Chu Tong felt a chill run down her spine from that gaze. Before she could recover, she suddenly felt another gaze coming from ahead. She looked closely and saw Xie Linghui standing expressionlessly in the crowd, his white robes fluttering like a god. Chu Tong's eyes met his, and Xie Linghui's body trembled. He lowered his phoenix eyes and looked away, but couldn't help glancing at Chu Tong again.
In that instant, Chu Tong's blood boiled, and her anger surged. She wanted nothing more than to rush over and do whatever it took, regardless of how many guards Xie Linghui had brought, or whether she would be killed by him at any moment. To hell with it! All she wanted was to rush over and slap Xie Linghui a few times, shouting at him, "Have you ever regretted it? Have you ever regretted it!"
Chu Tong's breathing quickened. Suddenly, she felt a warmth on her shoulder. Yun Yinghuai placed his hand on her shoulder, patted it gently, and shook his head at her. Chu Tong thought to herself, "That's it. My husband must have seen Xie Linghui when he broke into the Xie residence a few years ago. He wants me to calm down."
Chu Tong took a deep breath, put on a smile, and said to Xie Linghui, "Young master, you look very familiar to me. May I ask your name and where you make your fortune?"
The crowd gasped in disbelief. They all thought that the clever little girl was indeed unpredictable. Not only did she use coarse language, but her words were also frivolous. She flirted with the handsome young nobleman and even had a sleazy air about her, like a girl from a brothel beckoning a customer. Having such a sect leader was truly a great misfortune for the Cloud Peak Sect! Who would have thought that Chu Tong originally came from a brothel?
Xie Linghui glanced at Chu Tong, gritted his teeth, and remained silent.
Qian Ying glanced at Chu Tong and then at Xie Linghui, chuckled softly, and stepped forward to greet Chu Tong, saying, "Hello."
Chu Tong nodded slightly and smiled, "Hello."
Qian Ying raised her eyebrows, put her hands on her hips, and sneered, "Who greeted you? I was asking about the donkey behind you!" It turned out that Chu Tong was standing in front of Hua Jizhen, who was still young and had ridden a donkey to the martial arts tournament. Upon hearing Qian Ying's words, the crowd burst into laughter and looked towards Chu Tong.
Chu Tong glanced at Qian Ying, then walked silently to the donkey, slapped it hard, and pointed at it, scolding, "You beast! You have relatives here and didn't even tell me beforehand! Do you even respect me, the sect leader?"
The crowd burst into laughter.
Qianying was so angry that her face turned red. Chutong turned around and smiled at her, saying, "Don't be in such a hurry, young lady. We'll give you time to catch up later." Then she said to Xie Linghui, "Young master, my name is Yao Chutong. This name was given to me by an old friend. I love it so much that I can't bear to change it. I've been using it all this time."
Xie Linghui stared at Chu Tong for a long time before finally speaking. His voice was slightly hoarse as he forced a smile and said, "Yao Chu Tong, this name is indeed excellent. May Sect Leader Yao always use this name to lead the heroes and enjoy boundless glory."
Chu Tong said, "Young master, you've gone to so much trouble. I also hope that the old friend who named me will live a long and peaceful life!" Chu Tong almost gritted her teeth as she finished speaking. The last bit of fear in her heart had just vanished. She thought to herself, "Xie Linghui, you are my mortal enemy! If you want to take my life, I will never let you live under the same sky!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Xie Linghui suddenly looked up, his phoenix eyes meeting Chu Tong's cold, starry gaze. They stared at each other for a moment before Chu Tong looked away. Wang Lang stood to the side, watching for a while, thinking to himself, "Today's events are always targeting the Cloud Peak Sect and the Tonghua Society; there must be a mastermind behind it, most likely Xie Er is involved. The Tonghua Society travels between the Great Zhou and Southern Yan, and within the Great Zhou territory, they've pledged allegiance to our Wang family. They have many informants and have secretly done a lot for the Wang family. Besides, I have a good relationship with Hua Chunlai. I cannot stand idly by while the Tonghua Society is in trouble." Thinking this, he hesitated for a moment, then whispered a few words in the ears of Hua Jizhen and Hua Chunlai.
At this moment, Hana Yoshima said loudly, "I have a solution for these two boxes."
Hua Chunlai asked, "My son, do you have any brilliant plans?"
Hua Jizhen said, "In my opinion, since this is a martial arts tournament, why don't we all compete to win the box? Whoever wins the box can keep it. Wouldn't that be simple?"
Hua Chunlai exclaimed, “Excellent! Excellent! I suppose everyone wants this box. Why don’t we have a contest? There’s a play called… right, it’s called ‘Martial Arts Contest for Marriage.’ It’s quite a feat. Today, let’s have a martial arts contest to win the box. Maybe we can become famous for all time and create a legendary tale!”
Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in discussion, with some loudly agreeing, "That's right! Let's have a duel then!"
Chu Tong turned around and saw Wang Lang standing beside the Hua family father and son, stroking a bamboo flute in his hand. He smiled and nodded at Chu Tong, winking at her. Chu Tong immediately understood and thought to herself, "Young Master Wang's plan is brilliant. Now the Yunding Sect and the Tonghua Society have become the first to stick their necks out, and their situation is quite unfavorable. But after the Hua family father and son said that, those who covet the double treasure box will definitely fight with the big monkey. The Yunding Sect only needs to wait and see, and then find an opportunity to fish in troubled waters and kill someone with a borrowed knife."
Thinking of this, Chu Tong said in a clear voice, "Today, I am in a great mood, so I have made a wise and brilliant decision."
Hua Jizhen said, "Sect Leader Yao has always been wise and powerful. I wonder what decision he has made this time?"
Chu Tong said, "In my opinion, the Cloud Peak Sect should break with the old and establish the new, and choose something else as its sacred object. Let's give these two boxes away."
Hua Chunlai asked, "Who does Sect Leader Yao intend to give the two boxes to?"
Chu Tong shook her head and sighed, "I was just about to give the box to Yun Xuzi, but that old scoundrel is ungrateful and refused to kowtow to me. I wouldn't give it to him no matter who I give it to." She paused and said, "I think the plan that Young Hero Hua just proposed is excellent. The Yunding Sect is handing over the two boxes, and heroes from all over the world can compete to seize them. If you grab one today, it's yours; if someone else grabs it tomorrow, it's theirs. Yunding Sect members can also participate in the competition, but it's purely a personal matter and has nothing to do with our sect. This shows that the Yunding Sect is noble in giving up the two boxes, and all heroes are happy and eager to seize the sacred object. Everyone has an equal opportunity and benefits. There is no deception between the young and the old. It can be described as perfect!"
After saying that, he turned around and winked at the Cloud Peak Sect members, saying, "Don't you think this decision is absolutely brilliant?"
The members of the Cloud Peak Sect said in unison, "Our Sect Leader is exceptionally intelligent and his decisions are incomparably wise."
Hua Jizhen clapped his hands and said, "Such a martial arts competition, overcoming five obstacles and defeating six generals, has not only yielded two boxes but also made him a martial arts master. It is truly well-deserved, killing two birds with one stone, a double blessing, a stroke of good fortune, and a truly great thing!"
The crowd below the stage clapped and cheered loudly.
Jiang Wansheng had been silently observing Yao Chutong all along. Initially, seeing her shocking entrance and her foul language and nonsensical pronouncements, she felt a slight disdain. But now, her expression turned serious. She thought to herself, "Yao Chutong seems like a attention-seeking rogue, her words and actions incoherent and chaotic. Yet, with a few words, she resolved Brother Yun's predicament, controlled the atmosphere and rhythm of the entire martial arts tournament, and even when insulted, she responded with absurdity, using the other person's own methods against them. Her quick wit and adaptability are truly remarkable." This is just one example. The current situation is unfavorable to the Yunding Sect. She skillfully used her influence to make it clear that the Yunding Sect was abandoning the two boxes, not only winning over the hearts of heroes across the land but also shifting the blame to Yun Xuzi, instantly turning the tide. The members of the Yunding Sect all know that Brother Yun is highly skilled in martial arts; he would never allow the sect's sacred artifact to fall into the hands of others. At that time, the Yunding Sect only needs to wait for the right opportunity to unexpectedly reclaim the two boxes…” The more she thought about it, the more complicated her feelings became. She glanced at Chu Tong, then at Yun Yinghuai's retreating figure, her brows furrowing.
At this moment, Yun Xuzi said, "Heroes, don't listen to that little girl's nonsense. I invited you all here today to explore the secret of the two boxes together..."
Hua Chunlai said, "Oh? How can we explore together? Does that mean the treasures found in the double boxes will be divided among these thousands of people? If it's as I, Master Hua, say, who cares about exploring together or privately? Whoever gets the treasures keeps them! What are you all hesitating for?" With that, he grabbed his broadsword and charged forward, shouting, "Yun Xuzi, take this!"
Hua Chunlai charged forward first, and Yun Xuzi hurriedly parried with his palm. After fighting for a while, the Yun Ding Sect members looked at each other in surprise. It turned out that the moves Yun Xuzi used were actually Yun Ding Sect martial arts! Yun Yinghuai said loudly, "Brother, he is using the Yun Ding Sect's 'Little Cloud Searching Hand'. You must be careful!"
Hua Chunlai chuckled and said, "Brother, don't worry. If anyone's going to die, it'll be that bastard Yun Xuzi. That scoundrel is obviously no good. I'm not done with him today!" With that, he swung his broadsword again, shouting as he did so, "Anyone watching from below want to stretch their muscles? Whoever helps me beat this bastard down, I'll give him one of the double-boxes!"
