Plum blossoms danced with snow in the courtyard, moonlight reflecting on wine, as Meng Qi wore a solemn expression while gazing at Qi Zhengyan, waiting for his response.
As fate would have it, Qi Zhengyan had come to exchange martial arts techniques, so Meng Qi briefly mentioned his recent contact with an extraterrestrial strange stone during his journey through the “Three Mountains and Four Rivers,” gaining a bit of inheritance through Thunder Marks, emphasizing particularly how the Su Nu Sect pursued the heir of the Thunder God. He had no doubt that Gu Xiaosang had lied about this, because the sudden appearance of the Seven Celestial Maidens in the “Three Mountains and Four Waters” was indeed a fact, and the Iron-Hand Demon and Joyful Demon at that time were certainly fake.
Meng Qi had mentioned the Thunder Marks previously, so Qi Zhengyan was not surprised, merely sighing softly, “Brother Meng, since you inherited the true essence of the Ananda Breaking Precepts Blade Technique, you’ve continuously encountered extraordinary opportunities, truly making me envious.”
He did not dwell on this matter, pausing briefly before continuing solemnly, “If this matter proves true, it must be resolved quickly. The fact that ‘Gentleman Sword’ Meng Qi is my cousin is widely known in the city.”
If the Su Nu Sect confirms that the ‘Gentleman Sword’ is the heir to the Thunder God’s inheritance and fails to locate Meng Qi, they will naturally target Qi Zhengyan, hence his remark.
Moreover, the cousin relationship between Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan would not withstand close scrutiny. Although the Huanhua Sword School and the Zhou Jun Wang Clan merely regarded the new stars on the Human List with slight favor, the Su Nu Sect would certainly not overlook any detail in pursuit of the Thunder God’s inheritance.
“I’ve dragged you into this; my actions weren’t clean enough,” Meng Qi sincerely apologized. “I must ask for your help, Brother Qi. Please discreetly spread the word that Shan Xiumei is an heir of the Xuan Nu sect of Su Nu. There’s no need to make people fully believe it—just enough to sow suspicion and raise vigilance. If the elders of the Wang Clan harbor any doubts, they will undoubtedly use covert methods to investigate the martial arts background of any woman close to their direct heir.”
“Shan Xiumei is difficult to deal with because she hides within the Wang family. If she were to act alone, we would be more than capable of retrieving the extraterrestrial stone together, completely eliminating the future threat.”
Meng Qi judged the strength of this Xuan Nu heir based on Gu Xiaosang’s solo mission that killed the Seven Celestial Maidens and relentlessly pursued Shan Xiumei. She was clearly weaker than Gu Xiaosang, at most reaching the level of the top ten on the Human List. Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan together, even if they couldn’t defeat her, could still seize the extraterrestrial stone with a well-planned ambush.
However, Meng Qi felt puzzled. If spreading rumors could force Shan Xiumei out of the Wang family, why didn’t Gu Xiaosang act? Even without mobilizing the Luo Sect, with her clever mind, she could easily accomplish this task.
What hidden purpose did she have?
This uncertainty about Gu Xiaosang’s true intentions was the biggest reason Meng Qi was reluctant to team up with her!
Qi Zhengyan nodded slightly, “It’s fine. In the martial arts world, one is always at the mercy of circumstances. In the future, I might also involve you in my affairs. As sworn brothers in life and death, we should help each other. I’ve been in Yedu for half a year now, spreading a rumor won’t expose me.”
Meng Qi had spent the past six months in secluded training, isolated from the martial arts world. Even if he wanted to spread rumors, he couldn’t find a safe and covert channel immediately, so he had no choice but to entrust Qi Zhengyan. As the head of the Huanhua Sword School, although Qi had been lying low for the past six months, he had already built his own “martial arts network” through activities like fencing stolen gems.
Watching Qi Zhengyan depart, Meng Qi gazed at the crimson plum blossoms and sighed softly:
“The tree desires stillness, but the wind will not cease…”
…
With firecrackers ringing in the New Year, every household replaces old peachwood charms with new ones. After the New Year, all the city’s martial arts schools welcomed the grand event held every three years, a rehearsal for the martial arts examination in late spring and early summer.
All disciples of Qingfeng Martial Arts School, led by their master He Ye, arrived at “Chiyang Martial Arts School,” two streets away, which was the venue for this martial arts competition.
Looking at the grand and imposing gate and the plaque above it, He Mu nervously shivered.
In these few days, he had been practicing the “story” taught by Master Su diligently, striving to memorize it thoroughly, gradually gaining some confidence. However, when Chiyang Martial Arts School finally appeared before him, he realized he still couldn’t control his nervousness and anxiety, the confidence he had painstakingly built up seemingly vanishing into thin air.
