amaotonovel Chapter 315 Suddenly, the Shadow of Flowers Appears on the West Tower
Chapter 315 Suddenly, the Shadow of Flowers Appears on the West Tower
Outside the Great King Peak Hall in Wuyishan, the last few wisps of rain that had fallen after the Grain Rain season had just ceased, and the damp mist still lingered between the red cliffs and green valleys, enveloping the entire Wuyishan in a refreshing, misty atmosphere.
Jiang Wen gazed into the distance, then took a deep breath and looked out. All he could see was the Wuyi Mountains stretching to the horizon. The thirty-six peaks and ninety-nine cliffs were shrouded in a thin mist, their colors ranging from near to far, until the furthest ones became as faint as ink marks on rice paper.
In the slightly chilly spring air, the only sound was the patter of raindrops rolling off the pine needles, one after another, making the stillness in the valley even clearer, leaving only a serene tranquility between heaven and earth.
"What a wonderful place! When I decide to retire from the martial world, I will find a mountain peak full of red gorges and green valleys, build a secluded villa on the mountaintop, and spend my days with the hazy mist and flowing clouds."
Standing next to Jiang Wen was a middle-aged man who was clearly pampered and lived a life of ease. He clapped his hands and sighed, moved by the scene, but Jiang Wen ignored his pointless whining.
"No problem, Brother Lin. It's only been a few years and you're already thinking about going deep into the mountains again. If you're seventy or eighty years old and still willing to lie on the mountaintop exposed to the wind and sun, then I'll go to Fuzhou City to enjoy life for you then."
"...No need for that."
Lin Zhennan had just arrived in Wuyishan yesterday, looking much more robust than he had been six months ago, with a noticeably rounder jawline, revealing the pampered lifestyle that came with the booming business of the escort agency.
He was still wearing his signature embroidered lion outfit, but his back was straight and his steps were steady. He had not shown any signs of fatigue after climbing the mountain yesterday, which showed that he had learned from his previous experience and maintained his martial arts training habits. At this moment, his eyes were quite sharp, and his martial arts aura was even more impressive than before.
"Zilu, I rushed over here to cheer you on, not to listen to your sarcastic remarks. Are you sure you want to hold the martial arts tournament today?"
Jiang Wen nodded slowly.
Today is March 12th, the day after Grain Rain, two days later than originally planned. This is because, according to the Chinese almanac, this day is the "Completion Day" of the Twelve Heavenly Stems, a standard auspicious day. An ancient saying goes, "Both completion and opening are usable," making it a traditional auspicious day for "all things to be accomplished and all things to go smoothly," with harmonious energy, conducive to accomplishing important matters.
Jiang Wen wasn't superstitious about auspicious dates, but for such an important event as holding a martial arts tournament, he didn't mind respecting traditional customs.
He specifically consulted Yuan Huazi about this. The previous two days were either a day of monthly clash between Chen and Xu, or a day of great taboo and death. Only today is it a day of heavenly joy in the Chen month, which also coincides with the Shen-Zi-Chen water combination. The auspiciousness is doubled, and when doing joyous and harmonious things, it is easy to have the help of noble people and the success rate is high.
Lin Zhennan, on the other hand, clearly lacked Jiang Wen's inexplicable confidence. He said with some concern, "The conditions in Wuyishan are poor now, and the martial arts practitioners attending the meeting are... well, it's hard to describe. I'm afraid that your hard work will backfire."
He stood with his hand on his sword, turned back and smiled, "It's alright. I know the current conditions are still somewhat lacking, but there are advantages to 'lack.' Firstly, you must know that the martial world is like a gambling game. The poorer the gambler, the easier it is to be swayed by small bets—the more short-sighted these martial arts outlaws are, the easier it is to be won over by small favors..."
"Secondly, although chess pieces are small, they may still be able to influence the entire game. If used properly, they can even bring about a complete upheaval..."
Pinduoduo and pre-made alliances are designed to serve this purpose. Often, you should first consider whether it's available, and then consider whether it's good or bad.
After hesitating for a moment, he decided to be honest. To put his good friend Lin Zhennan and the sponsors at ease, he continued, "To be honest, I originally planned to hold this martial arts tournament in three steps as a 'three-step kill' in the game of martial arts."
Lin Zhennan asked in confusion, "Three steps?"
