Long You JiangHu -- Chapter 1
Datong Empire. During the first year of the Wei1 era.
It had been three hundred years since the founding of Datong’s Empire. Still could maintain the exceptional flourishing era, the loftiness of the Imperial Dynasty, the world was very peaceful, how could there be people from Jianghu that would agree to disturb the peacefulness of the ordinary people. Naturally only remained the fighting within their territory, fighting with each other to vie over the Leader of Martial Artists Alliance position.
Countless heroes held their swords while traveling all over the world, to leave behind innumerable wonderful legends for the next generations……
“Hanging on the waist is a sword, the chat and play is about sword. In the jar is wine, to endure the parting. To die on the battlefield, regard it as an oath. E’mei2’s important teaching is against s.e.x. Since time immemorial regarding Jianghu’s affairs of young man and woman in love, how many meet a veined end……”
Taihu3 under the scorching sun of the afternoon, the fishermen already sailed their boats to the sh.o.r.e to have their lunch. On the bluish green like a boat made of jade limpid clear and calm surface of the lake, from far far away, a crystal clear loud and sonorous singing voice of a male was transmitted, echoing endlessly among the range of mountains, causing the people who were stopping their boats by the lake’s sh.o.r.e to curiously stare at the direction where the sound was transmitted, but could only see the mirror like water of the lake, the leisurely white clouds on the faraway mountain, there wasn’t the tiniest sign of a human being.
At the moment when everyone was being bewildered, they saw a small boat from the graceful terraces of the mountain pa.s.s by the mountain, --- on that boat, moving the boat with a pole, was a man in green clothes. The singing voice hadn’t faded yet, coming along the boat with a cutting wind pace, coming closer and closer.
That man rowing technique was obviously with an exquisite style, just now saw the figure still in a hundred Zhang distant, only in a matter of minutes, that little boat already came closer to the sh.o.r.e, to the point all the fishermen who had known many skillful fishermen because of this could only stare in a daze.
“Excuse me old Sir, this mountain before me, is it the Bieque summit of Junqing Mountain?” The little boat arrived at the sh.o.r.e, the one who came down was a young man around twenty with dashing eyebrows and starry eyes. He was refined and courteously greeted by clasping his hands, facing an oldman on a fishing boat to ask.
“Ah, this is indeed Bieque summit…… May I know which way do you want to go?” The old man looking the young man up and down, hard to restrain his curiosity he asked.
“That is the Manor of Bieque Mountain…”
The old man suddenly realized, busily cupped his hands in greeting: “So Young Master is the friend of the Master of the Manor? Pardon me for my lack of manners.”
He raised his hand to point at the far away direction which was screened by the cl.u.s.ter of greeneries, “That direction is to the Bieque Mountain Village, with Young Master’s step skills, only in a brief time already could reach there.”
“Thank you very much, Old Sir.” The youth clasped his hands out of courtesy again, facing the direction pointed by the old man, he went away.
“Sigh, say, Lao w.a.n.g ah……” The next boat owner who loved to b.u.t.t in came to strike a conversation, “You think this Bieque Mountain Village, had something happened? I see that these past several days, it seems like the guests are continuously coming?”
The Chief of Bieque Mountain Village, Master Lu, was this region’s well-known charitable person. The rumor had it, he was a great swordsman in one era of the Jianghu, after returning to the civilian life he lived in seclusion in this side of Taihu. Because somewhat of a benevolent and kind person, he often carried out the act of helping the injured neighbors, giving the free medical service and medicine for the poor fishermen family who were sick, he was always loved and esteemed by all the people.
Once hearing someone guessing something happened in his family, a lot of people came to gather. In a lively discussion with everybody talking at once trying to make a conjecture.
The gossip hadn’t ended yet, they heard that Lao w.a.n.g heaved a sigh: “…… Master Lu is so benevolent, I can only earnestly pray for the peacefulness and healthiness of him and his family, without any accident, without any calamity!”
That young traveller just now of course couldn’t hear the discussion of the people. For the reason he had exceeded the time of the appointment, he had been exerting his footwork to dash on the mountain path. In a blink of an eye, he already arrived at the building screened by the luxuriant greeneries in the Bieque Mountain Village.
“Big Brother, trouble you to please inform your Master, just say that Zhao Ding Wen of Hebei has arrived!” In rushed steps he arrived at the gate, the youth didn’t even have the time to catch up with his breathing, he made the person at the door to help him notify his arrival.
Having a spell of rest, he saw in the hallway a cl.u.s.ter of people coming his way. The one leading dressed up like a landlord was the Master of this Manor, the formerly adeptin martial arts and given to chivalrous conduct well-known by many in Jianghu, Lu Qing Tian.
From a distant seeing the figure of this young person, on the old face of that Lu Qing Tian in an instant revealed a relived expression.
“Ai ya, is it Brother Zhao? Have been waiting for quite some time already. However, it’s good that you have come, good that you have come.” Lu Qing Tian was more than fifty years old, seeing this about twenty years old youth, he profess himself as brother, causing people to feel that the youth’s status was absolutely not ordinary.
