Inner Disciple! Blood Claw Hand

"Disciple Zhang Lingshan greets Master."

When Zhang Lingshan entered the room and paid his respects, he saw several people already standing inside. Hong Zhengdao was half reclining on the bed, his face marked by illness.

His entire right arm and shoulder were wrapped in white cloth. Looking closely, one could even see blood seeping through.

"Xiao Shan, you're here. Why did you bring gifts? Hehe, find a place to sit. Wait until the others have all arrived."

Hong Zhengdao smiled faintly, but his voice was no longer as booming as before.

"Yes."

Zhang Lingshan immediately moved to stand to one side.

Sitting was out of the question. No one else was sitting—how could he dare sit wherever he pleased?

As he stood there, he secretly sized everyone up.

At this moment, aside from Hong Zhengdao and himself, there were four other people in the room.

Sitting by Hong Zhengdao's bed and attending to him was a tall woman with broad shoulders. She had her back to him the entire time, so Zhang Lingshan could not see her face, only her hair tied into a high ponytail.

However, among the Hong Clan Martial Hall's six Inner Disciples, there was only one woman: Hong Zhengdao's daughter, Hong Wenjuan. This must have been her.

Of the remaining three, one was a scholarly young man, one was a dark-skinned fellow who looked like a farmer, and the one closest to Zhang Lingshan was a kind-faced man who appeared middle-aged.

Noticing Zhang Lingshan watching him, the man gave him a friendly smile.

Zhang Lingshan politely returned it.

Just then, two people rushed into the room. One of them dropped to his knees and began to weep. "Master! You finally agreed to see us. These past days, without seeing you, you have no idea how worried we were."

The other was not quite so dramatic, but he hurriedly knelt as well and echoed, "That's right."

Zhang Lingshan looked closely.

The one crying was Pan Mingzhong. His shoulders shook as he sobbed, and he was especially emotional.

The other, with that naturally plump, massive build, was of course Zhu Wei.

"Get up, all of you. I'm not dead yet. What are you crying for?" Hong Zhengdao rebuked them in feigned anger.

"Yes, Master. This disciple was wrong."

Pan Mingzhong hurriedly stopped crying, rose with Zhu Wei, and then stood beside Zhang Lingshan.

Only then did he notice Zhang Lingshan was here too. Surprise and confusion surfaced in his eyes. He exchanged a glance with Zhu Wei, his feelings inexplicably complicated.

"Master, this disciple arrived late."

Someone suddenly called loudly from outside.

Delight immediately appeared on Hong Zhengdao's face. "Qing'er is here. Come in quickly."

"Yes."

A broad-shouldered, handsome man strode in.

It was Zhao Qing, the Hong Clan Martial Hall's Senior Disciple!

During Hong Zhengdao's absence, he had been the one holding the fort and maintaining every aspect of the Hong Clan Martial Hall.

It was said that his parents had died early, and after learning martial arts, he had remained by Hong Zhengdao's side ever since. They were as close as father and son, so calling him the Hong Clan Martial Hall's Young Hall Master would not have been excessive.

This time, however, he had not come alone.

A closer look revealed a pockmarked young man, a head shorter than him, following behind. The moment he entered, he bowed. "Disciple Tian Fei greets Master."

"Mhm, mhm."

Hong Zhengdao nodded. "Qing'er, come sit here. Everyone, sit down. Don't keep standing.

"I called you all here today because there are some matters on which I want to hear your opinions.

"First, Qing'er, you're not getting any younger. It's time you married.

"I said before that once I returned, I would arrange the wedding for you and Xiao Juan. I think it can be put on the agenda now."

Hong Zhengdao said this with a genial smile.

"Father!"

Hong Wenjuan, beside the bed, lowered her head shyly.

But Zhao Qing suddenly rose and said in a deep voice, "Master, this is not the time to discuss that, is it? You are injured and need everyone to care for you. How would you have the energy to arrange a wedding? I think you should focus on recovering from your injuries now. As for any wedding, it would be best not to mention it again!"

"What did you say!?"

Hong Zhengdao's expression changed. He had not expected Zhao Qing to dare speak to him like this. Fury surged through his blood, and his aura erupted with a thunderous roar.

In an instant, the temperature in the room rose several degrees. The air pressure sank to its lowest point, and everyone stared at the scene in shock, holding their breath and not daring to make a sound.

