Wuxia: Start with max-level Nine Yang Divine Skill

Chapter 228 The Shadow of the Great Thief (Two Chapters Combined)

Although Zhu Tinggao was injured, his face was flushed, indicating that he was in a good mood.

In the past, when the major dock owners represented their respective interests in a showdown, even if experts went all out, they might be able to stop in time to avoid killing anyone, but it was impossible for them not to inflict some injuries on each other.

In past duels between the leaders of the docks, his injuries were considered relatively minor. In the upcoming battle between Ouyang Jin and Kuang Zhenyue, regardless of who wins, it will inevitably be a fierce fight, with significant energy expenditure and the possibility of even more serious injuries.

It seems that the Zhu family has a good chance of retaining their position as the head of the main base.

Next, the emcee announced the start of the second competition.

Kuang Zhenyue and Ouyang Jin both left the stage.

Kuang Zhenyue carried the heavy nine-ringed golden sword. Even before the sword was drawn, it exuded a menacing and fierce aura.

Ouyang Jin remained dressed in a scholar's robe, his hands adorned with the faintly shimmering silver silk gloves, exuding an air of composure.

The two exchanged a brief fist salute and then began to fight.

Kuang Zhenyue roared, drew his golden sword, and with a dazzling golden light and a deafening ringing sound, a sudden gust of wind arose, and the sword's momentum swept towards Ouyang Jin like a storm!

His swordsmanship was indeed as fierce and swift as his name, "Gale," extremely violent.

Ouyang Jin's figure was elusive; he did not take the attack head-on. Instead, he crossed his palms, creating a soft, flowing palm shadow that coiled around the blade light like a spider web.

His palm techniques were exquisite and varied. Combined with his invulnerable gloves, he dared to use his bare hands to directly clash with the golden knife, producing a crisp clanging sound.

Although their exchange was not as skillful or imposing as that of Shen and Zhu earlier, it was still quite exciting.

Kuang Zhenyue's swordsmanship was bold and sweeping, with a menacing aura; Ouyang Jin, on the other hand, was agile and nimble, with palm techniques that were subtle and meticulous, often deflecting attacks at the last possible moment and seizing the opportunity to counterattack.

For a moment, the field was filled with flashing swords and clashing palms, and howling winds, dazzling the eyes of the spectators.

Zhu Tongzhou exclaimed in surprise, "Master Kuang has made such rapid progress in the past five years!"

This swordsmanship is even more ferocious and sharp than it was five years ago!

Last time he lost to my father by a hair's breadth; it seems he's been holding back a lot of energy for the past five years!

Gong Xiaoshang also said, "Master Ouyang is no less impressive!"

It's rare to see him unleash his full power in public, but seeing him today, the Heavenly Net Palm Technique combined with the Heavenly Silkworm Gloves is indeed formidable!

It seems his desire to revive the Ouyang family business is exceptionally strong.

Seeing that it was another fierce battle, everyone held their breath and focused.

Zhu Tongzhou and Gong Xiaoshang subconsciously looked at Li Fu, wanting to hear his opinion.

After watching for a while, Li Fu said, "Originally, one is at a disadvantage when facing weapons with bare hands."

Ouyang Wuzhu's invulnerable silk gloves somewhat compensated for his disadvantages.

His palm technique is subtle and exquisite, adept at deflecting and borrowing force. However, Master Kuang's Gale Blade Technique is fierce and swift, emphasizing using speed to overcome slowness and force to defeat skill.

Although Ouyang Wu's palm technique was exquisite, his skill seemed to be slightly inferior to that of Kuang Wu.

"A prolonged defense will inevitably lead to defeat. If we cannot find an opportunity to counterattack quickly, I fear we will be unable to withstand Lord Kuang's rapid and relentless offensive."

His implication was that he had a higher opinion of Kuang Zhenyue.

After Li Fu spoke, Madam Cuiping and the others also paid attention.

Most of them nodded, and the situation in the room seemed to be just as Li Fu had said.

"Kuang Wu's swordsmanship is truly fierce; I almost couldn't withstand it."

