Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Chapter 226 The Duel Tournament and the Women (5k)

Li Fu nodded slightly.

According to custom, a wife is required to observe a three-year mourning period for her husband, but she usually only wears a white flower in her hair in the first few days after the funeral.

Even months later, Lady Liu still wore a white flower in her hair, which shows how deep her feelings for her deceased husband were and how much she missed him.

Lady Liu seemed to notice Li Fu's radiant gaze and slowly turned her head.

Separated by a distance and hidden by flowers and trees, she might not have been able to see Li Fu's face clearly, but perhaps she could sense a trace of sympathy and sigh in his eyes.

She nodded slightly in the direction of Li Fu as a polite greeting, then turned back to gaze at the pool in a daze. A moment later, her figure disappeared behind the window.

Li Fu also withdrew his gaze, avoiding looking any further, lest he be impolite.

Over the next two days, Zhu Tongzhou and Gong Xiaoshang accompanied Li Fu on a leisurely tour of the water towns of Jiangnan.

Firstly, it was to fulfill the hospitality of a host and let Li Fu experience the scenery of Jiangnan;

Secondly, after the incident where Lei Wanhe blocked their way, the two were still shaken and felt much safer staying by Li Fu's side.

While touring, the two did not forget to be wary of possible attacks.

On this day, the three of them took a boat trip to visit a scenic spot called Misty Rain Lake.

The lake was wide and its surface shimmered, with distant green mountains appearing like dark eyebrows.

Suddenly, a dark cloud drifted in from the horizon, and a fine drizzle began to fall, instantly enveloping the lake in a misty rain.

The boatman rowed the small boat to a lakeside pavilion on the shore to take shelter from the rain.

The pavilion is built on a wooden boardwalk that extends into the lake, with windows on three sides offering excellent views.

The waiter served hot tea and several exquisite Jiangnan-style tea snacks.

The three sat by the window, watching the raindrops fall into the lake, creating ripples, and the distant mountains and nearby waters transformed into a light ink painting.

Gong Xiaoshang rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the rain scene outside the window, and sighed, "The rain in Jiangnan is always so lingering."

Zhu Tongzhou poured tea for Li Fu and said, "Yes, unlike the rain in the north, which comes quickly and goes quickly."

He paused, his expression turning serious, and said.

"Brother Li, speaking of the matter of the thunder that struck Wanhe that day, I have thought about it over and over again, and I feel that it is not simple."

Since someone couldn't deal with my father and Aunt Cuiping, they wanted to target me and Xiaoshang.

But who knows which enemy they are, or—”

He glanced at the misty rain outside the window and lowered his voice even further.

"To be honest, Brother Li, the competition for the position of chief of the Seven Star Linked Docks, which takes place every five years, is also being fiercely contested by the other three families besides our Zhu family."

Although there have been disputes in the past, they have generally adhered to the rules and never damaged the harmony.

But this time—it's hard to guarantee that no one has harbored ulterior motives and wants to use some underhanded tactics.

Li Fu picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and nodded.

"Jiangnan is the richest region in the world, and its waterways are its lifeblood."

The position of the chief lord of the Seven Star Linked Docks represents power and benefits that are enough to drive someone to take risks.

Jiangnan is a land of fish and rice, and the leader of the Green Forest Waterway is actually the leader of the Green Forest in Jiangnan. Jiangnan is also the richest place, and the benefits represented by this position are unimaginable.

In the martial arts world, those who can rise to high positions within the bandit forces are rarely simple individuals; it is not uncommon for them to resort to trickery, plunder, and scheming.

Upon hearing this, Gong Xiaoshang snorted angrily, "No matter who it is, using such despicable methods is despicable! However..."

She then smiled and looked at Li Fu.

"The person behind the scenes must have known how powerful Brother Li was. He must have been terrified when he received the news of Lei Wanhe's death."

