Chapter 42: The Sage in the Flowers

  As soon as the words came out, Liu Xiangxiang's heart softened, and warmth spread throughout her body. She looked at Liang Xiao with bright eyes like pearls, and her cheeks were radiant, even more brilliant than a blooming peony.

  Others hated Liang Xiao's arrogance and cursed him in unison. Liang Xiao remained calm, his sharp gaze piercing through Chu Xianliu's face.

  Chu Xianliu remained unmoved, and said casually: "Liang Xiao, this woman has repeatedly stirred up trouble. I haven't hurt her, all for the sake of Master Jiuru's face. But even if she escapes with her life, she can't escape punishment. If I don't give her some punishment, how can I explain it to my juniors?" Liang Xiao sighed: "So you're saying there's no other way but to resort to force!" Chu Xianliu hesitated, then said: "You want to fight me?" Liang Xiao said: "There's no other way!" Chu Xianliu smiled and continued: "I heard you used to be a great general of the Yuan people?"

  "Exactly!" Chu Xianliu looked at him deeply and said slowly, "But you betrayed the Yuan camp again, why?" Liang Xiao sighed, "No reason, just seeking peace of mind!" Chu Xianliu clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Good peace of mind! In life, one's body is like a boat without a rope. Right and wrong are hard to distinguish, good and evil are hard to discern, being able to seek peace of mind is already a great liberation, I'll toast you three big cups for this sentence!" He poured a cup of wine and handed it to Liang Xiao, "Please!"

  After the Battle of Qiantang, Liang Xiao heard someone express the reason that he had been thinking about but couldn't say out loud for the first time. His blood boiled and he took over the wine cup to drink it all in one gulp. He felt the wine was sweet and refreshing, and couldn't help but praise: "Good wine!" Everyone saw that the two of them not only didn't fight, but instead drank together, and they were greatly surprised in their hearts.

  After three cups, Chu Xianliu threw his cup and laughed: "Liang Xiao, you are powerful and wealthy, but one day you will abandon it like a worn-out shoe. You can pick up and put down such things. Why are you so stubborn about women? You know she's not the right match for you, yet you still want to save her!"

  Liang Xiao's wine-soaked enthusiasm surged forth, and he loudly declared: "You don't know this, senior, but power and wealth are nothing! Even the throne of the Great Yuan Emperor is no match for Liu Yingying - it's all just dog shit!" He spoke straight from his heart, but Liu Yingying felt her whole body go soft and her cheeks flush red with excitement. Thinking about the hardships she had endured over the years, she almost threw herself into his arms, wanting to cry out loud.

  Chu Xianliu listened to this and was stunned for a moment, with a hint of bitterness in the corner of his eyes. He sighed: "That's right, a good man should live for the woman he loves, and as for power, wealth, and nobility, they're all worthless. Come on, let's drink ten more cups to toast your words."

  Liang Xiao came without being refused, the wine arrived and the cups were dry. The two of you had a cup each, I had a cup, and a jar of "Baifa Xianniang" was emptied in an instant. Chu Xianliu stroked his long beard and smiled: "Liang Xiao, I'll ask you one more question, if you fight me, how much chance do you have to win?" Liang Xiao thought for a moment and said: "Thirty percent!"

  Chu Xianliu smiled and picked up a black wooden sword, sweeping it over a peony flower. The petals were blown away by the sword wind, scattering in all directions. The wooden sword trembled lightly, making a clear sound, and not a single petal fell to the ground, all of them stringing onto the sword. The group of heroes was shocked and amazed, cheering in unison.

  Liang Xiao gazed at the sword tip flower petals, smiled slightly and shook his head saying: "Flowers are dead, people are alive!" Chu Xianliu laughed and said: "You're right, but it's not easy to put into practice."

  Liang Xiao smiled and said leisurely, "Chu Qianbei, you are nearly sixty years old, while I am only in my twenties. As long as you are alive, perhaps I have no choice but to obey! His eyes gleamed with a sharp light, scanning the crowd at Tianxiang Mountain Villa, "But if heaven doesn't grant you longevity and Chu Qianbei passes away, Tianxiang Mountain Villa will be left without an heir, who can stop me, Liang Xiao?" Chu Xianliu's eyes flickered, his hand stroking his long beard, smiling but saying nothing.

  He Xiangyang was furious, and shouted loudly: "Chu, don't listen to his boasts! Killing him with one sword is the easiest way..." As soon as he finished speaking, a figure flashed before his eyes. He didn't know how Liang Xiao appeared in front of him, but he felt a numbness in his chest and was caught by Liang Xiao. Liang Xiao swept his sleeve, unfolded "Riding the Wind and Crossing the Sea", and ran around the crowd with incredible speed, like a flowing light shadow. In an instant, he circled three times, threw He Xiangyang to the ground, and laughed loudly: "Chu, does this count as boasting?"

  He changed in an instant, swift as lightning, and Chu Xianliu couldn't help but nod his head: "No wonder you spoke so boldly, it turns out you've mastered the qinggong of Lingwu Island. Hmm, you may not be able to win today, but if you're determined to leave, I won't stop you." The crowd was greatly disappointed upon hearing this. Liu Yuyue also looked at Liang Xiao, shocked in her heart: "This little scoundrel, how did he achieve such martial arts skills in just two years?"

  Chu Xianliu sank into thought for a moment, then suddenly said: "I have a plan that can satisfy both parties." Liang Xiao said: "If there is such a wonderful strategy, it would be best." Chu Xianliu looked at him and glanced at Liu Yuying, smiling and saying: "Liang Xiao, why don't you stay in Tianxiang Mountain Villa and marry Liu Yuying? Five years will be enough for you to have several children..." Before he finished speaking, Liu Yuying blushed with anger and spat out: "Chu Xianliu, what are you talking about again?"

  Liang Xiao gazed at Liu Xianxian, seeing her delicate face like a flower, and his heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself: "If I could live with her in this sea of flowers for five years, it would be a short but not long period." As soon as he had this thought, he suddenly felt ashamed: "How did I become so infatuated and have such a ridiculous idea?" His gaze shifted, and Hua Xiaoxiao was already awake, her eyes fixed on the flower cluster, seeming to be lost in thought. Liang Xiao's mind was slightly disordered, thinking that he had made a promise to accompany her on her medical travels, and as a man of his word, he couldn't go back on it.

  He sank into thought for a moment, ultimately unable to bear the difficulty of choosing between them. With a bitter smile, he said: "Chu Qianbei, I am not talented and would never dare to humiliate Miss Liu." Liu Xiangxiang was like thunder striking her head, her heart sinking, a sour heat rushing straight up to her nose, she hated that she couldn't grab Liang Xiao and beat him severely. She looked at Hua Xiaoxiao and couldn't help but grit her teeth in secret: "Good, you little scoundrel, you don't dare humiliate me, but you dare humiliate this sickly girl?"

  Chu Xian didn't expect Liang Xiao to reject him outright, and despite his calm nature, his eyebrows furrowed in concern. He thought that this person had great ambitions and was also highly skilled in lightness kung fu. If he were to provoke this enemy for a moment's satisfaction, the Tianxiang Manor would never know peace again. He didn't care about worldly affairs and viewed the rise and fall of dynasties with indifference, but when it came to his family's prosperity, he couldn't remain unmoved.

  Suddenly, Lei Xingkong flew out of the crowd and laughed: "Xianliu Gong, I have an idea!" Chu Xianliu was extremely disgusted with him and lazily said: "Speak!" Lei Xingkong said: "We are all people in the martial arts world, resolving grudges is not a problem, let's follow the rules of the martial arts world, compare our skills, and gamble on winning or losing."

  Liang Xiao laughed and said, "Well said, I've long wanted to experience the high skills of Leigong Fortress!" Lei Xingkong's old face turned red with anger, and he waved his hand, saying, "Lei didn't mean it that way." He pointed at Xiaoshuang and Huasheng, "These are your companions, right? You're skilled in lightness kung fu, you can leave quickly, but they and Liu Yinger won't be able to escape!"

  Liang Xiao said coldly, "Lei Xingkong, do you have a son? Do you have any relatives?" Lei Xingkong saw his gaze and felt a chill in his heart. He smiled bitterly and said, "When will the cycle of revenge end? Alright, let's make a bet. We'll have three rounds of one-on-one duels between our side and the Tianxiang Mountain Villa. You, Liang Xiao, will be on one side, and we'll each send out three people. The winner will be decided by points, and no one else is allowed to intervene. If you win, this matter with Liangzi will be settled; if we win, Liu Yanyan will pay for her crime with her life, and the debt will be repaid." As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in cheers.

  Liang Xiao's face was stern, but in his heart he was extremely unwilling to let Liu Yingying be harmed, and even more so, he didn't want to implicate Hua Xiaoshuang and Hua Sheng. He thought to himself: "Rather than both sides suffering a defeat, it's better to take a risk!" He looked at Chu Xianliu and said: "What do you think, Senior Chu?" Chu Xianliu smiled and said: "I'll follow your lead!" Liang Xiao said: "Alright then, we've decided. On our side, I, Liu Yingying, and Little Monk will go into battle!" Lei Xingkong shook his head and said: "That won't do. This matter started because of Liu Yingying, she's the stake in this gamble. Since ancient times, has there ever been a case where the stake participates in the gamble?" Everyone understood what was going on, that Liu Yingying's martial arts skills were stronger than Hua Xiaoshuang's, and Lei Xingkong was saying this to weaken Liang Xiao. They all loudly voiced their agreement.

  Li Xue was enraged, thinking that this would force Hua Xiao Shuang to take the stage as well. A cold smile played on his lips as he turned his gaze towards Chu Yu, thinking: "She is the niece of Chu Xian Liu and the daughter-in-law of Lei Xing Kong. If I can capture her, it will be a two-for-one deal." Just as he was about to launch a surprise attack, he heard Hua Xiao Shuang's trembling voice say: "Brother Li, I...I am willing to go into battle!"

  Liang Xiao angrily said: "What nonsense, how can you fight with others?" Hua Xiao Xue looked at Liu Yueyue and smiled sadly: "If we win like this, first, we don't have to kill anyone, secondly, you and...this sister can leave the manor together. It's a rare good thing that kills two birds with one stone." Liang Xiao saw her sad expression and felt a pang in his chest, shaking his head: "No way, your martial arts are average, going on stage is definitely losing!" Hua Xiao Xue hastily said: "I won't lose, I'd rather die than lose!" Liang Xiao's heart was blocked, wanting to say more, but Hua Xiao Xue firmly said: "Brother Xiao, my mind is made up, don't persuade me anymore!"

