Chapter 65
Sparring
Zhang Zhuanghe's eyes were sharp, like those of a hawk, as he tried to see through Duan Duanxuan's inner and outer self.
Huang Zhen and Huang Liang were afraid that Zhang Zhuanghe would suddenly attack and kill them, so they dared not approach.
But the two of them vaguely sensed that something was wrong.
But they couldn't see anything in Duan Xuan; he was just a simple and honest martial arts student.
His appearance was also unremarkable, and when he taught his disciples boxing techniques, he never came up with anything new.
It seems his martial arts skills are just average.
"Manager Zhang, is there a problem?" Third Madam Zhang Bihuan asked.
Zhang Zhuanghe shook his head: "I just feel that young friend looks quite familiar, as if I've seen him somewhere before."
Chen Feng turned around and interjected, "It seems the manager must have misjudged. My disciple does nothing but practice boxing all day long. Don't let his ordinary physique and poor aptitude fool you."
But he was the most persevering disciple in my martial arts school. He arrived earlier than others every day and left later than others.
It's a pity I didn't participate in the martial arts exam this year.
If he goes, with his solid and reliable skills, our Poshan Martial Arts School might gain a third martial arts scholar!
Zhang Zhuanghe glanced at it a few more times, shook his head slightly, and looked away.
Duan Xuan had noticed him as early as when Zhang Zhuang and his third wife Zhang Bihuan walked in together.
But he suppressed his suspicions, pretended not to notice Zhang Zhuanghe's presence, and continued teaching boxing.
It wasn't until two handymen disciples reminded Duan Xuan that he feigned confusion and turned to see Zhang Zhuanghe's face clearly.
He was certain that the person who had followed him into the deep mountains with the two young masters of the Huang family that day must have been this man.
Soon, all the distinguished guests arrived and the feast began. First, Chen Feng spoke words of deep gratitude and lofty aspirations.
After that came the exchange of compliments, and after a few rounds of drinks, the banquet quickly came to an end.
"Master Chen, why don't we take this opportunity to hold a competition? I'm sure everyone here wants to see the talent of your two beloved disciples."
"Since everyone here is from the Po Shan Martial Arts School, let's keep it brief and have fun, okay?"
Zhang Bihuan's words, though seemingly a proposal, were actually imbued with the meaning of a resolution.
Because she was the third wife of the Wang family, no one around her dared to even gossip about her.
Chen Feng was somewhat troubled. Although it was a foregone conclusion that the two thugs would defeat the martial arts school disciples present.
But even if a public duel like this increases the stakes for both of them, it's not a good thing.
It's acceptable to be sharp in one's actions, but being too sharp in one's character will inevitably invite resentment and lead to great losses.
In contrast, Lin Hu and Liu Mingze, sitting next to Chen Feng, were already eager to try.
The disciples of the restaurant owner who came to the banquet also wanted to give it a try.
If we can defeat Lin Hu and the other two martial arts scholars in such a public place...
He will definitely prove himself and let the Wang and Huang families see that his value far exceeds that of Wu Xiucai.
However, their masters remained silent, clearly not wanting to get involved in the competition that Zhang Bihuan had suddenly proposed.
Stealing someone's thunder at their banquet—isn't that ridiculous?
Feng Tou didn't expect that not only would he lose face for his own martial arts school, but he would also gain some prestige from others.
If we cause the two martial arts schools to become enemies again, wouldn't that be a loss outweighing the gain?
Zhang Bihuan tilted her head slightly, and Zhang Zhuanghe immediately understood what his wife meant. He cleared his throat and solemnly said, "Gentlemen, my wife has no intention of instigating anything."
I simply want to recruit more talented individuals for the Wang family. Since everyone in this competition is someone I know, I'll stop here.
The winner, my Wang family, is willing to offer one hundred taels of silver plus four Qi and Blood Pills as a reward.
Even the loser will receive a reward of twenty taels of silver, a Qi and Blood Pill, and two packets of Qi and Blood Powder.
If any talented young man catches the eye of the lady, my Wang family is willing to grant his martial arts school an additional position, while the winner will receive two positions!
"As expected of the Wang family, they have such a grand gesture."
"Master, this business deal is a great deal!"
Even if I can't last a single round against Lin Hu and his companion, the pills and the official positions will still be beneficial to us!
Chen Feng was taken aback and glanced at his wife, who nodded slightly, clearly somewhat tempted by Zhang Bihuan's suggestion.
Huang Zhen and Huang Liang were like clowns at that moment, unable to leave or stay.
"What should we do, Fourth Brother?" Huang Liang asked.
Huang Zhen quickly weighed the pros and cons, and what kind of scolding he would face if he failed to recruit talent.
On second thought, even though he was only a direct descendant and didn't have much say in the family, he was here to represent the Huang family.
Huang Zhen immediately steeled himself and made the decision: "Since the Third Madam has said so, my Huang family will do the same."
It's not that we're going against the Third Madam; it's just that there are many martial arts disciples below, and my Huang family is willing to give them a chance to hold a position!
The scene immediately erupted in uproar.
