured, biting his gums until they bled. It was only when he felt an inexplicable greasiness in the palm of his left hand and caught a whiff of the fragrant tea oil in his nose that he suddenly realized he had just broken a ceramic jar filled with tea oil, which had spilled all over the ground, leaving him completely unprepared and naturally causing him to fall. A wave of regret washed over him as he thought, "Since this place is engaged in the oil trade, it is only natural that oil would be stored here. How could I have been so oblivious? If I were to lose my life here because of this, it would truly be a grave injustice!"

Indeed, there was a loud "bang" as Huo Butong extended his left palm to meet Wang Bo Cong's palm. At the same time, his left side was struck by a kick from Wang Zhongqi. The two forces collided within his body, nearly turning his internal organs upside down. He let out a muffled groan and was propelled several zhang away, crashing heavily to the ground. Meanwhile, the steel pipe umbrella slipped from his hand in mid-air and fell, striking Huo Butong on the forehead. He was unable to evade it, and blood immediately gushed forth.

Madam Zuo exclaimed in surprise and hurried forward to check. She saw that although Zuo Yuanmin had fallen and was covered in injuries, they were all superficial wounds and not serious. She then angrily said to Wang Zhongqi: "What exactly do you two want?"

Zuo Pinghan knew that he could not have chosen the wrong place, especially since a locust tree next to the house, facing the road, had its bark stripped away, clearly inscribed with the two characters "tea oil," further confirming that the rumors were true

At that moment, Zuo Pinghan was uncertain whether to get up and reveal his identity or to continue feigning death. If he chose to keep pretending, the hard-earned item would not reach his nephew, rendering the purpose of this journey meaningless. However, if he moved now, he feared he would not have time to explain; a casual kick from the other party could end his life immediately. In that case, the pretense would turn into reality, and the item would still not reach his nephew.

As Zuo Pinghan stepped into the street of Jishang, his pace suddenly slowed. He looked around and noticed a small tea house by the roadside, so he quickly entered. A tea doctor approached him and promptly brewed a pot of hot tea. While the tea doctor was serving the tea, Zuo Pinghan asked, "May I inquire if there is a household nearby that sells tea oil? The owner is a woman in her thirties, and she has a small child with her?" The tea doctor thought for a moment and replied with a smile, "There is indeed such a household, but the oil she sells is tea plum oil, which is not of the highest quality. If you are looking to buy oil, there is a larger oil shop in the area..."

At that moment, Wang Bo Cong cried out, his voice choked with emotion, filled with inexplicable grief and anger. After shouting for a while, no one responded around him. He turned to look at the face of his suddenly deceased brother, noticing that his complexion was calm and his lips bore a smile, clearly indicating that he had died very suddenly and without pain. In the midst of his chaotic thoughts, he suddenly realized: "This person was able to take my brother's life silently and without a sound; his martial arts skills are certainly not ordinary. Logically, I should not be his match. However, the reason he does not dare to confront me directly is that he knows that in a fair fight, he might not be able to defeat me. He can only kill me in the same way he ambushed my brother. Therefore, I must be extremely cautious and not let him plot against me. Otherwise, if both my brother and I die here inexplicably, and we do not even know who the murderer is, how will the Wang family maintain their reputation?"

As Zuo Pinghan entered the room, he merely intended to investigate and had no particular intentions. Unexpectedly, just as he stepped inside, he suddenly felt a rush of wind by his ear, realizing that someone was lurking behind the door, preparing to launch a surprise attack. He was taken aback, considering that this person must have been hiding there for some time. Despite being outside for so long, he had been completely unaware, indicating that the assailant possessed exceptional martial skills, and he could not afford to be careless. However, this was his first visit to Fu Family Village, and this journey was a secret operation. Logically, no enemies should be aware of his presence in this remote area, let alone know to ambush him in this very house.

The boats resting at the shore vary in size, but they are all passenger ferries crossing the river. Just before the impending storm, fishing boats dot the Yishui River, marking an opportune moment for fishing

Old Liu chuckled, "The rain outside is too heavy, and I can't make out the direction. Let's rest for a while." The scholar in blue was taken aback. The cabin was cramped, and when Old Liu suddenly tried to squeeze in, the scholar had to retract his slightly stretched body a bit. At that moment, he instinctively hid the blue cloth bundle behind him. Old Liu paid no attention, brushed past him, and pulled out a gourd from beneath the cabin floor. He removed the gourd's lid, held it to his nose, and shook it a bit, instantly filling the cabin with a strong aroma of liquor. Old Liu became tipsy before even drinking; first, he closed his eyes and swayed his head, then leaned in to take a few gulps.

In a situation where both parties possess similar martial skills, the competition ultimately comes down to who makes fewer mistakes. To act recklessly in the midst of a fierce battle is tantamount to courting death. With no time to think carefully amidst the chaos, I unfurled my umbrella, shielding my back. Then, with a loud "bang," I felt a sharp pain in my back; I had already been struck by a blade.

Suddenly, someone in the distance laughed heartily and said, "Brother, do you think it's funny? A mere child actually claims he won't harm those who are as weak as a chicken. Is he being childish and pretending to be a hero, or is he simply a coward, completely lacking in courage?" Another voice coldly replied, "I always said that these people with the surname Zuo are either fools or hypocrites, none of them are useful." At first, their conversation seemed distant, but when they reached the words, "none of them are useful," they had already approached, merely three zhang away from the crowd.

After a long pause, Wang Bo Cong finally spoke first: "I didn't expect you to still pretend to be dead; I truly underestimated you." The man replied, "Are you two following me of your own accord, or is it the leader's order?" Wang Bo Cong said, "You found the item but did not hand it over to the leader, instead secretly bringing it to this place. Do you intend to give it to your brother's descendants? Fortunately, the leader has great foresight and insight, instructing us to follow you; otherwise, wouldn't you have succeeded?" The man let out a dry laugh and said weakly, "If the leader knew that this item was in your hands and then lost again, what do you think would be the consequences?"

Although Zuo Pinghan was caught off guard this time, his reaction was not slow. The man struck successfully with his first knife, but his second strike missed. Seizing this moment to catch his breath, Zuo Pinghan reversed the handle of his umbrella and executed the move "Reversing the Universe" to counter. The man let out a soft "Eh" and raised his knife to block. At that moment, Zuo Pinghan had already taken the opportunity to stand upright, followed by another move "The Prodigal Son Returns" aimed at the man's forehead, thus restoring the previous balance of power between the two.

Zuo Pinghan reached behind him to touch his bundle; this was the second time he had confirmed its location since entering the cabin. An unusual atmosphere enveloped the surroundings, compelling him to be cautious and fearful.

It turned out that the blow Old Liu struck on Zuo Pinghan was known as "a desperate gamble." He had always been a killer who never needed a second strike, and the power of this move was astonishing. Based on his usual experience, he believed that his opponent would surely die from this hit. However, he let his guard down, not anticipating that Zuo Pinghan possessed exceptional martial skills, unlike anyone he had encountered before. At the moment the blade was about to make contact, Zuo Pinghan managed to retract his chest by an inch. Although he was still hit, he did not die immediately. In fact, in the midst of the chaos, he exerted his strength and broke the steel blade. Caught off guard, Old Liu also received a solid kick to his chest.