The Legend of the Condor Heroes: Starting from the Bodyguard

Chapter 176 The Sword Tournament at Hengshan: A Perfect Match

The wind and rain were fierce, and people's voices trembled.

Zhou Yan and Huang Rong both clearly sensed the lingering fear in Liu Qingzhou's expression when he spoke of the Iron Palm Clan.

Qiu Qianren's "annihilation of the Hengshan Sect" was at least more than ten years ago, yet the Iron Palm Clan still left such a deep-seated psychological shadow on the Hengshan disciples, demonstrating the ferocity of that battle and the heavy losses suffered by the Hengshan Sect.

"There's a slight grudge with the Iron Palm Clan," Huang Rong replied to Liu Qingzhou.

That's just her personality. She can uphold the big picture but doesn't concern herself with trivial matters. She always puts her own interests, Zhou Yan's, Mei Chaofeng's, and others first before considering others. If she wanted to get more information about the Iron Palm Clan from Liu Qingzhou, she would naturally say that she had a conflict with Qiu Qianren.

Huang Rong didn't think she was lying. After all, Mei Ruohua had fought with Qiu Qianchi in the Valley of Heartbreak, so they couldn't be considered friends. Qiu Qianchi was Qiu Qianren's sister, which meant she had a grudge against the Iron Palm Clan.

She always manages to find a reason.

Liu Qingzhou breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried that Zhou Yan and the others had connections with the Iron Palm Clan, which would leave him unable to distinguish friend from foe.

He hurriedly said, "The Iron Palm Clan has many members and great power. The leader of the Iron Palm Clan, Qiu Qianren, has few rivals in the martial arts world. Brother Zhou, you should be cautious."

Huang Rong asked, "How does Qiu Qianren's martial arts compare to those of the Northern Beggar, the Western Poison, and the Eastern Heretic?"

Zhou Yan thought to himself that Huang Rong was concerned about the difference in status between Qiu Qianren and Huang Yaoshi.

Liu Qingzhou laughed and said, "That's hard to say. Even though the Beggars' Sect headquarters is in Yueyang, I have never seen Chief Hong's demeanor. Not to mention the elusive Western Poison and Eastern Heretic, but I expect they should be similar."

"If that's the case, why don't you participate in the Mount Hua Sword Tournament?" Huang Rong was naturally unconvinced that Liu Qingzhou had described Qiu Qianren as being on the same level as her father.

Liu Qingzhou raised his wine bowl and laughed, "I don't know about that."

Zhou Yan raised his bowl to drink, then changed the subject, saying, "I've heard a little about the Hengshan Sect and the Iron Palm Clan. Why is that?"

Memories of the past flooded his mind, and Liu Qingzhou said bitterly, "Back then, the Hengshan Sect was at its peak, and the Iron Palm Clan was also rising in power. Originally, we kept to ourselves, but who knew..."

Huang Rong said, "Qiu Qianren wants to make a name for himself, so he targeted the Hengshan Sect."

"That's right. Back then, I was just an inner disciple when the Iron Palm Clan launched a massive attack. After a fierce battle, the sect leader and elders all perished at Qiu Qianren's hands."

As Liu Qingzhou spoke, his cheek muscles bulged and his eyes revealed hatred. "Unfortunately, the Hengshan Sect is now weak, and my abilities are too meager to avenge this deep-seated hatred."

“Qiu Qianren will eventually grow old and frail,” Zhou Yan said.

"Brother Zhou is right, let's do it."

Amidst the drizzling night rain and the soothing liquor, Zhou Yan asked, "How powerful is the Iron Palm Clan now?"

"In the Jiangnan region, it is undoubtedly the largest gang. In terms of the number of disciples, it may not be as large as the Beggars' Gang, but its strength is no less than that of the Beggars' Gang."

Zhou Yan believed this statement. There were no good fighters under Hong Qigong of the Beggars' Sect, and the Iron Palm Clan's influence extended throughout Jiangnan, with all the large and small gangs submitting to it. This was not due to Qiu Qianren's strength alone, but the Legend of the Condor Heroes did not mention any masters in the clan.

Just as Zhou Yan was thinking this, he suddenly heard Liu Qingzhou say, "Brother Zhou, since you have a grudge against the Iron Palm Clan, why don't I go with you so that I can provide backup?"

Liu Qingzhou was unaware of Zhou Yan's background and knew that he was no match for Qiu Qianren, so he said he would provide support rather than help. Of course, this statement also took into account the survival of the Hengshan Sect.

Zhou Yan quickly replied, "It's just a preliminary investigation, Brother Liu, you can rest assured."

“If that’s the case, then that’s fine too. How about we go to Hengshan and enjoy the Five Gods Peaks and have a good drink? Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Huang Rong, being playful and still wanting to drag Zhou Yan into the world of martial arts, to become a bodyguard, said, "Excuse me."

"No need to be so polite."