We've been accompanying Brother Li on his trip these past two days, and everything has been peaceful, which shows that the other party doesn't dare to come back for the time being.

"We'll be safest with Brother Li!"

Li Fu gazed at the misty rain outside the window, smiled slightly, and remained noncommittal.

"With Brother Li here, that person shouldn't dare to make any moves against us."

Zhu Tongzhou nodded, agreeing with the sentiment, a hint of worry in his eyes. "I just hope that tomorrow's duel won't cause any trouble."

Tomorrow is the day of their once-every-five-years showdown at the Seven Stars Linked Docks in Jiangnan, a crucial day that cannot be missed.

The next day.

Two days passed quickly after Li arrived in Jiangnan.

The time for the rotation competition of the main dock masters of the Seven Star Linked Docks in Jiangnan has finally arrived.

The competition was not held in the village, but rather in a place called Huapo Lake, more than ten miles outside the city.

This place has mountains and water, with the hillsides facing the lake and the terrain being flat and open.

It was autumn, and the hillside wasn't as vibrant with color as it was in spring, but it had a different kind of beauty.

Vast fields of hibiscus are in full bloom, some pink, some white, like clouds and rosy hues;

Interspersed with golden wild chrysanthemums and fiery red maple trees, the colors are vibrant and dazzling.

In addition, the lake water is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the flowers and trees on the hillside and the blue sky and white clouds, making it a breathtaking sight.

On the open space by the lake, more than a dozen wide pavilions have already been erected for the purpose of watching the ceremony and resting.

The pergola is made of bamboo and wood and covered with blue cloth, which provides both shade and ventilation.

The tallest pavilion is located on the north side, which serves as seating for the host and VIPs. Inside, there are tables and chairs, and fresh fruits and fragrant tea are served.

The other three sunshades are slightly smaller and belong to the other three temples participating in the competition and their invited guests.

A large open space was left between the pavilions, and a circle ten feet in diameter was drawn with white lime, which served as the competition venue.

Colorful flags were planted along the sidelines, fluttering in the wind.

The disciples of Seven Star Linked Fortress, dressed in uniform, maintained order and guided the guests.

Those invited were mostly prominent figures in the Jiangnan martial arts world, or friends of the four major martial arts schools. They arrived one after another, exchanging pleasantries, creating a lively yet solemn atmosphere.

Li Fu arrived at the scene with the Zhu family and was led to the main shed in the north.

Standing under the canopy, he looked out at the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains, with flowers in full bloom, which made this martial arts arena less austere and more elegant. He couldn't help but nod in approval.

"The person who chose the site and organized the event put a lot of thought into it."

Holding a martial arts contest in such a picturesque setting can indeed reduce the hostility and preserve some of the harmony among fellow martial artists in this contest concerning the transfer of power.

Zhu Tinggao personally led Li Fu to his seat.

"Nephew, please have a seat."

"Thank you, Uncle."

Li stayed at the Zhu Family Village for two days, and they became more familiar with each other. Based on their relationship with Zhu Tongzhou, they were already addressing each other as uncle and nephew.

He had just sat down when a middle-aged couple walked over with smiles on their faces.

The man was in his early forties, with a lean face, three long tufts of beard, wearing a blue scholar's robe, with a black iron flute hanging from his waist. He had a gentle and refined demeanor, but his eyes were bright and sharp, and his steps were steady.

The woman appeared to be in her early thirties, with exceptionally beautiful features and exquisitely detailed eyebrows. She wore a well-tailored emerald green palace dress, her hair styled in a high bun, and her demeanor was dignified. Her every glance exuded a composed and elegant air that made one hesitant to look directly at her.

Zhu Tinggao introduced with a smile: "Nephew Li, these two are my younger brother Zhu Kang. Our friends in the martial arts world have kindly given him the nickname 'Iron Flute Swordsman'."

This is my sister-in-law, Madam Gong of Cuiping Manor, and also Xiaoshang's mother.

