After seeing his Master and Mistress Linghu Chong regained his composure and started practicing his sword skills again. As he want performing the Huashan Sect sword skills, he suddenly recalled the profound counter moves engraved on the wall. The moment he thought about how those moves could defeat every single Huashan Sects sword techniques he panicked and dropped his sword to the ground.
He pulled himself together and took a deep breath. The Huashan Sects sword techniques are all profound but how is that its so easy to defeat it, he thought to himself. He turned toward a rock wall and looked at the drawings engraved on it. The Huashan Sect sword moves on this wall are all extraordinary. I believe that there are some that even Master and Mistress are unaware of, he uttered to himself. Im very lucky to see it and should practice it diligently. He then paused for a moment and said, But whats the use of learning it? At the end itll still be countered very easily! He struck his palm at the wall to vent his frustration.
Big Apprentice Brother! Big Apprentice Brother! Come out quick! Lu Dayou called out from outside.
Linghu Chong hummed frustratingly and ran out of the cave.
Yue Buqun and his wife, Lao Denuo, Yue Lingshan, Yue Lingfeng and Lin Pingzhi were waiting outside the cave.
Linghu Chong bent his knee and bowed at his master and mistress. Disciple pays respect to Master and Mistress!
Yue Buqun made a hand gesture signaling him to stand up. ChongEr, your Mistress and I just received news that Tian Boguang has come to Chang An City and committed many crimes.
Linghu Chong snorted angrily. Outrageous! That Tian Boguang completely disregards our Huashan Sect! He looked at his master and said, Master, how about me
Yue Buqun glared at him. What should we do? he asked fiercely.
Linghu Chong grinned and replied, Master and Mistress are prominent figures figure and it would be insulting to fight a hooligan like him. Unfortunately my skills are not good enough to defeat him and Im unable to leave the cliff because Im still undergoing my punishment. Otherwise I wouldnt let him go on a rampage!
Yue Buqun replied, If you truly have the confidence to kill him, I can let you leave the cliff to redeem your wrongdoings.
Linghu Chong looked at his master excitingly. Really?
Yue Buqun continued, But Ive to assess your martial arts progress over the past few months first.
Linghu Chong nodded, Yes, Master.
Ning Zhongze rose from her seat. ChongEr, show us what youve learned then, she picked up her sword.
Linghu Chong walked up to his mistress and gave her a bow before drawing his sword.
Ning Zhongze drew her sword and leapt toward Linghu Chong. She thrust the sword right at his left shoulder.
Linghu Chong stepped to the side to dodge the attack and subsequently swung his sword at his mistress.
Ning Zhongze immediately lowered her sword to block the attack and returned a swift slash to Linghu Chongs chest.
Linghu Chong raised his sword to block his mistresss attack. He then paused for a moment and started recalling the counter sword moves engraved on the wall. No matter what move I use the move will be defeated. What should I do, he looked away and pondered to himself.
Ning Zhongze noticed the disturbed looks on his face. She raised her voice and said, How can you face an opponent with an unsettled heart! Did you forget all your sword skills after falling sick!
Linghu Chong immediately turned to the left and leapt to the back.
Ning Zhongze charged at him and attacked him with another six stances.
Linghu Chong parried all the six moves gracefully. He suddenly halted his steps and tried to figure out which of the Huashan Sect extraordinary sword moves engraved on the wall should he use next. The moment he thought about how all the moves had been defeated, his confidence level immediately fell. He just couldnt focus in the duel.
Ning Zhongze shifted her hand and struck Linghu Chongs hand with the steel of her sword. Linghu Chong dropped his sword to the ground and let out a cry of pain.
Feeling disappointed with him Ning Zhongze waved her sword in a semi-circle and thrust it straight toward his chest.
Linghu Chong did not dodge this time. Instead, he lowered his body and thrust the scabbard of his sword straight at his mistresss sword. It was one of the moves drawn on the rock wall in the back cave. The sword went right into the sheath.
After thinking about the sword moves and counter moves repeatedly, he had completely lost control of himself. He proceeded to thrust the scabbard forward, aiming the hilt of the sword at Ning Zhongzes throat.
Yue Buqun was shocked by his eldest disciples move. Without further delay, he dashed towards them and shot a ray of light at the hilt from the tip of his finger.
Linghu Chong stumbled to the back as he felt a powerful force hitting him on the chest.