  Hua Xiao Shuang stepped forward, Liu Yingying was shocked and suspicious again. Seeing Liang Xiao's expression, she felt angry: "This stinky girl is pretending to be elegant, can't she deceive the little scoundrel into having a crush on her?" Suddenly enraged, she shouted loudly: "I don't want this cheap woman to save me!" Suddenly seeing Liang Xiao glance over with anger in his eyebrows, she couldn't help but tremble in her heart and hummed softly.

  Lei Xingkong burst out laughing and said, "This young lady is willing to take action, that's perfect!" Liang Xiao turned his mind around and coldly smiled, saying: "Alright, let's settle on this. Which three people will you send out?" Lei Xingkong bowed his head and smiled at Chu Xianliu, saying: "Sir Xianliu must be the first one to go out!" Chu Xianliu just smiled without speaking. Lei Xingkong continued, "I'm also not bad, I'll count as one too!" His gaze swept across and fell on Chu Yu, laughing and saying: "You have a female general, we should also send one out, Yu Niang, you're also counted in!"

  Liang Xiao nodded and said, "The plan is yours to make, but the arrangement of the lineup will be decided by our side! In the first round, I'll go against Lei Bo; in the second round, Huasheng, you'll face Chu Erniang, don't forget to gain some advantage. As for Xiaoshuang, you can respectfully ask Chu Qianbei to teach you two sword techniques." He was well-versed in strategy and had calculated that he would definitely win against Lei Xingkong; Huasheng would not lose to Chu Yu; and Chu Xianliu, a master of the previous generation, would not be able to bear to fight seriously with Hua Xiaoshuang, a weak woman. Although Hua Xiaoshuang was bound to lose, she would not suffer any harm. Lei Xingkong was cunning, but after all, he was an unrefined person; when it came to deploying troops and using tactics, he was far inferior to Liang Xiao. As soon as the lineup was announced, his heart ached with anxiety.

  "Hey, Liang Xiao, you said I shouldn't forget to take advantage of the situation. How do I do that? Is it by asking for wine or dog meat?" Liang Xiao smiled and said, "You see that woman in yellow? Later she'll try to cut you with her sword. Just let her pass, touch her hands, feet, neck, and face, and when she lowers her head in defeat, you win." Chu Yu's face turned red with anger and embarrassment; Lei Zheng jumped up furiously, shouting curses. Liu Yingying couldn't help but laugh and scolded, "You little rascal, aren't you afraid of corrupting the young monk?"

  Huasheng still didn't open his eyes, looking at Chu Yu, touching his bald head, and said foolishly: "Liang Xiao, can only touch, can't eat?" Liang Xiao intentionally disturbed the enemy's mind, nodded and said: "You want to eat, then eat, no one will stop you!" Huasheng glanced at Chu Yu, but still felt it was not right, thinking that eating would be inappropriate, so just touching would be better. Chu Yu was stared at by his round eyes until her face turned green, thinking: "Not to mention letting the little bald thief bite him once, even if he just touched him twice, I wouldn't be able to be human anymore." Thinking of this, she felt like she had fallen into Liang Xiao's trap and had a shrinking intention.

  Lei Xingkong was at a loss, when Chu Xianliu suddenly spoke up: "This match is not suitable, how can I fight with a little girl! If you want to play tricks like this, then there's no need for a bet!" Lei Xingkong asked: "What do you mean?" Chu Xianliu said: "Soldier against soldier, general against general, man against man, woman against woman." Lei Xingkong was overjoyed and agreed: "Exactly, it should be this way."

  Liang Xiao coldly smiled and said: "Alright, I'll give in another step, but let's make one thing clear, there are only three of us, no substitutions allowed. You have more people on your side, what if you try to cheat by switching players halfway?" Chu Xianliu said: "The person is set, we won't go back on our word!" Lei Xingkong also said: "That's right!"

  Liang Xiao frowned and said, "Two of you are the leaders of a sect, your words must be put into action, I believe in you!" As soon as the words fell, Chu Yu suddenly said, "Gong Gong, San Shu, I won't fight this little girl." Lei Xingkong frowned and asked, "Why?" Chu Yu looked at Hua Xiaoxue and sighed, "Today I almost suffered the greatest humiliation of my life. If it weren't for this girl's rescue, from now on I would have no face to see people. This great kindness, I have no way to repay, but if I were to repay kindness with resentment, it would be extremely inappropriate!"

  Everyone knew that she was talking about Liang Xiao's inscription, and Hua Xiaoxue stopped one thing. Liang Xiao glanced at Chu Yu with a hint of approval: "This woman still has some conscience."

  Lei Xingkong furrowed his brow and said, "If you don't take action, who will replace you?" Chu Yu said, "I heard that Wanyu has recently been learning swordsmanship from Third Uncle, making rapid progress. The three moves he just pointed out to us were exceptionally clever. If my guess is not wrong, Wan'er's swordsmanship should be above mine."

  Lei Xingkong's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands, laughing: "Not bad, please show off your skills, Miss Wan." Chu Wan shook her head: "I only practiced sword with my third uncle to cultivate my temperament. As for fighting and killing, I have no interest in it." She sat down cross-legged, closed her eyes, and remained silent. The crowd was greatly disappointed, but Hua Xiaoxue felt a sense of closeness to Chu Wan: "This sister doesn't use martial arts to oppress others, she's really kind-hearted. If we can survive today, I must make friends with her."

  Lei Xingkong also looked at Hua Xiaoshuang, thinking that this woman was weak and should not have any extraordinary abilities! But since Liang Xiao let her go to battle, it's hard to say she didn't have some special skills. If he underestimated her, he might end up in trouble. Just as he was hesitating, He Xiangyang suddenly shouted loudly: "There are no great generals in Shu, Liao Hua is the vanguard, Madam Lei refuses to fight, I'll take her place for a while, how about that?"

  Liang Xiao coldly said: "Surnamed He, do you want to lose face?" He Xunyang sneered: "You led the army to conquer Song, with a debt of blood, are you worthy of talking about face with me?" The crowd listened and nodded in agreement. This remark hit Liang Xiao's sore spot, he frowned and turned to Lei Xingkong: "So, have all your people been chosen?"

  Lei Xingkong didn't expect him to be so generous, and secretly rejoiced in his heart. He nodded and said, "Not bad!" Liang Xiao nodded, took a big step forward, turned around and was about to leave when he suddenly changed direction and flashed out like lightning, striking He Shuangyang's chest with a thousand-pound palm force.

  This move comes from "Dà Nì Zhū Xīn Zhǎng". The Black Water martial arts have been passed down through generations, but Liang Xiao had never learned this palm technique. However, during the Battle of Qiantang, he saw Baiyan repeatedly use it, and afterwards, he carefully thought about it and guessed its subtleties.

  This palm came and went like lightning, beyond people's expectations. He Sengyang was struck by a huge hammer, flew horizontally, and a mouthful of blood spurted out into the sky. Lei Xingkong supported him with his body, shocked and angry, shouting loudly: "Surnamed Liang, you are unfaithful and have broken our agreement!"

  Liang Xiao said calmly, "Didn't we agree not to fight before the duel? As long as the duel hasn't started, you can also find a chance to turn the tables on me!" Lei Xingkong angrily said, "Now that you're being cautious, it's easy for you to say such convenient words." Chu Xianliu also said, "Liang Xiao, this is indeed a strong argument!" Liang Xiao smiled and said, "Fine, I'm using strong arguments. But earlier, senior clearly said 'men against men, women against women', but now you're making it 'men against women', isn't that going back on your word?" Chu Xianliu was speechless, momentarily silent.

  Lei Xingkong said unwillingly, "No way, we need to change people!" Liang Xiao smiled and said, "I've said it before, the person is definitely settled, and I won't go back on my word! You say I'm unreliable, but I think the one who's truly unreliable is you." As he spoke, his eyes were fixed on Chu Xianliu.

  Chu Xianliu sighed and said, "Liang Xiao, dealing with you is really a headache." Liang Xiao sighed and said, "You've made it clear that you must win, I need to protect myself, so I have no choice but to use some unconventional methods." Chu Xianliu said, "Alright, let's consider it settled then. But once the competition begins, you're not allowed to get out of hand either." Liang Xiao smiled and said, "I won't go back on my word." Chu Xianliu furrowed his brow and said, "What if you do?" Liang Xiao cut him off and said, "Then I'll consider myself the loser."

  Lei Xingkong saw Chu Xianliu's defeat and had nothing to say, but He Shengyang was injured so severely that he feared that Hua Xiaoxue would be able to knock him down with just a finger. In his heart, he secretly cursed his own incompetence. Suddenly, he saw He Shengyang struggle to get up, staring at Hua Xiaoxue and said in a hoarse voice: "He Shengyang requests guidance." Hua Xiaoxue sighed and also said: "Junior Hua Xiaoxue will give you some advice." Before the words had fallen, a woman's laughter was heard, saying: "Wait!"

  Everyone looked up and saw a beautiful woman in purple clothes, walking towards them with a gentle smile. Liu Ying's face changed color with anger and she said: "Han Ningzi, you deceived me so badly!" Han Ningzi smiled and said: "Good Yingying, how did I deceive you?" Liu Yingying gritted her teeth and said: "You told me that Chu Xianliu burned down the Red Pavilion, killing Liang Xiao in the process. You tricked me into coming to find the evil spirit of Tianxiang Mountain Villa!" Han Ningzi smiled and said: "This is called turning disaster into fortune. If it weren't for this, how would Liang Xiao have dared to come rescue you? And how could you have tested whether his feelings for you were true or false?" Liu Yingying's face turned bright red as she listened, and she glanced at Liang Xiao, thinking that Han Ningzi's words made sense. In times of hardship, one can see the truth of another's heart. Liang Xiao had risked his life to come save her, which showed that his feelings for her were true and sincere. Her anger towards Han Ningzi dissipated by half as she felt joyful in her heart.

  Liang Xiao listened to their conversation and only then did he realize that Liu Yingying was trapped in the Tianxiang Mountain Villa because of Han Ningzi's provocation. He was furious, shouting: "Han Ningzi, have you come to seek death?" Han Ningzi smiled and said softly: "I just think this competition is too unfair for you."

  This wicked woman helped to frame him, and Liang Xiao was deeply surprised. Lei Xingkong angrily said: "How is it not fair? This treacherous villain has taken advantage of everything!" Han Ningzi smiled and said: "Lei Baozhu, haven't you heard? He's not satisfied with your 'man against woman'!" She glanced at Hua Xiaoxue carelessly, "According to Xianliu Gong's words, it should be 'woman against woman' that suits him!"

