Chapter 286 Part 2
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This chapter is edited by Cthulhu. Thank you for your contribution!
Chapter 286 Part 2: Oh No, She Has Been Tricked Into (2)
Primarily, Wu Qiankun harbored exceptional confidence in Wu Rulong. After all, he was the first talented spear user recognized by the Martial Saint in Jiu Province. Additionally, he still maintained profound respect for the Spear Saint.
The group of exceptional martial artists led by the Spear Saint were the first batch of superb martial artists to perish at the hands of the Martial Saint. Thirty years ago, they—a team of nine—fought together until a single victor emerged, achieving the unprecedented feat of becoming a Martial Saint. Aside from the Earth Sword Immortal who fled during the battle, Wu Qiankun held deep respect for all the superb martial artists from the same era as the Martial Saint.
Therefore, although Zhao Hu and his predecessors might not be particularly strong and may not typically capture Wu Qiankun’s attention, he was willing to stand up and speak out to preserve some dignity for the Spear Saint’s descendants.
“Well said, young people are the pillars of Jiu Province,” Qiao Mu coughed lightly and also stepped forward. He didn’t engage directly but merely swept his gaze across everyone, his eyes instantly piercing. In that moment, everyone’s minds were shaken. Though they were simply being observed, it felt like being struck by swords, causing their skin to ache as if cut by blades.
“These are two extremely formidable martial arts experts. Are they connected to the former Spear Saint?” Although the onlookers were disgruntled, they naturally didn’t dare to cause open trouble.
“Thank you for helping us… might I inquire about your names?” Zhao Hu asked.
“My surname is Di,” Wu Qiankun casually replied, standing to the side with closed eyes, avoiding further conversation with Zhao Hu. He deliberately concealed his true identity, knowing the Martial Saint had killed Zhao Hu’s father. Revealing his name might provoke someone from Xishan Village to seek vengeful retribution.
“My surname is Zhou, Zhou Mu,” Qiao Mu responded.
“Zhou Mu?” Wu Qiankun’s brow furrowed slightly. “Are there truly skilled individuals with the surname Zhou emerging from unexpected places?”
“Do you dare challenge the truth, despite my apparent concealment?” Wu Qiankun asked coldly.
“You are simply uninformed,” Qiao Mu stated seriously. “I am Zhou Mu, a member of the royal family from the former Zhou Dynasty.”
“Zhou Dynasty? Your story sounds utterly implausible,” Wu Qiankun snorted. “Are all members of the Zhou Dynasty surnamed Zhou?”
Qiao Mu was momentarily taken aback, realizing Founding Emperor Yan had inadvertently embarrassed him. The uncultured martial artist had directly used his own surname as the country’s name, apparently assuming this was a standard practice among royal dynasties.
“This Zhou is not the same Zhou you’re thinking of. Can’t you see how uninformed you are?” Qiao Mu said solemnly. “I’m referring to the Jo Dynasty from three thousand years ago, not the Great Zhou Dynasty from three hundred years ago. Doesn’t it make sense for the royal family of the Jo Dynasty to bear the surname Jo?”
Sensing the potential for escalating tension, Zhao Hu swiftly extracted a thin booklet from his pocket. “This contains the martial arts experiences left by my father…” His timing proved impeccable; the booklet immediately diverted their attention, halting further argument.
Turning to the assembled martial artists, he announced, “Everyone, we need to select an outstanding martial artist. The rule is simple: we’ll settle this with fists. On the western mountain’s peak, where the Spear Saint once practiced, Xishan Village will station guardians along the mountain path. The individual who passes through three checkpoints, reaches the summit, and emerges victorious in combat shall become the heir of ‘Birds Adoring the Phoenix Spear’.”
He continued, “However, given that you are all martial arts experts, it would be regrettable to see anyone seriously injured. This is not a fight to the death. I hope you all demonstrate mercy and know when to stop.”
Following Zhao Hu, another Xishan Village villager stepped forward. With a family legacy that produced the Spear Saint, this clan clearly possessed remarkable strength, with robust martial artists among their ranks.
“Well then, let it be you, Impermanent Demon. You are chosen,” Qiao Mu patted the shoulder of the Impermanent Demon Cat beside him. He had briefly learned about the demon clan’s common knowledge from Storyteller Clairvoyance at Tide Listening Building.
The mighty demons mentioned by many were actually powerful creatures that even martial artists could not easily defeat. In Jiu Province’s martial arts system, reaching the 1st rank was considered the ultimate achievement. The difference between the 1st rank and the superb rank was comparable to the gap between a student with a Ph.D. and a post-doctoral researcher.
The 1st rank represented the highest level recognized by the imperial court, but it didn’t signify the absolute pinnacle of martial achievement. The term “great demon” referred to supernatural beings far more powerful than 1st rank Spirit Refining martial artists. Although the demon race, like cultivators, had declined, they were once a formidable group that rivaled cultivators. Among mortal martial artists, only a few superb martial artists stood a chance against them.
That’s why Qiao Mu confidently faced the unpredictable, demonic cat that fed on countless dead spirits.