Yue Buqun shook his finger at Linghu Chong and shouted, You little monster!
Linghu Chong immediately dropped to his knees. Disciple deserves to die he shuddered
Yue Buqun hummed angrily and said, What kind of martial arts have you been learning over the last six months?!
Linghu Chong was so frightened that he replied, Apprentice didnt learn any martial arts
Yue Buqun glared at him fiercely, How dare you say you didnt! What about the moves that you used against your Mistress?!
Linghu Chong looked at his master as he stammered, Disciple used it by accident...
Yue Buqun sneered, Used it by accident? Do you know that youve gone into the evil way?!
Linghu Chong lowered his head in silence.
Ning Zhongze regained her composure and said, Senior Apprentice Brother, ChongEr is an intelligent boy. Hes been practicing alone for six months so its inevitable that he has gone into the ways of the evil. She paused for a moment and continued, But if he rectifies it now its still not too late.
She walked over to Linghu Chong and said, ChongEr, there are many things you dont know. Stand up first.
Yue Buqun placed his hands in his back and hummed sternly. All of you listen! Thirty years ago our Huashan Sect was originally divided into orthodox and unorthodox.
Lu Dayou ran over to his master and asked, Master, how is it that our Huashan Sect martial arts skills are divided into orthodox and unorthodox? How come weve never heard of this before?
Yue Lingfeng interrupted, Adopted Father, the martial arts skills that weve learned is orthodox?
Yue Buqun turned around to look at him. Of course! Why would someone go on with his training knowing that he was learning the unorthodox method? Yue Buqun affirmed. But the unorthodox branch claimed that they were the real orthodox branch and called our branch the unorthodox branch. Time became the best judge to decide which one is righteous and which one is evil. The unorthodox branch eventually vanished and has been gone for the last thirty years.
Ning Zhongze said, The unorthodox branch wasnt really like those evil unorthodox clans and cults out there today. They were still using our sects own martial arts skills, but they had a different focus in their training. Do you all still remember the first skill that you need to learn when you enter Huashan Sect?
Lao Denuo answered, The first thing we had to learn is the methods and techniques on how to control and manipulate our inner energy. We start training our inner energy.
Thats correct. In our Huashan Sect martial arts, the key lies in the words Inner Energy. Once your inner energy is developed, then regardless of what you use as your weapon, let be your fists and legs, or knives and swords, you will always be victorious. That is the right path of our sect, Ning Zhongze said.
Yue Buqun stepped forward and said, But among the senior grandmasters of our school, there were a group of people who believed that the key of our schools martial arts lied in the word Sword. They believed that once the sword skills are developed, even with ordinary level of inner energy, he could still defeat the enemy. The main divergence between the righteous branch and the evil branch lies right here.
Yue Lingshan walked toward her father, Father, theres something that I would like to say. But please dont get angry.
Yue Buqun looked at her and responded, Go ahead.
Yue Lingshan continued, I feel inner energy is not doubt important. But we cant ignore sword skills either. If its only your inner energy thats powerful and sword skills are not up to par then you wouldnt be able to display the true power of our sects martial arts skills.
Yue Buqun replied, Who said that sword skills arent important? The key point is that the focus is different. At the end, its inner energy thats the most important.
Yue Lingshan smiled. The best would be inner energy and swordplay becomes the main focus.
Yue Buqun raised his voice and interrupted her, ShanEr, by saying that youve already entered the unorthodox path. If both were the main focus then nothing would be the key focus. He paused for a moment and then continued, That year the battle between the orthodox and unorthodox of our sect caused much uproar. If you said this thirty years ago Im afraid that your head and body will be severed in less than a day.
Yue Lingshan looked at her father astonishingly, You get killed just by saying something wrong? Its that too haughty?
Yue Buqun replied, During that time the battle between the sword branch and inner energy branch were unresolved back then. If you had openly said that the inner energy branch and sword branch would definitely kill you concurrently. If you say that both should be the focus with no hierarchy between the two, the sword branch you say that you overestimate the inner energy branch. The inner energy branch would condemn you for distorting the branchs emphasis.
Yue Lingshan snorted. Actually whats the point of arguing who is right or wrong? Wouldnt it be clear after a competition?
