Shaolin Temple had confidently decided on their three fighters, clearly coming prepared. Looking at Lingding’s calm composure as he early took the field waiting for an opponent to compete, the Angry Cang people, seeing this monk quite smug, intended to teach him a lesson and were all rubbing their fists and palms.
This time Angry Cang Mountain’s stronghold revival had already alarmed orthodox heroes. The battle at Zhu Family Manor had beaten the four great families until they were disheveled. In the vast martial world, only the Shaolin lineage could independently contend with them. Whether Shaolin defeated Angry Cang or Angry Cang overwhelmed Shaolin in one stroke, either outcome would be a world-shaking event. The observing guests knew that Angry Cang Mountain would immediately have a master take the field. Everyone craned their necks in anticipation, wanting to see who Angry Cang Mountain would choose for battle.
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Seeing everyone sharpening their blades, Qin Zhonghai laughed: “Su Dongpo said ‘Not bald, not vicious; not vicious, not bald’—these Shaolin monks are indeed both bald and vicious, vicious and bald, actually making your old man’s life the wager! Brothers! Who’s willing to step forward as vanguard? Give your old man a reassuring pill to swallow!”
Before his words finished, suddenly two people leaped out from left and right, shouting in unison: “I volunteer!” Everyone looked eagerly and saw the left man was tall and mighty, holding a square-tipped painted halberd—precisely “Xiliang Little Lu Bu” Han Yi, who had habitually charged first in past years. The right man had a steady demeanor with feet positioned neither pigeon-toed nor duck-footed—the newly joined “Snake Crane Double Movement” Hao Zhenxiang.
Han Yi slammed his square-tipped painted halberd into the ground and cupped his hands, shouting: “Han has deeply suffered orthodox persecution for decades, muddled and unable to contribute strength for brothers’ revenge. Today, begging the General’s command for Shaolin battle rights, I’ll establish the first merit for our stronghold!”
Han Yi had once fallen into the martial world like a walking corpse and intended to use this battle to become famous and rebuild his past prestige. The observers knew his feelings and all intended to help him succeed. Li Tieshan, having deep friendship with Han Yi, cheered loudly.
Just as Li Tieshan was about to speak in recommendation, Hao Zhenxiang had already stridden forward, shouting: “Little Lu Bu has anger in his heart—I’m not unaware. But Hao was also once a court official, bullied and schemed against by these treacherous ministers and thieves. Having anger I cannot vent, grievances I cannot report, I’m also full of resentful poison. Today I only hope the General will authorize letting Hao fight Shaolin bloodily to repay great hatred!” Everyone, hearing his resolute tone and full chest of vengeful blood determination, were all moved.
Hao Zhenxiang’s martial arts were high. For years he had endured sorrow and humiliation, always remaining nameless. At this moment, wanting to take the field to kill enemies, how could Lu Guzhan not support him? When he had recruited Hao Zhenxiang, seeing his martial arts no less than his own, only due to poor official fortune and perverse fate had he fallen to this state. Lu Guzhan now had intention to help him succeed, hoping Hao Zhenxiang could fight the stronghold’s opening battle well. Chang Xuehen and Jie Tao, two young generals friendly with Hao Zhenxiang, cheered loudly.
Han and Hao each had their support. The two looked at each other with no intention of yielding.
Qin Zhonghai calculated slightly in his heart. This Little Lu Bu’s halberd technique was divine—in past days he was a great hero the stronghold relied upon. In martial arts and reputation, he wouldn’t be inferior to Lingding. If he fought Lingding, it would be appropriate. But Hao Zhenxiang’s martial arts were strong. Having served as Brocade Guard’s chief instructor of staff and spear, his martial world reputation wasn’t necessarily weaker than Han Yi’s. If he made him withdraw without reason, it would inevitably offend the Twin Dragon Stronghold heroes.
Unwilling to offend either side, Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily and tossed the hot potato to Azure Robe Scholar: “Both masters are willing to take the field—what should we do?” Azure Robe Scholar smiled: “Brothers Han and Instructor Hao both have excellent martial arts with their own strengths. Whoever takes the field for competition would be the same.” This person, worthy of being a military advisor and strategist, immediately tossed the potato back.
Qin Zhonghai coughed several times. With his thoughts turning, he had already conceived a method of mediation and immediately laughed: “Our stronghold’s revival is heaven’s will, but for our first battle, only one person can take the field—there’s no other way. Now I’d like to ask both brothers to draw lots. Whoever draws the winning lot takes the field; whoever doesn’t draws withdraws. How about this?” Han and Hao hadn’t yet answered when Lu Guzhan already responded: “Exactly so. Our stronghold revival originally follows heaven’s mandate. Both brothers drawing lots is equivalent to heaven selecting our vanguard for us. It couldn’t be more auspicious.” The observers all nodded in agreement, feeling this method was fair and favored no one.
Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily, bent down, and randomly pulled up a clump of long grass, handing it to Han and Hao with a smile: “Both elder brothers, each of you draw one blade of grass. Whoever’s grass is longer will take the field!” Looking at Qin Zhonghai gripping the grass in a bundle, they couldn’t see any tricks or mechanisms. Han and Hao exchanged glances and each drew a blade of green grass, hiding it in their palms.
Qin Zhonghai nodded slightly: “Willing to gamble and accept the outcome—since both have drawn lots, please open your hands for comparison!”
Han and Hao made sounds and simultaneously opened their palms. Hao Zhenxiang’s green grass was about an inch long but was a small half-section longer than Han Yi’s blade. Qin Zhonghai made an “oh” sound: “It seems heaven intends our mountain’s first battle should be fought by Instructor Hao.”
Hao Zhenxiang was overjoyed and cupped his hands: “Hao will not disgrace the mission and will certainly return victorious!” The Twin Dragon generals, supporting their own, immediately cheered. Chang Xuehen, who most hated Han Yi this pretty boy, cheered loudly at this moment.