“He Mu, don’t disgrace our martial arts school or disappoint Master’s trust,” the fifth senior apprentice, seeing He Mu’s pitiful state, scolded him with frustration.
He had always been resentful, puzzled as to why Master had chosen He Mu. After all, he had only beaten him twice, losing more often than not. If it came to talent, there were at least a dozen people in the martial arts school far superior to him!
This sentiment was shared by many disciples of Qingfeng Martial Arts School. The eldest senior apprentice, second senior apprentice, and third senior apprentice were all outstanding and thus beyond jealousy. The youngest apprentice and Cheng Qilang were naturally gifted and had always been favored by the master, so everyone had become accustomed to that. But why should He Mu, an ordinary disciple, be chosen?
Feeling the unfriendly gazes from some senior and junior apprentices, He Mu became even more nervous, only managing to calm himself by recalling the peace and tranquility of listening to Master Su reciting poetry under the plum tree.
“Senior He, since Master has chosen you, there must be a reason. Don’t be nervous, just do your best,” Qu Tianhe kindly encouraged him upon noticing He Mu’s dazed expression.
He Mu gratefully nodded, took a deep breath, thinking of Master Su’s ever-calm demeanor and the “stories” he had crafted, gradually calming his nerves.
Chiyang Martial Arts School was vast, with several martial arts halls, each containing seven or eight platforms for martial contests. There were second-floor balconies overlooking the platforms, where guests from aristocratic families, sects, and gangs casually watched the proceedings below, seeking out the young martial artists already renowned before the competition.
He Mu somewhat dazedly stepped onto the platform, facing a dashing young man, probably only one or two years older than him.
This platform was not particularly noticed, surrounded only by some members of Qingfeng Martial Arts School and the young man’s friends, relatives, senior and junior apprentices.
“Hengzhong Martial Arts School, Bai Liang,” the young man on the opposite side introduced himself with a bow.
He Mu shivered again, slightly stammering, “Qingfeng, Qingfeng Martial Arts School, He Mu.”
Hengzhong Martial Arts School was not far from Qingfeng Martial Arts School, and He Mu had heard of Bai Liang’s name. He had once narrowly lost to his third senior apprentice by a single move, clearly stronger than He Mu.
The martial arts judge on the platform shook his head with a smile. What kind of person did Old He send? Is this his relative?
He coughed, “Begin.”
Bai Liang did not show any courtesy, launching a fierce sword attack, aiming for a quick victory to not affect his subsequent matches that day. The martial arts competition lasted five days, with the first day having the most matches, eliminating most of the weaker participants to ensure exciting matches in the following four days.
The opponent advanced swiftly, and I should avoid his sharp edge, drawing him into my trap… This was a plot from the “story” crafted by Meng Qi, which He Mu had been pondering over these days, quickly recalling the counter-strategy in his mind.
However, as it was his first time participating in such an important match, and with his mind constantly reciting the story, he was not calm nor focused, reacting half a beat late. He stepped back, but his sword failed to rise in time, nearly being struck by Bai Liang.
Bai Liang seized the advantage relentlessly, pressing forward continuously. He Mu stumbled and staggered, struggling greatly, but he meticulously used his sword techniques to narrate the story.
“Shameful!” the fifth senior apprentice muttered below the platform. He Mu was too pitiful!
He Mu did not hear his words, because as the match progressed, he discovered that his opponent was gradually falling into his story, each response triggering a well-prepared plot twist he had long rehearsed!
His initial nervousness gradually transformed into excitement and exhilaration. His eyes became clear, and his actions were no longer hesitant or delayed, like a calm hunter, enticing his prey while patiently waiting for it to step into the trap, co-creating a turning point in the story together!
Now! He Mu’s gaze sharpened, retreating instead of advancing, slashing his sword diagonally.
After two clinks of sword collision, Bai Liang’s sword fell to the ground with a crack, his eyes wide with disbelief at his sudden defeat!
The martial arts judge shook his head. Bai Liang was too eager to attack, and his side exposed increasingly obvious vulnerabilities. What good fortune for He Mu!
He Mu’s face lit up with joy, his earlier nervousness gone, filled with confidence in his sword techniques and Master Su’s stories.
So I can be this strong!
So sword techniques can truly tell stories!
At this point, how could he not understand that Master Su was a true expert, a real master!
The fifth senior apprentice gaped in disbelief at He Mu’s victory. In the past, he himself had no chance against Bai Liang, let alone He Mu, who was inferior to him!
He Mu jumped off the platform, full of anticipation for the upcoming matches.
The next day, he fought four more matches, gradually becoming more proficient, weaving Meng Qi’s stories with ease. Different opponents brought different twists and turns, from perilous reversals to calm control.
