White Phoenix Martial Hall (Seeking Follow-ups)

"So, the plan is to uproot their entire nest..."

Zhou Yun muttered to himself, surprised that Senior Brother Chen, who appeared so refined and easygoing, actually hailed from a family of iron-forging elites.

Not only that, but his family's style of operation was also incredibly ruthless.

It was no wonder that a matter which could have been settled through discussion between the two parties had to be escalated into a "fist-clash," a move that inevitably damaged relations.

If you were to dig up someone's ancestral graves, could you really expect them not to turn hostile?

"How about it, Junior Brother? Would you like to go and watch the spectacle?"

Chen Jingping chuckled. "Although this is a fist-clash between juniors at the Bright Force level, you won't need to step into the ring yourself. Just come along as a spectator and enjoy some wine and food."

"I must respectfully decline your kind offer, Senior Brother. I've recently had a breakthrough in my martial arts insights and wish to take this opportunity to advance my cultivation realm."

Zhou Yun made up a random excuse; there was no need to get involved in unnecessary drama. Staying in the martial hall to practice was the proper path.

"Your martial path has seen progress? That is a pity."

Chen Jingping sighed. "I hear the White Phoenix Martial Hall is comprised entirely of women. While they practice martial arts, their lineage also possesses techniques for sculpting the body and nourishing the complexion. The disciples of White Phoenix are all stunning beauties..."

"When can one not find time for martial progress? Senior Brother, opportunities to see the world are rare."

Zhou Yun changed his tune, gripping Chen Jingping's hand. "Since you have been looking out for me, how could I be so heartless? I will certainly go tomorrow."

He had originally felt no interest in a brawl between rough men, but since the White Phoenix Martial Hall was filled entirely with women, he simply had to go and see for himself.

"Junior Brother, you truly are a man of passion."

Chen Jingping, who had been ready to leave, couldn't help but praise Zhou Yun's dramatic change of heart. "It's settled then. I'll come to your courtyard to find you tomorrow. Do not break your promise."

"Rest assured, Senior Brother."

Zhou Yun nodded, a sense of anticipation for the White Phoenix Martial Hall growing in his heart.

It wasn't that he harbored any vulgar thoughts; it was simply that whether it was the Chen family of Xiang City or the White Phoenix Martial Hall, he needed to see them eventually.

Not only would he be the first to receive the latest intelligence and gain a clearer understanding of the current situation in Black Stone County, but he might also manage to make a name for himself in more elite circles.

My Thunder Meteor Spear Art is already at the first stage, and with my other two martial arts at Great Success, I could kill a Dark Force expert even if I ran into one on the road.

Zhou Yun was full of confidence, especially since the internal force in his body had reached the thickness of five fingers, and his capacity for it had increased significantly.

In any case, judging by Chen Jingping's demeanor, he was certain of victory in this fist-clash; he likely wouldn't need Zhou Yun to intervene.

"Fed and watered, time to go back and practice the spear."

Zhou Yun finished the last piece of braised beef and rose to return to his courtyard.

The path of martial arts fears nothing more than slackness. If one were to let things slide for even a day, it would be easy to develop lazy habits, which would damage the very foundation of one's martial arts.

In the courtyard, the young man's figure moved with fluid grace.

In the blink of an eye, the sun set and rose again; a full day and night had passed.

When the next day arrived, Zhou Yun made sure to wake up early and soak in a wooden tub.

The daily blood-energy settlement from yesterday hadn't been much, and he had used it all to consolidate his current level.

The rewards from ordinary training were becoming fewer and fewer; it seemed he would have to find other avenues.

With a plan forming in his mind, Zhou Yun was just finishing dressing when a knock sounded at the door.

He opened it to find Chen Jingping standing there.

"Junior Brother Zhou, you look quite dashing today. Who knows, perhaps a disciple of the White Phoenix Martial Hall might even fall for you."