The crowd watched for a long time, and after seeing Yun Xuzi's martial arts style, some of the more skilled and daring were tempted. As the saying goes, "A great reward will surely bring forth brave men," and the twin boxes had already attracted a group of desperate men. Seeing Hua Chunlai fighting fiercely against Yun Xuzi, some of them couldn't hold back and immediately shouted, grabbed their weapons, and rushed over.
Yun Xuzi had meticulously planned this grand gathering, but the appearance of that little girl Yao Chutong, with her cheeky and shameless manner, completely disrupted his plans. Seeing more and more heroes rushing onto the platform, Yun Xuzi gritted his teeth in anger and shouted, "Heroes of the world, listen up! Whoever can kill Yao Chutong, I will offer the two boxes with both hands!"
Chu Tong shouted at the top of her lungs, "Heroes, don't be fooled by him! Killing me means making an enemy of the entire Cloud Peak Sect, while killing that big monkey will get you the double boxes immediately!"
Seeing the heroes vying for the boxes, Yun Yinghuai frowned slightly. Just as he was about to rush forward and snatch the two boxes back, Chu Tong grabbed his sleeve and whispered, "The two boxes have already been destroyed. They are useless to you."
Yun Yinghuai was startled and looked down at Chu Tong. At that moment, he suddenly heard a gust of wind. He glanced at the scene and saw that countless silver needles were raining down on the two of them.
Stacked drums, flying cavalry, and carved bows
Yun Yinghuai shoved Chu Tong behind him, pulled off his cloak, and twisted his wrists while gripping the hem of the cloak. The silver needles, as fast as a rain of needles, were all wrapped in the cloak. Yun Yinghuai stood still and said sternly, "Here you go!" With that, he exerted force in his palm and shook the cloak forward, sending the silver needles flying and striking the opponent's vital points.
The ones who launched the sneak attack with the silver needles were Xie Linghui's personal guards, Long Xi and Long Zhao. The two were startled to see the needles fly towards them and rolled away to dodge. At the same time, Steward Hong moved abruptly, flicking his whip and slashing down at Chu Tong. Yun Yinghuai's eyes sharpened, and he stepped forward, unleashing the "Light Cloud Emerging from the Peak" technique to strike Steward Hong. Long Xi and Long Zhao dodged the needles, and Xie Linghui said, "You two quickly go and help Steward Hong hold off Yun Yinghuai." The Long brothers scrambled to their feet and rushed forward, drawing their swords to help.
Chu Tong thought to herself, "Damn it! That bastard Xie Linghui is determined to take my life today!" A surge of anger rose within her at this thought, and she stepped forward, shouting at Xie Linghui, "Xie Linghui! I'll stand right here, not moving an inch. If you have the guts, come and take my life yourself!" But in her heart, she thought, "Now I'm the dignified leader of the Cloud Peak Sect, with subordinates who are all highly skilled in martial arts. Once you get close, they'll swarm you and send you straight to your death!"
Xie Linghui's expression remained calm for a moment, then a complex look crossed his face as he stared intently at Chu Tong with his phoenix eyes. Wang Lang thought to himself, "Xie Er has brought about a hundred skilled fighters, each capable of taking on ten men. Now that the Yunding Sect and the Tonghua Society are joining forces against him, the outcome is uncertain. If a fight breaks out, swords and spears have no eyes, and if Chu Tong gets hurt, it will be disastrous. The best course of action is to turn hostility into friendship. The Xie family doesn't dare offend the Wang family. If I step forward and explain the consequences, it would be best if I could force him to back down."
Thinking of this, Wang Lang laughed heartily, stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting to Xie Linghui, and said, "Brother Xie, it's been a long time. The scene was so chaotic just now that I didn't have time to greet you. Please forgive me!"
Xie Linghui smiled slightly, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "So it's Brother Wang. It's truly like meeting an old friend in a foreign land."
Wang Lang walked over and patted Xie Linghui on the shoulder, saying affectionately, "Since Brother Xie calls me 'Brother Xie,' then I'll speak frankly. Brother Xie, we're in Southern Yan, not in Great Zhou. As the saying goes, 'Even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake.' Why do you have to cause trouble for the Cloud Peak Sect here? Why don't we call it a day and call it a day? I know a fine restaurant in Lingzhou City. Wouldn't it be great if we went there for a good drink?"
Xie Linghui laughed and said, "I appreciate Brother Wang's kindness, but today I have a very important matter that I must settle with the leader of the Cloud Peak Sect. You can just watch from the sidelines. After this feud is settled, we can go to Lingzhou City together for a hearty drink." With that, he took a step forward, but Wang Lang grabbed Xie Linghui and laughed, "Brother Xie, the leader of the Cloud Peak Sect and I have a good relationship. Today, please let it go for my sake. From now on, you two can go your separate ways and never see each other again."