By the final match, his performance had drawn the attention of many martial arts school members. He Ye was particularly surprised, as the sword techniques he had taught were transformed by He Mu into something entirely different.
“Excellent,” He Ye praised He Mu, feeling vindicated in his judgment. His swordplay was agile and unexpected. “Your opponent tomorrow will be Cao Chengye from Chiyang Martial Arts School. He has just opened his eye cavity and is destined to train with the Wang Clan. Just do your best with your sword techniques, don’t worry about winning or losing.”
“Yes, Master,” He Mu didn’t expect to win. Even someone who had just opened a cavity was worlds apart from him, who had merely reached the initial stage of Qi cultivation. He was simply thrilled to have seemingly touched a new world, a new realm where sword techniques could tell stories!
After returning to the martial arts school, He Mu thought for a moment and decided to stay for more practice. After everyone had left, he quietly approached Meng Qi’s door and knocked three times.
“Come in, the door’s unlocked,” he heard Master Su’s warm voice.
Pushing the door open, he saw Master Su sitting under the corridor, facing a Go board with an unfinished game, a copper brazier beside him emitting fragrant incense, filling the cool air with a sense of calm.
“Did you win?” Meng Qi asked casually, contemplating the sword techniques while looking at the Go board.
He Mu quickly replied, “I won five matches. Thank you, Master Su, for your guidance.”
“Good, you picked it up quickly,” Meng Qi looked up and smiled, praising him, “Continue tomorrow.”
“I’m afraid I won’t be able to continue tomorrow,” He Mu said softly, “My opponent has just opened a cavity.”
Meng Qi became interested immediately, “Opened a cavity? Such people are rare in martial arts competitions, aren’t they?”
“Yes, he is already destined to train with the Wang Clan,” He Mu answered honestly.
“Wang Clan…” Meng Qi pondered for a moment, then asked with a smile, “Do you want to win?”
“How… how can I win?” He Mu’s eyes widened, this was impossible!
“In a fair fight, you have no chance, but this is a martial arts competition,” Meng Qi smiled, “You used your sword techniques today to tell everyone a story. If your opponent isn’t careless, he will definitely ask around, forming an image of you in his mind—an image of a cautious swordsman skilled in luring opponents into traps.”
“In other words, today’s experience and performance have given your opponent a very believable story beginning! Haha, telling stories with sword techniques isn’t limited to just one match…”
He Mu was stunned, half-understanding, could today’s performance really serve as the beginning of another match’s story?
It was unimaginable!
If it were a game of chess, it would be a deep and far-reaching strategy!
Meng Qi put down the black piece in his hand, his expression serious as he said, “You can’t afford to engage him in a prolonged battle, so you must use this believable story beginning to give your opponent a twist, a reckless and rapid story…”
He told He Mu the new “story,” leaving He Mu in shock and disbelief: “This… this can actually work?”
“You’re going to lose anyway, so why not try?” Meng Qi chuckled lightly.
He Mu nodded firmly: “Thank you, Master Su.”
He now had blind faith in Master Su.
Meng Qi stood up, hands behind his back, gazing at the courtyard with a calm expression: “After today, whether you win or lose, don’t come looking for me again.”
“Why… why not?” He Mu asked urgently.
Meng Qi didn’t turn around, sighing softly:
“With the arising and dispersing of conditions, I too must set out on my journey. Reflect deeply on these stories yourself. If we meet again in the future, I hope you will have become a master of sword techniques.”
He Mu bit his lip: “Yes, Master Su.”
As he left the courtyard with a heavy heart, Qi Zhengyan emerged from the side room, exhaling deeply: “Brother Meng, are you feeling a bit sentimental? Worried about the journey ahead, about the Su Nu Sect matters or the deadly mission?”
Meng Qi looked up at the plum blossoms, speaking calmly: “Senior Brother Qi, don’t you think this state, this demeanor, and a touch of subtle sadness are exactly what a hermit martial arts master should embody?”
Qi Zhengyan clenched his fists tightly, then slowly relaxed them: “Today, Lady Wang secretly tested Shan Xiumei’s martial arts foundation and found no issues. She’s not from the Su Nu Sect.”
“What?” Meng Qi turned to look at Qi Zhengyan.
…
The next day, at Chiyang Martial Arts School.
Wang Ce brought Shan Xiumei to the second floor, slightly apologetically saying, “Xiumei, my mother is being overly cautious. Please don’t take it to heart.”
“I know the Iron-Hand Demon incident has made everyone suspect me, but the innocent will naturally clear themselves,” Shan Xiumei replied calmly, with a hint of stubbornness.
Wang Ce smiled ingratiatingly: “Of course I believe you.”
He glanced downstairs, deliberately changing the subject: “Xiumei, the martial arts school competition is a grand event in Yedu. You must comment on it later.”
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