Chapter 168

Chapter 168: Chapter 168 Victory and Defeat

Liu Changsheng, clad in stark white mourning clothes, was especially conspicuous in the bustling celebration of Huangtong Mansion City.

Many people cast strange glances his way.

Seeing the sword in his hand, which suggested the attire of a chivalrous young martial artist, they dared not inquire further. They steered clear of him as if he were a venomous snake, whispering to themselves only afte he had passed by.

Liu Changsheng paid no attention to any of it.

Along the way, the opulence merely passed him by; the noise and revelry seemed to be beyond his perception.

Carrying his sword, he headed straight for the location of Longxing Martial Arts Hall.

This was his second visit to Huangtong Mansion City.

Last time, however, he had come as an “examiner” from the Five Elements Sect to assess the subordinate martial arts halls. He had been treated with great respect and had come with the intention of touring and relaxing his mind.

It was during that visit that he had met Zhou Heng.

But returning to Huangtong Mansion City this time, Liu Changsheng had come with a completely different mindset. He was here for one purpose only: to seek revenge.

To avenge the father who had raised him to adulthood, who had taught him martial arts.

To avenge the father who had provided him with a comfortable life and generous conditions, allowing him to grow up carefree.

And to avenge the father who had gone mad with obsession and deserved to die a thousand deaths.

To kill Zhou Heng!

In truth, Liu Changsheng had no intention of returning this time.

Regardless of success or failure.

If he failed, he was willing to die by Zhou Heng’s hand. If he was inferior in skills, it was only right to accept death.

If he succeeded, he would take his own life as penance and not bring trouble upon the Five Elements Sect.

…

While the celebration raged outside Longxing Martial Arts Hall, inside it was peaceful and silent.

Zhou Heng, the hall master, had not gone out but was sitting quietly in the training room, cultivating his spirit.

In recent days, he had been relentlessly training in martial arts, honing his techniques.

All in preparation to face the envoy from the Five Elements Sect.

Though his power was already formidable, not just an Eighth Rank martial artist but even those at the peak of the Seventh Rank would struggle to find someone to spar with, Zhou Heng never became complacent because of his strength; he continued to prepare cautiously.

The moment Liu Changsheng stepped into Huangtong Mansion City, Zhou Heng felt a disturbance in his spirit, and he suddenly looked up in the direction Liu Changsheng was coming from.

This ability to sense someone from afar transcended the capabilities of the Lower Third Rank, a result of his recent cultivation with Innate Pure Yang Inner Qi nourishing his spirit and seemingly influenced by his Spiritual Root +3 base attribute.

The enhancement from his Spiritual Root attribute seemed to be connected with the consolidation of his Divine Soul.

…

Tthe day at Longxing Martial Arts Hall was truly the most bustling it had been in decades.

Nearly ten thousand people had crowded the street to spectate, packed shoulder to shoulder, sweating profusely. It was fortunate that it was nearing October, and the weather was cooling, or else many would likely faint from the heat.

Lei Xiuyan, supporting the elderly former hall master, watched the lively scene before Longxing Martial Arts Hall. The old man couldn’t stop grinning with joy, laughing heartily wherever he looked.

When he had established Longxing Martial Arts Hall decades ago, he never imagined it would see a day as grand as this.

And this grandeur was just the beginning, just a starting point. In the future, Longxing would surely climb even higher and achieve greater accomplishments.

This was a martial arts hall authorized by Pure Yang Palace, presided over by the sixth-generation true disciple and deputy to the head of Pure Yang Palace!

“`

From another direction, Lin Cang also came with his wife and child, watching the bustling scene in front of Longxing Martial Arts Hall.

This time, he could finally put his family’s mind at ease for good.

Though it was already a certainty that Longxing had been authorized by the Pure Yang Palace to reopen and resume business, his family had yet to see Longxing’s true “rebirth”. Even if they believed Lin Cang wouldn’t lie, there was still some unease.

