Dongyang Gathering: Convergence

"It's nothing. Isn't it just diarrhea? I have a medicine here specially for treating diarrhea. Take it for two days, and we'll arrange for you to fight Chen Hui on the third day."

Hong Zhengdao smiled.

Pan Mingzhong wore an expression as if he had eaten shit and hurriedly said, "Master, you can't be joking. They've already come knocking at our door. If we wait another two days, won't people look down on us? So we have to fight today, right, Junior Brother Shan?"

He looked at Zhang Lingshan with a pleading expression.

Zhang Lingshan pretended not to see it.

Pan Mingzhong coughed, then puffed out his chest again. "I'll fight, then. But if I lose because of my diarrhea, Master, you can't blame me."

"Enough, enough. A lazy donkey and a lazy horse have nothing but shit and piss."

Hong Zhengdao could not be bothered to watch Pan Mingzhong perform any longer. Looking at Zhang Lingshan, he said, "Then Xiao Shan will take the field. To guard against any mishaps, I have a suit of inner armor for you to wear."

Pan Mingzhong's eyes widened in astonishment. He had not expected such a benefit. If he had known, he would have agreed earlier.

He hurriedly tried to change his mind and volunteer for battle again, but Hong Zhengdao cut him off. "That settles it. Xiao Juan, take Xiao Shan to put on the inner armor. Xu Liang, announce it directly: at the third quarter of noon, Zhang Lingshan will challenge Chen Hui of Three Rivers Gambling House at Dongyang Gathering."

"Yes."

Xu Liang was about to leave.

But someone said, "Wait."

Everyone looked over in confusion and saw that it was Zhang Lingshan speaking.

Zhang Lingshan said, "A martial match on the first day of the new year needs some stakes. This disciple is short on money and would like to earn some from this battle."

"Haha!"

Hong Zhengdao laughed heartily. "Looks like you think victory is certain. Having that confidence is a good thing. But we do not need to provide the stakes. Three Rivers Gambling House will definitely open betting. I'll put down one thousand taels on you to win. All the money you win will be yours. How about it?"

"Thank you, Master." Zhang Lingshan was overjoyed.

"Then I'll also put down one hundred taels on Junior Brother Shan to win." Wu Yuanqing laughed as well.

After discussing it, everyone contributed one hundred taels apiece, except Pan Mingzhong.

Pan Mingzhong said that he had only just become an Inner Disciple and had not saved up that much money.

The others could not be bothered to argue with him and immediately went about their own tasks.

Zhang Lingshan followed Hong Wenjuan to a bedroom.

Hong Wenjuan took out a suit of dark gray inner armor. Zhang Lingshan could not tell what kind of metal threads it had been woven from, but once he put it on, he felt remarkably secure, as though he had gained another layer of solid flesh that could block most attacks.

"It fits rather well."

Hong Wenjuan smiled and straightened Zhang Lingshan's clothes, like a thoughtful older sister.

Zhang Lingshan said, "Thank you, Senior Sister. There is still half a day until the third quarter of noon. Could Senior Sister accompany me in exchanging a few moves?"

"Of course."

Hong Wenjuan did not refuse. "It will also help you get used to the Gold Silk Inner Armor on your body."

Gold Silk Inner Armor?

Zhang Lingshan was slightly stunned. Why had it turned gray? Still, it had to be worth quite a bit of money.

Though puzzled, he did not dwell on it. He immediately went to the courtyard and assumed the opening stance of the Righteous Yang Posture. "Senior Sister, please!"

Hong Wenjuan brought her arms together in front of herself and said, "I'll imitate Chen Hui's Iron Arms now. You attack me. Iron Arms excels at defense and counterattacks, so be wary of my backhand when you attack."

"Yes!"

Zhang Lingshan immediately recalled the scene when he had gone to Three Rivers Gambling House with Shi Lei.

At the time, when Chen Hui fought Shi Lei, he had brought his arms together and blocked Shi Lei's punch.

But he had not counterattacked. He had merely shaken his arms, yet that alone had sent Shi Lei stumbling backward again and again, both fists trembling.

And after these past few months, Chen Hui had surely grown even stronger.

Although Zhang Lingshan was confident that his strength had reached the peak of the Skin Grinding Realm, comparable to Flesh Refining, he could not afford to let his guard down.

