Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 222
People stared blankly at Ah Nuo on the stage. Ah Nuo looked like she had done something wrong, her little face pale with fright: "I...I didn't know the old man would let me..."

Uh... I think so.

In people's eyes, Master Jingxu's protection was something that he had inexplicably withdrawn.

Maybe he was just being overconfident, trying to take a child's attack head-on, and ended up getting himself into trouble.

Ye Tinglan suddenly felt that her initial wariness might have been directed at the wrong person, since the glutinous rice ball was clearly black when cut open.

It was indeed strange, though, that A'Nuo's strength was abnormally great. It felt like even the Huangji Jingshi Jing, known for its fierce and domineering nature, didn't possess such immense power. Moreover, the Huangji Jingshi Jing primarily focused on internal energy, with physical enhancement being a secondary concern. But A'Nuo's strength seemed to be the opposite; her physical body was inexplicably strong, and all the energy entering her body was converted into physical strength.

So she grows slowly... Actually, Ah Nuo is eleven years old, but she still looks like a five or six-year-old.

Ye Tinglan glanced at the Dongjiang Gang's position and suspected that if the fight continued, the rest would be wiped out by A Nuo.

Zhang Rongzhi's voice rang out from the stage at just the right moment: "The Heavenly Sword Sect has won five victories. Chief Shi..."

Shi Tielong had regained consciousness thanks to his subordinates' help. He looked around the arena blankly when Zhang Rongzhi's voice came from beyond the heavens: "Chief Shi, if it's a best-of-ten series, and you lose one more game, you can just surrender..."

Shi Tielong looked around blankly, and all the third-rank elders from his own Dongjiang Gang and Lingyun Sect avoided his gaze.

The energy was dispersed.

It's important to know that the rule allows a person to play multiple times, without specifying consecutive times. This means that even though Shen Tang has rested for so long, she can still play.

Even though Shen Tang and Lu Xingzhou were both injured, and even though A Nuo was just a child who "got a good deal".

But they still felt that Shen Tang, covered in blood, could easily flatten them all by swinging her wheelchair around.

Moreover, Shen Tang, Lu Xingzhou, and Lu Nuonuo all displayed combat power far exceeding what they should have been capable of through their cultivation. Is this how it is in the entire Tianxing Sword Sect? Could Zhang Shaoyou and the others also fight against second-rank cultivators?
Shen Tang also asked Lu Xingzhou in a low voice, "Do you think we should go up and clean up the mess, or should we let Hall Master Zhang and the others stretch their muscles a bit?"

Lu Xingzhou said, "It's not appropriate for you to show off anymore. It would be better to act like you're seriously injured and unable to fight anymore. Next, we'll see who the opponent sends. If they're strong, let your assassin take action. If they're not strong, let Hall Master Zhang and Protector Qin do some work. This will also show that the Heavenly Sword Sect isn't just relying on you and me."

Shen Tang nodded. Her assassin, Shen Qi, was also at the peak of the third rank. The actual combat power of the Heavenly Sword Sect had not been fully utilized, so she was quite confident.

He then sighed softly. He was perfectly fine, yet he had to pretend to be seriously injured, all just to impress his father. Thinking of this, he lost all interest in their resounding victory.

In the ensuing silence, Zhang Rongzhi urged again, "Chief Shi?"

Shi Tielong's gaze swept over the junior brother brought by Shi Zhong; there was a peak third-grade cultivator here.

If Shen Tang and Lu Xingzhou are both injured, and that mysterious woman stops making moves, then this person still has a chance to defeat all five of them.

Seeing the hesitation and wavering in the other party's eyes, Shi Tielong remained silent for a moment before suddenly saying, "Many of us are seriously injured and need to find a place to treat them as soon as possible. We do not want to delay. If Sect Master Shen agrees to fight five more rounds on another day, then I will accept this favor. If Sect Master Shen is unwilling, then I will admit defeat."

Lu Xingzhou chuckled: "This old Shi is quite clever."

Currently, the Heavenly Sword Sect has five wins, and theoretically, there is still a possibility that they could be reversed to a five-five tie. Although everyone present felt that a shutout was possible, outsiders didn't know that the East River Gang had "reluctantly given up" on the surface to treat their own people, which was a way to save face.

