Yang Suguan couldn’t help but be secretly shocked upon hearing this, thinking: “This Lord Lu speaks so strangely—what exactly does he mean by ‘the world’s destiny’? And what person does he want to bring out? What does this all mean?” He vaguely felt that the sheepskin in his bosom was related to the oracle in the pavilion, but for the moment he couldn’t grasp the key to it and could only ponder bitterly.
While he was thinking, he suddenly saw “Hundred Flowers Fairy” approaching him a few steps, her expression furtive, her intentions unclear. Yang Suguan was exhausted and unable to move—if she decided to rob the sheepskin, there was nothing he could do about it.
Suddenly “Hundred Flowers Fairy” reached out and actually stuffed a pill into his mouth. Yang Suguan was startled and was about to spit it out when he felt the medicine was cool and refreshing. As soon as it entered his mouth, his dizziness immediately lessened. Hu Mei’er whispered, “Minister Yang, let’s make a deal. I’ve already given you the antidote. When your divine skills recover, you must save my life and take me away from this place!” The Twin Dragon Stronghold people were all conversing and paid no attention to their actions.
Yang Suguan said slowly, “What about the sheepskin? Do you still want it?” Hu Mei’er smiled charmingly, “I want it, but right now my life is in danger. That bandit leader’s martial arts are extraordinarily high. Looking at their attitude, they’ll probably kill me out of anger. I’d better preserve my life first.” Hu Mei’er was a ruthless woman with clear loves and hates—those who loved and respected her might not gain much advantage, but those who hated and cursed her would only die miserably. Hao Zhenxiang had just been a living example. Under the starlight, Hu Mei’er’s beautiful face was full of cunning, but Yang Suguan had no choice and could only nod lightly: “Very well! I have friends who were also poisoned. When you hand over the antidote together, I’ll naturally help you escape.” Hu Mei’er giggled, “For the sake of how well you’ve treated me, I’ll comply with your request.” As she spoke, she actually kissed his cheek. Yang Suguan made a sound and wanted to push her away, but lacked the strength and could only let her take liberties.
Hu Mei’er was being affectionate when suddenly that Lord Lu said, “There’s still some time before the third watch—we can’t just waste it here! Now let’s eliminate these pests for the people!” Hu Mei’er was greatly alarmed upon hearing this and exchanged glances with Yang Suguan. That Jie Tao waved his hand, and thousands of cavalry slowly gathered, approaching the group.
An’dao Jing’s face changed color as he thought: “What bad luck! If I hadn’t stabbed Hao Zhenxiang with that blade just now, with our combined strength we could definitely have fought our way out! Looks like everything’s finished!” He looked back and saw the remaining Embroidered Uniform Guard subordinates all crouching on the ground, trembling constantly, obviously terrified.
Yang Suguan saw the situation was bad. Though he wasn’t part of the Embroidered Uniform Guard group, he was still a court official. These bandit robbers viewed officials as enemies and killed court officials as routinely as eating meals. If he were taken up the mountain by them, even if he kept his life, his school’s reputation would be completely lost. He immediately urgently circulated his divine skills to accelerate the medicine’s effects.
An’dao Jing hurriedly said, “Brothers, our business isn’t finished yet! I still have an important secret to reveal!” Jie Tao drew his waist blade impatiently, “Speak quickly if you have something to say, fart if you need to! Looking at a corrupt official like you even once disgusts me!” An’dao Jing panicked, “Yes, yes! This humble person will speak right away!” He coughed and thought: “I actually know very little—I only know that at the third watch some damn diagram appears. Such absurd talk is hard to make people believe. What should I do?” Jie Tao stepped forward two paces and shouted, “Are you speaking or not!” An’dao Jing had a flash of inspiration and pointed at Yang Suguan, calling out: “This person has a treasure on him! Just take the thing out and stand in the pavilion—at the third watch the truth will be revealed!” The Twin Dragon Stronghold people all felt their hearts tremble upon hearing this and turned to look at him.
Yang Suguan’s poison had mostly been neutralized by this time, but he still couldn’t wield his sword to wound enemies. Hearing An’dao Jing speak thus, he knew he was trying to shift blame onto him. Secretly angry, seeing several people from Twin Dragon Stronghold walking toward him, he was unwilling to show weakness and stood up on his own, calling out clearly: “Shaolin disciple Yang Suguan pays respects to Master Lu of Twin Dragon Stronghold.” He deliberately used his internal energy, his voice clear and carrying for miles.
Everyone was shocked, not expecting such a refined young man to have such deep internal energy. Actually, Yang Suguan was just using this shout to call for help, hoping Ling Ding and the others would arrive in time.
Lu Guzhan heard him call himself a Shaolin disciple and smiled with a nod, “So you’re from the Shaolin school. How is your ancestral master, Monk Tianjue?” Seeing Yang Suguan’s young age, he didn’t know his martial arts were personally taught by Tianjue and inquired using the term “ancestral master.”