Just so happened that Senior Sister was there to feed him moves. He immediately focused with twelve parts spirit, his Red Thread Fist whistling like a tiger in the wind.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

His fists rapidly collided with Hong Wenjuan's arms. The rebounding force made his knuckles ache, slowing his punches by several degrees despite himself.

"The Gold Silk Inner Armor can only protect your upper body from attacks, so be careful that I do not break your arm."

Hong Wenjuan truly deserved to be Hong Zhengdao's daughter and had inherited his true teachings. While she attacked swiftly and with ease, she also gave Zhang Lingshan pointers.

Zhang Lingshan hurriedly channeled strength into his elbow and used the joint to knock aside the clawed hand Hong Wenjuan had reached out to grab him with.

"Not bad."

Hong Wenjuan praised him, then added, "In an unarmed fight, you must learn to find your opponent's weak points. Once Chen Hui discovers you are wearing inner armor, he will definitely avoid your upper body and attack elsewhere. Either you will trade fists and strength, or he will use crooked tricks against your lower body. Watch this!"

As she spoke, Hong Wenjuan suddenly swept out with a kick.

Zhang Lingshan sprang into the air, then viciously kicked at Hong Wenjuan's sweeping shin.

"Hm?"

Hong Wenjuan was slightly surprised. She quickly stepped forward and shoved, both fists striking toward Zhang Lingshan's thighs while he was in midair.

Zhang Lingshan hurriedly changed moves and retreated.

The two stopped.

Hong Wenjuan asked, "Junior Brother, have you practiced leg techniques?"

Zhang Lingshan said, "I learned a little from a Herb Gathering Guard at Feng Family Pharmacy."

"Good, then this is secure."

Hong Wenjuan was delighted. She added, "But your leg techniques are not yet proficient. If you were an expert, you should have kicked my wrist just now. It is clear you do not often trade leg attacks with others. Why not practice with me today, so you can catch Chen Hui off guard in battle?"

"Thank you, Senior Sister."

Zhang Lingshan was delighted inside and immediately began fighting Hong Wenjuan with the Gale Wind Leg in excitement.

He had never had an opportunity to spar with anyone using the several martial arts he possessed. Now that he had one, he naturally could not let it slip away and had to make the best use of it.

But time waited for no one.

Before he knew it, noon was almost upon them.

"Rest a little and eat something. Regulate your breathing and condition."

Hong Wenjuan gently wiped the sweat from her forehead. I actually got tired from fighting Junior Brother. It seems my condition has not been very good lately. Sigh.

Ever since Father had been injured, too many things had happened. Even Senior Brother Zhao Qing, who had been closest to them, had abandoned them. It truly left her heart aching and her spirit worn thin.

She only hoped Junior Brother could win a decisive victory today, giving their Hong Clan Martial Hall a splendid start to the new year and lifting everyone's morale.

After eating.

The disciples of Hong Clan Martial Hall crowded around Zhang Lingshan as they arrived at Dongyang Gathering.

Dongyang Gathering was a huge marketplace outside the East Gate of the Inner City. At its center stood a high terrace. Whenever there was major news to announce to the Outer City, it was generally done here.

For example, executing criminals.

And martial matches between major factions.

Because of its special location and extraordinary bustle, tall buildings stood in every direction: inns, taverns, teahouses, and all sorts of other establishments.

They were meant for those who could afford to watch the spectacle from above.

At this very moment, pairs of eyes peered out from windows, having come specially to see the first excitement of the new year.

The famed Hong Clan Martial Hall had actually had one of its disciples stripped naked and hung at the entrance to the martial hall on the first day of the new year.

It was simply an extraordinary humiliation!

They would see whether Hong Clan Martial Hall could wash away this shame with its challenge.

"Zhao Qing, you traitor! You still have the nerve to show your face!"

Wu Yuanqing suddenly shouted.

Zhang Lingshan and the others turned their heads and saw the tall, handsome Zhao Qing with his arm around a glamorous, long-legged woman, about to step through the doors of Clear Breeze Inn.

Hearing Wu Yuanqing, he turned back with a smile. "Junior Brother Wu, didn't my departure happen to fulfill your wishes?"

"You!"