Yue Buqun heaved a sigh, Thirty years ago our inner energy branch was the minority. The senior martial uncles from the sword branch made up the majority. Furthermore, its much faster to see the result of those who practices the ways of the sword branch. If everyone practices for ten years then the sword branch is bound to have an upper hand. But if everyone practices for twenty years then they would each have their own strength with no winner. But after twenty years those who follow the ways of the inner energy would become more and more powerful. But after another thirty years, those who follow the path of sword branch would no longer be able to compete against the inner energy branch. He casted a quick glance at his other apprentices. Can you all imagine how intense the battle was between the two branches? You can never imagine what it like was.
He started to have flash backs of the battle between the sword branch and inner energy branch that took place years ago. The apprentices of the two branches were killing each other inside the big hall with dead bodies lying all over the place.
Yue Lingshan smiled. In the end it must have been the sword branch who admitted defeat, right?
Ning Zhongze walked toward her daughter. The sword branch fought till their last breath and did not surrender. Though they suffered a crushing defeat at the battle on the Jade Maiden Peak but most of them took their own lives and refuse to admit defeat. Those who survived quietly disappeared from the martial arts world.
Yue Lingshan was shocked by her mothers words. They were all martial brothers from the same sect. Whats so important about who wins? Why were they so foolish? she asked.
Yue Buqun replied, The main problem was that they had differing ideas in martial arts practices and not just a friendly competition between martial arts brothers. The internal conflict between martial brothers that year led to a major bloodshed. By right martial brothers of the same sect should treat each other like family. But at the end they started killing each other. It was unstoppable brutality. I will never forget how everyone at Huashan Sect felt unsafe. He paused for a moment and heaved a long sigh. After that, he looked at his disciples and saod, All of you listen properly! This is our sects top secret. None of you are allowed to disclose this to outsiders!
Yue Lingfeng, Lao Denuo, Liu Hou Er and Lin Pingzhi bowed. We wont! they responded together.
Yue Buqun turned his head to look at Linghu Chong. ChongEr, if you continue to follow this unorthodox path, in less than three years you will favor sword skills over inner energy skills. When that happens not only will you destroy yourself, you will also destroy the sacrifices of the inner energy branch elders who used their lives to defend the orthodox path. There would also be a high possibility that our Huashan Sect would be destroyed in your hands.
Linghu Chong bowed at his master apologetically. Apprentice is sorry. Apprentice is willing to accept any form of punishment.
Yue Buqun nodded with a hum. You committed the mistake unintentionally. As the saying goes, those who dont know cannot be blamed. Furthermore, the senior martial uncles from the sword branch had good intentions to build great fame for our school using extraordinary sword skills. Unfortunately they crossed the wrong path way and simply couldnt correct themselves anymore, he explained. If I dont stop you right now, with your intelligence and personality, you could easily end up taking the sword branches unorthodox path by trying to find shortcuts for quick effects.
He turned away and took a few steps forward. ChongEr, initially I wanted to impart you the Divine Art of Violet Twilight so that you kill Tian Boguang. But looking at the current situation weve to postpone this for now, he added. In the next few months, I want you to cultivate your inner energy diligently and forget about all those unorthodox sword moves. You hear me? he casted a side glance at Linghu Chong.
Linghu Chong bowed at his master with his hands clasped, Yes, Master.
Yue Buqun turned around to look at his other apprentices and continued, All of you listen! During the intense battle at the Jade Maiden Peak that year, the senior martial uncles from the sword branch were using dazzling sword moves that were extraordinary. But your Grandmaster relied solely on his Divine Art of Violet Twilight do defeat over then elite fighters from the sword branch to ascertain that the inner energy branch is the right path. You all must never forget what Ive said. Our sects martial arts foundation is inner energy cultivation. Sword skills are only supplemental. Inner energy is the driving force and sword is just a too. If you cant succeed in your inner energy development, no matter how good you are with sword skills it would still be useless. Once youve achieved the highest level of inner energy mastery, even a petal of flower or leaf can be used as a weapon to kill your enemies. Others might think that the Huashan Sect is only good at its sword skills. They have really belittled us
After finishing his words, he generated his inner energy to his foot and stomped the ground, propelling the sword into the air. The tip of his index finger blasted a ray of violet light at the sword, breaking it into pieces.
Lin Pingzhi fixed his eyes at the broken sword pieces on the ground. I must learn the Divine Art of Violet Twilight so that I can avenge my parents death, he thought to himself.
Linghu Chong walked into the cave and looked at a wall with lots of drawings. He crossed his arms and said, Master is right! Inner energy is the foundation and sword is the supplement. If you reach the highest mastery level of your inner energy, even a petal of flower or leaf would be able to injure your enemy.
