Chapter 151: “Exchanging Techniques”

Meng Qi was chewing on a chicken leg, thinking that Hua Tiange’s worried expression was too obvious. As the leader of a martial arts sect and an experienced expert in the martial world, how could he show such obvious anxiety in front of most of the heroes from the Three Mountains and Four Rivers on the occasion of his own fiftieth birthday? Where was his composure and cultivation?

It was understandable for someone to lose control of their expression when caught completely off guard by shocking or incredible news. However, the challenge from the Qinshan Sword Sect had been agreed upon three years ago. If Hua Tiange was going to worry, he should have started worrying long ago. Why did he still display his anxiety like a naive youngster or a newcomer to the martial world? Such behavior was hardly befitting of an old hand in the martial world.

Besides, this was merely a contest for temporary custody of the Celestial Marvelous Stone, not a permanent loss. There would be another opportunity to reclaim it in three years. Why act as if a close relative had died?

“This time, both Zengxian Sect and the previous Qinshan Sword Sect have benefited greatly from the Celestial Marvelous Stone, creating several new martial arts techniques. However, their sword and saber techniques are yet to be perfected, and the disciples haven’t had enough time to master them. The odds of victory are slim. No wonder Master Hua is so worried, to the point of his hair turning noticeably whiter,” Wu Qinxin sighed. Regarding the Celestial Marvelous Stone, who among the various sects and martial heroes of the “Three Mountains and Four Rivers” didn’t desire it? However, both Zengxian and Qinshan sects had powerful sects and influential families behind them, and their claims were justified. Others could only join in the excitement but wouldn’t dare to confront them openly.

At the banquet, a short old man chuckled, “Ever since obtaining the Celestial Marvelous Stone, Master Hua’s hair has turned whiter day by day. Truly enviable!”

Of course it was enviable! Devoting one’s energy and wisdom to comprehending martial arts from the Celestial Marvelous Stone and feeling the aura of ancient deities—how could that not drain one’s vitality and cause premature graying?

Shangguan Han softly exclaimed, “Hua Lun isn’t here?”

Among the disciples surrounding Hua Tiange, he recognized about half, but this didn’t prevent him from noticing Hua Lun’s absence. After all, within the Three Mountains and Four Rivers, Hua Lun was also a well-known expert.

“Hua Lun isn’t here…” Meng Qi slightly furrowed his brow. Something felt off. Perhaps Hua Tiange’s anxiety stemmed from something else.

As a vassal of the Zhenyi Sect, affiliated with the Zhenyi Sect itself, Meng Qi naturally felt more favorably toward Zengxian Sect compared to the Qinshan Sword Sect, instinctively taking their side.

However, losing merely meant losing temporary custody for three years. Meng Qi had no intention of intervening, nor did he have a valid reason to do so.

“Could it be that Hua Lun is afraid?” A man with twin maces on his back at the banquet said mockingly.

Since this was an open banquet, Hua Tiange did not prevent martial artists with poor relations to his sect from attending. They weren’t here just to eat—they had come to witness the expected defeat of the Zengxian Sect, eager to enjoy the spectacle.

“Hua Lun is a direct disciple of the Zhenyi Sect. He would never abandon his position even if he believed victory was unlikely. Besides, who could mock him for losing to Young Master Huang Yun? Who among the Three Mountains and Four Rivers, aside from a few sect leaders and clan heads, could claim certain victory over Huang Yun? Losing to him is perfectly normal,” Wu Qinxin believed it unlikely that Hua Lun would avoid the match.

Eagerly eavesdropping on their discussion, Meng Qi continued to enjoy his meal without pause. Zengxian Sect occupied nearby farmland and had mines and medicinal fields deep in the mountains. They were generous hosts, hiring excellent chefs. The salt-baked fat chicken fully brought out the freshness of the meat—tender and smooth, surpassing any seasoning. It was simply irresistible.

“Brother Meng, soon you’ll get to see the Celestial Marvelous Stone,” Wu Qinxin didn’t neglect to inform his “companion.”

With his mouth full of chicken and lips glistening with oil, Meng Qi couldn’t reply and could only nod slightly.

Others at the table chuckled silently, shaking their heads. They regarded Meng Qi as an idle martial artist who had come along with Wu Qinxin just to enjoy the feast.

Wu Qinxin frowned slightly. Brother Meng was eating far too enthusiastically. Everyone came mainly to watch the martial contest and enjoy the spectacle, not just to eat!

A smile formed on Shangguan Han’s lips. His initial judgment had indeed been correct.

