Bab 21: Chapter 21 Sparring
Editor: Atlas Studios
Yang Xiaoyun's family has a profound tradition of learning martial arts; his father, Yang Yizhi, was enlightened and made notable achievements at a young age under the guidance of a notable master.
He later took the Kumu Taoist from Miao Cang Mountain as his master.
Before becoming a monk, Kumu Taoist was renowned in the Martial Arts world for his excellent Canglong Bahuang Dianyun Spear technique.
After becoming a monk, he learned the authentic Inner Strength of the Mystical Sect.
After decades of cultivating both internally and externally, he has reached a transformative realm.
Yang Yizhi studied the spear for ten years and profoundly grasped its essence, thus establishing a great reputation for the Iron Blood Escort Agency.
From a young age, Yang Xiaoyun was keen on martial arts and has been practicing the Canglong Bahuang Dianyun Spear since childhood, supported by the Mystical Sect's Da Shang Xuanting Scripture, which is extremely formidable.
At this moment, even though he has not used his Inner Strength and is substituting his hand for the spear, his execution of the boundless and deadly spear technique is still impressively powerful.
Su Mo immediately shifted his stance, reacting with the Ziyang Sect movement technique. He flicked his hand and fingers as if strumming a lute, effortlessly deflecting the 'spear tip', which slightly startled Yang Xiaoyun.
"Pretty good, so this is the Great Opening Sun Dispersal Hand? I remember seeing Uncle Su use this martial art when I was a child. It's a skillful martial art that requires controlled opening and closing, and advancing and retreating.
"Uncle Su once told me that the essence of the Great Opening Sun Dispersal Hand is encapsulated in four words: 'clumsiness hides cleverness.'
"From the move you just displayed, you've already reached quite an impressive level.
"However, if you were to actually face an enemy, you would still need to employ Inner Strength. Otherwise, if I were wielding a Silver Spear and channeling the Da Shang Xuanting Scripture, with your lower level of Inner Strength, you would not be able to deflect the spearhead.
"In that case, you would be the one getting injured."
People in this world practice martial arts, often cultivating both internal and external aspects—internal cultivation refines the energy of the Dantian, and external training strengthens the muscles and skin. It takes both Inner Strength and techniques to unleash their fullest power.
In today's world, zeal for martial arts is widespread.
The path of martial arts is like a blossom of a hundred flowers; each sect's martial arts have their unique aspects.
As for which sect or style can dominate,
Opinions vary widely.
In fact, among those in Jianghu, who dares to claim they are the best in the world?
Even if one's name shakes the heavens, in critical moments it's still the same old saying… Victory or defeat is only known after the fight!
This time escorting with two missions, Su Mo had already received the Great Perfection Inner Strength of Longxiang Wisdom Skill, which is rare in this world.
Subsequently, he acquired the extremely fierce Seven Injuries Fist.
With the Great Achievement Realm experience of Seven Injuries Fist, he often found analogous insights during the seven days he practiced martial arts at home.
In a short period of time, his Ziyang Sect martial arts improved by leaps and bounds.
Starting with one move, hearing Yang Xiaoyun's words, he immediately nodded:
"Let's go again!"
He extended his arms, rushing forward, still using the Great Opening Sun Dispersal Hand.
"Great!"
Yang Xiaoyun was even more delighted, with a sparkle in his eyes, and without retreating, he clashed fiercely with Su Mo in a blink of an eye.
Of course... this bout was still a friendly exchange and not a life and death fight.
The two primarily focused on dissecting each other's moves, not using Inner Strength, and only lightly testing lethal techniques.
After this exchange, Su Mo truly appreciated the true meaning behind Uncle Fu's words.
Isolating oneself at home building a cart is not a long-term plan; in martial arts, progress comes faster through exchanging insights with others.
While being immersed in this match, a considerable portion of half an hour passed in the blink of an eye.
Su Mo didn't feel anything special, but Yang Xiaoyun was already dripping with sweat. Unable to hold back any longer, she leapt into the air and flew back, extending her hand as she said:
"Stop!"
In Su Mo's mind, he had already considered what moves to make in the next three steps to catch his opponent off guard.
Suddenly hearing this, he couldn't help but be stunned. Looking up, he could only respond with a smile mixed with tears: "Tired?"
"...You were frivolous in your younger years, how come your body hasn't been drained? Without relying on Inner Strength, and actively fighting for half an hour, yet still breathing easily? How did you manage this? Couldn't it be that during your visits to the brothel in the past, you learned some bizarre and unnatural Dual Cultivation Method?"
Yang Xiaoyun marveled in wonder, immediately adjusting her Inner Strength and evening out her breath.
Su Mo's mouth twitched uncontrollably: "Can't you, a lady, refrain from always bringing up those words from the brothel? And where did this Dual Cultivation Method come from? You should read less of those sensational historical romances."