“That’s right!” Jiang Wen said mysteriously.
"Treat me to a meal, behead me, or take me as your dog!"
The two walked down the mountain together. As the Grand Master of the Southern Green Forest Alliance, appointed by the imperial court, Old Lin naturally didn't need to wait in advance. Seeing that Lin Zhennan still looked thoughtful, Jiang Wen simply began to explain.
The first step in hosting a banquet is to bestow favors upon martial arts practitioners.
Jiang Wenxian, in the name of the Jingnan Prince's Mansion, widely issued invitations to heroes, attracting small and medium-sized sects from six regions, namely Fujian, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan and Hubei, to attend the meeting; and relying on the financial resources of the Hongyang Sect, he promised to provide food and lodging, reimburse travel expenses, and provide logistical support such as grain supply and house repair, which has already made the martial arts community indebted to him.
People in the martial arts world go out for nothing more than fame and fortune. If there is no conflict of interest, they will definitely exaggerate the success of the conference when they return, in order to enhance their own status. This is conducive to establishing the "benevolent and righteous" image of the Wuyi Sect and subtly controlling the discourse power of the martial arts world.
The simple conditions even highlight the sincerity. These small sects may not even be able to make a living, which lowers the expectations of the participants and makes them more easily won over by small favors.
The second step, decapitation, is to establish authority through swift and decisive action.
The word "beheading" doesn't necessarily mean killing countless people. It's just that in the martial arts world, one needs to establish authority. Master Luo's Hundred Refinements Martial Arts School, for example, is constantly being challenged by other schools, all trying to establish their authority. But establishing authority inevitably creates enemies and adversaries. It's best to keep the situation under Jiang Wen's control rather than having the disciples go out and provoke trouble on their own.
On the other hand, with so many martial arts figures gathering, there will inevitably be disagreements and disputes. But where there are conflicts, there are opportunities. What needs to be done is to eliminate troublemakers, suppress chaos, and establish the authority of the Wuyi Sect. Just like in the early days, Jiang Wen used Ding Dian to take charge of Sanliting and used force to suppress those who fought and caused trouble. This was to establish "martial arts rules" and demonstrate his own strength.
But that's not enough. Jiang Wen will also have his disciples come out to spar with everyone and make a name for themselves. This will be the first step in establishing a foothold in the martial world.
The third step is to take them in and make them your dogs.
The first two steps were merely matters of the martial arts world, but this third step begins to involve the imperial court. The act of entertaining, beheading, and taking in servants is essentially Jiang Wen's martial arts scheme of using profit to drive people, using power to suppress people, and using authority to control people. His goal is to transform the scattered martial arts forces surrounding the Wuyi Sect into controllable "pawns."
Geng Jingzhong was young and weak, so Jiang Wen used his royal banner to establish his authority and build the reputation of the Wuyi School. Naturally, this allowed him to gather many skilled martial artists, creating a mutually beneficial relationship with Geng Jingzhong. When the martial artists saw the royal banner as a death warrant, and with the assistance of Chong'an rock tea and Fuwei Escort Agency, they would control the salt and tea escort routes, ensuring a steady stream of wealth. They might even open up coastal smuggling routes to alleviate famine in the provincial treasury. At that point, with the situation stable, they might be able to bring the martial arts world of Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, and Hubei under their control.
When a group of people in the martial arts world are waving flags and shouting "Wuyi Sword Sect, we are of one mind," then the general trend of the martial arts world will be set...
The two chatted as they descended the mountain, walking leisurely. In the blink of an eye, they had passed Zhangxian Rock and could see the meeting place set up in Zhizhi Nunnery at the foot of the mountain.
These wastelands at the foot of Dawang Peak have now all been incorporated into the territory of the Wuyi Sect, naturally including this long-abandoned Zhizhi Nunnery. The nunnery, with its blue tiles and white walls, is built along the mountainside without any elaborate decorations. After simple cleaning and repairs, it has gradually taken on a new look. At the entrance, green bamboo shoots are emerging from the rotten trunk of a century-old bitter oak tree struck by lightning, adding a touch of novelty to the decay.
The main hall was located on an open area within the temple, with dozens of wooden tables arranged in a circle. Zhou Long, the leader of the Vajra Sect, relied on his old acquaintance with Jiang, the leader of the Wuyi Sect, and was also confident in his physical strength and the number of his disciples. He led a few dark-skinned and shrewd disciples to occupy the two tables in the very center, not allowing anyone else to take them.
