Chapter 189

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Ou Peng invited Monk Changgeng to have some tea and asked cautiously: “Elder, how would you like to arrange the next matches?”

He showed no hint of joy from their recent victory.

Monk Changgeng was about to respond when a rough-looking young monk stepped forward from behind him, palms together in a bow, and said: “Great-Uncle Master, I would like to challenge the disciple who just defeated Junior Brother Yuan Liao.”

Ou Peng found it amusing. Really, they seemed intent on targeting this low-ranked youngster. He said nothing, merely glancing at Monk Changgeng.

The old monk thought for a moment and said: “Yuan Kong, the young man just finished a match. If you truly want to challenge him, you should at least allow him a short rest, don’t you agree?”

The burly Yuan Kong stiffened his neck and replied: “What rest does he need? Who knows what kind of unorthodox trick he used to make Junior Brother Yuan Liao’s acupuncture technique ineffective? All he did on the platform was throw a kick and a punch—how much energy could that take? A few moments to recover his internal energy is enough; he doesn’t need any additional rest.”

Monk Changgeng, hearing Yuan Kong’s impatience and rough words, sternly reprimanded: “Yuan Kong, what nonsense are you spouting? Haven’t you learned anything from your master? As a disciple of Buddhism, you should abide by Buddhist conduct and not give in to hasty words.”

After he heard this, Yuan Kong immediately replied: “Disciple understands his mistake.”

But he remained standing there, not retreating.

Yuan Kong’s mention of an “unorthodox trick” caught Ou Peng’s attention. During Yuan Liao’s acupoint strikes, Ou Peng had been talking to Monk Changgeng and hadn’t observed closely. He’d assumed that the young monk had simply missed Zhang Xiaohua’s acupoints. But on second thought, there was something odd about it. Yuan Liao was a distinguished disciple from the new generation of Dalin Temple, well-practiced in the art of acupuncture strikes. Zhang Xiaohua hadn’t moved at all, making it unlikely that Yuan Liao had simply missed. So why hadn’t the strikes worked?

This was indeed a mystery.

Ou Peng glanced sidelong at Yuan Kong, thinking: “This bald donkey must be filled with doubts, assuming Zhang Xiaohua used some secret technique of the Piaomiao Sect. Let him keep wondering.”

However, looking at the blunt, burly Yuan Kong standing there, Ou Peng wasn’t quite sure how to respond. Judging by Monk Changgeng’s lack of reprimand, he seemed inclined to let Yuan Kong challenge Zhang Xiaohua, likely hoping to save some face after Yuan Liao’s defeat. Ou Peng knew roughly where Zhang Xiaohua’s skills stood. His victory over Yuan Liao was sheer luck, due to Yuan Liao’s overconfidence in his acupuncture technique, leaving him open to being kicked off the platform. Yuan Kong, appearing older and likely more skilled than Yuan Liao, would surely overpower Zhang Xiaohua. Should he even allow Zhang Xiaohua to accept this challenge?

But if he didn’t let Zhang Xiaohua participate, what excuse could he give?

He could claim Zhang Xiaohua wasn’t a Piaomiao Sect disciple, but that would invalidate the last match, meaning the Piaomiao Sect would need to send another disciple to face Yuan Liao. Reviewing the recent matches, no disciple in Cloth-Robe First Level—or even Second or Third—could compete with Yuan Liao, meaning the Piaomiao Sect would lose face either way.

In the end, he decided to let Zhang Xiaohua participate; at worst, it would just be a forfeit. Since he wasn’t officially part of the Piaomiao Sect, a loss could be explained away.

Unbeknownst to Ou Peng, Yuan Liao had already discovered that Zhang Xiaohua wasn’t a Piaomiao Sect disciple, but he hadn’t mentioned it to Monk Changgeng, perhaps unsure whether to bring it up after his recent defeat.

As Ou Peng made his decision and was about to speak, Monk Changgeng took the initiative, addressing Yuan Kong: “Step back for now. Let the disciple have a brief rest, and then we’ll call you forward.”

He then turned to Ou Peng and asked: “Sect Master Ou, does this arrangement suit you?”

Ou Peng smiled: “The Elder’s suggestion is perfect; I was thinking the same.”

What a joke, you spoke already, what can I say?

Next, Monk Changgeng added: “Since the First-Level matches are complete, let’s have our Dalin Temple disciples spar with your Second-Level challengers next. What do you think?”

Ou Peng quickly replied: “That was precisely my thought.”