Under Kuang Zhenyue's fierce sword strikes, Ouyang Jin was struggling to defend himself. He was sweating profusely, his movements were not as agile as before, and his eyes revealed a hint of impatience.

However, just when everyone thought Kuang Zhenyue had victory in his grasp.

After a few more moves, Kuang Zhenyue, whose swordplay had been as fierce as a storm and seemed to be about to completely overwhelm Ouyang Jin, suddenly slowed down. The indomitable and powerful force in his swordplay seemed to have lost its strength.

Although still formidable, the fierce competition among experts leaves no room for weakness.

A glint flashed in Ouyang Jin's eyes. How could he let go of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? His figure moved like a ghost and suddenly approached. His left palm was raised as if to block the blade, while his right palm silently emerged from an extremely tricky angle, his five fingers slightly bent, directly grabbing Kuang Zhenyue's wrist that was holding the knife!

This sudden change of move was extremely swift, and it happened precisely at the critical moment when Kuang Zhenyue's sword strike was slightly sluggish and the old and new forces were being switched.

Kuang Zhenyue seemed to be taken aback as well. He was too late to parry with his sword, so he could only quickly sink his wrist and strike out with his left palm, trying to switch defense with offense.

Unexpectedly, Ouyang Jin's move was a feint. He withdrew his right palm as soon as it touched Kuang Zhenyue, and his footwork was like a butterfly flitting among flowers. He had already circled around to Kuang Zhenyue's side, and his left palm, which was filled with internal energy, was firmly imprinted on Kuang Zhenyue's right rib!

A muffled thud!

Kuang Zhenyue's tall body trembled violently, and he staggered back four or five steps to the side. His face first turned pale, and then an abnormal flush rose up, indicating that his internal organs had been shaken.

He slammed the golden knife in his hand to the ground with a clang, supporting his body. His chest heaved rapidly, and his face was filled with resentment and frustration.

Having succeeded in his attack, Ouyang Jin immediately retreated gracefully, cupped his hands in a salute, and shouted loudly.

"Brother Kuang, you flatter me!"

However, although he won, strangely, his expression was not very good, and he was not satisfied with the result of the battle.

Defeated, Kuang Zhenyue stood up, his sword raised, staring intently at Ouyang Jin. The veins on the back of his hand gripping the sword bulged, but in the end, he only avoided eye contact, squeezing out a few words through gritted teeth in resentment.

"Yes—I lost!"

After saying that, he threw the golden knife to the disciple below the stage, ignored everyone else, and strode off the stage with a livid face.

Back in his own shed, he plopped down, picked up a bowl of wine and gulped it down, but choked and coughed repeatedly because he couldn't catch his breath, looking quite disheveled.

Meanwhile, on Ouyang Jin's side, there was already a burst of cheers.

Disciples, confidants, and friends all came forward to offer their congratulations. Many martial arts figures who were on good terms with the Ouyang family or wanted to curry favor with them also bowed and praised Ouyang Wuzhu's excellent palm techniques and congratulated him.

Surrounded by such congratulations, Ouyang Jin finally smiled, her face beaming. She returned the greetings one by one, repeatedly saying, "What a stroke of luck, what a stroke of luck," and "It's all thanks to Master Kuangwu's generosity."

This result truly surprised many people.

A few doubtful murmurs arose in the room.

"Huh?"

"How could Master Kuang suddenly be so exhausted?"

"Yes, we were about to win, so why did the sword strike slow down for a moment?"

"Master Ouyang has a truly remarkable ability to seize opportunities!"

That counterattack was brilliant!

The Heavenly Net Hand technique is exquisitely unparalleled.

"It must be that Master Kuang's prolonged siege has exhausted his inner strength?"

"Perhaps. The Gale Blade Technique is indeed powerful, but it also consumes a great deal of true energy."

Perhaps Master Kuang is too eager for a quick victory.

Zhu Tongzhou and Gong Xiaoshang looked at each other, both somewhat taken aback.

