The Legend of the Condor Heroes: Starting from the Bodyguard

Chapter 235 Tian Ji's Horse Racing: Taking the Initiative

While Zhou Yan was seeking the Hundred Herbs Fairy to heal Mei Chaofeng's injuries in the Hundred Herbs Valley of Xiangxi, he was taught two methods of "Flicking Finger Divine Skill" by Huang Rong. After returning from Xiangxi, he traveled to the Western Regions and met Master Tiancong. He delivered a message to Shaolin Temple and was given a "Great Rejuvenation Pill" by Ku Cheng.

Upon returning to Zhongdu, he used the enhanced internal energy brought by the "Great Rejuvenation Pill" to refine the Pericardium Meridian of Hand Jueyin. At that time, his refined internal energy, through the "Finger Flicking Divine Power" technique, could shoot out more than a foot from the "Guangchong Acupoint" on his fingertips.

After the grand banquet for heroes held in Huodu, he received the method of guiding qi from Huang Yaoshi and diligently practiced the "Yi Jin Duan Gu Pian" for nearly half a year. His internal strength increased day by day. When he used the "Finger Flicking Divine Skill" again, his qi could be released outward by more than a foot.

With a hundred moves to determine victory or defeat, Zhou Yan, like a shrewd hunter, patiently waited for his opportunity, relying on the experience he had accumulated from no less than a hundred battles, large and small, to decide the outcome with a single move.

Qiu Qianren and Zhou Yan fought three times, and Qiu knew that Zhou Yan's most powerful technique was the "Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms". Little did he know that Zhou Yan had also kept a secret technique of the Eastern Heretic.

Qiu Qianren, who was following closely behind, was about to press his iron palm onto Zhou Yan, so that even if he didn't die on the spot, he would be crippled.

But joy and sorrow are fleeting.

Suddenly, with a soft "hiss," a sharp gust of air surged toward his face.

Qiu Qianren was greatly alarmed; they were too close, how could he possibly come up with a counter-strategy?

"what"

In the blink of an eye, Qiu Qianren, using his superb lightness skill, managed to shift his body half a foot to the side.

With a "thud," like the sound of a water bag being pulled out, a bloody mark extended from Qiu Qianren's brow bone to his earlobe, and a strand of hair left his head, suddenly spreading out and undulating.

The two figures, who had been moving swiftly and nimbly just moments before, suddenly fell silent.

Zhou Yan's breathing was unsteady, and his face was slightly pale, but his expression was resolute. The spring light made his deep-set face appear even more angular.

A bloodstain, about the width of a finger, stretched more than half a foot from Qiu Qianren's left brow bone, completely destroying the profound and imposing charm on his face. From a distance, with his head turned to the side and his hair sparse, he looked like a monk who had taken vows.

The old fisherman of the misty waves was never one to back down from trouble. After his initial surprise, he was overjoyed and said, "Brilliant! Brother Zhou, you might as well just shave Chief Qiu's head."

Qiu Qianren completely ignored such humiliating words.

His mind was buzzing, his eyes were dark, and his gaze followed a few strands of hair that were being tossed about by the remaining energy. There was only one thought in his mind.

"I lost to this kid in front of everyone. What face am I left with? My reputation is ruined. How can I ever compete for the title of number one in the world again?"

Huang Rong, watching from afar, was overjoyed.

Just a moment ago, Huang Rong felt as if her heart was about to jump out of her chest. But Zhou Yan turned the tables and won by using the "Finger Flicking Divine Skill" that she had taught him. Huang Rong herself did not realize that she had become so concerned about Zhou Yan's life and death.

Huang Yaoshi also did not expect this outcome.

While he was still in a daze, he suddenly heard Ouyang Feng speak in a sinister tone: "This kid has actually learned Brother Yao's 'Finger Flicking Skill,' which is truly unexpected. Brother Yao is delighted to have such a talented disciple."

Huang Yaoshi snapped out of his daze and smiled slightly. “Brother Feng, you are mistaken. This boy has only helped my daughter and received some pointers. With Chief Qiu’s cultivation, breaking this finger force is a piece of cake.”

Huang Yaoshi said this, but his expression behind the mask was quite smug. Of course, he was also surprised by Zhou Yan's martial arts talent. He had not yet mastered the essence of the "Finger Flicking Skill," but he could already project his internal energy outwards.

Hong Qigong was in high spirits and chimed in, "Brother Yao is right. This kid's victory is not due to his martial arts skills, but rather his experience and temperament. How could an ordinary person use a martial art that is not even considered a minor skill to defeat the enemy at such a critical moment of life and death?"

Ouyang Feng's gloomy expression vanished with a hearty laugh. "That makes sense. Few can match his temperament." Ouyang Feng said this, but in his heart he was thinking about the younger generation. Zhou Yan's martial arts were not only number one, but he also had an unparalleled cold, tenacious, and ruthless character. He would find an opportunity to eliminate him completely, otherwise Ke'er would not only have no chance of rising to prominence, but one day he might also suffer at the hands of this kid.