As soon as the words left Ou Peng’s mouth, four slightly older monks stepped forward from behind Monk Changgeng, including Yuan Kong. Monk Changgeng waved his hand and said: “Yuan Kong, rest for now. You can spar with the First-Level disciple later.”

Yuan Kong put his hands together and replied: “Great-Uncle Master, there’s no need. I’ll compete in this match first, then rest afterward.”

Monk Changgeng was about to object, but Yuan Kong continued: “That disciple already fought one match. If I also compete now, it will be fairer. Otherwise, people in the martial world might laugh at Dalin Temple for using numbers to overwhelm an opponent.”

Monk Changgeng nodded, showing a rare smile, and said no more.

Seeing this, Ou Peng couldn’t help but frown deeply. Who would believe that Dalin Temple hadn’t come prepared? The idea of a formal challenge between adult disciples would have been reasonable, but Monk Changgeng had brought a group of young monks specifically to spar with the lower-level disciples of Piaomiao Sect. What was the logic behind that? Ou Peng couldn’t make sense of it.

Moreover, while his low-level disciples were genuinely at low levels, there was no guarantee that the young monks before him truly were. Judging by their age, they seemed to be, but appearances could be deceiving. Ou Peng wanted to inquire if these young monks were truly low-level disciples, but even if he had the nerve, he didn’t want to risk offending Dalin Temple’s Law Enforcement elder.

However, upon further thought, Ou Peng reasoned that even if Dalin Temple was indeed coming to provoke them, they would certainly act in line with proper principles and wouldn’t use advanced disciples disguised as lower-level ones. Besides, with such a deep foundation, it was understandable if a few geniuses emerged among their lower-level disciples. With this thought, Ou Peng completely dismissed any intention of investigating further.

Seeing the four monks come forward, Zhang Chengyue led them to the platforms without further questions. The young monks decisively chose their platforms, with Yuan Kong, as expected, selecting platform five. Though he knew Zhang Xiaohua wouldn’t be his opponent, perhaps he wanted to get familiar with the environment first.

There’s no need to go into detail about the five matches on stage. Only one of them was a genuine third-level Cloth-Robe challenge. Just like the previous second-level Cloth-Robe challenges, the first round of challenges was dominated by those at the top of the rankings, whose strength was naturally among the best of the second-level Cloth-Robe, with martial skills likely surpassing the average of the third level. As for the third-level Cloth-Robe contestants, they were the ones selected to defend the platform, and their abilities were about average among the third-level Cloth-ranked disciples. In the end, this challenge match concluded with the challengers emerging victorious.

As for the other four matches between Piaomiao Sect and Dalin Temple, they were rather tragic for the Piaomiao disciples. Dalin Temple’s monks had clearly studied Piaomiao Sect’s techniques in great depth. Combined with the noticeable gap in skill levels, all four matches ended in failure for the Piaomiao challengers.

Even so, the observing disciples below the platform understood the situation clearly. Yuan Liao’s acupuncture technique had already sounded an alarm for them—if his skill level when facing the Cloth-Robe First-Level disciples was so high, then the subsequent monks would be even more formidable. Yuan Liao’s being kicked out of the ring was merely due to overconfidence, unrelated to his actual martial prowess.

This time, Zhang Chengyue didn’t rush back but stood quietly in a corner of the platform, hoping one of the Piaomiao Sect disciples might kick a Dalin Temple young monk off the stage, as Zhang Xiaohua had. Unfortunately, he was disappointed.

After Zhang Chengyue escorted the four young monks back to the reed-mat pavilion, the challenges continued on the five platforms.

Seeing the outcome, Ou Peng wasn’t surprised. He took a sip of tea and smiled at Monk Changgeng, saying: “Dalin Temple’s foundation is indeed deep. Your lower-level disciples are clearly far more skilled than our Piaomiao Sect disciples of the same age. I’m genuinely impressed.”

Monk Changgeng didn’t show a hint of a smile and replied: “It’s nothing noteworthy. These lower-level disciples are merely the new generation from the Law Enforcement Hall, and they have a long journey ahead. If…” He paused briefly to choose his words, then continued:: “If they can’t overcome such minor obstacles, what use will they have in the future?”

This comment was exceedingly blunt, causing the expressions of a few people seated to Ou Peng’s right to change. However, Ou Peng acted as if he hadn’t noticed, responding with a smile: “With such talents at Dalin Temple, the future of the martial world will surely be splendid. We look forward to witnessing it.”

