Thud--
The two instantly locked in close combat, creating a deafening roar across the square.
Cui Zitang unleashed his power, striking Ye Xingge's left rib with a powerful palm strike. The exquisitely crafted gray outer robe shattered under the force of the palm, revealing the bulging muscles of his waist and abdomen, the skin rippling with the impact.
Ye Xingge was also blasted back, and the change-of-direction punch that grazed Cui Zitang was pulled back with his body. When it passed through the heart gate, his five fingers suddenly straightened, like Immortal's Knock, and crashed into the literary robe!
Thump~
Splash splash splash splash...
The two were close together, touching briefly before separating again.
Ye Xingge, with bits of his robes still attached, slid back more than three steps, leaving a groove in the white stone floor.
Cui Zitang maintained the half-step palm strike posture with his body turned to the side, his left hand slightly raised and frozen in front of his waist and abdomen.
As the sun sets in the west, the entire square in front of the palace comes to a complete standstill, so quiet you could hear a pin drop!
Ye Xingge remained in his punching stance, suppressing the surging energy in his waist and abdomen before slowly withdrawing his stance. He glanced at the torn area on his ribs, feeling a pang of regret for the robe he had bought for over ten strings of cash, and slightly bowed.
"Thank you for your kind offer."
thump--
Cui Zitang Immortal's Knock. The intense yang energy raged in his chest and abdomen, making even breathing a luxury. He could only hold on for a moment before he knelt on one knee, using his left hand to support himself and avoid falling.
His eyes were bloodshot, and his cheeks were flushed red from the rush of blood. He turned his head to look at Ye Xingge, his eyes revealing a similar level of confusion as Cao Ba and Dugu Xuan, but this time it was a little deeper.
Ye Xingge understood the other party's doubts and calmly responded:
"Knowing that I know the ' Great Nine Yang,' Duke Cao just demonstrated the moves and power details in person, Young Master Cui should have been on guard."
"When a master teaches a disciple, he only imparts the mental techniques and demonstrates external moves; the remaining details of how to exert force are left for the disciple to figure out on their own."
At this point, Ye Xingge began with a left-handed elbow strike, then changed to a line-cannon punch, and then transformed into an inch-force elbow strike.
Bang!
His sleeves fluttered violently; with a single move, three transformations occurred without a trace.
"Furthermore, if I can induce you to fall for the Immortal's Knock, I have a hundred ways to win, and it has nothing to do with any specific moves."
"Cough..."
Cui Zitang coughed softly. Seeing this scene, his eyes immediately turned to horror, and he understood what was going on—the other party was just using him to test a new move. If they fought normally, he wouldn't even be able to touch his clothes.
This wasn't just boasting; he had just realized that Ye Xingge could 'conceal his true strength within his feint,' but he truly hadn't expected that Ye Xingge could actually perform 'three consecutive changes in one move.'
This is already approaching the state of 'I am powerless, I am formed by the enemy, like waves on water, formless and traceless'.
What's even more terrifying is the other party's courage and boldness.
In a normal martial arts duel, without a corresponding mental cultivation method, it's impossible to understand the opponent's moves and techniques on the spot, and even if you do understand them, you can't apply them.
However, since the methods are the same and someone has demonstrated the movements and the details of the force exertion, it is equivalent to giving a starting point, an end point, and a general direction along the way.
The principle is similar to 'meridian and pulse selection', except that meridian and pulse selection blocks the correct energy flow path, finds a new path, and maximizes efficiency.
This method, however, only requires knowing the beginning and the end, and finding any usable path. Even if it only has 70% of the power, it's still the difference between 'having' and 'not having'.
If the techniques are the same, and someone demonstrates them once or twice, Cui Zitang is confident that he can figure out the tricks behind them.
However, using it directly in actual combat without any prior experimentation is a bit too much.
This was their first encounter, and given the situation just now, if Ye Xingge had made even the slightest mistake, he would have been beaten so badly he couldn't get up.
Anyone with even the slightest doubt about themselves would never attempt such a risky move with zero margin for error.
Such unparalleled confidence and boldness can only elicit the heartfelt response. "How dare you?!"
Cui Zitang sat on the ground, speechless for a long time.
