"Yes, Master Zhang is right!"
"We cannot allow Marshal Yue's treasure to fall into the hands of Zhang Junbao, that patricide and scoundrel."
"..."
Hearing Zhang Qiqiao say this, the martial arts practitioners behind him echoed his sentiments. For them, the matter of killing their father and running away was not of great concern; what was truly important was the treasure that Yue Fei left to Zhang Junbao.
This thing has been rumored to be incredibly valuable, and many people believe it to be extremely precious. They want a piece of the pie, which is their biggest motivation for getting involved. This is also the norm among people in the martial arts world.
Li Ling looked at the clamoring crowd and chuckled to himself.
Having experienced multiple worlds, Li Ling had seen through the mentality of these martial arts people. The martial arts world was originally a place of fame and fortune, and most people who ended up there pursued fame and fortune; few could escape this worldly desire.
Seeing that the momentum had been built up enough, Zhang Qiqiao added fuel to the fire: "Finally, Shaolin Temple has hidden Zhang Junbao in the Sutra Pavilion, which may indicate that they intend to keep Marshal Yue's treasure for themselves. Therefore, we urge the old master to come out and uphold justice!"
Yi Yun nodded slightly: "What you said makes some sense, but I haven't paid attention to the affairs of the martial world for more than ten years, and the position of the manor lord has been handed over to my grandson Yi Jifeng!"
At this point, Zhang Qiqiao looked at Li Ling and said, "Then let's invite Young Master Yi to discuss this important matter!"
Li Ling stepped forward and said loudly, "Everyone, there is still no conclusive evidence as to whether Zhang Junbao really murdered his father. Moreover, the fact that he is currently hiding in Shaolin is just a rumor in the martial arts world, and its veracity remains to be verified."
The Shaolin Sect is highly respected; it would be inappropriate to attack them based solely on unfounded rumors!
"Hehe, after saying so much, is the young master deliberately making excuses because he's afraid of offending Shaolin?" Zhang Qiqiao said sarcastically.
"So it turns out that the Famous Sword Manor is just a name without substance. The so-called number one manor in the martial arts world seems to be full of timid and cowardly people! Fellow martial artists can see this for themselves now. What a pity!"
Li Ling's expression turned cold, and he said in a cold voice, "Hmph, whether my Famous Sword Manor is truly just a name without substance, let's see who has the real skill! I wonder if any of you heroes are willing to come forward and offer your guidance! Or is Master Zhang planning to take action himself?"
After speaking, Li Ling stared intently at Zhang Qiqiao, emanating a dangerous aura. (The remaining text appears to be unrelated and likely refers to a different character or symbol.)
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Chapter 182 Devastating Victory (Thanks to 'Yiyun' for the generous donation again, extra chapter added as a token of appreciation)
Zhang Qiqiao was being stared at intently by Li Ling, but dared not make a move against him.
He had suffered a loss at Li Ling's hands during the assassination attempt on Yue Fei, so he knew his martial arts were no match for Li Ling's. However, he changed the subject and said:
“If Young Master Yi is willing to offer his guidance, I will certainly accompany him. However, Young Master Yi’s martial arts skills are exceptional, and he has already shown his talent in the previous martial arts alliance. I, Zhang Qiqiao, have only casually learned a few farming moves. It would be a bit much for me to fight alone. I think it’s better to ask Young Master Yi!”
"Hehe, Master Zhang's words are a bit too self-deprecating, but it doesn't matter. If you all want to come up together, I, Yi Jifeng, don't care."
But let me be frank beforehand, as the saying goes, swords have no eyes. My skills are still lacking, and many of my moves are not yet at a level of complete mastery. If I am not concerned about any injury or death, I hope you will not take offense!
Li Ling curled his lips into a smile, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with a hint of meaning, before slowly uttering these words.
These words, though seemingly polite, were actually laced with murderous intent. Some martial arts practitioners were swayed by Zhang Qiqiao's words and, seeing that Li Ling was so young, wanted to take advantage of the situation.
If they could defeat Li Ling, the young master of Mingjian Manor, their reputation would surely increase greatly. However, as soon as Li Ling said this, those who were not confident enough immediately backed down.