Yang Suguan said, “Thank you for Master Lu’s concern. My master is in good health and all is well.” Everyone was amazed to hear him refer to Monk Tianjue as his master. Jie Tao asked in surprise, “Master? Monk Tianjue is your master?” Yang Suguan nodded, “Exactly. Divine Monk Tianjue is my master. I’m of the same generation as the various high monks of the Ling generation.” Lu Guzhan was shocked, “I never thought Shaolin’s Tianjue actually had a successor—that’s a major matter!” An’dao Jing on the side, seeing Yang Suguan reveal his identity, quickly took advantage to add fuel to the fire: “He’s not just Tianjue’s successor! This person is also the son of the current Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, Yang Langzhong of our dynasty’s Ministry of War Bureau of Operations! This person is a great traitor—you must not let him go.” He guessed these bandits must hate court officials and revealed Yang Suguan’s identity to make them fight each other, hoping to have a chance to escape.
Lu Guzhan made an “Oh” sound and looked Yang Suguan up and down, “So you’re a Minister in the Ministry of War’s Bureau of Operations. Hmm, this position has always worked for the Northern Pacification Commander—by rights you should be under Liu Angtian.” Yang Suguan was puzzled that Lu Guzhan was so familiar with court affairs, wondering what this person’s background was before becoming a bandit.
Jie Tao reported in a low voice, “There’s talk in the martial world that Liu Angtian has two very capable men under him. One is named Qin Zhonghai, nicknamed ‘Fire Greedy One Blade,’ and the other is called Yang Suguan, known as ‘Romantic Minister Yang.’ Together they’re called ‘Liu’s Two Generals—Literary Yang and Martial Qin.’ These two have excellent martial arts and have become quite famous in recent years—even the Eastern Depot fears them somewhat.” Lu Guzhan nodded, “What a ‘Romantic Minister Yang’! Seeing you today, you indeed have extraordinary bearing—truly a case of heroes emerging young.” Yang Suguan never expected the other party to know him and cupped his hands, “You flatter me! You flatter me!” An’dao Jing, seeing them actually exchanging pleasantries, deeply feared his instigation tactics would be useless and hurriedly said, “This person has treasures on him—quickly search them out! To solve the mystery of this pavilion, you must have the thing on him!” Actually, he also didn’t understand the sheepskin’s origins and was just talking nonsense, hoping to delay even a moment to save his life.
Lu Guzhan smiled slightly, “What exactly are you carrying? May I borrow it for a look?” Yang Suguan said, “This item was personally entrusted to me by our dynasty’s Northern Pacification Grand Commander. Given my official duties, I’m afraid it’s somewhat inconvenient.” Lu Guzhan smiled, “Brother Yang, speaking like this is rather too formal, isn’t it? I had some connection with Commander Liu in the past. Now I’m just borrowing it for a moment—after looking I’ll return it. Why must Minister Yang be so stingy?” Yang Suguan shook his head, “I bear a heavy trust and must regretfully decline.” Lu Guzhan said lightly, “I respect Brother Yang as a rare good official and originally didn’t want to make things difficult for you, but if Brother Yang keeps refusing people so completely, it makes me lose face. How about this—rather than us killing until blood flows like rivers, let’s make a wager! What do you say?” Yang Suguan still shook his head, “I’m naturally timid and never gamble with others.” Lu Guzhan laughed heartily, “Brother Yang being so cowardly—how will you get by in the court in the future? If you wager with me and win, you can just leave and no one will stop you. If you lose, heh heh, it won’t be too bad—just hand over the item.” Yang Suguan snorted, “What if I insist on not gambling?” Lu Guzhan laughed loudly, “If you don’t gamble, these three thousand troops will all take your life!” It seemed gambling offered a thread of hope for survival, while stubbornly refusing would likely result in being killed immediately by the army.
Yang Suguan made a sound, knowing he had no choice, and could only say, “Fine, I’ll accompany you in this wager, but what are the rules? Please explain!” Lu Guzhan smiled, “What a Minister Yang—now that’s refreshing! If you win, you can just leave. If you lose, I’ll only borrow the item for a look and still let you go. How’s that?” Yang Suguan nodded, “You’re very generous.” Lu Guzhan smiled, “But let me say the ugly words first—if I like your item after looking at it, I’ll put it in my bundle and won’t return it. You should understand this.” Yang Suguan nodded, “Naturally! But I wonder what we’ll be gambling on?” Lu Guzhan said, “Gambling on what? Heh heh, my wager doesn’t rely on luck or cheating—everyone competes with real skill.” Though Yang Suguan was in a difficult situation, he still maintained his composure and said proudly, “Could it be that you want to test my swordsmanship?” Lu Guzhan laughed heartily, “Brother Yang is a disciple of Shaolin’s Tianjue—swordsmanship is your strength. Why would I make trouble for myself?” He pointed to the pavilion, “That place is called ‘Ghost God Pavilion.’ I’ll place some things in the pavilion—whoever gets them first wins. How’s that?” Yang Suguan nodded, “Fine. Since you want to test my lightness skill, a Shaolin disciple won’t be weak in that either! Let’s begin!” Lu Guzhan smiled, “If we only competed this way, it might not show Brother Yang’s peerless martial arts!” He pointed to “Hundred Flowers Fairy,” “Miss Hu, I need to borrow your silver needles.”