Now, they could finally be completely at ease.

Pei Luoling and Pei Luoshu, the siblings, also arrived here and stood among the crowd, ready to watch the opening ceremony of Longxing Martial Arts Hall.

They had actually come to Huangtong Mansion City much earlier, urged by Pei Luoling herself. She wanted to find Zhou Heng to listen to his stories, and Pei Luoshu, unable to dissuade her, could only follow. Yet, he had not expected to encounter such a grand occasion.

“Zhou Heng hasn’t shown up for so many days; it seems he’s being quite cautious with the people from the Five Elements Sect,” Pei Luoshu looked around and, not seeing Zhou Heng, laughed, “I’m really looking forward to the upcoming battle.”

“Brother, didn’t you always say that you were a bit stronger than Zhou Heng?” Pei Luoshu blinked and said with a light laugh, “By the way, your ranking on the Warrior’s List is also above Zhou Heng. How about going for a match with him after the ceremony is over?”

“Stop it, I’m just here to watch this time, let’s just enjoy watching the Five Elements Sect people compete with Zhou Heng,” Pei Luoshu quickly shook his head.

The terrifying power Zhou Heng demonstrated previously at the Chang Xing Sect’s mountain gate made him fully aware that he probably wouldn’t be able to withstand even a single move from Zhou Heng.

Across the street from Longxing Martial Arts Hall, a new restaurant owned by the Yu Family had recently opened.

At this moment, quite a few wealthy merchants had reserved the best rooms with a view in this restaurant, where, while eating and drinking, they were fanned by maids, all set to comfortably watch the opening ceremony of Longxing Martial Arts Hall.

At the same time, they were calculating in their minds how much gold it would take to get their young scions admitted into this martial arts hall to learn martial arts?

Five hundred taels?

Or a thousand taels?

The newly revived Longxing Martial Arts Hall was not the same as before. Previously, enrolling an apprentice would only cost about ten taels of silver a year, but now, with the name of Pure Yang Palace behind it, the situation was significantly different.

Although the new Longxing had land specially approved by the prefectural city government and the Martial Affairs Office and was building a new martial arts hall, it would still take time. For the time being, Longxing could only operate in this building.

This also meant that the number of apprentices the new Longxing could enroll in the first batch would inevitably be very limited.

To the merchants, the significance of this “first batch” was very special. Compared to the “second batch”, “third batch”, and even later batches, there must be a fundamental difference.

This drove the “sponsorship fee” for the first batch of students through the roof.

“This is such a moneymaker.” Many merchants sighed in their hearts that upon collecting these sponsorship fees, Longxing Martial Arts Hall was going to make a killing.

And that didn’t even include the tuition fees.

Just who had come up with this idea? It was truly a genius money-making scheme.

But what they didn’t know

was that the very person who originated this “sponsorship fee” idea, quietly spreading this concept so that these rich merchants were tripping over themselves to pay up —

was a youth who was currently bustling about in Longxing Martial Arts Hall, receiving guests, handling various affairs, looking for all the world like a common laborer.

Yu He.

He could be said to be the busiest person in Longxing during this period.

Besides the “limited apprentice spots” and “sponsorship fee” tactics to increase the earnings of the martial arts hall’s first pot of gold, the entire opening ceremony was also his plan. He was responsible for the detailed procedures, inviting guests to attend, ribbon-cutting, and all other related matters.

If it were someone else, they might have been exhausted by busyness. Yet Yu He thrived in this environment — these were just the things he was best and most fond of doing. According to him, this was much more comfortable than training in martial arts.

Yu He had just finished receiving a guest when he quickly ducked out, only to hear a sudden commotion up ahead. Then came a few screams, as if someone were injured.

He hurried over to see what was happening.

This was the first day of the new Longxing Martial Arts Hall, and nothing could go wrong.

When Yu He got there, he saw several men he had hired to maintain order rolling on the ground. However, they only seemed to be in pain from minor flesh wounds and had not sustained serious injuries.