Seeing the reaction of everyone present, Li Ling sneered: "What? Nobody dares to come up?"
Seeing that Li Ling had intimidated everyone's momentum, Zhang Qiqiao quickly said, "Young Master Yi, we are here to ask Mingjian Manor to uphold justice, not to provoke us. I think all of you martial arts practitioners feel the same way!"
"What? You were so confident just now, but now you're backing down? That's not like you, Master Zhang!" Li Ling said, staring at Zhang Qiqiao with a hint of sarcasm.
The mockery in Li Ling's eyes was quite obvious, which Zhang Qiqiao naturally noticed. Originally, given his personality, he would have definitely taught Li Ling a lesson, but having suffered at Li Ling's hands before, he was genuinely wary of Li Ling's martial arts skills.
Therefore, he said, "Haha, Young Master Yi is really generous. However, with so many of us here, it would be unfair to Young Master Yi if we all rushed at him at once."
"How about this, I'll invite the leader of the Mount Tai Gang, the head of the Giant Whale Sect, and the leader of the Azure Dragon Sect, making a total of four of us, to spar with Young Master Yi, shall we?"
"Hehe, since Master Zhang wants to see my martial arts, that's fine too. I've heard that Master Zhang's fist techniques are amazing and his reputation in the martial arts world is widespread. I hope you won't disappoint me!" Li Ling emphasized the word 'fist techniques'.
This left Zhang Qiqiao somewhat bewildered: "Could it be that he saw through my disguise that day?"
Li Ling didn't give him time to think. He walked to the open space in the center and said with a smile, "Alright, everyone, please begin!"
Zhang Qiqiao brought out the three people who had just spoken. These three were all spies that Qin Hui had bribed in the martial arts world, which is why they were cooperating with Zhang Qiqiao at this time.
The four men arrived at the open space and surrounded Li Ling. The leader of the Taishan Gang, having received a hint from Zhang Qiqiao, took the lead and immediately unleashed his ultimate skill, pushing out both palms into the air.
"drink!"
His palms exerted different forces, one yin and one yang. The yang palm struck first, but the yin force entered Li Ling's body first. A chill swept over Li Ling, followed by a scorching palm wind. The yin and yang palm forces attacked Li Ling simultaneously.
Li Ling's expression remained unchanged, but he took a step to the left at the same moment the Taishan Gang leader struck out. This step was not particularly swift, but it was perfectly timed.
The two palm strikes barely grazed each other, as if Li Ling knew where the Taishan Gang leader was going to strike before he even made his move, or as if the Taishan Gang leader deliberately struck a deserted spot.
This seemingly powerful move was dodged by Li Ling with such ease.
Li Ling flashed and instantly arrived beside the leader of the Taishan Gang. The leader of the Taishan Gang had just exhausted the force of his palms and had not yet had time to withdraw his hands when Li Ling cut in from the side and punched him in the chest!
"Yin Yang Five Rests - Seven Injury Fist!"
At this moment, the leader of the Taishan Gang was exhausted of his old strength and had not yet generated new strength. He was so shocked by Li Ling's fist that his hair stood on end. He hurriedly shouted "Ha!" and forcibly withdrew his right palm despite his internal injuries, and then met Li Ling's fist head-on!
The leader of the Taishan Gang had already put all his strength into this punch, and he was already suffering from internal injuries. He had intended to teach Li Ling a lesson with this punch, but he did not expect that when his punch collided with Li Ling's, he would feel that the force of Li Ling's punch was extremely fierce. Seven kinds of energy intertwined and instantly destroyed his own palm force, and the remaining force invaded his body.
Several types of energy invaded the body of the Taishan Gang leader, causing him immense discomfort. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Li Ling channeled his energy into his left fist and suddenly struck the Taishan Gang leader's shoulder.
"Snap!"
A crisp cracking sound rang out as Li Ling shattered the shoulder of the Taishan Gang leader. Coupled with the internal injuries he had sustained earlier, the gang leader was instantly rendered powerless to fight again!
"Whoosh~"