Sparring

When Situ Liang walked into the hall, three people were inside, whispering to each other. Hall Master Zhao sat silently in his original spot, drinking tea, seemingly unmoved since Situ Liang had left.

Situ Liang's footsteps brought the three men's conversation to an abrupt halt. They exchanged glances. The elderly man with graying hair remained seated, while the other two stood up. One was a man of medium build, appearing very capable. The other was slightly taller, with a fair complexion, and looked somewhat portly, around forty or fifty years old. They walked to the center of the hall to greet Situ Liang. After exchanging pleasantries, Situ Liang asked, "Hall Master Zhang, Hall Master Xing, how have you been spending your New Year at home?"

The portly middle-aged man replied, "Quite well. New Year spent with family naturally has its charm. Compared to Hall Master Situ guarding the gang alone, I, Xing, feel a bit uneasy."

Situ Liang waved his hand and said, "I'm a solitary person, so it doesn't matter where I spend it. Are you suggesting that Brother Zhang, who has a house full of wives and concubines, should accompany me? I heard Brother Zhang just took in a young concubine before the year ended."

The capable man's face flushed slightly, and he quickly said, "Hall Master Situ, you wrong me. I am but a mortal, and these seven emotions and six desires cannot be severed. Unlike Hall Master Situ, who has received the true teachings of an immortal, severed worldly ties, and transcended the mortal realm."

Situ Liang listened, his expression peculiar, and said, "Brother Zhang, do you think I'm a monk? I'm planning to find someone to continue my lineage."

Upon hearing this, both men said, "That's excellent! We've all been waiting for that day."

While the three stood chatting, Elder Chu grew impatient. He coughed softly. Situ Liang heard this and quickly went over to pay his respects. Elder Chu frowned, nodded, and gestured for Situ Liang to sit.

Only then did Situ Liang walk to the chair opposite Elder Chu and sit down. Before he could even settle in, Elder Chu eagerly asked, "Little Liang, any news about Ping'er?"

This Elder Chu was an old member of the gang, having essentially watched Situ Ping and Situ Liang grow up. Normally, they addressed him as Gang Leader or Hall Master in the hall. The fact that he was now calling them by their childhood nicknames suggested he was very worried about Situ Ping.

Situ Liang's heart warmed, and he quickly said, "Elder Chu, my cousin is fine. She just can't return to the gang for the time being."

Hall Master Xing also asked, "What exactly is going on? The Gang Leader has always been steady in her actions. Something must have happened this time. I asked Old Zhao earlier, but he refused to say anything, insisting on waiting for you. Hurry up and tell us, don't keep us in suspense."

Situ Liang nodded, took out the letter from his embrace, stood up, and handed it to Elder Chu.

Elder Chu took out the letter and read it carefully, his brow furrowing deeper. Afterward, Hall Masters Xing and Zhang also read the letter closely.

After everyone had finished reading the letter, a deathly silence fell over the hall.

Elder Chu spoke first, asking, "Little Liang, is this letter genuine?"

Situ Liang nodded and said, "This is indeed my cousin's handwriting, and the timing also matches. It should be authentic."

Hall Master Zhang chimed in, "But this is strange. Why would Wan Jian Peak take the Gang Leader as a disciple? The Gang Leader is long past the prime age for martial arts training. How can she achieve anything by joining Wan Jian Peak now?"

Hall Master Xing also said, "The most suspicious thing is that the Gang Leader actually allowed a disciple from Wan Jian Peak to temporarily manage the gang's affairs while she's away? What does that mean?"

Situ Liang also said, "If the Gang Leader joins Wan Jian Peak, we naturally become a branch of Wan Jian Peak. For us, the Fierce Tiger Gang, this is like a windfall, something we could never ask for. However, if the Gang Leader cannot return immediately, could it be that she needs to cultivate profound martial arts?"

Elder Chu frowned and said, "Our influence is like a speck of dust on a fly to Wan Jian Peak. Why would they take notice of us? And send several disciples to take over? That seems like too much importance."

Hall Master Zhao, after a long silence, also spoke, "There are too many doubts about this matter. We must have the Gang Leader return and explain things thoroughly. Just finding a few people and a letter, and then handing over the empire we painstakingly built to others, isn't that child's play?"

Situ Liang said with a wry smile, "Then what should we do? Can we just endure it?" The word "endure" seemed to be emphasized with particular clarity.

The others also fell silent. Yes, what else could they do? In the face of absolute martial power, any scheme, any resistance, was futile.

But...

Seeing everyone fall silent, Elder Chu asked, "Where are the disciples from Wan Jian Peak?"

Situ Liang replied, "They've been arranged to rest. They should have finished dinner by now."

Elder Chu said, "Then let them come over so we can meet them and discuss things in detail."

Situ Liang nodded and sent someone to invite Qu Xiangfeng and the others.

Before long, the seven people from Wan Jian Peak arrived at the hall together.

The members of the Fierce Tiger Gang stepped forward to greet them. After exchanging courtesies, they took their respective seats.

Elder Chu said kindly, "Young Hero Qu, our place is remote and resources are scarce. Are you all accustomed to it?"

Qu Xiangfeng quickly replied, "Elder Chu, you are too kind. As martial artists traveling the jianghu, we are often accustomed to roughing it. We have no discomfort here at your esteemed gang."

Elder Chu stroked his beard and said, "That is good."

