—Always be wary of unknown enemies.
Though most of those present had never heard of Xu Chang, they were familiar with the moniker ‘Flowing Waters Eastward.’
However, in their collective memory, this epithet belonged not to Xu Chang but to Liu Hanshu of the Brush Immortal Sect.
It was conceivable that Xu Chang was his disciple, inheriting his master’s prestigious name—a practice that certainly aligned with the Brush Immortal Sect’s characteristics.
After all, members of the Brush Immortal Sect spent their days immersed in calligraphy and painting, activities most players considered tedious and pointless.
Xu Chang, despite his attire, which more resembled a young farmhand than an artistic literati, was likely no exception.
“I am Leng Qingyuan of East Bamboo.”
The East Bamboo Immortal, Leng Qingyuan, still stated her name, believing that regardless of her opponent, she should never forgo proper etiquette.
Xu Chang adopted a starting stance, nodding to the East Bamboo Immortal as he spoke.
“Please enlighten me with your instruction.”
The two figures swiftly converged, their forms overlapping.
Much like her previous confrontation with Tian Qi, the East Bamboo Immortal remained purely on the defensive, intending to let her opponent fully display his abilities.
Meanwhile, the onlookers, knowing little about Xu Chang, generally held low expectations for him.
“The Brush Immortal Sect’s cultivation technique is quite intriguing.”
Mr. Ji, the masked man on Ren Du’s side, nodded in approval.
A remarkably straightforward person, he always openly praised the skills displayed by Polaris members, even in front of the formidable experts invited by Ren Du’s Southern Dipper Star faction.
Though Fenghu and Yunlong had previously spoken of befriending this man, they always felt a pang of discomfort whenever he praised their opponents.
Upon reflection, however, they realized he was inherently straightforward, far from cunning or treacherous.
His praise held no intention of elevating the enemy; he simply voiced whatever came to mind, prompting them to conclude there was no need to dwell on it.
Wan Ren’s thoughts mirrored those of Mr. Ji.
Xu Chang’s movement technique and even his combat forms were as elusive as flowing water, his entire body seemingly boneless, his movements swift, agile, and effortlessly graceful.
It seemed the members of the Brush Immortal Sect were not merely the scribbling bookworms the outside world claimed them to be.
Not long into the fight, Xu Chang’s left arm coiled upwards like a rope, wrapping around the East Bamboo Immortal’s right arm.
It then abruptly extended, seizing her left hand, which she had raised to defend herself.
The East Bamboo Immortal’s brows twitched slightly, and just as she was about to channel her energy to force Xu Chang back, his right hand had already swung out, striking her lower abdomen.
“Forgive my offense!”
Though Xu Chang spoke these words, his hand showed no sign of stopping.
This ‘Pure Moon Art’ required a direct hit to the opponent’s Dantian and Qi Sea to take effect, yet in combat, both parties fiercely protected their vital points, making such a strike exceedingly difficult to land.
This was precisely why the Brush Immortal Sect had developed its elusive, flowing cultivation technique: its purpose was to ensnare opponents, deny them any chance to defend themselves, and then use the ‘Pure Moon Art’ to decisively defeat them with a single strike.
Once struck by the ‘Pure Moon Art,’ if the opponent did not channel their internal energy, they would be fine; however, should they attempt to do so, their vital energy would immediately dissipate as if cast into a vast ocean.
Although the ‘Pure Moon Art’ appeared unremarkable, merely a common palm strike, the complete dissipation of one’s vital energy was utterly lethal to any martial artist.
Even if an opponent understood the ‘Pure Moon Art’ and managed to restrain themselves from channeling their energy, a single casual strike would still be enough to kill them.
Moreover, in moments of crisis, how could one not instinctively channel their energy for defense?
Xu Chang considered this strike an assured victory.
The East Bamboo Immortal possessed profound internal energy, her vital energy reserves far surpassing his own, yet no matter how deep those reserves, once they completely dissipated, they would pose no threat whatsoever.
He channeled his full power into his palm, yet he never anticipated that the East Bamboo Immortal was like an unfathomable abyssal trench.
Not only did his palm strike fail to connect with her vital energy, but it felt as if it plunged into an abyss, all his power vanishing without a trace.
In his moment of horror, the East Bamboo Immortal used her vital energy to push his palm away.
He stumbled back several steps, watching her with a mixture of shock and uncertainty.
Had the East Bamboo Immortal seized that opportunity to kill him, with his power restrained, he would have been utterly defenseless.
His continued presence was entirely due to her mercy, and at this realization, sweat involuntarily trickled from his forehead.
“Thank you for showing mercy.”
On Ren Du’s side, faces registered triumph, while Director Ji’s group exchanged glances, momentarily at a loss for words.
Although no one had held high hopes for Xu Chang, his recent display of techniques had made everyone believe he stood a chance.
Yet, just as they began to feel optimistic, Xu Chang had already fallen in defeat.
Fenghu and Yunlong smugly watched Le Sishu, who, true to form, immediately started bickering again, turning their faces ashen.
They had initially hoped to see how Le Sishu would rationalize this second defeat, but his knack for contrarian arguments proved truly astonishing.