Li Fu stood up, cupped his hands and said, "I have long admired the names of Iron Flute Swordsman and Lady Cuiping. It is an honor to meet you today."

When Zhu Kang saw Li Fu, a glint appeared in his eyes. He then returned the greeting with a cupped hand and a warm smile.

"Officer Li is too kind."

We should be the ones saying "I have long admired you."

Rumors circulate in the martial arts world that Officer Li's swordsmanship is divine, even surpassing his palm techniques. It is said that the title "He can unleash a divine dragon with his palm" is somewhat undeserved, but they are struggling to think of a more fitting name to replace it.

"My meager swordsmanship is utterly insignificant compared to Officer Li's; how dare I call myself a swordsman? I would be a laughingstock."

His tone was humble, but his words were quite appropriate. He praised Li Fu without losing his own status, and seemed to care nothing for the reputation and face that people in the martial arts world value, which made people feel good about him.

Madam Gong, the wife of Cuiping, also nodded slightly, her voice clear and pleasant.

"Officer Li was a young hero, renowned throughout the land."

Although I have lived in Jiangnan for a long time, I have heard that a remarkable person has emerged in the North, who is skilled in both swordsmanship and conducts himself with integrity.

Meeting you today, I can see your extraordinary bearing.

In the past two or three decades, many outstanding figures have emerged in the martial arts world, but those like Constable Li are truly rare.

She spoke calmly and gently, her gaze peaceful, yet her praise was heartfelt, making one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.

Gong Xiaoshang couldn't help but interject, "Dad, Mom, a couple of days ago, my cousin and I were almost kidnapped by bad guys. Luckily, Brother Li arrived in time and saved us!"

Zhu Kang said solemnly, "Officer Li, speaking of this matter, you saved my daughter once again. My wife and I will always remember this kindness."

Li Fu said, "Senior Zhu and Madam are too kind. It was just a chance encounter."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the group sat down again.

Zhu Tinggao, Zhu Kang, and Lady Cuiping sat with Li Fu in the main seat, chatting and laughing in a harmonious atmosphere.

This scene, witnessed by the many martial arts figures invited to witness the ceremony both inside and outside the decorated tent, immediately caused quite a stir.

Those who could sit in the front row of each tent were all prominent figures in Jiangnan, either important hall masters or branch leaders of the Seven Star Linked Docks, or martial arts masters, relatives and friends who were invited to witness the ceremony.

They were all astonished to see that the Zhu brothers, along with the renowned and discerning Lady Cuiping, who held a prominent position in the Jiangnan martial arts world, were so polite to such a young man in purple, even showing him a hint of respect.

Who is that young man?

"He looks to be no more than twenty years old, yet he can sit on equal footing with Master Zhu and Madam Cuiping?"

"His demeanor is quite distinguished, but his face is unfamiliar; he doesn't seem to be from any family in Jiangnan."

"Shh, keep your voice down!

I think I heard from the servants in Zhu Family Village that that person—might be none other than Li Fu, the recently renowned "Dragon Palm Master"!

"What?"

Li, the constable who unleashed a divine dragon with his palm?

He—he's so young?

She's even younger than rumored.

"Hiss—is it really him?"

My goodness, this is an extraordinary person!

It is said that he defeated the Fairy of Immortal Capital with his sword, killed the Iron Stream King with his palm, and single-handedly defeated Venerable Shikong, the number one martial artist in Tibet, and Liu Changzhen, the leader of the Quanzhen Sect, saving the entire Kongtong Sect and the Northern Earth Daoist Sect!

No wonder!

I said, "Why is Chief Zhu being so polite?"

This man is one of the most prominent figures in the martial arts world right now. Everyone says that if he doesn't die prematurely, he will surely become a legend in the martial arts world in due time!

"Master Zhu is indeed well-connected and has extensive networks. He even managed to invite this person to attend the ceremony. What influence he has!"