Ye Xingge didn't say anything more. Seeing that Cui Zitang couldn't stand up, he looked at the Old Divine Physician Sun.
Sun Wang had just finished rescuing Dugu Xuan, and as one of the older generation who had trained Ye Xingge's body back then, he felt a sense of pride.
At this moment, he led his men up again, carried Cui Zitang, whose heart meridian had been injured, down, and muttered something to himself:
"You brat, Great General Cao has prepared three horses. You should at least make a difference in your fighting style, or it'll look like General Cao is just wasting his time..."
Ye Xingge was clearly unaware that Great General Cao and the Emperor of Yan were plotting something and preparing three inferior horses for him!
Seeing that no one around was speaking, Ye Xingge didn't want to turn around and go down, so he looked at Old Man Zhang with longing eyes.
At this moment, all the gentlemen in the corridor were secretly gasping for breath.
The Emperor of Yan stood by the fence with one hand behind his back, looking at a monster as if he were looking at it.
After all, he hadn't expected Ye Xingge to be able to pull out the Earthbound Heavenly Communion and Immortal's Knock, not to mention that this kid also demonstrated the 'Three Transformations in One Move', proving that he could win without relying on immortal techniques.
Therefore, the three horses he selected failed to demonstrate the boy's true abilities.
Old Master Yan was also bewildered, and whispered:
"Isn't this a bit too much?"
Zhang Zhiqing felt that it had gone a bit too far.
The fact that he took down Cao Xiong's three horses in three moves proves the hard work and dedication he put in during his countless training sessions.
Learning on the spot and daring to apply it immediately demonstrates absolute confidence and courage.
The fact that he only revealed his "one move, three variations" after finishing the move proves that he also possesses extraordinary insights and creativity in technique.
These three combined are not just at the top of the class; they're aiming for the First Rank spot in the world!
If Wu Chenglie didn't say "This child must not be allowed to live" when he discovered this situation, then he could only be described as having a big heart.
Realizing that this young man's sharpness was too great and might directly cause Wu Chenglie to emit a sharp explosion, Zhang Zhiqing added:
"These are my trump cards, the ones I taught you the other day, so you could keep them for emergencies. They really shouldn't be revealed in a ring fight."
"Buzz..."
Only after these words were spoken did breathing sounds begin to fill the air around the square.
Since that old scoundrel Zhang taught us a few days ago, it means this kid is ruthless and has been hiding a killer move, catching Cui Zitang off guard.
That makes it much easier to understand. If everything were improvised, it would be outrageous...
Upon hearing this, Ye Xingge naturally understood that a tall tree catches the wind, and nodded in agreement.
The Emperor of Yan actually wanted to send someone up again to test just how good this young man was.
But we really can't fight anymore. If we accidentally cause something else to happen, it would be like telling Wu Chenglie:
"Look, look! I've found a promising Miaozi! If you don't even make it into the First Rank for six months, I'll have a chance to kill you next year..."
After a moment of silence, the Emperor of Yan clapped his hands.
"Excellent skill! I have certainly broadened my horizons today. Three consecutive victories deserve a generous reward: one hundred taels of imperial rations and a qilin robe."
Imperial materials are used for nurturing swords; the value of a hundred pieces is self-evident.
The Qilin robe is similar to the python robe, a special honor bestowed upon military men. It is evident that officials did not need to take official hats, and could wear swords and shoes in the palace. Cao Xiong was wearing this garment.
Ye Xingge had just finished warming up when he saw how generous the reward was. He felt a little uneasy taking it and thought to himself, "If I can't beat Duke Zhang or Mei Wuchang, let me at least test Ruan Jinyu's skills!"
All those two days of preparation were for nothing...
But the imperial court forbade further fighting, so Ye Xingge had no choice but to surrender.
"Thank you for the reward, Your Majesty!"
There was a buzzing noise in Diligent Governance Tower.
In the distance, countless scions of powerful and influential families gazed at Ye Xingge, who had just appeared, their eyes filled with envy.
Chen Xiaobao was also craning his neck to look at it, as if he were looking at himself in a daydream.
However, just as Chen Xiaobao was secretly fantasizing, he suddenly noticed a minor clerk serving tea and water coming up behind him, half-squatting down and whispering:
"Young Master Chen."