Hu Mei’er was stunned, “What do you mean?” Lu Guzhan said, “Starting from here, insert silver needles all along the ground up to the pavilion’s edge.” Though Hu Mei’er didn’t know his intention, circumstances were stronger than people, so she dared not say much and could only comply. She took out extremely sharp poisoned needles and inserted them along the route. Everyone saw the silver needles were thin as silk and faintly glowing blue—obviously extremely poisonous, and all felt chilled.
Lu Guzhan said, “I’ll place something in the pavilion. Whoever gets it first wins, but there’s a rule—no part of the body may touch the ground. If any part of your body touches the ground, you lose.” Yang Suguan was startled, “What if clothing touches the ground?” Lu Guzhan said, “Ordinary cases count as losing—whether it’s hair, clothing, belt, shoes, or hat, nothing can touch the ground.” Everyone saw this place was dozens of zhang from the pavilion and found this talk unbelievable. Lu Guzhan, seeing everyone’s amazed expressions, smiled slightly, “But though the world is vast, no one has practiced such excellent lightness skill. Therefore I’ll be lenient—if someone can’t sustain themselves in mid-air, they can step on the ‘Hundred Flowers Fairy’s’ poisoned needles a few times without violating the rules. How’s that?” Everyone saw those silver needles were extremely sharp and frighteningly blue—if one jumped on them forcefully, they’d probably pierce through the sole immediately, not to mention they were covered with deadly poison. Injury afterward would be unthinkable, and they couldn’t help discussing among themselves.
Yang Suguan made a sound, “Good! I’ll risk my life to accompany a gentleman! Master Lu, are you entering the field yourself?” Lu Guzhan laughed heartily, “If I competed with you, wouldn’t that be bullying the small with the big? I’m always fair and would never bully you.” He waved his hand, “Brother Jie, you go down and keep Minister Yang company—have a good time playing!” Jie Tao was delighted and cupped his hands, “I humbly obey Lord Lu’s command!” He tightened his clothing and walked onto the field.
Yang Suguan had seen Jie Tao’s martial arts—this person had shot an arrow from a tree with quite marvelous archery, making him a formidable opponent. He thought: “No matter this person’s martial arts level, I’m determined to gamble this round. As long as I can delay some time until Brother Ling Ding arrives, with equal strength on both sides, escaping with Hu Mei’er won’t necessarily be dangerous.” Lu Guzhan, seeing him bow his head in thought, knew he had ulterior motives and smiled, “Brother Yang, ah Brother Yang, I’m also someone full of schemes—don’t try to play tricks in front of me! First take out the thing in your bosom and place it in the pavilion. Winner takes all and leaves immediately, lest you regret it after losing.” Yang Suguan was shocked, thinking: “This person is indeed skilled at psychological warfare—truly a formidable character!” He snorted and took out the sheepskin from his bosom, about to walk to the pavilion, thinking: “Let me find a way to swap this thing, or at least tamper with it.” Lu Guzhan saw his intention and said, “I wouldn’t dare trouble Brother Yang! Let me handle these few simple steps!” His riding whip flicked, striking directly at the sheepskin in Yang Suguan’s hand. Yang Suguan quickly turned to avoid it, then drew his sword to slash at the whip. But that riding whip was like a spirit snake, actually dodging the blade and curving slightly in the air, raising its tip like a poisonous snake.
The long whip swayed slightly, then struck down along Yang Suguan’s sword with a whoosh, not touching the blade at all. Yang Suguan was greatly shocked: “What kind of whip technique is this! How can it be so formidable!” He quickly jumped back, but the long whip suddenly straightened like a long spear, stabbing toward Yang Suguan’s face with fierce momentum, nothing like a soft whip. When Yang Suguan tried to dodge, the long whip suddenly turned and had already coiled around the sheepskin, then pulled back with incomparable speed.
Yang Suguan’s face changed color and he was about to pursue when he heard Lu Guzhan laugh, “Set your heart at ease—I’m absolutely not robbing you!” The long whip sent the sheepskin flying forward steadily, landing gently on the stone table in the pavilion.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard members, seeing him casually send the sheepskin to the stone table over ten zhang away with a wave of his hand, realized this person’s whip technique was godlike—truly rare—and were all secretly amazed. Yang Suguan was also inwardly amazed, thinking: “This person’s martial arts are immeasurably high—probably not inferior to Brother Ling Ding. Fortunately I’m not competing with him, otherwise the outcome would be decided before even starting.” While thinking, Jie Tao had already stepped forward, “I, ‘Fire-Eyed Lion Beast’ Jie Tao, specially come to experience Minister Yang’s Shaolin divine skills!” He took off his shoes and socks, standing barefoot on the ground.
Yang Suguan didn’t understand his intention and was about to ask when he saw Jie Tao leap up lightly, landing with one foot on a silver needle. That needle was extremely sharp, but Jie Tao stood on it with his big toe without bleeding, as if riding the void and commanding the wind, steadily standing on the needle point.
This display of lightness skill immediately awed the field. In an instant, everyone at the scene cheered loudly, all feeling extremely impressed.