The conditions offered by the Wang family were already astonishing, but the Huang family actually doubled them.
Such a good thing probably doesn't happen once in more than ten years.
Chen Feng suppressed his smile: "Since the Third Madam and Young Master Huang have both said so, I certainly cannot spoil their fun."
Lin Hu and Liu Mingze, you two should get ready. Remember to keep things peaceful. Stop when you've reached a point; don't let things get out of hand.
Lin Hu smirked inwardly, while Liu Mingze stood tall and proud: "Disciple understands!"
Immediately, everyone moved to the training ground.
Chen Feng instructed his disciples to present each of the temple masters with a small stove. November in the Ten Thousand Mountains was already late autumn, and the temperature had dropped sharply compared to summer.
Due to a shortage of manpower, Duan Xuan had no choice but to volunteer to distribute the stove and other items.
Just then, a stove was to be given to the third wife of the Wang family. She had just put the stove down and was about to leave.
Zhang Zhuang let out a soft sigh and actually blocked Duan Xuan's wrist with one hand.
"Young friend, do we seem to have met before?"
Duan Xuan calmly stared at Zhang Zhuang and his shrewd, cunning eyes: "I have never seen the affairs of the establishment before. Is there anything I have done wrong in my service?"
Zhang Zhuang concentrated his strength in his wrist, instantly making his attack fierce. Duan Xuan didn't react; with a clatter, the stove fell to the ground.
"Junior brother, are you alright?" Chen Jingyun was arranging pastries when she turned her head and saw Duan Xuan accidentally knock over the stove.
"Third Madam, Steward Zhang apologizes."
My junior brother has been overworking himself with martial arts practice lately.
"Go and rest. I'll send another pot of this brazier to the Third Madam."
"Thank you, Senior Sister!" Duan Xuan silently took her leave.
"Is this the guy you saw helping Wang Qingyan?"
Zhang Bihuan remained resentful that so many martial artists had been sent to capture Wang Qingyan, only for the latter to return home unharmed.
Zhang Zhuang often described how he escaped with the help of a martial artist with hidden strength.
But after so long, the inability to pinpoint the person's identity had filled Zhang Bihuan with a mixture of anger and resentment.
To this day, Zhang Zhuanghe has finally seen Duan Xuan.
"If I had caught Wang Qingyan back then, or at the very least killed that brat, I wouldn't be in such a passive position in the Wang family today."
Manager Zhang, you must keep a close eye on things! Better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free. Anyone who stands in my way will be executed!
"This old servant understands," Zhang Zhuanghe said, staring at Duan Xuan's departing figure. "I will use two methods to test this lad. If it is truly him, no matter how convincingly he acts, his true colors will be revealed!"
Huang Zhen and Huang Liang were afraid that Zhang Zhuanghe would suddenly attack and kill them, so they dared not approach.
But the two of them vaguely sensed that something was wrong.
But they couldn't see anything in Duan Xuan; he was just a simple and honest martial arts student.
His appearance was also unremarkable, and when he taught his disciples boxing techniques, he never came up with anything new.
It seems his martial arts skills are just average.
"Manager Zhang, is there a problem?" Third Madam Zhang Bihuan asked.
Zhang Zhuanghe shook his head: "I just feel that young friend looks quite familiar, as if I've seen him somewhere before."
Chen Feng turned around and interjected, "It seems the manager must have misjudged. My disciple does nothing but practice boxing all day long. Don't let his ordinary physique and poor aptitude fool you."
But he was the most persevering disciple in my martial arts school. He arrived earlier than others every day and left later than others.
It's a pity I didn't participate in the martial arts exam this year.
If he goes, with his solid and reliable skills, our Poshan Martial Arts School might gain a third martial arts scholar!
Zhang Zhuanghe glanced at it a few more times, shook his head slightly, and looked away.
Duan Xuan had noticed him as early as when Zhang Zhuang and his third wife Zhang Bihuan walked in together.
But he suppressed his suspicions, pretended not to notice Zhang Zhuanghe's presence, and continued teaching boxing.
It wasn't until two handymen disciples reminded Duan Xuan that he feigned confusion and turned to see Zhang Zhuanghe's face clearly.
He was certain that the person who had followed him into the deep mountains with the two young masters of the Huang family that day must have been this man.
Soon, all the distinguished guests arrived and the feast began. First, Chen Feng spoke words of deep gratitude and lofty aspirations.
After that came the exchange of compliments, and after a few rounds of drinks, the banquet quickly came to an end.
"Master Chen, why don't we take this opportunity to hold a competition? I'm sure everyone here wants to see the talent of your two beloved disciples."
"Since everyone here is from the Po Shan Martial Arts School, let's keep it brief and have fun, okay?"
Zhang Bihuan's words, though seemingly a proposal, were actually imbued with the meaning of a resolution.
Because she was the third wife of the Wang family, no one around her dared to even gossip about her.
Chen Feng was somewhat troubled. Although it was a foregone conclusion that the two thugs would defeat the martial arts school disciples present.
But even if a public duel like this increases the stakes for both of them, it's not a good thing.
It's acceptable to be sharp in one's actions, but being too sharp in one's character will inevitably invite resentment and lead to great losses.
