A Sword at His Waist, Hard Body Training in His Bones, and Fists for the Old Masters

Twin Rivers Commandery, Three Harmonies Martial Arts School.

As dusk settled, the martial arts school's gates were tightly shut, and the plaque above the gate that read "Three Harmonies Martial Arts School" was tinged with a dark red by the setting sun, like the color of congealed blood.

The main hall in the backyard was brightly lit.

Seven or eight young people sat or stood, their faces solemn, their eyes occasionally glancing towards the door, as if waiting for someone.

The leader was a burly man with thick eyebrows and big eyes, none other than Han Chong, the eldest disciple of the Three Harmonies Martial Arts School.

His right arm was wrapped in thick bandages, with traces of blood seeping out.

Just then, footsteps approached from outside.

A young man strode over, his face grim. "Wenqing. The Zhang Household's situation is similar to ours. First, a younger member of their clan got into a fight and was seriously injured. Then, several of their shops were vandalized."

The room erupted in chaos.

"The Zhang Household is in trouble too? Senior Zhang Ping is Half-Step External Scenery, and yet someone dares to cause trouble for him. There must be someone behind this!"

"Could it be that the owner has offended someone?"

Han Chong raised his hand, silencing the crowd's discussion, and gestured for Xiao Wu, who had returned with the information, to continue.

Xiao Wu hesitated and said, "It's not just the Zhang Household and us. I also asked around, and several sects and martial arts schools around Twin Rivers Commandery that have connections with the master have all run into trouble recently."

"Someone challenged the dojo, some provoked them, and some even secretly spread rumors that the dojo owner and Senior Zhang— "

He paused, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"They said they're not coming back."

The hall fell silent.

You could hear a pin drop.

Han Chong's expression was serious; the situation was worse than he had imagined.

A month ago, Master invited Senior Zhang to leave the county city together. Now, not only has he not returned, but people are also secretly rushing towards him as if they have smelled blood.

Moreover, given the scale of this disturbance, the person behind it dared to provoke several families simultaneously, indicating considerable power. Choosing this particular time suggests they were well-prepared.

Han Chong's biggest worry right now is his master's safety.

As for the martial arts school, the main focus is on maintaining morale.

"It seems someone is watching us."

Han Chong took the lead, his gaze sweeping over the faces of his fellow disciples. His voice, though not loud, carried a calm and unwavering quality, "Now that Master is absent, Senior Zhang is absent, what we disciples must do is hold on, hold on until they return."

"Senior Brother is right!"

"Three Harmonies Martial Arts School has no cowards!"

Everyone stood up, their expressions filled with excitement.

Just as Han Chong was about to say something more, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the courtyard.

A junior disciple guarding the gate rushed over, his face grim. "Senior Brother, Zhao Huchen from the Gilded Martial Arts School is here!"

Everyone looked at him with suspicion. What was he doing here?

Zhao Huchen, the master of the Gilded Martial Arts School, nicknamed "Golden Eagle," is at the Middle Divine Ability Stage realm and has always been overshadowed by their master.

The two families had no prior grudges; one was located in the east of the city and the other in the west, and they usually kept to themselves. Why did Zhao Huchen come to their door at this critical juncture?

"What is he doing here?" Han Chong asked in a deep voice.

The junior disciple guarding the gate gritted his teeth. "He heard that the master wouldn't be coming back, so he came to look after the martial arts school for us, lest the disciples be left undisciplined and embarrass the Three Harmonies Martial Arts School in public."

The disciples were furious.

This is outrageous!

"What business is it of his that we, the Three Harmonies Martial Arts School, have!"

"Fight him!"

Han Chong raised his hand to stop the crowd, his brows furrowed, his expression growing increasingly grave.

He knew perfectly well that Zhao Huchen was always shrewd and would never rashly come to kick someone when they were down unless he was absolutely certain.

He dared to come today either because he was certain that his master wouldn't return, or because someone behind him gave him the confidence.

The person behind the scenes can be ordered around by Zhao Huchen at will—in Twin Rivers Commandery, besides the deeply entrenched Wang Household, there is probably only the Gold-Wielding Guard.

What do they want to achieve by pressing so relentlessly?

"I'll go and meet him." Han Chong stood up.

"Senior Brother, your injury—"

"I won't die." Han Chong strode towards the door, and the others quickly followed.

The front gate was wide open.

Zhao Huchen stood with his hands behind his back in the courtyard, followed by seven or eight disciples from the Gilded Martial Arts School.

This man was in his forties, with a strong and muscular build, a square face, thick eyebrows, and piercing eyes.

"Master Zhao!" Han Chong greeted him politely from afar, "May I ask what brings you here today?"

Seeing Han Chong stride towards him, his momentum undiminished despite his injured arm, Zhao Huchen raised an eyebrow, forced to admit that Yuyang had produced a fine disciple.

What a pity, they messed with the wrong person.

