Poules et chiens volent dans le chaos et la renaissance

Chapitre 6

"Not at all, I have long admired Seventh Young Master."

The two men bowed to each other, exchanging glances. Hmm, they seemed familiar, but where had they seen each other before?

Seeing their mutual respect, the people in the garden assumed they had misheard. After their initial surprise, they rose and approached, greeting those who knew them well and introducing themselves to two of the most outstanding young martial artists of the time. Only Yuwen Luo diligently wrote down those two sentences in his newly opened copy of "The History of the Martial World," which would later be hailed as his most profound and vivid "title"!

The two highly respected seniors, Qiu Changtian and Nan Wofeng, merely exchanged a glance, then smiled knowingly, taking it as a "joke" that a young man might blurt out in his excitement and wariness when he encountered an equally matched opponent. They didn't take it to heart and instead introduced the three young men in the pavilion to them.

"Brother, who are they..." Ning Lang pointed to the people being fawned over in the garden and humbly asked, "Why does everyone value them so much?"

Although Ning's younger brother was not very worldly-wise, he could tell from everyone's reactions that these two people seemed to be of even greater importance than the two grandmasters, Qiu Changtian and Nan Wofeng.

"Sigh." Yuwen Luo looked at Ning Lang and sighed heavily. "It's a pity that you come from the Qianbi Mountain, one of the four major sects, and that you are the young master of the Ning family, one of the six great families, yet you don't even know such a person who should be famous and moving to the hearts of anyone who is in the martial arts world. I really don't know what to say to you. Fortunately... fortunately you know me."

"Big brother." The youngest brother of the Ning family blushed slightly at his elder brother's words and scratched his head. "Master said that in the path of martial arts, one must concentrate and calm the mind, and not be swayed by external influences, so..."

"So you actually listened to that old man and focused solely on martial arts, ignoring all worldly affairs, becoming a complete blockhead!" Yuwen Luo patted his younger brother's head, quite indignant at the inability to be carved out of wood, "What a stupid kid."

"Big brother, you still haven't told me." Ning Lang scratched his head again, looking at the two most dazzling people in the garden.

“Lan Qi, the current head of the Lan family in Yunzhou…” Yuwen Luo pointed to the person in purple robes and green eyes.

"Ah, he's from the Lan family of Yunzhou..." Ning Lang exclaimed.

"Shut up!" Brother Yuwen was very unhappy to be interrupted. "Don't interrupt me when I'm speaking!"

Ning's younger brother moved his mouth, but finally shut up under the imposing gaze of his elder brother Yuwen.

"Ahem." Brother Yuwen cleared his throat, then said with a serious expression, "Although the Lan family enjoyed a reputation in the martial arts world before, it was only after this Seventh Young Master Lan succeeded as the family head that they truly secured a significant position. At the age of fourteen, he skipped his father and directly took over the position of family head from the previous generation—his grandfather. After that, many elders and juniors of the Lan family, both direct and collateral, died or left, causing a significant decline in their numbers. They were no longer as prosperous as before, but the Lan family's power grew stronger day by day, eventually becoming one of the six major families that dominate the martial arts world. As for the Lan family's dwindling numbers, rumors in the martial arts world say that he was responsible for their deaths, but those are just rumors and not to be believed. The truth is something that I, Brother Yuwen, need to investigate thoroughly. However, as a fair historian of the martial arts world—I admire him very much."

After a brief pause, Brother Yuwen, seeing that Little Brother Ning was listening attentively, was quite satisfied and continued, "The Lan family is, after all, a renowned family in the martial arts world for nearly a hundred years, with numerous branches and intricate roots. How could anyone from such a family be a simple person? Yet he seized the position of family head from these wolves and tigers. And think about how young he was only fourteen years old back then... Sigh... Not to mention the several sensational things he did after taking over the Lan family. It's truly chilling to think about. The Lan family's dominance in Yunzhou today is definitely thanks to this Seventh Young Master Lan." As he spoke, he glanced at the person with the bewitching smile on his face, and his heart tightened.