Hua Tiange led several elders and disciples to the head table and lightly coughed, “I am deeply grateful to all heroes for coming to celebrate my birthday…”

After a series of pleasantries, he sighed, “You all know that the Qinshan Sword Sect has arranged to come today to fulfill our three-year agreement. If this causes any inconvenience, please do not hold it against us.”

The crowd immediately expressed their lack of objection, except for those close to the Zengxian Sect. Who wasn’t here to watch the match?

Hua Tiange pulled out a wrapped bundle from his sleeve and placed it on an empty table at the head of the hall: “This is the Celestial Marvelous Stone. I invite all of you to witness it together.”

The martial heroes collectively held their breath, staring intently as Hua Tiange unwrapped the bundle, hoping to glimpse the secrets of supreme martial arts from afar.

Meng Qi took a bite of Qishui fish, its savory saltiness filling his mouth, while his gaze was also fixed on the bundle.

The wrapping slowly came off, revealing a black stone about the size of a fist. It seemed ordinary at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it gave the impression of containing a terrifying ferocious beast within, causing one’s mind to tremble.

“Divine pressure…” Meng Qi was no stranger to this sensation—he could even simulate it himself. However, with the black stone acting as a barrier, this pressure was faint and hard to perceive clearly.

“Truly worthy of being the Celestial Marvelous Stone…” Wu Qinxin murmured, as if entranced.

Shangguan Han’s grip on his bamboo chopsticks made his veins bulge, his eyes completely captivated by the Celestial Marvelous Stone. He longed to snatch it away and study it thoroughly.

“Tsk, aside from divine blood, the Celestial Marvelous Stone itself is extraordinary. It can block most divine pressure and is an excellent material for forging artifacts,” Meng Qi mused inwardly. He could easily imagine that artifacts incorporating this stone would likely protect against spiritual shocks and weaken mental attacks.

Hua Tiange displayed the Celestial Marvelous Stone to everyone to show he hadn’t hidden it, causing the hall to fall into a hushed silence as all eyes remained fixed on it.

Before he even set the stone down, a cheerful laughter echoed from the entrance: “Master Hua is indeed a man of his word, displaying the treasure early. This old man truly admires you.”

Meng Qi turned his head with the crowd and saw a group of over ten people at the door. Leading them was an elderly man with white hair, gaunt features, wearing a green robe, carrying a long sword, and exuding a graceful aura.

“Master Ning Jidao, the ‘Sword in the Wind,'” Wu Qinxin quietly introduced the “outsider” Meng Qi.

Meng Qi gave a slight nod, glancing briefly at Ning Jidao’s wooden sword scabbard before shifting his gaze to the two young men beside him. One wore an elaborate wide-brimmed hat and flowing robes, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, his hands as smooth as jade, his expression subtly haughty. The other young man, in his early twenties, had an ordinary appearance, a warm smile, and a somewhat debonair air, holding a long sword with a sharkskin scabbard.

“Master Huang, the ‘Flying Cloud Sword,'” Wu Qinxin said, her eyes sparkling as she looked at the smiling young man, which visibly annoyed Shangguan Han.

“And the other one?” Meng Qi sensed that the other young man’s aura was no less imposing than Huang Yun’s.

Shangguan Han frowned. “Don’t know.”

Wu Qinxin also shook her head, indicating she didn’t recognize him either. She pointed to the two young swordsmen behind Huang Yun: “Lu Qiusheng, the ‘Glimmering Sword,’ and Tao Kang, the ‘Soft Sword Adhering to the Bone.’ They are known together as the ‘Three Swords of Qinshan,’ though most of their fame comes from Master Huang. They’ve both reached the Four Aperture stage.”

She looked down on Lu Qiusheng and Tao Kang, believing they had only gained their reputations by clinging to Huang Yun.

“Haven’t heard of them…” Meng Qi shrugged slightly.

“Master Ning arrived right on time. May I ask who this esteemed guest is?” Hua Tiange, clearly unfamiliar with the young man’s haughty demeanor and elaborate attire, inquired.

Ning Jidao smiled and introduced, “This is Young Master Zhang Zhihuan of the Huizhou branch of the Zhang Clan from Longnan, known in the martial world as ‘Divine Palm of the Blazing Sun.'”

So he was a member of a collateral branch of the Zhang Clan from Longnan. That explained his noble arrogance, Meng Qi realized.

“Ah, ‘Divine Palm of the Blazing Sun’! I’ve heard rumors that he’s just a step away from making it onto the Human Rankings. Once he opens the Seven Apertures, he’s sure to be included!” Wu Qinxin exclaimed dramatically.