He looked at the wall with a wicked grin. If it was one of our sect martial brothers that used our sword techniques, you might not have any problems countering it. But if it was my Master who used it then there would be no way that you can counter it, he smirked. He heaved a sigh and said, Im so silly. Different people using the same techniques will have different strength. Our Huashan Sects sword skills are brilliant and profound. Its not as vulnerable as being describe on the wall. From now on, Im going to focus on my inner energy cultivation! He stuck his tongue out at the wall teasing the counter moves engraved on it.
Over the next few days, Linghu Chong focused on inner energy cultivation. He sat on a bunk bed meditating. Good thing that Master enlightened me in time. Or else I might have made a big mistake and become Huashan Secs sinner, he thought to himself. He turned his head to look at the hole leading to the secret cave. From now on I must not go into that cave and let the drawings on the wall confuse me.
Brother Linghu! a loud voice was calling from outside.
Linghu Chong recognized that voice. He looked toward the direction of the voice. Tian Boguang? he narrowed his eyes.
He exited the cave and saw Tian Boguang standing outside. He shook his hand at Tian Boguang and started laughing.
Tian Boguang placed one foot on a rock while waving at him. Brother Linghu, how have you been?
Linghu Chong walked up to him. Yes! Havent seen you for a long time, he replied. Thanks to you, Ive not been expelled from the sect.
Tian Boguang sneered and said, Linghu Chong will always be Linghu Chong. Even after your master sent you to the Repentance Cliff to reflect, youve not change at all.
Linghu Chong hummed and said, Brother Tian, youre very well informed. How did you know that Im here?
Tian Boguang cast a glance at him. Thats for sure! I care about you! he replied. Since youve become a prisoner on the cliff behind Mount Hua, I figured that you must be drooling for wine. He lifted up a pot of wine from a rock table. Looks at these! I took two pots of one hundred and thirty year old wine from the cellar of the Chang An Citys Banished Fairy wine house to drink with you! he continued.
Linghu Chong lifted up the other pot and looked at it in shock. One hundred and thirty years old?! Brother Tian, you brought two jars of wine up to Mount Hua for me. Thats a big present! Lets not talk so much. Im so bored here. Lets drink first he lifted up the pot and started pouring the wine down his throat.
Tian Boguang looked at him in sheer amazement. Hows the wine? he asked.
Linghu Chong looked at him with much satisfaction. This is superb! Famous wine is indeed exceptional! he asserted.
Tian Boguang grinned, Thats for sure! There are only two jars in this world. Thats what make this gift precious.
Linghu Chong smiled and replied, Brother Tian, it was too much trouble for you to bring these two pots of wine from Chang An City to Mount Hua. Even if you had brought two pots of water I, Linghu Chong would still appreciate it.
Tian Boguang was impressed with Linghu Chongs gratitude towards him. He gave a thumb up and said, Youre a real man! Real hero! Thats what I like about you!
He turned to the right and took a few steps to the front. Everyone says that I, Tian Boguang am an evil rapist who commits all kinds of crimes. Ive severely injured you more than once. Everyone in Mount Hua wishes to kill me. But you, Linghu Chong actually had the nerves to drink wine with me at ease, without even worrying that I might have poisoned the wine. Only a true man like yourself is qualified to drink such a precious wine.
Linghu Chong took another big gulp of wine before placing the pot on the table. He turned around to look at Tian Boguang and said, Brother Tian, youre over praising me. Ive fought you twice and I know that you have a very bad conduct. But dont worry, I know that youll never ambush someone. He gently smacked Tian Boguangs right shoulder and continued, You and I both know that your martial arts skills are way better than mine. If you wanted to kill me all you have to do is draw your knife and chop me. Why would you go through so much trouble by poisoning me?
Tian Boguang smiled wickedly. Thats true! Looks only you, Linghu Chong who truly understands me!
Linghu Chong glared at him suspiciously, wondering what he was up to his time round.
Tian Boguang continued, Brother Linghu, did you know that I didnt bring these two pots of wine directly from Chang An City to Mount Hua? I first brought them to Northern Shanxi with me, committed two robberies there and then to Eastern Shanxi committing another two robberies. I had to go around in a big circle before coming to Mount Hua to drink with you.
