The two great masters slowly walked toward each other, about to engage in decisive combat. Though the guests in the hall were not directly involved, seeing contemporary masters exert their full strength in such a rare battle, everyone secretly cheered with delight, feeling their journey was worthwhile.
Zhuo Lingzhao had consecutively defeated Ling Yin and Ling Zhen, two great Vajras, and had thoroughly observed Shaolin’s martial arts origins. He calculated in his mind that in terms of internal power, these Shaolin masters mostly had profound internal strength, much more solid than masters from other sects. However, regarding the agility and variations of techniques, these monks fell short, and even lay disciple Yang Suguan would make the same mistakes. To defeat these hard-style masters, he needed to use both orthodox and unorthodox methods to achieve victory. Zhuo Lingzhao wore a slight smile, but his mind was full of schemes, continuously calculating sinister techniques.
His hand pressed on his sword hilt, about to unsheath and attack, when he saw Ling Ding with lowered head and drooping eyes, his mouth seeming to mutter words, not knowing what evil technique he was using. Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly, thinking, “This old monk doesn’t know what strange tricks he has. Facing death, he’s still chanting sutras—is he really performing funeral rites for himself?”
He inhaled and exhaled vital energy, about to draw his sword, when suddenly he felt Ling Ding’s figure seemed strange. Looking carefully, he was shocked to discover the monk had grown several inches taller! Zhuo Lingzhao’s heart jumped as he thought, “What mysterious tricks is this old monk playing?”
The more he looked, the more alarmed he became. Suddenly he howled, his internal power surged wildly, and blue light flashed violently! The sword light flickered like thunder and lightning, impossible for ordinary people to block. In an instant, Ling Ding’s body was struck by the sword multiple times—throat, philtrum, shoulder, lower abdomen, groin—every vital point was hit. It seemed Zhuo Lingzhao’s sword technique had reached the realm of transformation in its speed and excellence.
Among the guests in the hall, those with lower martial arts still didn’t realize Zhuo Lingzhao had drawn his sword. Only masters like Ning Bufan and Fang Zijing could clearly see his sword path.
The outcome seemed decided. Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly, immediately sheathed his sword, then turned to leave. He felt pleased, not expecting Ling Ding to be all show and no substance, basically a paper tiger who couldn’t even block one of his sword strikes. Seeing this victory come so easily was truly unexpected.
Just as he was about to leave, suddenly someone said, “Turn around—this old monk never attacks from behind.”
Zhuo Lingzhao’s heart jumped in alarm as he quickly turned around, only to see Ling Ding with hands crossed over his chest, looking down at him.
Zhuo Lingzhao looked up and exclaimed in shock, “You… how did you become so tall?” He saw Ling Ding’s figure had suddenly grown more than a head taller. His originally short stature had become enormously tall and strong, fully twelve feet high—even the tallest strongmen would pale in comparison.
Ling Ding had originally been a kind-faced holy monk, but now he resembled a demon or monster, his face radiating intense killing intent. The guests in the hall showed expressions of shock and horror, staring blankly. Ling Ding said sternly, “Zhuo Lingzhao! You brought this all upon yourself! If you hadn’t forced me like this, how would I violate temple rules and use this forbidden ‘Asura Divine Skill’?”
Zhuo Lingzhao murmured, “Asura Divine Skill?” Instantly remembering a legend, he couldn’t help but break out in cold sweat all over.
Since ancient times, Shaolin had passed down seventy-two ultimate techniques. Among them, several martial arts were powerful but overly sinister and cruel, incompatible with compassionate Buddhist teachings, so they were classified as forbidden by the temple’s senior monks. This “Asura Divine Skill” was one of them. Though this martial art was wonderfully mysterious, once the practitioner used it, their demonic nature would be greatly aroused. A hundred years ago, a young monk who mastered it actually escaped down the mountain and committed murder and rape without restraint. After senior monks from the temple joined forces to kill him, this divine skill was classified as forbidden. Except for a few people like the temple’s abbot and Luohan Hall seat master, temple monks were strictly forbidden from studying it. Only because this battle concerned Shaolin’s survival and honor did Ling Ding use it to ensure victory.
