Martialism

Chapter 14's

The great hall of Gongsun Manor was huge and majestic. It was divided into three wall colors, gold, silver and bronze colors. And boxers are partitioned within these walls according to the reputation of their clan in the martial fraternity.

Gongsun Bai was the most powerful and most influential person in the entire martial fraternity for the past ten years. The Gongsun Martial Clan under his leadership had attracted many top martial exponents into the clan. Even top exponents like Gu Tianle the Warrior-God and Jue Yuan the Merciless were now in the clan of his protege, Honor Manor.

As the Grand Master of the Honor Manor, Gongsun Bai was also renowned for his martial skills, Iron Claw Skills and Unbeatable Divine Power Skills.

In the martial fraternity, no one else but Old Man Zuo the Sword Saint and Gu Tianle the God Warrior could rival his martial level. Old Man Zuo the Sword Saint had died last year and Gu Tianle the Warrior God had joined the Honor Manor.

Now that Gongsun Bai was not only the most powerful person in the entire martial fraternity, he was also the number one exponent of the martial fraternity.

Being invited to the Honor Manor, even for those sitting in bronze seats, was a great honor and honor. There were many boxers who were denied this opportunity and because of this, hundreds of small fights broke out in the martial fraternity to snatch the invitation.

Needless to say, all the boxers presented today are fearsome exponents and experienced boxers.

Nangong Le got the golden invitation. Of course he was supposed to be sitting in the golden section, the one closest to the host.

When he entered the large hall, he was instantly recognized by many people. Unlike the other three young masters of the martial fraternity, Nangong Le spent most of his time in the martial fraternity and became acquainted with many people.

Nangong Le fraternity name is ‘The Joyous’ because she is always smiling and excited. And today he had a reason to smile.

When he first entered the large hall, there was suddenly a silence. Everyone seemed to turn their attention to him. Although his role in this congregation was small, he seemed to steal the limelight and cause great jealousy among the many guests.

When Yi Ping and Ji Lingfeng entered the large hall with him, the boxers had never seen a matching pair in terms of looks and appeal. They instantly attracted everyone's attention, causing them to be blown away.

Young Master Qiu Wufeng and the Heartless Scholar were among the guests present. Although they had met Yi Ping before but they failed to recognize him. It was because the Yi Ping they knew for a while was a rough wanderer and this Yi Ping was clean and had a noble atmosphere around him. Moreover, Yi Ping back then was just a nobody without a name. No one will give him a little attention.

But today, he was in Nangong Le's company and Nangong Le's opponent would naturally be interested in whoever was with him.

Ever since Young Master Qiu Wufeng retreated from the Heavenly Mountains, he had been thinking of the Heavenly Elves. He began to lose interest in his food and in other women. It was because she had never seen such a charming person like the Heavenly Elf, until now.

Gongsun Jing immediately recognized Yi Ping. He wanted to recruit her to be his follower but a fight broke out between them. He thought, “No wonder he rejected my overthrow. It was because he was already a follower of Nangong Le. Too bad!”

Jue Yuan had recognized Yi Ping and Ji Lingfeng. He had tried to kill Yi Ping back then and thought Yi Ping was Young Master Qiu Wufeng's protege. The Qiu Clan had always been against the Gongsun Clan. His first thought was, “Did the Qiu Clan and the Nangong Clan already forge a secret alliance?”

Gu Tianle, the One-handed Warrior God had recognized Yi Ping and was relieved that this young man was fine. He had no idea that instead of helping Yi Ping that day, Jue Yuan was actually trying to kill him. Although he had a grudge with Qiao Feng the Shadow Kicker, his intention was not to hurt him. He thought Qiao Feng was nearby and wanted to settle the score with him.

Yi Ping recognized them all. He thought, “Good! Even though I was outnumbered today, I wasn't afraid of death. Let's finish our score once and for all today!”

He scanned his eyes to look for Gongsun Bai but it seemed like the host had yet to arrive.

He took a quick look and saw that only six of the seven major orthodox clans were displayed on the golden section of the wall. Judging from their colorful banners, the six main orthodox clans presented were the Infinity Sword Clan, Zen Sect, Monument Monastery, Divine Sword Martial Clan, Universal Truth Clan and Traverse Clan.

The Ironclad Clan was conspicuously absent from this meeting.