Knowing they were no match for him in this regard, they decided it was better to simply shut up than to get angry, dismissing Le Sishu’s words as utter nonsense.
“I’m next!”
Before Xu Chang could even leave the arena, Tian Qi was already waiting eagerly nearby, intending to shake hands and offer encouragement to the next contestant.
Xiao Zhang, who had been itching for a fight, swiftly leaped into the arena.
He regarded Tian Qi with disdain, having no desire whatsoever to touch his watermelon-juice-stained hands, and with an arrogant expression, he addressed the East Bamboo Immortal.
“I am the nameless nobody, Xiao Zhang.
East Bamboo Immortal, please enlighten me!”
No sooner had the word ‘enlighten’ left his lips than he stomped his left foot heavily on the ground, extending his right hand to assume a stance.
The ground beneath his foot shattered, collapsing into a crater approximately three meters in diameter and a full foot deep.
“Well, I’ll be!”
Meng Chong, the dark-faced man, was genuinely astonished.
This kid had spouted so much nonsense along the way that he had assumed he was all talk, yet to his surprise, he actually possessed some real skill.
Wan Ren, on Ren Du’s side, revealed a faint, almost imperceptible smile, while Fenghu and Yunlong frowned.
While the match unfolded in the arena, Director Ji and Yu Wusheng were not idle below, discussing Xu Chang’s previous battle.
Hearing his name mentioned, Xu Chang, who was nearby, eagerly leaned in to listen with keen interest.
Director Ji and Yu Wusheng discussed the shortcomings of his cultivation technique.
Although critiquing someone directly could give the impression of looking down on them, Xu Chang paid it no mind.
Director Ji and Yu Wusheng were among the foremost experts of Polaris on this expedition, and receiving their guidance filled him with too much joy to ever feel they were looking down on him.
Below, laughter and conversation flowed freely, yet in the arena, danger lurked at every turn.
Xiao Zhang’s cultivation technique was exceedingly sinister and fierce.
The East Bamboo Immortal could not counter him in the same way she had countered Tian Qi; she met each of his moves, yet still held back, resulting in a back-and-forth exchange where neither gained a decisive advantage.
The Polaris members all pondered why this individual, despite his considerable strength, constantly spouted such arrogant nonsense, making them believe he was all talk and no substance.
However, upon seeing Le Sishu, they found it all much easier to understand; after all, didn’t Le Sishu, with his exceptional strength, also spend his days bickering and demeaning himself?
Suddenly, Xiao Zhang and the East Bamboo Immortal’s fists clashed, neither willing to concede an inch.
Xiao Zhang seized the opportunity, his five fingers forming a claw that clamped onto the East Bamboo Immortal’s fist.
The East Bamboo Immortal swiftly punched back, but Xiao Zhang fluidly sidestepped, his fingers sliding down to her wrist, where he suddenly exerted immense force.
Her sleeve was torn to shreds, and five bloody gashes appeared on her wrist.
Both sides retreated.
The onlookers saw fragments of cloth hanging from Xiao Zhang’s five fingers, while five twisted bloodstains on the East Bamboo Immortal’s left wrist oozed blood, gradually soaking the torn sleeve fabric.
“‘Coffin-Breaker Hand’…
Fenghu and Yunlong exchanged a glance, and Yunlong immediately sneered.
“You are no nameless nobody, sir! Are you perhaps the adopted son of ‘Dead-faced Living Corpse’ Song Zhong?”
At these words, even some on Polaris’s side changed expression.
‘Dead-faced Living Corpse’ Song Zhong was a renowned master from the Eastern Continent of old, obsessed with gold, silver, jewels, and antique artifacts, engaging solely in grave robbing.
He had plundered numerous imperial tombs and mausoleums from ancient dynasties across the Eastern Continent.
Furthermore, it was rumored that he was insidious and vicious, his methods exceptionally cruel, and his temperament utterly abnormal.
He never formally took disciples; if anyone wished to learn his techniques, they had to perform three kowtows and nine bows, acknowledge him as their foster father, and change their surname to Song.
Thus, though he had no true disciples, he possessed many adopted sons and grandsons.
“You ought to change your name to Song Zhang! How can you still claim the name Xiao Zhang!”
Fenghu picked up where Yunlong left off.
Both men held deep disdain for villainous masters like Song Zhong, thus they subjected Xiao Zhang to extreme mockery.
“Years ago, old man Song thought highly of me and taught me a few tricks.
It’s a pity my skills are lacking, otherwise this move would have snapped the East Bamboo Immortal’s tendons and broken her bones on the spot!”
Although Xiao Zhang mentioned the East Bamboo Immortal in his words, he turned his head to address Fenghu and Yunlong, clearly holding them in utter contempt as well.
Yunlong was about to unleash a torrent of curses when Fenghu merely sneered.
“Even your arrogant and unruly behavior is identical to that turtle-grandson of Song Zhong! If you truly had skill, you wouldn’t spout such wild boasts! I could cripple Song Ce for life, and I can ensure you meet the same fate!”
Upon hearing this, the Polaris members instantly understood.