Zhuo Lingzhao’s face turned pale, not knowing what to do. At this moment, Ling Ding beat his chest, stamped the ground, and roared toward the sky as he charged at Zhuo Lingzhao. Seeing Ling Ding was no longer a kind-faced senior monk, everyone became frightened and retreated backward.
Ling Ding raised his palm and swung—his giant palm like a fan slammed down. Zhuo Lingzhao’s feet moved as sword light flashed, instantly striking out seventy-two sword thrusts, each hitting vital points on Ling Ding’s chest and abdomen. But when the long sword struck down, Ling Ding felt no pain at all, and not a drop of blood splattered. Zhuo Lingzhao was horrified, knowing he had encountered the strongest enemy of his life.
Ling Ding gave a cruel laugh, “So you call yourself Sword God—your swordwork is merely so-so.” He suddenly roared loudly and smashed both fists down toward Zhuo Lingzhao’s head. Zhuo Lingzhao quickly dodged as dust rose from the ground—Ling Ding’s incomparably fierce fist technique had punched a large hole. If these punches had hit solidly, Zhuo Lingzhao would likely have broken bones and snapped tendons, dying on the spot.
Ling Ding’s internal power was already profound—if ranked in martial arts, he would definitely be in the top ten. With such skill, now using forbidden ultimate techniques, his body’s potential was completely activated. The power of one palm was probably unblockable by anyone in the world.
Seeing the situation was bad, Zhuo Lingzhao took a deep breath of true qi, then spun his long sword in circles. Qian Lingyi, seeing this technique, immediately exclaimed, “Sword Shadow! This is my ultimate technique, Sword Shadow!”
The long sword spun faster and faster, truly dazzling to the eye, making it impossible to see the direction of Zhuo Lingzhao’s blade. The sword went without trace, fell without shadow—this was the highest principle of “Sword Shadow.” That Qian Lingyi still needed to rely on the “Invisible Treasure Sword” to deceive enemies, but Zhuo Lingzhao could make opponents unable to see the sword’s path just by spinning the blade in circles. Though they learned from the same school, the gap in their abilities was immeasurable.
Suddenly blue light flashed—Zhuo Lingzhao’s long sword shot out like lightning, striking directly at Ling Ding’s eyes. This was the ultimate technique combining “Sword Shadow” and “Sword Leopard”—the sword went without trace yet moved like thunder, extremely formidable.
Zhuo Lingzhao thought, “Even if you’ve mastered the indestructible vajra body, surely your eyeballs aren’t indestructible too?” His sword technique was as fast as lightning, like dual swords striking simultaneously at both eyes.
Zhuo Lingzhao shouted, “Hit!” Instantly the sword points flew down, about to pierce Ling Ding’s eyes, but at this moment Ling Ding suddenly lowered his head and used his forehead to ram the sword points. If an ordinary person used this move, it would certainly be suicide—once the sword point entered the forehead, there would be no way to survive. But now Ling Ding’s entire body was hard as iron, and his forehead ramming actually bent Zhuo Lingzhao’s long sword, avoiding the vital points of his eyes.
This ramming force was extremely fierce. Fortunately the sword body was flexible—this collision only bent the long sword without breaking it. Even so, it made Zhuo Lingzhao break out in cold sweat all over, too shocked to speak.
Ling Ding roared like a tiger, “Come and die!”
His hands continuously waved, countless fists and palms struck out like a thousand-handed Luohan or eight-armed Vajra. The wind from his fists and feet was extraordinarily strong—wherever the fierce wind reached, many people in the hall were blown down. Everyone circulated their skills to protect themselves, enduring the knife-like pain on their faces.
Zhuo Lingzhao was overwhelmed, struggling desperately. His feet continuously dodged while floorboards and wooden pillars around him were torn apart and smashed by Ling Ding. For the moment, he could only flee for his life. The guests saw Ling Ding’s entire body was like copper walls and iron fortifications—Zhuo Lingzhao’s long sword couldn’t hurt him at all, but he could kill Zhuo Lingzhao with his fierce palm power. It seemed the outcome of this contest was already decided.