His thoughts exposed, Wu Yuanqing's dark face flushed red. After holding it in for a long while, he cried, "Stop calling me Junior Brother. You stopped being part of Hong Clan Martial Hall long ago."

"Junior Brother Wu is so heartless? Hehe. Though I withdrew from Hong Clan Martial Hall, I was still very angry to learn that someone had bullied it so brazenly. If there is anything I can help with, I can lend a hand."

Zhao Qing smiled faintly. Though he claimed to be angry, there was not even half a strand of anger visible on his face.

"We don't need your help!" Wu Yuanqing shouted.

Zhao Qing shook his head. "Junior Brother Wu is good in every way, except he likes to act on impulse. Juanmei hates that trait of yours..."

"Shut up!"

A sharp shout suddenly rang out.

Everyone looked over together and discovered that it was Hong Wenjuan speaking.

Hong Wenjuan said coldly, "Zhao Qing, you have already left Hong Clan Martial Hall. Our ties are severed, so do not speak as if we are still close. Juanmei is not a name you are qualified to call me. You are not worthy. Besides, what I like and hate is not for you to speak of."

Zhang Lingshan looked at Hong Wenjuan in surprise.

To love fiercely and hate fiercely—this was the proper bearing of the sons and daughters of the martial world.

The weeping Hong Wenjuan from before had merely been Hong Wenjuan losing her composure after suffering a sudden blow.

Only now had she returned to her true self.

Having betrayed her benefactor and left, they were enemies now. Yet he was still standing here running his mouth—who gave him that face?

"Juanmei, you..."

Shock filled Zhao Qing's eyes.

He had not expected Hong Wenjuan to speak this way to her beloved Brother Qing.

Was this still that foolish girl who blushed whenever she spoke to him?

He had originally thought that even if he left Hong Clan Martial Hall, Hong Wenjuan would not hate him. On the contrary, she would help excuse him and assume he had some hardship he could not speak of.

But now, it seemed he had miscalculated.

Truly...

Zhao Qing blanked for a moment before recovering. Then he gave a mocking smile. "Worthy of being Hong Zhengdao's daughter. You turn your face faster than you turn pages. I really was fooled by you before."

"Who the fuck turns their face faster than you do!"

Wu Yuanqing cursed excitedly.

He had also worried that Hong Wenjuan still had lingering feelings for Zhao Qing, but it turned out he had worried for nothing. Hong Wenjuan knew exactly what was what—truly worthy of being the woman he had set his sights on.

Whoosh!

Zhao Qing's face suddenly darkened, and the pressure in the air instantly grew heavier.

But before he could act, a broad, burly young man walked over from the side. "Fifth Sister, why are you standing at the entrance instead of going in? Come on, I'm getting hungry."

As he spoke, he glanced at Zhang Lingshan and gave a subtle wink.

Zhang Lingshan understood and also advised, "Senior Brother Wu, Senior Sister, let's go as well. The third quarter of noon is almost here."

"Alright."

Hong Wenjuan nodded, and the group immediately left.

Zhao Qing watched their backs with a sinister gaze, then glanced at the broad, burly young man and snorted. "You are close with that Zhang Lingshan?"

"Not bad." Song Dazhuang did not avoid the question.

Zhao Qing said coldly, "But you are now a disciple of Hongying Martial Hall."

"So what? I represent myself, not Hongying Martial Hall. Besides, our Song Family does business. We have friends from the south seas to the north skies. Does that mean we are only allowed to forge weapons for Hongying Martial Hall?"

Song Dazhuang said calmly.

He had always disliked people like Zhao Qing. If he had been born under the same circumstances as Zhao Qing, he would absolutely have followed Hong Zhengdao with unwavering devotion.

Having received Hong Zhengdao's grace in nurturing him, he turned around and abandoned him. What kind of thing was that?

You could bully ordinary people, but did you think Song Dazhuang was ordinary too?

With the Song Family at his back, he was this tough!

"Enough, enough. Zhang Lingshan does not know what is good for him. There is no need to quarrel over him. With trash like him, Chen Hui will definitely beat him to death later."

Song Lian urged.

Though she did not like Zhang Lingshan and resented him for refusing her invitation without giving her face, she would not stop her younger brother from remaining friendly with Zhang Lingshan.

Because this was how their Song Family had always operated.

