Chapter 235: Tian Ji’s Horse Racing, Strike First to Gain the Upper Hand
While Zhou Yan was in Western Hunan’s Hundred Herbs Valley seeking the Hundred Herbs Immortal to heal Mei Chaofeng, he learned two sets of Qi Guiding Methods for the Finger Flicking Divine Skill from Huang Rong. Upon returning from Western Hunan, he encountered Master Tiancong in the Western Regions and delivered a Letter Escort to Shaolin, where Master Ku Cheng gifted him a Great Reviving Pill.
Back in Zhongdu, he utilized the Internal Force gained from the Great Reviving Pill to refine his Pericardium Meridian of Hand Jueyin. At that time, if the condensed Internal Force was channeled through the Qi Guiding Method of the Finger Flicking Divine Skill, it could erupt from the “Guangchong” acupoint on his finger for over a foot.
After the Heroes’ Banquet hosted by Huo Du, he received another set of Qi Guiding Methods from Huang Yaoshi. He diligently practiced the Yijin Forging Bone Chapter, and after nearly half a year, his Internal Force grew daily. Now, when he used the Finger Flicking Divine Skill, his Qi Energy would erupt outwards for more than a foot.
With a hundred moves to decide the victor, Zhou Yan was like a shrewd hunter, patiently waiting for an opportunity based on his experience from no less than a hundred major and minor battles, ready to determine the outcome with a single finger.
Qiu Qianren, after clashing with Zhou Yan for the third time, knew that the opponent’s most formidable skill was the Subduing Dragon Eighteen Palms. Little did he know that Zhou Yan still held back an ultimate skill from the Eastern Heretic.
Qiu Qianren, shadowing him like a phantom, intended to press his Iron Palm onto Zhou Yan, aiming to leave him crippled even if he didn’t die on the spot.
However, joy and sorrow were but a fleeting moment.
Suddenly, with a “chi” sound, a sharp stream of Qi surged towards his face.
Qiu Qianren was greatly alarmed. Being too close, how could he possibly change his move to respond?
“Ah!”
In a flash, Qiu Qianren, using his superior Lightness Skill, forcefully shifted his body half a foot to the side.
With a “bang,” like the sound of a stopper being pulled from a waterskin, a bloody mark extended from Qiu Qianren’s brow bone towards his ear, a lock of hair detached from his scalp, and fluttered up and down.
The two figures, who had moved with the swiftness of a rabbit and a falcon a moment before, suddenly became still.
Zhou Yan’s breathing was uneven, his complexion slightly pale, but his expression was resolute. The sunlight illuminated his sharply defined features, casting distinct contours on his face.
A bloodstain, a finger’s width wide, stretched over half a foot from Qiu Qianren’s left brow bone, utterly destroying the imposing aura on his face. From afar, his tilted head, with its missing hair, made him resemble a tonsured monk.
The Yanbo Diaosou was never one to shy away from trouble. First surprised, then delighted, he said, “Marvelous! Brother Zhou has directly shaved Master Qiu’s head for him.”
Qiu Qianren, however, seemed to ignore such a humiliating remark.
His mind buzzed, his gaze darkened, and his eyes followed the few strands of hair still dancing in the lingering Qi. Only one thought echoed in his consciousness.
“In front of all these eyes, I lost to this brat. Where is my face? My reputation is in tatters. How can I contend for the title of number one in the world in the future?”
Huang Rong, watching from afar, was overjoyed.
In that moment, she felt her heart was about to leap out of her chest. To think that Zhou Yan had turned the tables and used the Finger Flicking Divine Skill she had taught him! Huang Rong hadn’t realized herself when it started that she cared so much about Zhou Yan’s life and death.
Huang Yaoshi also did not expect such an outcome.
As he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard Ouyang Feng speak sinisterly, “This brat has actually learned Brother Yao’s Finger Flicking Divine Skill. This is truly unexpected. To have such a talented disciple, Brother Yao, congratulations.”
Huang Yaoshi came back to his senses and smiled faintly, “Brother Feng, you are mistaken. This brat merely helped my daughter once and received a bit of guidance. With Master Qiu’s cultivation, breaking this finger strength should be easy.”
Although Huang Yaoshi said this, his expression beneath his mask was quite pleased. Of course, he was also surprised by Zhou Yan’s martial arts talent. Even without grasping the essence of the Finger Flicking Divine Skill, he could already project Internal Energy outwards.
Hong Qigong was in high spirits and chimed in, “Brother Yao is right. This brat didn’t win with his martial arts, but with his experience and temperament. How could an ordinary person use a martial art that isn’t even mastered to defeat an enemy at such a critical juncture?”
Ouyang Feng’s gloomy expression vanished with a hearty laugh. “That makes sense. Few can match this kind of temperament.” The Western Venom said this, but in his heart, he thought of the younger generation. Zhou Yan’s martial arts were not only the best, but he also possessed a ruthless and tenacious character that few could match. If he found an opportunity, he would definitely root him out completely. Otherwise, not only would Ke’er have no chance to rise, but he might also suffer misfortune at this brat’s hands one day.
Helian Chuncheng, Yin Kexi, Ni Mo Xing, and others had ferocious expressions, but upon closer inspection, there was a hint of fear in their eyes. Compared to when they were at Zhongnan Mountain, Zhou Yan’s cultivation had increased significantly. With their existing grudges, if Zhou Yan didn’t die, he would remain a major threat to their hearts.