“On the way here, there was something holding me up, have caused Brother Lu to be worried. Let’s just be quick to discuss the important matter!” Zhao Ding Wen didn’t talk further, following Lu Qing Tian he headed to the Manor, clearly he had since long been accustomed to the courtesy from other people.
Entering the center hall, there were already not a few figures from the Martial Arts world gathering inside. Seeing that Lu Qing Tian hurriedly went out to greet but actually only brought back a youth, they couldn’t help but display a not understanding expression.
Lu Qing Tian busily introduced: “All heroes, this is the person that I mentioned to all of you before, the last disciple of Elder San Yan, Zhao Ding Wen, Brother Zhao. He freshly joins the Jianghu, I reckon that everybody must not have seen him before.”
“Ah……” The hall immediately bustled with a noise of excitement. Obviously everybody hadn’t expected that the greatest amongst the martial artist seniors, Elder San Yan, would actually have such a youthful disciple, no wonder that even the great senior Lu Qing Tian also must be polite and respectful towards him.
“Come, let me introduce to Brother Zhao every hero who has come to help.”
Lu Qing Tian led Zhao Ding Wen to a certain person: “Brother Zhao, they are the representative of the world well-known Longyou Stronghold, Madam Ren and Mistress Ren Xuan Shuang. Hearing this time our Manor and The Grand Jade Palace is about to have a decisive battle, these two heroes are coming from a thousand Li’s distance the experts from their fortress come here to encourage and aid us, truly a heroic and loyal deed!”
“You flatter me……” That Ren Xuan Shuang gracefully kowtowed, she was wearing all black, beautiful like a pure lotus in the summer, between her locked brows was heavy with grudge, causing people to feel deep regret.
“Young Master Lu was captured by The Grand Jade Palace, thus for us from righteous path of the martial arts is an extraordinary shame and humiliation. Longyou Stronghold and The Grand Jade Palace always have a huge debt of blood, how can my daughter towards this matter watch with folded arms?”
Zhou Ding Wen slightly nodded his head. Even if he followed his Master to live in seclusion in the depth of the mountain, regarding big matters on the Jianghu, someone often sent letters via a flying pigeon. This Longyou Stronghold a.s.signed Master, also the current a.s.signed leader of the Martial Artists Alliance4, Long Shao You, five years ago, went missing when he was going for thousands Li distance all alone on a mission to capture the Master of The Grand Jade Palace, widely rumored because of the despicable method of The Grand Jade Palace’s Master, had been killed. At that time Long Shao You just came to an age of twenty one, to the extent he hadn’t had the chance to marry the since earlier had been decided marriage, to marry the third daughter from the Ren Clan of the Martial Artists world. This had become one of the greatest tragic events in Jianghu.
And this Ren Xuan Shuang was an unusual figure. Hearing the news that Long Shao You had been killed, still insisted to be married to Longyou Stronghold, considered herself to be the widow of Long Shao You, supported and waited upon the husband and wife Master of the Stronghold.
Although Zhao Ding Wen in secret felt that her unmarried yet being a widow was really pedantic, but the common practice for this era, an indomitably chaste was an honor, putting Ren Xuan Shuang as a role model for all women, to the point there were people who shout out the intention for Ren Xuan Shuang to take over the position of Wulin Mengzhu which was all along vacant since the death of Long Shao Yao.
The present Longyou Stronghold even if a host of dragons without a head, but still not losing their great influence in Jianghu. A prideful person such as Zhao Ding Wen also didn’t dare to take them lightly, busily bowed down and greeted by clasping his hands, regarded it as a meeting courtesy.
Lu Qing Tian introduced him to the others heroes in the hall. What made Zhao Ding Wen to be surprised was, these figures were actually prestigious personages in Jianghu, like Monk Qian Jie from the martial arts temple fist section of the Shaolin Temple, Qing Jing from the secluded E’mei, also, Hou Liu Wen Feng from the Southern Borders, all of them were the well-known seniors, hardly no longer moved in the Jianghu.
Even if this time could be said as the Martial Artists from the righteous path fighting a decisive battle with the representative of the evil path, The Grand Jade Palace, but could move this many well-known martial artists expert, showing that Lu Qing Tian was a benevolent, having great respect kind of person. It was no wonder that his Master who had been living in seclusion for so many years would let him to descend from the mountain to give him a helping hand.
This Lu Qing Tian in his old age, had only one son who was in his sixteenth year. His appearance was a young boy with a girl looks, brows and eyes like the autumn waters, face like the lotus flower, was a far and near famous beautiful male.
The Grand Jade Palace was notorious for always being fond of males. According to the rumors, the subordinates only chose beautiful males for him, searching four directions for beautiful young boys to supply his indulging in pleasure lifestyle. The son of Lu Qing Tian this time was having bad luck, being seen by the subordinates of the Grand Jade Palace, after lost his consciousness, he was captured and brought to the Grand Jade Palace.