Just as Hao Zhenxiang was about to take the field, he heard “Little Lu Bu” shout loudly: “How can we men compare lying down! If we’re going to compare, we should compare standing up!” Everyone was startled, not knowing what he meant. They saw Han Yi gather energy in his palm—that blade of grass suddenly sprang up like an iron needle, standing in his palm. Wind blew from all around, but that blade of grass stood stiffly in his palm without bending or swaying, as if cast from iron, showing how amazing his palm’s true power was.
Everyone, seeing this skill, couldn’t help cheering in unison. Even the Shaolin monks showed admiration. This technique relied purely on tremendously profound true qi and internal energy to make grass stand like a needle, unmoved by wind. Without decades of bitter cultivation in cold and heat, it would be impossible to achieve.
Han Yi looked at Hao Zhenxiang and said in a deep voice: “This battle concerns our stronghold’s fortune—how can it be decided by heavenly fate? Instructor Hao, the skilled victor wins. Do you dare compete?” His meaning was actually to use profound internal energy to pressure Hao Zhenxiang into withdrawing himself.
Hao Zhenxiang was a proud person—how could he endure provocation? Hearing Han Yi’s contemptuous words, he immediately made a sound and nodded: “Good. Hao respectfully complies rather than daring to command.” He tossed the long grass into the air. With a swish, his steel blade left its sheath and made a feint cut at the long grass. The grass, stimulated by this blade wind, floated up into the air.
Everyone, seeing his strange behavior, couldn’t help exclaiming, not knowing his purpose in striking this blade.
The long grass floated in the air. Hao Zhenxiang took a deep breath and lightning-fast reached out to catch the grass in his hand, saying in a deep voice: “Since Little Lu Bu has drawn the line, how dare Hao not comply? Look at my grass!” With contempt, he opened his palm to show the crowd.
They saw that grass hanging limply down, showing no internal energy or true qi. Everyone was puzzled when they heard Hao Zhenxiang roar: “Rise!” Thunder-like sound rang out as if scorching thunder had struck in mid-air. With a hissing sound, that grass slowly grew longer, shooting upward continuously. Originally only about an inch long, it now stopped, then continued—first one section, second section, third section—it shot up over a foot, as if nourished by spring rain and suddenly growing tall. Everyone, seeing this strange occurrence, naturally gaped. Han Yi exclaimed: “You… your blade technique is…”
It turned out that when Hao Zhenxiang had tossed the long grass into the air, using quick blade techniques, he had successively cut over ten times on the grass. This blade technique, yang within yin, made the long grass appear continuous but broken, seeming severed but connected, becoming continuous fine strands. When internal energy was applied, it naturally rose more than tenfold. Qin Zhonghai was also a blade expert and had long seen the mechanism. He chuckled and thought: “This Hao Zhenxiang is truly remarkable. No wonder he could hold the name of Brocade Guard’s first master in those years.” The Angry Cang Mountain heroes exchanged glances and all nodded secretly. Chang Xuehen and Jie Tao cheered loudly to boost morale. Those among enemies and allies whose martial arts weren’t sufficient still didn’t understand the principle and were still inquiring about Hao Zhenxiang’s magic trick.
Seeing this technique, Han Yi also admired it in his heart. He cupped his hands in yielding and sighed: “Good blade technique, good insight. Han is convinced. Instructor Hao, I wish you a victorious opening!” He gestured with both hands to the side, indicating for Hao Zhenxiang to take the field for battle.
Hao Zhenxiang bowed slightly: “Thanks for yielding. Hao’s life is not more important than this battle—I dare not fail.”
The two men looked at each other and smiled, all resentment cast to the ninth heaven.
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At this time, Lingding had long been waiting in the field. Hao Zhenxiang said no more and immediately walked down to the field center, tucking up his robe front and declaring: “Long hearing that the Arhat Hall Master’s martial arts cover the world, today Hao boldly requests instruction.”
Lingding showed neither joy nor anger and put his palms together: “Instructor Hao needn’t be polite.”
The two men stared at each other, each gathering qi to protect their bodies. Hao Zhenxiang’s blade edge was about to leave its sheath when he saw Lingding still had empty hands with no intention of taking out weapons. He couldn’t help being stunned: “Master, you’re really too presumptuous. Hao has a blade in hand—please, Master, fetch a weapon to show fairness.”
Lingding smiled slightly and shook his head: “This old monk always fights enemies empty-handed. Instructor Hao needn’t mind.”
Hearing he wanted to fight empty-handed, Hao Zhenxiang couldn’t help snorting. Though Lingding wasn’t verbally slighting him, at this moment, if he had no objection, wouldn’t he be a head shorter, making the stronghold brothers lose face? He shook his head coldly: “Master is Arhat Hall Master, Hao is Twin Dragon Stronghold instructor. You and I are both teachers with similar duties. How can Hao take this advantage?” Unwilling to give others grounds for criticism, he untied his sword and threw it to Chang Xuehen, also fighting empty-handed.
Lingding held the position of Arhat Hall Master. Usually when temple monks encountered martial doubts, he often stepped forward to guide them. In martial arts breadth, no one in the entire temple surpassed him. Whether Hao Zhenxiang had a blade or fought empty-handed was the same to him. At this time, seeing Hao Zhenxiang insisting on empty-handed combat, Lingding didn’t care and only nodded slightly without saying more.
The Shaolin monks, seeing Hao Zhenxiang also wanted to fight empty-handed, couldn’t help sneering secretly and thinking: “What martial arts does our Master have? Even when ‘Sword God’ fought him years ago, he relied on his long sword’s advantage to barely win. With your Hao Zhenxiang’s three-legged cat skills, you actually want to stand equal with the Four Great Vajras? You’ll suffer soon enough.”