Zhao Huchen said calmly, "Nephew Han Chong, I won't beat around the bush. Brother Yuyang isn't coming back, and your Three Harmonies Martial Arts School won't last long. Rather than waiting for others to come and take your share, you might as well join my school. I'll accept all your disciples, and the treatment will be excellent."

"Bullshit!" a young disciple shouted angrily, "We would rather die than submit to your sect!"

"Zhao Huchen, what kind of hero are you, taking advantage of someone in distress!"

The disciples behind him cursed angrily.

Zhao Huchen didn't take it seriously. He just looked at Han Chong and said calmly, "Nephew Han, don't say I didn't give you a way out. If any of you can beat me, I'll turn around and leave."

Han Chong said in a low voice, "Master Zhao, our two families have no past grievances. Could you please show us the truth? Which family is secretly targeting us?"

Zhao Huchen looked regretful and shook his head, saying, "Nephew Han, there's no point in saying more. Even if Yuyang returns today, it won't make a difference."

Han Chong's heart sank. Even with his master's return today, it was all in vain?!

He remained silent for a moment, then slowly drew the long sword from his waist, held it horizontally in front of him, his eyes blazing.

"Master Zhao, whether my master returns or not is not up to you." His voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear. "Until my master returns, the doors of the Three Harmonies Martial Arts School will not be open to anyone. If you try to force your way in—you'll have to step over my dead body first!"

Zhao Huchen's smile faded slightly.

He stared at Han Chong for a few moments, then suddenly smiled, a smile tinged with pity and regret.

How could such a disciple not be one of his students?

"What a loyal and courageous Han Chong!"

"Unfortunately, loyalty and courage couldn't save the Three Harmonies Martial Arts School, nor could they save your master."

"Fine, I'll give you one last day."

"If the Three Harmonies Martial Arts School doesn't disband by sunset tomorrow, don't blame me for being ruthless."

After saying this, Zhao Huchen led his disciples away, their footsteps gradually disappearing into the alley.

The footsteps faded into the distance.

In the courtyard, everyone remained silent, as if something was pressing on their chests, making it hard to breathe.

Han Chong sheathed his sword and turned to look at the crowd.

"Senior Brother----"

"Go back and rest." His tone was calm and steady. "Those who need to practice should practice, and those who need to heal should heal. The sky isn't falling."

After leaving the Three Harmonies Martial Arts School, Zhao Huchen led the way back to his own martial arts school.

As they walked into a quiet, deserted alley, a disciple behind them couldn't help but ask, "Master, why didn't you just make your move?"

Zhao Huchen didn't turn around, and said calmly, "Yuyang's fate is still uncertain. He has been operating in Twin Rivers Commandery for many years, has many friends and extensive connections. There's no need to push things to the extreme and offend him to the death. Today we're just delivering a message and probing their strength. Let's see how the Three Harmonies Martial Arts School responds tomorrow."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Huchen suddenly stopped, narrowed his eyes, and looked toward the corner of the alley.

A young man wearing a straw hat and with a sword at his waist walked out from around the corner of the alley and toward them.

The straw hat was pulled low, obscuring the face; only a section of the chin and a blue robe fluttering in the night wind were visible.

That's interesting.

People from Yuyang?

A ruthless glint appeared in Zhao Huchen's eyes. His hands hung naturally at his sides, hidden in his sleeves. At this moment, he slightly bent his fingers, causing his sleeves to ripple, within which a golden light flowed.

He was able to earn the title of "Golden Eagle" in Twin Rivers Commandery entirely thanks to his Flesh and Blood Divine Ability, "Gold and Iron Eagle Claw."

The alley was narrow and cramped, and with a sword at his waist, his Swordsmanship would be difficult to fully utilize, but it was perfect for him to unleash his [Gold and Iron Eagle Claw].

Zhao Huchen stepped forward, sneering inwardly, "What kind of idiot is this? He can't even find a decent place to block the way."

As the two drew closer, the atmosphere in the alleyway became oppressive and silent. Even the disciples behind Zhao Huchen sensed something was wrong and became on guard.

Zhao Huchen's internal Gang Qi surged silently, ready to erupt at any moment.

He calculated the distance precisely; he would strike as soon as he got one step closer, giving his opponent no chance to draw his sword.

In the blink of an eye.

The distance Mortal Realm has been shortened to the optimal range for the sword to extend. Every inch longer gives you an inch more power, making this the best position to gain the upper hand when striking.

But the other party still didn't draw their sword!

They didn't even stop walking.

Is it really just a coincidence?

A moment of doubt flashed through Zhao Huchen's mind, but he immediately launched a fierce attack, showing no mercy to his subordinates.

Walking down an alley, there's always someone wearing a straw hat blocking the way. What a coincidence!

Even if it's a coincidence, it just means the other person was unlucky and didn't choose the right path today!