Lu Qing Tian knowing his son went missing, of course unbearably anxious, almost using up all of his connection he finally inquired some traces. But the Grand Jade Palace absolutely not something he could deal with by himself, therefore he earnestly asked everywhere for his olden days friends to give him a helping hand, as the result, he could gather this many heroes.
The fixed date of the battle they gave to the Grand Jade Palace was on the seventh of the third month, it was tomorrow. The set location was on the highest peak of the Junqing Mountain, the Full Moon summit.
------
This day, each and every person set their weaponry and rations orderly, following behind Lu Qing Tian going up the Full Moon summit.
However, until the appointed time had exceeded for more than an hour, they still couldn’t see even one figure from the Grand Jade Palace.
Lu Qing Tian waited to the point of anxious, seeing that the Grand Jade Palace people didn’t appear, he was angry to nearly vomit blood: “What an evil! Actually don’t keep his word, truly not taking us the world’s martial artists seriously!”
All of the people were following forth to curse, considering that Lu Qing Tian was impatient to rescue his son, n.o.body dared to suggest going down the mountain at this point.
Waiting for hours, Lu Qing Tian face had turned livid with rage, when he was about to tell the people to go down the mountain, someone with sharp eyes shouted: “Look, the Grand Jade Palace has come!”
All the people hurriedly craned their neck and looked at the mountain feet --- this Grand Jade Palace Master was such ostentatious and extravagant.
They could see that half of the Mountain waist, a queue of people was slowly moving, but the most eye-catching was in the middle section of the troops, a crowd of masked men with magnificent clothes cl.u.s.tered around a carriage which was carried by eight men. The whole queue of people was gradually moving to the top of the mountain, roughly there was more than one hundred people.
“Pei5, what a shameless son of a b.i.t.c.h!”
The most hot-tempered “Fiery Dragon”, Jiang Zheng Zi, spit a mouthful of spittle to his side, towards the Grand Jade Palace’s troop, looking down with a despising face. Everybody knew that the Master of The Grand Jade Palace had a full number of sixty-four personal masked guards, in fact all of them were his male pet. No matter where he was, he would be followed closely by this crowd of people, also not allowed them to let others to see their true ident.i.ty. This kind of manner indeed could be said as a shameless and impudent style. Naturally there was none who would reprimand Jiang Zheng Zi’s rude action.
The queue of people marching forward upon the sight was slow and leisure, but the advancing pace was actually not slow, in a minute they actually already moved closer from the waist of the mountain to the mountain peak.
“Ah, all heroes have come earlier, really sorry…… Our Palace Master on the way here was delayed by some problems……” The person who spoke was the butler of the Grand Jade Palace, nicknamed “The White Face”, Situ Ji. He though had aged, whole face full of wrinkles, yet all along he didn’t take off his attractive young man’s expression, speaking in a coquettish tone, causing the whole heroes upon hearing it to have gooseb.u.mps.
“Cut the bulls.h.i.t, quickly hand over Young Master Lu to us!” The Fiery Dragon charged forward, roaring out loud.
At this moment, the entire of the Grand Jade Palace troops had arrived at the summit, the sedan chair lifters also chose a place far away from the heroes of the righteous path to steadily put down the sedan chair. Seeing Jiang Zheng Zi charging towards the Master of the Grand Jade Palace, the guards who were escorting from all sides one after another blocked in front of the sedan chair. The long swords on their waist also had been unsheathed.
“Why should be so impatient, Young Master Lu is being fine here. As long as you all can be just and honorably surpa.s.s our Grand Jade Palace people, of course we will return him intact.”
The sedan chair was having screen on all four sides, the Master of the Grand Jade Palace was wearing a white veil, n.o.body could clearly see his appearance. But the Grand Jade Palace had been on a rampage in Jianghu for several tens of years, the Master of the Grand Jade Palace should be a more than fifty years old man. Yet, the voice that fell in the heroes ears was clearly an extremely youthful voice, most likely of someone around twenty years old.
The Master of the Grand Jade Palace slightly waved his hand towards his back, there were two guards escorting the Young Master Lu whose hands were tied behind his back, his mouth also got blocked up --- the little youth obviously had been scared to death, upon the sight of his father, his tears anxiously fell down. Being tied up by the guards that he couldn’t make a sound also couldn’t move. This sight fell on Lu Qing Tian’s eyes truly made his heart pained to the utmost.
However, seeing his son in a good state, Lu Qing Tian was also relieved, in an instant regained his power. Facing the Master of the Grand Jade Palace, cursed: “You are such an old obscene evil, why still not quickly let go of my son, otherwise, this all heroes with their invincible might, immediately will kill all of your Grand Jade Palace’s people with no one left!”
All the heroes also from his back one after another chimed in. The Fiery Dragon was fiercer. Charged forward wielding the weapon in his hand while shouting : “You f.a.ggot monster, quick let go of my nephew, if not, certainly will slay you without mercy!”