The leaders or disciples of small sects such as Yanqingquan and Xiantianquan knew that they could not compete head-on with "big sects" like Jingangmen, so they darted through the crowd like fish. Their eyes were sharp, and they kept a close eye on any fleeting gap. With a "pigeon flip", they would climb onto the table and grab the table next to them.
The remaining unaffiliated wanderers or lone heroes, lacking both support and fellow disciples, found themselves in the most awkward position. Most of them were relegated to the periphery. However, figures like Fan Xinghan, the leader of the Xinghan Beggars' Sect, who had slightly special identities or kept a low profile due to being wanted, chose to occupy a relatively "quiet" corner surrounded by their disciples.
Aside from those who followed the rules, everyone else was scrambling for prime spots. Two disciples from unknown minor sects were already wrestling, pulling each other's hair and clothes while cursing and swearing, drawing laughter and boos from the surrounding crowd. The area was filled with the sounds of pushing, shouting, creaking tables and chairs, and cries of pain from someone's toes being stepped on.
From Jiang Wen's perspective, the whole scene looked like a pot of boiling oil, with all sorts of ingredients thrown in, sizzling and crackling, with smoke billowing everywhere, creating utter chaos.
"Well, heroes of the world are like golden apple snails, catfish, rascals, and cleaners crossing the river."
Jiang Wen sighed, feeling that the road ahead was long and arduous. Even though he had prepared many backup plans to achieve this goal, he still had to wait for the right opportunity to launch them. He had only taken the first step and could not be impatient.
"Let's go, Chief Escort Lin. Let's start with the first step today—treating you to a meal."
………………
"Heroes, you have come from afar, you must be weary from your journey!"
Amidst the bustling chaos of the martial arts tournament, the crowd suddenly heard the wind chimes on the eaves ring out, and a voice approached from afar. In the blink of an eye, two figures appeared, moving with the speed of lightning—
A Taoist priest appeared, carrying a sword. From afar, he appeared dashing in his blue robes, his figure resembling a lone crane soaring through the clouds. His toes lightly touched the upturned eaves, his sleeves fluttering in the wind. When he landed in the center of the arena, his shoes were firmly planted on the roof ridge, the ancient bronze sword at his waist remaining completely still. His imposing and dignified demeanor instantly silenced the commotion in the arena.
A beautifully dressed girl followed closely behind, nimble as a swallow flitting through the forest. She leaped and twirled from a high rock, her skirt fluttering like butterfly wings, finally landing lightly beside her master. The sword she clutched tightly in her arms was as dark as ink, highlighting a calmness in her still-childish face that seemed beyond her years, only the cunning glint in her eyes betraying her true nature.
"Master Jiang, your kung fu is truly superb!"
Upon seeing this, Zhou Long exclaimed his approval repeatedly. His voice was booming, carrying a touch of familiar warmth and chivalrous spirit, which drew cheers from his disciples as well.
Jiang Wen was usually unconcerned with details, but today he was dressed quite neatly. He appeared at the martial arts gathering wearing a gray Taoist robe and a Five Sacred Mountains Spiritual Map crown. He had a bronze ancient sword with a lacquered wooden sheath slung across his waist, and a white jade dragon-roar sword in a peach wood double crane scabbard on his back. Fu Ningdie followed closely behind, holding the jet-black Zhanlu sword. His appearance was at least not bad.
Jiang Wen spoke loudly, his voice carrying internal energy that resonated throughout the entire venue.
"Today, the Wuyi Mountains are fortunate to have heroes from all over the world gathered here. I, Jiang, am unworthy, but I am honored by the kindness of my fellow martial artists to organize this grand gathering. Seeing the heroes from all walks of life braving dangers and traversing mountains and rivers to attend this gathering, their sincerity deeply moves the entire Wuyi Sect!"
He had been deliberately growing a beard recently, and now, standing on the high platform, he exuded a profound and majestic aura, possessing both the transcendence of Taoism and the majesty of a sect leader, as well as the depth of experience gained from life-and-death adventures and a hint of barely perceptible sharpness.