Yang Suguan, seeing this person’s lightness skill, was also shocked: “This person’s lightness skill is so high—how can I defeat him!” It seemed this person must have practiced some external martial arts with his feet, so the silver needle couldn’t pierce his sole. If he tried to copy this, it would be absolutely impossible.
This Jie Tao was originally a minor cavalry general of Twin Dragon Stronghold, always famous for his exceptional lightness skill and archery. His deliberate removal of shoes and socks was intentional showing off, wanting Yang Suguan to retreat in the face of difficulty.
Yang Suguan’s expression grew grave. At this point both sides had agreed—they’d said shoes, clothing, and hats couldn’t touch the ground, and whoever reached the pavilion first would win. These rules heavily favored Jie Tao. If the two competed, even a three-year-old child could see who was stronger and who was weaker. Though his swordsmanship was high, it would be difficult to achieve victory.
Hu Mei’er’s heart was with her beloved and she called out loudly, “What kind of competition is this? It’s all your own people taking advantage!” She took out the antidote for the silver needles, “Yang Lang, first take the antidote. Even if the needles pierce your feet, it’ll only be superficial wounds!” Lu Guzhan watched but didn’t stop her, his expression quite contemptuous.
Yang Suguan was unwilling to show weakness and said to Hu Mei’er, “Miss, don’t worry—I’ll definitely win this round.” He stepped forward two paces and smiled, “Brother Jie has excellent lightness skill—let’s see how a Shaolin disciple performs!” He took a deep breath of true qi, drew his long sword, and his whole body flew up like a great bird toward the pavilion. Jie Tao made a sound and actually ran quickly over countless silver needles like the legendary “Grass Flying” technique. Though Yang Suguan had leaped up first, being in mid-air with no way to borrow force, he was about to be overtaken.
Lu Guzhan smiled, “Minister Yang, as soon as your body touches the ground, you lose!” Indeed, Yang Suguan’s old strength was exhausted and he was falling toward the ground. Just as his feet were about to touch down, he was heard laughing, “As long as my body doesn’t touch the ground, it doesn’t count as breaking the rules, right!” Internal energy surged wildly as his long sword struck out. The sword tip touched a needle point and his body soared high again.
Everyone, seeing this life-saving move, immediately roared like thunder: “Good!” This sword technique was truly not easy—that needle point was so small that even when calm and composed, aiming the long sword at the needle point would be difficult, let alone during intense combat! Moreover, using the force of sword meeting needle to make his body bounce high required the swordsman to have deep internal energy and superb swordsmanship, otherwise it absolutely couldn’t be done. Everyone admired in their hearts, not expecting Yang Suguan to have such accomplishments in swordsmanship and internal energy at such a young age, not letting Jie Tao monopolize the glory, and couldn’t help cheering loudly.
Lu Guzhan laughed heartily, “Good, you Tianjue monk, to actually teach such a disciple! Excellent! Excellent!” During their conversation, Yang Suguan, borrowing the sword tip’s touch, flew like a bird. Whenever his old strength was exhausted, he would strike out with his long sword, touching a needle point and borrowing this new-born force to leap up again, actually faster than a galloping horse.
Jie Tao, seeing him use such a strange technique, was also shocked. He sneered inwardly: “You rely on your long sword to jump—with no weapon in hand, let me shoot an arrow and see how you resist!” He drew his bow, nocked an arrow, and shot directly at Yang Suguan with a sharp sound.
Yang Suguan called out, “Well done!” Then he extended his long sword to touch Jie Tao’s incoming arrow. This time using force against force, the long sword didn’t need to touch the ground but floated forward several more feet, instantly passing Jie Tao.
Jie Tao, seeing him take the lead, wasn’t panicked. He raised his bow and shot five arrows in rapid succession—crack, crack, crack. These five arrows had very poor aim, not one shooting toward Yang Suguan. Hu Mei’er, seeing this situation, couldn’t help laughing, “Oh my! Are there phoenixes in the sky that you’re hunting now?” Before her words finished, she saw the five arrows turn in mid-air, shooting toward Yang Suguan from above, below, left, and right, with the center one shooting directly at Yang Suguan’s heart. These five arrows were all imbued with deep internal energy—their momentum was extraordinary.
Yang Suguan’s body was already falling. Seeing his feet about to touch the ground, when he tried to use his sword to push off the ground and leap again, he saw he was already locked in by flying arrows from above, below, left, and right. No matter which direction he jumped, he would be hit by incoming arrows, and the center arrow was shooting directly at his vital point. Seeing the bad situation, he suddenly whirled his sword in a flower pattern. Forty-nine cold stars flashed in mid-air, cutting down all the flying arrows around him.
But as he swung his sword to defend, his body naturally sank, his feet almost touching the ground. In his panic, Yang Suguan suddenly gathered his true qi and used the ultimate technique “Nirvana Rebirth.” True force surged from his sword. With a thunderous boom, where the sword wind reached, he actually carved a large pit in the ground. Though his feet dropped down, they avoided the ground surface. At this critical moment, he managed not to violate the rules. His body borrowed the force of “Nirvana Rebirth” to leap high again.
