Becoming a Saint Starting with the Chasing Wind Leg Technique

Chapter 137 A Righteous Act

Inner city, the Nie family ancestral home, the martial arts training ground.

The spacious area paved with bluestone was already filled with members of the Nie family, and the atmosphere was solemn and heavy.

The feud between the first and second wives, which had dragged on for months, was finally going to be resolved in the most direct way today.

On the high platform sat several of the most senior elders of the Nie family, as well as several prominent figures from the inner city who had been invited to witness the event, each with a different expression.

The head of the eldest branch of the family, Nie Yuntian, sat to one side of the main seat, his expression arrogant and determined to win.

The second branch of the family, Nie Yundi, sat on the other side, his face solemn, his brows furrowed with worry and exhaustion.

In the arena, the three young disciples sent out by the eldest branch of the Nie family were like unsheathed blades, their sharpness fully revealed.

The leader was none other than Nie Feng, who was currently riding high in the inner city and had just obtained the qualification of Pingtianmen.

He stood with his long sword in his arms, eyes closed, his aura deep and unfathomable, his early-stage Flesh Refining Realm cultivation faintly emanating from him, carrying a sharp sword intent that made many of the lower-level clansmen on the sidelines feel breathless.

The two who followed were also experts at the peak of the Copper Skin Realm, with arrogant eyes.

On the other hand, the atmosphere on the second wife's side was much more oppressive.

Although Nie Yundi sent out all the capable young elites from the second branch of the family, they were clearly outmatched in both momentum and strength.

Standing at the very front, Nie Shuli's face was tense, his eyes filled with determination, yet he could not hide a trace of paleness.

He knew that today's battle was about the survival of the second wife, but what they faced was an almost insurmountable mountain.

"Martial arts contest: best of three; the winner will determine the distribution of the family's assets for the next five years: the rules are set: let's begin." The clan elder presiding over the contest announced in a dry voice.

It's said to be five years, but it could actually be said to last for twenty or thirty years, or even a lifetime for a second wife.

In the first match, a disciple from the second branch who was at the late stage of the Bronze Skin Realm faced off against a disciple from the first branch who was at the peak of the Bronze Skin Realm.

In just three moves, the second son of the family was struck in the chest by a powerful punch, coughing up blood and flying backward, unconscious.

In the second match, another disciple from the second branch, who could barely be considered to have reached the peak of the Copper Skin Realm, gritted his teeth and stepped into the arena to face another skilled fighter from the first branch.

He managed to hold out for more than ten moves before being kicked in the abdomen. He screamed and rolled off the stage, curling up on the ground, unable to fight any longer.

Both matches were decisive, swift victories!

"Hahahaha!" The eldest son's faction erupted in unrestrained laughter. Nie Yuntian stroked his beard and laughed, his voice booming with undisguised mockery and smugness: "Second brother, why bother letting these children struggle in vain and get hurt for nothing? It's just a waste of time. You know Feng'er's strength; crushing them is as easy as turning one's hand."

"Why don't we just hand over 70% of the escort agency's profits now, according to the previously agreed-upon agreement? That way, we can avoid damaging our relationship and prevent these children from suffering any more physical pain."

He paused, then his tone shifted to a seemingly earnest advice: "Besides, Feng'er has now obtained the qualification of Pingtianmen and will soon be heading to the branch."

This is an unprecedented glory for the Nie family! We should now dedicate the entire clan's resources to him, helping him gain a foothold in Pingtianmen and become an outer disciple as soon as possible!

This is the right path for a family to prosper! Once Feng'er has established himself in the outer sect and become a true disciple of the Pingtian Sect, with his talent, breaking through to the third realm is just around the corner!

By then, would he forget the family? Would he not help you, the second branch of the family? The principle of the prosperous leading the prosperous is so simple, don't you understand, second brother?"

These words sounded grand and dignified, cloaking the eldest branch's ambitions in the guise of "family righteousness" and "long-term development."

Many neutral members of the tribe nodded slightly upon hearing this, feeling that it made some sense.

However, Nie Yundi on the high platform and the second son's disciples below felt a chill in their hearts.

"Develop first, then develop later?" Nie Shuli gritted his teeth, his nails almost digging into his palms.

This sounds wonderful, but the premise is that the person who "gets ahead" is really willing to "lead" you, instead of completely swallowing you up, trampling you underfoot, and making you a stepping stone for him to climb higher, so that you eventually disappear into the dust of history!

Moreover, even if Nie Feng were to show some sentimentality in the future, by then the second wife would have already been drained of resources and reduced to a mere appendage. What right would she have to be "promoted"?

It's nothing but charity!

No one wants to be the one sacrificed, especially when there are still choices and a glimmer of hope to struggle for!

Moreover, this "sacrifice" may not bring a bright future, but rather utter annihilation!