Ling Ding shouted majestically, “Everyone watch! Today I’ll avenge Yanling Escort Agency!” His left palm swung out, the fierce wind already blocking Zhuo Lingzhao’s retreat. He roared loudly and his right fist struck down at Zhuo Lingzhao’s face. This punch came too fast, and behind him was an inescapable situation. Zhuo Lingzhao couldn’t dodge in time and was immediately struck in the cheek by this punch. With a loud bang, Zhuo Lingzhao’s body flew out like straw, then crashed into the temple’s spirit wall, smashing it to pieces. The Kunlun disciples were all stunned, not knowing whether their master was alive or dead.
Ling Ding roared toward the sky, his imposing manner beyond compare. Though the outcome was now decided, the guests in the hall still stared blankly at Ling Ding, their shock truly indescribable.
Jiang Chong had originally wanted to personally witness Ning Bufan’s retirement and then see Zhuo Lingzhao seize the position of Martial Arts Alliance Leader. Who knew this person usually only put on airs—his martial arts were actually useless. Forget about fighting Ning Bufan, he couldn’t even defeat a monk named Ling Ding. Jiang Chong shook his head, frowning slightly, and said to the Embroidered Guards, “Go check and see if he’s dead.”
The Embroidered Guards had always hated this person most, so now they gloated and cheerfully ran forward. One laughed, “Old Zhuo, are you still alive?” He extended his foot to step on Zhuo Lingzhao’s buttocks. Jin Lingshuang, Tu Lingxin and others were furious and rushed out shouting, “Pull back your dirty foot!”
That expert was startled and smiled apologetically, “Just joking…” Before he could finish the word “already,” suddenly blue light flashed and the expert suddenly split in two, cut at the waist. Then a person with disheveled hair stood up, looking sinister—it was “Sword God” Zhuo Lingzhao.
Jin Lingshuang and others, seeing their master still had life in him and knowing this contest wasn’t over, were overjoyed and all retreated to the side.
Zhuo Lingzhao strode forward with large steps, gripping his long sword tightly. Ling Ding, seeing he wasn’t dead, immediately roared and punched at him again. The fist power was fierce and the wind vicious—truly an extremely cruel killing technique.
Zhuo Lingzhao smiled coldly and grimly, “You Ling Ding have forbidden ultimate techniques—I, Zhuo Lingzhao, call myself Sword God, so don’t I have life-and-death martial arts?” Instantly he raised his long sword, and where his internal power reached, the sword suddenly generated three feet of blue radiance like a blazing torch illuminating the great hall.
Everyone in the hall was shocked and exclaimed, “What… what is this?” By now it was evening with the sunset about to set. The hall was quite dark, making the blue radiance on the sword even more dazzling, forcing everyone to close their eyes.
Fang Zijing originally had his eyes half-open and half-closed, not paying much attention to anything. Even when Ling Ding used the “Asura Divine Skill” earlier, it hadn’t made him open his eyes. Now seeing this three feet of flickering blue radiance, he couldn’t help but have his eyes flash with divine light. Instantly he stood up and exclaimed, “Sword radiance! Well done, you little fellow!”
Ling Ding didn’t care about any sword radiance or blade radiance—anyway, with his indestructible vajra body, even precious swords and sharp blades couldn’t hurt him. He immediately roared and recklessly swung out a punch. At this moment, Zhuo Lingzhao also thrust his long sword out. The blue radiance flashed and shot toward Ling Ding’s chest. Ling Ding gave a cold laugh, neither dodging nor avoiding, his fist still striking down at Zhuo Lingzhao.
The blue radiance pierced and actually penetrated Ling Ding’s chest, but Ling Ding’s fist had also struck Zhuo Lingzhao’s jaw. Both men’s bodies remained motionless, as if frozen to death.
