Chapter 26 To provoke
Today, the atmosphere in Zi Yang Palace was different from the usual. Everyone’s attention was centralized on Tian Yu Zi.
“Xuan Yuan Duan Ai, Xuan Luo, and Tang Chen will be representing us for the compet.i.tion.” said Tian Yu Zi sternly as he stood in the centre of the main hall.
The disciples honestly don’t have much confidence in regards to the compet.i.tion. Of course, that doesn’t include Xuan Luo and them. Xuan Luo believes he is prepared for the compet.i.tion.
“Old man. Why are you talking so much rubbish? You’re making this too serious!” Xuan Luo pouted. He said it bluntly despite the occasion.
Tian Yu Zi glowered at Xuan Luo; as if he was trying to say: Young man, give me some face! We are in a public place with numerous people.
Actually, it isn’t surprising for Tian Yu Zi to act this way. Usually, Xuan Luo does not address him like how a disciple should. Instead, they call each other by their nicknames (lol is ‘old man’ considered a nickname? Haha).
Don’t underestimate Tian Yu Zi for being a zhang lao; when he plays, he is crazier than everyone else. But when he is serious, he is able to act in a leading position.
Clearly, Xuan Luo doesn’t care about these small details. He chuckled and smiled, “Don’t worry about it! It’s no big deal!”
Seeing how Xuan Luo and Tian Yu Zi were acting, all the disciples stared in astonishment. Their expressions were very exaggerated, but the most exaggerated ones were Xuan Yuan Duan Ai and Tang Chen. They know Xuan Luo is being taught by Tian Yu Zi directly, but they didn’t expect their relationship to be at this level.
*Cough cough* “This time, all three of you must extinguish Chun Yang Palace’s arrogant att.i.tude. If not, you know what to expect!” Tian Yu Zi said with obscurity. However, Xuan Luo could definitely sense the coldness in Tian Yu Zi’s tone. Subconsciously, his whole body quivered with excitement.
“Okay…” Xuan Luo responded and turned towards Xuan Yuan Duan Ai and Tang Chen. All three of them placed their palms on top of each other. Just as they were about to separate, Tian Yu Zi placed his old wrinkly hand on top as well.
They looked at each other and loudly hollered, “Add oil!” (Add oil really means keep going. Chinese people like to say that a lot. I guess it’s because you can keep going if you have oil? LOLLLL okay I will stop now)
Ba Gua Stage
The ba gua stage is one of Wu Dang’s most unique features. As a result, most compet.i.tions or practicing take place here.
In addition, the ba gua stage is very close to Tai He Dian. Those who make decisions for the Clan only need to stand from the back window, and they will be able to see everything that is happening on stage. The ba gua stage is located behind the Tai He Dian in a big public square. It can fit nearly a thousand disciples at a time. Practicing is alright, but battling, not so much. Hence, usually very few would battle on the ba gua stage.
As Xuan Luo approached the entrance that leads to the ba gua stage, he sensed some familiarity. He quickly asked, “Duan Ai xiong, we’re not battling here, are we?”
“Yes, why?” Xuan Yuan Duan Ai turned around and looked at Xuan Luo in confusion.
“Nothing…” Xuan Luo muttered.
Actually, there was a reason why Xuan Luo asked. He is aware of the conflicting views amongst the two groups. Therefore, he knows that Chun Yang Palace is going to think of ways to take their people away from them. This compet.i.tion is one of their methods. Originally, Zhang Men would have taken him in if he could demonstrate nei li; Tian Yu Zi just got lucky.
This is actually the main reason why Tang Chen didn’t want to partic.i.p.ate in the compet.i.tion. However, since he wasn’t close to Xuan Luo, he only said they were at a disadvantaged; instead of revealing his true thoughts.
Since Zi Yang Palace focuses on style, their nei li is quite weak (or nonexistent) in most cases. But that hasn’t stopped Chun Yang Palace from coming to Zi Yang Palace to recruit and steal people. Anyone who has the slightest abilities would be convinced to follow them instead. Yet, after they leave Zi Yang Palace, these disciples are treated terribly and given dirty tasks. Thus, Tang Chen hates Chun Yang Palace with a pa.s.sion.
A long time ago, they had tried to recruit Tang Chen, but he rejected them. He’d rather stay in Zi Yang Palace happily than to be treated like a dog in Chun Yang Palace.
Sadly, each compet.i.tion ended in defeat. Chun Yang Palace looked down on them and said very hurtful things. He wanted to fight back, but the Clan rule was clear: “Being a person is more important than his skill”. And it’s true. Hence, Tang Chen started closing himself off to everyone. It wasn’t until he reached ‘success’ that he realized that Tian Yu Zi’s theory was possible. Thus, he partic.i.p.ated in the compet.i.tion once again. But the people of Chun Yang Palace are despicable. They never allow him to get close. Hence, all his hard work went in vain. (Well, duh. Why would they let you get close if they want to win? That’s just stupid. lol)
“Oh, isn’t it Duan Ai? What? You want to get beaten up again so soon?” Xuan Luo heard a voice sneered behind him.
A bunch of people around them started snickering. Xuan Yuan Duan Ai’s eyes darkened.
“You…” Xuan Yuan Duan Ai was clearly agitated, but he held back.
“Haha. Zi Yang Palace should have been long disbanded. You might as well just join us at Chun Yang Palace. Maybe we’ll give you a role! Haha!”
Xuan Luo had enough. He was trying to repress himself, but hearing those words, he was furious. He turned to the man, “Two years ago, I remember I saw a man who was beaten by Duan Ai xiong. Wasn’t it you, Wu Di? Don’t think just because your name is Wu Di, you are wu di!? (Wu di can also mean invincible in Chinese if you change the intonation).
“You…” Wu Di shrieked as he pointed to Xuan Luo.
“Don’t be in such a hurry. I will put you in your place later. I honestly don’t get it. Why are some people such a.s.sholes? Are they born like that?” Xuan Luo mocked. At first, he wanted to bite his tougue, but Wu Di was just too much.
The compet.i.tion hasn’t even began, but the atmosphere already smelt of gunpowder. At that moment, an old man walked out. His face looked like a red radiant light, and his hair looked like it has been wiped with oil.
“Doll, your teeth and mouth are as sharp as weapons, eh? We’ll see how you do later. Xiao Di, why are you wasting your time with these people? Let’s go!” This old man’s voice was sharp and highly pitched.
“You old feet man, our business is none of your business! You should take a look at your disciples. They have terrible conducts and morals. At least, our people from Zi Yang Palace are of much better characters than your people from Chun Yang Palace. And your mouth is like smelly feet!” Tian Yu Zi was behind them and oversaw everything. The rage on his face remained as he yelled at Wu Ya Zi, who was in front of him.
“Humpt! We’ll see who wins! Humpt! Let’s go!” It looked as if Wu Ya Zi felt slightly guilty towards Tian Yu Zi. When he looked at Tian Yu Zi, he didn’t do anything but ordered the rest of his disciples to head towards the ba gua stage.
“I am going to die from anger! Die from anger! I cannot tolerate their bullying!” Tian Yu Zi has never exploded like lightning before. Right now, he is about to shoot off.