  Liang Xiao suddenly understood her intention, his heart burning with anger, and his energy surged through his palms. Han Ningzi had been on guard early and quickly moved to Chu Xianliu's side, laughing: "Xianliu Gong, he wants to kill me!" Chu Xianliu also saw the murderous intent in Liang Xiao's eyes, and his eyebrows furrowed slightly, but then heard Han Ningzi say: "If he dares to be so reckless, killing someone right in front of you, not only would he not put you in his eyes, but Tianxiang Manor's reputation would also be ruined."

  Chu Xianliu said calmly, "You have committed many evils and should die." Han Ningzi was taken aback and forced a smile, saying, "Xianliu, you are so ruthless!" Chu Xianliu fell silent for a moment before sighing, "Killing is never good. Liang Xiao, one debt repaid with another, today we only speak of Liu Yueyue, other accounts will be settled after leaving the Tianxiang Manor." Liang Xiao felt a chill in his heart, while Hua Xiaoxiao nodded enthusiastically, saying, "Chu senior is right, killing is never good!" Liang Xiao was bitter and glared at her fiercely.

  Han Ningzi obtained a sentence from Chu Xianliu, her mind was greatly calmed, and she cast her gaze at Hua Xiaoshuang, smiling slightly: "You're Hua Xiaoshuang?" Before Hua Xiaoshuang could respond, Liang Xiao suddenly said coldly: "Don't bother with her!"

  Hua Xiao Shuang was taken aback, and Han Ning Zi laughed again: "Your father is Hua Qing Yuan, and your mother should be that cheap woman Ling Shuang Jun!" Hua Xiao Shuang blurted out: "Why are you scolding my mother?" Liang Xiao's heart was bitter, but suddenly he saw Han Ning Zi smiling sweetly as she said: "Good, heaven has eyes, I finally met this evil spawn of yours!" Her voice sounded soft, but each word seemed to contain endless venom.

  Liang Xiao coldly smiled and said, "Han Ningzi, you want to play tricks? First, get past me." Han Ningzi smiled and said, "Why would I play tricks? Even if I wanted to do something, it would be done openly and honestly!" She turned her head towards Chu Xianliu and said, "Sir Xianliu, didn't you say that these three arrays require men to face men and women to face women?" Chu Xianliu nodded and said, "I did say that."

  Han Ningzi turned to Liang Xiao and smiled, "Will you agree to this?" Liang Xiao knew her intention but couldn't refute it, so he lowered his head and muttered, "I'm fighting them, what does it have to do with you?" Han Ningzi chuckled and turned to Lei Xingkong, "Lei Manor Master, today we're united against a common enemy, why don't we turn enemies into friends?" Lei Xingkong was taken aback and before he could respond, Han Ningzi suddenly bowed down to Chu Yu and smiled, "Chu sister, I've wronged you in the past, but it was all because of that scoundrel's instigation. Today, I'll make you my sworn sister, and we can consider ourselves family! Let me take your place and fend off the first wave, how about it?" Liang Xiao clenched his bamboo sword upon hearing this. Suddenly, he saw Chu Xian's gaze fall on him, and Liang Xiao knew he was now on guard, making it impossible to kill Han Ningzi.

  Chu Yu didn't expect Han Ningzi to make such a move, and she felt extremely shocked and looked at Lei Xingkong. Lei Xingkong saw an opportunity and was overjoyed in his heart, nodding repeatedly at her. Chu Yu glanced at Xiao Shuang and sighed, "Sister, no need for courtesy, please get up." Han Ningzi smiled and said, "Thank you, sister!" Liu Yingying couldn't bear it anymore and shouted loudly, "Han Ningzi, you...you're also too shameless!" Han Ningzi smiled slightly and remained silent.

  Liang Xiao suddenly said: "Han Ningzi, you win this round! I didn't expect you to be so ruthless. It's clear that all your resentment towards Ling Shuangjun has been transferred to Hua Xiaoshuang. Once you make a move, it will be a matter of life and death."

  The crowd was stunned, and cheers erupted. Hua Xiao Shuang hastily said: "Xiao Gege, how can this be? If we lose another game, it won't be good!" Liang Xiao shook his head repeatedly. Han Ning Zi's eyes rolled, and she smiled: "What a considerate and thoughtful young master! Yingying, you should see clearly now! Alas, I thought he was wholeheartedly devoted to you, but it seems that's not the case at all! He'd rather let you be bullied than have Miss Hua lose a single hair!"

  Liu Yingying's eyes widened and she said loudly, "You'd better not come here to stir up trouble, I...I won't fall for it..." Although she said this out loud, her chest was filled with sorrow and bitterness, and her eyebrows were red. Hua Xiaoxue saw that she was hurt and sighed silently, saying softly, "Sister..." Liu Yingying's heart was filled with jealousy, and she raised an eyebrow, shouting, "Who is your sister?" Liang Xiao frowned and said, "Yingying, you shouldn't take it out on her." Liu Yingying coldly said, "Yes, I shouldn't take it out on her, I should take it out on myself. If you like her, why did you come to rescue me? What does it have to do with you that I'm trapped and bullied by others? It would be cleaner if someone just killed me with one knife!"

  Liang Xiao was speechless, lowering his head in silence. The crowd saw that the fight had not yet begun and they were already in disarray, feeling extremely relieved and laughing non-stop. Lei Xingkong, who had the upper hand, smiled and said: "Liang Xiao, you conceded defeat in the first round, there's no need to drag out the second round, let's just end this quickly!"

  Liang Xiao's eyebrows rose, just about to respond, when Hua Xiaoxue hastily said: "The first round hasn't even started, who lost?" Lei Xingkong furrowed his brow and said: "Doesn't Liang Xiao admitting defeat count?" Hua Xiaoxue gritted her teeth and said: "I'm the one fighting, I say we haven't lost, then we haven't lost." Liang Xiao angrily said: "Nonsense, I say we've lost, then we've lost!" Hua Xiaoxue turned her gaze to Liu Xiangxiang and said: "Sister... even if I die, I must win." Liu Xiangxiang snorted and coldly ignored her.

  Liang Xiao couldn't help but say, "Martial arts are not like reading books or treating illnesses, you might not be able to win even if you die." Hua Xiao Xue gazed at him with a melancholic smile, thinking: "I've contracted the Nine Yin Poison Pulse and should have died long ago. Luckily, Master was able to save me, and I've been able to live until today. Now that Grandma doesn't want me, it's hard for me to return home, Master is dead, and you've found a woman you love. What's the point of me living? If I die, Sister Liu won't blame you, and you two can be together as a loving couple." She was somewhat confused about romantic relationships between men and women but couldn't help feeling jealous. However, she was naturally gentle and more indifferent than others. Today, after hearing Liu Yueyue's words, her heart felt like it had been cut by a knife and stabbed by needles, and she felt extremely uncomfortable. But as a doctor by nature, seeing Liang Xiao in a difficult situation and Liu Yueyue frequently crying, she also felt some sympathy amidst her sorrow. With all these emotions entangled in her mind - grief, pity, worry, and sadness - the suffering was something she had never experienced since birth. For a moment, she couldn't find a way to relieve herself and thought of ending her life lightly.

  She steeled herself and took a step forward, saying to Han Ningzi: "Auntie, I'm going to fight you." Han Ningzi sneered: "You call me auntie, do you think I'm old?" Hua Xiaoxue wouldn't lie, and said truthfully: "You don't look old, you're even younger than my mom." Han Ningzi was furious, and spat out: "How dare you compare me to that cheap woman!" She took a sudden step forward, her eyes blazing with anger, her face twisted in ferocity.

  Hua Xiao Shuang took a step back, her face pale, and said, "My mother didn't provoke you, why do you always scold her?" Han Ning Zi's expression changed drastically, and she laughed loudly, saying, "She didn't provoke me, haha, she didn't provoke me..." As she laughed, she covered her face with her sleeves and burst into loud sobs. Hua Xiao Shuang heard her crying pitifully and felt a surge of sympathy, just as she was about to go forward to comfort her, her arm was suddenly grabbed by Liang Xiao. Liang Xiao said coldly, "Don't bother with this crazy woman!" Hua Xiao Shuang sighed and said, "She's crying so miserably." Turning around, she saw Liu Yingying standing on the side, her eyes red-rimmed, her chest heaving violently, and hastily pushed away Liang Xiao, saying, "Brother Xiao, don't worry, I will definitely win."

  Liang Xiao's eyes flushed, grasping her arm and refusing to let go. Hua Xiao Shuang used force to pry open his hand, laughing: "Don't you trust me? I...I also know martial arts!" Hua Sheng leaned forward, chuckling: "Xiao Shuang knows martial arts, great, I want to see..." Liang Xiao suddenly glared at him, and Hua Sheng was startled, shrinking back his head. At this time, Lei Xing Kong impatiently said: "Liang Xiao, what are you hesitating about? Are you admitting defeat or not?"

  Liang Xiao saw Hua Xiaoxue's resolute yet pleading expression, and couldn't help but furrow his brow in thought. Suddenly, he turned to Han Ningzi and said: "Go ahead and hit me, if you don't follow the rules and hurt someone, I'll make you pay with your life within five steps."

  Han Ningzi sobbed twice, then suddenly lifted her head and burst out laughing: "Fine, so you say that, I won't cry either. Little scoundrel, do you know why I'm not crying?" Hua Xiaoxue was taken aback, asking: "Are you talking to me?" Han Ningzi laughed: "Who else would I be talking to?" Hua Xiaoxue shook her head in confusion: "I don't know." Han Ningzi laughed again: "As long as I see you bleeding, it's just as refreshing as seeing tears!"

  Hua Xiao Shuang's body trembled, she gritted her teeth, and with a rough voice said: "I... I'm going to make my move." Han Ning Zi saw that her left palm was slanted and her right palm was flat, her skirt fluttering like a fairy, and couldn't help but be slightly distracted: "If I were to have a daughter with him, she would definitely be ten times more lovely, ten times more beautiful, and ten times more gentle..." As she thought of this, looking at Hua Xiao Shuang, her expression became dazed. Hua Xiao Shuang saw that she was in a trance-like state and warned: "Auntie, be careful!" Her palms opened and closed rapidly, like the wind and clouds. Hua Sheng watched and smiled, loudly cheering her on.