“`

Following that, he turned his gaze and saw a figure dressed in a stark white mourning outfit, a sword in hand.

“You… you, Young Master Liu?!” Yu He was utterly astonished and subconsciously took two steps back, taking a deep breath, he said, “What have you come for?”

“He’s here for me.” Just then, Zhou Heng’s voice suddenly rang out. Unbeknownst to anyone, he had already come out from the martial arts hall and stood in front of Liu Changsheng.

“Zhou Heng!” Yu He exclaimed with delight.

The surrounding crowd also erupted into excitement, the wealthy businessmen from the tavern stood up, staring intently from afar.

Pei Luoling and Pei Luoshu, however, had grave expressions. They had sensed something extraordinary about Liu Changsheng. His strength was definitely not ordinary, not just a mere Seventh Rank.

“You have come.” Zhou Heng looked at Liu Changsheng.

“You should have guessed that I would come.” Liu Changsheng said indifferently.

“Come then.” Zhou Heng gave a slight nod and walked ahead to an intentionally cleared space in front of the martial arts hall that had been left empty for this very purpose.

Many thought this space was reserved by Zhou Heng for a ribbon-cutting area, but in reality, it was to face a powerhouse from the Five Elements Sect in a “battlefield” he had prepared.

“Alright.” Liu Changsheng was sparing with his words, nodding and following behind.

The people present were abuzz with discussion, quickly understanding what was happening; the Five Elements Sect was following martial world traditions and had sent someone to challenge the hall.

However, it was also pointed out that Liu Changsheng was a true successor of the Five Elements Sect, the son of “Green Wood Divine Sword” Liu Gaoyang, a former elder of the sect.

The earth-shattering upheaval that had taken place several months ago at Yuanhe Prefecture City had long since spread to Huangtong Prefecture City, and the news of Liu Gaoyang’s death at the hands of Zhou Heng was also well-known.

Clearly, Liu Changsheng came not only to challenge the hall but also to avenge his father’s death at the hands of Zhou Heng.

This battle was very likely going to be a fight to the death.

Once they grasped the situation, those present held their breath and focused their attention on Zhou Heng and Liu Changsheng.

Lei Xiuyan, Lin Cang, Yu He, and others also gathered together, their expressions tense.

Clang!

Suddenly, a sword cry sounded as Liu Changsheng drew his sword, its sound like a dragon’s roar, clear and piercing. In the sunlight, the sword edge gleamed brightly, obviously a fine weapon.

“A high-quality blade.” Holding his sword towards Zhou Heng, Liu Changsheng said indifferently, “What about your weapon?”

“This.” Zhou Heng raised his hand, showing that he had already donned his gloves, and said, “Is also a high-quality blade.”

“Then… let’s begin!” Liu Changsheng’s gaze sharpened.

After three breaths, he channeled his Inner Qi imbued with the force of Green Wood. His figure suddenly flashed, almost instantly rushing in front of Zhou Heng.

As his right hand thrusted the sword forward, his left palm was concealed behind. At the moment the sword’s edge almost truly pierced Zhou Heng, he feinted a move and fiercely slapped out with his left palm.

A feint!

Liu Changsheng knew his first sword strike couldn’t possibly hit Zhou Heng through an orthodox attack, so he pretended to feint, using it as a cover for his left palm’s surprise attack.

As his palm struck, layers of azure mist spread out, the force was substantial and overwhelming, like a vast forest toppling over, bearing down on Zhou Heng.

Even the common spectators and Ninth and Eighth Rank martial artists around them felt their hearts trembling and couldn’t help but want to step back.

This was the Five Elements Sect’s Seventh Rank palm technique “Thousand Trees and Myriad Woods Palm.”

However, to Zhou Heng, this palm technique had no trickery; with the profound principles of the Nine Swords in mind, such a level of Seventh Rank palm technique was full of flaws to him.