Senior Disciple had openly defied Master. What was he trying to do?

Zhao Qing's face remained calm. He did not avoid Hong Zhengdao's gaze, but looked directly at him and said blandly, "Master, when I came today, I thought you would say something useful. I never expected this pile of nonsense. You truly disappoint me!

"You are good in every way, except that you are far too arbitrary and domineering in what you do. You never consider whether others can bear it or not.

"In my heart, Juanmei has always been my little sister. I never wanted to marry her, nor have I ever agreed to anything with you. What wedding is there to speak of?

"I advise you to recover properly now. Do not become angry over meaningless matters and damage your Vital Qi, worsening your injuries.

"That is all I have to say. I hope you conduct yourself wisely.

"I still have matters to attend to, so I will not stay here and listen to you talk to yourself. Tian Fei, let's go!"

After saying this, Zhao Qing never once looked at Hong Wenjuan. With a flick of his sleeve, he strode away.

Tian Fei immediately followed after him.

In the blink of an eye, the two vanished from everyone's sight, leaving not a sound behind.

Pfft!

Hong Zhengdao spat out a mouthful of blood and cursed, "Beast, beast! I knew he harbored the heart of a wolf and the ambition of a wild beast. I saw through him long ago! That bastard, ungrateful and faithless—I raised him for nothing. The moment I was injured, he abandoned me. What an ungrateful wretch!"

"Father, Brother Qing, he..."

"Shut up!"

Hong Zhengdao cut her off sharply. "I did all this for you, and you're still speaking for him?

"If he hadn't already found himself another way out, would he dare oppose me like this?

"No wonder he's been running around without a trace these past two days. It seems he found his new path long ago!"

After saying that, he looked at Hong Wenjuan with the fury of one who hated iron for failing to become steel. "I told you long ago to be more proactive. Have a child, and everything would be perfect. But you refused to listen. You insisted on waiting for him to take the initiative. Well, look at you now—he's gone! You supported him for so long, and now he doesn't want you."

"Waaah!"

Hong Wenjuan felt utterly humiliated. With a wail, she covered her face and ran out.

Zhang Lingshan only saw a blur before the dark-skinned man beside him also dashed out, shouting, "Senior Sister!"

"Uh..."

Zhang Lingshan was thoroughly speechless.

What was all this?

Weren't the sons and daughters of the martial world supposed to live freely, loving fiercely and hating fiercely? Why were they tangled up in all this love business too—and a love triangle at that? It truly left him at a loss for words.

"Run, then. Run, all of you. If you want to run, then run too."

Hong Zhengdao let out a long sigh, fatigue covering his face as though he had aged ten years in an instant.

Zhu Wei merely lowered his head in silence and quickly left, as though he feared that if he did not leave now, it would be too late.

Pan Mingzhong, however, did not leave.

Zhang Lingshan was secretly surprised. Wasn't it said that righteous men were often found among butchers and dog-slaughterers? How had Zhu Wei, this fat butcher, shattered his stereotype?

He had originally assumed that Pan Mingzhong, that worldly and slippery fellow, would seek another way out.

Yet reality was completely reversed.

Truly, one could not judge a person by appearance.

"Since neither of you is leaving, I'll speak of the second matter."

Hong Zhengdao looked at Zhang Lingshan and Pan Mingzhong. "Although neither of you has broken through to Flesh Refining yet, with your talent, it is only a matter of time. Today, I will accept you in advance as Inner Disciples. Are you willing?"

"This disciple is willing!" Pan Mingzhong immediately prostrated himself and said excitedly, "This disciple has waited far too long for this day."

"This disciple is willing as well," Zhang Lingshan said.

At last, a faint smile appeared on Hong Zhengdao's face. "Good, good, good. It seems my disciples are not all like Zhao Qing. Xu Liang."

"This disciple is here!"

The scholarly young man immediately stepped forward.

Hong Zhengdao said, "Zhao Qing has run off, and Xiao Juan isn't here either. You are now the Senior Disciple. Test their current cultivation progress on my behalf. If they qualify, pass on the techniques in my stead."

"Yes!"

Xu Liang solemnly accepted the order, then said to Zhang Lingshan and Pan Mingzhong, "Junior Brothers, come out and exchange a few moves with me."

The two hurriedly followed him outside.

