Physical immortality begins with Bajiquan

Chapter 81 The Shocking Change at the Huang Mansion (Part 2)

In June, the heat in Heyang continued to rise even after nightfall, making the whole city feel like it was trapped in a steamer.

The main hall of the Huang family presented a completely different scene. Bronze ice mirrors placed at the four corners hissed, emitting a chilling white aura, the coiled dragon patterns on their surfaces appearing and disappearing in the cold mist. The chill barely suppressed the heat of the night, but it could not dispel the stagnant, tense, and murderous atmosphere that permeated the hall.

The candlelight flickered high in the hall, casting long, distorted shadows of everyone present. The entire hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; the atmosphere was thick with tension, almost suffocating.

In the main seat, the patriarch Huang Ting sat steadily. He wore a royal blue brocade robe, the fabric light and sheer, with a black jade belt hanging at his waist, his demeanor as dignified and imposing as a mountain.

The seating arrangement in the hall was strictly hierarchical and clearly defined. To the right of the head of the table sat Huang Ting's uncles and cousins, all of whom were senior and powerful figures in the Huang family clan. Among them were many veteran masters who had reached the level of Hua Jin, forming the backbone of the family's fighting strength.

Below the elders' seats, the five legitimate sons took their seats in turn. The eldest son, Huang Yuan, leaned slightly to one side, his entire arm wrapped in layers of thick white bandages, his face tense and silent; the second son, Huang Jiajue, sat upright beside him, his expression calm and reserved; the youngest son, Huang Fengxian, had his eyebrows lowered and his attitude respectful, seemingly having no presence, but a hint of sharpness was hidden in his eyes.

To the left of the host's seat were the guest seats, where the five guest elders took their seats in turn. The chief guest elder, Tie Zheng, sat firmly in the head seat, his tight-fitting clothes taut against his body, his back straight as a spear, and his whole body exuding a sharp aura.

At the far end of the hall and beneath the pillars on both sides, stood a group of Huang family's elite disciples, each holding their breath and remaining composed, not daring to make a sound.

Differentiation and movement.

In the silence, Huang Ting slowly tapped his fingertips on the ebony table beneath him.

The intermittent, muffled sounds of thumping broke the silence, each one like a blow to the heart.

After a long silence, Huang Ting paused, raised his eyes to scan the crowd, and spoke in a deep, solemn voice, each word firm and powerful: "Tonight at midnight, we must cooperate with the garrison headquarters, sending out three forces simultaneously to wipe out the Cui, Xu, and Zhang families! The Chen family of Jishui has long coveted our Heyang waterway, relying entirely on these three families as instigators to intervene. Tonight, a single decisive strike will sever all of the Chen family's local foundations, eliminating any thought they may have of interfering in the waterway in the near future. Once our Huang family stabilizes the waterway and opens up access to the prefectural city, the situation will be settled. Even if the Chen family harbors immense resentment, they will have no choice but to endure it!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the main hall fell silent again, with only the soft crackling of the candlelight echoing gently in the quiet hall.

The group of Huang family uncles, relatives, and experts nodded solemnly, with no one raising any objections. The advantages and disadvantages of this matter were obvious; it was the perfect opportunity for the Huang family to completely secure Heyang and control the lifeline of the waterways, leaving no room for hesitation.

On the right, the second young master, Huang Jiajue, immediately rose from his seat, bowed, and spoke solemnly: "Father is absolutely right! If we can eliminate the three great families tonight, our Huang family will dominate Heyang, jointly controlling the Canglan River waterway with the Cheng family of Laishui, firmly grasping the vital waterway to the prefectural city. This is a golden opportunity for our Huang family to establish itself in Heyang and rise to prominence! I volunteer to fight tonight, willing to fight to the death for the family, vowing to take down the three great families and pave the way for a glorious future for our family!"

As soon as Huang Jiajue finished speaking, the third and fourth young masters below the seats stood up one after another, cupped their hands and volunteered for the mission, their fighting spirit awe-inspiring.