After a long time, Zhuo Lingzhao slowly reached out and pushed away Ling Ding’s fist from his jaw. With a thunderous sound, Ling Ding’s massive body suddenly crashed to the ground, then a stream of blood shot from his chest, clearly severely injured. As blood spurted out, Ling Ding’s body began to shrink. In just moments, he had returned to his original short, kind appearance of a holy monk.
Seeing this battle’s dramatic ups and downs with Zhuo Lingzhao finally reversing the situation to win, all the guests were horrified.
Zhuo Lingzhao sheathed his sword and straightened his clothes and cap. He declared loudly, “Listen well, everyone! From now on, when Shaolin disciples encounter our sect members, they must all give way and take detours, or this Ling Ding will be their example!”
Yang Suguan, Wei Zizhuang and others, seeing Ling Ding’s life hanging by a thread, immediately rushed forward. Wei Zizhuang called out, “I’ll stop the bleeding!” His hands continuously pressed acupoints, but Ling Ding’s chest wound was too deep, and blood still shot out violently. The guests saw Ling Ding was so elderly that this injury might cost him his life. Yang Suguan pressed both hands on the wound, but blood still sprayed from between his fingers, all shooting onto his face. Qin Zhonghai and Lu Yun, seeing Ling Ding’s serious injury, also rushed out urgently.
Qin Zhonghai took out wound medicine from his chest, “Try this!” Everyone was in a flurry, but none of the treatments worked. Watching Ling Ding lose more and more blood with his breathing growing weaker, Yang Suguan hadn’t expected this battle’s outcome and deeply blamed himself. He gripped his senior brother’s hand tightly and said through gritted teeth, “Senior brother! You must hold on!”
Someone stepped forward and said in a deep voice, “Everyone move aside!” Everyone looked back—the newcomer had natural authority. It was “Nine Provinces Sword King” Fang Zijing. Qin Zhonghai, knowing his master wanted to act to save someone, was delighted and quickly called for everyone to retreat.
Seeing no one blocking the way, Fang Zijing pointed with two fingers through the air. With a soft hissing sound, his energy penetrated to the bone and sealed the acupoint. Ling Ding’s blood flow immediately slowed. Everyone in the hall, seeing Fang Zijing’s technique of striking acupoints through air, immediately discussed among themselves in amazement.
Fang Zijing squinted and said, “I hear Leader Azure Robe’s medical skills are excellent—please come help.”
Hearing his summons, the Azure Robe scholar immediately came to examine Ling Ding’s injury. After looking for a while, he said, “This sword wound has reached the internal organs and requires immediate treatment.” He took out a thin, long golden needle and from his bundle retrieved a golden medicine box. He dipped the golden needle in the medicine box, coating it with thick yellow ointment, then used the needle to deliver medicine, applying the ointment to the depths of the sword wound. The ointment was extremely effective—once applied to the wound, it immediately began to contract, and soon the inside began to heal.
Everyone seeing this wound medicine so effective were all greatly amazed, thinking, “No wonder Jiuhua Mountain has treasures piled like mountains—this wound medicine is so precious, truly more valuable than gold.”
The Azure Robe scholar took out another pill and stuffed it in Ling Ding’s mouth, “For the next few days, absolutely don’t run or jump, or the wound will burst open again.”
Yang Suguan felt grateful in his heart and bowed with joined palms, “Thanks to the leader’s intervention to save him—all of Shaolin feels your great virtue.” Then he bowed to the “Nine Provinces Sword King,” “Senior’s noble righteousness—this junior is deeply grateful.”
Both men nodded but said nothing.
Zhuo Lingzhao, seeing everyone treating Ling Ding, gave a cold laugh and turned, “Friends, I have already defeated Shaolin Temple’s Master Ling Ding. Is there anyone else who wants to challenge me?”
The great battle just fought had changed heaven and earth, shocking all four directions. Everyone saw that even Ling Ding’s miraculous martial arts had been defeated by this person—who else would overestimate themselves and come forward to seek battle?
Zhuo Lingzhao stared at the Azure Robe scholar, “You’re also qualified to act—do you want to come up and move around, play a few moves with me?”