Then he asked, "Young Hero Qu, could you please explain in detail the situation of our Gang Leader Situ?"

Qu Xiangfeng smiled and said, "Senior Sister Situ is fortunate. By a fortunate coincidence, she was noticed by Elder Yun Feng of our Wan Jian Peak and taken as a disciple. She is currently in seclusion cultivating at Wan Jian Peak. Elder Yun is a renowned expert in our sect, and I believe Senior Sister Situ's martial arts will surely advance by leaps and bounds, entering the ranks of jianghu experts. As for the specific details, I am not entirely clear. We will have to wait for Senior Sister Situ to return to the gang to inquire further."

His words were flawlessly delivered, and the others could not glean any further information.

Seeing that no one else spoke, Qu Xiangfeng smiled and said, "I am here on my master's orders to temporarily take over the affairs of your gang. I wonder if you have reached a consensus?"

Although he said this to everyone, Qu Xiangfeng's eyes were fixed on Elder Chu, who was seated at the head of the table.

Seeing Qu Xiangfeng's gaze, Elder Chu was about to speak when someone else interjected.

"Young Hero Qu, just with a letter, you expect us to obey your command? How can we be convinced?"

Qu Xiangfeng turned to look and saw it was Hall Master Xing.

Qu Xiangfeng asked, "Then what does Hall Master Xing suggest we do?"

Hall Master Xing said, "At the very least, you must pass my test first. Let me witness the sword techniques of Wan Jian Peak."

Elder Chu quickly intervened, "Hall Master Xing, please do not be so rude."

Qu Xiangfeng said, "It's alright. It is indeed a bit improper to simply have your gang obey our orders based on this. Then I will spar with Hall Master Xing, exchange a few moves, to convince Hall Master Xing."

Situ Liang quickly said, "Young Hero Qu, Hall Master Xing, we are all family. Let's not go to the training grounds. We can spar here in the hall, just a touch, and stop before any harm is done, to preserve our harmony. How about it?"

Both agreed with a nod.

Hall Master Xing shouted to the outside, "Bring my weapon!"

Before long, someone brought in a Fine Iron Spear, ten feet long, which was Hall Master Xing's famous weapon.

Hall Master Xing received it with one hand, gave it a powerful shake, and the spear tip drew several arcs, the long spear body emitting a "whirring" sound. The members of the Fierce Tiger Gang couldn't help but think to themselves, "Although Hall Master Xing is a bit portly now, he hasn't let up on his martial arts. He's even improved again after just a few days of not seeing him."

In contrast, the few people from Wan Jian Peak seemed not to have noticed, their expressions blank.

Qu Xiangfeng drew the large sword strapped to his back, holding it with one hand, and walked to the center of the hall.

Hall Master Xing looked at Qu Xiangfeng and began to ponder. There were countless swordsmen in the martial world, but it was rare to see someone use such a wide sword. Moreover, the sword looked heavy, yet Qu Xiangfeng held it with one hand, indicating considerable arm strength.

As he was thinking, Qu Xiangfeng spoke, "Hall Master Xing, please."

Hall Master Xing didn't stand on ceremony and said, "Alright, Young Hero Qu, watch this."

With that, he held the spear with both hands, leaped forward, and the spear tip thrust directly at Qu Xiangfeng's heart. Qu Xiangfeng wasn't rushed. Only when the spear tip was close did he shift his stance, twist his waist, and still holding the sword with one hand, he flicked upwards at the spear tip. Hall Master Xing felt a tremendous force transmitted from the point of impact, causing his body to tilt to the side. He stomped his foot, using his lightness skill to steady himself. Just as he was about to catch his breath and exert force again, he saw Qu Xiangfeng, using the momentum of his upward flick, leap into the air. Reaching the apex, he gripped the sword hilt with both hands and forcefully chopped down at Hall Master Xing. Hall Master Xing was startled. He usually only knew how to thrust and slash with a sword, but he never imagined someone would use it like an axe, chopping down with full force. He felt his hands gripping the spear from head to tail, adopting the "raising the fire to burn the sky" stance, and met the attack.

In a flash, the sword met the spear with a loud "clang." Qu Xiangfeng's greatsword bounced off the shaft of the Fine Iron Spear, while Hall Master Xing staggered back three steps. As soon as he planted his feet, he saw Qu Xiangfeng swinging the greatsword again, using the rebound momentum to chop at him. Hall Master Xing felt a bitter taste in his mouth. With no time to change his move, he could only once again adopt the "raising the fire to burn the sky" stance to meet the attack. Another "clang" sounded, and the greatsword bounced back. However, this time Qu Xiangfeng did not continue his assault. Instead, he stood leisurely, the tip of his sword pointing at the ground, gazing ahead. Hall Master Xing on the other side staggered back four steps. This time, he couldn't even stand steady, his legs went weak, and he fell to the ground. The Fine Iron Spear in his hand slipped away, no longer held. When Hall Master Xing finally got to his feet, he realized the tiger's mouth on both his hands had cracked. He couldn't help but feel a chill of fear, thinking, "This slender body, just how much strength does it contain? Truly divine strength! Fortunately, this was just a spar, otherwise, if he had swung again, my life would have been forfeit."

Seeing Hall Master Xing's ashen face, Qu Xiangfeng cupped his fists and said, "I concede."

Hall Master Xing returned the gesture, saying, "Impressive, truly impressive."