  Liang Xiao saw her make a move before greeting, and was so angry that his heart ached. Han Ningzi gazed at the clouds in the sky and sighed softly: "Is the white-robed dog changing into floating clouds?" Hua Xiaoxue heard her reveal the trick, and her heart skipped a beat. Suddenly, she saw Han Ningzi's sleeves fluttering lightly, and her slender palms flew out like a burst of blue clouds, revealing a hook-like cold moon.

  Hua Xiao Shuang didn't dare to meet the attack head-on, and quickly retreated with her palms. Han Ning's purple lotus steps moved lightly, her ten fingers seemed like orchids, gently swaying back and forth, brushing towards Hua Xiao Shuang's chest's major acupoint. Hua Xiao Shuang retreated another six steps, staring wide-eyed: "Clouds break, moon comes, flowers play with shadows, you...you also know 'Wind Sleeve Cloud Palm'?"

  Han Ningzi saw her surprise and felt pleased, smiling: "It was your father who personally taught me." Hua Xiaoxue asked in surprise: "You know my dad? Are you friends?" Han Ningzi said: "He and I are not ordinary friends. He not only taught me martial arts but also slept with me mouth to mouth." Everyone heard this sentence, burst into laughter. Hua Xiaoxue's face turned red, her mind was in chaos. Liang Xiao hurriedly said: "Xiaoxue, hold onto Yuan Shou and don't listen to her nonsense." Han Ningzi smiled and said: "Don't you believe me? Go ask your dad, he'll tell you what's true or false." As she spoke, her palms fluttered like a heavenly maiden scattering flowers, gently slapping out.

  Hua Xiao Shuang's mind was set on victory, and with a strong will, she dispelled all distractions, retreating several feet. Her palm technique changed, her slender palms embracing each other, as if they were about to touch, yet remained elusive, like smoke and mist, drifting and fluttering, impossible to grasp. Suddenly, her double palms transformed into swift movements, one turning into two, two turning into four, as if the night sky was opening up, clouds dispersing, and a multitude of stars bursting forth in an instant. The onlookers' eyes were dazzled by this display, barely able to withstand Han Ningzi's Hundred Flowers Blooming like Pearls technique. Han Ningzi saw this move and her mind was momentarily bewildered, involuntarily reciting: "The heavens connect with the cloudy waves, the dawn mist links with the starry river, a thousand sails dance in the celestial current."

  "'Wind sleeves and cloud palms' every move, every style, secretly matches a sentence in the lyrics." Hua Xiao Shuang listened to her explain the moves, couldn't help but think of her own life, felt a pang in her heart, and continued reciting: "As if my dream soul returns to the Emperor's place, hearing heavenly words, diligently asking me where I will return to."

  Han Ningzi saw her turn her waist and move her steps, raise her hand and lift her foot, as if she were herself when she was young and innocent, practicing palm exercises with Hua Qingyuan by the water. For a moment, her mind was dazed and she felt like she was dreaming. When she heard these few words of resentment, she became even more infatuated and forgot that she was in the arena. As she stood there, lost in thought, she suddenly felt a slight pain on her forehead, as if struck by a palm wind. She spun around to avoid it, but only then realized that she had been caught off guard and trapped in Hua Xiaoshuang's palm shadow, which was like a thousand fluttering fans of the Star River Dance. Unconsciously, she let out a cold hum, her body flexed and extended, and she escaped from Hua Xiaoshuang's double palms. In mid-air, her figure spun rapidly, her left sleeve flowing like water and clouds, forcing open the opponent's palm force, while her right palm fluttered down like a hundred butterflies.

  Hua Xiaoxiang retreated three steps, calling out from the heart: " Cicada shell outside the dust, butterfly dream water cloud village." She was often ill since childhood and only learned this "Wind Sleeve Cloud Palm" from her aunt. On ordinary days, she would practice with Hua Muyong, familiarizing herself with various changes, to the point where she could respond with her eyes closed. Seeing this move, she countered with "High sentiment has chased the dawn cloud empty".

  Han Ningzi and Hua Qingyuan spent a short time together, and she only learned this palm technique. The "Wind Sleeve Cloud Palm" move was elegant and free-spirited, the two were deeply in love, and often practiced together. Who knew that after they parted ways, she couldn't forget her past feelings, and would often practice alone to console herself. Originally, she thought that by using this palm technique, she could say some sweet nothings, and if Hua Xiaoshuang was startled, it would be like letting Ling Shuangjun suffer in her heart. But after exchanging a few moves, the thoughts from over ten years ago flooded her mind, as if she were facing off against Hua Qingyuan again. For a moment, she couldn't bear to land a heavy blow, and instead hoped to exchange a few more moves, rekindling old memories. Suddenly, she saw Hua Xiaoshuang use the move "High Emotions Chasing the Empty Clouds", so she countered with "Broken Rain and Lingering Clouds Without Interest". Seeing the young girl use "Emerald Clouds Gradually Approaching from the East" to defend herself, Han Ningzi responded with "Sweeping Away Floating Clouds, Wind Unsettled".

  Two people came and went, waving their palms like light clouds covering the moon, raising their sleeves like flowing winds blowing back snow. Suddenly, they leaped with joy, as if not engaged in a life-and-death struggle, but rather like intimate lovers dancing together. Everyone watching was amazed, and Liang Xiao was even more suspicious: "The evil woman's moves are gentle, it's as if she's playing coquettishly, if she's trying to show weakness to her enemy, why bother with such trouble?" Lei Xingkong watched impatiently, suddenly humming a sound.

  Han Ningzi's face turned red with rage, and she suddenly realized: "What am I doing?" Her gentle feelings were withdrawn, and her killing intent gradually rose. With a loud whoosh, she slapped out two palms, transforming into the "Floating Snow Divine Palm". Liang Xiao saw it clearly and cried out: "Xiao Shuang, be careful!" Hua Xiaoshuang only felt a sudden gust of cold wind around her, and couldn't help but shiver. The cold poison in her body was stirred up by the "Ice River Mysterious Skill", and she felt dizzy and disoriented. She stumbled backward, her head spinning. Han Ningzi took another step forward and slapped out another palm. Hua Xiaoshuang barely avoided it, but her head felt even more dizzy. If not for her determination to rescue Liu Yanyan, she would have fallen to the ground long ago.

  Liang Xiao watched with a shocked heart, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword, ready to assist Hua Xiao Xue at any moment if she was in danger. After watching two moves, a brilliant idea flashed across his mind and he suddenly shouted: "Xiao Xue, use the An Xiang Fist Method! An Xiang Fist Method!" Just then, Hua Xiao Xue felt dizzy and saw Han Ning Zi's palms slapping from left to right, so she responded by using the "Ling Xue Ao Xue" move of the An Xiang Fist Method's Left Five Routes. The style was elegant and refined, with a lofty and extraordinary atmosphere.

  "An Xiang Quan" is a loose fist, also an internal skill, all kinds of moves rely on the gas mechanism to pull. These days, Hua Xiao Shuang often practices it to defend against cold poison. At this time, the frame is open, the whole body's energy is flowing, and the yang is harmonious and unobstructed. Han Ningzi's palm strength also seems not as fierce as before. She nourishes her own energy, using her surplus energy to drive the fist moves, six consecutive punches, dissolving Han Ningzi's three palm forces, the remaining energy does not stop, sweeping across the opponent's forehead.

  Han Ningzi only felt a wave of heat rushing towards her, slightly dizzy, and her heart skipped a beat. She put aside the idea of playing with the cat and launched a "Snow Bath Flying Dragon" attack from top to bottom. Suddenly, a cold energy flew out, its momentum like an icy river bursting forth.

  Hua Xiao Shuang busily employed the "Xiao Yu Dian Zhu" of the front five routes, her strength condensed and not scattered, striking out flatly. It seemed careless, but her fist broke through Han Ning Zi's palm wind, hitting her shoulder. Han Ning Zi's "Jian Jing" acupoint was numb, her heart tightened: "This is fist strength, it can actually break my palm wind?" Suddenly she withdrew her strength, her foot slightly rotating, circling to Hua Xiao Shuang's back. Hua Xiao Shuang didn't wait for her to make a move, one move of the rear five routes' "Shu Zhi Heng Yu", taking the initiative. The "Piao Xue Shen Zhang" was agile and changing, drifting like flying snow. Han Ning Zi hadn't even made a move when her body turned again, falling to Hua Xiao Shuang's right side. One move of "Bing Hua Liu Chu", six palms were continuously slapped out. Hua Xiao Shuang displayed the right five routes' "Mei Hua San Nong", three light fists, drifting and dissolving.

  Han Ningzi successively launched her ultimate moves, but they were all restrained. Qing Xiao shouted and launched a move called "Thousand Snows Covering the Top", with both palms falling from the sky. Hua Xiaoxue urgently used a move from the Middle Five Roads called "Leaving the World Alone", slightly turning her body, with both fists sweeping upwards. The two collided hard in one move. Hua Xiaoxue retreated five steps, only to feel a chill entering her body. She quickly launched the move "Fragrant Soul Wandering", using her inner energy to bring out the move, and swung several punches in mid-air, lightly dissipating the chill. Han Ningzi, however, felt a warm energy seeping into her meridians, as if her Qi mechanism was not operating smoothly. She hastily circulated her Qi to disperse it, and with an angry shout, she pounced forward.

  After several rounds, Hua Xiao Shuang's confidence greatly increased. Seeing her approach, she held her breath and concentrated, repeatedly displaying the twenty-five moves of "Dark Fragrance Fist". Her movements were external, but her spirit was internalized, her punches seemed to float like dark fragrance, as if there and yet not there, defending like a vast net in the sky, sparse yet without gaps, attacking with ease and composure, making it impossible for others to defend against.

  Another ten moves, Han Ningzi fought for a long time without falling, her clear and melodious voice ringing out, suddenly left and right, jumping high and low. Suddenly rising like a startled swan, falling like lightning, making the onlookers unable to keep up with their eyes, even three feet away could feel a chill. Hua Xiaoxue seemed like a lone plum tree standing in the midst of raging winds and snowstorms, always on the verge of withering danger. Liu Yingying secretly thought: "Han Ningzi's palm technique has reached this level, if I were to fight her, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to withstand even a hundred moves!" Liang Xiao was even more shocked: "I don't know if it's intentional or unintentional, fortunately she created this 'Dark Fragrance Fist', which is precisely the nemesis of the 'Snowflake Divine Palm'. However, Xiaoxue's skills are still shallow, and she has an illness in her body, going on like this, at most she can hold out for a few moves, ultimately it's certain she'll lose." His gaze shifted, suddenly seeing Jin Ling'er poking her head out of the luggage, her fiery eyes rolling around wildly.