It was well known that the Ironclad Clan and the Heartless Scholars who were the followers of Young Master Qiu were at odds with each other and the Ironclad Clan were often absent from any encounters involving the Martial Clan Qiu Aristocracy.

There were at least thirty other clans seated in the silver and bronze sections of the hall.

Yi Ping thought, This “Gongsun Bai is indeed influential. He was able to invite so many martial clans to this congregation. But where is he? Why can I only see Gongsun Jing? Maybe this isn't the time he showed up yet? His status had to really stand out to make the martial congregation wait for him.”

Gongsun Jing laughed softly and walked up to Nangong Le respectfully, saying. “Welcome, welcome Young Master Nangong! We have been waiting for you to start the meeting.”

Nangong Le laughed, “I'm so flattered. I don't think I'm so important to make everyone wait.”

Gongsun Jing smiled, “Not at all, Brother Nangong. We are honored that you have decided to bless the congregation with your presence.”

Nangong Le smiled bitterly, “Not at all. Unless I am really tired of living, I would never think of not attending a trial.”

Gongsun Jing asked quietly, “What do you mean by that? …”

But before he could finish, he was interrupted by Reverend Bai Chongzhen, who was the protege master of the Traverse Clan, “Brother Ling, how are you?”

Reverend Ling Kongquan smiled awkwardly, “Not as good as the Traverse Clan of course. Look at Quiet City, we just got a silver invitation.” He deliberately looked at Gongsun Jing for a moment.

Gongsun Jing smiled, “Other times, we will definitely issue a golden invitation to Quiet City.”

Jue Yuan the Merciless grinned, “It still depends on whether the Quiet City is worthy of getting the golden invitation of the Honorary Manor.”

Reverend Bai Chongzhen looked at Jue Yuan and asked, “What do you mean?”

Jue Yuan said, “If Quiet City thinks that he deserves the golden seat, then his protege should be able to prove that they deserve that honor.”

Jue Yuan looked at Yi Ping, Ji Lingfeng, and Reverend Ling Kongquan before saying, “Just because they know Young Master Nangong Le, they think they deserve a seat in the golden section? Is it fair to other boxers?”

He deliberately said it out loud and attracted the attention of many boxers.

Gongsun Jing smiled awkwardly, “Master Jue Yuan ..”

But Jue Yuan ignored Gongsun Jing's awkwardness and continued to say loudly, “Do you think you deserve that honor?”

There was a murmur among the boxers and some shouted, “Prove that you deserve the honor!”

Gongsun Jing continued to smile awkwardly. It was because Jue Yuan was his protege teacher and as his student, he had to respect her even though he had a higher status than her in Honor Manor.

Gu Tianle instantly knew that Jue Yuan wanted to humiliate Nangong Le and his acquaintance.

But of course, he did not know that Jue Yuan was still heartbroken because Yi Ping and this beautiful mysterious girl had escaped his fist. No problem, he would give them a hard lesson that they would never forget today!

Reverend Bai Chongzhen smiled wryly, “Did you forget that the Quiet City and the Traverse Clan are from the Emei Clan?”

Jue Yuan said sadly, “There are so many Emei Clans in the Western Brotherhood. Just because the Quiet City was also an Emei Clan, they deserved a golden seat? Great hope! I'm afraid Reverend Ling Kongquan still has to prove it!”

Reverend Ling Kongquan is really upset, “You stupid monk! Are you really fighting with Quiet City or just me?”

Yi Ping was amused. It was clear that Jue Yuan was deliberately provoking them. Just as he was about to step forward, Ji Lingfeng inconspicuously pulled on his sleeve and he remained calm.

Zuo Tianyi, the young protege master of the Infinity Sword Clan and also one of the four young masters of the martial fraternity's fame, looked at Ji Lingfeng with bewildered eyes. He had taken over the leadership of the Infinity Sword Clan when his grandfather, Holy Sword, died last year after a deadly duel with Ji Wuzheng, the Sacred Sect Leader of the Sacred Hex Sect.

In fact, other than Zuo Tianyi, many other boxers were also staring at her dazzling beauty. Only the blind do not notice it. Only the protege of the Monastery of Monuments did not stare at him.

It was because the clan proteges of the Monument Monastery were all monks. When they saw Ji Lingfeng, they lowered their heads and looked the other way. The young monks accompanying the older ones suddenly turned red and started chanting the incantations gently.