Linghu Chong shook his hand at him and said, I understand now. Brother Tian committed many crimes to divert my Master and Mistress away from here so that you could come and see me.
After hearing Linghu Chongs words, Tian Boguang started laughing.
Linghu Chong continued, I wonder why did Brother Tian went through all that trouble to look for me. What exactly do you want from me?
Tian Boguang replied, Brother Linghu is indeed intelligent. Why dont you make a wild guess?
Linghu Chong shook his head. Im not guessing. Theres nothing here in Mount Hua that I can use to treat you properly as a guest. How about this? I am just going to borrow something to make a gift of it. Please enjoy the number one wine in the world!
Tian Boguang nodded, Alright! Lets drink! He lifted up the pot and poured the wine down his throat.
Linghu Chong also drank the wine as accompany. Seeing that Tian Bo Guang was partially tipsy, he threw both his pot and Tian Boguangs pot to the ground.
Tian Boguang looked at him in shocked. He ran forward to look at the shattered pots. Linghu Chong! How could you! he clenched his teeth and pointed at the broken pots.
Linghu Chong folded his arms, Brother Tian, now that were done drinking. Theres something I need to make myself clear. Actually you and I dont belong to the same sides of the society. Everyone knows that you,ve committed numerous crimes and harmed many innocent people. I drank three bowls of wine with you because I think you are someone upright and deserve my admiration. You may have brought me two pots of great wine, but even if you put all the precious jewels and treasures right in front me, I wont be bribed by you.
Tian Boguang stared at him furiously. You. He then remembered that he needed to bring Linghu Chong down the cliff to see Yi Lin so that he could get the antidote. He also knew that excessive force wont work on Linghu Chong. He took a deep breath to calm down. He smiled and said, Your Huashan Sects sword art is brilliant, but you are still too young and havent grasped the depth of it. Right now with your sword skills, you are still no match for me.
Linghu Chong turned around to look at him, What you said is true. Within the next ten years, I would still have no chance to defeat you.
Tian Boguang sneered, Yes! Whosoever understands the times is a great man!
Linghu Chong heaved a sigh. Thats right Brother Tian. I, Linghu Chong is only a nobody in the pugilistic world. I suppose you made nothing of hardships to Mount Hua not for my head on my neck. But dont worry Brother Tian! No matter what you want me to do, I wont do it.
Tian Boguang shouted, Hey! But I havent even told you what I want you to do and youre already rejecting me?!
Linghu Chong smirked, No matter what you propose, I wont agree.
Tian Boguang angrily drew his short blade. I dont believe your neck is harder than my short blade!
Linghu Chong giggled, Since I cant beat you in a fight, Ill just run it. He casually hopped away.
Tian Boguang clenched his teeth. Run?! He ran after Linghu Chong, overtook him and pointed the short saber at him. What? Are you going to get your Master to help you?
Linghu Chong knitted his brow, What? Youre afraid of my Master?
The Tian Boguang heard about Yue Buqun he quickly lowered his short blade and took a few steps back. Of course Im scared of him! If you Master comes Ill run like you, he stuttered. Too bad hes hundred miles away from here right now. How would he be able to come back to save you? If you intend to get your martial brothers and sisters to help I think you better forget it. All the guys would lose their lives for nothing, and all the girls. He paused for a moment and smiled wickedly. You know what my favorite is
Linghu Chong rested his arm on Tian Boguangs shoulder. Brother Tian, I suggest that you forget about the girls in Mount Hua. One is my Mistress and one is my Little Apprentice Sister. What do you want to do?
Tian Boguang gave him a disappointing look. Since he needed Linghu Chong to help him get the antidote to save his life there was no way he was going to harm anyone close to him.
Linghu Chong sighed, Since I cant win you in a fight neither can I run away from you, you can do whatever you want. He laid on the ground and took a rest.
Tian Boguang looked at him astonishingly. Why are you lying on the ground? Get up quick! Get up! he grumbled.
Linghu Chong ignored completely ignored him.
Tian Boguang finally crouched down beside him. Brother Linghu, please dont misunderstand. I just need you to help me out. Its something that will benefit you in a good deal, and you will definitely thank me sincerely for that later, Tian Boguang said with a broad smile.
Linghu Chong replied, Brother Tian, though Im not great but I wont roll along with you either.
Tian Boguang looked at him annoyingly. He stood up and said, Thats for sure. You, Linghu Chong is part of the orthodox sect, the Gentleman Swords eldest apprentice. Of course you wont roll along with me. But if thats the case today, why not before?