  Liang Xiao's heart skipped a beat, and he let out a soft whistle. Jin Ling'er let out a sharp cry and transformed into a ball of golden light, suddenly pouncing towards Han Ningzi. Han Ningzi saw the situation and slapped her palm to strike back. Suddenly, she heard Liang Xiao whistle again, and Jin Ling'er responded by darting diagonally, then pounced forward once more, swiping at her face with its paw. This move was perfectly executed, an absolutely brilliant martial arts technique. Han Ningzi was caught off guard and hastily leaned backward, just as Hua Xiaoxue made a move with "Treading Snow to Find Plum Blossoms", her toes pointed upwards, almost kicking her.

  Lei Xingkong angrily said: "Liang Xiao, you're not following the rules!" Liang Xiao smiled and said: "Little monkey is anxious to protect his master, it has nothing to do with others. You said that we should fight one on one, no one else can help, but you didn't say that animals can't help each other!" Lei Xingkong furrowed his brow in anger, just about to argue strongly, when Chu Xianliu saw Han Ningzi's vicious move and had already become unhappy. He laughed and said: "That's right, this doesn't count as breaking the agreement!" When Lei Xingkong heard him say that, he was left speechless.

  Hua Xiao Shuang saw Jin Ling Er come to her aid, and was slightly stunned, forgetting to pursue the attack. Han Ning Zi took a deep breath, swung her palm at Jin Ling Er. Jin Ling Er was after all an animal, and when she wasn't careful, she was struck by Han's cold energy, curling up into a ball and jumping around wildly. Liang Xiao urgently called out: "Xiao Shuang!" Hua Xiao Shuang suddenly came to her senses, seeing that Jin Ling Er was in danger, and used the "An Xiang Fist" to rescue her with all her might. Liang Xiao whistled repeatedly, and Jin Ling Er responded immediately. It was a rare species born with extraordinary abilities, quick and agile beyond its peers, following Liang Xiao's taught moves, leaping up and down, making feints left and right, like a golden lightning bolt, circling around Han Ning Zi in all directions. It worked together with Hua Xiao Shuang, one orthodox and the other unorthodox, calling out to each other, fighting so that Han Ning Zi was busy and flustered, her heart crying out in distress.

  Lei Xingkong angrily said: "Liang Xiao, you're whistling and inciting this little monkey, is that considered helping?" Liang Xiao smiled and said: "Lei Baozhu is really having wild thoughts, who says I'm inciting the monkey? I'm just enjoying the show, can't I even whistle a tune?" He continued to whistle, directing Jin Ling'er to attack from all directions. Lei Xingkong knew he was being tricked, but couldn't do anything about it, his hair stood on end and his eyes bulged with anger.

  Liang Xiao's martial arts skills far surpassed Han Ningzi's, and his whistling fingers pointed out her weaknesses one by one. In less than thirty moves, with a "hiss" sound, her waistband was torn off by Jin Ling'er's claw. Liang Xiao laughed: "Han Ningzi, I'm telling you, this monkey is the most lustful and shameless, if you don't surrender now, it will even tear off your pants!" The crowd heard this and couldn't help but feel both angry and amused.

  Han Ningzi knew that he was mostly bluffing, but she was still flustered and panicked. Suddenly, she heard a whistle from Liang Xiao, and saw a flash of golden light rushing towards her waist. Afraid of being embarrassed in public by this mischievous boy, she hastily raised her hand to block it. Hua Xiaoxue took advantage of the opening and used the "Plum Blossom Competing with Spring" move, striking Han Ningzi's chest with her right fist. Han Ningzi retreated half a step, shouted loudly, and was about to attack again when she saw Liang Xiao blocking her way, laughing long and saying: "Xiaoxue, stop while you're ahead, since you've won, be magnanimous and spare this aunt."

  Han Ningzi angrily said: "Nonsense, where did I lose?" Liang Xiao smiled and said: "You took a punch, don't you admit defeat?" Han Ningzi thought to herself: "Her fist strength is not enough to hurt me, but just now, that one punch was indeed on my body..." As she hesitated, suddenly Chu Xianliu said: "Not bad, little girl defeated a strong enemy, admirable." As soon as he spoke, Han Ningzi had nothing to say, thinking to herself that there were many enemies here and it's not safe to stay for long. She gritted her teeth, coldly smiled, swung her sleeve and left.

  As she saw her back disappear, Hua Xiao Shuang finally believed that she had won a round, and her mind was in a daze as if in a dream. Liang Xiao laughed and said: "Xiao Shuang, you have defeated this female devil's arrogance, it really makes people feel relieved." Hua Xiao Shuang came back to herself, with a smile in her eyes, glanced at him and thought to herself: "Thanks to your numerous strategies, I was barely able to win!" Then she looked at Liu Yueying again, seeing that she had no expression on her face, not knowing whether she was happy or angry. Her mind became gloomy once more, thinking that regardless of the outcome, Liu Yueying would only blame herself. Perhaps after today, there would be no way for them to practice medicine together with Liang Xiao anymore. As she thought about it, her joy dissipated, and an unspeakable chilliness filled her heart.

  "Alright, you managed to bluff your way through the first round. Now it's time for the second!" With a loud clap of his hands, he shouted: "Bring out the drum!" Before the words had even left his lips, two burly men emerged from the crowd, carrying a massive war drum that was three feet square in size. The drum's design was ancient and peculiar, with its four sides cast in bronze and adorned with ferocious beast patterns. Two black drumheads were stretched taut over the top and bottom of the drum, made from some unknown material.

  Lei Xingkong grasped the bronze ring with his left hand, raised the drum above his head, and took a two-foot-long drumstick that was neither gold nor wood, but resembled an animal bone. His tall stature made him look like a mountain as he stood there, holding the drum and stick. Chu Xianliu said displeased: "Lei Xingkong, do you want to perform 'Thunder Drum Nine Strikes' here?" Lei Xingkong replied: "If I damage any flowers or trees, I will compensate for them!" Chu Xianliu hummed and glanced at Huasheng, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.

  Huasheng saw that everyone was staring at him, and he was at a loss. Liang Xiao saw Lei Xingkong take out this strange door blade and frowned, saying: "Huasheng, what kind of weapon do you use?" Huasheng shook his head: "I don't know how to use a weapon, my master only taught me boxing." Liang Xiao remembered Jiuru using the copper bell as a weapon, shaking the group of heroes, and asked involuntarily: "Can you play the copper bell?" Huasheng shook his head. Liang Xiao thought that the little monk hadn't learned all of his master's skills yet, so he said: "Alright, go on stage, like Xiaoshuang, and exchange blows with the old man. If you win, I'll treat you to a drink. If you can't beat him, just admit defeat."

  Hua Sheng heard the word "wine" and happily said, "Good!" He put down his luggage, walked onto the stage, and bowed to Lei Xingkong, saying, "Hello, old sir!" Lei Xingkong was taken aback, thinking, "This little bald donkey actually knows some manners." He snorted in response, but Hua Sheng continued, "Old sir, I admit defeat if you can't beat me. If you can't beat me, then you should admit defeat to me. If you admit defeat, I'll have wine to drink, and with wine to drink, I won't forget your kindness!" He had wanted to say "stop while ahead," but couldn't remember the phrase, so he spoke in a roundabout way. Lei Xingkong was displeased by his words, feeling annoyed in his heart: "Nonsense! How could I lose to this little bald donkey?" With a loud shout, the copper drum spun rapidly, generating a strong gust of wind that swept towards Hua Sheng.

  The peanut saw the momentum was fierce and evil, so he jumped to the left. Lei Xingkong's drumstick swung down, hitting the top of his head. Just as the peanut was about to raise his hand to block it, Lei Xingkong's drumstick retracted and struck the copper drum, making the peanut feel like a thunderclap had exploded on his head, leaving him dizzy and his ears ringing. Lei Xingkong's copper drum came crashing down again, forcing the peanut to retreat two steps before he could dodge it. As Lei Xingkong's drumstick approached once more, the peanut raised his arm to block it, but the spot where their hands touched felt like a thousand needles pricking him, causing half of his body to go numb. He cried out in surprise: "Ancient and strange! Ancient and strange!"

  Lei Xingkong was suddenly blocked by him, the drumstick almost fell out of his hand, and he was also shocked in his heart: "The little bald donkey is so powerful!" He shook his spirits, swung the drumstick, and the war drum thundered, unfolding the "Thunder Drum Nine Strikes" one by one.

  Liang Xiao unknowingly got up, fixed his eyes to take a closer look, but couldn't see any trick on the drumstick, so he asked: "Hua Sheng, what's strange about this drumstick?" Hua Sheng dodged and weaved around the drumstick, shouting loudly: "There are thorns on top, they're pricking my hands!" The crowd saw that even in the heat of battle, he could still talk, and they all looked at him with newfound respect.

  Liang Xiao listened to him speaking vaguely, thinking that there must be a hidden weapon on the drumstick, but his eyesight was extremely strong. If Lei Xingkong were to release a hidden weapon, he would certainly not escape his notice. He couldn't think it through, when suddenly the copper drum was waved even faster, the drumbeat rose and fell with rhythm, shaking everyone's ears and making their hearts jump ceaselessly, causing them to cover their ears with both hands. The flowers around were blown away by the drumbeat, falling down in disorder. But Hua Sheng was like a fish, avoiding the surging attack, turning left and right, never touching Lei Xingkong's drumstick.

  Zhu Xianliu glanced at his body method and couldn't help but laugh: "What a 'Thirty-two Body Method', making a big fuss for half a day, the old monk's apprentice has arrived!" He spoke effortlessly, yet every word pierced through the drumming sounds and fell into everyone's ears.

  Liang Xiao furrowed his brow and said, "What is the 'Thirty-two Body Transformations'?" Chu Xianliu smiled and said, "The 'Thirty-two Body Transformations' are a transformation of the 'Great Vajra Divine Power'! Legend has it that the Tathagata has thirty-two incarnations. The Diamond Sutra says: 'When the Tathagata speaks of the thirty-two marks, they are not really marks, but are called the thirty-two marks.' To cultivate to the level of the thirty-two marks is already a very high state in the 'Great Vajra Divine Power', with transformations as wondrous as those of a spirit, and attacks and defenses that are difficult to gauge. But I don't know why Little Monk only dodges and doesn't counterattack?"

  The peanut was in the arena, its energy and blood stirred by the drumbeat. It felt dizzy and swollen-headed, as if its heart was about to jump out of its shell. The drumstick seemed especially intimidating, making it want to hide. Just then, it heard Chu Xianliu's words and its eyes lit up: "Master said that this thirty-second move can hit people, but he also said my hands are heavy, so I'm not allowed to hit..."