"Speaking of which, it's been about six or seven years since he took over as the head of the family. He became famous very early, but in previous years he was only known by name. He only officially appeared in the martial arts world in the last two years. Although the Lan family is a righteous family, this Seventh Young Master's actions are both righteous and evil, and it is rumored that he has intricate connections with the Demonic Sect. Finally, there is his appearance. Although he is unparalleled in the world, he has a pair of rare emerald eyes that exude a bewitching aura. Therefore, people in the martial arts world both respect and fear him. They want to get close to him but dare not get too close. It's quite a contradiction. However, if he is willing to be my friend, I would be very happy to."

Yuwen Luo spoke at length, poured himself a cup of tea to moisten his throat, and looked at Ning Lang, "Now you know who he is, right?"

Ning Lang looked at Lan Qi, then at Yuwen Luo, and nodded. "The formidable patriarch of the Lan family, a renowned martial arts family."

"Hmm, a good summary." Yuwen Luo nodded smugly, pointed to the man in blue robes like a lotus, and said, "Young Master Ming the Second is the young master of the Ming family in Tianzhou. If Lan Qi inspires both fear and respect, then Young Master Ming inspires both respect and love. The Ming family has produced three 'Lan Yin Commanders,' the first one over a hundred years ago came from their family. Their status in the martial arts world is absolutely unparalleled. As for this Young Master Ming the Second... how should I put it..." Yuwen Luo withdrew his hand, rested his chin on his finger, pondered for a long time, and finally sighed, "Perhaps only the title bestowed upon him by the people of the martial arts world can describe him best: 'The Banished Immortal,' a celestial being banished to the mortal world, a divine figure. How can we mortals presume to speak of him?"

Upon hearing this, Ning Lang turned to look. That otherworldly appearance, those distant and ethereal eyes—only the term "banished immortal" could describe such a person.

“Speaking of nicknames, Seventh Young Master Lan…hehe…he has a title that’s no less than Second Young Master Ming’s. Do you know what it is?” Yuwen Luo smiled mysteriously.

Ning Lang shook his head as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Azure Demon!" Yuwen Luo said in a low but solemn voice.

"Huh?" Ning Lang felt a little indignant upon hearing this.

"Hehe... A son of a prestigious family is called a 'demon'. Anyone else would have shut up whoever spread that name, but this Seventh Young Master Lan accepts it with pleasure." Yuwen Luo's eyes lit up with a smile. "He also said that his greatest wish in life is to become a demon who can change shape, summon wind and rain, live forever, and enjoy all the pleasures of the human world!"

"But……"

"'But this title is insulting,' is that what you mean?" Yuwen Luo interrupted Ning Lang.

Ning Lang nodded, feeling, for some reason, extremely unwilling for that person to be insulted as a demon.

“To turn infamy into a good reputation, that’s something only a capable person can do, isn’t it?” Yuwen Luo said with a smile, turning his gaze to the person who had a demonic name and exuded a faint demonic aura. “Ning Lang, do you think we can live to see that day when everyone is proud to be called a ‘demon’?” His words were very soft, but there was a hint of seriousness that was hard to detect.

After exchanging greetings, everyone in the garden returned to their places. Lan Qi spoke first: "I wonder what treasures Senior Qiu has to bestow upon us juniors today?"

Qiu Changtian smiled slightly and gestured to Qiu Zang, who was standing to the side. Qiu Zang understood and waved his hand. Three servants entered the garden. The one in the lead carried a long tray with a red silk cloth on it.

"The 'Lan Yin Bi Yue' has returned to the palace to guard the gates. The Ying Shan Grand Assembly is imminent. I, Qiu, am too old to participate, but this is the perfect opportunity for all you young heroes to display your talents. Today, I am fortunate to have so many heroes gathered in Changtian. I have a sudden inspiration and wish to witness your heroic bearing before the assembly begins." His gaze slowly swept around, and he saw pairs of bright, young eyes. "This is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope you heroes will not find it too humble."

After saying this, he gestured to his family to unveil the red ribbon so that everyone could see the prize.

The family member carrying the long tray unveiled the red silk, revealing a neatly folded robe. As everyone wondered what was going on, two other family members stepped forward, each holding one side of the robe. Standing on the steps, they shook the robe, and in that instant, everyone was moved.