Linghu Chong snorted, Just say what you want so say.
Tian Boguang hummed angrily, Did you forget that day in Huiyan wine house you and I had the companionship of drinking on the same table?
Linghu Chong grinned. He pulled himself up from the ground and walked toward Tian Boguang. I was just wondering what you were trying to say. Im an alcoholic. Ive drank with many people. So what? He turned around and walked off.
Tian Boguang went after him and said, In the Jade House, you and I had the same aesthetic pleasure of visiting prostitutes in the same brothel.
Linghu Chong interrupted, Pleasure your face! I was severely wounded. I was just recovering in the Jade House temporarily. What has that got anything to do with visiting prostitutes?
Tian Boguang sneered, But in that Jade House you had one in each arm. What do you say about that?
Linghu Chong grabbed him by the collar agitatedly, Let me warn you! You can say anything about me but Junior Martial Sister Yi Lin is a nun. If you continue talking nonsense I wont be nice to you anymore!
Tian Boguang burst out laughing. I know you want to uphold the clean reputation of your Huashan Sect. But you were too friendly to that nun that time. You were touching her in front of her Master stopping at nothing. I, Tian Boguang, am really jealous of you!
Linghu Chong replied, What are you talking about? Stop saying nonsense!
Tian Boguang sneered, You dont need to deny anymore. If it wasnt for you being improper to the nun that day then she wouldnt be thinking of you day and night.
A thought suddenly came into Linghu Chongs mind. I get it now! he said smilingly.
Tian Boguang narrowed his eyes. You get it? You really get it he asked. He clapped his hands joyfully thinking that Linghu Chong really knew why was he here.
Linghu Chong nodded, So it was your Little Master Yi Lin who asked you to bring me the pots of wine! He grinned and said, This Little Martial Sister Yi Lin is really good to me!
Tian Boguang growled, Nonsense! Linghu Chong! Youd better not be ungrateful! He paused for moment and continued, Yes! I came to Mount Hua because of Little Sister Yi Lin but the two pots of wine are tokens of my own regard!
Linghu Chong sneered, Shes your Master, just admit it! Furthermore Junior Martial Sister is Hengshan Sects outstanding apprentice. Its your good fortune to have her as your Master.
Tian Boguang was losing his patience. He smirked, Enough! I cant out talk you! But no matter what youve to leave the mountain with me!
Linghu Chong spat, No Im not going!
Tian Boguang heaved a sigh. Why are you saying no when you dont even know where Im taking you? He paused for a moment and smiled. I want to take you to see Little Master Yi Lin.
Linghu Chong looked at him astonishingly. He grabbed Tian Boguangs collar angrily, What did you say? You catch Junior Martial Sister Yi Lin again did you?! Youre very daring! How could you catch your own Master?!
Tian Boguang knocked Linghu Chongs hand away and spat. Linghu Chong! I thought of you as my friend but you He took a deep breath to contain his anger. Since the last time in Huiyan wine houseIve not disrespectedLittle Master Yi Lin! So you dont have to worry about that. But since that day, Little Master has been missing you very much. If you dont come with me how am I going to explain to her? He shook his head despairingly.
Linghu Chong propped his hands at his waist. Whatever she is missing is her problem! Im not going to leave. Kill me if you wish to!
Tian Boguang shrugged, I only want you to come with me. I dont want you dead!
Linghu Chong put up a depressing look and replied, I dont want to come with you neither do I want to die!
Tian Boguang snorted, Fine! He drew his short saber and pointed his at Linghu Chong. Are you coming with me?!
Linghu Chong dipped his finger on his tongue and put drops of saliva below his eyes, pretending to cry. Cant believe I, Linghu Chong, is about to die here at Repentance Cliff, he said in a sorrowful voice. He grabbed Tian Boguangs hand and pulled the short saber closed to his neck. Come on.come on
Tian Boguang sneered as he retracted his hand. He placed his short saber in his back and said, Forget it! Its my good fortune to have met you. How about this? Lets just have a bet!
Linghu Chong folded his arms and looked at him, What do you want to bet?
Tian Boguang replied, If you can defeat me within thirty moves Ill turn my butt around and get out of here. But if I get lucky and defeat you within thirty moves then youll have to leave the mountain with me. What do you think of that?