Seeing the monks’ sneering faces with contemptuous intentions, Hao Zhenxiang couldn’t help being greatly angered and thought: “Win if you win, lose if you lose. Even if you Shaolin are orthodox martial world, you shouldn’t be contemptuous and treat Hao as nothing!”
As the saying goes, “Anger rises from the heart, evil grows beside courage.” Whether Lingding was god or Buddha, he was just a competition opponent. In his great fury, Hao Zhenxiang immediately roared loudly. His left palm formed a void circle, transforming into a crane’s beak, while his right fist thrust out, crafty as a spirit snake. This was precisely the Hunan Hao family’s orthodox ultimate skill—”Snake Crane Double Movement Fist.”
Seeing his technique combining hardness and softness, Lingding immediately nodded in praise: “Good technique.”
Seeing Lingding still leisurely and unhurried, Hao Zhenxiang became angrier and thought: “Good, you bald thief! Even if Dharma Patriarch were resurrected, he probably couldn’t withstand Hao’s ‘Snake Crane Double Movement’! You Lingding are just an Arhat Hall Master—how dare you be so arrogant!”
In great anger, his snake fist moved even more urgently, making whooshing sounds. Just as Hao Zhenxiang’s snake fist struck out, Lingding took a deep breath. In an instant, his five fingers struck out, sweeping straight toward Hao Zhenxiang’s chest. This move was powerfully profound—Shaolin Temple’s “Bodhi Thousand Leaf Hand.”
Though this sweep’s momentum was fierce, Hao Zhenxiang cultivated both internal and external skills and had a sturdy build. He could withstand monument-splitting hands and rock-breaking palms and didn’t take the five-finger attack seriously. Intending to show the stronghold’s prestige, he gathered power in his chest and didn’t avoid Lingding’s yang finger power, sneering secretly: “No matter how fierce the monk’s finger power, at most it’s similar to Mighty Vajra Finger. Today, even taking your one finger, I’ll still beat you until you’re disheveled!”
Also deeply hating the opponent’s repeated slights, Hao Zhenxiang neither avoided nor yielded to the finger power, only adding force to his snake fist. Just as it was about to strike Lingding’s lower jaw, the five fingers had also brushed across his chest. Hao Zhenxiang desperately endured the force, his fist’s energy tightening as he struck out, about to knock out all of Lingding’s teeth. Suddenly his chest felt cold—a strand of soft internal energy actually came from the fingertips. This internal energy was dangerously cold, immediately breaking through successive vital points, and his chest acupoints were suddenly sealed.
Hao Zhenxiang was greatly shocked, finally knowing Lingding’s finger power had other mysteries. This finger appeared yang but was actually yin—most deceptive. At this time, with his acupoints sealed, his dantian energy was insufficient. In his haste, he withdrew his fist and quickly retreated, wanting to first clear his chest’s qi and blood circulation.
How formidable was Lingding? Seeing Hao Zhenxiang retreat, not waiting for his opponent to regulate qi and harmonize, his “Great Vajra Palm” pressed the advantage relentlessly. Mountain-toppling, sea-overturning internal energy pushed out, wanting to strike down Hao Zhenxiang in one move.
Seeing the dangerous situation, Hao Zhenxiang hastily gathered a breath of true qi, formed circles with both hands and waved forward to block, trying to forcibly receive Lingding’s sweeping palm technique.
Four palms met silently. Hao Zhenxiang only felt Lingding’s palm power was extraordinarily great—truly what he had rarely seen in his life. As palm power shook him, Hao Zhenxiang’s chest qi and blood churned, and he immediately stepped back three steps with “thump, thump, thump” sounds. Having been struck in the chest earlier with qi and blood not yet flowing, now competing in palm power again, he naturally appeared inferior.
The Shaolin monks on the side, seeing their Master greatly gaining the upper hand—just one “Great Vajra Palm” had made the insufferably arrogant Hao Zhenxiang’s qi and blood churn with continuous retreat—marveled at their Master’s peerless martial arts and couldn’t help cheering loudly.
Though Lingding faced enemies with empty hands, relying on fierce internal energy, his double palms were sharp as swords and spears with unpredictable technique changes, only more terrifying than ordinary martial world figures carrying blades and swords. The monks had earlier seen Hao Zhenxiang’s blade technique and thought he had some chance of victory. Who knew this person’s proud nature would abandon his strength unused—he seemed defeated before fighting.
Not waiting for him to rest, Lingding immediately shouted: “Instructor Hao, the second palm is coming!” With a whoosh, another “Great Vajra Palm” struck. Hao Zhenxiang, unable to adjust his breathing, could only raise his hands to wave it away.
When both palms met, this time there was thunderous sound. Hao Zhenxiang’s organs shook, his feet softened, and he nearly fell out. Fortunately, relying on his extremely stable lower foundation work, he didn’t fall down. The Angry Cang heroes, seeing Hao Zhenxiang’s face turn purple, couldn’t help worrying, all fearing his battle defeat.
Lingding smiled slightly: “Instructor Hao, this old monk’s third palm is coming.” He stepped forward and again pushed out a palm. This palm went straight forward but was strangely slow—precisely Shaolin Temple’s most famous “Calm Meditation Dragon-Subduing Palm.”
This palm technique was plain and unremarkable—just pushing straight out with no fist and foot technique coordination, seeming crude. Actually, it contained great learning. The palm power had short, rushing, and long three types of energy—inch energy broke the body, rushing energy suppressed, long energy destroyed enemies. Three great waves successively emerged with earth-shattering power. Few in the entire temple could use it completely. The Shaolin monks, seeing Lingding use this palm technique, already knew their Master intended to overwhelm the strong enemy in one stroke, making Hao Zhenxiang submit completely.