Yang Xiaoyun was momentarily stunned, not expecting Su Mo to retort and actually start lecturing her.
She didn't get angry, just a bit unaccustomed.
For a moment, she was somewhat abashed: "If... if you don't want me to mention those words, then I won't say them anymore. Although these sensational tales often fabricate stories, they also mix in a lot of real observations. After all, the events in Jianghu are unpredictable, and you never know when you might encounter them."
"Hmm, you make a sensible point."
Su Mo nodded.
"However, your martial arts progress is indeed delightful, and today I've come to realize you are quite a prodigy. The Great Opening Sun Dispersal Hand initially only exhibited a fraction of its power, but as we continued to spar, it became more adept.
"Although not yet Mastery, you really have entered the room, so to speak."
At this point, Yang Xiaoyun's smile was completely genuine.
"It's naturally because of your corrections that I was able to advance so quickly."
"Then I will spar with you and feed you moves every day from now on."
"…"
Su Mo blanked out. How did the conversation get to this point?
Just as he didn't know how to respond, he suddenly heard rapid footsteps approaching.
Su Mo and Yang Xiaoyun looked up to see a servant arriving, who bowed from a distance to Yang Xiaoyun: "Miss, Lord Wu has come again."
"How is he still not giving up?"
Yang Xiaoyun slightly furrowed her brows.
Su Mo was somewhat curious, straining his ears temporarily.
As a result, Yang Xiaoyun told him frankly: "Luoxia City belongs to the Luofeng Alliance, and the Third Alliance Leader Wu Daoyou is the Deputy City Lord of Luoxia City. Who this Lord Wu is, I suppose there's no need for me to say, right?"
"Wu Chengfeng?"
Su Mo was startled; how could he not know this man?
Being a native of Luoxia City, if Su Mo hadn't figured out the local matters in these two years, it would have been a wasted life crossing.
As he understood, Wu Chengfeng was also considered a young talent, his martial arts being exceptional among his peers, and his reputation was generally good, rarely displaying any spoiled behavior.
As he was thinking, he heard Yang Xiaoyun say: "Go tell him that I am not at home, and to come back in ten years."
Ten years later? Really?
Su Mo was dumbfounded, only to see the servant, not at all surprised, agreeing, and then turning to leave.
"Come, let's have some tea."
As if it were nothing, Yang Xiaoyun pulled Su Mo to sit down in the pavilion in the backyard.
Bab 22: Chapter 22 Luofeng Alliance
Editor: Atlas Studios
"Is this really feasible?"
In the pavilion, Su Mo sat down and took a sip from his teacup.
It seems that today's visit didn't accomplish much, apart from drinking tea.
"What's not feasible about it?"
Yang Xiaoyun sneered, "Although Wu Daoyou is the Deputy City Lord of Luoxia City, our Iron Blood Escort Agency is not someone to be trifled with either. Proposing a ten-year term is already giving enough face to Wu Chengfeng. If they really anger me, watch as I take up my spear, storm into Wu Mansion, and leave him with a face blooming like peach blossoms?"
Su Mo nodded, actually believing that Yang Xiaoyun was capable of doing such a thing.
The Iron Blood Escort Agency, with Yang Yizhi, the Iron Blood Dragon Spear, as their banner, indeed need not fear others.
But he was curious, "What came over Wu Chengfeng this time?"
"Ah, that's a long story."
Yang Xiaoyun rolled up her sleeves and poured more tea for Su Mo, "In recent years, Luofeng Alliance has risen significantly. Initially, it was just an offensive and defensive alliance formed by the City Lords of Luoxia and another city, Tianyu, to withstand the storms of Jianghu. But as time passed, the Alliance's influence expanded. Smaller factions flocked to join, and even the cities of Zhongfu and Jinyang joined. With its influence now covering four major cities and encompassing Three Rivers and two bays,
to the west lies Wusheng Hall, to the south—the Endless Sea, to the north—Heavenly Blade Sect, and to the east, well, there's no need to mention the bustling Dongcheng with its myriad of Sects. Although the Luofeng Alliance's power is significant, they have no foothold there.
Thus, a somewhat stable situation has formed. While it may not be possible for them to expand further, anyone who thinks of provoking the Luofeng Alliance must consider whether their own head is hard enough."
She took a sip of tea to moisten her throat after speaking so much and saw that Su Mo wasn't impatient. Her mouth curled slightly as she continued,
"Originally, this would've resulted in peaceful coexistence, but in the past two years, Wei Ruhan, the Alliance Leader of Luofeng Alliance, is getting on in years. Old and frail, he may depart this world at any time.
Although he intends to step back, the position of Alliance Leader can't be left vacant.
Among those remaining, whether it's Wu Daoyou or the other Alliance Hierarchs, they are all of equal fame and experience. Choosing someone to take over the flag of Luofeng Alliance is as difficult as reaching the sky."