But Yang Suguan, having been entangled by Jie Tao, had fallen behind. Seeing Jie Tao had already rushed ahead and was about to enter the pavilion, Yang Suguan in desperation threw his long sword forcefully at Jie Tao. Jie Tao heard the fierce wind sound behind him, knowing Yang Suguan was attacking with his long sword. He quickly bent to dodge, and with a whoosh, the long sword missed and flew into the pavilion.
Jie Tao saw the long sword fly straight into the pavilion and was greatly shocked, secretly crying out: “No good, I’ve fallen into a trap!” Indeed, where the sword wind reached, it had already swept the sheepskin out of the pavilion. Originally, Yang Suguan’s sword had another purpose—not only to block Jie Tao but also to use the sword’s force to bring the sheepskin to himself.
Seeing the sheepskin floating toward him, Yang Suguan flew forward and hurriedly reached out to grab it. How could Jie Tao let him succeed? He raised his great bow and smashed it toward Yang Suguan’s back. Yang Suguan used Shaolin’s authentic “Falling Leaf Whirlwind Kick,” instantly kicking out eighteen times, all aimed at Jie Tao’s body.
Yang Suguan’s technique changes were extremely fast and completely sudden. Jie Tao couldn’t dodge in time, taking several kicks to the chest and falling toward the ground. Seeing Yang Suguan already lunging for the sheepskin, the situation became extremely critical. He thought: “Even if we both suffer, I can’t let you succeed so easily!” He nocked an arrow and shot it at the sheepskin. With a sharp sound, the arrow hit the upper corner of the sheepskin, its force so strong it shot far toward a mountain hollow.
Now the sheepskin flew far away, and both men were powerless to do anything, only able to cry out in frustration.
Just as the arrow carrying the sheepskin was about to embed in a tree, suddenly two fingers extended from behind the tree, lightly and skillfully catching the flying arrow. Everyone was greatly shocked, not expecting someone to be hiding there.
Jie Tao, having taken several kicks, fell to the ground first. Yang Suguan, seeing the outcome was decided, also landed. Not knowing whether the person behind the tree was friend or foe, he quickly said to Jie Tao: “Thanks to Brother Jie’s momentary courtesy, I’ve won this round.” He cupped his hands toward Lu Guzhan and called out: “Brother Jie’s martial arts are superb—I’ve greatly broadened my horizons. Most admirable! Please return my item.” Thinking the Twin Dragon Stronghold people were heroic and straightforward, they shouldn’t go back on their word or seize it unjustly, he quickly tried to nail down the agreement to avoid complications.
Lu Guzhan didn’t answer but called out to the person behind the tree: “This friend who has come here by fate, why not show yourself for a chat?” Yang Suguan’s face changed color—so the person behind the tree wasn’t from Twin Dragon Stronghold, and he didn’t know into whose hands the sheepskin had fallen. He picked up his long sword and hurriedly ran toward that mountain hollow.
Suddenly a long laugh was heard, and a person emerged from behind the tree. He was seen holding a folding fan, like a learned scholar, smiling at everyone with a full face—it was the Kunlun Sect Master “Sword God” Zhuo Lingzhao.
This was completely unexpected. Yang Suguan, seeing this person, could only cry out in his heart. He saw Zhuo Lingzhao slowly walking toward him. Yang Suguan had suffered at his hands before and didn’t know his intentions, so he quickly stepped back a large step.
Lu Guzhan laughed heartily: “A miscalculation! A miscalculation! Who would have thought that while the mantis catches the cicada, the oriole is behind—letting Master Zhuo pick up the advantage.” Zhuo Lingzhao remained unmoved and said lightly: “I’ve long heard that ‘Jiangdong Sail Shadow’ Lu Guzhan has exceptional intelligence. Tonight I luckily succeeded, which truly feels unexpected.” These few sentences were spoken modestly and steadily, as if he knew Lu Guzhan.
Lu Guzhan said coldly: “Since Master Zhuo has honored the ‘Ghost God Pavilion’ with his presence, you must also be here for those sixteen-word maxims. Why don’t we all study them together and solve this mystery?” Zhuo Lingzhao laughed heartily: “‘Wuchen year’s end, Dragon Emperor moves the world, Heavenly secrets still true, Spirits and ghosts at ease’—people say all sorts of things when dying. When your Dragon Head big brother left these riddles back then, I’m afraid he was just being mysterious to fool later generations.”
Lu Guzhan, hearing him insult thus, became angry and was about to speak when he heard Jie Tao whisper in his ear: “Boss, be careful. I heard this Zhuo Lingzhao defeated several Shaolin monks and is quite formidable. There’s one called Lingyin and another who uses a great iron sword—he captured them both.”
Lu Guzhan’s heart trembled: “You said there’s someone who uses a great iron sword—could this person be surnamed Li?” Jie Tao didn’t know why he was shocked and said: “Yes! That person seems to be called Li Tieshan.”