Waving the sledgehammer in his hand, he was intending to charge forward --- a gleam of silvery light shot out from the Grand Jade Palace, the oncoming force was extremely fast, went straight to the huge body of the Fiery Dragon.
That Fiery Dragon had no time to avoid, p.r.i.c.ked by that silver needle in the mouth, briefly said “aiyo”, he squatted down on his heels while covering his mouth. At the time he stood up, his whole mouth had swollen into a layer of pitch-black, obviously that silver needle was dipped in poison.
From the Grand Jade Palace party, a guard in white with embroidered clothes in an instant made out a haha loud laughter: “b.a.s.t.a.r.d, properly govern your stinking mouth! This time I used a poison which will dissolve itself in three days, next time I will not be this lenient to you anymore.”
The Fiery Dragon was angered by him to the point his seven apertures was discharging out smoke. To no avail he tried to open his mouth, could only cover his mouth and make a “aoao” crying in pain voice on the spot.
“Shanzai Shanzai. Using such a rude and unreasonable method, really not taking the world’s martial artist seriously, this old monk will teach you in place of Brother Situ!” Qian Jie from Shaolin obviously couldn’t stand the arrogance of the Grand Jade Palace, from the crowd of heroes, he stepped out.
“You d.a.m.n baldie, only ghost will be afraid of you!” The guard who shot out the silver needle also unwilling to be outshone, whole face with an itch to have a go expression.
Within sight, the two people were ready to get into a fight, the Master of the Grand Jade Palace lightly waved his hand to that guard, signaling him to step down, facing Monk Qian Jie said: “Monk, you have seen the Thirteenth Autumn secret technique. He is good in using poison. Under his hand there were many who had faced casualties. You and him fight hand to hand really bode ill rather than well.”
“To avoid people saying my Grand Jade Palace uses the strength to bully the weak, how about this --- you see, I have a full number of sixty-four guards. Each and every of them possesses their own unique skill. You can randomly choose one, if they failed to live up to expectations and defeated by you, I will at once return this Lu Zhen intact, definitely not only an empty words.”
His words seemed to be being thoughtful towards Qian Jie, in actuality, greatly demeaned Qian Jie, until that old monk angry to the point his seven apertures fuming with smoke, his brows and beards altogether raised up.
“Good, good, good! Since the Palace’s Master has said this, this old monk won’t hesitate anymore. No need to pick another person, choosing this little brother who takes advantage when someone was being off guard to shoot out his poisonous needle will suffice.” Even if clearly knew this could be a trap, Qian Jie could only brace himself to enter the pitfall. He was dealing with the life of the Jianghu people, absolutely unable to put it aside.
“Then, Monk, you ought to be careful!” All of the people almost could hear the voice of the Master of the Grand Jade Palace sneering inwardly.
Qian Jie posted his monk’s staff and walked to the center of the stage, the guard, The Thirteenth Autumn also had stood in front of him.
The two people observed each other silently, the atmosphere in the battlefield was somewhat nerve wrecking.
Zhao Ding Wen also nervously looked at the curtain --- that Thirteenth Autumn secret weapon method was somewhat weird, he who was familiar with various sect martial arts style also couldn’t find out whose disciple he came from. Causing him to couldn’t help but worry on Qian Jie’s behalf.
The person who asked was someone who stood by his side, Ren Xuan Shuang. She seemed to have a feeling towards Zhao Ding Wen. After knowing each other they often talked, Zhao Ding Wen because of her senstive status didn’t dare to be too intimate.
Hearing her asking him something, Zhao Ding Wen also didn’t want to completely ignore, could only lightly shake his head: “This guy’s kungfu’s style is rather weird, I also cannot conclude. But Teacher Qian Jie style is simple and honest. This guy might not be his match…..”
At the time the two people were talking in whisper, the fight had begun in the center of the battlefield.
That Qian Jie waved his monk’s staff, the movement was extremely aggressive, widely open completely closed. And that Thirteenth Autumn hidden weapon style even if advantageous, but his real kungfu seemingly extremely ordinary, it seemed like he barely could manage to ward off.
“Looks like Teacher Qian Jie has a good chance to win!” Although she was a widow, Ren Xuan Shuang after all was only a twenty year old young woman. As if couldn’t see Zhao Ding Wen deliberately indifferent towards her, she still smilingly chatted with him.
“You old b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Seeing that you are an old senior, I am being lenient to you, but you insensibly became aggressive. Don’t you blame me for being impolite!” Thirteenth Autumn while talking stretched his hand towards his bosom, obviously intended to release his secret weapon.
Qian Jie naturally heightened his staff to be on guard at once. He retreated a step, wielding his monk’s staff to protect his crucial points, fully concentrating his mind on Thirteenth Autumn’s fingers movement.
Thirteenth Autumn’s fingers perked up, numerous roundish black grains was shot out, went straight to Qian Jie’s three vital points.