Shangguan Han and others at the banquet frowned: “The Zhang Clan of Longnan has sent someone directly?”

Zhang Zhihuan politely congratulated Hua Tiange on his birthday, then added, “While traveling here, I heard that Young Master Huang would be challenging your son. I came specifically to observe and have no other intentions.”

Hua Tiange nodded slightly, saying with a bitter smile, “Please forgive me, my son left two days ago and has not yet returned. I am very worried.”

“Young Master Hua hasn’t returned?” Ning Jidao slightly furrowed his brow. “Master Hua, which three disciples have you chosen to represent your sect?”

The crowd was disappointed. Would they miss the anticipated martial arts duel? Had Hua Lun truly disregarded his honor and fled?

Before Hua Tiange could respond, Huang Yun smiled warmly and said, “If Young Master Hua does not participate, our sect’s victory would be undeserved. How about this—we delay the contest for three days to show our respect. If Young Master Hua still hasn’t returned after three days, Master Hua can appoint another disciple. How does that sound?”

Hua Tiange was surprised by Huang Yun’s reasonableness and looked at Ning Jidao in astonishment.

Ning Jidao pondered for a moment and smiled, “What my son suggests is my own opinion as well.”

“Very well, very well,” Hua Tiange said gratefully. He had originally planned to add another disciple.

The martial heroes at various banquet tables were even more disappointed. Not only would there be no expert duel, but the match was postponed for three days. It felt like a wasted trip. Meng Qi’s thoughts were similar—he wasn’t against the delay either.

For a moment, the hall became noisy.

Huang Yun scanned the crowd with a smile: “Master Hua, many heroes have waited for quite some time. If we were to disperse now, it would surely dampen their enthusiasm. How about my sect’s three disciples spar with a few heroes to satisfy everyone’s expectations?”

Hua Tiange’s expression immediately soured. This was clearly upstaging him. Huang Yun could easily choose his own disciples, delivering a slap now and another in three days.

“Master Huang’s suggestion is truly insightful!” Many spectators who were just there for the spectacle cheered.

Considering that he had just accepted a favor from Huang Yun, and seeing the guests’ enthusiasm, Hua Tiange bitterly smiled and said, “Master Huang indeed understands the hearts of the people. Please send out your disciples for some demonstrations.”

Huang Yun exchanged a glance with Lu Qiusheng, signaling him to step forward.

Lu Qiusheng, with a lean and cold face, carrying his sword, walked to the center of the banquet hall where a special area had been cleared for the contest. He bowed with his hands clasped together: “Junior respectfully invites Brother Hu to demonstrate.”

Indeed… Hua Tiange’s heart sank. The “Brother Hu” Lu Qiusheng mentioned was one of the three disciples from Zengxian Sect who had been scheduled to participate.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, the disciple surnamed Hu could not refuse and stepped forward with his sword drawn. The two engaged in a dazzling display of swordplay, their blades flashing and weaving intricate patterns, accompanied by the continuous clinking of metal.

“Excellent swordsmanship!” Wu Qinxin, Shangguan Han, and others exclaimed in unison, clearly impressed by the skill displayed by both fighters.

Meng Qi watched with great interest, muttering to himself, “Five openings, six openings, three openings…”

He almost wished he could join the match himself.

At the height of the duel, Lu Qiusheng suddenly flicked the disciple’s sword away with a single stroke, sending him stumbling backward and nearly colliding with Meng Qi’s banquet table.

Meng Qi quickly extended his sword horizontally, stopping the disciple’s fall and preventing the delicious food from being overturned.

All eyes turned toward Meng Qi, who was seen with a chicken leg in his mouth, looking like a firefly in the night sky—exceptionally “prominent.”

Oops, didn’t strike a good pose! Meng Qi inwardly “regretted.”

“Thank you for the match,” the disciple surnamed Hu said with a bow, his face flushed with embarrassment.

Lu Qiusheng looked back at Huang Yun and, upon seeing him give a slight nod, changed his target. He didn’t want to seem too deliberate in challenging Zengxian Sect disciples. He scanned the crowd and pointed at the “prominent” Meng Qi: “Young hero, would you care to spar with me?”

“Me?” Meng Qi put down the chicken bone and pointed at his own nose. A small sword duel shouldn’t expose his identity…

A faint smile barely appeared on Lu Qiusheng’s usually expressionless face: “Of course. Let’s keep it light and friendly.”

Meng Qi took out a handkerchief, leisurely wiped his mouth and hands, then tossed it onto the banquet table. With a bright smile, he looked at Lu Qiusheng:

“Then I won’t be modest.”