Fenghu and Yunlong likely harbored an irreconcilable grudge against Song Zhong, or else they wouldn’t be so enraged.
Realizing they needed to be careful with their words, lest they provoke the two elders, the cheers for Xiao Zhang immediately diminished by more than half.
“So this is the ‘Coffin-Breaker Hand’—Excellent! Excellent!”
The crowd, hearing someone cheer, quickly glanced around to see who was so fearless, only to discover that the speaker was not from their side, but from Ren Du’s.
Mr. Ji did not care about Fenghu and Yunlong’s anger; he seemed to only care about himself.
If he found something exciting, he would cheer.
Le Sishu, seeing this, burst into laughter.
“That’s quite a statement, masked sir! Aren’t you afraid Fenghu and Yunlong will smash their formidable fists into your face for being so obtuse?”
Fenghu and Yunlong had initially harbored some resentment towards Mr. Ji, but upon hearing Le Sishu speak, they instantly realized he was trying to stir up trouble.
Knowing they shouldn’t fall for Le Sishu’s trap, they actually found themselves caring less about Mr. Ji’s words.
“Oh? Why do you say that, Mr. Le?”
“These two are Song Zhong’s adversaries, and you’re praising Song Zhong’s technique.
Do you think they can feel good about that with their narrow-mindedness?”
Le Sishu, truly thick-headed and unafraid of trouble, still found the leisure to mock Fenghu and Yunlong at such a moment.
Fenghu and Yunlong merely snorted, dismissing his words as utter nonsense.
“Mr. Le, you are mistaken!”
Mr. Ji used Le Sishu’s own catchphrase to retort, speaking loudly.
“Fenghu and Yunlong are renowned masters, while I am merely an unknown figure in the martial world.
How could they possibly make a wanton killing attempt on me?”
“That’s quite a statement!
This gentleman hides his head and covers his face, unwilling to show his true appearance.
How would Fenghu and Yunlong know if the face hidden beneath that black cloth is truly an unknown nobody?”
Le Sishu’s words were clearly meant to provoke the other party into removing their disguise, allowing the Polaris members to discern his true identity.
Mr. Ji seemed to see through Le Sishu’s intentions, shaking his head as he spoke.
“In my reckless youth, I acted without discretion, getting into fights indiscriminately.
I was slashed across the face, leaving a large scar that caused my eyeballs to protrude, my mouth to twist, and my nose bridge to collapse.
My appearance became hideous.
If I were to reveal my face, it would likely displease everyone present, so it’s better to keep it hidden.”
“That’s quite a statement!
Who doesn’t have their own preferences?
Some like to show their faces, others prefer to cover them.
As long as one hasn’t committed any shameful deeds and fears being recognized, hiding one’s head and covering one’s face is perfectly natural.”
Le Sishu’s words mocked the other party, subtly implying that he had committed shameful deeds and thus dared not show his face.
Mr. Ji, however, merely laughed, completely unfazed.
Le Sishu, undeterred, had another idea.
“Since you are unwilling to show your face, why not tell us your name so we can remember it?
Though Fenghu and Yunlong are holding back their anger now, there’s no guarantee they won’t find an opportunity to secretly kill an ‘unknown nobody’ like yourself to vent their hatred.
If we remember your name, should you die, we can spread the word, ensuring Fenghu and Yunlong’s names are forever etched in history and revered for generations…”
Fenghu and Yunlong had not expected Le Sishu to grow even more presumptuous after their silence.
Yunlong was about to unleash a furious tirade, but Fenghu quickly signaled him to remain silent.
He knew that bickering was this man’s hobby; the more you cursed him, the more energized he became.
“I am merely an unknown individual, with no name to report, so I can only thank Mr. Le for his kind intentions here.”
“That’s quite a statement!
If you have no name, do you not even have a surname?”
“My surname is Ji.”
“Oh! So it is Mr. Ji.”
Le Sishu’s peripheral vision swept over the crowd, seeing that no one could make any connections.
A plan then formed in his mind to provoke Mr. Ji.
If Mr. Ji were to get angry and attack, Le Sishu might be able to discern some clues from his techniques.
“Since you have no given name, how should we address you?
Should we just call you Mr. Ji?”
“Mr. Le may call me whatever he pleases; I accept any.”
“Your surname is Ji, and you mentioned a scar on your face.
How about we call you Ji Ba then!”
Upon hearing this name, several people in the crowd immediately burst into laughter.
The rest, even if they didn’t laugh aloud, found it amusing in their hearts, while also thinking that Le Sishu was intentionally provoking the other party, likely leading to bloodshed on the spot.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Ji remained unperturbed, smiling and nodding.
“Thank you, Mr. Le, for bestowing upon me such an elegant name.”
Fenghu and Yunlong glanced at Mr. Ji from the corners of their eyes, thinking that for someone to endure such humiliation and even smile in affirmation, unlike themselves who would surely have lashed out at Le Sishu, showed a level of forbearance that surpassed their own.
Meanwhile, on Polaris’s side, Director Ji and Yu Wusheng silently observed everything, like two lurking venomous snakes.