“This kind of trick also could be used to harm people?” Qian Jie roared out loud, the monk’s staff suddenly a.s.sumed the force, from upside stabbed downward, only could be heard “Dang Dang Dang” three times, those three grains. .h.i.t the stem of the staff, one after another dropped on the ground.
“Ignorant youth, what are you proud of……” Qian Jie saw his opponent lifted his head to face the sky and laughed, the laughter hadn’t stopped yet, his whole person already stiffened and fell on his back.
The heroes on the battlefield were being delighted when the Grand Jade Palace was unable to withstand a single blow, just about to clap their hands and cheer, suddenly met an unforeseen event. For a moment they couldn’t react, just stared blankly on their place.
“Teacher Qian Jie!” Lu Qing Tian was the first person who dashed forward, could only see that Qian Jie already rigidly reclined on the ground, between his brows was a terrible little hole, the surrounding gradually turned to purple color. He had returned to Heaven!
“Old b.a.s.t.a.r.d. You think me Nanhai6…..ahem……think me Thirteenth Autumn is easy to deal with, isn’t it. Now you know my prowess!” Thirteenth Autumn made a loud HaHa laughter. He was pleased with himself to the point forget to cover his ident.i.ty, gave away his origin place.
“So it is actually you, The Poison Expert from Nanhai!” By his two words Nan Hai, Zhao Ding Wen all of a sudden recalled several years ago there was a Poison Expert criss-crossing in Lingnan7. This person was vicious and merciless. Expert in using tricks. Few years ago abruptly disappeared from Jianghu. Never had thought he actually joined the Grand Jade Palace.
“Who are you! Give me your name!” His ident.i.ty was exposed, Thirteenth Autumn instantly ominously glared, facing straight to Zhao Ding Wen who said it out.
Zhao Ding Wen slightly smirked, walked to the center of the battlefield. “I am Zhao Ding Wen, merely a trivial nameless minor figure. Wonder if whether or not to be a match for this Sire to exchange several moves!”
Thirteenth Autumn had an itch to kill, busily said: “Brat, be quick if you wanted to die! I will send you off!”
He a.s.sumed his gesture, didn’t see the Master of Grand Jade Palace on his back slightly crumpled his brows.
Zhao Ding Wen hated his vicious method. For no reason he killed Monk Qian Jie who was a man of virtue and prestige, of course he wouldn’t be polite towards him. He also didn’t prolong the talk, drew out his sword on his waist straightforwardly attack.
His sword sequences was smooth, Thirteenth Autumn had a nowhere to dodge feeling, only felt that if he went to the right, the sword would also follow him to the right, if he moved to the left, the sword force would also go to the left. Truly had the nets above snares below with no place to hide kind of feeling. Until the sharp point of the sword pressed near on his face by then he swayed his body to avoid, but it was already too late, only had the time to escape the fatal attack on his between brows, but the left shoulder had been wounded by the sword’s pointed part, pulled open an extremely deep wound.
“d.a.m.n brat!” The Poison Expert, Thirteenth Autumn had to retreat for three steps before by a hair’s breadth broke off from Zhao Ding Wen’s continuous attack, a burst of fierce air raised up from the pit of his eyes, his fingers were kneaded without a word nor movement, it seemed that he prepared to unleash his family’s secret technique.
Zhao Ding Wen’s eyes were extremely sharp, how could he let him apply whatever sinister and vicious secret weapon, in an instant swayed the sword in his hand, n.o.body could see how he actually approached the Thirteenth Autumn --- could only see a gleam of flashing light, the two people had parted in a brief moment.
That Thirteenth Autumn swayed for a little while, tumbled on the ground --- Zhao Ding Wen in order to avenge Qian Jie, being fierce to the utmost. His sword not only ripped the Thirteenth Autumn’s veil, but also from his forehead all the way to his chin he drew a deep line, the skin and flesh was turned over, the facial features were completely damaged.
His dying appearances although hideous, but still could be seen, his face, while he was still alive, was in the extremely delicate and pretty type, no wonder he could be accepted by the Master of Grand Jade Palace.
From the battlefield suddenly raised up a clapping noise. All of the people were alarmed, facing the direction where the clapping sound was coming from, it was unexpectedly the Master of Grand Jade Palace who was applauding.
“Good, Good, Good. It has been truly a long while since I saw such a wonderful sword play!” The Master of Grand Jade Palace’s voice was clear and pleasant to the ears. When fell on Zhao Ding Wen’s ears, immediately caused him to break out in cold sweat. He could feel that pair of eyes behind the veils were shining like the stars, fell on his body as if wanted to burn a hole piercing through his body.
“Demon!” Zhao Ding Wen turned to face the Master of Grand Jade Palace, pointed his sword at him: “If you have the guts how about you yourself come down to fight me, no need to send these f.a.ggots. Just to dirty my hand in vain!”
He at the first try had loudly amazed the world with a single brilliant feat, suddenly increased his confidence, intended to fight with the hadn’t had a single defeat record Master of the Grand Jade Palace.