  Lei Xingkong saw him frowning, then smiling, then his eyebrows flying and his face dancing, then seeming to be deep in thought. Unconsciously, he was furious: "This old bald donkey is still hesitating!" He thought, swinging his drumsticks, his momentum even more powerful. Huasheng let him attack several times, then suddenly had an idea: "Just now, Liang Xiao let me touch that woman and said that if I touched her hands, feet, face, and neck, she would admit defeat. Ah, I only need to touch this old man and he will also admit defeat!" He thought, his eyes shining brightly, and pounced forward, using the "Thirty-Two Body Transformations" move "Lifting Hand Subduing Elephant", reaching out to touch Lei Xingkong's right hand.

  Lei Xingkong was shocked, and the copper drum swept across. Huasheng's shape was like a ghost, and he touched Lei Xingkong's left hand again. Lei Xingkong swung his drumstick and hit Huasheng's temple. Unexpectedly, Huasheng turned around and made a "cutting flesh to feed eagles" move, touching Lei Xingkong's left cheek again. Everyone watched as Huasheng touched Lei Xingkong all over, and they were all shocked. Liang Xiao was both surprised and regretful: "If the little monk had used a bit more force, wouldn't Lao Lei have lost several times?"

  Lei Xingkong struck the drum three times in a row, startling and frightening him. He let out a loud roar, beating the drum rapidly, causing the drumhead to rebound against the drumstick, which fell towards Huasheng. If Huasheng had only dodged, Lei Xingkong would have been unable to catch him, but he reached out to touch Lei Xingkong's left cheek and then his right cheek. Lei Xingkong saw this clearly and blocked his hand with a heavy drumstick. Huasheng's entire body went numb, and he let out a loud cry as he fell backwards, using the "Escape from the Mother Bird" technique to roll twice before fleeing in disarray.

  Lei Xingkong turned the tide of the battle, his aura surging as he wildly danced with both hands. The drumbeat shook heaven and earth, sparks flying out from between the drumsticks and drumhead, shooting down to the ground, where the remaining flowers and leaves were reduced to ashes. Huasheng was unable to get close, anxiously saying: "Liang Xiao, it's no good! I can't touch him, and he won't admit defeat either!"

  Liang Xiao suddenly enlightened, bitterly smiled and said: "Hua Sheng, I let you touch Chu Erniang, but didn't ask you to touch Lei Lao Tou. Chu Erniang's skin is delicate and tender, if you touched her once, she would definitely admit defeat. Lei Lao Tou's skin is thick and rough, even if you touched him a hundred times, he wouldn't care!" Chu Yu heard this and blushed all over her face, thinking that Little Bald Donkey was so quick-witted, if it were herself, she would also find it hard to dodge. She thought about this for a moment, feeling both frightened and relieved at the same time.

  Huasheng dodged a round of rapid attacks and exclaimed, "If we can't use touch, what should we do?" Liang Xiao smiled and said, "We can't use touch, so let's use force." Huasheng shook his head and said, "That won't work. Master said we're not allowed to hit people." Liang Xiao furrowed her brow, gazing at the white light emitted by the drumsticks striking the drum. Suddenly, she remembered a few sentences from "Tianji Suibi - Gezhi Pian": "When glass meets hair, it produces blue and white flames, causing numbness in the hands. Its properties are similar to the electricity of the nine heavens... If we accumulate less to become more, we may be able to cut down giant trees or burn people and animals..." She involuntarily exclaimed, "Huasheng, that's not a needle prick, it's electricity - the electricity of the nine heavens!"

  Hua Sheng was amazed and responded, "The hotel is naturally good, but this wine shop is really bad!" Liang Xiao couldn't help but smile wryly, unsure of how to explain. Lei Xingkong, on the other hand, was shocked. The bronze drum in his hand was an ancient divine object, said to have been created by the Yellow Emperor during his campaign against Chi You. It was forged from copper gathered at Kunlun Mountain and the skin of a thunder beast, with the drumstick named "Seven Yang Stick" made from the leg bone of the thunder beast. The thunder beast was an ancient mythical creature that lived in the Thunder Marsh and had long been extinct. Legend had it that drums made from its skin could shock people within a hundred miles, while the bones were used to create the "Seven Yang Stick", which could produce nine heavenly thunder fires when struck, hidden within the stick. Ordinary people would die instantly upon touching it. This drumstick and drum were the treasured heirlooms of Lei Gong Fortress, weighing over 80 kilograms, making them inconvenient to carry. This time, Lei Xingkong had brought them specifically to deal with Chu Xianliu, but unexpectedly, Liang Xiao had seen through their secrets at a glance.

  Liang Xiao knew the reasoning, and immediately came up with a solution to break it. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard Lei Zhen angrily say: "Liang Xiao, you are also a famous figure in the world, how can you do such unscrupulous things!" Liang Xiao said: "How am I being unscrupulous?" Lei Zhen said: "You are openly pointing out this little monk, aren't you two ganging up on my father?" Chu Yu helped her husband and also said: "Yes, let's have a fair fight, that's the only way to show our skills!" Chu Xian nodded slightly and sighed: "Liang Xiao, the first time was forgivable, but this time...the little monk may not necessarily lose, so don't point him out anymore." Liang Xiao smiled and said: "Actually, I also don't know how to deal with this broken drum. Chu senior's martial arts are unparalleled, surely you have a way to break it?" He didn't point it out, but instead asked for advice, his voice was very loud, everyone heard it clearly, Chu Yu hastily said: "Third uncle, don't fall for his trick!"

  Chu Xianliu understood Liang Xiao's trick and smiled without speaking. Liang Xiao sighed and said, "Doesn't Chu know either? Alas, no wonder Ren Yan is so reckless, causing the flowers to wither and fall, leaving a mess." Chu Xianliu had always been fond of flowers, and Lei Xingkong's display of "Lei Drum Nine Felling" had destroyed all the flowers and trees within ten feet, which made him very unhappy. He knew Liang Xiao was provoking him, but he coldly smiled and said, "'Lei Drum Nine Felling' is nothing. The eight characters 'Disturb the Six Laws, Shatter the Zither' can break it."

  Liang Xiao was taken aback, thinking that the old man was trying to show off his knowledge. He turned his gaze and asked Hua Xiaoxue: "Xiaoxue, do you know what these two sentences mean?" Hua Xiaoxue replied casually: "This is from 'Zhuangzi·Tiandi'. The full sentence says: 'Disrupt the six laws, destroy the zither and se, block the ears of the blind, and only then will people begin to understand.' Zither and se are musical instruments. 'Disrupting the six laws, destroying the zither and se' means disrupting the rhythm of music and destroying the instruments!" Chu Xianliu glanced at her and nodded silently, thinking that this girl had a good memory. Liu Yanyan was even more suspicious: "She is knowledgeable and reasonable, far surpassing me in understanding the classics. Could it be that Liang Xiao has taken a liking to her because of this talent?" As soon as she thought of this, her jealousy grew stronger.

  Liang Xiao listened to the explanation, smiled slightly and said loudly: "After listening to you, I understand! It's like someone beating a drum, if you break his drum, he'll be speechless!" Lei Zhen was furious and shouted: "Damn it! Liang Xiao, is this not a breach of contract?" Liang Xiao laughed and said: "Is discussing academic issues with others also a breach of contract? 'Breaking the zither' is what Chu Qianbei said, I'm just making an analogy to explain, is that also a breach of contract?" He was good at sophistry, Lei Zhen was so angry that his whole body trembled, but he didn't know how to refute him.

  He glanced at the bronze drum, thinking that if he didn't have a drum, he wouldn't be able to hit it. The master only said not to hit people, but didn't say not to hit drums. He was being pressed by Lei Xingkong's rapid attacks and felt suffocated in his heart. Therefore, he suddenly condensed his body, merged his fists, and transformed from "Thirty-Two Body Shapes" into "One Unified Shape". The Diamond Sutra says: "If the world is real, it is one unified shape." "One Unified Shape" is the sum of all things in the world. When Huasheng entered this state, it was as if all things in the universe were absorbed into his body, and an invincible and fearless thought arose in his heart. For a moment, his eyes widened, revealing the appearance of Vajra's wrath.

  Lei Xingkong's expression changed, and he was slightly startled. Before he could react, Huasheng's figure flashed, and his fists shot out, piercing through the Seven Yang Hammer's interception and striking Lei Gu squarely. A loud crash echoed, and Lei Xingkong's mouth opened wide in shock as Lei Gu flew out ten feet and heavily crashed to the ground. The crowd was shocked and pale, and onlookers rushed up to take a look, only to see a large hole piercing through Lei Gu from top to bottom, with his hand still holding it, revealing his heel.

  "Seven Yang Drum" had no drumhead, couldn't accumulate thunder and fire, so it was no different from an ordinary stick. Lei Xingkong's treasure was destroyed, his heart ached to the point of splitting, he threw away the drumsticks, unfolded "Thunder Fist Method", and with two loud punches struck towards Huasheng. Huasheng suddenly became angry and broke the thunder drum, feeling very apologetic in his heart: "He's so angry, let him hit me twice!" With both hands covering his eyes and vital parts, he let Lei Xingkong hit him on the body.

  Lei Xingkong's one move succeeded, and he was overjoyed, but then he saw Huasheng retreat three steps back, stretching out his hands and feet, without any injury. Lei Xingkong's heart was shocked, and he rushed forward again with two fists and a kick. Huasheng retreated half a step, assuming the "Longevity Stance", right hand supporting his cheek, upper body bent to the right, lower body twisted to the left, the "Great Vajra Power" flowing throughout his entire body, neutralizing all of Lei Xingkong's punching and kicking power. Lei Xingkong's fists and feet were ineffective, and he felt something was off, but having gone too far to back down now, he let out a loud roar and pounced forward again, his fists and feet falling on Huasheng's body like a string of pearls.

  Liang Xiao saw Hua Sheng being beaten up and not fighting back, and was shocked: "Hua Sheng, are you letting people use you as a punching bag?" Hua Xiao Xue also shouted: "Hua Sheng, if you can't win then admit defeat!"