Upon hearing this, Xie Linghui abruptly turned to look at Wang Lang, only to see Wang Lang nodding and smiling lazily at him. A cold glint flashed in Xie Linghui's eyes as he sneered, "Brother Wang, you were the one who helped her escape danger that day. Do you think I didn't know? You're also involved in this matter. If word gets out, I'm afraid..."
Wang Lang said, "Brother Xie, she is now in Southern Yan, why must you be so ruthless?"
Xie Linghui took a deep breath and said, "Get out of the way!" Wang Lang replied, "I cannot comply!" Xie Linghui said, "Does my brother force me to make a move?" Wang Lang said, "I was just looking forward to learning your swordsmanship, Brother Xie." As soon as he finished speaking, he drew his long sword from his waist and thrust it at Xie Linghui!
This sword strike, ethereal and unpredictable, aimed directly at Xie Linghui's right wrist. Xie Linghui flipped his wrist, thrusting back at Wang Lang's chest. A flash of sword light appeared; Xie Linghui's attack was lightning fast, the tip aimed at three vital points on Wang Lang's chest. Even with Wang Lang's superior lightness skill, he leaped several feet backward, only to see Xie Linghui stride forward, his sword flashing, unleashing a series of rapid, dangerous thrusts. Wang Lang's longsword flashed out, defending flawlessly. Xie Linghui's moves were imposing, his sword energy surging; Wang Lang, however, relied on his exceptional lightness skill, his moves agile and unpredictable, and the two were instantly locked in combat.
By this time, the Cloud Peak Sect and the Tonghua Society had already surrounded them, trapping Chu Tong, Jiang Wansheng, and Hua Jizhen in the center. Chu Tong craned her neck to look out and saw Yun Xuzi fighting fiercely against the group of heroes, which made her secretly delighted. Suddenly, Yun Xuzi shouted, "I don't want the two boxes anymore! You can have them!" After saying this, he took out the two boxes from his robes and threw them forcefully into the distance. The two boxes drew an arc in the air and quickly disappeared into the dense forest.
The crowd gasped in surprise and abandoned Yun Xuzi, rushing towards the direction where the box had fallen. Yun Xuzi sneered, glanced at Chu Tong, and then leaped into the air, disappearing without a trace after several leaps and bounds through the bamboo forest.
Seeing this, Jiang Wansheng sighed and said, "People die for wealth, birds die for food. How many lives have been lost for these two boxes!" After saying that, she gently stroked Hua Jizhen's forehead and said, "There are too many things in this world that are more important than gold and silver. True feelings and friendship cannot be bought with money."
Hua Jizhen said in a soft voice, "Sister Wansheng, but my father said that a great man cannot be without power for a day, and a small man cannot be without money for a day. Only when I have money and power can I marry a beautiful wife like my mother and have a baby as smart and clever as me."
Jiang Wansheng was taken aback, then smiled gently and said, "Money is just an external thing. Zhen'er, have you heard the legend of the Seven Fairies and Dong Yong? In the legend, Dong Yong was just a poor farmer, but because of his upright character and loyalty, the Seven Fairies fell in love with him, didn't they? This shows that virtue and integrity are the foundation of being a person." Hua Jizhen blinked her big eyes and said "Oh".
These words struck Chu Tong as particularly offensive. She already disliked Jiang Wansheng, and now her anger flared even more. She grabbed Hua Jizhen, glanced sideways at Jiang Wansheng, and sneered, "The Seven Fairies and Dong Yong? That's all bullshit! It's all made up by those incompetent men to fool themselves. That fat, dark-skinned Dong Yong is mediocre; why would a fairy condescend to marry him, manage the household, and bear children? He might be interested in committing heinous crimes, but does he even have the brains? What woman in the world would be so greedy and insist on marrying a good-for-nothing fool to be with her? So listen to your father; you can only marry a beautiful wife when you're rolling in money and successful. Everything else is utter bullshit!"
These words were spoken loudly and clearly, causing the members of the Cloud Peak Sect and the Fellow Flower Society to suppress their laughter. Jiang Wansheng's cheeks flushed slightly with anger, and she glared at them with her beautiful eyes, saying, "You, how can you speak so vulgarly?"
Chu Tong said, "Oh? Since Miss Jiang doesn't like it, I'll say it another way." After saying that, she said seriously to Hua Jizhen, "Listen to this, your father is right. Only when you are rich and successful can you marry a beautiful wife. All the others are just empty talk!"
After these words were spoken, everyone could no longer hold back and burst into laughter. Chu Tong looked smug, while Jiang Wansheng knew that this was a case of "a scholar encountering a soldier, and reason cannot prevail," so she simply turned her head away and stopped looking at her.