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Seeing their mountain brother’s confusion and the Shaolin monks’ increasingly arrogant expressions, Hao Zhenxiang, since entering the martial world, had never been so looked down upon. In his great anger, qi and blood surged, internal breath flowed through, opening the sealed chest acupoints. Not only did he not avoid, but he looked up and roared wildly, stepping forward and rushing straight toward Lingding’s palm power.
In his wild roaring, Hao Zhenxiang’s clothing puffed up, his whole body’s bones crackling like exploding beans. With a swish, his right palm chopped forward, single palm meeting the opponent’s double palms. In this hard collision, both great masters’ internal energy stimulated each other, each maintaining stalemate motionlessly.
With a thunderous crash, one person’s feet loosened and retreated backward. Everyone looked and saw Hao Zhenxiang standing motionless—the one swaying and retreating was actually Saint Monk Lingding. Everyone inside and outside the field was greatly surprised and cried out.
Chang Xuehen, both shocked and delighted, shouted: “What martial arts is this? How is it so powerful?” Lu Guzhan smiled slightly: “Hao family martial arts cultivate from outside to inside—a martial world rarity. Today, if Shaolin Temple looks down on world heroes, they’ll suffer for it.”
Originally, Hunan Hao family martial arts were unique, with cultivation methods from outside to inside. In that critical moment earlier, Hao Zhenxiang used external hard skills to stimulate his lifetime’s true qi, moving all dantian internal breath outward, making his whole body’s bones crackle. Though Lingding’s “Calm Meditation Dragon-Subduing Palm” was fierce, how could it withstand someone’s lifetime cultivation attacking? Three palms colliding—no matter your inch energy, rushing energy, or long energy—all would dissipate like hitting a ten-thousand-li stone wall. If not for Hao Zhenxiang’s earlier uncongealed qi and blood with unopened acupoints, Lingding would have had to retreat three steps.
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Both great masters’ internal energy was evenly matched, so they changed to technique competition. “Snake Crane Double Movement” was originally famous for technique refinement. With Hao Zhenxiang gaining advantage, his strikes were even more lightning-fast. Crane beaks successively emerged, directly pointing at Lingding’s upper body thirteen major acupoints, while snake fists curved around to sweep horizontally at lower abdominal vital points. Left and right hands’ techniques complemented each other with precise, ruthless refinement beyond comparison. Seeing no way to avoid, Lingding immediately shook his hands—right using “Pearl Jade Buddha Finger,” left employing “Precious Cover Hand Blade”—engaging Hao Zhenxiang’s “Snake Crane Double Movement” in fierce battle.
The two men each used one set of martial arts with both hands. Hao Zhenxiang’s snake fist faced hand blade, crane beak faced Buddha finger. Four hands were about to meet when each changed dozens of positions—now attacking acupoints, now turning to strike vital points—making observers’ hearts jump and stare in amazement.
The Shaolin monks, seeing Hao Zhenxiang’s excellent martial foundation, realized he possessed shocking skills and was definitely not an ordinary person, so they also put away their contemptuous attitudes. Lingzhen frowned: “What background does this person have? With such abilities, how could he associate with Angry Cang Mountain bandits?”
Wu Dingyuan was familiar with Hao Zhenxiang and immediately explained from the side: “This person was formerly under the Brocade Guard—his martial arts were even stronger than Xue Nu’er’s, worthy of being called the capital’s first factory guard master. Only because he couldn’t endure treacherous ministers’ persecution did he join Twin Dragon Stronghold and become a bandit.” The Shaolin monks all made “oh” sounds with quite regretful meaning. Hearing this, An’dao Jing was furious and shouted: “Who are the treacherous ministers? Surnamed Wu, speak clearly!”
The two fought fast with fast, four arms entangled with cracking collision sounds like frying beans. Every move was a ruthless killing technique, making observers dizzy.
The court people watched from the side, each verifying with their own martial arts. Gao Tianwei frowned tightly: “This Lingding is truly remarkable. In just a short while, he’s already changed over ten sets of martial arts. Who in the world can match him?” Song Gongmai sighed: “Legend says this person has practiced twenty-three Shaolin ultimate techniques and mastered one-third of seventy-two supreme skills. In martial arts breadth, no one in Central Plains surpasses him.”
Everyone, hearing these words, all nodded secretly. Looking at Lingding casually producing exquisite techniques, especially remarkably, though he had many sets, he could coordinate them wonderfully to perfection. This person’s martial arts were numerous but not chaotic, techniques broad but not disordered—truly convincing.
The two great masters in the field had fought over a hundred moves with still no victor apparent. Suddenly Lingding’s right foot swept up, straight down, horizontal—positions continuously changing to the utmost, displaying the transformations of a fierce leg technique. The Shaolin monks cheered and praised greatly, saying in unison: “Buddha’s Seat Peacock!” The Angry Cang heroes, hearing this leg technique called “Buddha’s Seat Peacock” and seeing its precision, variety, and sweeping grandeur, were secretly alarmed and all broke out in cold sweat for Hao Zhenxiang.
Hao Zhenxiang’s hands were entangled in combat with Lingding when he suddenly saw the opponent’s leg technique gorgeous as a peacock spreading its tail, sweeping toward his lower body. His heart chilled and he could only dodge sideways. Without another word, Lingding’s left foot had just touched ground when his right heel rose high, smashing down toward his head like thundering lightning. Hao Zhenxiang was greatly shocked and hastily raised his left arm to block. With a crisp crack, the heel struck his arm, shaking Hao Zhenxiang until his tendons and bones nearly broke, his left hand’s defense completely collapsed. The pain pierced his heart and his body nearly went soft.