  Two sentences of work, Lei Xingkong Lianchu ten punches, punch after punch on the flesh, making a loud noise. Huasheng was using "Thirty-two Body Transformations" to dissolve the fist's energy while frowning and saying: "I broke his drum, let him hit two punches to vent his anger." Liang Xiao heard his tone was calm and composed, knowing he was unharmed, and after listening to him finish speaking, couldn't help but say: "Nonsense, quickly return the favor, one punch can knock the person down, it's easier for everyone." Before he finished speaking, two loud noises sounded, and Huasheng's buttocks had two more gray footprints. He hastily used "Ma Wang Fei Ti", stretched his waist and kicked his legs to dissolve the incoming energy, and sighed: "It won't do, Master doesn't allow me to hit people."

  Lei Xingkong listened and found it cheap, let go of his hands and feet, his fists and feet pointed like a stormy rain, pouring directly onto Huasheng's body.

  Everyone saw that he didn't care about his identity, and they secretly despised him in their hearts. Liang Xiao was even more furious the more he looked at him, if not for being bound by the agreement, he would have rushed up already. Hua Xiaoxue was afraid that Hua Sheng couldn't withstand it, and would be beaten to death, her anxious expression evident on her face. Everyone's expressions were different, their thoughts varied, but they all had the same idea: "Is this monk human? He's being punched and kicked like this, even a piece of fine iron would be broken, how can he still be so calm?"

  Lei Xingkong knew in his heart that he couldn't defeat the monk today. From now on, he feared that the reputation of Lei Gong Fortress would plummet and they wouldn't be able to hold their heads up again. Helpless, he summoned his strength and threw another ten punches, but after all, he was no longer young, his energy and blood were not as vigorous as in his youth, and with each move using all his might, he couldn't help but feel his heart racing and panting, and even his fists and feet were secretly aching. Hua Sheng saw this and said: "Old sir, if you're tired from fighting, take a break and rest for a bit before continuing, it's not too late!" The crowd heard this and burst into loud laughter. Lei Xingkong took a step back, his old face flushed red with anger, and shouted: "Get out of my sight, you little bald donkey, shut your mouth for me!" Hua Sheng heard these words and hummed in agreement, indeed closing his mouth. The crowd laughed again, and the people from Lei Gong Fortress felt their faces burning with shame, wishing they could find a hole to crawl into.

  Lei Xingkong was unable to concede, took a deep breath, and just as he was about to pounce again, he heard Chu Xianliu say: "Liang Xiao, how do you propose we end this?" Liang Xiao said: "Hua Sheng is unwilling to yield, dragging it out will be endless, why don't we all just call it a draw and consider it a tie?" Chu Xianliu said: "In the first two rounds, one win and one draw, in the third round you lost, how can this outcome be calculated?" Liang Xiao smiled and said: "We haven't even competed yet, how do you know I'll lose?" Chu Xianliu smiled and said: "Alright, based on that sentence alone, let's consider it a win for me and have a drink first." Liang Xiao also smiled and said: "If we're going to drink, then let's just drink, why bother with so much fuss?"

  Chu Xianliu burst out laughing, waved his hand and Chu Wan brought out two large jars of "Hundred Flowers Immortal Wine". Chu Xianliu casually patted open the mud seal and said: "Please!" Liang Xiao smiled, both of them held the jars and drank freely, in an instant they saw the bottom, each of them threw it away, tossing it into a pile of powder.

  Chu Xianliu gazed at Liang Xiao with a smile and said, "Can you still compare?" Liang Xiao smiled and replied, "Why not?" Chu Xianliu clapped his hands and said, "Alright, after drinking this jar of wine, you're not allowed to call me senior anymore!" Liang Xiao furrowed his brow and asked, "What should I call you then?" Chu Xianliu chuckled and said, "How about calling me 'older brother'?" Liang Xiao hesitated for a moment before bowing his head with a smile and saying, "I dare not disobey."

  These words shocked everyone. Chu Xianliu and Liang Xiao were worlds apart in reputation, the former being highly respected while the latter was infamous and hated by all. Yet after a few cups of strong wine, they actually called each other brothers, which was truly unexpected and made everyone think: "They must be drunk!"

  The two masters faced off, and Lei Xingkong and Hua Sheng each retreated. Hua Xiaoxue took Hua Sheng's pulse, but felt that his blood flow was strong and unobstructed, and couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. She then asked, "Hua Sheng, do you have any discomfort?" Hua Sheng shook his head and said, "I'm fine." He glanced at Lei Xingkong and whispered, "It's just that the old gentleman seems to be in a bit of trouble."

  Lei Xingkong's movements were swift and fierce, his fists flying in a flurry of punches. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his head, and his legs and hands began to ache and itch. He looked down to see that his hands had swollen to twice their normal size, and even the slightest touch made him feel like his skin was being flayed alive. His legs and feet were also severely swollen. It turned out that the "Thirty-Two Body Method" not only allowed one to neutralize an opponent's internal energy but also enabled one to borrow force from the opponent and counterattack. Although Hua Sheng had no intention of harming anyone, he still sent back a small amount of energy in self-defense. Lei Xingkong was so focused on winning that he didn't notice anything at first, but as soon as he relaxed, he felt an unbearable pain and swelling, and couldn't help but let out a loud cry. Lei Zhen rushed forward, pulled up his sleeve, and took one look - his arm was as thick as a winter melon and purple like an eggplant. Lei Zhen's eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, he didn't know what to do.

  Hua Xiao Shuang saw clearly, and hastily said: "Quickly go to the edge of the spring water, and submerge his four limbs in it. For twelve hours, he must not move rashly." As she spoke, Lei Xing Kong's cries turned into heart-wrenching wails, his hands grasping each other, scratching until skin broke and blood flowed. Lei Zhen was at a loss for what to do, but followed her words, carrying his father to the water's edge and soaking his limbs in it. The icy spring water slightly alleviated the itching pain, and Lei Xing Kong stopped wailing, only...

  Chu Xianliu smiled wryly and said, "Liangelo, it seems we lost the second round!" Liang Xiao laughed and said, "A word once spoken, four horses cannot catch up! To go back on one's words is not the behavior of a great man!" He drew out his bamboo sword and loudly said, "Chu, please come at me!"

  Chu Xianliu's eyes flashed, and he took down the Wumu sword, lightly wiping the blade. He sighed faintly: "Thirty years of dust, today reborn in glory. Liang brother, in thirty years, you are the first person worthy of me drawing my sword." Liang Xiao smiled: "I'm honored to the extreme." Chu Xianliu said calmly: "Although the Tiemu sword is a wooden sword, it sinks when entering water and its hardness is not inferior to steel. Younger brother, your bamboo sword is somewhat at a disadvantage!"

  Liang Xiao waved his sword and smiled, "No worries!" Chu Xianliu looked at him for a moment, nodded and smiled, "You don't have the skill of using grass and wood as swords, but you have the spirit of using grass and wood as swords. Gong Yangyu has such a great disciple, it's really enviable!" Liang Xiao shook his head, "Old brother misunderstood, I'm not Master Gong's disciple." Chu Xianliu smiled, "Whose disciple is irrelevant?" With a light wave of his sleeve, he suddenly recited loudly, "In front of Huangshi Tower, the river flows east, Spring light lazily leans on the gentle breeze, A cluster of peach blossoms blooms without an owner, Lovely deep red and shallow red. Liang brother, look at my 'Small Peach Sword'!" Tiemu sword drew out three flat flowers, floating and stabbing, the moves were elegant and beautiful, not a hint of killing intent could be seen.

  Liang Xiao saw that this move was beautiful on the outside, with a hidden killing intent, and didn't dare to be careless. "Li Jian Dao" came out in response, with a sword momentum that was swift and fierce, revealing its sharpness, like a ball of fire, scorching everything in its path.

  Chu Xianliu suddenly exclaimed, "Using fire as a sword, how vicious! Unfortunately, since I've planted flowers, why would I only have one?" Haha, he laughed, and then sang, "In Huang Siniang's home, the flowers are blooming everywhere, thousands and tens of thousands of them weighing down the branches. The butterflies dance and play at all times, the birds sing freely."

  The sword technique suddenly changed to be beautiful and elegant, with countless sword flowers dancing in the air, making everyone's eyes dizzy and confused.

  Liang Xiao felt comfortable watching, analyzed several moves, and said loudly: "Poetry hides swords, swords have poetry. Elder brother travels alone, inevitably lonely, younger brother is not talented, willing to follow the dragon's tail!" He followed Hua Xiaoshuang to practice medicine, idle and having nothing to do, read a few collections of poems, remembered some phrases, and suddenly said: "Years fall, all flowers rest, time is when the great fire flows. Frost power comes out early, cloud color crosses the river in autumn." He had one sword in hand, all things returned to storage, this sentence has fire, wind, water, the sword move naturally brought up the three major sword paths of "Li", "Xun" and "Kan". Suddenly warm and moist, suddenly violent and fierce, suddenly solemn and murderous, suddenly desolate and vast, suddenly like having a scorching sun above and thick frost below, no matter how many branches and flowers, all were killed at once.

  Chu Xianliu laughed and scolded, "You little stinker, I just mentioned peach blossoms and you've already jumped to autumn, don't be in a hurry, come slowly!" Tiemu Jian's sword circled around, loudly chanting, "It's not that I'm looking at the flowers and seeking death, but rather I fear that when the flowers wither, old age will hasten. The dense branches easily scatter and fall, the tender buds carefully unfold." His sword moves suddenly changed to a gentle and slow pace, using slowness to counter speed, no matter how Liang Xiao's swordsmanship changed, he was always able to lightly and effortlessly resolve it.

  Liango smiled and said: "The spring light is short-lived, the hundred flowers are easy to wither, the peach blossoms are good, but I fear 'the wind and rain came at night, how many flowers fell'." The sword's momentum became even more swift and sudden.

  Chu Xian Liu shook his head and said, "Your wind and rain may be fierce, but they can only sweep away the flowers of the mortal world. Haven't you heard that 'in the fourth month, the fragrance of the flowers in the mortal world has faded, but the peach blossoms in the mountain temple are just beginning to bloom'? "

  The sword's momentum changed, becoming clear and high, with a hint of a divine spirit.

  Liang Xiao smiled and replied, "Brother, do you know that the mountain is too high, and flowers cannot bloom?"

  He swung out several swords, leisurely reciting:

  "***Mountain snow, no flowers, only cold."

  The three-foot bamboo sword's blade emerged, its momentum like a towering peak of ten thousand feet, as if it wanted to pierce through the sky.

  Chu Xianliu saw that he had brought the "Gen Sword Path" to such a level, and was secretly amazed, smiling slightly: "Well, I'll say you're not bad. I only have 'Peach Blossom River Water, another world in the mortal realm'." The swordsmanship became even more elegant and refined, with an air of transcending the mundane and entering the sacred.