At that moment, a series of screams rang out. Everyone looked and saw Yun Yinghuai strike Chief Steward Hong three times in quick succession, causing him to cough up blood and collapse to the ground. Seeing this, Long Xi and Long Zhao, one after the other, thrust their swords at Yun Yinghuai. Yun Yinghuai crouched down, picked up the long whip that Chief Steward Hong had dropped, and with a flick of his wrist, Long Xi and Long Zhao's swords flew from their hands. Then, with a sharp crack, the whip struck both of them, shattering their ribs. They lay on the ground, writhing and groaning, their breaths fading rapidly; it seemed even a celestial being couldn't save them. Chu Tong couldn't help but gasp. She had a long-standing friendship with the Long brothers, and seeing their tragic deaths filled her with sorrow.
The martial arts tournament had just descended into chaos, with many heroes fleeing and only a few dozen remaining to watch the spectacle. Seeing Yun Yinghuai's swift and decisive moves, they couldn't help but cheer. Yun Yinghuai focused his gaze and saw Wang Lang and Xie Linghui still locked in combat. Hua Chunlai stepped forward and said to Yun Yinghuai, "Brother, Young Master Wang is the son of Wang Ding, the Prime Minister of the Great Zhou Dynasty. His status is extraordinary. Swords have no eyes; if we were to injure him even slightly, we could not bear the consequences." Yun Yinghuai nodded slightly, strode forward, and loudly proclaimed, "Young Master Wang, you are a distinguished guest of my elder brother Hua Chunlai. How could I allow you to make a move?" With that, he leaped forward.
Wang Lang thought to himself, "I am evenly matched with Xie Er, and I fear I will find it difficult to win. If Yun Yinghuai can subdue Xie Er and take him hostage, then Yun Ding Men and Tong Hua Hui can escape danger." Thinking this, he didn't refuse, throwing his longsword at Yun Yinghuai and saying, "Hero Yun, catch!" He then turned and jumped back. Yun Yinghuai caught the sword, standing still with focused concentration, but the tip of the sword still trembled continuously.
Seeing his two capable subordinates brutally killed by Yun Yinghuai's whip, and with Steward Hong severely injured, Xie Linghui flew into a rage. Despite his calm and composed nature, he took a deep breath, his expression returning to normal, but a chilling murderous intent flickered in his phoenix eyes. He stared at Yun Yinghuai for a moment, then smiled slightly and said, "I didn't expect that Master Yun is not only skilled in palm techniques but also proficient in swordsmanship." Yun Yinghuai smiled faintly, "A mere trifle. I am unworthy; I only recently learned a sword technique and would like to test it against you, young master."
Chu Tong thought to herself, "Alas, karma! Perhaps my young master is Xie Linghui's brother. Now that the two brothers are fighting, I wonder if that vixen, the Second Madam, will be furious if she sees this in the underworld?" But then she thought again, "No, my young master is stubborn. He already feels guilty for poisoning that vixen, so he will definitely hold back when they fight. But Xie Linghui is ruthless and vicious. If my young master falls for his tricks, he will be in big trouble." Thinking of this, she frowned, filled with worry.
At this moment, Xie Linghui shouted and made the first move, thrusting his sword towards Yun Yinghuai's chest. The sword flashed, displaying a terrifying momentum. Yun Yinghuai raised his sword, and with a clang, the two swords clashed. Immediately afterward, he flicked his wrist forward, using a move from the Yunding Sect's swordsmanship called "Surrounding Clouds and Mist," using gentleness to neutralize the ferocity of Xie Linghui's sword, a truly unpredictable and ever-changing attack. Xie Linghui countered with a thrust towards Yun Yinghuai's lower body, instantly targeting several of Yun Yinghuai's vital points with extremely fierce swordplay. Yun Yinghuai raised an eyebrow, leaped to the top of the bamboo forest, and stood on the bamboo, floating like an immortal, shouting, "Fighting down here is no fun, how about coming up?"
Xie Linghui sneered and leaped forward, sword in hand, standing opposite Yun Yinghuai. The two stared at each other for a moment, then simultaneously attacked. The two, one in black and one in white, moved swiftly through the bamboo forest, their robes fluttering like butterflies swirling or swallows soaring, drawing admiration from all who watched. Only Chu Tong clearly saw that both were using the Qunfang Sword Technique!
It turned out that Chu Tong, having nothing better to do, had already shown Yun Yinghuai the Qunfang Swordplay. Yun Yinghuai, with his exceptional comprehension, had memorized all thirty-six sword techniques and added intricate variations, making his application effortless. Xie Linghui, on the other hand, had seamlessly integrated other schools' swordplay with the Qunfang Swordplay. The Qunfang Swordplay was already breathtakingly beautiful, and the two of them now performed a set of swordplay flawlessly, like fellow disciples exchanging blows.