"This gathering serves two purposes: first, to foster friendship through martial arts and jointly explore the subtleties of martial arts; and second, to uphold righteousness and protect the peace of the martial world. Your willingness to temporarily set aside sectarian interests and grudges to attend this 'Spring After the Cold' gathering is not only a matter of honor for me, but also a demonstration of responsibility to the entire martial arts community!"
Jiang Wen cupped his hands in greeting to those around him. Seeing his gray robe and ancient crown, with two swords at his sides, and his unassuming yet commanding presence, the crowd thought to themselves that this newly famous "Gentleman Swordsman" was indeed quite something, and they quickly cupped their hands in response.
"Our accommodations in the mountains are simple, and everything was done hastily. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality. But please rest assured—all who attend are honored guests of our Wuyi Sect! If you have any needs, please feel free to speak up. We hope you will all have a frank discussion on martial arts here and leave satisfied!"
Jiang Wen knew that these people wouldn't stay quiet for long, so he said everything at once, putting "rules of the martial world" and "martial arts ethics" first, to give everyone an explanation.
"The road of life is long, but chivalry endures. Today, let us drink this cup together!"
As soon as Jiang Wen finished speaking, "Let's drink to this together," Lin Zhennan also spoke up.
"Today's grand gathering is a occasion for my Fuwei Escort Agency to celebrate with the Wuyi Sect and all the heroes present! I, Lin, hereby present a hundred jars of fine wine, and we shall drink until we are all thoroughly drunk!"
The镖师 (bodyguards) from Fuwei镖局 (a security escort agency) then broke the clay seal on the wine jar, and the rich aroma of the wine instantly filled the air. The dishes and meats delivered by Hongbinlou were also served on the table one by one.
All eyes were drawn to the fine wine and food. The noise subsided slightly, and even the leaders or disciples of minor sects like Yanqingquan and Xiantianquan, who had been busy vying for seats, stopped what they were doing and looked up at the high platform. Their faces were solemn as they clasped their hands in greeting towards Jiang Wen and responded in unison or in waves, "Sect Leader Jiang, you're too kind!", "Thank you for your trouble, Chief Escort!", "It's nothing, it's nothing!"
"Sect Leader Jiang is right! The journey through the martial world is long, but chivalry will endure!"
Zhou Long picked up the large bowl that had just been filled in front of him and roared gruffly. His dark-skinned and shrewd disciples immediately stood up and raised their bowls in unison, making quite a show of force. "The Wuyi Sect is doing us a favor by hosting this martial arts conference. We can't be disrespectful!"
"I am deeply grateful to the Wuyi Sect for their hard work in maintaining peace and tranquility in the martial world. If Sect Leader Jiang has any instructions, my entire sect will do our utmost to fulfill them."
Fan Xinghan also bowed slightly to Jiang Wen on the high platform, exuding a Jianghu (martial arts world) aura. He was concerned about the identity of the wanted criminal and did not reveal the Xinghan Beggar Clan, but he had already expressed his support. He appeared neither humble nor arrogant. Everyone knew his low-key but not to be underestimated identity, and the Beggar Clan disciples surrounding him also straightened their backs.
"This matter of 'making friends through martial arts' and 'upholding justice' is something we, the Eight Immortals of Drunkenness, should be counted as!
An elderly man, seemingly drunk and carrying a gourd of wine, also spoke on behalf of the Drunken Eight Immortals Sect. Several other old men and their disciples raised their wine in agreement. Although they were few in number, their skills were formidable, and they were quite famous in Xiamei Town.
"Sect Leader Jiang's righteousness is admirable; the Five Lakes Sect is truly impressed!"
A loud and clear voice rang out; it was Yuan Jiyang, the leader of the Five Lakes Sect. Unlike the other shills Jiang Wen had arranged, the Five Lakes Sect made their living along the Minjiang River and genuinely wanted to pledge allegiance to Geng Jingzhong.
"Fujian is a land of waterways, but also a land of many troubles. Master Jiang's desire to gather fellow martial artists to protect the peace of this region is a truly benevolent act! Although our Five Lakes Sect is rooted in the waters, we also understand the greater principles of the martial world."
With these forces flattering him, they suddenly seemed to be united as one. Lin Zhennan bowed to the martial arts figures while whispering to Jiang Wendao.
"Excellent, Zilu, your arrangement is truly ingenious! This martial arts tournament is now showing signs of being ready."