In contrast, Lin Hu and Liu Mingze, sitting next to Chen Feng, were already eager to try.
The disciples of the restaurant owner who came to the banquet also wanted to give it a try.
If we can defeat Lin Hu and the other two martial arts scholars in such a public place...
He will definitely prove himself and let the Wang and Huang families see that his value far exceeds that of Wu Xiucai.
However, their masters remained silent, clearly not wanting to get involved in the competition that Zhang Bihuan had suddenly proposed.
Stealing someone's thunder at their banquet—isn't that ridiculous?
Feng Tou didn't expect that not only would he lose face for his own martial arts school, but he would also gain some prestige from others.
If we cause the two martial arts schools to become enemies again, wouldn't that be a loss outweighing the gain?
Zhang Bihuan tilted her head slightly, and Zhang Zhuanghe immediately understood what his wife meant. He cleared his throat and solemnly said, "Gentlemen, my wife has no intention of instigating anything."
I simply want to recruit more talented individuals for the Wang family. Since everyone in this competition is someone I know, I'll stop here.
The winner, my Wang family, is willing to offer one hundred taels of silver plus four Qi and Blood Pills as a reward.
Even the loser will receive a reward of twenty taels of silver, a Qi and Blood Pill, and two packets of Qi and Blood Powder.
If any talented young man catches the eye of the lady, my Wang family is willing to grant his martial arts school an additional position, while the winner will receive two positions!
"As expected of the Wang family, they have such a grand gesture."
"Master, this business deal is a great deal!"
Even if I can't last a single round against Lin Hu and his companion, the pills and the official positions will still be beneficial to us!
Chen Feng was taken aback and glanced at his wife, who nodded slightly, clearly somewhat tempted by Zhang Bihuan's suggestion.
Huang Zhen and Huang Liang were like clowns at that moment, unable to leave or stay.
"What should we do, Fourth Brother?" Huang Liang asked.
Huang Zhen quickly weighed the pros and cons, and what kind of scolding he would face if he failed to recruit talent.
On second thought, even though he was only a direct descendant and didn't have much say in the family, he was here to represent the Huang family.
Huang Zhen immediately steeled himself and made the decision: "Since the Third Madam has said so, my Huang family will do the same."
It's not that we're going against the Third Madam; it's just that there are many martial arts disciples below, and my Huang family is willing to give them a chance to hold a position!
The scene immediately erupted in uproar.
The conditions offered by the Wang family were already astonishing, but the Huang family actually doubled them.
Such a good thing probably doesn't happen once in more than ten years.
Chen Feng suppressed his smile: "Since the Third Madam and Young Master Huang have both said so, I certainly cannot spoil their fun."
Lin Hu and Liu Mingze, you two should get ready. Remember to keep things peaceful. Stop when you've reached a point; don't let things get out of hand.
Lin Hu smirked inwardly, while Liu Mingze stood tall and proud: "Disciple understands!"
Immediately, everyone moved to the training ground.
Chen Feng instructed his disciples to present each of the temple masters with a small stove. November in the Ten Thousand Mountains was already late autumn, and the temperature had dropped sharply compared to summer.
Due to a shortage of manpower, Duan Xuan had no choice but to volunteer to distribute the stove and other items.
Just then, a stove was to be given to the third wife of the Wang family. She had just put the stove down and was about to leave.
Zhang Zhuang let out a soft sigh and actually blocked Duan Xuan's wrist with one hand.
"Young friend, do we seem to have met before?"
Duan Xuan calmly stared at Zhang Zhuang and his shrewd, cunning eyes: "I have never seen the affairs of the establishment before. Is there anything I have done wrong in my service?"
Zhang Zhuang concentrated his strength in his wrist, instantly making his attack fierce. Duan Xuan didn't react; with a clatter, the stove fell to the ground.
"Junior brother, are you alright?" Chen Jingyun was arranging pastries when she turned her head and saw Duan Xuan accidentally knock over the stove.
"Third Madam, Steward Zhang apologizes."
My junior brother has been overworking himself with martial arts practice lately.
"Go and rest. I'll send another pot of this brazier to the Third Madam."
"Thank you, Senior Sister!" Duan Xuan silently took her leave.
"Is this the guy you saw helping Wang Qingyan?"
Zhang Bihuan remained resentful that so many martial artists had been sent to capture Wang Qingyan, only for the latter to return home unharmed.
Zhang Zhuang often described how he escaped with the help of a martial artist with hidden strength.
But after so long, the inability to pinpoint the person's identity had filled Zhang Bihuan with a mixture of anger and resentment.
To this day, Zhang Zhuanghe has finally seen Duan Xuan.
"If I had caught Wang Qingyan back then, or at the very least killed that brat, I wouldn't be in such a passive position in the Wang family today."
Manager Zhang, you must keep a close eye on things! Better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free. Anyone who stands in my way will be executed!
"This old servant understands," Zhang Zhuanghe said, staring at Duan Xuan's departing figure. "I will use two methods to test this lad. If it is truly him, no matter how convincingly he acts, his true colors will be revealed!"