"Chen Sanshi!"
Chen Sanshi, who had been resting with his eyes closed, was called awake. Opening his eyes, he saw a bald monk with a great beard, yet the man was clad in armor.
He had heard Sun Buqi mention this man before. He was Governor Sun's fifth disciple, Meng Guangxin. He had become a monk in childhood, only to later discover that Buddhist teachings could not save people, so he joined the army and trained in martial arts.
"Greetings, General Meng."
Out of courtesy, Chen Sanshi rose and cupped his fists. "What does the General need from me?"
"Amitabha, Amitabha."
Meng Guangxin recited the Buddha's name twice in succession. "I'm here to teach you how to beat that Cao fellow!"
Chen Sanshi asked, "General Meng, isn't this against the rules?"
"What rule does this break? Guidance outside the arena is perfectly normal. Plenty of people had elders following them through the previous matches—you simply didn't see them!"
Meng Guangxin gripped the Crescent Shovel in his hand. "Learn my thirty-six forms of the Mercy Transcending Staff Technique, and I guarantee you'll beat that Cao fellow!"
As he spoke, he began demonstrating stance work and killing moves on the spot.
With every strike, nearly tangible astral energy blasted great craters into the ground. Before long, the area within a hundred paces was riddled with holes, dust filling the sky.
"Thank you for your kindness, General Meng."
Chen Sanshi could not stop him even if he tried. "But how could I learn it and use it immediately? There's no time."
"That's true."
Meng Guangxin rubbed his bald head. "How about this? Forget your spear technique and use these three moves of mine..."
"Monk!"
A somewhat effeminate voice sounded.
Seventh Senior Brother Ye Fengxiu arrived and scolded darkly, "Monk, stop misleading the younger