Lingding seized the opportunity to press his attack. “Pearl Jade Buddha Finger” swept straight toward his chest. Hao Zhenxiang’s left hand was still painful and he could only use his right hand snake fist to block. Suddenly hearing urgent wind sounds, Lingding’s right hand struck out like lightning with “Arhat Iron Fist.” Hao Zhenxiang, with only one hand left to defend, really couldn’t withstand this iron fist technique. He could only push off with both feet and leap back over a zhang to avoid it.
Lingding pressed forward step by step. Buddha finger, steel fist, iron palm, hand blade—four great sets of techniques danced endlessly. His feet sometimes used “Buddha’s Seat Peacock,” sometimes “Lotus Seat Bodhi,” dazzling the eyes. Though Hao Zhenxiang’s techniques were refined, he was already at a disadvantage. At this time, the enemy continuously used one set of martial arts after another. Hao Zhenxiang, relying solely on “Snake Crane Double Movement” to defend, would be hard-pressed to achieve surprise victory. The masters secretly calculated that in no more than ten moves, Hao Zhenxiang would fall to the ground.
Indeed, Lingding gave a great roar and launched continuous attacking momentum. His hand blade went straight for the enemy’s back of neck, steel fist swept across thousands of troops, and his feet again rose in peacock spreading wings posture, kicking hard toward the lower abdomen. Three moves in succession with multiple strong attacks—how could the power be merely doubled? Hao Zhenxiang’s face was iron-blue. At this time, even if he blocked the left side attack, he could hardly escape the right wing killer move. Dodging left and right in succession, he couldn’t avoid the urgent attack from below. Not only was defeat already apparent, but his life was also in danger.
Knowing his life was in critical danger, Hao Zhenxiang immediately bit his silver teeth and thought: “At this point, what am I still hiding?” He turned his palms upward, gathered all ten fingers, and pushed forward with all his strength. Instantly he called out loudly: “Five Elements Fist!”
This move seemed like a fist but wasn’t a fist, like a palm but wasn’t a palm, yet its positioning was exquisitely indescribable. After fighting a hundred moves with him, Lingding had never seen him use “piercing hand” techniques. Originally thinking Hao Zhenxiang’s defeat was already apparent, who would have known he still had this sudden killing move? This unexpected attack—the piercing hand had already reached his face. Lingding could only dodge sideways, retreating half a step diagonally.
Hao Zhenxiang regulated his breathing. He no longer used both hands to employ two sets of martial arts. Both palms formed void shapes like crane beaks, about to emerge but becoming snake fists, finally rushing at the face like tiger claws. Each palm and stance secretly contained several variations, changing moves as fast as dreams and illusions. The observers, seeing this with their own eyes, felt directly shocked. Lingding, seeing “Snake Crane Double Movement” suddenly produce numerous variations, was also greatly surprised and said in shock: “This is Five Elements Fist?”
Song Gongmai and Gao Tianwei exchanged glances, both thinking: “What a Hao Zhenxiang—this person has obtained the Hunan family’s secret transmission. It seems today’s battle’s victory and defeat are hard to predict.”
The Hunan Hao family had a set of “Snake Crane Double Movement Fist” that many in the martial world knew about. But few people knew that “Double Movement” actually originated from “Five Elements.” If Hao family masters reached the ultimate realm, they could practice the “Snake Crane Tiger Leopard Dragon” Five Elements Divine Fist. However, for a hundred years the Hao family had no one reach this ultimate realm, so martial world people gradually forgot this origin story. Now that this supreme skill reappeared in the martial world, everyone realized the Hao family truly had this legendary ultimate technique. In their shock, they couldn’t help feeling more respect.
The battle situation suddenly turned. Hao Zhenxiang continuously used “Five Elements Fist” with both hands. Seeing his attacks become increasingly fierce, Lingding hastily kicked out “Buddha’s Seat Peacock” leg technique, wanting to gain the upper hand with footwork. Suddenly hearing Hao Zhenxiang’s violent roar: “What’s Buddha’s Seat Peacock worth? Watch my ‘Leopard Chain Piercing Heart Legs’!” His legs thrust out like long spears and great halberds, each aiming for Lingding’s vital points, even more fierce and dangerous than his hand techniques.
Lingding hadn’t expected he had so many special skills and could only retreat rapidly. He saw Hao Zhenxiang’s footwork like lightning flashing, with foot backs, toes, and heels alternating in wild, fierce attacks. Lingding had no way to avoid them. With one move “Peacock Flying Through Sky,” he kicked out sideways. Both legs met in mid-air when suddenly Hao Zhenxiang gave a light whistle. Snake fist pierced through the middle and reached within three inches of Lingding’s face. Lingding used “Pearl Jade Buddha Finger” to block, but unexpectedly the snake fist twisted and became “Flying Tiger Long Roar Style.” The tiger form had just emerged when it became crane beak again. Cold sweat poured down Lingding—not knowing how to block or parry, in his panic he could only retreat rapidly. Hao Zhenxiang gave no quarter and pressed forward again. Lingding changed over ten sets of martial arts in succession but still couldn’t achieve a draw and could only retreat step by step.
Intending to overwhelm the strong enemy in one stroke, Hao Zhenxiang immediately shouted: “Master, if you have no special reserve techniques, I’ll achieve victory within ten moves.”
Lingding held the position of Arhat Hall Master and was one of Shaolin’s three top experts. No matter how high Hao Zhenxiang’s martial arts, how dare he claim certain victory? The Shaolin monks, hearing these words, immediately caused an uproar. Several junior monks, being impatient, even began cursing on the spot.
Hao Zhenxiang paid little attention. Instantly giving a light shout, he used one move “Fierce Tiger Climbing Mountain” and fiercely grabbed toward Lingding. Lingding summoned “Great Vajra Palm” and struck down toward Hao Zhenxiang’s wrist. Just at this moment, that unpredictable “Leopard Chain Piercing Heart Legs” flew over. Lingding, momentarily careless, had already been kicked once in the waist. His face turned iron-blue. In his haste, he used a killing move but only grabbed down half of Hao Zhenxiang’s sleeve. Just then another thunderous kick came, striking squarely on his chest. Lingding gave a muffled grunt and nearly fell to the ground.
