In every industry, specialists are required to handle pertinent issues, and warfare is certainly no exception.
The Polaris contingent had arrived at Azure Peak Summit well in advance, and true to form, the East Bamboo Immortal and the Southern Dipper contingent were already awaiting their arrival.
“Manager Ren, I trust you’ve been well since we last met!”
Director Ji greeted Ren Du across from him with a smile, discerning at once that Ren Du’s efforts last night had surely yielded nothing. Had the East Bamboo Immortal been swayed by his words, Ren Du would not now bear such a preoccupied expression.
“By Director Ji’s grace, I have at last managed to live to see today’s sun.”
Upon seeing Director Ji’s smile, Ren Du knew immediately that nothing good would come of it, and he retorted with a sneer.
“Pray tell, what schemes and machinations does Director Ji intend to unleash today!”
At these words, some among Director Ji’s followers began to glare angrily at Ren Du, yet Ren Du ignored them completely. Director Ji raised a hand, signaling his people to hold their temper, and continued to smile faintly.
“Manager Ren, you jest. We agreed upon a fair and open competition; how could there be any talk of schemes!”
Though both men wore smiles, Ren Du’s was quite unsettlingly sarcastic, while Director Ji’s hinted at malicious intent. They exchanged a few forced pleasantries, their smiles never reaching their eyes, until Yin Cunxin stepped forward.
“Director Ji, when shall the first bout commence?”
“Anytime.”
Director Ji’s smile gradually faded as he took a step back, and from the crowd, Tian Qi’s figure immediately sprang forth.
“I’ll go!”
Tian Qi planted his long spear into the ground, his right hand gripping the shaft, while his left held a slice of watermelon which he gnawed upon ferociously. He appeared utterly carefree, much like a mere spectator tricked onto a battlefield to serve as cannon fodder.
“Damn it! Is this really the time for eating melon? The Polaris people speak of a competition, yet they show no understanding of etiquette whatsoever!”
Displeased, Yunlong couldn’t help but curse under his breath.
Ren Du signaled the Southern Dipper contingent to refrain from further comments, urging them to observe more and speak less.
The East Bamboo Immortal, however, did not harbor disdain for the opponent’s lack of decorum. She stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Tian Qi.
“East Bamboo Leng Qingyuan requests your instruction.”
Tian Qi merely stood there, continuing to eat his watermelon. He had not bowed upon entering the arena, nor did he return the bow now, rendering the atmosphere exceedingly awkward. Even among the Polaris contingent, some felt his actions were quite improper.
Once the watermelon was consumed, Tian Qi tossed aside the rind, lifted his head slightly, and a flash of murderous intent abruptly appeared in his eyes. Kicking his long spear aloft, he lunged like a bolt of lightning towards the East Bamboo Immortal, moving with such astonishing speed that it left no time for reaction.
“So fast!”
Initially, the Polaris contingent had not held much confidence in Tian Qi’s abilities, choosing him to lead the charge merely to see him make a fool of himself. However, the prowess Tian Qi now displayed compelled them to exclaim in awe.
In his hands, the long spear whistled with fierce power, as if he possessed three heads and six arms. Each swing and thrust was akin to several spears simultaneously striking a single point from different angles, and nearly every movement left behind afterimages, making it impossible to distinguish between his true form and his afterimages.
“Is this the Iron Spear Society’s ‘Thousand Army Flowing Shadow Spear’? Indeed, when unleashed, it truly resembles a thousand armies charging wildly.”
Mr. Ji, the masked man, nodded in praise, while Yunlong, standing nearby, appeared rather disdainful.
“I find it quite ordinary. The Iron Spear Society is, after all, merely a folk acrobatic troupe; they possess no truly formidable martial arts…”
“Those words are mistaken! Sect Master Yun, what you’ve said is gravely incorrect, indeed, it could even be called utterly preposterous!”
No sooner had Yunlong’s words fallen than Le Sishu’s voice carried over from the opposite side. It wasn’t that Le Sishu possessed exceptional hearing; rather, Yunlong’s voice boomed like a great bell, clear for all the Polaris contingent to hear.