“I see,” responded Qiao Mu confidently, nodding his head and then softly asked, “But what does ‘stop while you’re ahead’ mean?”
“…It means to always have a backup plan and not go to extremes, remember this well,” Qiao Mu said helplessly, rubbing his temples. “Also, remember to speak more politely. The Zhao family are descendants of the Spear Saint, with a distinguished reputation.”
Although the beast slave Chen Heihu in the mansion had suggested Zhao Hu harbored evil intentions, Qiao Mu naturally wouldn’t believe such one-sided claims.
As dawn approached, the travelers began climbing the mountain path guided by the Zhao clan members. Including Qiao Mu, Wu Qiankun, and a few other seasoned experts, they were regarded as guests by Zhao Hu, following him along an alternate mountain path to observe the distant battle.
The crowd gathered, with several Zhao family martial artists standing before the mountain path, blocking the approaching travelers.
“Everyone, this challenge will test your spear skills,” announced one Zhao family martial artist. “If any of you can defeat us in a one-on-one spear duel, you will pass this test.”
He pointed to a nearby weapon rack where various long spears had been prepared.
“It seems we will indeed be tested on spear skills…” Qiao Mu rubbed his chin, feeling somewhat uncertain. Although he had taught the Reaper some spear techniques in seven days, how much could one truly learn in such a brief period? Perhaps just some basic skills.
Qiao Mu observed the Grim Reaper selecting two iron spears and holding them. Two spears? This was unexpected, as Qiao Mu had never taught this technique and found it strange himself.
“Practicing with two spears?” The crowd also noticed this peculiar approach and murmured in surprise.
“Even though using two spears is a form of spear technique, the Spear Saint’s ‘Birds Adoring the Phoenix Spear’ focuses on single spear methods. Wait, what is she doing?”
Amidst the surprised looks, the Grim Reaper twisted an iron spear, bending the steel into a circle that wrapped around her right arm and waist, securing her arm firmly.
“Such strength… Wait, what are you doing?” A burly middle-aged gatekeeper furrowed his brow. “Do you think you can defeat me with just one hand? That’s too arrogant. Are you doing this on purpose?”
The Grim Reaper puffed out her chest innocently. “Gotta hold back a bit, can’t go around killing people.”
“So this is called holding back?” The middle-aged gatekeeper’s eye twitched as he took a deep breath. If she were an ordinary martial artist, he would likely be provoked. However, the little girl before him possessed a strange innocence and was quite pretty.
The middle-aged gatekeeper, who believed in the value of appearance, began reconsidering the patriarch’s explanation. “Could it be that you misunderstood, little girl?” he asked gently.
She thought for a moment and found some sense in his words. Using her remaining hand, she bent another iron spear and tied her legs with the bent steel.
“Like this?” she asked with wide eyes.
The middle-aged gatekeeper’s forehead vein bulged as he unconsciously inhaled sharply and gritted his teeth. Where was the accidental element here? This was clearly intentional!
The martial artists in this mountain valley were too naive, underestimating this girl from outside. She had a human face but a beastly heart!
At this moment, on another mountain path, Zhao Hu looked at Qiao Mu expressionlessly. Qiao Mu offered a explanatory smile: “Children don’t understand. She was just joking; she didn’t mean anything by it.”
After his explanation, they heard the monk call out, “Can we start now? I can’t move my feet right now, can you come over?”
Wu Qiankun, standing coldly nearby, couldn’t help but speak with a strained expression. “Well, quite polite,” he remarked.
Qiao Mu was unsure how to respond further. In his mind, he pondered whether this little kitten possessed a malicious intent or was simply innocently silly. Her pretentious ways seemed self-manufactured.
The middle-aged gatekeeper’s face had turned purple with frustration.
Numerous gatekeepers were stationed, with many wanderers attempting to pass through simultaneously. Some were skilled enough to have already defeated the initial guards.
The first skilled wanderer to pass through was a young man with neatly tied black hair, silent but incredibly swift. In a flash, he defeated the guard and raced towards the mountain path, his legs blurring into a ghostly image that left a trail of dust.
Obviously, this individual excelled in light-footed techniques.
The second to pass the guard was Wu Rulong, who delivered a simple yet precise spear thrust. Unexpectedly, he struck the guard’s spear tip accurately, sending him flying.
However, regardless of how dazzling and powerful these two were, they could not compete with the guard’s sharp verbal exchanges.
Now, almost everyone’s attention focused on the guard’s confrontation, even the first two who had rushed through the gate being entirely ignored. This made the middle-aged guard’s expression grow even more unpleasant.
“Well, then I shall witness your skills!” he growled, taking a step forward. His long spear moved like a dragon, thrusting directly towards the stationary guardian.
In the next moment, he felt an overwhelming force from the spear and was knocked over. After the ground shook, he found himself lying down.
“Did… I lose?” the middle-aged gatekeeper asked, stunned. He couldn’t clearly see the girl’s movements but recognized her exceptional speed and strength. Uncertain about her spear technique due to his rapid defeat, he stood up confused.
Watching the girl straighten the iron spear she had previously bent, walking towards the mountain path behind him, he was now full of regret.
Darn it, he had been completely tricked.