In master duels, one move decides superiority. At this moment Hao Zhenxiang had great advantage. If Lingding continued fighting, he would only suffer worse defeat. Seeing victory and defeat already decided, Hao Zhenxiang also no longer pressed his attack, stopped and withdrew his moves, cupping his fists: “Master, you yielded.”
This battle’s victory underwent repeated reversals. First, Five Elements Fist was indeed remarkable with unpredictable ghostly momentum. Second, Hao Zhenxiang had always hidden it unused until the final moment when he employed it, gaining the benefit of seizing the initiative and smoothly defeating Lingding. Everyone in the field, seeing this turn of events, couldn’t help gaping speechlessly for a long time.
Gao Tianwei, seeing An’dao Jing’s expression both jealous and envious, seemingly full of infinite regret, smiled in his ear: “Commander An, your Brocade Guard’s former instructor has shown great prowess, actually defeating the Arhat Hall Master. Your eye for using people is truly remarkable—I admire you!”
How could An’dao Jing not know Gao Tianwei intended to mock him? He gave a dry chuckle but didn’t know how to respond. For a moment he only felt regret at his past actions, cursing Hu Mei’er hundreds of times in his heart.
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Lingding dejectedly lowered his head, his face already iron-blue. This battle didn’t only concern Shaolin’s reputation—its ripple effects could influence the world’s fortunes. They really couldn’t afford to lose. His lips trembled as he turned to look at the Abbot, seeming to inquire about something. Lingzhi met his gaze and sighed lightly, nodding wordlessly.
Hao Zhenxiang didn’t know what mystery the two were creating and only frowned: “Master, do you still want to fight?” Lingding lowered his head, his mouth muttering something, completely ignoring the question. Hao Zhenxiang made a sound and said no more, immediately striding down from the field with one snake fist move dancing away.
Seeing the enemy attack fiercely, Lingding still only stood with lowered head, not knowing how to dodge, as if he had become stupid.
Hao Zhenxiang was an experienced fighter and sneered, thinking: “The monk wants to play a suffering scheme—Hao won’t fall for this trick.” He showed no mercy. His snake fist withdrew and instead both palms struck out, combining force to push forward, taking advantage to thrust toward Lingding’s chest. He shouted: “Fall down!”
Seeing this palm’s tremendous power, if Lingding couldn’t dodge, his chest ribs would probably all break and he’d die. The Shaolin monks panicked but couldn’t intervene to rescue him, not knowing what to do.
With a loud crash, Lingding’s chest took a hard blow—his situation seemed dire. The Shaolin monks all closed their eyes, not daring to look further. Chang Xuehen, overjoyed, laughed loudly: “Killed! Killed that old bald thief!” He was about to go down to celebrate victory when unexpectedly Hao Zhenxiang retreated a step, his expression quite strange.
Chang Xuehen, seeing Hao Zhenxiang frowning in thought—neither pressing his attack nor leaving the field to rest—just standing dumbly in place as if possessed, felt curious and asked Jie Tao: “What’s Instructor Hao doing? Since he won, why doesn’t he come down?” Jie Tao, hearing this, ignored Chang Xuehen. Seeing his grave expression as if worried about something, Chang Xuehen followed his companion’s gaze and turned to look into the field, saying blankly: “Didn’t he win? What’s this about…”
Before the word “what” could finish, suddenly he exclaimed “Eh!” and also cried out.
Chang Xuehen could see clearly—Lingding’s muscles bulged and his back garment had already burst. Chang Xuehen rubbed his eyes and looked carefully again, surprisingly seeing Lingding’s body actually had a tendency to slowly expand. Chang Xuehen, both shocked and afraid, trembled all over: “This… what is this old bald donkey doing…”
As he spoke, Lingding looked up and laughed long. His form had already swollen and in an instant became like a giant. The Angry Cang people, seeing his ferocious expression like a demon or monster, simultaneously shouted loudly: “Asura Divine Skill!” Chang Xuehen, seeing such mysterious martial arts, was so shocked his feet went soft and he fell into Jie Tao’s arms. The Court side, seeing the strange situation, also whispered in great amazement.
Among Shaolin’s Five Great Forbidden Ultimate Techniques, the most famous was this set of “Asura Divine Skill.” In Sanskrit it was called “Rahula Obscures Moon Asura Heart Method.” Rahula’s hands obscured sun and moon, fighting heavenly gods—he was an incomparably brave war god. Lingding manifesting this dharma appearance made everyone in the field greatly shocked and pale. That day in the great Mount Hua battle, Lingding had used “Asura Divine Skill” to face Zhuo Lingzhao. When this martial art was used, the body became like an indestructible vajra body. Even with Zhuo Lingzhao’s sharp sword techniques, he couldn’t resist it. It seemed Shaolin was determined to win this battle, even bringing out such forbidden divine skills.
At this moment Hao Zhenxiang bore the brunt, alone in the field facing the monster. His heart couldn’t help feeling afraid as he murmured: “This… this is Shaolin’s forbidden ‘Asura Divine Skill’?”
Lingding said nothing more and gave a wild roar. His giant spirit god palm struck out with infinite power, slapping toward Hao Zhenxiang’s face.
Seeing his casual attack, Hao Zhenxiang felt both angry and afraid. Unwilling to concede defeat, he shouted several times to boost his own morale, dodged sideways past the enemy palm, and struck out with his right hand tiger fist, fighting back toward Lingding with all his strength. With a “crack” sound, it hit Lingding squarely in the chest.