Lu Guzhan took a deep breath, his expression suddenly becoming agitated. His eyebrows raised as he suddenly stepped forward and shouted: “Zhuo Lingzhao! ‘Iron Sword Shakes the South’ has stayed out of worldly affairs for many years, vowing never again to oppose the court. How dare you harm him! Where is he now? Have you killed him!”
Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly: “That day I was ordered by Minister Jiang Chong to retrieve something, but he helped a constable and repeatedly opposed me. I captured him for his own good, to prevent him from causing more trouble.”
Lu Guzhan knew that words were useless—if he wanted him to release Li Tieshan, he’d have to take him by force. He said coldly: “Today, as long as I, Lu, am here representing Angry Cang Mountain, if you want to bully our brothers, you’ll need to practice your swordsmanship for several more years!” Zhuo Lingzhao shook his head: “The scenery remains the same, but people have changed. Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye. Brother Lu now leads his own stronghold, living freely and happily. Why must you entangle yourself with people from the past?”
Lu Guzhan’s long eyebrows raised as he said sternly: “This is where you and I differ. Before righteousness and principle, even if I must sacrifice my life, I will uphold them completely! Not to mention I can’t bear to see past brothers bullied—even if it were a dog by the roadside, I couldn’t stand to see it trampled and tormented! Let me tell you plainly: as long as there’s injustice in the world, there will be me, Lu Guzhan, standing up! Quickly release the man! Otherwise, your entire Kunlun Mountain will pay with their lives!”
Zhuo Lingzhao sighed: “Righteousness and human feelings—always this kind of talk. Your Dragon Head big brother’s complete defeat was precisely because of this.” Jie Tao angrily said: “Bold madman! Watch your words!” He drew his bow, nocked an arrow, and shot at Zhuo Lingzhao with a sharp sound.
Zhuo Lingzhao neither dodged nor avoided. When the arrow flew before him, he suddenly extended two fingers and lightly flicked it. The arrow suddenly turned direction and flew back toward Jie Tao, the sound of breaking air extremely fierce, even making a humming noise—actually more violent than the force with which Jie Tao had shot it from his great bow.
Jie Tao was horrified. Seeing his famous technique so easily broken, he was full of amazement and for a moment actually forgot to dodge or defend, just standing there stupidly.
Lu Guzhan, standing to the side and seeing his subordinate in danger, immediately whipped out his riding whip to knock down the incoming arrow. With a light sound, the whip tip met the arrow shaft. Lu Guzhan’s tiger’s mouth grew hot as he felt an extremely domineering internal force suddenly transmitted to his hand, nearly shaking the long whip from his grasp. Shocked, he immediately circulated his internal energy. With a crack, the arrow was forcefully struck down by his whip tip and broke into two pieces.
Lu Guzhan thought: “Not seeing him for several years, I never expected this person’s skills to reach such a level. In today’s world, probably few people can restrain him.”
Though Lu Guzhan had broken the flying arrow in their earlier exchange, sharp-eyed people could see his wrist shaking, obviously his internal energy was slightly inferior—by rights he had already lost one move.
Zhuo Lingzhao had no intention of fighting hard with him. He had come here tonight only to seize the sheepskin. Now that he had the item, he wanted to withdraw. He smiled: “Tonight it’s also fate to meet you all here. I’ve obtained the sheepskin, fulfilling a long-cherished wish. Stronghold Master Lu, if you wish to compete with me in the future, I’ll be waiting at Kunlun Mountain.” He cupped his hands: “The green mountains remain unchanged, the green waters flow forever. Farewell, everyone.” Though facing great enemies, he remained leisurely and elegant. He was seen slowly turning to leave, not fearing the strong enemies at all.
Lu Guzhan waved his hand, and three thousand troops slowly moved, already blocking the path. Zhuo Lingzhao, seeing this scene, only smiled coldly, not taking it to heart at all, as if he had everything under control.
Lu Guzhan sneered: “Master Zhuo, you still have several good friends here! How can you abandon them without care?”
Zhuo Lingzhao laughed loudly: “Zhuo has always only had enemies and foes—when have I ever had friends? Those few people—kill or torture them as you please!” His skills gave him great boldness. Ignoring the three thousand troops blocking ahead, he still walked forward slowly.
An’dao Jing, hearing him speak thus, felt half his heart grow cold and secretly cursed: “This Zhuo is really a bastard! Clearly seeing me, yet saying such things! If I survive tonight, I’ll definitely make him suffer a living death, otherwise I can’t vent this anger.” But thinking again: “The fire is at my eyebrows—how am I still thinking of harming others? Better to preserve my life first. It seems these bandits won’t be satisfied without killing me. What should I do?” He became extremely agitated, looking around for escape routes.
Suddenly he saw Yang Suguan draw his sword and block Zhuo Lingzhao’s path, saying: “Please leave the item, Master Zhuo, or don’t blame me for injuring someone.”
Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly: “So it’s Minister Yang! On what basis do you want me to leave the item in my hand? Just based on that long sword?”
Yang Suguan was stunned, knowing his martial arts were far inferior to Zhuo Lingzhao’s. He feared he not only couldn’t stop him but might even face mortal danger, and was actually speechless.