Chu Tong was watching nervously when Hua Jizhen pointed ahead and asked, "Who are those people?" Chu Tong looked in the direction he was pointing and instantly broke out in a cold sweat. Suddenly, three or four hundred people had appeared in the bamboo forest. The group quickly approached and surrounded Chu Tong and the others. The Yunding Sect and the Tonghua Society immediately drew their weapons, both sides eyeing each other menacingly, a battle imminent. At this moment, Shi Yiqing whispered in Chu Tong's ear, "Sect Leader, these people were brought by Zhang Huanqiang, the traitorous leader of our sect. I'm afraid they're up to no good." Chu Tong squinted and saw Zhang Huanqiang sitting on his horse, looking smug. Hua Chunlai cursed from the side, "Damn it! Back when the Yunding Sect was in turmoil, I arrived a step too late, and this bastard escaped. Today, we're outnumbered. Looks like we'll have to fight!"
Chu Tong kept looking around anxiously, thinking, "It's that big bastard Xie Linghui again, and that traitor from Yunding Sect again! This time it's truly a tragedy, there will probably be rivers of blood!" Although she was extremely anxious, she still tried to remain calm and said to Hua Chunlai, "Brother Hua, if a fight breaks out, let's form a team, break through the encirclement, and rush out to save our lives first. Then we'll gather our troops and come back to crush them and avenge this arrow wound!"
Hua Chunlai nodded and said, "It seems that this is the only way." After saying that, he patted Hua Jizhen's head. Hua Jizhen, like a newborn calf, just stared wide-eyed at the surroundings, showing no fear whatsoever.
Just then, a loud laugh was heard, and Zhang Huanqiang shouted, "Heaven is helping me! Listen up, you either obediently surrender and I'll spare your lives, or wait for my men to swarm you and tear you to pieces!"
Yun Yinghuai was originally the backbone of the Yunding Sect, but now that he was locked in a fierce battle with Xie Linghui, the members of the Yunding Sect were at a loss for what to do. They all thought to themselves, "This young sect leader is indeed clever and resourceful, and quite adept at causing trouble with his rogue tactics, but at this moment, we can hardly count on him." Thinking of this, everyone naturally turned their attention to Hua Chunlai.
Hua Chunlai said in a deep voice, "Now, there are probably only two paths left. First, I, your master, will lead everyone to break through. They outnumber us, and it's uncertain whether we can break through. Second..." Hua Chunlai paused, gripped his broadsword tightly, glared, and gritted his teeth, "We'll just have to steel ourselves and fight those sons of bitches to the death. Even if we can't escape, we'll fight to the death and slaughter everyone here! Hmph! I'm a man of honor, a true hero would rather die than surrender! Brothers, it's either escape or die together!" Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions became excited and their blood boiled. They all said, "That's right! That's right! We'd rather die than surrender!"
Jiang Wansheng's pretty face turned a little pale. Although she was well-traveled and knowledgeable, she was, after all, a pampered member of the royal family and had never seen such a scene of swords drawn and menacing. She also did not know any martial arts and was therefore uneasy. She put her hands together and sighed softly, "Amitabha, may the Bodhisattva bless us to escape danger safely."
Chu Tong snorted and said, "How can we just rely on the Bodhisattva? What if he falls asleep and closes his eyes? We'll be going straight to the Western Paradise to report to the Buddha. If you ask me, we'll have to rely on ourselves then. As soon as we see an opportunity, we'll run for our lives. Run as fast as you can, don't hesitate..."
Jiang Wansheng, gentle and reasonable, naturally wouldn't argue with Chu Tong. She tightly twisted her handkerchief in her hands, gazing at Yun Yinghuai's figure and thinking to herself, "Yes, Yun Lang would never abandon me. If we cannot escape this calamity today, I will die with Yun Lang. We may not be born on the same day, but we pray to die on the same day." Thinking this, she felt much calmer. Seeing Jiang Wansheng's silence, Chu Tong felt a surge of pride, believing she had the upper hand. However, seeing Jiang Wansheng's beautiful eyes filled with tenderness as she looked at Yun Yinghuai, her heart clenched, and she said sadly, "What's the use of winning an argument? My little husband's heart is always only for her."
She was feeling dejected when she suddenly felt a tug on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw Wang Lang gently patting her shoulder and nodding and smiling at her. Chu Tong felt a warmth in her heart and couldn't help but force a smile back at Wang Lang. Although Wang Lang smiled, he was quite worried. He thought to himself, "If the two factions start fighting, Xie Linghui will definitely not let Chu Tong go... I must fight to the death with my three subordinates to protect her and keep her safe!" He couldn't help but glance at Chu Tong, and thought to himself, "Yun Yinghuai has risked his life to save her time and time again, which is why Chu Tong has fallen deeply in love with him. If, if I also risk my life for her this time, will she look at me with new respect?" Thinking of this, Wang Lang's heart surged with emotion, and he looked at Chu Tong again.
