Chapter 38
Fist Fighting
Liu Tie was startled. The last time he saw his master with such an expression was just two days ago when Zhao Zazhong and his sister and the Scaled Python Martial Arts School were involved.
Chen Feng's expression at that moment looked like it could kill someone. He didn't know what he had done to offend his master: "Master, I..."
"I'm asking you to repeat what you just said!"
Like a child who has made a mistake, Liu Tie lowered his head and whispered, "I wonder why Senior Brother Duan's boxing is getting worse and worse as he practices?"
Just a few days ago he was powerful and vigorous, his strength domineering, but today, while he's not weak, there's absolutely no fluctuation of his power!
"Master, I didn't mean to say that about Senior Brother Duan..."
Chen Feng ignored him and instead walked up to Duan Xuan, looking him up and down. This action undoubtedly aroused the curiosity of the other senior brothers and sisters in the training ground.
"Sigh, Duan Xuan has gotten arrogant ever since he broke through to the Ming Jin realm. He's always on temporary assignments outside and doesn't practice martial arts properly. He can't even generate any internal force anymore; I'm afraid he's already fallen back to the Ming Jin realm!"
"Who says otherwise?"
For peasants, diligent study and hard work are the most basic things, but if they cannot persevere, they will always remain peasants.
Just like Junior Brother Lin Hu said, Duan Xuan should go back to hunting; he's probably not cut out for fighting.
"Good lad, when did you break through to the Dark Force realm!"
"Hidden, hidden power?"
"What did Master say? Junior Brother Duan has broken through to the Dark Force realm?"
"How is this possible? His aptitude is so poor, and his family doesn't have the money to buy him elixirs and supplements. How could he possibly break through to the Dark Force realm just three months after breaking through to the Ming Force realm?"
Liu Tie was also stunned, his lips twitching rapidly as he stammered, "Dark...Dark Force, Senior Brother Duan, you actually broke through to Dark Force?"
Duan Xuan respectfully cupped his hands in a fist salute: "I am deeply grateful for Master's kindness and Senior Sister's assistance. I managed to break through to the Dark Force realm a few days ago!"
A smile unexpectedly lit up Chen Feng's heavy face, and he patted Duan Xuan's shoulder heavily: "Back then, your blood and qi were not even as good as an ordinary person's."
In just five months, he successfully broke through the Ming Jin (manifest strength) level, and then crossed the second threshold into An Jin (hidden strength) level in just one time.
This is not a fluke. It is the result of your great perseverance and courage.
That's right. Even if you don't break through to the Transformation Realm in the future, you certainly won't starve to death.
Since I didn't register for the martial arts examination, I should focus on consolidating my skills at the martial arts school.
Yun'er, bring me a Qi and Blood Pill.
Although my Poshan Martial Arts School is not a famous sect, every disciple is treated equally. What they have, you must also have.
Later, I will personally teach you the last three moves of the Mountain-Breaking Fist!
"Thank you, Master!"
Chen Jingshu was graceful and elegant, but she also had some admiration for Duan Xuan.
It's not easy for a peasant to rise above the rest in this world where martial arts reign supreme. It's not just luck, but the result of repeated acts of timidity and caution, and the seizing of certain opportunities.
Chen Jingshu didn't have that many thoughts. She took out a small sandalwood box from her sachet and, with graceful steps, handed it to Duan Xuan.
"Junior Brother Duan, you're awesome!"
After seeing the group off, Duan Xuan turned around and saw many disciples in the training ground blushing, their faces flushed with shame and jealousy, revealing the complexities of human nature.
Liu Tie remained in a surprised expression for a long time: "Congratulations, Senior Brother Duan, on becoming a Dark Force martial artist!"
The surrounding Mingjin disciples had no choice but to lower themselves and come over to bow in unison, saying, "Congratulations, Junior Brother Duan."
……
evening.
After Zhang Chen, Lin Hu, and Liu Mingze left the backyard, Zhang Chen immediately transformed, rushing straight to his junior brother Duan Xuan: "You're something else!"
Last time, I even dragged you along to listen to Junior Brother Zhou explain the secrets to breaking through to the hidden strength, and I never expected that you would actually break through.
Now I'd like to see who in the martial arts school dares to disrespect you!
Just as the two were exchanging pleasantries, Liu Mingze and Lin Hu passed by, and Liu Mingze made no attempt to hide his snort.