Chen Jingping teased. After their conversation yesterday, the two seemed much more familiar with each other.

"Senior Brother Chen, you jest. I only wish to see the world; I have never witnessed a fist-clash between two houses before."

Zhou Yun spoke plainly, treating Chen Jingping's banter as a joke.

"Then you are in for a treat. The ones clashing are my cousin, who has reached Great Success in Bright Force, and the daughter of the White Phoenix Martial Hall's master, who is also at the Great Success level."

Chen Jingping continued, "My cousin has mastered our family's Cloud-Breaking Hand, but I hear that Miss Bai is no slouch either, having reached the Small Success stage in two of their White Phoenix techniques."

As they reached the entrance of the martial hall, Zhou Yun saw a carriage pulled by two blood-sweating steeds, and his estimation of the Xiang City Chen family's wealth rose another notch.

He boarded the carriage with Chen Jingping and immediately asked, "Senior Brother Chen, what exactly are the rules of this fist-clash?"

"A fist-clash between two houses is divided into 'main family' and 'guest' categories."

Chen Jingping explained, "Main family clashes usually involve solemn matters, such as our Chen family wanting the White Phoenix Martial Hall to relocate."

"As for guest clashes, they are about conflicts of interest. It's a way to show off one's connections by inviting guest experts or sponsored martial artists to fight on their behalf."

Zhou Yun nodded; there was more to these clashes than he had thought.

However, it seemed he wouldn't need to fight after all, as he was merely a sponsored martial artist and not a member of the Chen bloodline.

The two blood-sweating steeds galloped through the streets, and before long, they arrived at the White Phoenix Martial Hall.

As they stepped down from the carriage, Zhou Yun caught sight of the massive plaque of the White Phoenix Martial Hall, the characters written with a bold, dragon-like flair.

They passed through the central courtyard, seeing many disciples of the White Phoenix Martial Hall along the way. They were indeed all women, even the servants sweeping the floors.

Zhou Yun took a rough glance, and as Chen Jingping had said, the features of those White Phoenix disciples were quite spirited.

Perhaps due to the nature of their martial arts, their figures were mostly supple and full, with long, slender legs.

Today has truly been a feast for the eyes.

Zhou Yun sighed inwardly; it seemed he should spend more time with Senior Brother Chen in the future, otherwise he would truly miss out on some fine sights.

"Junior Brother Zhou, we have arrived."

Chen Jingping and the others reached a platform with an excellent view, surrounded by White Phoenix Martial Hall disciples serving them—it was truly the treatment afforded to a great family.

Zhou Yun looked to the side, where representatives from various influential families wore placards.

For instance, the family of the current County Magistrate bore the surname Liu; it seemed to be the Magistrate himself, whose son had died during the last escort mission.

As Zhou Yun cast his gaze over, the middle-aged official in plain clothes seemed to sense it and looked back toward Zhou Yun's position.

Yet, his gaze revealed complex emotions, with a hint of gloom buried deep within his eyes.

It seems he harbors some resentment toward me because he lost a loved one last time.

Zhou Yun silently noted this, deciding to be wary of anyone from the County Magistrate's faction in the future.

Beyond that, both the Sky Sea Escort Agency and the Sky Sea Martial Arts Hall had sent their own people.

On the side of the Sky Sea Escort Agency was an acquaintance; when Shen Qingxue saw Zhou Yun had also come to watch the sparring, she couldn't help but offer a friendly smile.

Zhou Yun nodded in acknowledgment, and the two shared a tacit understanding.

As for the Sky Sea Martial Arts Hall faction, there was a sharp-featured, bald young man whose gaze tracked everything on the ring like a hawk, his aura radiating outward without the slightest restraint.

Bright Force at Great Completion? It seems he has touched the threshold of Dark Force.

Zhou Yun sensed him briefly and formed his judgment.

But this man did not look like he was here to watch; he looked like someone about to step up and fight.