The third young master, Huang Jin, was filled with fervor, his voice resounding: "Father! Second brother is right! This battle is crucial to the rise of the family. I also request to lead the troops and join the three armies on this expedition. For the sake of the Huang family, I will fight with all my might!"

Fourth Young Master Huang Shuo followed closely behind, bowing and volunteering for the battle, his spirit undiminished: "I am also willing to go! Tonight, I will fight with all my might to wipe out the hostile forces and solidify the century-old foundation of my Huang family!"

The three brothers rose one after another to volunteer for the battle, their words filled with fervor and passion, ostensibly all for the sake of the Huang family's great cause. But whether they harbored other intentions remained a mystery to outsiders.

Huang Fengxian, seated at the end of the table, remained seated with his eyes lowered, maintaining a respectful and obedient demeanor, as if none of this concerned him. Only the occasional flashes of cold light in his eyes revealed that his heart was not at peace, concealing a deep and unfathomable mind.

The eldest son, Huang Yuan, sat motionless, the layers of white bandages wrapped around his body starkly visible. His palms were clenched tightly, his knuckles white, his face ashen, his expression rigid, and his heart churning with endless resentment and frustration. As the eldest son, this should have been the crucial moment for him to volunteer for battle, lead the army, and establish his authority, but his injuries prevented him from doing so. He could only sit and watch, unable to utter a single word, forced to watch helplessly as his younger brothers seized the opportunity to gain momentum and relentlessly press forward.

Finally, Huang Yuan, who had been suppressing his anger for so long, could no longer contain it. He slammed his fist on the table, oblivious to the blood seeping from his reopened wound: "Father! Once we have complete control of the Heyang trade route, the first thing we'll do is raze Songxuan Martial Arts School to the ground! That little bastard Qin Heng crippled my arm, I'll personally snap his neck!"

"Mo Guangren is untouchable," Huang Ting said calmly, his eyes as cold as ice. "He came from the outer sect of Feiyun Manor, and his connections are too wide. There's no need for him to get himself into trouble for a martial arts school. But Qin Heng must die. This kid has reached such a level at such a young age, and he even injured my Huang family's eldest son in public. Keeping him alive will only cause great trouble. Once the trade routes are stable and no one dares to gossip anymore, I will personally take his head."

Upon hearing Huang Ting's statement, Tie Zheng, the chief guest elder on the left, abruptly stood up. Dressed in a close-fitting, sharp outfit, his posture was as upright as a pine tree. He raised his hands in a fist salute, his voice strong and resonant, and volunteered, "Master, I am also willing to lead a force into battle!"

Tonight's operation will be a complete wipeout, leaving no trace and no future trouble!

Tie Zheng's request to join the battle prompted the remaining four retainers to rise and bow in unison, expressing their willingness to go on the expedition with the Huang family and fight to the death to wipe out the three major families overnight.

The elite members of the Huang family in the hall bowed in unison, expressing their willingness to fight alongside the family and serve to the death. They were ready to rush to the battlefield at the family head's command.

Looking at the fierce fighting spirit filling the room, Huang Ting finally showed a hint of approval on his face and nodded slightly: "Good! Truly worthy of being good sons of the Huang family! Tonight, apart from Second Uncle, Third Brother, and myself who will remain to guard the mansion, all other members of the clan at the Transformation and Dark Strength levels will join the expedition. Assemble outside the garrison headquarters at 3:45 PM (9:45 PM) and be under the unified command of Deputy Garrison Commander Cheng Lie. No one is allowed to leave the ranks without permission, to conceal spoils, or to disobey military orders. Violators will be punished according to clan rules!"

All the Huang family members bowed and accepted the order.

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Huang Yuan's pale face. His tone softened slightly but remained authoritative: "Yuan'er, your injuries have not yet healed. Stay in the manor and assist me and your second grandfather in managing affairs. Do not act rashly."

"Yes, Father," Huang Yuan replied through gritted teeth, his fingernails digging deep into his palms, drawing blood without him noticing.