Lin Hu immediately responded with a sarcastic tone, but neither of them looked too pleased.
"This world is really interesting. It seems like anyone can step into the path of martial arts and break through to the inner strength level. Tsk tsk!"
"My dear Senior Brother Duan, you must cultivate diligently, lest you be beaten to death in the street by some martial arts school's expert."
Losing your life is nothing, but if you ruin the reputation of my Broken Mountain Martial Arts School, I'll whip your corpse!
The two laughed heartily and left together.
Once outside, Lin Hu could no longer conceal the disgust and anger on his face: "Duan Xuan really always has such good luck, why isn't he dead yet?"
The tall and thin Liu Mingze said disdainfully, "So what if you break through to the Dark Force realm?"
The stalemate between the Scaled Python Martial Arts School and my Broken Mountain Martial Arts School continues. Who knows when this country bumpkin might get dragged into it and killed!
Lin Hu exclaimed, a brilliant idea forming in his mind: "It's all thanks to you! You've given me a wonderful way to kill him and get rid of our mutual loathing."
Liu Mingze understood immediately: "Using someone else to do the dirty work!"
……
Renhetang.
"Hmph, I was just saying. Why has Bai Yutang been so erratic lately?"
In the past, he would never have dared to repeatedly teeter on the edge of death, especially now that he knows that Renhetang's strength has recently grown somewhat.
Suddenly, things escalated; it turned out this small shop had powerful backers supporting him!
"It wasn't just them; several other shops in the county actually joined forces to besiege our Renhetang business."
Presumably, those guys from Jin Yutang and Fumanlou have also secretly provided substantial financial assistance.
"The main force dealing with us right now is actually just the Scaled Python Martial Arts School."
Other forces merely provide resources to these small shops, while the Scaled Python Martial Arts School directly invests martial artists in them.
Our Renhetang is not lacking in skilled workers, but they are currently all busy protecting the other branches of our Renhetang.
If we truly withdraw, those storefronts will inevitably be left undefended. To withdraw again would be to gain a small advantage while losing a large one.
However, if we don't withdraw, Bai Yutang and his forces will buzz around us like mosquitoes.
It's quite unpleasant when someone suddenly pricks you!
Ren Yun and her sister Ren Wanqing listened to the others' discussions, their brows furrowed as tightly as twisted ropes.
"Not only that, but we don't know which faction they belong to."
A few days ago, they actually raided my Renhetang altar. I immediately reported it to the authorities.
Hmph, guess what I said?
After a long investigation, we haven't even found a clue. Those bastards must have been bribed!
Chieftain, please give me an idea!
Ren Wanqing's face remained solemn throughout. After the branch leaders of the various halls finished reporting the situation, the atmosphere in the room turned icy cold.
"Bai Yutang said that if Renhe Hall doesn't even dare to resist, then obediently hand over all its branches and three medicinal herb gardens. If you want to survive in other counties, then come and fight!"
"Ah, a fistfight!"
The so-called fistfight is when both sides send out their best fighters to fight, and use their fists to decide who stays and who goes.
In the past, Renhetang had many martial artists, and with the integration of personnel, there were now three masters of internal strength.
Small businesses wouldn't dare offend them, but now the Scaled Python Martial Arts School is backing them up.
Their master, Mangqiu, is a master of Transformation Realm, and it is rumored that his only beloved son recently reached the Perfection of Dark Realm.
He was just one step away from achieving the Transformation Realm.
Upon hearing that they would soon have two experts at the Transformation Realm, everyone only dared to steal a glance at Zhou Wei, their hearts filled with immense repression.
Ren Yun coughed, interrupting everyone's hesitation: "Sister, the group's requirements are three against three, with the positions to be determined by drawing lots in the three final battles."
The outcome is not determined by the number of wins or losses when both sides are below the Transformation Realm.
Instead, the three martial artists collapsed completely, never to rise again—that was the final outcome!
"We can't fight this punch. If we do, we'll have to use our elite disciples to fill the gap, which plays right into Jin Yutang's hands!"
"Are we going to cede our territory if we don't fight?"
"Today they plunder a city, tomorrow they plunder another; greed knows no bounds!"
The two sides started arguing about this point of view.
Ren Yun glanced at Zhou Wei, who shook his head, also at a loss for what to do.
Snapped!
Ren Wanqing clapped her hands, and the room immediately fell silent: "This fistfight must take place. If any of you uncles are worried about the declining fortunes of Renhetang, which has just been established, I will personally take on the challenge!"