The Azure Robe scholar shook his head, “I’m no match for Leader Zhuo.”
Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly, “A person’s value lies in self-knowledge—Leader Azure Robe is indeed clever.”
He turned and asked Yang Suguan and Qin Zhonghai, “You two young heroes—do you have any intention of deciding victory or defeat with me?”
Yang Suguan raised his eyebrows and immediately stood up. With both senior brothers consecutively defeated, his schemes had completely failed. If he still couldn’t step forward to respond, Shaolin’s prestige would definitely be completely lost.
Qin Zhonghai knew Yang Suguan was no match—if he rashly stepped forward, it would only be throwing his life away. He quickly grabbed Yang Suguan and then laughed coldly at Zhuo Lingzhao, “Why are you looking for us? Look behind you—that number one in the world, Ning Bufan, is staring right at you!”
Zhuo Lingzhao smiled slightly, “Right! How could I forget him?” He suddenly turned and said in a deep voice, “Brother Ning! Do you want to fight me?” His gaze was extremely sharp as he stared intently at Ning Bufan.
At this time, Fang Zijing was unwilling to compete, Master Tianjue hadn’t arrived—among the four grandmasters, only Ning Bufan remained capable of opposing Zhuo Lingzhao. As long as Ning Bufan defeated this extremely arrogant Sword God, the martial arts world would return to its initial state, and no one would lose out. Everyone knew the martial arts world’s fate rested on this battle, and all looked at Ning Bufan to see his response.
Ning Bufan laughed dryly twice and said apologetically, “How could I be Leader Zhuo’s match? Leader Zhuo’s divine skills are unparalleled in the world—this title of number one in the world is truly well-deserved.”
The guests despised him inwardly, thinking, “Ning Bufan is a paper tiger who simply doesn’t dare respond to the challenge.”
But Zhuo Lingzhao only snorted, “Sir Ning is too polite. How can Zhuo call himself Martial Arts Alliance Leader without defeating you?”
Ning Bufan bowed and said, “Alliance Leader must not speak like this. Your honored self has defeated countless strong enemies, truly admirable. How could insignificant me take even one of your moves? Please show mercy and spare this head of mine to make a living!”
Everyone heard his humble words and immediately showed expressions of disdain, though some thought he had other sinister plans. For a moment, people’s faces showed uncertainty as they all guessed his intentions.
Zhuo Lingzhao sneered, “You really won’t fight?”
Ning Bufan looked directly at everyone in the arena and called loudly, “Everyone here witness that Kunlun Sect Leader, Master Zhuo’s martial arts are number one in the world and he occupies the position of Martial Arts Alliance Leader. Please spread this news in the jianghu as soon as possible—I’m infinitely grateful.” He took the long sword from the round plate and called loudly, “Bufan seals his sword and retreats today, no longer asking about jianghu affairs. If everyone has any guidance in the future, please seek Alliance Leader Zhuo. Bufan thanks you all here.” He took a fire torch and began roasting under the golden box, his expression hurried as if rushing to reincarnation.
Yuan Yi and other righteous people sighed in despair, knowing Ning Bufan had no intention of fighting this final battle. Everyone thought the righteous path’s destiny was ended and couldn’t help but sigh. Yang Suguan’s face was white as paper, biting his lower lip, his whole body trembling slightly.
Jiang Chong, seeing the situation roughly settled, stepped forward with a smile, “Since Leader Zhuo has seized the title of number one in the world, when I return to the capital shortly, I’ll naturally send up a memorial requesting the court to name Leader Zhuo as our dynasty’s Guardian Heavenly Master, permanently protecting the imperial family from decline.”
Zhuo Lingzhao’s face showed joy as he cupped his hands, “Commoner Zhuo Lingzhao thanks Lord Jiang for his recognition and favor.”
Jiang Chong laughed heartily, “Leader Zhuo earned this through real ability—you deserve this heavenly grace. Why thank me?”