The Grand Jade Palace’s Master was not angry, instead, he was laughing: “Brat, go home and train for several years more then say it again. Still that word that I have said, I allow you to choose one of my guards. If they failed to live up to expectations and defeated by you, I will return this Lu Zhen intact.”
“Demon still wants to show off, the dog’s legs had been cut one, be tactful, why not quickly let Lu Young Master go!”
The Grand Jade Palace’s Master unfathomably laughed: “Honestly telling you, amongst my guards, this Thirteenth Autumn if ranked by the kungfu ability, he was on the sixtieth. For your kungfu ability, manage with an effort, can be counted as about the thirtieth. Now allowing you to choose by yourself your opponent, your odds of success is about fifty-fifty, then it must be up to your luck!”
Zhao Ding Wen upon hearing him belittling him to this extent, actually ranked him to the thirtieth among his male pets, his heart of course had an anger --- Elder San Yan should be the world number one expert of the righteous path. He was his one and only disciple. His kungfu should be enough to be the finest in the Jianghu. The Guards of the Grand Jade Palace no matter how highly skilled in martial arts, also couldn’t be that many who could surpa.s.s himself.
He diligently suppressed his anger, shifting his line of vision to the men who were surrounding the Grand Jade Palace’s Master.
Although had their face covered, but still could see their eager to give it a try intention. After all, if could defeat this claimed to be the replacement of the Wulin Mengzhu youth, in front of the Master of Grand Jade Palace absolutely would gain a great merit. Not only strengthened their own position, moreover, could gain the special dote and trust from the Palace’s Master.
Zhao Ding Wen looked around for a whole cycle, stopping his sight on one direction, casually lifted his hand: “It is him ---“
All the people in the summit followed the direction of his fingers to have a look, that was the Grand Jade’s guard who didn’t have whatever special outward appearance, wearing a couldn’t be said as splendid but also not shabby clothes, blue veil was covering his face, standing on a little slanting to the back position from all the guards. Completely couldn’t see which part of him that attracted Zhao Ding Wen’s attention.
The Grand Jade Palace’s Master upon seeing him choosing this person, the expression on his face seemingly slightly changed.
“Are you sure it is him?” Even if being separated by a layer of veil, all of the people could see the mocking smirk by the corner of his mouth.
Zhao Ding Wen being certain nodded his head: “It is him.”
The Grand Jade Palace’s Master turned his head, his line of sight didn’t fall at that guard at all, instead, it was at the faraway place. Applying the softest and the lightest voice said: “Do you hear it? He has chosen you. Quickly go --- but you must remember, if you dare to let loose, when return to the Palace, I will put you in an embarra.s.sing situation.”
Didn’t address him at all, but could be seen that the guard slightly fidgety and bungled, from the lining up troops, he walked out, on the center of the battlefield he calmly stood.
He didn’t a.s.sume whatever stance and posture, only casually stood, looking at the in front of him Zhao Ding Wen then said: “Let’s begin.”
Zhao Ding Wen powerfully stabbed the ground with his sword: “Wait. I am Zhao Ding Wen, though didn’t dare to claim myself as having a grand reputation, also haven’t walked past nameless people. Honorable Brother, since you have no intention to let others have a look at your true features, more or less please announce your name!”
He stood upright and unafraid, cupped his hands as a greeting. Seemed to have some manner, solemn and dignified with the future master of great learning and integrity in martial arts kind of att.i.tude.
That Grand Jade’s guard didn’t make any movement, only slowly shook his head, said: “I am merely a nameless n.o.body in the Grand Jade Palace, why should it trouble Hero to inquiry. I have followed the Master of Grand Jade Palace, my name had since long been forgotten….. If Hero insisted on inquiry, might as well please hero find somebody with a better qualification than me.”
His voice wasn’t loud, the tone was indeed clear and steady. The people on the battlefield could surely really hear him. The righteous path side upon hearing this unavoidably secretly shook their heads: this evil side’s acc.u.mulating male slaves, actually was most willing, to the point even abandon their names. The infatuation towards the Master of the Grand Jade Palace was indeed outrageous!
Zhao Ding Wen slightly creased his brows, shook his head said: “Since honorable brother insists on hiding the head and showing only the tail8, I will also not convenient to keep on forcing. Just as well begin.”
Slightly hoisted the sword in his hand --- there was someone who knew what’s what cried out in alarm: “The Shooting Swallow’s style!”
The eighteen Shooting Swallow styles was the Northern Eagle Stronghold most guarded valuables, pa.s.sed on as a lost body of knowledge. This Zhao Ding Wen on the first hand already used this move, obviously he was greatly mind this opponent before him.
“Want to immediately determine the outcome of the battle?” Seeing him brought about the decisive movement, the Grand Jade’s guard also drew out the sabre on his waist --- that sword was an extremely thin sword. This kind of weapon, if without a concentrated inner strength, it would be hard to injure someone. Seeing him using this type of sword, could be seen that he towards his own inner strength was having the utmost confident.