Chen Feng's expression at that moment looked like it could kill someone. He didn't know what he had done to offend his master: "Master, I..."
"I'm asking you to repeat what you just said!"
Like a child who has made a mistake, Liu Tie lowered his head and whispered, "I wonder why Senior Brother Duan's boxing is getting worse and worse as he practices?"
Just a few days ago he was powerful and vigorous, his strength domineering, but today, while he's not weak, there's absolutely no fluctuation of his power!
"Master, I didn't mean to say that about Senior Brother Duan..."
Chen Feng ignored him and instead walked up to Duan Xuan, looking him up and down. This action undoubtedly aroused the curiosity of the other senior brothers and sisters in the training ground.
"Sigh, Duan Xuan has gotten arrogant ever since he broke through to the Ming Jin realm. He's always on temporary assignments outside and doesn't practice martial arts properly. He can't even generate any internal force anymore; I'm afraid he's already fallen back to the Ming Jin realm!"
"Who says otherwise?"
For peasants, diligent study and hard work are the most basic things, but if they cannot persevere, they will always remain peasants.
Just like Junior Brother Lin Hu said, Duan Xuan should go back to hunting; he's probably not cut out for fighting.
"Good lad, when did you break through to the Dark Force realm!"
"Hidden, hidden power?"
"What did Master say? Junior Brother Duan has broken through to the Dark Force realm?"
"How is this possible? His aptitude is so poor, and his family doesn't have the money to buy him elixirs and supplements. How could he possibly break through to the Dark Force realm just three months after breaking through to the Ming Force realm?"
Liu Tie was also stunned, his lips twitching rapidly as he stammered, "Dark...Dark Force, Senior Brother Duan, you actually broke through to Dark Force?"
Duan Xuan respectfully cupped his hands in a fist salute: "I am deeply grateful for Master's kindness and Senior Sister's assistance. I managed to break through to the Dark Force realm a few days ago!"
A smile unexpectedly lit up Chen Feng's heavy face, and he patted Duan Xuan's shoulder heavily: "Back then, your blood and qi were not even as good as an ordinary person's."
In just five months, he successfully broke through the Ming Jin (manifest strength) level, and then crossed the second threshold into An Jin (hidden strength) level in just one time.
This is not a fluke. It is the result of your great perseverance and courage.
That's right. Even if you don't break through to the Transformation Realm in the future, you certainly won't starve to death.
Since I didn't register for the martial arts examination, I should focus on consolidating my skills at the martial arts school.
Yun'er, bring me a Qi and Blood Pill.
Although my Poshan Martial Arts School is not a famous sect, every disciple is treated equally. What they have, you must also have.
Later, I will personally teach you the last three moves of the Mountain-Breaking Fist!
"Thank you, Master!"
Chen Jingshu was graceful and elegant, but she also had some admiration for Duan Xuan.
It's not easy for a peasant to rise above the rest in this world where martial arts reign supreme. It's not just luck, but the result of repeated acts of timidity and caution, and the seizing of certain opportunities.
Chen Jingshu didn't have that many thoughts. She took out a small sandalwood box from her sachet and, with graceful steps, handed it to Duan Xuan.
"Junior Brother Duan, you're awesome!"
After seeing the group off, Duan Xuan turned around and saw many disciples in the training ground blushing, their faces flushed with shame and jealousy, revealing the complexities of human nature.
Liu Tie remained in a surprised expression for a long time: "Congratulations, Senior Brother Duan, on becoming a Dark Force martial artist!"
The surrounding Mingjin disciples had no choice but to lower themselves and come over to bow in unison, saying, "Congratulations, Junior Brother Duan."
……
evening.
After Zhang Chen, Lin Hu, and Liu Mingze left the backyard, Zhang Chen immediately transformed, rushing straight to his junior brother Duan Xuan: "You're something else!"
Last time, I even dragged you along to listen to Junior Brother Zhou explain the secrets to breaking through to the hidden strength, and I never expected that you would actually break through.
Now I'd like to see who in the martial arts school dares to disrespect you!
Just as the two were exchanging pleasantries, Liu Mingze and Lin Hu passed by, and Liu Mingze made no attempt to hide his snort.
Lin Hu immediately responded with a sarcastic tone, but neither of them looked too pleased.