Those with common sense instinctively distanced themselves from Le Sishu. Should he provoke Yunlong, and the latter’s ‘Earth-Shaking Divine Fist’ come crashing down, being too close might well lead to them suffering the consequences themselves…
Yunlong cast a sidelong glance at Le Sishu. He knew the man to be notoriously foul-mouthed and contentious, and now he simply wished to see what profound argument his opponent could possibly put forth…
“Consider the long annals of history: how many magnificent works have been lost to the hands of kings, nobles, and generals, ultimately relegated to dusty shelves for mere admiration? In stark contrast, it is the vulgar street tales, passed among the common folk, that have endured through the ages, eagerly imitated and copied by all…”
“While the Iron Spear Society’s ‘Thousand Army Flowing Shadow Spear’ may not be a profound martial art, it has circulated in the martial world for centuries, with over a hundred thousand people having learned it. It has been continuously honed and perfected through countless real-world battles, which is why Brother Tian Qi wields such power today. Your Dragon-Tiger Sect’s ‘Earth-Shaking Divine Fist’ is undoubtedly profound and exquisite, yet the number of its inheritors pales in comparison to the Iron Spear Society’s ‘Thousand Army Flowing Shadow Spear’. As for actual combat experience, it cannot possibly rival the combined might of the Iron Spear Society’s hundred thousand practitioners. Moreover, the ‘Earth-Shaking Divine Fist’ demands an exceptionally gifted and intelligent student; someone as dull as a wooden ox or a stubborn donkey, like myself, would certainly never grasp it. Though a player’s lifespan is exceedingly long, one cannot guarantee that no natural disasters or misfortunes will befall them along the way. So, I must ask, Sect Master Yun, should you and Sect Master Feng no longer be among the living a thousand years hence, who among the exceptionally gifted will inherit your peerless ‘Earth-Shaking Divine Fist’?”
No sooner had Le Sishu uttered these words than Yunlong was momentarily stunned, his face quickly twisting into a fierce scowl as he bellowed.
“Whether my Dragon-Tiger Sect has inheritors or not, what concern is that of yours! The Iron Spear Society’s martial arts are nothing more than a low-grade folk acrobatic trick; have I spoken falsely?”
“Brother Yunlong, there’s no need to engage in a war of words with him. He is merely goading you into anger, and if you lose your temper, it will be precisely what your opponent desires.”
Fenghu watched Le Sishu with a cold gaze, letting out a soft snort.
“If he possesses true talent and genuine skill, he will naturally prove himself in actual combat.”
Director Ji, Yu Wusheng, and the others had been observing the battle on the field from start to finish. Le Sishu’s remarks had merely caused them to glance briefly sideways before they returned their gaze to the arena, a faint smile now playing on Director Ji’s lips.
“Though Mr. Le spoke freely, his words struck a raw nerve with the two elders, Feng and Yun.”
“Director Ji, to be able to simultaneously observe the match and still have the leisure to listen to Brother Le’s lofty discourse, is truly remarkable!”
Director Ji cast a glance at Yu Wusheng. He had always lacked interest in others’ flattery, especially when it was as exceedingly clumsy as this, as if there was nothing genuine to praise, and he simply forced out a compliment to feign closeness…
“And isn’t Mr. Yu the same? Watching and listening without missing a beat, truly impressive!”
Director Ji, still smiling, politely returned the compliment to Yu Wusheng. The two men exchanged knowing smiles, leaving the onlookers utterly bewildered as to the cause of their mirth.
Both Director Ji and Yu Wusheng understood the reason for Yunlong’s anger. Yunlong was strong and robust, yet Le Sishu had spoken of him and Fenghu no longer being in this world—words that were quite inauspicious. However, this alone would not have provoked such fury from Yunlong. Though they lacked detailed knowledge of the Dragon-Tiger Sect’s situation, they had certainly heard rumors.
The two elders, Feng and Yun, had founded their sect upon the ‘Earth-Shaking Divine Fist.’ This martial art was exceedingly fierce and potent, and its cultivation method possessed unique intricacies, placing great importance on the practitioner’s innate talent. Consequently, only those with exceptional natural aptitude and bone structure could undertake its study, and even then, immense effort was required during practice. While the disciples of the two elders, Feng and Yun, were undeniably diligent and their innate talent surpassed that of ordinary people, they simply could not compare to the two elders themselves…
Le Sishu’s underlying implication was that ‘the two elders, Feng and Yun, had no worthy successor.’ While this assertion might seem like utter nonsense at present, given time, who could guarantee it wouldn’t become a prophecy fulfilled…
After observing for another moment, Yu Wusheng suddenly spoke.