Gongsun Zhi, having recovered some strength, walked to Qiu Qianren’s side and said, “Master Qiu, this brat’s martial arts are far inferior to yours; he is merely cunning. I also suffered greatly from his myriad tricks and schemes that day. When the time comes to kill him, I will avenge this profound humiliation.”
Qiu Qianren then slowly regained his senses.
Zhang Sanqiang said, “Master Qiu, if I were to win today, it would be an unrighteous victory. We shall compare again another day.”
Ouyang Feng chuckled deeply, “A true man. May I ask your esteemed surname?”
“Zhang Sanqiang.”
Let alone Ouyang Feng, even Huang Yaoshi had never heard of him.
Qiu Qianren’s expression turned cold, “So it is Zhang the Cult Leader. I have long admired your name.”
“It is merely a false reputation. I shall pay a visit to Iron Palm Mountain another day.”
“You are most welcome!”
“Good!” Zhang Sanqiang no longer lingered. He slung his spear into its sheath and moved out through the crowd.
Ouyang Feng asked, “Brother Qiu, who is Zhang Sanqiang?”
“He is the Cult Leader of Manichaeism. The Iron Palm Sect has had conflicts with Manichaeism in Jiangnan, so he is a sort of rival.”
“So that’s how it is. However, Zhang Sanqiang’s method of shifting Internal Force is quite peculiar.”
Qiu Qianren nodded, then turned to Zhou Yan and said, “I concede defeat in today’s competition. I shall seek further instruction another day.”
“I await Senior’s arrival.” Zhou Yan was not afraid at all. The gentle Qi emanating from the Jade Guanyin continuously nourished his meridians, restoring his Qi and Blood. With every breath of turbid Qi he exhaled, his spirit became more invigorated, and his mind clearer.
Zhou Yan’s gaze turned towards Monk Baoshou of the Vajra Sect.
“What are your thoughts on what I said earlier?”
Baoshou looked at Bao Xian and Baoshu.
Bao Xian, being cunning, pondered that Zhou Yan had just fought a fierce battle. What was there to fear? Moreover, the opponent seemed to have some connection with Hong Qigong and Huang Yaoshi. If they refused, and he caused a scene, dragging the old beggar and others into it, it would be difficult to resolve.
“As you wish.”
“Amitabha!” Master Ku Cheng stepped forward. “Shaolin Temple has a long history and considerable foundation. Since Master Zhou has just fought a fierce battle, you might as well rest. Let this old monk have a go at the Vajra Sect’s martial arts.”
Master Tianming Chan Master, the Head of the Dharma Hall, leaped forward. “Abbot, allow me to be the first to experience the Vajra Sect’s superior skills.”
Baoshou was overjoyed. “The Abbot has agreed to a three-match contest to decide the winner.”
“Naturally!”
Zhou Yan, hearing that Master Ku Cheng wanted to take the lead, knew that Shaolin Temple was not confident of victory.
Thinking this, he said to Master Ku Cheng, “Abbot, there is no need to rush. We had an agreement earlier. Please observe from the side and conserve your strength.”
“Excellent, excellent.”
Without waiting for Master Ku Cheng to speak further, Zhou Yan leisurely walked into the arena and looked at Baoshu, Bao Xian, and the others.
“Who will come?”
“I will,” Baoshou stepped forward.
Baoshu mused that Zhou Yan had fought consecutively and his energy was considerably depleted. If he fought now, victory was almost certain. When it was time to fight Shaolin Temple, he would let his junior brother go first, and he could recover. If his junior brother were to face Zhou Yan and be defeated, it would be a blow to the Vajra Sect’s prestige and their master’s reputation, making it difficult to compare with Shaolin Temple.
Zhou Yan was also contemplating. The ones to fight from the Vajra Sect would surely be the three whom Baoxiang called senior brothers, led by Monk Baoshu. This person’s martial arts would naturally be the most outstanding. If the opponent stepped onto the stage, and they fought to a draw, it would be difficult to resolve, and Baoshu would have ample time to recover. Baoshou was likely the weakest. If he won, the Vajra Sect would not apologize. Then, he could provoke them into another match. Shaolin Temple would then compete with the Vajra Sect. Using a strategy like Tian Ji’s horse racing, they could remain undefeated.
Thinking this, and fearing that the opponent might have a trick up their sleeve, he shouted, “Good! You have courage! Take this!”
As soon as Zhou Yan finished speaking, he leaped up, his wide sleeves fluttering. He darted east and west, his agility extremely nimble, like a great eagle gracefully soaring. The Free and Easy Journey fist techniques descended upon Monk Baoshou.
“Well met!” Baoshou roared. His bones and muscles resonated throughout his body. The large muscles beneath his monk’s robe were like a drawn bowstring, and in their retraction and extension, they were like a python coiling around its prey. His claws separated and converged like the maw of a bloodthirsty dragon.
“Great Strength Vajra Finger!”
On Shaolin Temple’s side, Tianxin and Master Tianming Chan Master both exclaimed in shock.
Monk Baoshu’s expression turned somewhat grim. His junior brother was being too hasty.