"I'll go first."

Pan Mingzhong eagerly stepped forward and took an opening stance. "Junior Brother Pan Mingzhong requests Senior Brother's guidance."

"Use all your strength to attack me."

Xu Liang planted his left foot behind him, lifted the hem of his robe with his left hand, and placed his right foot and right hand forward as he spoke blandly.

"Good! Then this Junior Brother will not hold back!"

Pan Mingzhong charged forward at once, his fist like a cannon hammer as it smashed viciously toward Xu Liang's chest.

He was displeased by Xu Liang's arrogance. Xu Liang actually dared face him with one hand and one foot, and Pan Mingzhong swore to make him pay so Master Hong would know that Pan Mingzhong was a fine prospect too.

Bang!

With a muffled sound, Xu Liang caught Pan Mingzhong's punch in his palm. Then, his hand like a great cattail-leaf fan, swept over Pan Mingzhong's fists as they came in like a violent storm.

A miraculous scene unfolded.

Clearly, Pan Mingzhong was the attacker, while Xu Liang remained motionless.

Yet at this moment, Pan Mingzhong seemed to have been trapped by Xu Liang's palm technique. No matter how he shifted and maneuvered, he could not get even half a step away from Xu Liang. Every movement was under Xu Liang's control.

The longer Pan Mingzhong fought, the more stifled he became. Finally, with a roar, Blood Threads spread over the backs of his fists, and his fierce power smashed toward Xu Liang.

He refused to believe that even with all his strength unleashed, he could not force Xu Liang back half a step.

Swish!

Xu Liang suddenly changed his move. His five fingers drew together like a bird's beak, then descended in two lightning-fast taps upon Pan Mingzhong's wrists.

"Ah!"

Pan Mingzhong cried out miserably. His hands burned with pain, the Blood Threads immediately receded, and two red dots remained at his wrists, aching at the slightest touch.

He stood there blankly, unable to understand what had happened.

"This is called the Blood Claw Hand."

Xu Liang explained, "It is the grappling technique that follows our Red Thread Fist. Claws can jab or seize; hands can strike with the palm or capture. Your Red Thread Fist is practiced fairly well. Your force has reached the backs of your hands and the roots of your fingers, so you have passed the test. Later, I will teach you the Blood Claw Hand."

Pan Mingzhong immediately shook off his earlier defeat and cried out in delight, "Thank you, Senior Disciple!"

"Mhm. Step aside for now. Next, I will test Junior Brother Shan. Junior Brother Shan, please."

Xu Liang remained where he stood and made an inviting gesture.

Zhang Lingshan cupped his fists. "Zhang Lingshan requests Senior Brother's guidance."

Swish!

He pounced like a tiger. Just like Pan Mingzhong, he exchanged more than ten moves with Xu Liang before letting out a fierce roar and likewise forcing Blood Threads onto the backs of his fists.

This kid!

Pan Mingzhong was shocked inwardly.

He had thought Master Hong had summoned Zhang Lingshan because he valued Zhang Lingshan's future potential. He never expected this kid to have silently cultivated himself to Copper Hide.

Although his Blood Threads were not as vivid as Pan Mingzhong's, making it obvious that he had only forcibly stimulated them to reach the backs of his hands.

But how long had it been since he succeeded in Skin Grinding? And he had already reached such a level.

How exactly did this kid cultivate? It was simply unbelievable!

Pan Mingzhong did not know that Zhang Lingshan had not actually broken through to Copper Hide, nor had his Red Thread Fist reached Greater Accomplishment.

The reason he could stimulate Blood Threads onto the backs of his hands was merely because the Mountain Splitting Axe Technique had forcibly refined his flesh once.

In truth, after these several dozen exchanges with Xu Liang, Zhang Lingshan had already gauged Xu Liang's strength. He believed that if he unleashed all his power, he was absolutely confident he could force Xu Liang back.

But there was no need to do that.

Since the strength Pan Mingzhong had displayed was already enough to learn the Blood Claw Hand, Zhang Lingshan merely needed to remain on par with Pan Mingzhong. There was no need to reveal too much.

Keeping a card up one's sleeve in all things was the safest course.

Even so, everyone looked at him as though they had seen a ghost, frightened by this Junior Brother whose talent left them far behind.

In such a short time, he had transformed from a newcomer to martial arts directly into a Copper Hide martial artist.