Zhou Yan did not disappoint Huang Rong's good intentions or disturb her refined enjoyment.

He immediately instructed Liang Xiaowu that the four men, including the porter, should stay overnight at the inn.

Amidst the drizzling night rain, Zhou Yan and Huang Rong joined the Hengshan Sect.

……

According to the "Gan Shi Xing Jing", Mount Heng is named because it is located on the wing of the Zhen star in the Twenty-Eight Mansions constellation, "changing and responding to the balance", "measuring virtue and weighing things", and is like a balance, which can be called heaven and earth.

A long wind blows, opening up the sky; the rustling waves of the sea come from the heavens.

Huang Rong's voice echoed through the sea of ​​clouds.

"Brother Huang is very knowledgeable, I admire him." Liu Qingzhou praised him sincerely.

Zhou Yan smiled and thought to himself that the other party was Huang Yaoshi's daughter.

Huang Rong's martial arts talent was among the best in her time, but her impetuous nature and inability to endure solitude meant she couldn't put in the hard work, resulting in a jack-of-all-trades but mastery of none. However, she possessed profound knowledge of feng shui, astrology, and poetry. By the way, Ying Gu seemed to live near Iron Palm Peak. In the world of The Legend of the Condor Heroes, Ying Gu's lifelong mastery of divination and fortune-telling was merely superficial compared to Huang Rong's.

The night before, the two entered the Hengshan Sect and learned that Liu Qingzhou was the junior brother of the current Hengshan Sect leader. The three listened to the waves and drank wine at night. When the drizzle stopped at dawn, they strolled up the mountain. At this time, Zhou Yan could see the distant mountains shrouded in mist and clouds, with the glow of the sunset shining brightly and flickering in the clouds. Liu Qingzhou's Hengshan sword technique came to mind again.

Liu Qingzhou was very familiar with all the scenic spots of Hengshan. Seeing Zhou Yan lost in thought, he said, "Brother Zhou, to your left, there is a peak hidden in the sea of ​​clouds. This is 'Zhurong Peak.' The Zhurong Peak rises ten thousand feet from the ground, and you can't see it in the light smoke. That is the best place to view the sea of ​​clouds."

Liu Qingzhou pointed to the distance, "That is 'Zigai Peak'. Among the five peaks of Zhurong, the peaks are the most revered, with the others following in order. Zigai alone does not pay homage, but rather stands tall and majestic. All the other peaks pay homage to Zhurong, as if bowing in respect, but Zigai alone stands facing south."

"I see," Zhou Yan nodded.

Seeing Zhou Yan's wandering gaze, Huang Rong chuckled, "Could it be that you're trying to comprehend swordsmanship while observing the sea of ​​clouds?" Liu Qingzhou asked curiously, "Many of the sword techniques of our Hengshan School evolved from the wonders of Hengshan. I didn't expect Brother Zhou to have some insights as well."

"Then let's have a friendly spar," Huang Rong said, winking at Zhou Yan.

"How is Brother Zhou?" Liu Qingzhou asked.

In the martial arts world, it is common for people with similar interests to exchange martial arts skills. Zhou Yan had exchanges with Lu Beihe and Yang Miaozhen.

"I can't ask for it."

……

At the summit of Tianzhu Cliff, the east wind blows through the clouds and mist.

Zhou Yan held the sword incantation in his left hand, stepped forward with his left foot, and thrust upwards diagonally with the Quanzhen sword technique "Dingyang Needle". This move was perfect in spirit and energy, with strength, skill, form and power all just right. It looked ordinary, but in fact it fully showed the ancient and simple meaning of Quanzhen sword technique.

Liu Qingzhou was a master swordsman. Observing the momentum, he thought to himself, "Brother Zhou's swordsmanship starts with an ancient and simple style, which is just right to break the ever-changing style of Hengshan swordsmanship. I just don't know how skilled he is."

Liu Qingzhou dared not underestimate him and said, "Brother Zhou, your swordsmanship is excellent. I will then use the Five Divine Swords of Hengshan to learn from your superior skills."

Zhou Yan inwardly exclaimed, "The Five Divine Swords of Hengshan!" The name was as famous as thunder in his ears. It was a lost sword technique that even Master Mo Da, the head of the Hengshan Sect in "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," had never fully mastered.

Knowing his opponent wouldn't attack first due to his status, Zhou Yan said "Okay," stepped forward, and transformed the "Dingyang Needle" into the "Great River Like a Thread" of the Quanzhen Swordplay.

With a flick of his three-foot-long sword, he launched a straight, powerful thrust, his momentum like a silver bottle shattering as iron cavalry charged forward.

"Excellent swordsmanship!"

Liu Qingzhou cheered, and the iron sword trembled like a dragon's roar. In an instant, light flashed and strange phenomena appeared, like surging waves and rolling clouds. The sword's blue light and the golden rays of the rising sun merged together, and the sword light suddenly unfurled and coiled, enveloping Zhou Yan.