Shen Tang smiled slightly: "An agreement is an agreement. If Chief Shi is not satisfied, he can always choose another day to start a new game, which I am not unwilling to consider. As for today's game, either come up and continue, or admit defeat honorably. Why drag it out and make a laughing stock of yourself?"

Shi Tielong couldn't even save face, his expression turning ashen: "If Sect Leader Shen is unwilling, we will admit defeat."

After speaking, he managed to stand up straight, bowed to the referee's table, and led the crowd away.

With a smile on his face, Zhang Rongzhi stood up and announced: "The duel between the Tianxing Sword Sect and the Dongjiang Gang has concluded. The Dongjiang Gang has conceded defeat in the last five matches, thus being declared the loser. The Tianxing Sword Sect has won ten to zero!"

Shi Tielong stumbled, overwhelmed with anger and grief, and fainted again.

People weren't disappointed that the grand event was a disappointment, because the first and second-rank officials had already made their appearances, and there was no way there would be more. The main event had already been completed in the first five matches, and the rest were just ordinary third-rank duels, so it didn't really matter whether they were played or not.

Looking at the dejected figures of the Dongjiang Gang members, many people suddenly realized something.

This time, the Tianxing Sword Sect basically fought against the Dongjiang Gang and Lingyun Sect, both of which were of equal rank (third grade), as well as the Canglan Sect and Chunshan Pavilion, all of which were of rank (first grade). In the end, they achieved a complete victory by shutting out their opponents.

Among them, he defeated one person each at the lower level of Rank 1, the middle level of Rank 2, the middle level of Rank 3, and the lower level of Rank 3, all of which were victories of higher levels. There was also one person whose cultivation level was unknown, but according to the arbitrator, he was also at the Rank 1!
What a fantastical story this is!
This is no longer a power struggle between leaders in a remote county.

This is a world-shaking event! The rankings alone will be completely overturned!

…………

Back at the Dongjiang Gang's temporary base in Xiazhou, Shi Tielong disregarded the consequences of his declining power and was immediately troubled by the sight of the Thunder God Sword Lei Chong lying on the ground.

This was the pillar of strength sent by the Prince of Jin, but it is said that it was snapped in this state while he was unconscious.

Even if someone else is seriously injured, there are traces to follow, so they are relatively easy to treat. But this one doesn't even know how to wake him up. If we just send him back to Prince Jin like this, will the Dongjiang Gang be destroyed by the enraged Prince Jin?

"This matter has gone awry." Shi Zhong's expression was extremely serious. "I've pondered this for a long time, and I'm certain that Shen Tang is using the Imperial Supreme Scripture. Do you know what that means?" Shi Tielong slumped in his chair, his mind still somewhat dazed: "Imperial Supreme..."

Suddenly, a jolt went through her: "Tang...she is the missing Princess Chaohuang, Gu Yitang!"

“Indeed, only this can explain His Majesty’s strange decree, and also explain why Prince Jin has repeatedly helped you deal with her.” Shi Chong stamped his foot and said, “You were completely unaware of the royal succession struggle, and you were even so deeply involved!”

Shi Tielong's face turned deathly pale.

Shi Zhong said decisively, "Since we've already gotten involved, let's just make it clear which side we're on. I'll return to the Canglan Sect immediately and persuade the sect leader to fully support Prince Jin! If you can get Prince Jin to openly accept you as his subordinate, it won't be easy for Princess Chaohuang to treat you the same way she treated Fenxianglou."

Shi Tielong hurriedly said, "Then thank you very much, Uncle."

Shi Chongyan's eyes flashed with a fierce light: "Since we've already offended them, we'll go all the way. I won't be at peace until they're dead."

Shi Tielong nodded and said, "That's right."

"Let's leave it at that for now. I'll go back to my sect to recover. You should quickly send this Mr. Lei back to Prince Jin. Even if you get scolded, you should exaggerate the situation to make Prince Jin's hatred fall on the Heavenly Sword Sect. Understand?"

Shi Tielong bowed and said, "I understand."

