Zhunti Passes by Flower-Fruit Mountain, Sets Up an Array

Golden Peng slowly stepped forward and looked at Yuan Hong. "Little monkey, what brings you here?"

Yuan Hong grinned. "Senior Brother Golden Peng, Master sent me to bring Senior Brother Ao Lie back to Yingzhou Island. He said he had something important to discuss with him. Also, if I happened to run into you, I was to spar with you and have you help temper my close-combat mystic arts."

Golden Peng nodded. "Easy enough. Ao Lie and my Third Sister have something to take care of. I'll spar with you for a while first and help you hone your combat techniques. Once they're done, you can go find Ao Lie. How does that sound?"

Yuan Hong obediently nodded. "Then many thanks, Senior Brother Golden Peng..." With that, he gripped the Sky-Supporting White Jade Pillar as mana surged around him, and smashed it toward Golden Peng.

Golden Peng rubbed his hands, and the Profound Dragon Halberd of Yin Yang appeared in his grasp. He met the blow with a slash. "Good! As expected of one of Master's disciples—you've got some skill."

As Golden Peng charged at him, Yuan Hong swung the Sky-Supporting White Jade Pillar toward Golden Peng's shoulder with a shriek of wind. Pale golden mana wrapped around the staff, making the blow look immensely fierce. Golden Peng remained calm. He angled the Profound Dragon Halberd of Yin Yang upward, its tip precisely striking the side of the staff. With a crisp clang, he twisted his wrist and deflected the White Jade Pillar half an inch to the side, while the halberd's butt swept toward Yuan Hong's waist.

Yuan Hong reacted swiftly, tapping off the ground and retreating three feet, barely avoiding the strike. He chuckled. "Fine moves, Senior Brother! But with just that, it seems you won't be able