“Come.” The thin sword on his hand going downward, this was a movement to express the respect for the opponent in martial arts, also the sign to attack.
In the air, there was a sound of “Dang” once, in a twinkling of an eye the two already made a maneuver. The swords intersected, soon after that separated.
The two people stood on the position they were before, as if completely hadn’t moved at all --- but Zhao Ding Wen’s face already lacked of the determination to win expression. Clearly this Grand Jade’s guard kungfu was certainly above his imagination.
A gush of breeze brushed over. The two people immediately charged forward, two figures were in a tangle ……
“You….. Who on earth are you!”
The shadows suddenly separated, that appeared to be energetic and swift as the wind Zhao Ding Wen was attacked by the Grand Jade’s Guard who he looked down on to the point he had to step back three steps before he finally could take a firm stance, it was no wonder if he was such astonished.
“Strangers coming together by chance, why the need to question closely on and on?”
“Life is to perish like the clouds, very difficult to have an intense roaring! Such a skill you have, why the need to secretively become an exclusive property of a man, only wasting your ability?”
“Hehe……” That Grand Jade’s guard upon hearing the words mockingly said “The child is not the fish. On what basis made an irresponsible remark saying the fish was going through a hardship? Each man has their own ambition, why do you need to say more of superfluous words. Might as well throw away your sword and admit defeat!”
The sword complied with the upper body, whomever could see this movement of his was containing a murderous intentions. Must have made a resolution to fight a quick battle to force a quick decision.
Seeing that dazzling the eyes sword’s Qi was soon closing in on Zhao Ding Wen, seeing him lifted his sword to resist, the movement already showed the feeling of less capable than desirable9, it was obvious that he had suffered a not light internal injury from the opponent’s attack.
Facing such a high expert, also suffered an internal injury, looks like Zhao Ding Wen certainly unable to escape from this swift and fierce attack. Among the righteous path, there were several women with a little guts already closed their eyes, to hide from the next b.l.o.o.d.y scene.
In a flint of a light, they saw a shadow rushed to threw itself on the pointed sword which was about to stab Zhao Ding Wen. The whole people couldn’t help but let out a shout out of shocked.
That shadow surprisingly was Ren Xuan Shuang.
This girl was so infatuated. She at the very first time seeing Zhao Ding Wen, already fell in love at the first sight. Although realizing that her own status was extremely awkward, but couldn’t restrain herself from wanting to talk more with him. And this moment seeing him in danger, to one’s surprise dashed on bravely with no thoughts of her own personal safety wanted to ward off the sword in his place.
Facing the swift and fierce force of the sword, this kind of movement of her was no different from a mantis trying to stop a chariot. Looks like it would be a splash and spatter of blood right then and there. The matter suddenly escalated to an unexpected variable.
That Grand Jade’s guard seeing Ren Xuan Shuang threw herself, seemingly extremely shocked, all of a sudden intended to forcibly halt the force of the sword.
The exchange between experts, once the swords had taken out, if forcibly took it back would wound the person who took out the sword. This Grand Jade’s guard actually would show such pity and tenderness to Ren Xuan Shuang, it wouldn’t be strange if all the people in the battlefield because of this could only be dumbstruck.
The exchange between experts, a slight breath of error could forfeit one’s life. This Grand Jade’s guard intended to revoke the force of his sword, how would Zhao Ding Wen be willing to let go the absolutely great opportunity of this moment --- he stirred the sword in his hand to push towards the Grand Jade’s guard, what he wanted to reach was not the vital point of him, instead, he wanted to seize this opportunity to tear apart the veil on his face.
Zhao Ding Wen was bearing the arrogance of a youth. Confident that his kungfu was unrivalled in Jianghu. Unexpectedly being pressed to a disadvantageous position by this masked man, also seeing him to his surprise forcibly revoke his move because of a woman, his prideful heart didn’t allow him to seize this opportunity to kill. Nevertheless, tearing down his veil,on one hand, could make up his lost face a little bit, on the other hand, he in fact was curious to the utmost point, wanted to use this as a pretext to clearly see this highly skilled in martial arts yet willingly laid by a man true features.
The Grand Jade’s guard clearly didn’t expect this conceited youth would actually take advantage of this time to forcefully nitpick his veil, the him whose entire focus was concentrated on the force of the sword didn’t have the time to evade Zhao Ding Wen’s movement……
The knot of the veil had been pulled open, Zhao Ding Wen’s hand was grabbing that piece of blue cloth, looks like the Grand Jade’s guard true features would be exposed under this broad daylight --- the unexpected once again came into existence.
A long white colored shadow was soaring high in the sky, flying to the center of the battlefield. The speed certainly couldn’t be described by words. Flew straight towards the tangled become one three people --- that was the all along sitting upright on the sedan chair, the Master of the Grand Jade Palace.