Jiang Wen also smiled and said calmly.
"Brother Lin, this is nothing. I studied communication studies, so I know exactly what people in the martial arts world want to see. Just wait, the best is yet to come."
Just as Jiang Wen said, before the excitement on this side had subsided, three figures suddenly appeared at the edge of the venue, like three bright spots in an ink painting, instantly capturing everyone's attention.
The woman at the front was dressed in purple, with a graceful figure. Her steps were light and rhythmic, as if she were untouched by dust. A uniquely designed long whip hung at her waist, its blade wrapped in silver threads that gleamed coldly in the dissipating mist. She was extremely beautiful, yet her eyes held a hint of mockery and aloofness, and a faint smile played at the corners of her lips.
The woman following closely behind was dressed in a light yellow outfit. Her steps were steady and agile, her eyes clear and sharp, exuding an air of competence and efficiency. A long, glossy black braid hung down her chest, swaying gently with her movements. Her gaze swept across the entire area with scrutiny and curiosity. Although she was unarmed, her movements were as nimble as a leopard, displaying a formidable and undeniable air of heroism.
The last girl was relatively young, but dressed in plain white, her demeanor as aloof as frost. Her face was exquisitely beautiful, yet her expression was unusually indifferent, as if the surrounding clamor had nothing to do with her. She followed quietly behind the two, her steps silent, two slender, leaf-like blue swords hanging at her waist, their scabbards faintly displaying intricate patterns, radiating a subtle chill. Her appearance seemed to bring a touch of early winter coolness to the noisy gathering.
These three women, each with a distinct appearance and temperament yet equally outstanding, arrived together, like a tricolor flower suddenly blooming in spring. They instantly silenced the crowd who were scrambling for seats, raising their glasses in hearty drinks, or whispering amongst themselves. Countless gazes focused on them, filled with amazement, curiosity, doubt, and even a touch of wariness.
In the ensuing silence, Yuan Ziyi stepped forward from the crowd, her voice clear and melodious, tinged with a hint of politeness, and resonated clearly throughout the hall:
"Yuan Ziyi of the Iron Sword Sect, along with her junior sisters Yan Yongchun and Luo Shuang'er, have come to Wuyi Mountain on their master's orders to congratulate Headmaster Jiang on the convening of the Martial Arts Conference!"
These words were like throwing an ice cube into a pan of oil that had just calmed down.
For the martial arts practitioners who had already arrived in Xiamei Town, Yuan Ziyi and Yan Yongchun were no strangers. The two often accepted challenges and beat up various martial arts practitioners at the Hundred Refinements Martial Arts Hall, so their martial arts skills were beyond doubt and they were quite famous in Xiamei Town. But now they revealed their identities and found out that they came from the Iron Sword Sect!
This mysterious sect, rumored to have long since declined and even been thought to have died out, actually still has members? And three such young and beautiful women at that?
"So it is a distinguished disciple of the Iron Sword Sect who has graced us with his presence. I, Jiang, have failed to greet you properly. My apologies! It is an honor to have the Iron Sword Sect grace our humble abode with their presence at the martial arts gathering! Please, take a seat!"
Yuan Ziyi bowed respectfully to Jiang Wen, her posture elegant: "Sect Leader Jiang, you are too kind. The Iron Sword Sect has long lived in the mountains and fields. Today, we are overjoyed to see heroes from all over the world gather in Wuyi Mountain. This is just a small gift, and we hope that Sect Leader Jiang will accept it with a smile."
With a slight flick of her wrist, a small object slid out from her sleeve, carried by a gentle force, and flew smoothly towards the high platform, landing steadily on the table in front of Jiang Wen. The exquisite control of her inner strength displayed in this move immediately astonished the experts present.
Having done all this, Yuan Ziyi said no more. Leading Yan Yongchun and Luo Shuang'er, she ignored the fiercely contested "prime spots" in the arena and headed straight for a relatively open location with an excellent view at the edge of the venue. Their unhurried pace caused the crowd to involuntarily part to make way for them, as if pushed aside by an invisible aura emanating from them.
Lin Zhennan, who had just been quietly praising Jiang Wen's arrangements, frowned slightly as he looked at these three extraordinary and mysterious uninvited guests. He leaned closer to Jiang Wen, lowered his voice, and spoke with a hint of doubt:
"Iron Sword Sect? Zilu, did you arrange this too?"