“Director Ji, Tian Qi’s ‘Thousand Army Flowing Shadow Spear’ deeply embodies the four essential spear techniques of ‘entwine, collapse, point, sweep,’ and further incorporates the Iron Spear Society’s four guiding principles of ‘speed, precision, stability, ruthlessness.’ Yet, this shouldn’t compel the East Bamboo Immortal to merely dodge and evade. With the East Bamboo Immortal’s capabilities, it seems…”
“It seems quite unnecessary, doesn’t it?”
“Precisely.”
“Mr. Yu, why do you suppose Brother Tian did not return the East Bamboo Immortal’s bow at the outset, but instead launched a surprise attack?”
“Tian Qi possessed no confidence in defeating the East Bamboo Immortal outright. His sudden attack was merely a desperate measure to seize the initiative, albeit one that violated martial etiquette. While a victory might have excused such a breach, he unfortunately had no assured path to triumph, only a display of sheer bravado.”
Yu Wusheng’s insight was unique, and his analysis cut straight to the core of the issue, yet Director Ji offered no immediate reaction.
He knew Tian Qi to be an exceptional talent within the Iron Spear Society, and the East Bamboo Immortal, in Tian Qi’s estimation, was a figure comparable to the two elders, Feng and Yun. Tian Qi, aware he was no match for the East Bamboo Immortal, nonetheless wished to fully display his sect’s ultimate techniques before her, thereby proving the Iron Spear Society’s unique martial prowess. His surprise attack was indeed an attempt to gain the upper hand, for he feared that without seizing the initiative, he might be defeated by the East Bamboo Immortal in a single move, preventing him from fully demonstrating his sect’s ultimate techniques.
The East Bamboo Immortal had evidently perceived his intentions, which explained why she had not swiftly subdued Tian Qi, but instead continuously responded to his attacks with dodging and evasion.
However, there was no need to explain all this to Yu Wusheng. Not only the Southern Dipper’s two elders, Feng and Yun, but even his own allies like Yu Wusheng held Tian Qi and the Iron Spear Society in considerable disdain. One could hardly blame them; the martial world’s ethos had always been one of bullying the weak and fearing the strong.
Tian Qi’s spear techniques were exquisite; even as the East Bamboo Immortal dodged, he could flexibly alter the direction of his rain-like thrusts, ensuring his attack trajectory consistently circled her. Yet, the East Bamboo Immortal’s footwork was too agile; no matter how sharp and swift his spear strikes aimed for her vital points, he could never quite touch them.
Tian Qi leapt into the air, attacking downwards. Having fully unleashed his spear techniques without gaining any advantage, he resorted to a sudden, unconventional move, attempting to disrupt her judgment.
Afterimages, left by his movements, froze in mid-air, then, like a thousand armies, surged with Tian Qi towards the East Bamboo Immortal. The East Bamboo Immortal dodged, but her body did not retreat as before; instead, she advanced.
As the afterimages completely dissipated, the East Bamboo Immortal stood sideways before Tian Qi. His long spear swept past her back as her right hand reached behind to grasp the spear shaft. Her left hand, fingers pressed together like a blade, stopped mere inches from Tian Qi’s neck.
The victory, which should have been decided at the very beginning, was finally declared.
Tian Qi retrieved his spear and bowed to the East Bamboo Immortal, then reported his sect and name. His actions were remarkably respectful, a stark contrast to his previous carefree demeanor. However, the moment he returned to the Polaris contingent, he immediately reverted to his old self, resuming the air of a mischievous jester.
“Who’s next?”
Upon hearing Director Ji’s words, the arrogant youth, Xiao Zhang, immediately stepped forward several paces. Yet, just as he emerged from the crowd, before reaching the arena, someone blocked his path, pressing a hand to his chest with a smile.
“Brother Xiao, don’t rush. Please allow me to go first. Once I’ve lost, it won’t be too late for you to step in.”
It was the young man from their team. He clenched his fist and cracked his knuckles, preparing to head to the arena. The retreating Tian Qi rushed over, grabbing his hand and shaking it vigorously.
“Go get ’em!”
The young man was momentarily speechless. Tian Qi’s hands were covered in watermelon juice, and he had come to shake his hand without even wiping them. Truly…
However, recalling the man’s carefree nature, he didn’t mind. Wiping his hands, he stepped into the arena and announced his name.
“Xu Chang of ‘Water Flows East’.”