A true master could not rely solely on his eyes and ears. Although Hu Xiaotian was watching the contest between Long Xiyue and Shangguan Tianhuo, a faint disturbance in the air beside him instantly put him on his guard. Shangguan Yunfeng's left-handed sword strike was undeniably strange and vicious; despite its incredible speed, it made not the slightest sound.
Hu Xiaotian judged the path of the incoming sword and raised the Iron Rice Bowl, its opening facing outward, blocking Shangguan Yunfeng's surprise attack like a shield.
Clang! Shangguan Yunfeng's sword struck the Iron Rice Bowl. Anyone else would never have used the Beggar Gang's sacred relic as a shield; damaging it would have meant serious trouble. But only these Beggar Gang disciples treasured the Iron Rice Bowl. To Hu Xiaotian, it was merely a battered bowl, and even if the sword pierced it, he would feel no regret. Shangguan Yunfeng's blade struck inside the bowl but could not penetrate it in the slightest. Under the force of his all-out thrust, several rays of golden light burst from the Iron Rice Bowl.
The Beggar Gang Elders on the Storm Terrace were already frantic with worry. Zhao Shenxiong shouted, "Do not damage the gang's treasure!" While he spoke, Shangguan Yunfeng thrust seven more times in quick succession. When soldiers came, generals blocked them; when water came, earth dammed it. When a sword came, Hu Xiaotian had the Iron Rice Bowl. He blocked left and parried right amid an endless clatter of metallic ringing, turning back every one of Shangguan Yunfeng's killing strikes with the bowl. The repeated collisions had actually battered away the edge of his sword, showing just how sturdy the Iron Rice Bowl was.
Hu Xiaotian tossed the Iron Rice Bowl into the air and caught it, looking decidedly pleased