Pei Yan let out a low shout, his robe suddenly billowing. With a shake of his right arm, the green snake fell to the ground with a “thwap.” His right sleeve shattered into countless pieces, scattering in the air.
The onlookers cheered in unison, none had expected Pei Yan’s swordsmanship to be so impressive, his external hard skills no less than any renowned master.
Jiang Ci, who had already rushed forward several steps, stopped upon hearing the crowd’s cheers. Pei Yan glanced at her, then bent down to pick up the green snake. He walked to Feng Yunyao and smiled, “Miss Feng, it’s only stunned, not seriously hurt.”
Feng Yunyao took the snake, saying softly, “Manor Lord Pei, I’ve offended you greatly.”
“Miss Feng is too polite. May I say something?”
“Please do, Manor Lord Pei.” Feng Yunyao’s face reddened slightly.
“Miss Feng, your filial piety in avenging your father is commendable. However, to master the art of snake control, you’ve been feeding them with your blood. While the snakes gain the essence of blood, allowing them to forgo hibernation and feeding, ultimately, it’s your own body that suffers. I hope you won’t rush your training and stop the ‘blood feeding’ method. Also, please convey my greetings to the old ‘Snake Shaman’ when you return.” Pei Yan bowed as he spoke.
Feng Yunyao’s face alternated between pale and flushed. After a while, she coldly laughed, “My master said before I came that if I met Manor Lord Pei, I should show three parts courtesy. But Manor Lord Pei, this is a blood feud for my father’s murder. I’m afraid no one has the right to stop me, do they?”
Pei Yan smiled, “Today we’re electing the Martial Arts Alliance Leader. Brother Zhang is one of the candidates. It seems inappropriate for you to seek revenge here at my Changfeng Manor.”
Feng Yunyao coldly replied, “Is Manor Lord Pei determined to interfere in this matter?”
“I wouldn’t dare. I just hope Miss Feng could postpone her vengeance for my sake. After the martial arts conference, you can settle your grudge with Brother Zhang.”
After some thought, Feng Yunyao asked, “Manor Lord Pei, let me ask you, does the Southern Frontier belong to the Hua Dynasty?”
“Although the Southern Frontier is under the jurisdiction of the Yue Fief, it’s still part of Hua Dynasty territory.”
“Then does my Southern Frontier ‘Snake Shaman’ sect belong to the Hua Dynasty martial arts world?”
“Of course.”
“Very well.” Feng Yunyao raised her voice, pointing at Zhang You, “Since Manor Lord Pei acknowledges that my ‘Snake Shaman’ sect belongs to the Hua Dynasty martial arts world, I, Feng Yunyao, represent the ‘Snake Shaman’ sect to compete for the position of Martial Arts Alliance Leader today. I’ll challenge his Ziji Gate and prevent this treacherous villain from taking the leader’s position!”
“Well said, Sister Feng!” Prince Nangong clapped vigorously. “The ‘Snake Shaman’ sect certainly qualifies to compete for the leader’s position. My Nangong family can’t back down either. Yanzhi set aside your grudge for now and represent our Nangong family in the competition for the leader’s position!”
Nangong Yanzhi turned and bowed to Prince Nangong, “Yes, sworn brother.”
Pei Yan donned a fox fur robe brought by an attendant, covering his exposed right arm. He looked at Prince Nangong, cupped his fists, and bowed, “Brother Nangong, it’s been many years.”
Prince Nangong smiled, “Manor Lord Pei, I didn’t come here to reminisce. I have a question for you.”
“Please ask, Brother Nangong.”
“Is my Nangong family considered part of the martial arts world?”
“Of course.”
“Then how does my, Nangong Jue’s, martial skill compare to those on stage?”
“Evenly matched.”
“Manor Lord Pei is too kind. I, Nangong Jue, believe my literary talent and moral character are not lacking either. May I ask, Manor Lord Pei, does my Nangong family qualify to compete for the leader’s position?”