The white figure flew to the center of the battlefield, the Master of the Grand Jade Palace actually at this moment when a thousand pounds hangs by a thread10 rushed to arrive at the side of the guard who was at a loss of what to do. Swept him to be drawn into his bosom, the long sleeve covered his face, to obstruct that about to be exposed face --- he himself was already unable to avoid Zhao Ding Wen’s grabbing hand, the white veil on his face was grabbed down.
Before you know it, each and every consequences had in fact happened in the twinkling of an eye. Zhao Ding Wen basically didn’t have the time to see that Grand Jade’s guard’s face. Only could feel once his vision blurred, before his eyes there was no longer any people’s figures, in his hand there was a piece of grabbed white cloth.
On the battlefield, crow and peac.o.c.k made no sound11. Zhao Ding Wen lifted his head, facing the two people in front of him, also dumbfounded at once……
The Master of Grand Jade Palace’s heavy and complicated long white robes dropped down to the ground. His bosom was embracing the guard, standing upright at a distant of one Zhang apart from him --- the long black hair was waterfalling to his waist, the darkest bright eyes were forming an exquisite slanting upward shape, the nasal bone was high bridged, the lips shape was pretty, the skin was fair and clear like a solid jade --- this Master of the Grand Jade Palace, which part of him was of a fifty something freakish old man, clearly this was of an unparalleled beautiful male in this mortal world.
Zhao Ding Wen in an instant with the whole crowd became dumb on their spot, couldn’t say a word, looking at Ren Xuan Shuang who was by his side, her whole face also with the unable to believe expression --- it’s hard to blame her, she as a beautiful woman actually saw a man who was more beautiful than her, of course couldn’t make any reaction.
Seeing that all the people were gazing at him with a chin almost dropped to the ground kind of face, the Grand Jade Palace’s Master’s lips was curving into a ridiculing smile.
His line of vision fell on the person in his bosom who still stood blankly. With a low and clear intonation as if bluffing a kid said:
“Told you not to let loose, you just didn’t listen! See, nearly got into trouble, right? What a great nerve you have, this time you will meet a great misfortune……”
The Grand Jade’s guard in his bosom obviously didn’t feel this as coaxing a child talk, upon hearing the words, his whole body trembled for a while, it seemed that towards this Master of Grand Jade Palace’s words of punishment was rather afraid.
Seeing his state, the Grand Jade Palace’s Master sweetly smiled, the smile was like a blossoming flower, unworldly beautiful. He appeared to be extremely pleased by the effect he caused for this guard.
From his chest he fished out a piece of silk handkerchief, tied it on the face of that guard, using his chin he gestured him to return to his position within the troops.
After extremely natural in completing these whole series of action, he lifted his head again. The expression on his face had become a layer of piercing cold expression.
With a wave of his hand, he signaled his subordinates to untie Lu Zhen.
“This time the advantage goes to you all, just regard it as you all had surpa.s.sed my worthless guard. This little pretty boy, give him back to you all first, however, you all must remember to carefully watch over him. Next time might not have this kind of good luck again.” When he was saying this words, his voice turned to become like the needle of ice, sharply penetrating, fit perfectly with his swift and fierce beautiful appearance. The crowd of heroes could only feel in that instant, from the bottom of their hearts, an icy chilling feeling gave raise.
Turning his line of sight, his eyes once again cast on Zhao Ding Wen. Up and down he scrutinized him for quite a while. The corner of his mouth suddenly appeared a wicked smile: “You are not bad…… so easily killed one of my guard. Do you want or not to fill his position?”
According to Zhao Ding Wen’s usual temper, hearing him saying this kind of harbor malicious intentions ridiculing words, most probably would at once take out his sword and charged forward. But this moment’s him, being gazed by that pair of beautiful like a divinity kind of eyes, he unexpectedly could only stare blankly rooted on the spot, couldn’t say anything.
Seeing Zhao Ding Wen could only blankly stare in a daze at him, the Grand Jade Palace’s Master couldn’t help but proudly face upwards and made a loud laughter, the laughter was loud and clear, resounding through the mountain valley.
Finally ceased the hard to stop laughter, The Grand Jade Palace’s Master straightened up his face, turning his head to Situ Ji on his back said: “Today’s matter is done. Let’s go back to the Palace.”
Situ Ji nodded his head, waited upon him to return to his sedan chair. The people from Grand Jade Palace also began to orderly withdraw from summit.
Looking back at the crowd of heroes on the summit, seemingly because of this series of events had become dumb. Their faces were of an expression like they were lost amidst the mist. Until the people from the Grand Jade Palace had disappeared from their line of sight, still there was none who began to speak.
The sun slowly obstructed by the didn’t know floating from where clouds, the weather had turned from fine and clear to be a little gloomy.
Just like the mood of the people ---
This Grand Jade Palace’s power actually exceeded everyone’s expectations, such powerful and prosperous. It seemed like the world of martial arts would be reigned by foul wind and b.l.o.o.d.y rain again…..