Zhuo Lingzhao said: “If I were a court minister, I might give Minister Yang some face, but I’m a free cloud and wild crane. Even seeing His Imperial Majesty in the Golden Luan Hall, I’d only nod and cup my hands. Minister Yang, please step aside!” He actually walked past Yang Suguan, not considering him worth attention. This Zhuo Lingzhao truly had the bearing of a grandmaster—first viewing three thousand great armies as dust, then viewing Yang Suguan’s long sword as dirt—truly supremely arrogant, looking down on the world.
Yang Suguan was hesitating whether to act when suddenly a long laugh came from ahead, followed by someone calling out loudly: “Since ancient times, stealing people’s things makes one a thief, robbing people’s things makes one a bandit. Those who steal, rob, kill, and rape—we collectively call them beasts! Zhuo, you beast, stop right there!”
Zhuo Lingzhao was furious and looked up to see a monk standing high on a hill. This person was fat and unusually tall—it was Monk Lingzhen from Shaolin Temple. Yang Suguan was delighted and called out: “Senior Brother!” Seeing great reinforcements had arrived, Yang Suguan knew victory was assured and no longer needed to force himself forward, so he stepped aside to observe.
Zhuo Lingzhao regulated his breathing for a moment, suppressed his anger, and said lightly: “A hasty meeting in the capital, and unexpectedly we meet again here—we truly have fate. But I heard Master was poisoned by Hundred Flowers Fairy. Why aren’t you returning to the temple to recuperate instead of catching wind and cold here?”
Lingzhen shouted: “A treacherous villain’s poison probably can’t trouble this monk! Zhuo, don’t try to change the subject. Today meeting on this narrow path is perfect—it saves the monk from traveling thousands of li to your dog den to drag you out!”
While they were talking, several people quickly walked down the hill. The first was slightly fat—it was Wei Zizhuang of Wudang. Another was short in stature—it was Shaolin’s Ling Ding.
Yang Suguan rushed forward several steps and said to Ling Ding: “Senior Brother, the sheepskin is now in Zhuo Lingzhao’s hands. We must retrieve it later.”
Ling Ding nodded: “Commander Wu’s poisoning is severe and his life hangs by a thread. Junior Brother, have you found the antidote?”
Yang Suguan nodded and hurriedly ran up the hill. He saw Wu Dingyuan wrapped in a thick blanket, his face completely black, his whole body rigid—seven or eight tenths of his life was already gone. He clearly couldn’t last much longer.
Yan Ting said urgently: “Lord Wu is dying! Quickly ask your friend to give the antidote!”
Yang Suguan was stunned: “My friend?”
Yan Ting gritted her teeth: “That Hundred Flowers Fairy!”
Yang Suguan suddenly understood and immediately thought of his flirtation with Hu Mei’er. It seemed Yan Ting was still misunderstanding him. He coughed lightly and quickly said: “She’s not my friend—Miss, please don’t misunderstand!”
Juan’er on the side, hearing this, just snorted and said coldly: “I think she’s quite interested in you! How is she not a friend?”
Seeing Juan’er’s endless cold laughter and Yan Ting’s trembling delicate body, apparently emotionally agitated, Yang Suguan couldn’t explain himself. He reached out to pick up Wu Dingyuan and sighed: “It’s dangerous below—you two stay put. I’ll find a way to get the antidote.”
While everyone was talking, they saw An’dao Jing sneaking around, trying to find a way to escape. Jie Tao sneered: “The corrupt official wants to escape? Not so easy!” An’dao Jing hurriedly knelt down: “Hero, spare my life!” Jie Tao cursed: “Shameless corrupt official! Today is your death day!” He chopped down with his blade, but heard An’dao Jing sneer coldly, suddenly picking up a knife from the ground and stabbing viciously at Jie Tao. Jie Tao was careless for a moment and almost got stabbed solidly, but fortunately his lightness skill was extraordinary—he only got his clothes torn.
An’dao Jing laughed savagely: “Damn! Consider yourself lucky, you dog bastard!” Seeing the scene in chaos, he immediately took risks. His earlier pretense of being a shameless waste was precisely for this moment of sneak attack.
Jie Tao roared angrily: “You’re utterly shameless! Come and die!” He raised his waist blade and chopped directly at An’dao Jing. An’dao Jing was a famous blade master with extraordinary skills. Now fighting desperately, the two immediately fought inseparably, exchanging dozens of moves in an instant without determining victory or defeat.
Seeing Jie Tao and An’dao Jing fighting, Hu Mei’er was delighted and wanted to take the opportunity to escape. Wei Zizhuang leaped several times to block her path and shouted: “You vile woman! If you don’t hand over the antidote today, don’t think of keeping your life!” He used “Eight Trigrams Roaming Body Palm,” striking fiercely at Hu Mei’er’s forehead. Hu Mei’er shrieked: “What are you blocking me for!” Her figure flashed as her whisk swept out, fighting with Wei Zizhuang.
Yan Ting screamed: “If she won’t give the antidote, we’ll kill her and search her body!” She and Juan’er, eager for revenge, immediately drew swords and rushed down, determined to kill Hu Mei’er—partly to avenge their master uncle, partly to search Hu Mei’er for the antidote for Wu Dingyuan.