Chen Xiaobao turned around upon hearing the voice, but seeing that the interpreter was an ordinary-looking clerk whom he did not recognize, he asked:
"Something's up."
The junior clerk, with a respectful expression, said:
"Just now, Vice Minister Chen asked me to deliver a message to you, young master, saying that Young Master Ye is no ordinary person, and that you should try to befriend him..."
Chen Xiaobao's uncle served as a vice minister in the Ministry of Punishments, and was therefore considered his guardian.
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaobao's gaze shifted slightly. He looked towards the square, then moved closer, his fingers rubbing together.
"Winning over and making connections isn't enough with just words. Judging from Lord Ye's approach, this matter probably won't be accomplished without tens of thousands of taels of silver..."
The junior clerk looked embarrassed.
"Minister Chen didn't specify the amount of money, only saying to host a banquet to build ties. However, I think that entertaining guests shouldn't require Young Master Chen to pay for it himself, and the location of the banquet is naturally up to Young Master Chen to decide..."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaobao pondered to himself:
If his family were to provide the funds to help him win over Ye Grand Duke Jupiter, he would have to book the entire Myriad Phenomena Tower, invite all the top courtesans from Changle Street, and throw an extravagant party—it would be beneath Ye Grand Duke Jupiter's status and influence...
With Ye Grand Duke Jupiter's abilities, taking on ten people at once shouldn't be a problem. If he conserves his strength, taking on twenty at once isn't out of the question either...
He has a weak foundation, so three attacks are enough. This is all just a show to win him over and make it easier to explain when he gets back and reports the expenses...
However, while pondering this aimlessly, Chen Xiaobao suddenly noticed something amiss out of the corner of his eye and looked up at the area behind the interpreter.
Those seated at the banquet were all talented young men from prominent families. Further along the edge of the square was a long corridor leading into the square, where side rooms, tea rooms, and restrooms were located. Imperial guards stood watch outside the corridor, and there were also many minor officials from the Court of Court of Imperial Sacrifices observing the arena.
Chen Xiaobao hadn't noticed these things at first, but when the clerk squatted behind him and he turned around, he could see a eunuch in the corridor carrying a tray, walking slowly towards the steps of the Diligent Governance Tower.
Although this person's clothing and behavior were nothing out of the ordinary, Chen Xiaobao's family had served as officials in the imperial court for more than ten generations, and his superior was the deceased eunuch Ruan Jinyu, so he was very familiar with eunuchs.
Eunuchs were all castrated men, and they received training in the palace from a young age. Their walking posture and mannerisms were all carefully observed.
This eunuch's demeanor was subtly different from that of a normal eunuch; even when he deliberately bowed, one could sense the robust strength beneath his robes.
Moreover, the Diligent Governance Tower was built between the southern city walls. Although there were steps leading down to the square below, the upper and lower parts of the palace wall were completely separate. Only ministers of the third rank and above were qualified to watch the ceremony from the tower. Diligent Governance Tower, only the Emperor of Yan and his close attendants were present.
A servant eunuch running around below was heading towards the Diligent Governance Tower, which was clearly suspicious.
Although Chen Xiaobao wasn't particularly capable, he had worked in the Inspection Bureau for several months and wasn't entirely without ability.
After the interpreter left, he glanced around and saw that whether it was the emperor in the Diligent Governance Tower, the old ministers in the long corridor, or even the imperial guards on duty, their attention was focused on Ye Grand Duke Jupiter, who was showing off his divine power in front of everyone, and they did not notice the little strangeness behind the crowd.
Although Chen Xiaobao felt something was wrong, to prevent false reports of military intelligence from causing a riot, he thought about it and got up. He greeted the censor who was recording his words and actions, said he was going to relieve himself, and walked towards the west corridor.
But everyone's attention was on Ye Xingge, and suddenly a person going against the flow appeared, which was obviously very eye-catching!
The eunuch walking by didn't show any unusual behavior, but when Chen Xiaobao got up and walked over, he went into a side room, seemingly to change teaware or something, and his actions were quite normal.
Chen Xiaobao frowned slightly, unsure if it was a misjudgment. True to his duty as Inspection Bureau, he casually strolled past...