The Monument Monastery is famous for its seventy-two epic martial skills, with each monk-soldier practicing at least one epic martial skill in their lifetime.

But the real reason why Zuo Tianyi was staring at Ji Lingfeng was because he had recognized her!

His father died in a duel when he was very young and he was raised by his grandfather. And now, his grandfather, Old Man Zuo the Sword Saint had died because of his brother!

The reason Zuo Tianyi recognized him was because the two of them were presented at a duel between the Sword Saint and Ji Wuzheng, the Sacred Sect Leader of the Sacred Hex Sect!

Zuo Tianyi's fingers started twitching and trembling slightly…

One year ago at the peak of the Lofty Green Mountains, Ji Wuzheng had the tenacity to challenge the Sword Saint. Back then, she was with her grandfather and Girl Ji with her brother.

Sword Saint asked, “You came to challenge me?”

Ji Wuzheng said coldly, “I dare not!”

Sword Saint asked again, “Then why did you send me an invitation to come here?”

Ji Wuzheng smiled, “It wasn't me who was looking for a challenge, but you.”

Holy Sword said, “Oh?”

Ji Wuzheng said, “You are a peerless swordsman and there is no one in the fraternity to suit you. Don't you feel lonely at the top?”

Sword Saint said, “Indeed. No one else understands my feelings. There were once two super exponents during my time that could be my match. One is Yi Tianxing and the other is your late father.”

Ji Wuzheng asked, “You seem to have forgotten the famous Gongsun Bai and Gu Tianle the Warrior God. In the martial fraternity, they were ranked at the very top.”

Old Man Zuo, Sword Saint, stroked his long white beard and said, “That's it, but not twenty years ago.”

Ji Wuzheng said, “But you didn't mention it?”

Sword Saint replied, “Twenty years ago, they were nowhere near my martial level and I didn't realize it.”

Ji Wuzheng said, “Don't forget that Gu Tianle has killed my father.”

The Sacred Sword said, “Although I am not there, I know that your father had a secret duel with Yi Tianxing that aggravated the internal injuries present. Saying that Gu Tianle actually defeated your father, is an exaggerated statement.”

Ji Wuzheng said, “You know my father suffered internal injuries?”

Sword Saint nodded slowly, “I was there when Yi Tianxing and your father fought each other. It's just they didn't notice me.”

Ji Wuzheng and Ji Lingfeng were both dumbfounded as they both asked together, “You there?”

Old Man Zuo the Sword Saint looked at the floating clouds and said, “I too, want to challenge your father with my Infinity-Two. After watching that duel, I knew how unpredictable their martial levels were. Inspired by that duel, twenty years later, I finally reached Infinity-One.”

Ji Wuzheng said, “In the current fraternity, Gongsun Bai and Gu Tianle are formidable fighters and their martial levels are unpredictable. They also have few decent opponents. Are they worthy of being your opponent?”

Ji Wuzheng asked, “How about me?”

The Sword Saint said, “I guess you have sent me an invitation because you have mastered the Sacred Merger Skill?”

Ji Wuzheng said, “Indeed I have.”

Sword Saint laughed, “Good! I've been waiting for over twenty years to find a match.”

Ji Wuzheng said coldly, “Unfortunately, I am still no match for you in swordsmanship. I have long heard that you have fully mastered the Infinite Sword Game. I'm still young and don't want to experience your First Unbeatable.”

The Sacred Sword said, “What do you propose?”

Ji Wuzheng said, “I've heard that you're looking for a breakthrough for the First Without Borders. But without meeting a worthy opponent, no matter how long you contemplate it, it is very difficult for you to uncover Zero Without Borders.”

Sword Saint stroked his long white beard and said, “Indeed! And this is my biggest regret.”

Ji Wuzheng said, “You are so close yet so far from it.”

Sword Saint nodded sadly, “Indeed!”

Ji Wuzheng said, “The secret to uncovering Infinite-Zero lies in the Infinite Memorizing Skill. Sacred Merging Skills and Unbounded Pronunciation were the top two emblematic skills in the fraternity. If there is a skill that can help you to gain a new understanding of Infinite Pronunciation, it should be another unexpected skill like the Sacred Amalgamate Skill.”

Holy Sword said, “Indeed. You're not afraid of death?”

Ji Wuzheng said, “If I was afraid of death, I wouldn't be here.”

Sword Saint laughed out loud, “Excellent! Let's go.”