"Fengxian, you are still young and lack strength, so you will stay in the manor and help your elder brother." Huang Ting said to his youngest son, who was sitting at the end of the table, in a calm tone.

"Yes, son obeys." Huang Fengxian respectfully stood up and bowed, his head bowed even lower, so no one could see the expression on his face.

"Go and prepare. Assemble promptly at 3:45 PM. If you are late, do not blame me for punishing you according to clan rules." Huang Ting waved his hand, his tone solemn.

Everyone bowed again to accept the order and left the main hall in turn. Huang Jiajue walked in front, his back straight and his steps light, unable to hide his excitement; Huang Yuan followed in the middle, dragging his injured arm with heavy steps; a group of uncles and guests walked out side by side, discussing the tactics for tonight in hushed tones.

Just as everyone filed out and the hall was filled with the chaotic movement of people, the curtain was gently lifted by a hand as white as jade.

Su Chan'er walked in wearing a light red gauze dress. Her waist swayed like a willow in the wind. The gauze dress was thin, and her snow-white skin could be vaguely seen underneath. Her exposed wrists and ankles were slender and fair, like peeled eggs, and gleamed with a warm glow in the candlelight.

She had clearly timed the event perfectly, entering just as the crowd was leaving. She quickly curtsied slightly, a perfectly measured, gentle smile on her face. The crowd, already accustomed to this favored concubine, nodded in acknowledgment and hurried out.

Huang Fengxian deliberately lagged behind, dawdling as he adjusted the jade pendant at his waist. Only after everyone had left the hall and the footsteps had faded into the distance did he slowly turn around.

Just as he brushed past Su Chan'er, he swiftly reached out with his right hand and gave her pert buttocks a hard pinch, deliberately twisting his fingertips over the soft flesh.

Su Chan'er trembled violently, her cheeks instantly turning bright red. She bit her lower lip tightly, her nails digging into her palms, stubbornly refusing to let go.

She made the slightest sound, but the smile on her face froze for a moment.

Huang Fengxian withdrew his hand, brought it to his nose, and sniffed it lightly, a playful smile flashing in his eyes. He deliberately raised his voice and respectfully addressed the people in the hall, "Father, your son will also take his leave now."

"Go ahead," Huang Ting replied without looking up, his head down as he intently examined the map on the table.

Only then did Su Chan'er dare to secretly turn her head and quickly glare at Huang Fengxian, her eyes full of reproach and panic.

Huang Fengxian smiled faintly, a smile that only the two of them could understand, then turned and strode out of the main hall.

Only after the hall door closed gently did Su Chan'er breathe a sigh of relief. She quickly composed herself, stepped forward, and took Huang Ting's arm, her voice so soft it could melt water: "Master~ I made chilled lotus seed soup, it's cooling in the west courtyard. You've been busy all day, you should rest."

A hint of tenderness flashed in Huang Ting's eyes. He reached out and embraced her slender waist. His fingertips touched her delicate and smooth skin, and most of his fatigue from the past few days instantly dissipated.

"You're so thoughtful," he said softly, a hint of weariness in his voice. "Let's go, let's try your cooking."

The two walked side by side toward the west courtyard. The candlelight cast long shadows that briefly overlapped before separating again, never to meet once more.

As night deepened, the summer heat subsided slightly.

The bluestone slabs of the west courtyard shone white in the moonlight, and the dozen or so century-old pomegranate trees in the courtyard were in full bloom, their fiery red petals falling to the ground, soft and yielding underfoot. In the center of the courtyard stood a stone table with a white jade bowl on it, the silver ear fungus soup inside still steaming slightly.

Huang Ting led Su Chan'er to the stone table and gently pressed her onto his lap. His fingertips slid down her slender waist, and through the thin gauze dress, he could clearly feel the warmth and smoothness of her skin. He lowered his head to smell the gardenia scent in her hair, and all the tension and fatigue of the past few days vanished, leaving only undisguised desire in his eyes.

"My Chan'er is still the most considerate," he whispered, his voice hoarse and heavy with breath, as he reached out to unbutton the buttons on her collar.