Yang Suguan saw chaos below, with Wei Zizhuang fighting the Hundred Flowers Fairy, and immediately called out: “Hundred Flowers Fairy! My friend is dying—please give me the antidote first!”
Hu Mei’er, seeing Wei Zizhuang entangling her with his pair of palms pressing aggressively, couldn’t spare a hand to take out the antidote and couldn’t help cursing: “Your friend started fighting as soon as we met—how can I help you? Tell him to back off!”
Wei Zizhuang shouted: “Demon woman, what more nonsense? Quickly surrender and I can spare your life!” Yan Ting, seeing Yang Suguan constantly pleasing Hu Mei’er, felt both angry and jealous and immediately called out: “We can’t spare her! Today we must avenge Master Uncle!”
Ling Ding, seeing everyone fighting fiercely and not knowing which side to help, could only stand aside waiting for an opportunity to strike.
Lu Guzhan stared at Zhuo Lingzhao and said coldly: “Master Zhuo, if you don’t release my brother, I’m afraid you won’t be able to leave here alive tonight.”
Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly and was about to reply when he heard Lingzhen call out: “Wait! This person killed my Shaolin disciples and slaughtered the entire Yanling Escort Agency family. Such a shameless beast—this monk wants to personally deal with him!”
Lingzhen was seen with a face full of killing intent, striding boldly toward Zhuo Lingzhao.
Zhuo Lingzhao, seeing two great masters surrounding him, found the situation quite dangerous. Though usually arrogant, he also knew the formidable methods of “Jiangdong Sail Shadow” Lu Guzhan, not to mention the watchful Monk Lingzhen beside him. He unfastened his waist clasp and raised his long sword. The sword was black, ancient, narrow, thin, and long—clearly his habitual weapon.
Zhuo Lingzhao smiled faintly: “Since my divine skills first matured, I haven’t used a sword for three years. I wonder how much power remains?”
Lingzhen cursed: “Old thief! If you want to fight, quickly draw your sword instead of posturing and spouting nonsense there!”
Lu Guzhan was a person of deep schemes. Seeing the “Sword God” with sword in hand, he couldn’t help being secretly alarmed. He had known Zhuo Lingzhao for a long time and was well aware of his martial foundation. This person’s power had greatly advanced in recent years—even when sparring with first-class martial experts, he ordinarily wouldn’t use weapons. If he drew his sword now, it would certainly be earth-shattering in power. He immediately circulated his internal energy secretly—no matter what, he had to block his vicious strike.
Yang Suguan saw everyone fighting in a melee, each using their most vicious and evil moves. With the slightest carelessness, someone would die horribly on the spot. He couldn’t mediate for the moment, and seeing Zhuo Lingzhao about to fight the great masters, in his urgency he quickly carried Wu Dingyuan into the pavilion and placed him on the stone table to avoid being distracted by protecting him during combat.
Yang Suguan said: “Brother Wu, wait a moment—I’ll get you the antidote right away!” Wu Dingyuan had completely lost consciousness by now, only closing his eyes tightly and breathing continuously. Yang Suguan adjusted his clothing and sighed before running out of the pavilion.
Lu Guzhan concentrated his true qi, and his riding whip suddenly stood upright like a silver spear or iron halberd. His eyebrows raised: “Master Zhuo, please make your move!”
Ling Ding deeply feared his junior brother’s impure power after being poisoned couldn’t withstand Zhuo Lingzhao’s fierce swordsmanship. He quickly stepped forward to protect Lingzhen behind him. Seeing Lu Guzhan’s stance, he secretly admired: “This person of unknown background has extraordinary martial arts. Such ability should be able to compete with Zhuo Lingzhao.”
Ling Ding held a position in Shaolin’s Luohan Hall, usually instructing disciples in martial practice. His own martial cultivation was naturally profound beyond measure. In the entire temple, except for Abbot Lingzhi and Monk Tianjue, he ranked highest. With his discerning eye, the relative strengths were immediately apparent.
Ling Ding turned to look at Zhuo Lingzhao and saw him holding his long sword horizontally in his right hand, the sheathed sword held level. In the darkness, a faint blue light emanated from his scabbard. Ling Ding was shocked: “Martial legends say that if Kunlun masters practice to the ultimate level, their swords can generate three-foot sword auras. This Zhuo Lingzhao is truly frightening—it seems he’s mastered this legendary swordsmanship. Who will win or lose this battle is very hard to say.”
Just as everyone was about to act, suddenly a fierce wind blew and heavy snow fell from all over the sky. Lu Guzhan’s feet moved slightly, his body already flying up, his long whip spinning rapidly, forming circles large and small, coiling toward Zhuo Lingzhao’s body.
Zhuo Lingzhao bent and bowed. Brilliant light flashed past as his long sword left its sheath. Ling Ding was greatly shocked. The so-called “When Kunlun sword emerges, blood flows like oceans; driving straight for a thousand li, the Yellow River turns yellow”—it seemed tonight’s battle would definitely be spectacular beyond compare.