Ji Wuzheng laughed, “Good! Let's go now!”

Only Zuo Tianyi and Ji Lingfeng were left behind. It was because it was a secret duel between Old Man Zuo the Sword Saint and Ji Wuzheng.

They leave at dawn and return when the dust falls.

Needless to say, Zuo Tianyi and Ji Lingfeng had spent an entire day together.

When Ji Wuzheng and Old Man Zuo had returned, the two of them were severely injured and supported each other as they walked towards Zuo Tianyi and Ji Lingfeng. But their eyes were beaming and they were laughing out loud.

Zuo Tianyi could still remember the day well; his grandfather had gripped him very hard as he exclaimed excitedly, “I finally broke the last complicated word of the Unbounded Readings! I no longer have the mental strength to uncover Zero Immortality but you can!”

Not long after, his grandfather, the Holy Sword, was crushed by his injuries and died. The Sword Saint had never blamed Ji Wuzheng and the Sacred Hex Sect even in his final moments. In fact, he was grateful and hoped that Ji Wuzheng would survive his injuries and become a worthy opponent for his grandson, Zuo Tianyi.

It was because even though Zuo Tianyi knew the final complicated formula now, but it still took years of hard work and mediation before he could even comprehend the true essence of Infinite-First and Infinite-Zero. The final complicated formula was just a clue and would still change depending on the martial advancement of the practitioner. But it's a big step forward.

Zuo Tianyi was a prodigy ever since he was young. At the age of twenty, he had reached the Five-Fall Infinity and by the time he was twenty-eight years old, he had reached the Second-Endality. His grandfather, Sword Saint only grasped Infinity-Two when he was forty and Infinity-One when he was sixty.

In this fraternity, no one other than his grandfather knew the progress of his Infinity Sword Game. There were rumors that he had mastered Infinity-Nine but no one dared to try.

When Ji Lingfeng saw Zuo Tianyi looking at her intently, she immediately turned her eyes away and Yi Ping immediately noticed it.

Yi Ping thought, “They know each other? Isn't that the emblem of the Eternity Sword Clan? This man, he should be Zuo Tianyi, one of the four young masters of the martial fraternity and also the clan leader of the Infinity Sword Clan. Does Girl Ji know her as a friend? Or does he recognize her as his enemy?”

He really hoped it would be the last.

Suddenly, Jue Yuan shouted furiously, “He can stay but they must not stay!” He pointed at Yi Ping and Ji Lingfeng.

This did not make Nangong Le, Reverend Ling Kongquan and Reverend Bai Chongzhen happy at all.

It was like Jue Yuan gave Reverend Ling Kongquan the honor of sitting on a golden chair because of Reverend Bai Chongzhen.

Nangong Le said solemnly, “They are my guests and I have personally invited them. In addition, did you know that this Yi Ping youth is ..”

Jue Yuan interrupted, “I know this young man. He is nothing but a troublemaker. If he wanted to sit on the golden chair, he would have to prove his martial skills first!”

Jue Yuan started to show his merciless punch that he had created to fight Yi Ping.

Yi Ping could feel a strong wind raining down on him. He immediately raised his hand to counterattack. Judging from the calmness of his assailant and after exchanging a few blows, he knew that Jue Yuan used a type of martial art that could neutralize his opponent's strength.

Because he had already been warned by his father about a deadly martial art that could neutralize the opponent's power and its devastating effect, Yi Ping did not dare to move lightly but focused on exchanging blows with Jue Yuan with a forward fist.

Jue Yuan was confident that in less than twenty blows, this young man would be subdued by his merciless conqueror attitude. But to his surprise, Yi Ping was able to block, break away, and retaliate against him no matter how fast his punch was!

Jue Yuan was confused. How could this young man fight like an experienced exponent and the speed that Yi Ping released from his punch be so shocking!

Suddenly, Yi Ping rolled his hands and hit Jue Yuan's face hard! Jue Yuan was forced to immediately retreat five steps!

Jue Yuan was not seriously injured but he was furious. He immediately exerted his martial power and thought, “If he dares to take my blow, then I can defeat him with my martial power. If he dodges, then I have a gap to conquer him. Yes!!”

Yi Ping knew that the incoming blow Jue Yuan had charged with his martial power and if he did not avoid it, the consequences might be fatal. But he increased his martial power to receive the incoming blow…

Suddenly, there was an enormous thunder and Jue Yuan retreated six steps before he could calm down while Yi Ping retreated three steps.