  Liang Xiao looked at him with admiration and shouted: "Peach blossoms flowing water, petty family style, just watch me 'Yellow River falling from the sky to the East China Sea, ten thousand miles written in my chest'." Suddenly, he transformed the "Kan Sword Way" into a divine state, his momentum like the Yellow River rushing forward, unstoppable. Chu Xianliu saw that his sword's aura was so powerful and couldn't help but exclaim: "Good swordsmanship!" He wielded his sword with ease, effortlessly resolving his opponent's moves.

  He met the move with a broken move, lifting heavily as if lightly. Liang Xiao was impressed and laughed: "Chu brother, dare to ask what other moves are there after 'Little Peach Sword'?" Chu Xianliu smiled: "Of course it's 'Clear water produces lotus flowers, naturally removing carvings'!" The sword move changed from complex to simple, sparse and sparse, like a cluster of green lotus, swaying in the wind. Each sword had great power.

  Liang Xiao's bamboo sword was weak and didn't dare to harden, retreating seven steps in a row. He shouted loudly: "What is the 'Lotus Sword'? Look at my 'Stars Hanging Over the Vast Wilderness, Moon Surging into the Great River'!" The long sword flew up and down, its lower moves like the earth and rivers, its upper moves like the bright moon and stars; defending like a boulder on the ground, attacking like the running of the stars. At this point, the "Gui Cang Sword" had incorporated the "Tian Xing Sword Method", making it impossible to distinguish between them.

  The Chu Xian Liu's long sword had been idle for a long time, and now that he had met such an opponent, he was overjoyed and shouted loudly: "'Lotus Flower Sword' is nothing, take a look at this one!" His sword moves were once again elegant and refined, as he sang in a long voice: "Sorrowful eyes gaze at the frost and dew, the chrysanthemum blooms by itself." This move was indeed the "Chrysanthemum Sword", with the chrysanthemum's proud demeanor in the frost, its beauty lingering, and also carrying a hint of fierce intensity. Chu Xian Liu effortlessly merged this into his sword technique, with the subtlety of a needle hidden in cotton.

  Huasheng looked puzzled and asked, "Xiaoxue, why do they keep saying things I don't understand when they're fighting?" Huaxiao Xue replied, "They're not talking, they're reciting poetry." Huasheng scratched his head and said, "Reciting poetry? Does the one who recites better win?" Huaxiao Xue nodded and said, "It's almost like that!" Huasheng sighed and said, "If I had known earlier, I would have learned to recite poetry from Liang Xiao. If I could recite two lines, that old man would concede defeat, and I'd get to drink wine too!" Huaxiao Xue smiled wryly and said, "That won't work, Shao Ge not only knows how to recite but also understands the meaning of the poems." Huasheng asked, "How can one understand the meaning?" Huaxiao Xue replied, "One needs to read more poetry books." Huasheng took a step back, waving his hands wildly and said, "Don't mention that word 'book', I'm most afraid of reading books!" Suddenly, Liu Yanyan turned her head and sneered coldly, "Is it impressive to have read a few stinky books? Poetry books, humph! When I see stinky books, I want to tear them up. When I see cheap women, I want to kill!" Huaxiao Xue saw the icy glare in her eyes, felt her heart tremble, and quietly lowered her head, but she was also worried about winning or losing, so she occasionally looked up to steal a glance.

  Two people came and went on the scene, rising and falling, fighting for forty or so moves. Liang Xiao laughed and said: "No wine is not festive. Elder brother's chrysanthemum is good, but without good wine, it's not beautiful after all." Hua Sheng heard the word "wine" and was overjoyed, laughing and saying: "The word 'wine' sounds lovely to hear." He stared at the broken wine jar on the ground, his eyes shining brightly, and he savagely licked his tongue. Liu Yanyan was originally angry, but seeing his comical appearance, she couldn't help but burst out laughing again.

  Liang Xiao had drunk a lot of wine, and after a long fierce battle, the wine's potency surged up, his footsteps stumbled, and his sword moves added a few hints of drunkenness, each move unexpected, as if not made by man, but sent from heaven. Chu Xianliu saw this and also felt the wine entering his brain, laughing loudly: "Good! Let's have a 'Carrying a jug to toast the flowing sunset, and paddling a boat on the cold river'!"

  Liang Xiao shook his head and said, "No, no." Chu Xianliu said, "Then it must be 'The mountain flowers smile at me, just in time to hold a cup!'" Liang Xiao smiled and said, "Not that either!" Chu Xianliu laughed and said, "I know what you're thinking - you think two people are too few! Haha, so let's have 'A pot of wine among the flowers, drinking alone with no one to share it with, raising a cup to invite the bright moon, and becoming three people with our shadows!' Hurrah! You and I, each with a shadow, plus the clear and empty moon, that makes five people!" Liang Xiao laughed and said, "Old brother, every line of yours mentions flowers, but I'm determined not to say flowers." Chu Xianliu was surprised and asked, "What do you mean?" Liang Xiao burst out laughing and said, "The wine in Balin is endless, drunk to death on a autumn day at Dongting!"

  The words had barely left his mouth when a bamboo sword appeared out of nowhere, its movements as unpredictable as the turbulent waves of the ocean, momentarily suppressing Chu Xianliu's sword moves. Chu Xianliu couldn't help but burst into laughter and said: "Good kid, you've killed Autumn Drunk, how can my chrysanthemum bloom now?" He had been famous in Jianghu for decades, but suddenly found himself at a disadvantage, leaving everyone stunned, thinking to themselves: "How is this possible? How could the swordsmanship of this scoundrel be so extraordinary?"

  Chu Xianliu effortlessly deflected his opponent's attack, then suddenly smiled and said: "Liang Xiao, it is often said that 'wine does not get a person drunk, but people themselves get drunk'. Do you know what the reason is?" Liang Xiao replied: "How would I know what's going on in your mind?" Chu Xianliu pointed to Hua Xiaoshuang and others with his sleeve, smiling: "Take a hint, the answer lies among those three." Liang Xiao smiled: "Is it beautiful women or monks? If it's monks, they'll only drink wine but won't get drunk."

  Chu Xianliu smiled faintly and suddenly burst into a loud song: "Clouds think of clothes, flowers think of beauty, spring breeze sweeps the railing, dew condenses. If not on the mountain head of jade, I will meet you under the moon of the Jade Terrace." As he sang, his sword danced with his eyes, his expression was infatuated, as if there were only beautiful women in his eyes, and nothing else. The sword's momentum was extremely wonderful, temporarily suppressing Liang Xiaoshao's arrogant and heroic spirit that shook the Jianghu. After a long battle, Chu Xianliu finally used his unique "Famous Flower Beauty Sword" that dominated the martial arts world.

  In an instant, they exchanged over twenty blows, and Liang Xiao gradually felt the strain. Suddenly, Chu Xian's body shifted, and he recited: "A branch of red plum blossoms, dew condensed fragrance, Wu Mountain clouds and rain, a heart-wrenching sorrow. Who in the Han palace is like this? Pitiful wild geese rely on the red sedan..." Before he finished reciting, tears suddenly welled up in his eyes. His sword moved with an otherworldly strangeness, as if it were the clouds and rain of Wu Mountain; its spirit was unpredictable and elusive. His body shifted and turned, like a swallow's wonderful dance, and his palm was especially light. The most exquisite part of this was impossible to describe in words.

  In his youth, Chu Xianliu had a romantic relationship with a princess. At that time, he was carefree and flirtatious, and many women fell in love with him, but he never took any of them seriously. However, when he met the princess again one day, he unexpectedly fell deeply in love with her, which led to the creation of the "Famous Flower Beautiful Woman Sword". He was a sincere person who would not be moved by emotions unless it was true love, and once he fell in love, he could not control himself. The princess was two years older than him and already had a son. At first, she devoted herself to her husband and child, but eventually, she could not resist Chu Xianliu's charm and eloped with him. She missed her son while living in seclusion, contracted an illness, and died of depression. Chu Xianliu was heartbroken and returned to the Tianxiang Mountain Villa, where he lived a life of solitude, accompanied only by flowers, and never again set foot in the secular world. People in the martial arts world thought that he had retired because he lost a duel, but no one knew the real reason. For thirty years, Chu Xianliu did not use his sword, until now, when he was forced to reveal this sword technique by Liang Xiao. As he recalled past events, his heart and sword merged, and his power increased several times over. Within ten moves, he defeated Liang Xiao, who was left stumbling and unable to defend himself.

  Chu Xianliu wielded the sword with this technique, though having the upper hand, but the more he used it, the more sorrowful and melancholic he became. He let out a long sigh and sang in a mournful tone: "The famous flowers of the two nations delight in each other's company, the emperor smiles as he watches... The spring breeze explains endless resentment, the Fragrant Pavilion leans against the railing to the north..." As he sang, his emotions overflowed, and tears streamed down his face. Yet, his sword technique became even more divine and fierce. Although the crowd felt that he was sometimes crying, sometimes laughing, and couldn't help but think him strange, they were also deeply moved by this sword technique, and their applause thundered like a storm.

  "The Returning Sword" was originally a swordsmanship that grew stronger when faced with strong opponents. At this point, Liang Xiao's skills far surpassed those of his time on Mount Shi Gong. When he encountered the "Beautiful Woman Sword", he was at a disadvantage everywhere, but it also brought out his infinite potential. With all sides blocked and struggling to hold on, he suddenly heard the mournful cry of Chu Xianliu and felt a pang in his heart. He let out a long sigh and said: "Don't you see that 'beautiful women are like flowers beyond the clouds, above is the high sky, below is the turbulent water, the soul flies far away, and it's hard to reach the difficult pass!' Why must you torture yourself when you can't get what you want?" His swordsmanship became even more unrestrained, as if he was about to pierce through the blue sky and down into the yellow springs, with a momentum that filled the heavens and earth, and overflowed in all directions.

  Chu Xianliu listened to his poem, watched his sword, and suddenly felt enlightened, retreating eight feet, throwing away the iron wooden sword, clapping his hands and laughing loudly: "Hurray! Hurray! What a wonderful thing that can't be found, why bother being so hard on oneself!" He was suddenly awakened by one word, and the knot in his heart for thirty years was untied at once. With a wave of his hand, he said: "The meaning is all here, no need to fight again, this round is a draw!" As he spoke, he turned up his sleeve, looked up at the sky and laughed loudly: "Scooping water from the moon in my hands, playing with flowers and fragrance filling my clothes, seeking beauty for one day, thirty years of forgetting worries." Singing and walking, he disappeared into the depths of a million flowers.