Jiang Wen said smugly in a low voice:
"How about it? A reclusive sect coming to offer congratulations, and three beautiful young women at that—isn't that impressive enough?"
Lin Zhennan nodded. He had used many of Jiang Wen's marketing methods when he opened his security escort agency. For example, that's how he got his identity as a hidden master. But Jiang Wen's trick was obviously more ingenious.
"Not bad, not bad, the timing is just right."
Jiang Wen shook his head.
"It's only seven-tenths cooked; let me add a little more heat."
As time passed, the aftershocks of the three women, Yuan Ziyi and her companion, had not yet subsided. The crowd was still savoring the shock of the "Iron Sword Sect" reappearing in the martial world, and the distinct yet equally captivating charm of the three women. The clamor and discussions, like a tide, had just begun to recede when they were replaced by a new, more somber atmosphere.
At the edge of the venue, near the ancient trees at the foot of Dawang Peak, the light seemed to dim for a moment, as if a cloud shadow had quietly passed by. However, the sky was clear and cloudless, yet an indescribable sense of tranquility quietly spread, like an invisible tide smoothing over a noisy beach.
A sudden unease gripped everyone's hearts, and they instinctively looked towards the source of the silence. There, they saw a figure standing beneath the gnarled branches of an ancient tree, slowly walking up the long steps leading to the gate of Zhizhi Nunnery.
The man was dressed in a long blue cloth robe. He was not particularly tall or handsome, and even appeared somewhat dark-skinned and simple-minded, but his posture was as upright as a lone pine tree on a cliff.
His face was thin and refined, with a serene expression that suggested he had seen much of life's hardships. Yet, his eyes, when they opened and closed, seemed to possess an inner glint of sharpness, a gentle warmth masking an undeniable edge that could pierce the very soul. At his waist hung an ancient-style, sheathless longsword, its blade a dark gold, winding like a snake, its tongue flicking in the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, reflecting a chilling glint that sent shivers down one's spine.
He stood there quietly, blending into the Wuyi Mountains and waters like a rock, his presence almost imperceptible. If one didn't look for him intentionally, one would almost overlook him. But once one's gaze fell upon him, it was impossible to look away, as if his tranquility itself was an invisible force, enough to suppress all the disturbances in the room.
"What a composed and dignified master!"
Lin Zhennan raised a thick eyebrow and couldn't help but praise in a low voice. He had been wandering the martial arts world for many years. Although his martial arts skills were not good, his eyesight was sharp. He could tell at a glance that this person was no ordinary person.
"This lightness skill... it's simply like a ghost!" An elder from the Drunken Eight Immortals Sect gasped. He couldn't see where or when this person appeared from at all. His movement was unremarkable, but his speed was unpredictable.
Yuan Ziyi's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a sly smile, and the entire venue became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. If the appearance of Yuan Ziyi and the other two women was stunning, then the appearance of this person brought an invisible, heavy pressure that made all the noise fall silent.
In the midst of the silence, Fan Xinghan, the leader of the Xinghan Beggars' Clan, suddenly stood up. His weathered face was filled with disbelief and shock. He stared intently at the strange longsword the man was wearing, his voice trembling slightly with extreme excitement, even taking on a sharp edge:
"Golden...Golden Serpent Sword?! You...you are...Brother Yuan Chengzhi?!"
The three characters “Yuan Chengzhi” are like a huge rock thrown into a deep well!
boom--!
After a brief silence, the entire venue erupted in chaos!
"The Huashan Sect? The Huashan Sect, which has been in seclusion for many years?!"
"Yuan Chengzhi?! Is that the legendary Yuan Chengzhi who inherited the legacy of Xia Xueyi, the Golden Snake Swordsman, and stirred up a storm back then?!"
"My God! The former leader of the martial arts alliance of seven provinces has actually come to Wuyi Mountain in person?!"
"The Golden Serpent Sword! There's no mistake! The golden serpent pattern on that sword is exactly the same as the legends!"
"Wasn't he always overseas? How come he suddenly appeared here?!"
Exclamations, whispers, and gasps of surprise rose and fell, even more turbulent than when Yuan Ziyi and the other two women appeared!