Linghu Chong hummed and looked away. He knew that he would never be able to defeat Tian Boguang within thirty moves. He would definitely lose the bet and have to leave the mountain with him thus it was an unfair bet.
Seeing that Linghu Chong did not agree with his terms, Tian Boguang shouted, The head apprentice of Huashan Sect, Linghu Chong, does not dare to accept my challenge! He doesnt even dare to exchange thirty moves!
Linghu Chong threw in his hand. Stop making so much noise! Who said that I was afraid! Lets just bet! he mocked angrily.
Tian Boguang nodded, A real man doesnt go back on his words!
Linghu Chong drew his sword and pointed it at Tian Boguang. Go ahead!
Tian Boguang raised his short saber into the air and leapt toward Linghu Chong at lightning speed.
The two of them started trading intense stances. As usual, Tian Boguang was able to defeat Linghu Chong very easily. It only took him less than ten moves to knock Linghu Chong off his feet.
Tian Boguang made a hand gesture, Eight moves!
Linghu Chong lied on the ground in pain. He quickly pulled himself up. Your saber skills are better than mine, your inner energy is also better than mine. Im no match for you.
Tian Boguang smiled in triumph, Lets go then!
Linghu Chong replied, Alright, I wont walk you out. Farewell. He then laid down on the ground and took a nap.
Tian Boguang shook his hand at Linghu Chong angrily. Hey! Linghu Chong! I consider you as a true hero who keeps his words. Thats why I betted with you! How can you go back against your words?! He walked toward him, Get up! Come with me now!
Linghu Chong opened one eye and said, Brother Tian, I never said that I would go with you if I lose to you, did I?
Tian Boguang angrily pulled Linghu Chong up from the ground. To hell with your nonsense! You lost! So youve to come with me!
Linghu Chong pushed his hand away, Brother Tian! You won because you have more strength than me. I just recovered from being sick. My body is still weak. How about if I go into the cave to get some rest. Once I have enough rest we can fight again. Hows that?
Tian Boguang was dumbfounded by his words. Rest? He turned away and burst out laughing. Fine! Ill give you another chance! Go and have some rest in the cave. Ill have you admit your defeat!
Linghu Chong rushed into the secret cave. What should I do? He has fought with Taishan Sects Headmaster Priest Tian Men before and he has also fought with Junior Martial Sister Yi Lin from Hengshan Sect before. I used the Southern Hengshan Sect fast swords earlier but still couldnt defeat him. He scratched his head. What should I do? He looked at the walls and thought of something. Thats right! Theres still the Songshan Sect!
He ran toward the wall that had Songshan Sects sword techniques engraved on it and started looking at it. He narrowed his eyes and said, It still wont work. Even if I do learn something in a short time it would only one or two moves. I still wont be able to defeat him! He folded his arms and suddenly thought of an idea. Five Mountain Sword Sects! I can use some moves from each sect! Even if I cant defeat him Ill be able to confuse him and might be able to take his thirty moves! He grinned, Alright! Ill just do that!
After spending an hour inside the cave learning a mixture of sword moves, Linghu Chong exited the cave to fight Tian Boguang once more. Though he was using the Five Mountain Sword Sects Alliance extraordinary sword skills but he was still unable to gain any advantage.
Tian Boguang turned his body away and subsequently pushed his back leg straight at Linghu Chongs chest knocking him to the ground.
Linghu Chong pressed his chest groaning in pain.
Tian Boguang smirked, Are you satisfied now?
Linghu Chong sat up and yelled, Of course not! We were supposed to fight with swords but you were using your arms and legs! Thats not fair!
Tian Boguang burst out laughing, With all that together it still didnt even take thirty moves to beat you. You still lost!
Linghu Chong snorted, So what if I lost? What can you do? Kill me if you wish to!
Tian Boguang raised his short saber into the air furiously. He couldnt bring himself to kill Linghu Chong though he was fuming inside. Bringing a dead Linghu Chong to see Yi Lin isnt going to help him cure the poison in his body. He dropped the saber and walked toward Linghu Chong with a smile.
He propped Linghu Chongs arm and helped him up. Brother Linghu, the ground is dirty. Get up, he grinned. Brother Linghu, I came here this time to bring you to meet Little Master Yi Lin. Im not here to pick on you.
Linghu Chong knitted his brow. When I wanted you to become Junior Martial Sister Yi Lins apprentice the last time, you were very unwilling. Now youre doing everything to make me go see her. What? Did you fall for her?