The robe, when unfurled, resembled a cascading waterfall, pouring into a garden of black flowing water, with several snow-white flowers floating gracefully, instantly captivating everyone's gaze. A moment later, they realized it was a black silk outer robe shimmering with a soft, watery sheen. The hem and wide sleeves each featured a delicate band of snow-white half-flower patterns, and the entire robe was edged with gold thread, making it appear both elegant and luxurious, both luxurious and mysterious. After staring at it for a while, they were astonished to discover that the robe had no distinction between inside and out; the half-flower patterns were identical from front to back. Then, they were even more shocked to find that the robe was completely seamless—was it made without any visible seams?

"This garment was woven by my daughter using silkworm silk from Mount Jiulun." Qiu Changtian's calm explanation struck everyone like a drumbeat, making their hearts tremble.

The jade silk from Jiulun Mountain is a rare treasure, impervious to water and fire, and more importantly, extremely flexible. Unless it's a divine weapon, it's invulnerable to swords and spears. Moreover... it was woven by the hand of Miss Qiu from Changtian Manor...

"This little girl named it 'Heavenly Silk Robe.' Whoever wins the championship today will receive this as a prize."

As soon as Qiu Changtian finished speaking, everyone's minds cleared.

Win! The most important thing is to win!

Moreover… considering Qiu Changtian's earlier and later statements, everyone understood at that moment, and their already excited hearts grew even more impatient. Chapter 8, Part 3: The Grand Gathering of Changtian (Part 2)

Updated: [2008-11-28 14:06:44.0]

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"So that's how it is, no wonder, no wonder!" Yuwen Luo could see and hear clearly, and couldn't help but sigh repeatedly.

"No wonder what?" Ning Lang was still marveling at the Tencel garment.

"No wonder so many young masters have come, and they are all outstanding from their respective schools." Yuwen Luo sighed once again as he glanced at the group.

Ning Lang blinked, looking at Yuwen Luo with a puzzled expression, not quite understanding what the 'Heavenly Silk Robe' had to do with the masters of various schools and sects.

"You don't understand, do you?" Yuwen Luo glanced at Ning Lang, raised his hand and patted his head. "I didn't expect you to understand anyway."

"Big brother." Ning Lang pulled the hand off his head.

"Did you hear what Master Qiu said just now?" Yuwen Luo released his head and said, "To put it bluntly, what he meant was: I, Qiu, am too old to fight for 'Lan Yin Bi Yue' anymore. You young people can go and snatch it, but first have a contest at my Changtian Manor so that I can weigh your strength. I will give the most outstanding person a reward."

"Oh, I know that. Master Qiu just mentioned it."

"The key is in the reward." Yuwen Luo's brow twitched. "This 'Heavenly Silk Robe' was woven by the apple of Master Qiu's eye, do you understand? For whom would a woman weave a robe? Of course, it's for her husband! Old Man Qiu is clearly choosing a son-in-law! Not only is he choosing a son-in-law, but he's also choosing the 'Master of the Orchid Token'! Today's champion will be tomorrow's son-in-law of Changtian Manor and the emperor of the martial world the day after!"

"Huh?" Ning Lang's eyes widened. How could something as simple as a martial arts match between young people have so many implications?

"So look at all these people in this garden, aren't they all renowned young heroes in the martial arts world?!" Yuwen Luo waved his hand around the room. "Who among these people doesn't want to be the 'Master of the Orchid Decree'? If they could get the support of Changtian Manor, one of the six great families, that would be like already putting a finger on the 'Orchid Decree'!"

Yuwen Luo glanced at the 'Tian Si' dress and said with a hint of envy, "Besides, Miss Qiu is a famous beauty in the martial arts world. 'Autumn waters and waves are incredibly charming' is no exaggeration. I also want to marry such a beauty and become the 'Orchid Lord'."

"Then why don't you go and participate in the martial arts competition too, brother?" Ning Lang suggested honestly.

"Hmph!" Yuwen Luo gritted his teeth, "I wish I had such good martial arts skills!"