Qiong Wuchuan had originally looked dejected, but hearing Jiang Chong’s shameless boasting, he couldn’t help but stand up and shout, “You little punk—is Guardian Heavenly Master a title you can grant just by saying so?”
Jiang Chong smiled, “Leader Zhuo is a generation’s Sword God—what’s wrong with His Majesty bestowing this title on him?”
Qiong Wuchuan spat, “Before Ning Bufan is defeated, he’ll forever be number one in the world!” These words were forceful and strong, and Mount Hua disciples immediately applauded.
Hearing these words, Ning Bufan’s face couldn’t help but change color. His hands trembled and the golden box actually fell down. With a clang, the red lacquer inside spilled all over the ground, looking like fresh blood.
Jiang Chong suddenly sighed, “Ah, Minister Qiong, one good word can save a life, but one foolish word can also kill a person. Do you know this?”
Qiong Wuchuan snorted, “What nonsense are you talking? I don’t understand half of it.”
Jiang Chong sighed, “Originally Ning Bufan could have peacefully retired, but after your words, he’s about to face great disaster.”
Qiong Wuchuan’s face changed, “What do you mean?”
Jiang Chong sighed, “Originally, as long as he obediently gave up this title of number one in the world, no one would bother him. But after your words, as long as Ning Bufan remains alive, no one can claim to be the contemporary number one. Don’t you think so?”
Qiong Wuchuan’s heart jumped in alarm. Looking at Ning Bufan, he saw his face was pale and he couldn’t speak for a long time.
Qiong Wuchuan faced Jiang Chong and said sternly, “What exactly do you want to do?”
Jiang Chong smiled slightly, “Heaven has no two suns—the jianghu can’t have two number ones either, or the alliance leader position would be merely nominal and quite ugly.” He stood up and walked toward Ning Bufan.
As soon as Jiang Chong stood up, his guards, having precedent, immediately drew their sabers and closely protected Jiang Chong. The musketeers beside them raised their guns and aimed tightly at everyone in the hall—if anyone made another rash move, they would fire in unison.
Seeing his subordinates’ thorough protection and Zhuo Lingzhao with sword at his side, Jiang Chong was even more fearless. He stood before Ning Bufan and smiled, “Hero Ning, I’d like to borrow something from you.”
Ning Bufan’s face changed and he smiled apologetically, “Mount Hua is poor and I’m penniless—what does Your Lordship wish to borrow?”
Jiang Chong didn’t answer but reached toward Ning Bufan’s hands, his face full of smiles.
Ning Bufan said in a trembling voice, “My hands are quite rough—Your Lordship must not touch them, lest they dirty your hands!”
Jiang Chong grasped Ning Bufan’s hands and smiled, “What are you saying? These hands are quite precious indeed. It’s just that, brother, since you admit you can’t beat people and promise never to use a sword again, these two hands won’t have any other use besides eating and writing, will they?”
Ning Bufan said in a trembling voice, “Your Lordship… you… what do you want to do?”
Jiang Chong smiled, “Nothing much. Since these two hands have no other use, I’ll just borrow them to take back to the capital. When you’re buried in the future, I’ll have someone send them back to you. How’s that?”
Ning Bufan was stunned and said in a trembling voice, “My retirement isn’t enough… you… you still want my two hands…”
Jiang Chong smiled, “Exactly. If not, how can I feel at ease? How can Alliance Leader Zhuo command the heroes with confidence?” As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the venue cried out in uproar, and Mount Hua people were especially furious. They all drew their swords and immediately rushed forward.
Jiang Chong smiled, “Block them!” Instantly Hu Mei’er, An’dao Jing, and Kunlun disciples all stepped forward, while musketeers also turned their gun barrels toward Mount Hua disciples.
The guests in the hall assessed the situation and understood clearly that if Mount Hua disciples wanted to fight desperately, with their meager strength they really couldn’t oppose Jiang Chong’s numerous masters and would certainly suffer heavy casualties. The leaders of the major sects looked at each other and all shook their heads—with the traitor wreaking havoc with no one able to stop him, none dared step forward to help.