Helian Chuncheng, Yin Kexi, Nimo Xing and others had fierce expressions, but upon closer inspection, there was a look of fear in their eyes. Compared to when they were in Zhongnan Mountain, Zhou Yan's cultivation had increased significantly again, and they had enmity with each other. If Zhou Yan did not die, he would be a great threat to their hearts.

Gongsun Zhi regained some strength and walked to Qiu Qianren's side, saying, "Chief Qiu, this kid's martial arts are far inferior to yours. He's just cunning. I also suffered a lot from his tricks and schemes back then. I will kill him one day to avenge this great humiliation."

Qiu Qianren slowly came to his senses.

Zhang Sanqiang said, "Chief Qiu, if I were to win today, it would be an unfair victory. We can compare our strengths another day."

Ouyang Feng chuckled softly, "He's a man. May I ask your surname?"

"Zhang Sanqiang".

Not to mention Ouyang Feng, even Huang Yaoshi had never heard of him. Qiu Qianren's face turned cold, "So you are Leader Zhang, I have long admired your name."

"It's all talk and no action. I'll definitely visit Iron Palm Mountain another day."

"We eagerly await your arrival!"

"Alright!" Zhang Sanqiang didn't linger any longer, put his gun in his bag, and went out into the crowd.

Ouyang Feng asked, "Brother Qiu, who is Zhang Sanqiang?"

"The leader of the Manichaeism, the Iron Palm Clan had conflicts with the Manichaeism in Jiangnan, so they were rivals."

"I see. But Zhang Sanqiang's method of shifting force is just unique."

Qiu Qianren nodded, then turned to Zhou Yan and said, "I admit defeat in today's contest. I will challenge you to another day."

"We await your arrival, senior." Zhou Yan was not afraid at all. The gentle aura emanating from the Jade Guanyin continuously seeped into his body, nourishing his meridians and restoring his blood and qi. With each breath he exhaled, his spirits lifted and his mind became clearer.

Zhou Yan looked at the monk Baoshou of the Vajra Gate.

What is your opinion on what I said earlier?

Bao Shou looked at Bao Xian and Bao Shu.

Bao Xian was resourceful. He thought that Zhou Yan and Qiu Qianren had a fierce battle, so what was there to fear? Moreover, the other party seemed to have a connection with Hong Qigong and Huang Yaoshi. If he refused, they would start making trouble and dragging the old beggar and others into it, which would be difficult to handle.

"as you wish."

"Amitabha!" Ku Cheng stepped forward. "Shaolin Temple has a long history and some profound knowledge. After your fierce battle, Benefactor Zhou, you might as well rest and let this old monk learn some Vajra Sect martial arts."

Master Tianming, the head monk of the Damo Hall, stepped forward and said, "Abbot, let me be the first to experience the Vajra Sect's advanced techniques."

Bao Shou was overjoyed, "The abbot has agreed to a three-match decider."

"naturally!"

When Zhou Yan heard that Ku Cheng wanted to take the lead, he knew that Shaolin Temple was not guaranteed to win.

Thinking this way, he said to Ku Cheng, "Abbot, there's no rush. We already made an agreement. Please prepare your troops and gather your strength."

"That's good, that's good."

Zhou Yan didn't wait for Ku Cheng to finish speaking, and strolled into the room, looking at Bao Shu, Bao Xian and others.

"Who's coming?"

"I'll do it," Bao Shou stepped forward.

Baoshu reasoned that Zhou Yan had been through a series of fierce battles and had exhausted his energy. He was confident that he could win if he fought against Zhou Yan. He decided to let his junior brother make the first move before fighting against Shaolin Temple, which would allow him to recover in time. If his junior brother were to fight against Zhou Yan and were to be defeated, it would damage the prestige of the Vajra Sect. How could their master's reputation compare with that of Shaolin Temple?

Zhou Yan was also calculating. The three men Bao Xiang addressed as his senior brothers from the Vajra Sect would undoubtedly fight, with Monk Bao Shu as their leader. Bao Shu's martial arts were naturally the most outstanding. If they were to fight to a standstill, it would be difficult to resolve the situation, and Bao Shu would have ample time to recover. Bao Shou was likely the weakest. If Zhou Yan won, the Vajra Sect wouldn't apologize, and he could provoke them into another match, winning one of their members. Then, Shaolin Temple could compete against the Vajra Sect, a strategy akin to Tian Ji's horse racing, ensuring their survival.

As he read it aloud, fearing that his opponent might change their mind, he shouted, "Good, you've got guts! Take this!"

As soon as Zhou Yan finished speaking, he leaped up, his sleeves fluttering, leaping east and west with extreme agility, like a great eagle soaring in the sky, and his "Free and Easy Wandering" boxing technique landed on Monk Baoshou.

"Well done!" Bao Shou shouted, his muscles and bones throbbed, and the large muscles under his monk's robe resembled a fully drawn bowstring, which, when released and retracted, resembled a python coiling around him. His claws opened and closed, like the mouth of a bloodthirsty dragon.

"Mighty Vajra Finger!"

At Shaolin Temple, Zen Masters Tianxin and Tianming exclaimed in unison in shock.

Monk Baoshu's expression was somewhat gloomy, and his junior brother was getting impatient.

(End of this chapter)