With a simple raising of his hand, he could easily break through it.

But just as Zhou Heng lifted his palm to hit Liu Changsheng’s left wrist, trying to break the Thousand Trees and Myriad Woods Palm, the sword that was supposed to be a mere feint suddenly turned into a real attack, aiming for Zhou Heng’s neck.

This sword strike was Liu Changsheng’s true intention.

Just now, what seemed like a feinting sword move to cover a real attack with palm techniques, was in fact the palm strike that was the true feint, while the seemingly feint sword strike was the real killing move!

The “Leaves Traversing the Forest Sword Technique” of the Five Elements Sect’s Seventh Rank swordsmanship.

This set of swordplay was designed to work in tandem with the Thousand Trees and Ten Thousand Woods Palm, complementing each other to confuse the enemy and hide the real killing move.

Unfortunately, Zhou Heng’s spiritual perception was incredibly strong. The moment Liu Changsheng’s sword move changed, he sensed that something was wrong, immediately raised his left hand, formed his fingers into a sword, and pointed it at Liu Changsheng’s sword.

The Sword-Breaking Technique!

Clang!

In the midst of the sword’s ringing, Liu Changsheng only felt a tremendous force transmitted through the longsword in his hand, almost dissipating his inner Qi, causing pain in his palm, and abruptly halting his offensive momentum.

So strong!

Too strong!

Could such strength, such inner Qi, and such a grasp and deep understanding of techniques really belong to an Eighth Rank martial artist?

It was simply too inconceivable!

Liu Changsheng’s heart was filled with shock and doubt. Zhou Heng’s power was outrageously strong, and just one exchange had made him realize the gap in strength.

He, at the peak of the Seventh Rank, not only didn’t gain the upper hand but actually fell into a disadvantaged position.

However, Liu Changsheng was not panicked, and was even somewhat pleasantly surprised.

Because what he wanted was exactly that momentary cessation of his inner Qi, and it came sooner than expected!

The Qing Divine Descending Sword martial technique was powerful and mysterious. To execute it while at the Seventh Rank, he needed to adjust his body’s condition, inducing a momentary cessation of his inner Qi.

By harnessing this momentary pause, he could forcibly draw upon the heaven and earth’s vital energy, intertwine it with the Green Wood Principles to strengthen himself, achieving an effect akin to having the Qing God descend upon him, infusing his sword strikes with the ability of heaven and earth, greatly increasing their power.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a fierce wind blew up, stirring the vital energies of heaven and earth, causing clouds to surge in the sky, and the wind and clouds to change colors!

Clang!

The longsword in Liu Changsheng’s hand resonated, and his whole presence soaring dramatically – stern and authoritative, exalted, like a deity descending upon the mortal realm.

Following that, a green glow gathered on the longsword, full of vibrant life yet also shining with infinite edge, as if it could sever everything in the world!

“Zhou Heng, take this strike from me!!”

Crackle!

The sword light burst forth, as if it tore open the void itself, making a piercing screeching sound that compelled the onlookers around to cover their ears, and the brilliance was too dazzling to look at directly.

Zhou Heng, facing this strike, seemed to have no intention of defending or dodging at all, just standing there as if waiting for death to arrive.

“What is he doing??” Liu Changsheng was astonished and puzzled, but at that moment, he suddenly felt a flash of golden light before his eyes filling his entire field of vision.

Ding ding ding!!

The sound of the ringing bell suddenly burst, and Liu Changsheng felt as if he saw a gigantic golden bell in a daze.

The light from this golden bell actually overpowered the green sword light and shattered it to pieces.

His Secret Sixth Rank sword technique had not inflicted any damage on Zhou Heng and was broken just like that?!

“You lost.”

As Liu Changsheng regained his senses, he heard Zhou Heng’s cool voice, and simultaneously realized that Zhou Heng’s sword finger was already against his neck.

With just a forward thrust of his sword finger, his life could be ended.