"Inviting him is a good thing, but—won't it affect today's competition rotation?"

With him here overseeing things, the other companies must be feeling quite apprehensive, right?

"It shouldn't be that bad."

Since becoming famous, Zhang Chu Shenlong has acted swiftly but has always been extremely disciplined. There has never been any record of him bullying the weak or interfering in other people's internal affairs.

Given his status, he's most likely just observing the ceremony.

"That being said, the very act of sitting there is an invisible deterrent."

Look over there—

Amid the murmurs, many people secretly glanced at the three smaller, but equally ornately decorated, colorful tents diagonally opposite the main tent.

Seated there were the other three branch leaders who were qualified to challenge for the position of chief branch leader, their trusted family members, and invited friends from the martial arts world.

Li Fu naturally noticed the curious, awe-inspiring, or inquisitive gazes directed at him, and calmly swept his eyes over the three colorful tents.

Zhu Tongzhou and Gong Xiaoshang sat down a little behind him. Seeing this, Gong Xiaoshang quietly introduced him to the others.

"Brother Li, please look," Gong Xiaoshang raised her hand slightly and pointed to a colorful pavilion in the center, "that old man in the blue robe with a long beard is Master Shen Cang of Shuiyun Hall, known in the martial arts world as the Azure Wave Sword Master."

The blue-sheathed ancient sword beside him was the famous weapon, the Azure Wave Ancient Sword.

Master Shen has been immersed in swordsmanship for decades. His Azure Wave Sword Technique is ancient and sharp, and his internal strength is particularly profound. He is a famous swordsman of his time.

In this competition, he was my uncle's biggest rival.

Li Fu followed the gaze.

Shen Cang was about sixty years old, with a thin face and a sharp glint in his eyes. He exuded an air of authority without being angry. He seemed to sense Li Fu's gaze and nodded slightly in this direction from afar, his expression calm and revealing no emotion.

Gong Xiaoshang then pointed to the left.

"That burly man with a bushy beard and piercing eyes is Kuang Zhenyue, the master of Kuangwu in the Liefeng Hall, nicknamed Golden Knife Liefeng."

The nine-ringed golden saber in front of him was powerful and heavy, and the Gale Blade Technique he used was fierce and unparalleled, making him quite famous among the world's great saber masters.

Kuang Wu's personality is straightforward and strong-willed.

Li Fu looked over and saw that Kuang Zhenyue had a leopard-like head and round eyes, a full beard like steel needles, and was dressed in an ochre-colored tight-fitting outfit with bulging muscles.

He noticed Li Fu's gaze, his thick eyebrows furrowed, and he shifted his body as if he were uncomfortable sitting. He let out a soft snort and turned his head away, seemingly unimpressed by Li Fu's great reputation. However, beneath his rough movements, a hint of unease and fear was faintly revealed.

"The one on the right, dressed as a scholar and fanning himself with a folding fan, is Ouyang Jin, the master of Jinxiutang, also known as the Thousand-Thread Hand," Gong Xiaoshang concluded.

"He only took over the position of the lord of the fortress from his father three years ago. Although he is the least senior, his family's Heavenly Net Palm Technique, combined with his invulnerable Heavenly Silkworm Silver Gloves, is exquisite and his internal energy follows the Yin and soft path, making him quite difficult to deal with."

Li Fu's gaze shifted to Ouyang Jin.

This man was about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, with fair skin, a short beard, a square cap on his head, and a moon-white scholar's robe, making him appear quite refined.

He had no weapons at his waist, and wore only a pair of seemingly thin and soft, yet subtly metallic silver gloves on his hands as he slowly sipped his tea.

Sensing Li Fu's gaze, Ouyang Jin smiled, put down his teacup, and politely cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Li Fu's direction, his demeanor composed.

After introducing the three lords of the fortress, Gong Xiaoshang paused and then added an introduction to the female relatives accompanying them.