Jiang Chong, seeing Ning Bufan trembling all over, just smiled, “Ning Bufan, cut off your hands! If you want Mount Hua disciples to live peacefully, you can only remove your hands—trade your two hands for Mount Hua’s true peace.”
Ning Bufan, seeing all his sect’s disciples under the traitor’s guns, could only smile bitterly, “Trading my two hands for the whole sect’s peace—that’s quite a bargain.”
Su Ying couldn’t restrain herself and immediately rushed out, tearfully saying, “Master! Let’s fight it out!”
Ning Bufan smiled, “Good child, having your filial heart already makes master very happy. Quickly retreat!” All of Mount Hua knelt together and cried, “Sect Leader!”
Though Qiong Wuchuan wanted to intervene, Jiang Chong had too many expert subordinates who firmly blocked him on the path, not letting him interfere. He knew that as long as Ning Bufan fought back, no one could do anything to him, so he called loudly, “Bufan! Will you really let people chop off your hands? Fight back! They can’t do anything to you!”
Jiang Chong glanced sideways at Qiong Wuchuan and smiled, “Minister Qiong, don’t encourage him. Without two hands, he’ll be carefree and happy from now on—don’t harm him.”
Qiong Wuchuan angrily said, “You… you’re so domineering, I… I absolutely won’t forgive you!”
Jiang Chong laughed heartily, “My domineering ways aren’t just one or two days old. If Minister Qiong wants to deal with me, please feel free.” He waved his hand and shouted, “Act!”
Mount Hua disciples cried in unison, “All disciples! Today we’ll all spill blood on Mount Hua—better to die than be disgraced!”
An’dao Jing and others shouted, “If you want to die, why not hurry up!”
Though Qin Zhonghai, Yang Suguan and others wanted to intervene, first, Ling Ding was severely injured and had no strength to act; second, their relationship with Ning Bufan was ordinary and they didn’t want to wade into this muddy water, so they remained silent. Seeing Mount Hua disciples held at gunpoint and other masters knowing that one rash move would harm Mount Hua people, all seemed powerless to help.
The situation was critical, but Fang Zijing wore a slight smile as if not particularly worried. His eyes kept glancing at a plaque inscribed with “Sword Dance Flying High,” not knowing what was strange behind it.
Seeing Jiang Chong pressing closer step by step, how could Ning Bufan willingly involve his disciples in conflict? He shook his head and declared loudly, “Mount Hua disciples, listen to orders! I voluntarily cut off my hands today—everyone retreat and don’t harbor resentment.” Ignoring his disciples’ cries, he reached out his hands toward Zhuo Lingzhao, “Leader Zhuo, please cut off Ning’s two hands! From now on, you’ll be the true number one in the world.”
Zhuo Lingzhao was unwilling to take advantage of someone’s misfortune. His expression was grave as he shook his head, “Though Zhuo has killed many, I’m not a shameless villain. May I ask why you won’t fight me? Do you perhaps look down on me?”
These words immediately earned secret praise from everyone—after all, this Zhuo Lingzhao still had some dignity as a martial artist, somewhat different from Jiang Chong.
Ning Bufan shook his head and sighed, “I have my difficulties. Just cut—no need to say more.”
Zhuo Lingzhao, seeing his persistent evasion, immediately gave a sharp laugh and said to everyone in the hall, “This person consistently dares not respond to battle. I now raise my sword to cut off his hands—don’t blame me for being rude.” He drew his long sword and said grimly, “Brother Ning, I must offend you.”
Several Mount Hua disciples screamed, “No!” They wanted to rush forward to stop him but were blocked.
Wu Dingyuan, seeing the dramatic changes in the situation below and Zhuo Lingzhao about to cut off Ning Bufan’s hands, was shocked and thought, “What exactly is happening? This Ning Bufan just wants to retire—why are Jiang Chong and these traitors making things so difficult for him?”
As he pondered, suddenly the old man beside him chuckled softly, “The time has come—let’s go down.” Before Wu Dingyuan could reply, he saw the old man leap down with a bound.