Zhou Yan's sword missed its mark, so he used "Flat Boat Leaf" again, his longsword shooting straight at the vortex of Liu Qingzhou's sword light. The green blade broke through the air, stirring up faint ripples.

The clang of metal clashing rang out, and Liu Qingzhou felt a tremendous force rushing down the sword, making his hands go numb.

He was secretly surprised, astonished that Zhou Yan, who was ten years younger than him, seemed to have an inner strength that was far superior. How did he cultivate such inner strength?

At thirty years old, his competitive spirit had not faded, and he also possessed a certain composure and calmness typical of middle-aged men. Liu Qingzhou's temperament hardened, but his moves became even more fierce and varied, unleashing one of the five divine sword techniques of Hengshan: Spring Echoes Hibiscus, Crane Soars Under Purple Canopy, Stone Granary Reading Sounds, Heavenly Pillar Clouds, and Wild Geese Return to Zhurong.

The so-called Five Divine Swords of Hengshan is a single move that encompasses an entire style of swordsmanship. Within a single move, it contains the essence of dozens of moves from a particular style of swordsmanship, combining offense and defense. Its power is unparalleled among Hengshan sword styles.

In fact, it is similar to the Quanzhen Swordplay. Sun Bu'er taught Zhou Yan the swordplay, which consisted of seven swords, each with seven forms, totaling forty-nine moves.

Zhou Yan immediately countered each move, continuously unleashing the Quanzhen Sword Technique. After forty-nine moves, the sword technique suddenly transformed into "One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones".

During their exchange of blows, Huang Rong saw two figures moving swiftly through the mountains, constantly shifting and moving, like two flickering phantoms, sometimes chasing and dodging, sometimes chasing and running.

She followed the figure closely, and also tried to memorize Liu Qingzhou's every move. Later, in Huang Rong's eyes, Liu Qingzhou's sword style became more and more complex and unpredictable, extremely strange and erratic, as if hundreds or thousands of swords were being unleashed at once, gradually forming a wave-like and misty force.

Huang Rong was both delighted and worried that Zhou Yan would be no match for her. However, after several dozen moves, she saw that Zhou Yan was like a rock in a river, standing firm and unmoved after the waves subsided.

She was finally at ease.

Zhou Yan felt exhilarated. Since his transmigration, he had never encountered someone whose swordsmanship was so evenly matched. He grew stronger when facing stronger opponents, and the Quanzhen swordsmanship changed drastically. The moves remained consistent. He had been comprehending swordsmanship in the Western Mountains of Zhongdu, and the "entangling force," "twisting force," and "collapsing force" that he had incorporated into his swordsmanship were gradually being brought out and becoming more and more powerful.

Liu Qingzhou's internal strength was inferior to Zhou Yan's, and he suddenly felt pressured.

He swung his sword, and a cold light flashed, forming an arc that seemed to advance towards Zhou Yan's cloud wave.

Zhou Yan swung his Qingfeng sword horizontally, wielding the "Frosty Thousand Miles" technique. As the two swords clashed, Liu Qingzhou suddenly felt his longsword being deflected by Zhou Yan's Qingfeng.

He was taken aback, but then he saw Zhou Yan move his body with a step, and suddenly his long sword was drawn back, splitting into three parts, then six parts.

Without hesitation, Liu Qingzhou met Zhou Yan's "Seven Stars with One Sword" with Hengshan's "Returning Wind and Falling Wild Geese Sword". As a result, a series of metallic clangs, as dense as fireworks in the first month of the lunar calendar, rapidly struck Huang Rong's eardrums.

As dusk began to fall, the two forces suddenly retreated several feet away, and all the sounds of their clashes dissipated into the clouds and mist of Hengshan.

Who won and who lost? Huang Rong was surprised. Zhou Yan and Liu Qingzhou finally fought with swift swords, and Huang Rong could clearly see who was the winner.

"happy!"

"nice!"

The two exclaimed that they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Liu Qingzhou said, "Brother Zhou is so young, yet his swordsmanship is astonishing, and his inner strength is profound. I am ashamed to admit that I am inferior to him."

"The Hengshan sword technique is ever-changing and truly an eye-opener. With a talent like Brother Liu, the Hengshan School is finally able to unleash its full potential."

"Thank you for your words."

Both of them gained a lot from this exchange, and Liu Qingzhou gained a deep understanding of sword energy.

Zhou Yan's mind was filled with colorful sword shadows. He also seemed to have been enlightened, realizing that the Five Divine Swords of Hengshan and the "Acupoint Striking Secret" of the Nine Yin Manual were a perfect match. Using the Hengshan sword technique, striking acupoints with the sword was ever-changing and impossible to defend against.

If one's internal strength cultivation improves, and one uses it, it will be similar to Huang Yaoshi's "Jade Flute Swordplay," which focuses on attacking the enemy's acupoints.

My trip to Hengshan was well worth it.

(End of this chapter)