"Junior Brother Shan, you..."

Xu Liang stood stunned for a long while before saying, "You have passed the test as well. You may directly learn the Blood Claw Hand. Now, I will first demonstrate the cultivation method of the Blood Claw Hand once. Memorize it carefully."

"Yes!"

Joy surged through Zhang Lingshan's heart.

Not long ago, he had been thinking of finding a grappling technique to practice, and now the Blood Claw Hand had arrived. It even matched the Red Thread Fist as its follow-up technique.

As its name suggested, the Blood Claw Hand trained the Red Thread Fist's Blood Threads all the way to the fingertips, turning every claw into a blood claw.

The Red Thread Fist's strength lay in its unmatched ferocity. Power erupted from the face of the fist, and its offensive force was formidable.

Now the Blood Claw Hand sent force to the fingertips. If one seized an enemy's joints, kidneys, throat, or other vital areas, how terrifying would its killing power be?

Xu Liang's earlier jab was proof enough. Even though Zhang Lingshan knew the other man's method and had focused completely on guarding against it, he still could not evade it.

This showed just how fast the Blood Claw Hand would be once mastered.

The Red Thread Fist was fierce, relying on strength.

The Blood Claw Hand was fast, relying on skill.

Combined, the two gave both strength and technique. Their combat power would inevitably soar. No wonder Hong Zhengdao was renowned throughout the Outer City—this was his signature art!

"Fast, fast, fast! It must be fast!

"The strength is already there. The Blood Claw Hand trains only speed: use speed to defeat slowness, use strength to strike weakness, and target the weak points in the enemy's defense.

"This is true of the combat technique, and it is true of the cultivation method as well.

"Remember, seek out the weak places in the air.

"Wherever the hand passes, there is wind. Wherever wind passes, the air has strong and weak divisions.

"When the wind is strong, resistance is strong, and the hand is slow; when the wind is weary, resistance is weak, and the hand is fast."

"Once you can find the weak points in the air every time, the Blood Claw Hand will truly be mastered."

Xu Liang taught them earnestly, offering patient guidance.

Zhang Lingshan said, "Yes, Senior Brother. I'll remember that."

"Mm. Both of you have good memories, and you're already familiar with the forms. As long as you practice more every day, reaching Entry Level is only a matter of time. If there's anything you still don't understand, you can come find me. I'll be staying at the martial hall from now on."

"Understood, Senior Brother."

Zhang Lingshan and Pan Mingzhong answered in unison.

By then, dusk had already fallen. Without realizing it, they had practiced for so long.

"Have dinner together."

Hong Zhengdao called from inside the room.

All the disciples answered in agreement.

At the table, Zhang Lingshan learned that the dark-skinned man who had run out after Hong Wenjuan was Fourth Senior Brother Wu Yuanqing.

The kind middle-aged man who had smiled at him in the room earlier was Fifth Senior Brother Xiao Ming.

And Tian Fei, who had always followed behind Zhao Qing, was Sixth Senior Brother.

But now that Zhao Qing and Tian Fei had abandoned the Hong Clan Martial Hall, the seating order would have to be rearranged.

Zhang Lingshan calculated it. He should now be Sixth Senior Brother—the so-called Old Six—and the last of the Inner Disciples.

After dinner, Hong Zhengdao was somewhat tired and told everyone to head home and rest.

Before they left, however, he had Xu Liang announce that two new Inner Disciples had been accepted, so that everyone would know.

First, it would establish Zhang Lingshan and Pan Mingzhong's standing.

Second, once outsiders knew they were Inner Disciples, they would no longer come to recruit them.

Even if someone ignorant of the rules truly came to recruit them, the two would still have to consider their reputations.

In the martial world, a man's name was like a tree's shadow—it followed him forever and could never be cast off.

If one's reputation stank and people looked down on him, the road ahead would not be easy.

Not everyone was like Zhao Qing.

Zhao Qing had the confidence to leave because his strength had reached that point. He was at the peak of Flesh Refining, only one step away from Tendon Changing.

Moreover, he had already paved the road ahead for himself. Otherwise, he would not have sprung this on Hong Zhengdao today.

"It's getting late. You don't need to keep me company. Xiao Shan, stay behind."

Hong Zhengdao said to the disciples.

Still a long chapter. Please vote, follow, and invest!