"Old Master Shen's wife passed away. He had a son in his later years, and only one daughter named Zhiqing, who is not yet married. She was sitting next to him."

Li Fu looked over and saw that Shen Zhiqing was about twenty years old, wearing a light blue dress. She had a beautiful face and her eyebrows and eyes were somewhat similar to Shen Cang's, but she was more delicate.

She sat upright, her expression aloof, her gaze calmly fixed on the training ground ahead, seemingly unconcerned by the surrounding noise. She possessed a dignified and composed demeanor, inherited from her father's imposing presence.

Gong Xiaoshang continued, "Master Ouyang is not yet married, so he only brought his trusted confidants with him."

She glanced past Ouyang Jin, her gaze finally settling on Kuang Zhenyue, a hint of regret unconsciously creeping into her voice.

"As for Master Kuangwu—the woman beside him is his wife, Zhou Qiutang."

Sister Zhou came from a famous scholarly family in Jiangnan. She was a typical Jiangnan lady, gentle and compliant. Before she was married, she was raised in seclusion, well-educated and reasonable, and rarely met with others.

Unfortunately, her beauty somehow reached the ears of Master Kuang, who then came to propose marriage.

Li Fu looked over and saw a young woman sitting next to the burly, bearded man, Kuang Zhenyue.

She was dressed in an elegant lotus-colored dress, her hair was loosely tied up, she had a beautiful face, a gentle and delicate temperament, and her face was slightly pale. She sat there with her head down and eyes lowered.

In stark contrast to the bold and unrestrained Kuang Zhenyue beside him, who was loudly laughing and talking with his subordinates, he seemed rather out of place, like a delicate orchid nestled beside a fierce tiger.

Gong Xiaoshang bit her lip, showing a hint of sympathy as a woman.

"I heard that the Zhou family was initially reluctant to marry their daughter to someone from the martial arts world, especially someone as barbaric and unruly as Master Kuang."

However, since Master Kuang insisted on obtaining it, the Zhou family, perhaps with some reservations, ultimately had no choice but to agree.

As for Sister Zhou herself—alas, who ever asked her if she was willing? It was her parents' decision and the matchmaker's words. What could a weak woman like her do?

After marrying into the family, she lived a secluded life and rarely appeared in public. Only some of the women in our Seven Star Linked Docks could meet and interact with her, but she was rarely seen smiling.

Sister Zhou is a quiet person, so she must have had to come to this occasion.

Li Fu's expression shifted.

That's just how the world is. If a man has martial arts skills and power, it's not difficult for him to marry a beautiful woman, regardless of whether he wants to or not.

As the leader of one of the four major branches of the Seven Star Linked Fortresses in Jiangnan, Kuang Zhenyue was a powerful figure in the region. There were probably not many families that dared to displease him.

Judging from Gong Xiaoshang's words and Zhou's expression and demeanor, this lady's life after marrying into the Kuang family is probably not good at all.

Li Fu couldn't help but feel a faint sense of emotion.

Looking at Zhou Shi with her head slightly lowered and her hands folded on her knees, I felt that this delicate woman's restrained manner in this kind of occasion made her seem somewhat pitiful.

A hint of coldness, somewhat unusual for her, flashed in Gong Xiaoshang's eyes. Her voice was soft, but it carried a chilling undertone.

"Hmph, in my opinion, the way Master Kuang relies on his power to force a woman's heart is the same as that bandit who uses his martial arts to rape a woman. Although their actions are different, their hearts are just as despicable!"

However, one harmed many women, while the other—only trapped Sister Zhou.

Li Fu did not think this evaluation was excessive.

However, when the topic of the "Baptist Thief" came up, his eyes flickered, scanning the entire venue, both inside and out, and even further away, the gathering place of the martial arts figures who had come to watch the ceremony, where he saw many female figures.

"Speaking of which, there are quite a few female relatives of fellow Jianghu practitioners from Jiangnan who have come to watch the ceremony today."

""

>