"I, the second branch of the family—am not reconciled!" Nie Yundi suddenly looked up, his eyes bloodshot, his voice hoarse but filled with a final stubbornness, "The arena is not over, the outcome is not decided! I, the second branch of the family, have not admitted defeat!"

"Stubborn fool!" Nie Yuntian snorted coldly and waved his hand.

Nie Shuli took a deep breath and, amidst the mixed feelings of despair, anticipation, and tragic gazes of the second branch of the family, walked step by step into the arena.

He was the last hope of the second wife's family, and the one with the highest cultivation and strongest combat ability among the second wife's disciples.

Even knowing he was no match, he still went on stage to fight for the second wife and show his last bit of spirit and dignity!

"Brother Shuli! Keep it up!" a young member of the second wife shouted, his voice trembling with tears.

"Stand up, be careful!" Nie Yundi couldn't help but stand up, his voice trembling.

Nie Shuli nodded to his father and clansmen, then turned to face his opponent, Nie Feng, who stood like a mountain.

Nie Feng finally opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Nie Shuli like a blade, a disdainful smile curving his lips: "Brother Shuli, your courage is commendable. Unfortunately, courage cannot make up for the difference in strength. Ten moves, and I will let you leave with dignity."

"Please!" Without wasting words, Nie Shuli drew his sword, pushed his early-stage Body Refining Realm blood and qi to the limit, and launched the first attack! The sword light was like a bolt of lightning, carrying a tragic and fierce momentum, and slashed straight at Nie Feng!

Nie Feng didn't move until the blade was almost upon him, then suddenly drew his sword!

"Clang!"

A sudden gust of wind arose! A blade of light, even faster and more domineering, carrying an aura of tearing everything apart, arrived first despite being behind!

"Clang! Clang! Clang! ————"

The sound of metal clashing against metal rang out like popping beans! Nie Shuli gritted his teeth and persevered, unleashing his family's sword technique to its fullest extent, putting all his strength into every strike.

He knew the gap between himself and Nie Feng. He didn't seek merit, but only hoped to withstand a few more moves and show the momentum of the second branch!

However, the gap in strength cannot be completely bridged by willpower alone.

In his fifth move, Nie Feng's sword stance suddenly changed, and the raging wind sword intent intensified several times over, as if a real storm had descended!

"break!"

With a cold shout, Nie Feng's longsword deflected Nie Shuli's defense at an incredible angle, and the back of the blade slammed heavily into Nie Shuli's ribs!

"puff!"

Nie Shuli was struck as if by a heavy blow. He spat out a mouthful of blood and flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily several feet away. His long sword clattered to the ground.

He struggled to get up, but the movement aggravated his injuries, causing him to spit out another mouthful of blood, his face turning ashen.

He was defeated. Despite Nie Feng clearly not using his full strength, he held out for nine moves before collapsing before the tenth.

Quiet.

A deathly silence.

The last glimmer of hope for the second wife's faction was ruthlessly extinguished.

Everyone's face was ashen, and some of the women couldn't help but sob softly.

It's over, it's over.

Even the most powerful Nie Shuli couldn't last ten moves, so who else could stop Nie Feng?

Who can save the second wife?

"Stand up!" Nie Yundi cried, tears streaming down his face, and staggered down from the platform to help his son up.

"Father—I'm sorry—I'm sorry—your son is useless—" Nie Shuli was weak and his face was full of tears of guilt and resentment.

"It's not your fault, it's not your fault—you've done your best, you've done a great job, really—" Nie Yundi patted his son's shoulder, his voice choked with emotion, the despair in his heart overwhelming him like a tidal wave.

With his father's help, Nie Shuli managed to stand up.

His gaze swept over the despairing members of the second branch of the clan, and finally landed on a figure in a blue robe who had appeared quietly at the edge of the training ground.

It is Song Jing.

He had already arrived, but remained hidden behind the crowd, silently watching the battle.

A struggle flashed in Nie Shuli's eyes, which eventually turned into a bitter and almost humble plea.

He broke free from his father's support, staggered to Song Jing, bowed deeply, and said in a hoarse and labored voice, "Brother Song—this time, I've really—put you in a difficult position."

He knew how unreasonable his request was.

Nie Feng ranked fourteenth in the martial arts competition, a genuine master of the Refining Body Realm, and his Gale Blade Technique was incomparably fierce.

Although Song Jing was also exceptionally talented and ranked fifteenth, he had only recently broken through to the next level. In Nie Shuli's opinion, he was probably slightly inferior to Nie Feng in both speed and strength.

Sending Song Jing to defeat Nie Feng would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock, or even risking the lives of Song Jing, a newly promoted disciple of Pingtianmen, for their second branch of the family.