The Huashan Sect, a renowned and righteous sect with a long history in the martial arts world, was once famous for its "Divine Sword Immortal Ape" Mu Renqing, whose disciples were all extraordinary. Yuan Chengzhi, on the other hand, was the most outstanding member of the previous generation of the Huashan Sect, possessing both the martial arts of the Huashan Sect and the unique skills of the Golden Snake Swordsman. Decades ago, he was already a top figure who shook the martial arts world!
Rumors had it that he had long since fled overseas, rarely setting foot in the Central Plains, and his deeds had become almost legendary in the martial arts world. Who could have imagined that this legendary figure, who had been silent for so many years, would suddenly appear today at the Wuyi Mountain Martial Arts Conference?!
Even though Lin Zhennan was somewhat prepared, his pupils still contracted slightly, and his heart was filled with shock. Jiang Wen's announcement of holding a martial arts tournament and inviting heroes from all over the world certainly intended to stir up various forces, but the personal attendance of Yuan Chengzhi of the Huashan Sect far exceeded his boldest expectations! In the martial arts world, this figure's significance surpassed even the banner of the Jingnan Prince's Mansion or the resurgence of the Iron Sword Sect!
The man in the blue robe—Yuan Chengzhi—remained calm and composed despite the deafening roar of the crowd. He glanced at the agitated Fan Xinghan and nodded slightly, acknowledging his identity.
Then, he calmly took a step forward. This seemingly ordinary step was as if he had shrunk the distance, easily traversing an extremely long distance to arrive beside Fan Xinghan. This effortless mastery of light-body skills once again shocked everyone in the know.
Yuan Chengzhi faced Jiang Wen on the high platform, clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, and spoke in a calm and clear voice that clearly drowned out the clamor of the entire audience, reaching everyone's ears:
"Yuan Chengzhi of the Huashan Sect, having heard that Headmaster Jiang has widely issued invitations to heroes and convened a grand martial arts gathering, has long yearned to attend. I have come uninvited and have offended you. I hope Headmaster Jiang will forgive my intrusion."
His gaze was deep, carrying a kind of worldly wisdom, as he looked at Jiang Wen with a hint of helplessness: "Today, to witness the magnificent scenery of Wuyi Mountain and the gathering of heroes is truly a fortunate event for the martial arts world."
Jiang Wen deliberately put on a loud, affected laugh, his laughter filled with genuine surprise and respect:
"Master Yuan, you are too kind! The presence of the Huashan Sect is a great honor for our Wuyi Sect, and an unparalleled glory for this martial arts gathering! We are honored to have such a place at our humble abode! Master Yuan, please take a seat!"
Jiang Wen was filled with pride and satisfaction.
He knew this Master Yuan's temperament very well; he was an even more awkward person than Zhang Wuji.
Yuan Chengzhi was disheartened and his resolve to withdraw from the world was as firm as a rock, not easily swayed by ordinary words. Neither the court's envoys, the bonds of old friends in the martial arts world, nor even the righteous cause of the common people could open the tightly closed door to his heart over the years. Therefore, in order to persuade Yuan Chengzhi to come out of seclusion and support the event, Jiang Wen first used various means to delay and stall, only unleashing his trump card as the event approached—
He asked Yuan Ziyi to help him obtain a "tiger skin" that no one else would dare to take, and that only Yuan Chengzhi could not refuse—Princess Changping of the Ming Dynasty, who was also the old, unhealable scar deep in Yuan Chengzhi's heart, Ajiu.
Yuan Ziyi didn't need to forge notes and letters or lie with great emotion. She simply told Yuan Chengzhi, as Jiang Wen had instructed, that she had been raised as an orphan, and that she had her name, background, and origins.
She added that her master had given her the surname Yuan.
Yuan Chengzhi compromised.
He could reject the greater good of the world and disregard the bonds of brotherhood, but he could not reject a silent plea from Ajiu, a plea that transcended time and space and was imbued with the surname of an orphan girl—a plea that may not have been Ajiu's original intention, but Yuan Ziyi successfully made it appear to be.
This was a risky gamble, but Jiang Wen didn't care whether it would be leaked or whether he would be hunted down by the Five Abbesses.
Jiang Wen, the "Gentleman Sword," now had only one goal on his mind—the Wuyi Sect must become famous throughout the world this time! (End of Chapter)