Pei Yan and Hui Lu exchanged glances, both seeing the difficulty in each other’s eyes. If they denied the Nangong family’s eligibility to compete for leadership, Nangong Jue would have his sworn sister pursue her vendetta, disrupting the conference. If they acknowledged his eligibility, it would open the floodgates to countless troubles.
As they hesitated, “Iron Fan of Hexi” Yuan Fang stepped forward steadily: “Manor Lord Pei, Master Hui Lu, we didn’t come here today to disrupt the conference, but because we feel things are unfair. If these monks, Taoists, nuns, and young women can compete for leadership, why are we unqualified? Please reconsider, Manor Lord and various sect leaders, lest the chosen Martial Arts Alliance Leader be unworthy of the name.”
Yuan Fang’s words were met with agreement from the wandering martial artists below the stage. Many shouted, “If Snake Shaman and the Nangong family can compete, so can we!”
“That’s right, why can only the Sixteen Great Sects compete for leadership? We want to compete too!”
“If we can’t compete, then those monks, nuns, and women on stage shouldn’t either. Let’s all disperse and let those few people compete for half the martial arts world leadership!”
Pei Yan frowned slightly and turned to Hui Lu and the other sect leaders. Their expressions varied. The six sects – Qingshan, Emei, Sunü Gate, Bihua Study, Puhua Temple, and Yuqing Palace – were caught by Yuan Fang’s words and naturally unwilling to lose their eligibility to compete. The remaining twelve sects had their thoughts, hoping to eliminate these six strong competitors while fearing they might only become “leaders of half the martial arts world,” a laughingstock. All remained silent.
The north wind grew stronger, and the clouds in the sky thickened, mixing blue and white. Seeing that heavy rain was imminent, Pei Yan looked at the sky, then met Hui Lu’s eyes and nodded slightly. Hui Lu understood, stepped forward, and said with palms together, “Amitabha! Given the current dispute and the coming rain, the Martial Arts Alliance Leader election will be postponed. We’ll hold the competition after the sect leaders and renowned experts have discussed the matter!”
The crowd below the stage erupted in noise, while those on stage filed down and entered the manor.
In the east hall of Changfeng Manor, Pei Yan walked to the main seat and sat down, with Jiang Ci standing by his side. Seeing a manor servant bring a teacup, she took it and presented it to Pei Yan.
Pei Yan glanced at her, a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth as he took the cup. Jiang Ci sensed something unusual in his smile and inexplicably blushed, retreating behind him.
Pei Yan took a sip of tea and looked up, “Everyone, the current situation is rather thorny.”
Zhao Mountain Sect Leader Xie Qing, resentful that Shi Xiuwu was sought for revenge by Nangong Yanzhi, said angrily, “Are we really afraid of these little troublemakers? Martial arts affairs are not for them to decide.”
Cang Mountain Sect Leader Liu Feng said gravely, “Sect Leader Xie’s words are misplaced. Although these people are not from major sects, their strength cannot be underestimated. I see that Nangong Jue’s skills are no less than those on stage. If we rashly exclude him, he’ll be discontent. If he challenges the Alliance Leader under the pretext of revenge in the future—”
Liu Feng didn’t finish, but everyone understood his meaning: If they fall out with Nangong Jue now, even if Shi Xiuwu wins the leader position for Zhao Mountain Sect when Nangong Jue and Nangong Yanzhi seek revenge for their relative’s death, no one in the martial arts world could stop them on principle. If he dies by the Nangong family’s sword, wouldn’t he become the shortest-lived leader?
Qingshan Sect Leader Cheng Bilan, already displeased with Shi Xiuwu’s earlier mockery of He Qinglong, coldly said, “Sect Leader Liu makes sense. Shi Xiuwu’s character is flawed. If he’s elected leader, it’ll bring endless troubles. It seems Sect Leader Xie must enter the competition himself.”
Xie Qing, choked by their words, couldn’t bring himself to say he’d replace Shi Xiuwu and compete himself. Shi Xiuwu was a favored general under Lord Bo, backed by 100,000 troops of the Eastern Line. His bid for leadership was Lord Bo’s intention. Xie Qing’s Zhao Mountain Sect relied entirely on Lord Bo’s influence to hold sway in Wei Prefecture. Although Shi Xiuwu was nominally his nephew in the sect, he was someone Xie Qing couldn’t afford to offend.