Su Mo nodded, "Indeed, that is a difficult situation. If it's decided rashly, no one will be convinced by the other, and it would take but a moment for the great Luofeng Alliance to crumble."
"That's exactly what I mean."
Yang Xiaoyun smiled and glanced at Su Mo, "Do you understand now?"
Su Mo was startled, understand what?
But then something came to mind, "I remember Uncle Yang once thrust his Dragon Spear eastward, deep into Three Mountains and Seven Villages, eighteen gangs, not only establishing the golden signboard of 'Iron Blood Dragon Spear' but also strengthening many notable masters. This foundation laid the groundwork for the Iron Blood Escort Agency... Could it be that they want to take this network for themselves?"
"Luofeng Alliance finds it very difficult to expand by force now. The natural course of action would be to blaze a new trail. Who knows which childless person gave Wu Daoyou such a foolish idea, suggesting that his dunce of a son gets betrothed to me. By making this connection, they aim to tap into the network my father controls, in turn allowing the Luofeng Alliance to tear open a hole to the east."
Yang Xiaoyun was grinding her teeth, wishing she could crush the 'childless one' on the spot when she mentioned this,
"With my temperament, the first time that Wu Chengfeng appeared before me, I should have skewered him on my spear's tip and hung him on the city gate to dry for three days and nights. However, the Luofeng Alliance is no small matter, and I can't just put the Iron Blood Escort Agency on the line over this.
After beating him a few times, he was quiet for a couple of days. But I never expected him to dare come over today and pester me.
He really doesn't know how to avoid death. If you're unhappy about it, I can sneak into Wu Mansion under the cover of darkness and silently take the lad out."
"Those are just angry words."
Su Mo couldn't help but laugh and cry, "Aren't you afraid of falling into someone else's trap?"
"Oh?"
Yang Xiaoyun was taken aback, "What do you mean by that?"
"Regardless of how sincere her intentions truly are, there's one thing she should be aware of. Between you and me, a marriage promise exists. Uncle Yang might not have thought highly of me over the years, yet he never tore up that marriage contract."
At this point, Su Mo subconsciously paused. He hadn't intended to bring this up, but now he had inadvertently mentioned it in the flow of conversation.
He stole a glance at Yang Xiaoyun and saw no displeasure or any odd expression on her face, as if what Su Mo mentioned was nothing out of the ordinary...
He shook his head slightly and continued, "As for Wu Chengfeng's persistent pestering, whether he achieves his aim or not, there's a suspicion of spoiling one's reputation. From this, I start to feel that the person advising Wu Daoyou behind the scenes may not have good intentions."
"This..."
Yang Xiaoyun's brows furrowed, "That does seem to make sense, but wouldn't Wu Daoyou be able to see through this?"
"Who knows..."
Su Mo said with a smile, "The schemes and machinations of these people are hard to fathom, and they may not take affairs of the young and in love to heart. Even if we step back ten thousand paces, it's possible that Wu Daoyou holds some hope..."
"Then he's deluding himself."
Yang Xiaoyun snorted coldly, "Everyone in Luoxia City knows that we have been betrothed since childhood. I am your wife-to-be, it is known to all. Yet they regard me, Yang Xiaoyun, as someone who could easily change affections?"
"..."
Su Mo was speechless for a moment, truly sensing how Yang Xiaoyun differed from ordinary women.
When it came to matters of betrothal, she didn't exhibit the usual shyness of a woman; her demeanor and tone almost made it unclear who was marrying whom.
Watching Yang Xiaoyun's changing expressions, Su Mo couldn't tell what was on her mind.
"What is it?"
He asked casually.
Yang Xiaoyun took a deep breath, "Father also remains silent on this matter; could he too be harboring such a faint hope?"
"Ah, this..."
"A man conducting himself in the world should regard a single promise as heavy as a thousand catties. In past years, it was he who personally made the marriage promise. Now that Uncle Su has passed, and they were sworn brothers, at such a time, he should be caring for you even more, supporting you, teaching you to become successful, only then does he not fail the virtue of a true man.
"But these recent years, his actions have become ever more incomprehensible to me."
Yang Xiaoyun said this and couldn't help but sigh deeply, her eyes reflecting some indescribable disappointment.
Su Mo thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps it's too early to speak such words; maybe Uncle Yang has his own reasons?"
"I hope so. He raised me as he would a son when I was young, saying that a man should act with purpose and restraint in the world, and in Jianghu, one must uphold morality and honor promises, without being deceitful. Only then can he embody Unity of Knowledge and Action."
Yang Xiaoyun shook her head slightly, then with a lift of her eyebrows, said, "But if I were to kill Wu Chengfeng, or if the Iron Blood Escort Agency and that Wu Daoyou become enemies... who would benefit the most?"
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