Chapter 431: The Difference Between Three Punches and Three Moves

In truth, although all twenty men shared this view—that Nie Qianyu was not the legendary beauty—if asked to withdraw from the competition, none would be willing.

Why is that?

The reason is simple: although Nie Qianyu’s looks are average, she is still clear-eyed and delicate, not at all unpleasant to look at. Moreover, her two elder sisters are both very beautiful; is it likely that the youngest sister would be far behind once she grows up? The current disappointment is simply a case of high expectations leading to greater let-down.

And what’s most crucial is that the Valley Master Nie of Spring Rebirth Valley has three daughters and no sons. Nie Qianrong and Nie Qianxiu are already married and have left the valley. As for the youngest daughter’s marriage, whether she marries out or a husband is brought in is quite obvious. Moreover, the Valley Master Nie has now staged a martial contest for her hand. Although it is not explicitly stated that he is seeking a son-in-law to join the family, who in the martial world does not know that the intention is to find someone with formidable martial skills, someone capable of commanding respect and holding the reins of Spring Rebirth Valley!

As long as one wins this arena contest for marriage, one becomes the future master of Spring Rebirth Valley. Considering the valley’s millennia-old heritage, who would not covet it? Who would give up such an opportunity just because Nie Qianyu is not “exceptionally” beautiful?

“The wife should be virtuous, the concubines should be beautiful; just find a few concubines later.” Everyone thought.

The three Nie sisters rode up to the back of the arena, climbed the stairs, and guards quickly brought over three chairs for them to sit beside Valley Master Nie. The three did not look at the crowd below, but only watched the two men on the stage with concern.

Zhang Xiaohua glanced up but did not express anything. Young Master Long, however, was different. The Nie sisters had not appeared during the previous twenty-some victories, but now that he was about to win, they had shown up, and Nie Qianyu had even come personally onto the stage. What did this mean?

Young Master Long felt rather elated and could not help but nod slightly at Nie Qianyu and give her a smile, displaying the peerless charm of a dandy young master.

At this time, Valley Master Nie quietly explained the situation on stage to Nie Qianyu and asked for her opinion. Nie Qianyu smiled slightly and thought to herself: “Others may not know this little scoundrel’s background, but how could I not? Outside Danhe City, with just one sword strike, he left his opponent half-shattered—his strength and internal energy were truly unfathomable. Although the Dragon Soaring Sword Manor’s internal techniques are powerful, they probably can’t match that so-called hall master from back then. This little scoundrel must know that his swordsmanship is lacking and that he doesn’t want to take lives, so he came up with this method. Hmph, ever since we left Danhe City and traveled to Mochou City, I’ve never seen him suffer even a single loss. If Young Master Long can get even a single copper coin’s worth of advantage over him, I’ll eat my words.”

Thinking this, a sweet smile unconsciously appeared on her face.

Just then, Young Master Long noticed the smile on Nie Qianyu’s face and immediately assumed it was meant for him. His heart became even more certain: “This little girl can’t escape my grasp.”

However, down below the arena, there were two people who had met Nie Qianyu before, their expressions strange, as if they were thinking about something unknown.

Encouraged by Nie Qianyu’s “smile”, Young Master Long became even bolder and laughed, saying: “Since little brother is so forthright, I can’t let you steal all the limelight. How about this? Let’s not take turns exchanging moves—that would obviously put you at a disadvantage. Instead, let’s just stand here and exchange three hard strikes. Whoever moves their feet even half an inch loses. What do you think?”

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone’s eyes lit up below the stage. This was a real test of true martial ability—no moves, no techniques, just pure strength. This was exactly what the crowd most wanted to see.

Zhang Xiaohua frowned and couldn’t help but ask: “But what if both of our feet move, or neither of us moves? How should we decide then?”

Young Master Long laughed and said: “Then I’ll count it as my loss!”

His words were crisp and clear, his voice loud and clear for everyone to hear. “Good!” The crowd below shouted again.

Young Master Long hadn’t even started the contest yet, but he had already won the hearts of the people—everyone was hoping for his victory.

Seeing that Zhang Xiaohua said nothing further, Nie Qianxiu couldn’t help but frown deeply. She quietly said to Nie Qianrong: “Elder sister, it seems to me that this Young Hero Ren lacks any sort of fighting spirit. If it were someone else, they would surely say: ‘How can I let Young Master Long take the loss? If both of our feet move or neither of us moves, it should be a draw.’ Or at least suggest another few punches. Why doesn’t Young Hero Ren say a word?”

With a “pfft”, Nie Qianyu, who was sitting beside them, couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the words. She thought to herself: “This little scoundrel always likes to take advantage of others. Now that Young Master Long is practically serving up such an advantage on a silver platter, why would he refuse it?”

Nie Qianrong noticed her little sister laughing but didn’t know why, so she didn’t respond to Nie Qianxiu’s words and instead focused intently on watching.

Sure enough, Zhang Xiaohua heard Young Master Long’s words and said with a faint smile: “Alright, then let’s do as Young Master Long says.”

“Ah, this fellow really doesn’t stand on ceremony.” Young Master Long thought to himself as well.

And so, the two stepped forward and stood face to face. At this sight, everyone in the arena held their breath, not daring to make even the slightest sound.