After exchanging these words, they turned their attention back to the platforms.

The number of Cloth-Robe Second-Level disciples challenging the Third Level was smaller than for the First-Level challenges, totaling only about ten. In the first round, these top-ranked challengers had a real shot at advancing to the Third Level, but due to Dalin Temple’s interference, only one succeeded while four were defeated. Normally, the success rate of second-round challengers would be lower than that of the first round, but today defied expectations: out of five disciples, three passed. Whether they truly had the skill level of Cloth-Robe Third-Level or if there was some leniency on the part of the defenders, the Piaomiao Sect disciples didn’t inquire further, and Ou Peng was unlikely to pursue it either.

After the challenge rounds concluded, Ou Peng once again asked Monk Changgeng for his intentions. With only a few disciples remaining behind Monk Changgeng who hadn’t yet fought, the elder monk thought for a moment and said: “Sect Master Ou, my purpose in bringing disciples here this time is purely for martial exchange, not for a full-scale competition. It’s simply an opportunity for everyone to learn from each other. I still have a few disciples who haven’t gone up to the platform, so instead of a formal challenge, how about finding a few of similar age for a friendly spar?”

Ou Peng smiled and replied: “Since the Elder is our honored guest, I’ll gladly comply. How would the Elder like to arrange this?”

Monk Changgeng turned back and said: “Apart from Yuan Xing, all of you who haven’t competed yet, please step forward.”

At his words, five monks of around sixteen or seventeen years of age stepped forward. Monk Changgeng then said to Ou Peng: “Yuan Xing is different from the others; we’ll have him compete in a later match. For the rest, please make arrangements Sect Master Ou.”

Ou Peng was visibly taken aback, instinctively glancing a couple of extra times at Yuan Xing, the inconspicuous monk who remained behind Monk Changgeng. He wondered to himself: “What kind of mystery is this old bald donkey up to now?”

Following Ou Peng’s instructions, Zhang Chengyue led the five monks to the platforms.

However, there was a bit of a dilemma when selecting Piaomiao Sect disciples to face them. From the Cloth-Robe Third Level onward, Piaomiao Sect disciples were taught weapon techniques. Piaomiao Sect’s swordsmanship was renowned in the martial world—not only the signature “Piaomiao Seven Swords” but also numerous other styles that were well-known. Many disciples trained in swordsmanship, with unarmed techniques emphasized only at the Cloth-Robe First and Second Levels. Only a few disciples without the talent for swordsmanship turned to staff techniques or other weapons, and very few focused solely on fist and palm techniques.

By contrast, Dalin Temple was renowned for its mastery of fists, palms, and leg techniques, with weapons primarily limited to staff techniques. Even sabers were rarely used, let alone swords. Now, the five monks standing on the platform were all unarmed, clearly prepared to face their opponents empty-handed. Given this, the Piaomiao Sect couldn’t very well have their disciples use swords, especially since Monk Changgeng had clarified that this was a martial exchange, not a life-and-death battle.

In fact, wasn’t this obviously bullying? Using one’s strengths to counter the enemy’s weakness!

Nevertheless, as a major sect in the world, Piaomiao Sect had no shortage of talented disciples. Soon enough, they selected five disciples of similar age with strong hand-to-hand combat skills.

As the five pairs of disciples sparred on the platforms, Ou Peng’s attention was only partly on the matches. From time to time, he glanced at Yuan Xing, trying to decipher Monk Changgeng’s intentions.

Monk Changgeng seemed to notice this but showed no reaction, simply watching the matches on the platform with great interest.

On the platform, the ten disciples were locked in intense combat, each showcasing their unique skills and ingenious moves. The five disciples from the Piaomiao Sect attacked relentlessly, like waves crashing against rocks, while the five monks from Dalin Temple stood firm, using their deep inner strength and straightforward techniques to defend effectively, creating a stalemate.

However, as time passed, the gap between them began to show. The Dalin Temple disciples maintained their powerful punches and strikes, delivering each move with full force, without any sign of weakening. In contrast, the Piaomiao Sect disciples began to struggle, their lack of inner strength evident. Most of them resorted to evasive maneuvers, relying on Qinggong. This was natural, as Piaomiao Sect prided itself on agility and lightness skills, with all disciples studying Qinggong alongside their swordsmanship. Thus, when their inner strength waned, they instinctively adopted a strategy based on lightness and agility.