Embarrassed and angry, he blurted out, “Whether Shi Xiuwu’s moral character is flawed is yet to be determined. I think Yuan Fang has a point. Shi Xiuwu becoming a leader is still better than monks, Taoists, or women!”
Emei Sect Leader, Master Poqing, known for her hot temper and competitiveness, had personally entered the competition for leadership. Already frustrated on stage earlier, she was now provoked by Xie Qing. She stood up abruptly, her sleeves billowing, sending a fierce gust toward Xie Qing.
Xie Qing dodged backward. Master Poqing angrily said, “Sect Leader Xie looks down on us nuns. Let’s settle this with our skills today!” Her movements were peculiar as she attacked again. Xie Qing’s palm techniques were broad and open, fending off Master Poqing’s relentless assault.
Hui Lu and Pei Yan exchanged glances and called out in unison, “Sect Leaders, let’s talk this over!” A blue and a golden figure inserted themselves into the intense fight. Hui Lu blocked Xie Qing’s palm, while Pei Yan intercepted Master Poqing’s fist.
Seeing their intervention, Master Poqing and Xie Qing both snorted coldly and returned to their seats, still glaring at each other.
Pei Yan turned to the renowned martial arts experts serving as judges, cupped his fists, and bowed, “Esteemed elders, the current disputes are not conducive to the stability of the martial arts world. You are all respected veterans of the martial arts community. Do you have any good suggestions to resolve these conflicts?”
The martial arts experts all looked towards “Southern Elder” Yu Changxuan, seated at the top. The Southern Elder, with his hair and beard all white, pondered for a moment before slowly saying, “In my opinion, the only way now—”
Footsteps interrupted as An Chen rushed into the east hall, “My Lord, many people are fighting outside!”
Everyone in the hall stood up, with Pei Yan leading the way out.
As they walked, Pei Yan asked, “What happened?”
An Chen explained, “It seems someone made a teasing remark about Miss Jian. Miss Jian laughed it off, but the Young Princess took offense and argued with them. Miss Jian tried to stop it, but the Young Princess accused her of not helping her side and being a hypocrite for wanting to be the leader. They fell out and started fighting.
“As they fought, General Shi made some mocking comments from the side, and the Young Princess turned on him. Then most of the Qingshan and Zhaoshan disciples got involved. Miss Nangong joined to help the Young Princess, who then called in the Emei disciples for assistance, and it turned into a brawl. The Ziji Gate disciples, for some unknown reason, also fell out and came to blows with General Zhang.
“In the chaos, some bystanders were accidentally injured. Words were exchanged, and more and more people joined the fight.”
As they listened and walked, before reaching the manor gates, they could already hear the clamor outside and the clash of weapons. Pei Yan, Hui Lu, and the Southern Elder rushed out to see dozens of people fighting on and around the stage, with flashing blades and flying robes.
Pei Yan turned back and said, “Old Yu, we need to help Master Hui Lu!”
The Southern Elder understood, nodding slightly. He and Pei Yan grunted softly in unison, both extending their right palms to touch the major acupoint on Hui Lu’s back. Hui Lu activated his “Vajra Chan Lion’s Roar,” borrowing the inner power Pei Yan and the Southern Elder sent into his back, and shouted, “Everyone, stop at once!”
His lion’s roar caused those nearby to sway slightly. Those fighting on and below the stage were startled, their limbs suddenly weakening, and they all stopped their conflicts.
Ziji Gate Master Tang Xiaotian walked coldly to his disciples and said sternly, “Who told you to fight?!”
A disciple glanced sideways at Zhang You: “Senior Brother Zhang must clarify the matter of secretly harming Senior Brother Feng back then before he qualifies to represent our gate in competing for the leader position!” Several others echoed in agreement. Zhang You stood aside with an iron face, seeing Feng Yunyao slowly approaching while fiddling with the green snake in her hand, his heart filled with hatred.