A smile appeared at the corner of Hao Zhenxiang’s mouth as he felt slightly reassured, but then he heard low laughter beside his ear. Hao Zhenxiang, shocked and angry, looked up to see Lingding showing no pain, raising his finger and shaking it lightly as if mocking him. Hao Zhenxiang retreated one step, feeling it hard to believe.
Lingding laughed heartily and pushed out with both palms together. Hao Zhenxiang wasn’t discouraged and intended to test the opponent’s power. He struck out with his palm to deflect the attack’s edge. Who knew that when palm power lightly touched at the outer edge, his arm already felt numb and sore, then tremendous force pressed down, directly shaking him until he rolled away.
Hao Zhenxiang hastily stood up, already losing his composure in the chaos. Having traveled the world, he had never seen such strange martial arts and truly didn’t know how to resist. Lingding didn’t allow him to catch his breath and suddenly struck with one palm. At this time his height was a full twelve feet—any casual wave would press down on the enemy’s head. Hao Zhenxiang, harboring timidity, quickly dodged away. He saw dust flying from the ground—Lingding’s palm power had already struck out a deep pit.
Hao Zhenxiang fled in panic all the way, like a child fighting an adult—the disparity in strength was too great. Covered in cold sweat, he thought: “Earlier my ‘Tiger Climbing Mountain’ was so powerfully forceful that even external martial experts couldn’t withstand it. How does Lingding seem like nothing happened? What exactly is this ‘Asura Divine Skill’s’ background? How should I break it?”
After Lingding used “Asura Divine Skill,” compassion gradually left and demonic nature gradually grew. Though his attacks seemed chaotic, they were powerfully unmatched. Only continuous “rumbling” sounds could be heard as he struck pit after pit in the ground. Hao Zhenxiang, relying on his quick strikes, repeatedly hit Lingding’s vital points, but Lingding felt no pain. Though struck on his body, he only became more ferocious. Hao Zhenxiang dodged east and west, crouching and rising, looking quite embarrassed.
The Shaolin monks, seeing usually compassionate Lingding now like a demon, were all secretly shocked and thought: “This Asura Divine Skill is indeed terrifying. No wonder our teachers don’t allow us to learn it. Otherwise, once the practitioner’s beast nature emerges, who in the world could control him?”
The Angry Cang people, seeing Lingding’s martial arts too strange, all wanted to point out ways to defeat the enemy. But “Rahula Obscures Moon Asura Heart Method” was secret technique passed down from ancient Tianzhu, truly mysteriously indescribable. Everyone lacked countermeasures and could only worry helplessly.
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After dozens of moves of fierce battle, Hao Zhenxiang was increasingly at a disadvantage. Later it became a situation of taking blows without fighting back. Seeing Lingding’s fan-sized palm striking, Hao Zhenxiang pointed with his feet and flipped in mid-air, leaping back several zhang—already fleeing without fighting.
Lingding sneered: “Want to escape? Where can you escape to?” He roared like a tiger, clenched both fists, and strode forward.
Hao Zhenxiang turned back to look at his comrades, seeing the heroes’ expressions difficult, apparently all worried about his life and death. Hao Zhenxiang deeply blamed himself. Thinking this battle concerned Qin Zhonghai’s entire life, he felt even more grief and hatred: “I was ordered to come fight this person, but now I have no power to resist. If this battle ruins my reputation, that’s a small matter—implicating the stronghold brothers is a big matter. I can only fight to the end even if beaten to death here.” With this thought, he planted both feet in horse stance, held both palms in a circle, then took a deep breath of true qi—actually intending to face the confrontation head-on. Everyone, seeing him now solemnly establish horse stance and gather qi, were all secretly curious, not knowing what ultimate technique he had to save his life.
Lingding laughed heartily and struck out with his giant palm. Seeing his demonic nature fully manifest, he not only wanted to defeat the strong enemy but intended to kill him in one stroke. Hao Zhenxiang gritted his teeth and shouted: “Your Shaolin has forbidden divine skills! Could it be that Hao has no life-saving ultimate technique?” His straight fist rushed out with magnificent momentum, middle finger protruding an inch like a dragon. Both enemy and ally simultaneously exclaimed: “Dragon Fist!”
This was precisely the final move of Hunan Hao family’s “Five Elements Fist”: “Locking Dragon.”
Lingding, using “Asura Divine Skill” to resist enemies, was in a mad state. Regardless of dragon fist or tiger fist, he still slapped down with one palm. At this time his divine strength was amazing—his hands and feet’s power was extraordinarily great. This palm used full ten-tenths power and made tremendous sounds when striking.
Fist and palm scraped together. Everyone in the field held their breath and concentrated, all worried for their own side’s master.
Suddenly hearing “hey” and “ha” two muffled grunts, Lingding stood motionless while Hao Zhenxiang was thrown backward, flying far to fall on the ground. In moments, fresh blood gushed wildly from his mouth. The Angry Cang Mountain people sighed deeply, thinking: “It seems ‘Asura Divine Skill’ is still superior and gained the upper hand.”
The Shaolin monks, seeing this situation, were greatly delighted and thought: “Having won the first match, the rest will be easy to handle.” Abbot Lingzhi had deeply received the true transmission of previous generation Yuan-character elders—his martial arts were most orthodox. He would probably only be stronger than Lingding. No matter how many Angry Cang Mountain masters there were, at most they were only comparable to Hao Zhenxiang’s power level. No one was sufficient to defeat the Abbot. Victory in three battles with two wins was before their eyes.
The monks were rejoicing when suddenly they saw Hao Zhenxiang slowly prop up his body, actually intending to fight again.
The monks, seeing fresh blood gushing from his mouth, thought Lingding needn’t act—just waiting a moment, this person would naturally die. Lingyin, naturally compassionate, immediately stepped forward: “Victory and defeat are common in military affairs. Instructor Hao needn’t force himself. Please withdraw.”