While this approach allowed them to hold their ground temporarily, it was ultimately not a path to victory. Observing the situation, the Piaomiao disciples watching from below couldn’t shake a sense of helplessness; it was clear they were likely to lose again.

If the previous matches were all challenge contests, where outstanding lower-level disciples competed for higher positions, then losing to Dalin Temple would still be acceptable to everyone; they would merely feel that the younger disciples’ martial skills were lacking and needed more time to be honed. However, this five-platform match is clearly another tactic by Dalin Temple to test or provoke the Piaomiao Sect. For such a vast sect like Piaomiao, to think that not a single disciple could hold their own against Dalin Temple! If they lose this match, not only would it deal a blow to the Piaomiao disciples’ morale, but word would likely spread across the martial world, bringing them ridicule!

But events don’t always bend to people’s wishes. Despite the silent encouragement from the hundreds of disciples below, the outcome was clear before long. The five platforms concluded in defeat, with every Piaomiao disciple losing.

Watching his five discouraged disciples return to the crowd, Zhang Chengyue felt uncomfortable too. However, his face remained calm and composed, as gentle as jade, as he led the five triumphant Dalin Temple monks back to the reed-mat pavilion.

In the pavilion, Ou Peng’s expression was somewhat grim. Naturally, no one would be pleased with the situation. Although he knew Piaomiao Sect was unprepared for such a challenge and was caught off guard, he had still expected them to secure at least one or two victories. But to lose all five matches was a major blow to their pride.

In truth, Ou Peng had never expected goodwill from the arrival of Monk Changgeng. The man was a Law Enforcement Elder from a prestigious, powerful sect, with martial skill, seniority, and connections that their own sect couldn’t match. If he caused some embarrassment, they could simply endure it and move on. But they never imagined they would lose so miserably. From the beginning until now, if it hadn’t been for Zhang Xiaohua seizing the opportunity when the opponent underestimated him to win a match, and Tang Shi following Zhang Xiaohua’s momentum to secure another, their Piaomiao Sect would have been utterly defeated!

For a sect, this was not merely a slap in the face, it carried deeper implications.

Nevertheless, a loss was a loss, and the situation had reached a point where Ou Peng could only swallow his pride. Suppressing his dissatisfaction, he forced a smile and said: “Elder, it seems that your temple indeed excels beyond our Piaomiao Sect, especially in nurturing the next generation. I must admit defeat and offer my respect.”

Monk Changgeng shook his head and replied: “Sect Master Ou is too humble. Everyone knows that Piaomiao Sect has a profound foundation. These disciples of ours hardly warrant admiration. Any one of your core disciples or elite members could probably handle ten of them at once.”

Hearing this, Ou Peng’s heart skipped a beat, but he quickly offered a polite smile, saying: “Elder is joking. Many of our elite disciples are present here on the square. Even our talented disciple on Platform Two was defeated earlier, so I may have been a bit disappointed myself, and perhaps I let you see too much.”

Monk Changgeng did not press the point further but continued: “Sect Master Ou, it seems you are holding back a bit. Recently, Piaomiao Sect’s efforts have been evident to the entire martial world, and everyone praises your leadership, saying you’ve ushered in a prosperous new era for Piaomiao Sect, with a reputation rivaling that of Dalin Temple. I heard these things and wanted to see Piaomiao Sect’s new vitality for myself.”

Hearing this, Ou Peng inwardly cursed in his heart: “This old bald donkey certainly isn’t here with good intentions; he clearly wants to assess our strength. Ah, it looks like today our Piaomiao Sect will indeed have to suffer some loss of face.”

So, Ou Peng quickly replied: “Elder, that’s an exaggeration. Our Piaomiao Sect is merely a small, regional sect and can hardly compare to a powerhouse like Dalin Temple in the martial world. It’s simply the baseless rumors of uninformed youngsters and shouldn’t be taken seriously.”

Elder Changgeng looked at Ou Peng with a meaningful expression and said: “Sect Master Ou, Piaomiao Sect and Dalin Temple have shared a long-standing relationship spanning thousands of years. While Piaomiao Sect may be somewhat less prominent now, Dalin Temple has never underestimated you.”

This remark sent a chill down Ou Peng’s spine, and he didn’t even dare to respond.

Changing the subject, Monk Changgeng continued: “For the next match, Yuan Xing will step onto the platform. However, this match will be a bit special.”

Ou Peng, puzzled, asked: “Special? Could Elder explain?”