"I know that defeating Nie Feng is as difficult as ascending to heaven. This is truly—a bit too much to ask of a man." Nie Shuli's tone was sincere, filled with deep apology and helplessness. "But—Brother Song, regardless of the outcome of this battle, my second branch will never let you have fought for nothing!"

He straightened his back slightly, as if using all his strength, and solemnly said, "If Brother Song can defeat Nie Feng and win this game for my second branch, thus preserving our assets, then my second branch will certainly offer up the Star Pattern Iron Essence that we promised!"

Furthermore, I will earnestly request that my Uncle Nie Daoyi, a third-realm expert from the second branch of the Nie family who is currently cultivating in seclusion in the prefectural city, personally instruct Brother Song in the Wildfire Spear Technique for half a day when he returns home next time!

A third-realm expert!

Personal guidance from a master of the Bone Forging Realm!

This promise is as precious as Star Pattern Iron Essence!

It's important to understand that the difference between the True Qi Realm and the Flesh Refining Realm is like heaven and earth. Even a casual word of guidance from a master can enlighten someone and help them break through their bottleneck!

This is absolutely the most sincere reward that the second branch of the Nie family could offer.

Nie Shuli paused, his tone softening slightly, but still firm: "If—if Brother Song fails to win, my second branch will never break our promise. Although we cannot offer the Star Pattern Iron Essence, I will still earnestly request my second branch's master spearman, Uncle Nie Zhu, to wholeheartedly guide Brother Song! We will ensure you don't make a wasted trip!"

Nie Yundi, who was standing nearby, also came over. Although his face was still ashen and his eyes lacked confidence, he could only sigh and nod to Song Jing, which was considered tacit approval, when he saw how persistent the boys were.

At this point, we have no choice but to try anything, even if it seems hopeless.

Even if there's only a one in ten thousand chance, they must seize it.

Song Jing listened quietly, his face showing little expression. The reason he arrived early was because of his promise.

Since he had promised the second branch of the Nie family that he would help, he would not back down at the last minute.

And he certainly had reasons to take action.

Star-patterned Iron Essence! He's determined to get his hands on this!

He had noticed it in the mission hall of Pingtianmen. A small piece of star-patterned iron essence was priced at a staggering one hundred contribution points!

How hard is it to earn contribution points?

The registered disciples complete basic chores each month, earning only a few points of contribution.

To accumulate experience quickly, you either need to break into the top five in the monthly ranking battle for registered disciples.

The fifth place gets 20 points per month, the fourth place gets 25 points, and so on. You need to maintain a top-five ranking for at least five months to accumulate 100 points!

Alternatively, one could take on extremely dangerous missions—often requiring the strength of a fully refined Body Refining Realm cultivator to complete tasks like bandit suppression, exploration, and escort missions—in order to earn dozens or even hundreds of contribution points at once.

This is too risky for Song Jing, who has just broken through to the mid-stage of the Body Refining Realm.

The value of Star-Patterned Iron Essence far surpasses monetary value. It's extremely rare and scarce on the market; even a small piece can be worth over ten thousand taels of silver!

More importantly, it also has the function of tempering and upgrading the grade of weapon materials!

Song Jing's understanding of weapons is now far beyond what it used to be.

Blood weapons are divided into common, fine, rare, and supreme grades. There are even higher grades beyond the legendary ones, but they are not currently within our reach.

The "Crimson Wildfire Spear" in his hand was made of superior materials and craftsmanship, but it was ultimately just a high-grade ordinary item.

The weapons wielded by top geniuses like Qian Rushan, Lei Zhen, and Zhao Yuanqing in the inner city were all of the highest quality!

The difference between a fine product and an ordinary product is not only in the sharpness and toughness, but also in the efficiency of transmitting true qi and blood, the amplification of the power of the technique, and even the possible special effects!

This is a difference in hardware, which directly affects the upper limit of combat power.

If he could temper the "Crimson Wildfire Spear" with Star Pattern Iron Essence and upgrade it to a lower-grade premium weapon, the gap between him and the top geniuses in the inner city in terms of weaponry would be instantly narrowed by a large margin! This would be crucial for his future competition in Pingtian Gate.

Such a huge temptation, coupled with the sincere additional promises from the second branch of the Nie family, Nie Daoyi's guidance, and his own trustworthy character, left him with no reason to back down.

"Brother Nie, you flatter me." Song Jing finally spoke, his voice calm yet reassuringly steady. "Since an agreement has been made, I will do my utmost. Victory and defeat are common in war, but in this battle, I will give it my all."

He didn't utter any grand words, but the confidence and determination revealed in his calmness inexplicably gave rise to a faint glimmer of hope in Nie Shuli's heart, a hope that even he himself dared not believe—a hope that was almost beyond his despair.

Song Jing nodded to Nie Yun, then strode unhurriedly towards the center of the martial arts arena, which had just witnessed two crushing victories and was filled with the arrogance of the eldest son's family and the despair of the second son's family.