Tian Boguang shrugged. He finally revealed his reason for forcing Linghu Chong to go and see Yi Lin. He insisted that if he didnt do so he would die of poisoning in a months time.
Linghu Chong folded his arms. Brother Tian, thought I dont know who played a prank on you. Neither do I know what youre poisoned with but I do know that even the most poisonous poison can be treated.
Tian Boguang lowered his head and said, Theres no need to mention the one who sealed my Death Points and poisoned me. Other than the one who did it, that Killer Doctor Ping Yizhi is the only one left. But Im sure that he wouldnt want to help me.
Linghu Chong sneered, You can either beg him with polite words or threaten him with your saber on his neck. Im sure that hell help you out.
Tian Boguang grabbed Linghu Chongs collar, Stinky kid! You can save all your sarcasm to yourself. In brief, if I cant get you to go with me, then I will be dead for sure, but you wont be able to stay safe either.
Linghu Chong gently pushed Tian Boguangs hand away. Alright! Brother Tian, since youre begging me then Ill give you another chance to fight with me again. All you need is to beat me fair and square and make me feel sincerely convinced. Then I might just agree to go down the mountain with you. But before that I have to go into the cave to get some rest. Please wait for me a bit more.
Tian Boguang stared at the cave. The moves his used are all over the place. Not only are those moves from the other sects, its also exquisite. Could it be that the cave has an expert from the Five Mountain Sword Sects teaching him sword moves? He shouted loudly, Hold it!
Linghu Chong stomped on the ground, What is it this time?
Tian Boguang ran toward him. The cave is dark and humid. Brother Linghu, why dont you get him to come out there and introduce him to me, he said.
Linghu Chong looked at him, Introduce what?
Tian Boguang smirked, Playing dumb huh! Why is it every time you add many strange moves to your collection? He passed and continued. If there wasnt else in the cave, how is it that your skills improve that quickly?
Linghu Chong narrowed his eyes. If he finds out about the drawings on the wall then it would be disastrous, he thought to himself. He burst out laughing and said, Ill tell you the truth then. The senior master inside said that if he fights with you, it would lower his dignity.
Tian Boguang spat and said, I think they just fish for fame and compliments and profess to be above politics and worldly considerations. Even if they come out they might not be able to beat me.
Linghu Chong propped his hands on his waist. Alright then. Go ahead and enter the cave to fight those senior grandmasters, he pointed to the cave.
Tian Boguang became silent. He wants me to go into the cave. Why is he is so happy all of a sudden? he thought to himself. He took a peek at the cave. There must be some traps in the cave that will harm me. I better just stay outside. If they all come out at once and I cant defeat them at least I can still run. If they are senior masters from the Five Mountain Sword Sects Alliance then they wont join hands to pick on a junior like me.
He smirked and said, What senior masters! Im afraid that theyre the ones with underserved reputations! Otherwise how come after teaching you all kinds of moves you still cant take thirty moves from me?! He shook his finger and continued, Stinky kid, youre trolling me arent you? Within Songshan, Taishan, Hengshan, and Heng-Shan the four schools, there may be some exceptional senior grandmasters. But in your Huashan Sect, the Qing generation senior maters have all withered and passed away that year therefore there isnt any senior masters left!
All of a sudden, a white figure flashed out of the cave and dashed toward Tian Boguang at light speed. He struck Tian Boguangs left shoulder with his index finger and threw a punch at him.
Tian Boguang stumbled many steps to the back in pain. He looked at the white figure in shock.
Linghu Chong was astonished to see the white figure as well.
An old man with a long white beard dressed in white robe stood in front of Linghu Chong. Who said that Huashan Sects Qing generation are all dead? he asked loudly. He turned around to look at Linghu Chong, If I had given him some pointers, he would definitely be able to take care of a kid like you!
Tian Boguang made a psst sound. Linghu Chong, this is? he grinned.
Linghu Chong walked toward the old man. I was going to ask the same question. He looked at the old man and asked, You are?
Tian Boguang suddenly thought of something. Oh I remember now! It was said that Mount Hua was infected by a plague that year. An elder by the name of Feng Qingyang avoided the disaster because he wasnt on the mountain that time, he walked up to Linghu Chong, and explained.
He looked at the old man startlingly and continued, Could it be that youreFeng Qingyang, Senior Feng?
The old man stroked his long white beard with a smirk.
End of Chapter 12