Young Master Long took a deep breath, his internal energy swiftly coursing through his meridians. His face turned slightly flushed, and his eyes gleamed with brilliance as he said: “Little brother, are you ready?”

Zhang Xiaohua, however, was rather nonchalant. He shrugged and said: “Young Master Long may attack at any time.”

When Young Master Long saw this, he was secretly delighted: “This fellow really has no experience at all. He thinks that just because I was polite before, I’ll give him time to gather his energy. But I’ve already asked you—whether you gather your energy or not is none of my concern!”

With that, his robes began to flutter without wind. Suddenly, his right hand shot out from his side, carrying a powerful gust of wind with a “whoosh” as it smashed toward Zhang Xiaohua’s chest.

Zhang Xiaohua had already released his divine sense. Seeing the incoming fist imbued with formidable internal energy, he remained calm. He extended his left hand like lightning and grasped Young Master Long’s wrist. Then, with a slight exertion, he pulled it toward his left. Young Master Long was startled and hurriedly tried to retract his internal energy, but he had only thought about exchanging a forceful punch with Zhang Xiaohua—how could he have left any reserve strength?

In the next instant, as Zhang Xiaohua’s left arm swung, Young Master Long was lifted up from the ground like a lone goose and, with a “whoosh”, was flung clear out of the arena. Wasn’t this move precisely the “Four Ounces Deflecting a Thousand Pounds” that Nie Xiao’er of Huanxi Villa had used against Zhang Xiaohua years ago?

“This!?” Everyone in the arena was dumbfounded: “Does this mean Ren Xiaoyao has won? Earlier, they said it was supposed to be fist against fist, but although Ren Xiaoyao made a move, he didn’t actually exchange fists, did he? But then again, Young Master Long himself said that if his feet moved, he’d count it as a loss. Not only did his feet move, but he was also thrown out of the arena! So what exactly should be the outcome?”

Valley Master Nie was also astonished—he had never expected such a result.

Only Nie Qianyu was smiling so sweetly. Yes, only Ren Xiaoyao could come up with something so unexpected, even for her!

Young Master Long was also formidable. Although his body had been flung out of the arena, leaving him no way to use his strength, the moment the tips of his toes touched the ground, he immediately twisted his body and flew back onto the stage, landing in one corner. He didn’t know what to say—after all, he had been thrown out, after all, his toes had touched the ground, so he had already lost.

But after a moment’s thought, he quickly changed his expression and sneered: “Little brother, you’re quite cunning. We agreed to exchange fists—where was your fist? Why use such a lowly method to lure me into a trap? If you wanted to compete with skill, you should have said so directly. Why say it was fist against fist?”

Valley Master Nie, hearing this, was about to stand up, but Nie Qianyu beside him tugged at his sleeve and whispered: “Father, let’s see how they continue. Don’t speak just yet.”

Nie Qianxiu spoke up loudly: “Although Young Master Long fell off the stage, Young Hero Ren didn’t follow the previously agreed-upon rules and exchange fists, so Young Master Long cannot be counted as having lost.”

Nie Qianrong looked rather surprised and gave her sister a strange glance.

Nie Qianxiu hurried to explain: “Elder sister, if Young Hero Ren is to win, shouldn’t he win fair and square?”

Nie Qianrong nodded thoughtfully.

Faced with Young Master Long’s pointed accusations, Zhang Xiaohua scratched his head and said: “Young Master Long seems to have misunderstood. I only said three moves against three moves, but never specifically said three punches against three punches, did I? You threw a punch—that was one move. I used my hand to pull you along—that was also a move. How can you say I won unfairly or used trickery?”

Hearing this, not only Young Master Long, but everyone in the arena was left speechless. Indeed, looking back carefully, Zhang Xiaohua had always said “three moves”, not “three punches”. Even Young Master Long had said “three moves”. It’s just that, in the martial world, the most common way of going head-to-head is with fists, so everyone automatically assumed “three moves” meant “three punches”. Although Young Master Long’s mouth said “three moves”, his mind was still thinking “three punches”.

Ah, it must be said—habitual thinking really can be the death of a person.

“This…?” Young Master Long was at a loss for words.

Beside him, Nie Qianyu smiled radiantly, as if she had already anticipated such a situation.

Valley Master Nie was secretly delighted as well: “This future son-in-law’s wits are truly something.”

His gaze upon Zhang Xiaohua became even warmer and more affectionate.

Seeing Young Master Long’s reaction, Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment, cupped his hands, and said: “If Young Master Long feels this way, that I wasn’t clear enough and used trickery, then I apologize. Seeing your punch so fierce and swift, my left hand naturally chose this move—it was purely instinctive, instinctive. That’s just how I usually spar with others; I really didn’t think much about it. If Young Master Long isn’t satisfied, let’s not count the previous move. How about we start over?”

Young Master Long thought for a while and said: “I don’t want to take advantage of you either. Let’s count the previous move as a draw. For the next two moves, we can’t go by the previous rules. We must each exchange a punch, one for one. What do you think?”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “No problem. Whatever you say.”

Young Master Long “hmphed” and walked to the center of the stage. After gathering his energy, he did not rush to strike. Zhang Xiaohua smiled, assumed his stance, and was about to throw a punch, but his divine sense seemed to detect something unusual about Young Master Long’s left hand, concealed in his sleeve.