"That……"

"Well, well, just watch! You can only watch!" Yuwen Luo lowered his head, somewhat dejected. "Besides, if I dared to go up, my older brother would smash my head in... By the way, you know I'm from the Yuwen family, right?"

"Huh?" Ning Lang exclaimed in surprise.

Yuwen Luo was utterly devastated by his appearance. "I knew you were from the Ning family the moment I saw that silver spear on your back. We've been together for almost a month, and you didn't even know I was from the Yuwen family?! And..." He pointed to Yuwen Yi in the pavilion, "Could someone with the surname Yuwen who sits with Qiu Changtian be an ordinary person? Why can't you think a little more carefully!"

“There are many people in the world with the surname Yuwen, and it’s not only the Yuwen family who can sit with Master Qiu.” Ning Lang said something clever, shutting up Yuwen Luo.

Yuwen Luo glanced at Ning Lang, then nodded. "Under my wise guidance, you have indeed made progress. Come, let me introduce you to some more people." He pointed to the pavilion. "The pale-faced, slightly plump man sitting next to my elder brother, smiling amiably, is Hua Qinghe, the eldest son of the Hua family of Baizhou. He also has a younger sister, a beauty on par with Miss Qiu. 'Her beauty is as radiant as the shadows of flowers, her charm as captivating as the rippling autumn waters'—these two lines describe the two great beauties of the martial world, one in the north and one in the south—Hua Fushu and Qiu Hengbo. I haven't met Qiu Hengbo yet, but Hua Fushu…" At this point, Yuwen Luo narrowed his eyes, as if recalling the Hua family's young lady's appearance, his face filled with longing. "Her natural beauty is truly captivating!"

"Oh." Ning Lang, who was so admired by Yuwen Luo, didn't react much. Instead, she pointed to the pavilion and asked, "Then, who is sitting behind Senior Nan?"

Upon seeing the man, Yuwen Luo immediately became serious and said, "Mei Hongming, the disciple of the Peach Blossom Sect. Don't let his appearance as a weak scholar fool you; he's a formidable figure. I'd rather offend my elder brother than mess with anyone from the Peach Blossom Sect!"

"Why?"

"The saying 'Light Green Sword, Azure Cloud Blade, Wind and Mist Palm, Peach Blossom Weapon' describes the strengths of the four major sects. The Peach Blossom Sect is renowned for its hidden weapons. Compared to swords, knives, fists, and palms, hidden weapons are incredibly difficult to defend against. Moreover, the Peach Blossom Sect's hidden weapons specifically target the eight extraordinary meridians, which can at best reduce your strength by several percent, and at worst cripple your martial arts or even kill you. Therefore, the most feared of the four major sects is not the Wind and Mist Sect, which has produced five generations of 'Lan Lingyin Masters,' but the Peach Blossom Sect, which only cares about its own affairs. And don't be fooled by the elegant names they give their hidden weapons, such as 'Spring Night Drizzle, Summer Lotus Reflection, Autumn Wind and White Dew, Winter Plum Blossom in Snow.' The more beautiful the name, the more vicious the weapon."

"Oh." Ning Lang indicated that he had remembered.

"The woman in the Taoist robe, though pretty, with a cold face, is Shang Pinghan, the eldest disciple of the Feixue Temple in Nanling. The tall man with a full beard is Wei Lang, the leader of Wuyun Village. The one in red robes carrying a whisk is 'Buddha's Hand Three Thousand' Jinquelou..."

While Yuwen Luo was busy introducing martial arts figures to Ning Lang, Qiu Changtian was explaining the competition rules.

"This is just a friendly martial arts contest, so I haven't set up any arena. I'll use the two-zhang-wide open space in front of this pavilion as the stage. Everyone can spar a bit, but stop when you've made your point. Please don't hurt our harmony. Also, please don't damage the flowers, trees, or objects in the courtyard. They represent my daughter's hard work."

After these words, some people felt unsatisfied, but considering Qiu Changtian's reputation for benevolence and chivalry, it was normal for her to make such a request. Looking around at the elegant garden and realizing that all of this was done by Miss Qiu, those heroes couldn't help but feel satisfied again.