As they steadied themselves, both coughed up blood. The clash of martial power drained the strength of the practitioners and could cause the vital energy in the body to become erratic, leading to death.

Jue Yuan did not believe that this young man had the foundation of internal strength to withstand his attacks.

Rather than taking the time to recover his vitality channel to prevent further internal injuries, the enraged Jue Yuan exerted all of his martial power and attacked Yi Ping once more!

When Yi Ping saw that Jue Yuan was charging towards him with all his martial power, he quickly showed the Asper Horizon Hand and there was a screaming explosive force in his palm as he met Jue Yuan's two hands with his right hand!

Once again, Yi Ping retreated three steps as he spat out more blood while Jue Yuan was sent flying back across the hall, greatly surprising the crowd!

Jue Yuan was one of the top exponents of the martial fraternity and was greatly feared by many! But today, a young man out of nowhere had defeated him; it was truly incredible!

Gongsun Jing was stunned because Jue Yuan, a top exponent and martial master of hers was defeated by Yi Ping. He trembled and quickly said to the people behind him, “Quickly check the condition of Mr. Jue Yuan.”

Gu Tianle was angry and shouted, “You dare to fight the Honor of Manor with your insults?!” He immediately attacked Yi Ping.

But before he could land a punch on Yi Ping, he was intercepted by a shadow running from the entrance of the hall. He immediately repelled the attacking blow and retreated five steps back!

Who would dare to fight with Gu Tianle, the One-handed Warrior God?

It was Reverend Liu Qingcheng, the Teacher of the Learners from the Quiet City!

Many boxers have recognized him.

Yi Ping was grateful for the sudden help as he had yet to recover his strength.

Ji Lingfeng wanted to intercept Gu Tianle but Reverend Liu Qingcheng was even faster.

Gu Tianle smirked, “You dare to fight with me?”

Reverend Liu Qingcheng said, “I dare not!”

Gu Tianle took it as a challenge, “But you've got. And those who dare to challenge me will end up dead or paralyzed. Surely, you know my rules.”

Nangong Le quickly said, “Quiet. It's just a misunderstanding. It's just a matter of seating. I ... we can sit on the silver chair. There is no need for us to ruin our harmony.”

Gu Tianle said, “You were given a golden invitation and chose not to sit on the golden chair. By disrespecting the seating arrangements of Honor Manor, you disrespect our Master. Are you thinking of going up against the Honorary Lord of the Palace?”

Suddenly, Nangong Le felt a chill down his spine and he was sweating. He started to take two steps back because he could not stand up straight. He had suppressed his injuries with his internal strength and Gu Tianle's cold speech broke his concentration and he felt a tremendous pain from his injuries. She stuttered, “Quiet, I didn't mean it.”

Gu Tianle looked at Yi Ping, Nangong Le, Reverend Ling Kongquan, Liu Qingcheng and Reverend Bai Chongzhen before he said, “So the Nangong Martial Clan, Quiet City and the Traverse Clan intend to fight the Honorary Manor?”

Suddenly, Yi Ping took a big step forward even though Ji Lingfeng had restrained her sleeves, “So what if I?”

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the hall as the boxers talked amongst themselves. It was because no one dared to challenge Gu Tianle, the One-handed God Warrior openly before. And this young man is brave!

Nangong Le was instantly deathly pale. He had thought he could make the situation a savage one and he was now completely in a dilemma!

Ji Lingfeng almost fainted from her stupid actions. He was lucky enough to overcome Jue Yuan but Gu Tianle was in a different league altogether.

Yi Ping thought that if he could win Gu Tianle, then he was one step closer to avenging his father. That's why he doesn't think much. That was his intention today and he saw no point in disguising his purpose.

Gu Tianle looked at him and said slowly, “Then, you will have to pay for your brave words today. You will regret every word you have mumbled and hope you never say it.”

Nangong Le felt awkward and confused. If he retreated now, the Nangong Martial Clan would lose their honor but if he helped Yi Ping, the Nangong Martial Clan could risk being annihilated by the Honor Manor. And moreover, this was their territory and they were surrounded by many top exponents.

Gu Tianle said to Yi Ping, “You can do the first step first.”

Yi Ping said coldly, “Then I won't be polite anymore.”

Ji Lingfeng clasped and her eyes beamed, “Let's go now ..”

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