Hao Zhenxiang waved his hand to indicate Lingyin should step back and gritted his teeth: “Monk Lingding, come at me.” He again formed circles with both hands and established horse stance, still wanting to receive Lingding’s techniques. The Angry Cang people, seeing his insistence on continuing to fight, deeply feared he would die in battle here. Chang Xuehen and others wanted to intervene, but they saw Lu Guzhan step into the field and spread both hands to indicate everyone shouldn’t interfere.
Chang Xuehen, full of anxiety, said quietly: “Master Lu, if we continue fighting, Instructor Hao will die.” Lu Guzhan said deeply: “Watch patiently—who wins and who loses isn’t yet determined.” Everyone saw Hao Zhenxiang’s pale face and continuous blood vomiting—how did he look like he could still fight? But constrained by Lu Guzhan’s face, everyone couldn’t enter the field to persuade and could only forcibly endure.
Lingding roared and flew forward in attack. Chang Xuehen exclaimed: “Dodge quickly!” Poor Hao Zhenxiang was heavily injured, only knowing to pant and cover his chest with continuous blood vomiting, seeming to lack even the strength to dodge.
Just as Lingding was about to reach him, suddenly Hao Zhenxiang looked up with angry eyes wide open and roared: “I don’t believe in evil—still won’t fall down for me!” Before the two had fought, hearing this roar, Lingding’s giant body suddenly trembled uncontrollably. Inexplicably, blood gushed from his mouth and he actually fell to the ground. Seeing Lingding fall first, Hao Zhenxiang’s body immediately fell backward and could no longer move.
Both enemy and ally, seeing this turn of events, were all dumbstruck, not knowing what had happened.
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Lingzhen roared and rushed down to the field, grabbing Hao Zhenxiang and pointing accusingly: “You thieving bastard! Actually daring to use hidden weapons—you’re so shameless!” He clawed toward Hao Zhenxiang’s face. Hao Zhenxiang was heavily injured and couldn’t even stand steadily—how could he block Lingzhen’s tiger claw hand? He immediately closed his eyes and covered his chest, waiting for death.
Just at this moment, a green shadow flashed into the field and reached out to block Lingzhen’s tiger claw hand. Everyone looked closely—it was Angry Cang Mountain’s Right Military Advisor, known as “Azure Robe Scholar,” Tang Shiqian.
Lingzhen shouted: “Azure Robe Sect Master! This Hao Zhenxiang injured people with hidden weapons—his methods are vicious. Does he still have martial world righteousness?” He had always called Azure Robe Scholar “Sect Master” for over ten years and it came naturally—for a moment he couldn’t change it. Azure Robe Scholar didn’t mind and smiled slightly: “Brother Lingzhen says Instructor Hao injured people with hidden weapons—what evidence is there?”
Lingzhen spat: “He shouted loudly to ‘fall down,’ and our senior brother, perfectly fine, fell to the ground like paper. If there was no cheating in between, who would believe it?” Azure Robe Scholar made an “oh” sound and nodded with a smile: “Brother Lingzhen’s lesson is right. However, words alone are no proof—why don’t we examine the injuries? We can see who’s right and who’s wrong.” He opened Hao Zhenxiang’s upper garment and pointed to a dark palm print on his shoulder: “This is your sect’s Asura Divine Skill—indeed tremendously powerful, injuring people to the marrow.”
Lingzhen sneered: “Good that you know how powerful it is.”
Azure Robe Scholar smiled slightly and pointed at Lingding: “Please help by opening Master Lingding’s garment and taking a look.” Lingzhen snorted and reached out to open Lingding’s monk robe. Instantly, they saw a black blood clot in the center of Lingding’s chest. That blood clot was only thumb-sized but spread like a spider web to the sides, extending outward from the center with blood threads covering the entire chest—looking extremely eerie. All observers, regardless of enemy or ally, secretly exclaimed.
Azure Robe Scholar smiled slightly: “Whether this injury was caused by hidden weapons—we’re all martial artists and should be able to see clearly.”
Lingzhen’s facial muscles trembled. All of Shaolin remained silent, finally understanding the principle of this victory and defeat.
Earlier, Hao Zhenxiang and Lingding had each struck one punch, hitting the other’s vital points. In terms of punching force, “Dragon Fist” and “Asura Divine Skill” were evenly matched, hard to determine victor. But when Hao Zhenxiang was struck by the palm, he hastily leaped backward, taking advantage of momentum to dissipate the opponent’s force. Of ten-tenths palm power, he only received seven-tenths, with lighter injury and the strike not hitting vital points. But after Lingding used “Asura Divine Skill,” he only knew fierce killing, his intelligence already lost, completely unaware of retreating and dissolving principles. He actually used his chest to forcibly withstand Dragon Fist’s rigid, fierce force. Dragon Fist used middle finger force—the power point was only fingertip-sized, but force poured into organs and the injury site was already pulverized. Though Lingding had excellent internal energy and external hard skill protection, when this ten-tenths fist power broke into his body, even Golden Bell Cover couldn’t block it all. For a moment he suffered severe chest injury and collapsed unable to rise.
Hao Zhenxiang struggled to stand up. With blurred vision and dizziness, he still cared about victory and defeat. He asked Lingzhi while vomiting blood: “Ab… Abbot, do you… do you still want me to… fight?”
Lingzhi sighed and put his palms together: “Benefactor’s martial arts are superb—all of Shaolin admires them.”
Hao Zhenxiang smiled bitterly, blood gushing straight from his mouth. His body fell backward and he had already fainted to death.
In this battle both sides fought to the death with mutual injury. Looking at how Lingding had even used forbidden techniques but couldn’t repel the strong enemy—no matter what, this competition was considered Shaolin’s loss.