Shi Zhong quickly led his men away.

The reason for running so fast is not just to "return to the sect to recuperate"... There is a mysterious woman over there who can knock out a first-grade divine sword with a snap of her fingers and she is still unconscious. It is really terrifying. Who knows if she will come after them? Judging from the appearance of the prefect and the army's Demon Suppression Division, they have probably joined forces. If they really wipe out the Dongjiang Gang, the prefect will probably cover it up for the princess perfectly.

Why don't you run away and wait to die here?

Halfway there with his fellow disciples, the sky suddenly darkened.

A faint, alluring laugh seemed to echo within, captivating and mesmerizing.

Shi Zhong could almost see an image of celestial maidens scattering flowers, and he was horrified: "The Joyous Union Sect of the Maidens!"

"Oh, what an unexpected bonus! I didn't expect to find an injured elder of the Canglan Sect here..." A woman's charming laughter echoed from all directions: "Although he's a bit old... his second-grade cultivation is indeed genuine. I'll accept this furnace cauldron..."

"The Mysterious Maiden has arrived in person!" Shi Zhong felt a wave of despair.

It’s over.

Even after losing consciousness, Shi Zhong never considered that this was someone sent by the Heavenly Sword Sect; he only felt that he was extremely unlucky.

Thousands of miles away in another direction, Gu Xuyang, covered in blood, crashed to the ground from mid-air.

Several burly men in blood-stained clothes, carrying long swords on their shoulders, stepped on his chest: "Old Gu, when your Spring Mountain Pavilion killed my disciples and destroyed my secret cave, did you know this day would come!"

Similarly, Gu Xuyang never doubted that the Heavenly Sword Sect had any connection with the Blood Refining Sect of the Demonic Sect. Even on his deathbed, he cursed, "Damn you, Dongjiang Gang and Lingyun Sect, you've screwed me over!"

Important figures in such sects usually have a life tablet enshrined within the sect. If the life tablet is broken, the sect can trace back to their enemies.

No matter how you trace it back, all others can see are their own sect's arch-enemies, the Joyful Union Sect and the Blood Refining Sect.

Xuan Nu and the Blood Refining Sect were not unaware that they had been used as pawns by Lu Xingzhou, but they were happy to be used as pawns because the other party was an enemy. They should actually thank Lu Xingzhou for providing the information, and to be honest, they owed Lu Xingzhou a favor.

There's another one who might not have a life card...

The Dongjiang gang members were escorting the unconscious Lei Chong to the capital. They had only gone a short distance from the Dongjiang County area when a dark figure silently broke into their ranks, chopped off Lei Chong's head with a sword, and disappeared.

Shen Tang's assassin, Shen Qi.

The Dongjiang gang members who were escorting him looked ashen-faced.

The person killed was a top-rank expert, a trusted general of the Prince of Jin!
If he failed in his duty as an escort and was beheaded on the way, and then honestly went to the Prince of Jin's residence to apologize, he would be the one to lose his head.

The gang members looked at each other and immediately reached a consensus: "Why bother going? Let's sneak back, pick up the old and the young, and go straight to Shen Tang! She's absorbed and merged so many forces, what difference do she make if there are a few of us?"

"Do you think my arrangement is too cruel?" In Shen Tang's room, Lu Xingzhou was bandaging the wound on her shoulder and asked casually, "That Gu Xuyang is quite magnanimous, at least he's not a bad person... The ending I arranged for him is exactly the same as Shi Zhong's."

Shen Tang tilted her head slightly, looking at Lu Xingzhou's focused expression as he treated his injuries. She stared at him for a long time before softly saying, "The struggle for power and the struggle for succession have always been life-or-death... Personal character is meaningless here. If we fall into their hands, our fate won't be any better. Being soft-hearted is womanly compassion, just like I used to be."

Lu Xingzhou hummed in agreement: "It's good that you don't blame me."

“You’ve always been a ruthless strategist,” Shen Tang laughed. “It was only after meeting you that I learned to be more ruthless. Why are you asking me this now…”

"Because after I met you, I realized that there is still a tender side to human nature."

(End of this chapter)