At this moment, Xie and Yun were locked in fierce combat. Chu Tong watched for a while and thought to herself, "Xie Linghui's move 'Plum Blossoms Bloom Twice' could be countered with 'Apricot Blossoms in Sparse Shadows,' but the young master used 'Plucking the Laurel in the Moon Palace,' only defending and not guarding... And this move 'Spring Heart Azalea' could be killed in one move with 'Burning Orchids and Artemisia,' but the young master used 'Lotus Root Severed but Still Connected,' giving Xie Linghui three minutes to breathe... Alas, the young master is ultimately unable to bring himself to kill his own brother."
Although Yun Yinghuai had several opportunities to kill Xie Linghui with a single blow, he found it difficult to act when he saw Xie Linghui's striking resemblance to the Second Madam. He sighed inwardly, "Regardless of whether he is my true brother or not, now that the Second Madam is dead, even if my master has avenged his great enemy, I will spare his life." With this thought in mind, he held back some of his strength in his attacks. Xie Linghui seized the opportunity to press forward, while Yun Yinghuai retreated continuously. The situation grew increasingly tense, and his swordplay revealed more and more flaws. Seeing Xie Linghui gain the upper hand, the Xie family followers and the rebels from the Yun Ding Sect clapped and cheered loudly.
Seeing Yun Yinghuai's scattered swordsmanship, each move faster than the last, the blade flashing with cold light, Xie Linghui's phoenix eyes sharpened. He unleashed the move "Begonia in Spring Slumber," his sword aimed directly at Yun Yinghuai's left leg. Yun Yinghuai dodged to the side, but Xie Linghui feinted, then thrust his sword at Yun Yinghuai's chest! The moment was extremely dangerous, and Jiang Wansheng cried out involuntarily. Yun Yinghuai, clinging to Zhu Ye, swung backward, dodging the sword but exposing his weakness. Xie Linghui was overjoyed, lightly stepping forward to thrust at Yun Yinghuai. Yun Yinghuai swept his sword horizontally, and Xie Linghui hurriedly raised his sword to block. Yun Yinghuai countered with a swift, fierce attack, his inner strength flowing through his wrist. Xie Linghui lost his grip, and his sword was knocked away by Yun Yinghuai's strike. Yun Yinghuai placed the long sword against Xie Linghui's neck and smiled slightly, "Young Master Xie, please come down with me."
Seeing their master captured, Xie's followers shouted and rushed forward. Qian Ying yelled, "Release my second master now! Otherwise, you'll die a horrible death!" Yun Yinghuai, holding Xie Linghui hostage, leaped down from the bamboo grove and casually pressed acupoints on Xie Linghui's upper body. Xie's guards watched intently, but fearing Xie Linghui's death at the hands of the enemy, they dared not advance.
Chu Tong glanced at Xie Linghui and thought to herself, "If we kill Xie Linghui now, the Xie family and the traitors of the Cloud Peak Sect will join forces, and we'll all be doomed. But if we let these two groups fight it out first, a life-or-death struggle, then the Cloud Peak Sect can reap the benefits. Hehe, wouldn't that be even better?" Thinking this, she took a few steps forward and said with a grin, "Giving him to you isn't difficult." Then she pointed at Zhang Huanqiang and said, "A life for a life. As long as you kill him, we'll release him."
Zhang Huanqiang glared angrily: "This is a matter within the Cloud Peak Sect. You little vixen, how dare you drag unrelated people into this? What are your intentions?" Chu Tong snorted coldly: "You great traitor of the Cloud Peak Sect! This sect leader is now cleaning house and wants your head, so it doesn't matter who kills you!"
Before Chu Tong could finish speaking, a yellow figure suddenly leaped down from the bamboo forest and headed straight for Xie Linghui, intending to launch a surprise attack and rescue him. Hua Chunlai reacted quickly, shouting and swinging his sword forward. With a loud clang, the sword and the broadsword clashed. Hua Chunlai, possessing immense strength, glared and shouted, "Get lost!" He then pushed forward, sending the man stumbling several times. Chu Tong looked closely and realized that the man was none other than Yun Xuzi, who had abandoned his two boxes and fled in panic. She clapped her hands and laughed, "Wonderful! Yun Xuzi, did you come back to kowtow to me?"
Yun Xuzi stopped, his gaze sweeping over Chu Tong with a sinister look. He said, "Hmph, you shameless scoundrel, spouting nonsense. A traitor to the Yunding Sect? Yun Yinghuai is the real traitor to the Yunding Sect! He betrayed his master and ancestors, and now he's shamelessly clinging to the Yunding Sect. Bah! Shameless!" Upon hearing this, the Yunding Sect and the Tonghua Society were all visibly shocked.