Tang Xiaotian was at a loss for words. How he wished he could personally compete for the leader position, but Zhang You was backed by Prince Zhuang, a master he absolutely couldn’t afford to offend. Even knowing that Feng Zhe’s death was unjust, how could he expose his scar at this martial arts conference?
As he pondered, several injured people on the other side started shouting: “Unfair! These rules for selecting the leader are too unfair. The Sixteen Great Sects are bullying us!”
“That’s right! Not only do they not let us compete for leadership, but they also instigate their disciples to hurt us!”
Hearing the increasingly vulgar language from these people, the Zhao Mountain disciples couldn’t help but curse back, and the situation descended into chaos once again.
Pei Yan suddenly roared in anger, his right foot striking the ground forcefully. His figure flashed like a flying bird, snatching the long sword from He Qinglong’s hand. With another leap, a cold light flashed, and sword energy like a purple rainbow piercing the sun burst forth magnificently, shooting straight toward a large tree in front of the manor. With a “crack,” several tree branches thicker than arms snapped off in succession, dry leaves fluttering and filling half the sky.
For a moment, silence fell over Changfeng Manor. Everyone was shocked by Pei Yan’s seasoned and fierce sword energy, unanimously thinking: In terms of martial arts and swordsmanship, perhaps no one in the martial arts world could surpass Pei Yan.
Pei Yan swept a cold gaze over the crowd and said in a chilling voice, “The martial arts conference is held at my Changfeng Manor. I hope everyone can give me, Pei Yan, some face. If anyone else causes trouble, don’t blame me for being impolite!” With that, he turned gracefully and walked back into the manor. The various sect leaders glared at their disciples before turning to enter the manor as well.
He Qinglong hesitated for a moment, then called out loudly to Pei Yan’s back, “Why can each sect only send one person to compete for leadership? It’s unfair! If small sects and independent practitioners can compete for leadership, we ordinary disciples should be able to compete too!”
Pei Yan’s footsteps paused. Qingshan Sect Leader Cheng Bilan shook her head with a bitter smile, about to speak when raindrops as big as soybeans began to fall. Everyone shouted in unison and rushed under the eaves. The manor servants hurriedly opened all the main and side gates, guiding the thousand-plus people into the manor to escape the rain.
Back in the east hall, Pei Yan cupped his hands towards the Southern Elder, “Old Yu, you were about to share your excellent strategy earlier. Please continue.”
The Southern Elder stroked his long silver-white beard: “Given the current chaotic situation, our previous plan of having the Sixteen Great Sects each nominate one person to compete for leadership may no longer be feasible.”
Cang Mountain Sect Leader Liu Feng nodded: “Old Yu is right. Now that Yuan Fang, Nangong Jue, and others are determined to compete for leadership and have stirred up everyone’s thoughts, if we exclude these people, it will lead to endless troubles.”
The Southern Elder said, “There’s another point. Forgive me for being presumptuous, but to speak frankly, if we’re being honest, monks, nuns, and women are not suitable for the position of Martial Arts Alliance Leader.”
Emei’s Master Poqing seemed somewhat dissatisfied but, out of respect for the Southern Elder as a revered veteran of the martial arts world, swallowed her words.
The Southern Elder chuckled, “Sect Leader Poqing, don’t be hasty. I’m just stating the facts, but there’s a solution.”
Poqing said in a muffled voice, “Please speak, Old Yu.”
The Southern Elder slowly said, “In my opinion, the original system of the Martial Arts Alliance Leader should be modified to adapt to the current situation.”
“How should it be modified?” several people asked in unison.
“Previously, all matters in our martial arts world were decided by the leader alone, and once the leader’s order was issued, everyone had to obey. But now, with Pei Yan stepping down and various sects competing for leadership, it’s hard to guarantee the fairness and justice of the leader’s orders as before.”
These words from the Southern Elder struck at the heart of everyone’s concerns. Each sect worried that if another sect won the leadership, they would favor their own and suppress others, only protecting their interests while oppressing the rest.