"The contest can be either a literary contest or a martial contest, it's up to you all. Alright, I won't say any more. Which hero would like to be the first to step forward?"

As soon as Qiu Changtian finished speaking, many people wanted to be the "first person" to do so, but... all their eyes turned to the pavilion. After weighing their options and thinking it over, they still hesitated, and the garden fell into a cold silence.

After a long silence, someone finally broke the silence, stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and asked with some hope, "May I ask if Seventh Young Master and Second Young Master will participate?"

This was a sentiment shared by many, and finally someone had voiced it. Immediately, all eyes in the garden turned gratefully to the questioner, then hopefully towards the two people in the pavilion. While reputation and martial arts skills might not be equally impressive, it would be best if these two didn't get involved!

Qiu Changtian and Nanwofeng also looked at Lan Qi and Ming Er with smiles.

"Heh..." Lan Qi waved her jade fan, her emerald eyes sweeping around, and everyone in the garden felt as if their souls had been hooked, and they swayed involuntarily. "Today is truly a rare occasion, to meet Young Master Ming here, how could I possibly miss it?"

With a light touch, yet captivating and alluring, the heroes were momentarily mesmerized, then suddenly understood.

Of course I will participate, but I don't take any of you seriously. My opponent is just a minor Ming Er.

The once quiet garden was suddenly filled with snorting sounds, the loudest coming from the small pavilion.

"Not at all, it is I who should take this rare opportunity to learn from all the heroes and Seventh Young Master." Ming Er stood up, cupped his hands, his demeanor calm and elegant. He looked around at the heroes, a faint smile on his face that pleased everyone.

As expected, demons cannot compare to immortals! The heroes breathed a sigh of relief.

A cold and aloof figure stepped out of the pavilion.

"I, Yuwen, am unworthy to be the first to do this, and I humbly request guidance from all the heroes." Yuwen clasped his hands in greeting, his gaze sweeping around the garden before settling on Lan Qi, where he remained rooted to the spot.

Everyone held their breath. Who would win between the eldest son of the Yuwen family and the seventh young master of the Lan family?

"Hehe..." Lan Qi laughed heartily, his jade fan swaying, his hair ribbon fluttering, his dashing and wicked charm swaying throughout the garden. "This trip was truly worthwhile. To witness Young Master Yuwen fight against heroes of the world with his bare hands is truly unprecedented and unparalleled! How fortunate I am to have such a good eye!"

Upon hearing this, Yuwen's arrogant eyes turned cold, while the heroes in the garden were stunned for a moment before being pleasantly surprised, and some even began to feel grateful to the "Azure Demon" they had just hated.

"It seems that my elder brother is doomed this time." Yuwen Luo could only sigh as he watched from afar.

"Why?" Ning Lang asked, puzzled.

"My elder brother originally challenged Lan Qishao, but Qishao not only refused with a single word, but also forced my elder brother to fight empty-handed until he either defeats all the opponents in the garden or is defeated himself," Yuwen Luo said worriedly.

“Senior Qiu didn’t just say that weapons were forbidden, did he? And your elder brother doesn’t have to obey Lan…Seventh Young Master’s orders,” Ning Lang said.

“My elder brother is such a proud man, how could he give others something to talk about?” Yuwen Luo glared at him, then turned back to look at Lan Qi, who was elegantly fanning himself in the pavilion. “It’s true that this person is called ‘Bi Yao’.”

Upon hearing this, Ning Lang pursed his lips, wanting to say something but ultimately keeping quiet.

Yuwen glanced at Lan Qi, then turned around and said arrogantly, "Yuwen will now ask the heroes for guidance with his bare hands."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Changtian and Nan Wofeng exchanged a glance, each frowning slightly, but said nothing.

Upon hearing this, the heroes in the garden were both indignant and delighted.

You, Yuwen??, are indeed the eldest son of the Yuwen family. You became famous at a young age and your martial arts are superb. Your Crimson Dragon Whip is unmatched in the martial world. But you dared to boast in public that you would face all the heroes of the world empty-handed. That is a grave mistake! Even Lan Qi, as arrogant as you are, still knows he has an opponent, Ming Er, and has not declared himself invincible!