Zhu Tongzhou exclaimed, "This... actually Lord Ouyang won?"

Li Fu remained calm, his gaze sweeping between Ouyang Jin, who was only slightly pleased after receiving congratulations for his victory, and Kuang Zhenyue, who was feeling resentful and unwilling, as if he were deep in thought.

Madam Cuiping, who was standing to the side, also frowned slightly and said in a low voice, "Something is not right."

Zhu Tinggao clutched his injured shoulder and looked at Ouyang Jin, who was barely injured but breathing slightly short of breath. His expression turned serious, and a look of deep thought and doubt flashed in his eyes.

Zhu Tongzhou hurriedly asked, "Mother, what's wrong?"

Madam Cuiping pondered and said, "Just now, I shared the same opinion as Constable Li. We both felt that Master Kuangwu had already secured the victory."

While Master Kuang's swordsmanship certainly consumed a great deal of internal energy, didn't he know his own limitations? How could he squander his internal energy so recklessly, leading to a lack of strength at the last moment before victory and ultimately failing?

His final strike was hesitant—it came somewhat abruptly.

She possesses exceptional martial arts skills and knowledge; although not a specialist in swordsmanship, she has a keen eye for talent.

Zhu Tinggao did not speak, but judging from his solemn expression, he clearly shared the same views as Madam Cuiping and Li Fuchi.

They all wondered why Kuang Zhenyue's surging sword force, which had overwhelmed Ouyang Jin, suddenly faltered, when there had been no signs of him losing strength beforehand.

Zhu Kang thought for a moment and said, "When masters compete, victory or defeat often hinges on a single point."

Besides martial arts skills, mindset, state of mind, and even the decision made in a moment are all crucial.

Perhaps Master Kuang was too eager to win, and his impatience caused his aura to become slightly scattered during his fierce attacks? Or perhaps his internal energy was circulated too quickly, causing a mishap in his moves.

Their martial arts skills were evenly matched, and even the slightest mistake could change the course of the battle.

Actually—it's not impossible.

After thinking about it, everyone agreed that it was possible.

That's the only explanation.

After all, it was clear to the naked eye that Kuang Zhenyue's sword strike had slowed down, allowing Ouyang Jin to seize the opportunity and defeat him.

Could it be that Kuang Zhenyue deliberately gave way?

This is a contest for the position of leader of the Jiangnan outlaws, which is related to huge interests and power over the next five years!

Any lobbying or promises seem pale and powerless in the face of the position of Grand Master of the Docks.

This is like fighting for the throne. Would anyone give up voluntarily because of someone else's empty promise of compensation?

They must give it their all, without holding back.

"It's a pity. Master Kuang could have won, but his competitive spirit got the better of him," Gong Xiaoshang said.

Li Fu's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Outsiders, perhaps due to limitations in their martial arts skills, may find it difficult to grasp any subtle changes in the state and techniques of the two during their exchange.

However, his martial arts skills had long since reached a state of perfection. In particular, he possessed two great skills, the Nine Yang Divine Skill and the Great Shift of Heaven and Earth, which allowed him to see through the flow of others' energy and changes in their aura almost perfectly.

Moreover, after he has seen ordinary martial arts moves once, he immediately seems to have mastered them as if he had practiced them for ten or even several decades.

While the Gale Blade Technique is indeed fierce and powerful, a top-tier blade technique, it is still within the limits of his ability. After watching it once, he had already achieved a very high level of mastery.

Therefore, Li Fu, observing from the side, could see that before Kuang Zhenyue's sword strike slowed down, his internal energy was surging and his strength was flowing smoothly, far from being unsustainable.

The slowing of the sword strike was more like a deliberate withdrawal or interruption than a mishap in the execution of the move or a natural exhaustion due to exhaustion.

"Did Kuang Zhenyue deliberately lose?"

This thought arose in Li Fu's mind.

But then he felt puzzled.

Kuang Zhenyue is clearly hot-tempered and fierce by nature. Five years ago, he lost to Zhu Tinggao by a narrow margin and missed the position of chief of the fortress. He must have been training hard for the past five years to avenge his defeat today.