Just as Song Dazhuang had said, the Song Family had friends from the south seas to the north skies. What backed them was not only the Yuan Family of the Inner City, but also their skill at forging weapons and their ability to cast a wide net for friends.

In short, every member of their family had their own path of friendships, and none interfered with the others.

That way, no matter which friend rose to prominence, they could share in the benefits.

If some friend caused trouble, at most only that one line would be dragged down, while the others could still escape unscathed.

This was the skill that had allowed the Song Family to stand firm in Jin City for so many years.

"It will not be so easy for Chen Hui to beat Zhang Lingshan to death. Hong Zhengdao may be injured, but there is nothing wrong with his eyes. Since he made an exception to take Zhang Lingshan in as an Inner Disciple, Zhang Lingshan must possess something extraordinary. And Hong Zhengdao has something kept at the bottom of his chest; Zhang Lingshan must already be wearing his Gold Silk Inner Armor."

Zhao Qing no longer paid attention to Song Dazhuang. Passing him with Song Lian, he spoke as they went upstairs into a private room.

Song Lian said, "You are right. I tested Zhang Lingshan's worth. Aside from not knowing what is good for him and refusing my invitation, he truly has something exceptional about him. He is a genius.

"At least I can prove one thing: his foundation is extremely solid. His strength and defense can both be called top-tier among Skin Grinding martial artists.

"But since you understand Hong Zhengdao so well, you must have some countermeasure, right?"

The two entered the private room and sat down by the window. As Song Lian spoke, she poured Zhao Qing a cup of wine.

Zhao Qing smiled faintly. "Naturally. I have already had someone inform the Great River Gang about the Gold Silk Inner Armor. A despicable gang like the Great River Gang will certainly have a way to deal with it. We only need to watch the show."

"Since Brother Qing says so, I can watch the show without worry. On the first day of the new year, may the door open to joy. Let's have a toast."

Clink!

The two smiled and clinked cups, their gazes occasionally shifting toward the terrace as they waited quietly for the good show to begin.

Over here.

Song Dazhuang also sat by a second-floor hall window with several friends, gazing toward the terrace with faint concern in his heart.

Recently, two Skin Grinding geniuses had risen to fame in Jin City.

One was Zhang Lingshan, and the other was Chen Hui.

But Zhang Lingshan was a cultivation genius. Everyone only knew that he broke through quickly; no one had seen him fight anyone.

Chen Hui, on the other hand, was a combat genius. He had cultivated quietly and remained obscure all along. When he finally became famous, it was when he represented the Great River Gang and swept through several other gangs' grounds.

He was a powerhouse forged through battle. Moreover, he had remained in the Skin Grinding Realm longer, had a more solid foundation, richer combat experience, and vicious attacks that killed or shattered bones at the slightest provocation.

At least five skilled Copper Hide fighters had died at his hands.

Could Zhang Lingshan really be his match?

"Father!"

A private room inside Tripod Fragrance Teahouse was suddenly pushed open. Feng Shaolong looked at the newcomer in delighted surprise. "Why are you here? Even a Skin Grinding fight interested you?"

"Just taking a look."

Feng Ji waved a hand, and everyone else immediately withdrew.

He looked at the tall young man standing on the platform. "Haven't you noticed that he's taller and stronger than when you and I saw him before?"

"Yeah. But this guy really can eat, and he loves taking advantage of others. Wherever there's food, he goes to mooch a meal." Feng Shaolong curled his lip.

Feng Ji said, "Being able to eat is a blessing. If he wins today, I'll find a chance to personally invite him into the Hunting Squad."

"What?"

Feng Shaolong was utterly stunned.

Hong Zhengdao had already lost an arm and was at a disadvantage, yet his father still wanted to invite Zhang Lingshan into the Hunting Squad.

Was Zhang Lingshan really that important, important enough that his father was willing to wade into these muddy waters for him?

It was truly incomprehensible.

He had merely endured one strike from the Demon Rabbit. Anyone who didn't know better would think he had slain the Demon Rabbit single-handedly.

Though Feng Shaolong did not understand, he did not ask further.

He trusted his father's judgment.

The Feng Family Pharmacy had grown so large in barely a dozen years, all thanks to his father alone.

With his father's unique eye and decisive judgment, he had led their tiny pharmacy step by step to where it stood today.

So, unconditionally trusting his father could never be wrong.

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