Ren Woxing launched a fierce assault, noticing that Fang Zhengâs palm techniques were becoming increasingly sluggish. He was secretly pleased: ‘Though your cultivation is high, you havenât fought your way through countless life-and-death battles like I have. Thatâs why you struggle to unleash your full potential in actual combat.’
Just as he was about to press his advantage, he suddenly felt a numbness in his right arm as he struck out with his palm. His internal energy circulation became obstructed, causing him great alarm. He immediately realized that it was due to absorbing a portion of Kong Zhiâs power earlier, which he had yet to refine. With the intensity of this battle, that foreign energy had taken the opportunity to counteract him.
The truth was that while his Cosmic Absorption Technique was immensely powerful, it had a fatal flawâonce he absorbed too much internal energy, the different energies would start clashing and rebounding against him. Because of this, he normally had to allocate a portion of his own energy to suppress these foreign forces within him.
Under ordinary circumstances, with Ren Woxingâs level of mastery, this flaw wouldnât be too detrimental. However, Fang Zhengâs martial arts were on par with his, forcing him to exert his full strength unknowingly. As a result, the foreign energy within him was no longer suppressed and took the opportunity to strike back.
âAmitabha.â Fang Zheng quickly noticed his abnormality and immediately switched from defense to offense, sending a powerful palm strike toward Ren Woxingâs chest.
Ren Woxing gritted his teeth and had no choice but to meet the attack with his right palm. The two clashed, their bodies shaking from the impact. Fang Zheng remained steady, but Ren Woxing staggered back several steps. He felt his internal energy surge chaotically, and his heart sankâif this continued, he would lose all dignity in front of everyone.
Without hesitation, he retreated swiftly and, in a sudden motion, turned around and seized Kong Zhi by the chest with one hand while striking at his head with the other.
The move was so unexpected and swift that no one had anticipated it. Seeing Ren Woxing locked in combat with Master Fang Zheng and seemingly at a disadvantage, one would expect him to focus on self-preservation. Who could have predicted that he would suddenly turn and attack Kong Zhi instead? The change was too abrupt. Otherwise, even though Kong Zhi was a renowned monk, he would not have been captured so easily in a single move. The gathered monks gasped in shock, their voices ringing out in unison.
Master Fang Zheng immediately leaped forward like a bird in flight, launching both palms toward the back of Ren Woxingâs head. This was a well-known strategy in martial artsâ’Besiege Wei to Rescue Zhao’âforcing the opponent to abandon their attack to defend themselves.
The monks all admired Fang Zhengâs swift reaction, realizing that Kong Zhiâs life was saved. However, just as Ren Woxing withdrew his palm, instead of countering Fang Zhengâs attack, he directly seized the âShanzhong Acupointâ on Fang Zhengâs chest. With another precise movement, he struck his heart, causing Fang Zheng to collapse to the ground.
The Shaolin monks, now fully reacting to the situation, cried out in alarm and surged forward.
At this moment, Ren Woxingâs energy was in turmoil, so he had no intention of making things worse. He allowed the monks to retrieve Fang Zheng without resistance.
âAmitabha!â Abbot Xuan Ci furrowed his brows and sneered, âMaster Renâs tactics are nothing but trickery and deceit. This is hardly the conduct of a righteous man.â
Song Qingshu laughed heartily and interjected, âIn a contest of skill, victory depends on oneâs abilities. If one insists on playing fair all the time, thatâs just the foolish idealism of Duke Xiang of Song. Leader Ren is quick-witted and fought with strategy rather than brute force. Iâd say his victory was brilliant.â
Ren Woxing had initially felt a bit embarrassed for resorting to such tactics, but hearing Song Qingshuâs words, he suddenly felt his reputation restored. He thought to himself, âWhat a fine son-in-law indeed. Yingying will not suffer marrying him.â
Jiumozhi also chimed in, âThough I have resided in Tibet for many years, I am well aware of a saying from the Central PlainsââWarfare is the art of deception.â Surely the esteemed Abbot is knowledgeable enough to understand this principle?â
With the two men shifting the argument, Ren Woxing regained his composure and laughed loudly, âIs there even such a thing as righteous men in the Sun Moon Holy Cult? If I were truly a righteous man, my followers would have long converted to Buddhism. Then what would we even be fighting for?â
The Shaolin monks were left speechless by their remarks. Some of the more hot-tempered monks nearly cursed out loud but held back, remembering their monasteryâs precepts. However, their gazes were filled with burning anger as if they wanted to tear the four men apart.
Seeing the hostile looks from the monks, Zhang Sanfeng couldnât help but smile bitterly. The commotion had drawn unexpected attention to him. However, with his vast knowledge and experience, he was not like the average Shaolin monk. In fact, he secretly agreed with Song Qingshuâs reasoning. Over the years, the Mongols had resorted to all kinds of strategies in battle, continuously defeating the Southern Song forces. If martial artists continued to cling to outdated principles, it would not be in the best interest of the Han people.
âSince Master Ren disregards the rules of the martial world, then donât blame me for doing the same!â A loud voice rang out from the crowd as a figure suddenly lunged forward, launching a powerful palm strike at Ren Woxingâs back. Recognizing the attacker as Zuo Lengchan, the leader of the Songshan Sect, Ren Woxing quickly countered with a palm strike of his own, shouting, âGood!â
Ren Woxing was always competitive, and Zuo Lengchan had long been his rival. There was no way he would back down.
Zuo Lengchan had rushed over from Mount Song after receiving Abbot Xuan Ciâs message. He had remained silent, observing the battle, until he finally saw his opportunity to strike. His attacks alternated unpredictably between fists, palms, fingers, and claws, rapidly shifting through dozens of techniques. Ren Woxing, having just fought Master Fang Zheng, had consumed a great deal of internal energy and was now struggling against the sudden onslaught. He could only defend himself while secretly cursing his misfortune.
Song Qingshu furrowed his brows. With his keen eyes, he could see that Ren Woxing was still struggling to regain his breath. Without hesitation, he flashed forward to intervene. âMaster Zuo, for someone of your status, isnât it disgraceful to take advantage of others? Why donât I take you on instead?â
Zuo Lengchan had suffered multiple defeats at Song Qingshuâs hands. Seeing him now, he instinctively felt wary. However, with so many people watching, he couldnât afford to lose face. He quickly devised a plan and sneered, âIâll defeat this Ren fellow first, then deal with you. Do you think Iâm afraid of a two-on-one fight?â He then sent another punch toward Ren Woxing.
Zuo Lengchan thought himself cleverâif Song Qingshu intervened, he could accuse him of ganging up and retreat with his reputation intact. If Song Qingshu didnât step in, he could finish off Ren Woxing easily, strengthening his prestige and increasing his chances of uniting the Five Sacred Mountain Alliance.
Song Qingshu, however, wasnât about to let him exploit the situation. Just as he was about to block the attack, Ren Woxing coldly said, âStand aside, my good son-in-law!â
Song Qingshu hesitated, realizing Ren Woxingâs pride wouldnât allow him to lose face before so many people. However, he also didnât want Ren Woxing to suffer. With a grin, he said, âFine, Iâll step back for now. But this shameless man deserves at least a slap.â He then raised his hand toward Zuo Lengchanâs face.
Zuo Lengchan was both shocked and furious, hastily dodging aside. âAre you two ganging up on me?â
Song Qingshu merely scratched his face with his raised hand and laughed, âI was just scratching an itch. What, did that scare you?â
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