What reason could he possibly have to risk holding back in such a crucial match, even to the point of potentially suffering a defeat?

What promises could Ouyang Jin possibly make that would be enough to persuade Kuang Zhenyue to give up his fight for the position of Grand Master of the Fortress?

"Moreover—Kuang Zhenyue's frustration and anger after his defeat were palpable, and he didn't seem to be faking it at all."

Li Fu's gaze once again fell upon Ouyang Jin, who was being surrounded and congratulated by the crowd.

The refined manor lord was beaming with joy, and a barely perceptible hint of relief seemed to flicker deep in his eyes.

"Ouyang Jin————"

Li Fu silently recited it in his heart.

"It seems that the effort and preparation that Master Ouyang, who is determined to restore his family's reputation, has put in for this competition is probably far beyond what others can imagine."

It's not as simple as just putting effort into the lottery —

At this moment, the emcee announced loudly.

"The competition is over for today!"

The victors are Zhu Tinggao, the master of Zhuwu, and Ouyang Jin, the master of Ouyangwu!

Three days later, at the third quarter of an hour, the final showdown will take place here to determine the next Grand Master of the Fortress. Distinguished guests, please rest assured within the manor and await the auspicious occasion!

After the competition ended, the crowd discussed amongst themselves and dispersed.

As the host, Zhu Family Manor had already prepared exquisite courtyard rooms for all the important guests who were invited.

Zhu Tongzhou and Gong Xiaoshang looked at their father and uncle with worry in their eyes.

Although Zhu Tinggao's injury was not too serious, it was on his arm, which would inevitably affect his ability to use the powerful and forceful Divine Dragon Staff Technique.

Ouyang Jin was almost unharmed, only slightly depleted of his internal energy, which would be sufficient for him to recover in three days. With this disparity, the situation would actually be somewhat unfavorable for Zhu Tinggao in the final showdown three days later.

Zhu Tinggao, a powerful figure in the bandit world, seemed to have come to terms with it. He patted his son on the shoulder and laughed heartily, though his laughter carried a hint of undisguised regret.

"It's alright, it's alright!"

Life and death are preordained, wealth and honor are determined by fate.

Five years is more than enough for our Zhu family to be in charge.

Ouyang Wuzhu has secretly practiced diligently over the years, and his martial arts have greatly improved, which is also due to his own abilities.

Three days later, we'll fight with all our might!

Although the words were spoken casually, everyone could hear the melancholy in them.

Clearly, even Zhu Tinggao himself felt that his chances of winning the competition three days later had greatly diminished, and he would most likely have to hand over the position of chief of the main dock to someone else.

That night, the Zhu Family Manor was brightly lit, and a sumptuous banquet was held to entertain guests from all directions.

As the most distinguished guest among distinguished guests, Li Fu was naturally seated in the place of honor.

The banquet was lively with toasts and laughter, but many people had different thoughts, especially the Shen, Kuang, and Ouyang families and their close associates. Some could not hide their pride, while others could not hide their worries.

As night deepened, the guests returned to their rooms to rest.

The vast Zhu Family Village gradually fell silent, with only the occasional sound of footsteps of the night patrolmen and the clapper of the night watchman.

However, this calm did not last long.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, a piercing and terrified scream from a woman suddenly shattered the tranquility of Zhu Family Village!

Immediately following were chaotic footsteps, shouts, and cries, coming from the direction of an exquisite guest house on the west side of the manor, quickly alarming the entire manor.

Li Fu was sitting quietly in his room, adjusting his breathing. Upon hearing the sound, he suddenly opened his eyes and moved, floating out of the room like a light feather.

Many martial arts figures, alerted by the disturbance, were seen peeking out from under the eaves, discussing the scene.

Soon, the steward of Zhu Family Manor arrived in a panic with several pale-faced maids to report to Zhu Tinggao, Zhu Kang, and others who had rushed over upon hearing the news. Their voices trembled with fear.

"Master Zhuang!"

"Something terrible has happened in the village!"