Su Chan'er playfully pushed him away, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling: "Master, don't be silly, what if the servants see us?" "What are you afraid of? Besides you and me, who dares to come into this west wing?" Huang Ting said dismissively, his hands still moving. "Once tonight's deed is done, I'll make you my second wife, and you'll live a life of luxury."

A hint of joy flashed in Su Chan'er's eyes, and she was about to speak when...

A sudden change has occurred!

From the densest shadow of the pomegranate tree, a figure emerged without warning, like a ghost blending into the night. There were no footsteps, no fluctuations in his aura, as if he had always been there.

The man was dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit, his figure as straight as a pine tree, his face expressionless, his eyes as calm as a deep pool of water.

Looking at the two people intertwined, he said calmly, "It seems I've come at the wrong time, spoiling Patriarch Huang's enjoyment."

Huang Ting's expression changed drastically. He abruptly pushed Su Chan'er off his lap and stood up abruptly. His blood and qi instantly tensed, and his muscles and bones made a slight popping sound. His relaxed expression vanished, replaced by a chilling killing intent.

"Who are you?! How did you get in?" he shouted sharply, his gaze fixed on the man in black like a knife. The entire Huang mansion was heavily guarded, with sentries every three steps and guards every five steps. It was simply unbelievable that this person had managed to sneak into the depths of the mansion so silently!

"Of course, it was with the help of your most trusted maid, Chan'er, who personally opened the back door for me." The man in black remained calm, his tone indifferent: "Patriarch Huang, after tonight, not a single person in the Huang family will be spared."

"Chan'er?!"

Huang Ting turned his head sharply, only to find his side empty. A cunning glint flashed in Su Chan'er's eyes. Taking advantage of the brief pause in their conversation, she nimbly slipped out through the side door. Before leaving, she gave Huang Ting a mocking look, then vanished into the night.

"You bitch!"

Huang Ting roared, his anger rising to his head. He no longer questioned the man's identity, stomped his foot on the ground, and charged at the man in black like an arrow! His right arm snapped back, the bones crackling slightly, and his entire arm, like a bow bent to its limit, suddenly slashed out!

Tongbei Fist! Chuanyun Palm!

The palm strike was condensed like a blade, carrying a heavy and fierce force. Even before it reached him, a biting wind pressed against his face, aiming straight for the black-clad man's neck.

Wow! The speed was incredibly fast, and the palm strikes were domineering and ruthless, fully displaying the killing prowess of a veteran master of internal energy!

The man in black neither dodged nor evaded; his blood and qi surged violently, and his forearm suddenly flipped up, his muscles taut like steel, to meet the deadly palm strike head-on!

Bajiquan! Facing the Wind and Rising Sun Hand!

"Bang!"

A deep, resounding boom, like a giant drum striking the sky, suddenly erupted, causing the entire courtyard to tremble slightly!

The energy exploded, sending pomegranate petals flying wildly across the ground!

Huang Ting felt an unimaginable, violent force rushing from his palm to his arm, causing his blood and qi to surge and churn instantly, and his tiger's mouth to ache terribly! He involuntarily staggered back half a step, leaving a shallow indentation on the bluestone slab under his feet, before he could barely steady himself.

He suddenly looked up, staring intently at the motionless man in black opposite him, his eyes instantly filled with extreme shock.

Just then, a night breeze swept by, lifting the black veil at the edge of the man in black's hat. Moonlight streamed in, illuminating half of his young face and his cold, icy eyes.

Add to that the incredibly accurate Bajiquan "Facing the Sun with the Wind" technique from just now, and this person's uniquely upright posture.

Huang Ting's pupils suddenly contracted, and he exclaimed in disbelief, "Qin Heng?! It's you?!"

Before the words were even finished, a deafening roar of battle erupted in the front courtyard of the mansion! Flames shot into the sky, staining half the inky night sky crimson. The clang of metal on metal and the screams and roars of agony swept in layer upon layer, plunging the entire Huang family mansion into chaos instantly!

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