"This world is really interesting. It seems like anyone can step into the path of martial arts and break through to the inner strength level. Tsk tsk!"
"My dear Senior Brother Duan, you must cultivate diligently, lest you be beaten to death in the street by some martial arts school's expert."
Losing your life is nothing, but if you ruin the reputation of my Broken Mountain Martial Arts School, I'll whip your corpse!
The two laughed heartily and left together.
Once outside, Lin Hu could no longer conceal the disgust and anger on his face: "Duan Xuan really always has such good luck, why isn't he dead yet?"
The tall and thin Liu Mingze said disdainfully, "So what if you break through to the Dark Force realm?"
The stalemate between the Scaled Python Martial Arts School and my Broken Mountain Martial Arts School continues. Who knows when this country bumpkin might get dragged into it and killed!
Lin Hu exclaimed, a brilliant idea forming in his mind: "It's all thanks to you! You've given me a wonderful way to kill him and get rid of our mutual loathing."
Liu Mingze understood immediately: "Using someone else to do the dirty work!"
……
Renhetang.
"Hmph, I was just saying. Why has Bai Yutang been so erratic lately?"
In the past, he would never have dared to repeatedly teeter on the edge of death, especially now that he knows that Renhetang's strength has recently grown somewhat.
Suddenly, things escalated; it turned out this small shop had powerful backers supporting him!
"It wasn't just them; several other shops in the county actually joined forces to besiege our Renhetang business."
Presumably, those guys from Jin Yutang and Fumanlou have also secretly provided substantial financial assistance.
"The main force dealing with us right now is actually just the Scaled Python Martial Arts School."
Other forces merely provide resources to these small shops, while the Scaled Python Martial Arts School directly invests martial artists in them.
Our Renhetang is not lacking in skilled workers, but they are currently all busy protecting the other branches of our Renhetang.
If we truly withdraw, those storefronts will inevitably be left undefended. To withdraw again would be to gain a small advantage while losing a large one.
However, if we don't withdraw, Bai Yutang and his forces will buzz around us like mosquitoes.
It's quite unpleasant when someone suddenly pricks you!
Ren Yun and her sister Ren Wanqing listened to the others' discussions, their brows furrowed as tightly as twisted ropes.
"Not only that, but we don't know which faction they belong to."
A few days ago, they actually raided my Renhetang altar. I immediately reported it to the authorities.
Hmph, guess what I said?
After a long investigation, we haven't even found a clue. Those bastards must have been bribed!
Chieftain, please give me an idea!
Ren Wanqing's face remained solemn throughout. After the branch leaders of the various halls finished reporting the situation, the atmosphere in the room turned icy cold.
"Bai Yutang said that if Renhe Hall doesn't even dare to resist, then obediently hand over all its branches and three medicinal herb gardens. If you want to survive in other counties, then come and fight!"
"Ah, a fistfight!"
The so-called fistfight is when both sides send out their best fighters to fight, and use their fists to decide who stays and who goes.
In the past, Renhetang had many martial artists, and with the integration of personnel, there were now three masters of internal strength.
Small businesses wouldn't dare offend them, but now the Scaled Python Martial Arts School is backing them up.
Their master, Mangqiu, is a master of Transformation Realm, and it is rumored that his only beloved son recently reached the Perfection of Dark Realm.
He was just one step away from achieving the Transformation Realm.
Upon hearing that they would soon have two experts at the Transformation Realm, everyone only dared to steal a glance at Zhou Wei, their hearts filled with immense repression.
Ren Yun coughed, interrupting everyone's hesitation: "Sister, the group's requirements are three against three, with the positions to be determined by drawing lots in the three final battles."
The outcome is not determined by the number of wins or losses when both sides are below the Transformation Realm.
Instead, the three martial artists collapsed completely, never to rise again—that was the final outcome!
"We can't fight this punch. If we do, we'll have to use our elite disciples to fill the gap, which plays right into Jin Yutang's hands!"
"Are we going to cede our territory if we don't fight?"
"Today they plunder a city, tomorrow they plunder another; greed knows no bounds!"
The two sides started arguing about this point of view.
Ren Yun glanced at Zhou Wei, who shook his head, also at a loss for what to do.
Snapped!
Ren Wanqing clapped her hands, and the room immediately fell silent: "This fistfight must take place. If any of you uncles are worried about the declining fortunes of Renhetang, which has just been established, I will personally take on the challenge!"