The Southern Elder looked at everyone’s expressions and continued, “So I have an idea. Let me share it for everyone to consider. If it’s not good, please don’t take offense.”
Pei Yan quickly said, “Old Yu is highly respected. Your solution must be excellent. We’re all ears.”
The Southern Elder nodded with satisfaction: “Here’s what I’m thinking. Below the position of leader, we establish a council. Both the leader and the council chiefs will be selected through competition. The final victor becomes the leader, and the rest will be selected for the council based on their performance. Both the leader and council chiefs will serve four-year terms, with re-election after the term ends.”
The sect leaders listened silently, each calculating in their minds. Liu Feng nodded, “Old Yu’s words greatly align with my thoughts.”
The Southern Elder continued, “It would be appropriate to have around eight council chiefs. In the future, all matters big and small in the martial arts world would first be discussed by the council chiefs, then submitted to the leader for final decision. If the leader wants to make any decision, they must first consult with the council chiefs before issuing a leader’s order. This way, even if a monk, nun, or woman ends up winning and becoming the leader, we don’t have to worry about their inability to coordinate with the court or lead battles personally. The council chiefs will assist the leader in resolving such issues.”
Master Poqing said loudly, “Old Yu’s idea is excellent. Emei approves.”
Qingshan Sect Leader Cheng Bilan also nodded, “I have no objections.” The leaders of Sunü Gate, Bihua Study, Puhua Temple, and Yuqing Palace exchanged glances and all voiced in unison, “We have no objections.”
Ziji Gate’s Tang Xiaotian pondered, “Separating the positions of leader and council is indeed the best solution to the issue of monks, nuns, and women not being able to serve as a leader. But what does this have to do with Nangong Jue and the others?”
The Southern Elder said, “Given the current situation, we can only allow these people to compete for the position of council chief.”
“Old Yu’s meaning is to acknowledge them as part of the martial arts world, eligible to compete for council chief positions, but the leader position will still be produced from among the Sixteen Great Sects?” Pei Yan asked.
“Yes, this way we can silence them while not letting them become too arrogant by taking the most important position of leader. It’s the only way to settle the disputes.”
Zhao Mountain Sect Leader Xie Qing frowned slightly, “The worry is that once these people join the competition, they might take all the council chief positions, which could be troublesome.”
The Southern Elder smiled, “We can increase the number of candidates from the Sixteen Great Sects. This will both ensure your interests and resolve disputes among your disciples. Isn’t that killing two birds with one stone?”
Cheng Bilan, Tang Xiaotian, and others were already worried about the internal strife among their disciples. Xie Qing also wanted to compete himself. Hearing this, he quickly said, “Exactly, I completely agree!”
Pei Yan looked towards Master Hui Lu, “Master, what do you think?”
Hui Lu understood in his heart that the Southern Elder’s proposal was the only way to resolve the current chaos, and it also aligned with everyone’s secret plans. All sects wanted to win the leadership position but none had absolute confidence. They also didn’t want to follow the orders of other sects in the future. If they couldn’t win the leadership, having a seat on the council to balance each other out was not a bad fallback plan. At least it gave them a say in major martial arts affairs.
He slowly nodded, “My Shaolin Sect has no objections.”
With Hui Lu’s words, all the sect leaders said in unison, “That’s it then, we have no objections.”
Pei Yan stood up, smiling, “If that’s the case, let me add one more point. We’ll allow small sects and independent practitioners to compete for council chief positions. We can set a lightweight kung fu test as a qualification. Only those who can leap over a wall one and a half zhang high will be eligible to compete. This will prevent too many people from competing and the competition dragged on for ten days or half a month without a result.”
“Yes, Manor Lord Pei makes sense. Let’s do it that way,” Hui Lu said.
Pei Yan bowed slightly to Hui Lu, “Then I’ll trouble Master to announce this decision to everyone. This afternoon we’ll test lightweight kung fu to select those eligible to compete for council chief positions, and tomorrow we’ll start the formal competition. I have internal injuries, and that sword strike earlier aggravated them. I need to rest and recuperate. I’ll leave everything to you, Master.”