Yun Yinghuai remained calm and composed, handing the sword to Shi Yiqing beside him. He stared at Yun Xuzi and said, "I wonder if I and the Yunding Sect have offended you in the past, so that you have tried to take my life several times, and now you are holding a martial arts conference to put the Yunding Sect in danger. What is the unresolved hatred between us? Please tell me."
Yun Xuzi chuckled and said, "I had some connection with Yun Zhongyan. Now that you, his disciple, have killed him, I must stand up for him!" As soon as he finished speaking, Yun Yinghuai gave him a cold look, her gaze chilling and murderous. Yun Xuzi was startled, but feigned composure. Zhang Huanqiang shouted, "That's right! He's the biggest traitor! If he's expelled from Yunding Sect and never allowed to return, I'll immediately disarm myself and lead my men back to Yunding Sect!"
Chu Tong shook her head and said, "No, no, my position as the leader of the Cloud Peak Sect is temporary. I will return to be the leader once Yun Yinghuai's name is cleared. How can we let him never return to the Cloud Peak Sect?" Zhang Huanqiang said, "The former leader of the Cloud Peak Sect left behind a son, Yun Wuhen. Although the deputy leader of the Cloud Peak Sect has been wandering the martial world for several years, he is highly skilled in martial arts and has a strong sense of righteousness. If he takes over as the leader of the Cloud Peak Sect, I believe that not only me, but everyone in the Cloud Peak Sect will be convinced!" As soon as these words were spoken, the traitors of the Cloud Peak Sect raised their weapons and shouted, "That's right! That's right! We are convinced!"
Yun Yinghuai chuckled coldly, nodded, and slowly said, "Good, very good, truly convinced!" Before he finished speaking, he suddenly leaped up and charged straight at Yun Xuzi, who was radiating boundless killing intent! Yun Xuzi was taken aback. The intense pressure hit him head-on, causing him to scramble for his feet. Even with his superior lightness skill, he twisted his waist and hurriedly retreated, but Yun Yinghuai was already upon him, his figure elusive, like a ghost. Yun Xuzi leaned back, and Yun Yinghuai's arm lashed out forward, tearing off the mask from Yun Xuzi's face.
Everyone stared wide-eyed at Yun Xuzi, only to find a handsome, rugged face beneath that mask! "Ding Wuhen!" Chu Tong exclaimed in surprise, then covered her mouth in disbelief. Everyone gasped, staring at Ding Wuhen in stunned silence.
Yun Yinghuai scratched his face and said softly, "Senior brother, it really is you."
Seeing that his plan had been exposed, Ding Wuhen no longer concealed his tone, raising a thick eyebrow as he said, "You already guessed it was me?"
Yun Yinghuai shook his head and said, "I was just hesitant to be certain before, but when I saw you resorting to the 'Little Cloud Searching Hand' when you were at your wit's end during your duel with Brother Hua, I knew it was you." He paused, then said coldly, "Ever since I took over as the leader of the Cloud Peak Sect, you've been resentful and wandering around. Later, you even kidnapped your own mother and forged my master's wife's handwriting to frame me! I thought you were just angry that Master didn't pass the leadership to you, so you wanted to seize it, but I never expected you to be so scheming to hold a martial arts tournament to wipe out the entire Cloud Peak Sect... You... you're so ruthless!"
Ding Wuhen sneered, "Yun Yinghuai, don't make false accusations! You say I framed you, but do you have any evidence?" This question stumped Yun Yinghuai. Now that Bai Suxue was dead, there was no way to verify the story. If he were to reveal that Chu Tong had been eavesdropping on Prince Ping's conversation from behind a cabinet, it would undoubtedly put Chu Tong in danger. Yun Yinghuai clenched his fists and remained silent. Ding Wuhen shouted, "Yun Yinghuai, you are a treacherous villain who betrayed your master and ancestors! Do you still want to deny it?" Upon hearing this, the traitors of the Yunding Sect began to jeer and laugh loudly.
Yun Yinghuai's eyes flashed with murderous intent as he pointed at Ding Wuhen and shouted, "Ding Wuhen! You instigated internal strife within the Yunding Sect, colluded with the two sect leaders to fight amongst themselves, and even plotted to hold a martial arts tournament to bring about the annihilation of the Yunding Sect! These charges against you are irrefutable; you are now the number one traitor of the Yunding Sect! If word gets out, I'll see how you'll ever have the face to stand in the martial world again!" These words struck a nerve with Ding Wuhen, whose face turned ashen. After a long pause, he said hatefully, "Yun Yinghuai, don't waste your breath! You will surely die today!" As soon as he finished speaking, silence fell, and the murderous aura intensified. Steward Hong fell to the ground and cried out, "Ding Wuhen! My master has treated you well. If you make a rash move and harm his life, I will become a vengeful ghost and haunt you!"