Hui Lu quickly put his palms together, “Lord Pei, please go ahead. Taking care of your injuries is important.”
As the cold wind grew stronger and the rain flew sideways, Jiang Ci followed Pei Yan back to the main courtyard. She quickly closed the carved wooden doors, stamped her feet, and ran into the west wing room. Pei Yan pushed open the door and entered.
These past two days, Jiang Ci had rarely spoken to Pei Yan. When he occasionally asked her something, she answered coldly. Now, seeing him come in, she remembered his strange smile earlier and suddenly felt unable to look at him. She turned and sat down at the dressing table.
Pei Yan lay down on the brocade couch, closed his eyes for a moment, and said softly, “Little girl, come here and massage my legs.”
Jiang Ci hesitated for a long time before walking to the couch and sitting down. After another moment of hesitation, she extended her fists and began gently massaging Pei Yan’s legs.
Pei Yan opened his eyes and looked at her, smiling, “Are you hungry?”
Jiang Ci had never seen Pei Yan speak to her so kindly and pleasantly. She was stunned for a moment, not knowing how to answer. Just as she was feeling awkward, An Chen called from outside the room, “My Lord!”
“Come in.”
An Chen entered and, seeing Jiang Ci sitting nearby, hesitated a bit. Pei Yan said, “Speak.”
“Yes. Master Hui Lu has announced the agreed-upon results, and no one has any objections. Now each sect’s number of candidates has increased to three, and a total of fifty-eight others have signed up to compete for council chief positions.”
Pei Yan smiled, “That’s a bit more than we expected.” He thought for a moment and said, “Regarding Liu Feng, it’s not convenient for me to appear. Go see him quietly tonight and let him know that I have ways to help him win the leader position. Keep an eye on Yuan Shu and Yu De’s draw.”
“Yes.”
Pei Yan let out a long breath, “At least things are proceeding according to our plan. It’s good that it’s chaotic. The more chaotic, the better. This ‘chaos’ is exactly what His Majesty wants.”
An Chen asked, “What about Miss Feng? How should we arrange that?”
“Feng Yunyao is Prince Yue’s person. The Prince helped us this time, naturally with his purpose.”
“Yes, I’ll make arrangements. My Lord, the Young Princess has also been nominated by the Qingshan Sect as a candidate.”
“We can only help her this far. Whether she can defeat others and become the leader depends on her true abilities,” Pei Yan smiled. He paused, then asked, “Any news of Yao Dingbang?”
Jiang Ci’s heart skipped a beat, and her hands paused briefly before she quickly resumed massaging Pei Yan’s legs. She heard An Chen reply, “A few days ago, some brothers seemed to have discovered his traces in the Hong Prefecture area, but his lightness skill is exceptional, and they lost him.”
Pei Yan slowly sat up, “If Shi Xiuwu shows signs of losing, Yao Dingbang will step in to help. We can’t relax even a bit, but don’t leave any traces that might make him suspicious.” He glanced at Jiang Ci, “If we can confirm his identity at that time, try to capture him alive. We can’t completely fall out with Lord Bo yet. Go make the arrangements.”
“Yes.”
Having settled this major concern, Pei Yan closed his eyes to rest, allowing Jiang Ci to continue gently massaging his legs. After a while, he suddenly opened his eyes and smiled slightly.
Jiang Ci felt that this “big crab” was acting strangely toward her today. She slowly stopped her massage and said softly, “My Lord, you must be hungry. I’ll go cook.”
As she stood up and turned, Pei Yan grabbed her left wrist. She struggled a couple of times and said urgently, “My Lord, if you’re not hungry, I am.”
Pei Yan tightened his grip, and Jiang Ci couldn’t bear the pain. With an “Ah,” she fell onto him. Just as she was about to jump up, Pei Yan suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist. Jiang Ci felt an unbearable tickle at her waist and laughed, twisting a few times. Then she heard Pei Yan’s low and slightly tender voice in her ear: “Little girl, are you very afraid of snakes?”