The stone slab beneath his feet shattered instantly. Zhao Huchen moved like a lone eagle swooping down on its prey, taking a leap of several feet in one step, his hands forming claws, and a burst of pale golden light erupted from them.

The sound of it cutting through the air was as fierce as an eagle's cry, and the gust of wind alone was enough to cut through swords!

He reached out with his claw towards the other man's neck, beneath his straw hat, and even before it reached him, it seemed as if he had already seized his vital point!

Just as the eagle's claws were about to touch the other's skin, the young man wearing a straw hat suddenly paused, turned slightly to the side, and at the same time lifted his hat to reveal a pair of calm, still eyes, without the slightest ripple.

Zhao Huchen was shocked and furious. How could he have missed at such close range?

Without a second thought, he swiftly grabbed with his right hand, the claws flashing fiercely as he lunged at his opponent's side.

But the young man remained nonchalant, pressing his straw hat down with one hand to prevent it from being blown off by the strong wind. With a light step, his figure floated out like a willow catkin, easily avoiding his attack and creating distance.

Suddenly, Zhao Huchen's eyes hardened, and he let out a low shout. The Gang Qi in his palm turned into a vortex, generating a huge suction force.

The air currents churned, and in this narrow space, they involuntarily pulled the young man in the straw hat into his eagle's talons!

Without even drawing his sword, he is so arrogant. Even if he has real skills, how dare he look down on the heroes of the world!

Zhao Huchen formed a claw with his five fingers, drawing in half of his Gang Qi and unleashing the other half, causing the airflow in front of him to collapse. The man wearing a bamboo hat "voluntarily" met his claws.

The next moment, the eagle claws, shrouded in pale gold, swept across the opponent's body, but only a "clang" was heard, and a string of sparks flew, as if two equally matched treasured weapons were clashing.

Feeling the sharp pain and numbness emanating from his fingertips, Zhao Huchen's gaze froze.

His claw, capable of easily tearing through metal, not only failed to penetrate the opponent's flesh but also caused his finger bones to go numb from the recoil!

Flesh and Blood Divine Ability?

No, it lacks any sense of legality.

"Hard training?"

Zhao Huchen guessed the answer and his gaze unconsciously fell on the long sword at his waist.

What young swordsman wouldn't seek the elegance and grace of Swordsmanship, but instead chooses to practice the most arduous and exhausting physical training?!

Before he could think further, his opponent suddenly threw a punch. The move was simple and unadorned, without any fancy moves, but it instantly disrupted the vortex of Gang Qi in his palm.

In Zhao Huchen's perception, this punch seemed to fill the heaven and earth, causing subtle changes in the vitality of the surrounding heaven and earth, and an invisible pressure enveloped the whole body.

"Unity of Heaven and Celestial Person — Half-Step External Scenery?!" Zhao Huchen's expression changed drastically, and the hairs on his body stood on end.

It was at this moment that he finally caught a glimpse of the other person's face beneath the bamboo hat.

He had never seen such a young Half-Step External Scenery in his entire life!

Still bald—could he be an ascetic monk from the Western Desert?

He desperately mobilized his Gang Qi to protect himself and increased the suction force generated by the vortex, trying to deflect the opponent's punch.

But it was all in vain.

The punch, though seemingly slow, carried a power that filled heaven and earth, easily piercing through his vortex of Gang Qi and ignoring his last protective Gang Qi, sending him flying with a single blow.

The latter flew backward, smashing into seven or eight disciples behind it, knocking them all to the ground.

A sharp pain shot through Zhao Huchen, and his vision went black. He nearly fainted on the spot. The moment he landed, he tried to struggle to his feet to fight back, but his opponent stepped on his chest.

That foot felt as heavy as a mountain, pressing down on him so he could hardly breathe and couldn't turn over.

Before my eyes, blood and black intertwined, blurring my vision and making it impossible to make out the other person's face behind the bamboo hat.

"You----"

Zhao Huchen had barely managed to utter a single word when he heard the other person's indifferent voice. "Go back and tell the people behind you to wash their necks clean and wait for us to come knocking."

19

The sound of bones cracking rang out one after another. The foot that was pressing on his chest kept increasing the pressure, breaking his ribs one after another. Just when he thought he was going to be crushed on the spot, the enormous force suddenly withdrew.

Zhao Huchen breathed heavily, feeling both relief at surviving the ordeal and an overwhelming sense of shock and anger.

The other party spared his life, clearly wanting him to deliver a message—this was blatant provocation!

After a long while, Zhao Huchen finally caught his breath. The young man in the bamboo hat had already left. He growled at the gatekeeper, "Fools, hurry up and help me up!"

Although he knocked his disciples to the ground, they were unharmed and hurriedly helped him up.

"Master, shall we go back to the martial arts school?" someone asked in a panic.

Zhao Huchen's ribs were almost completely broken, and his internal organs were severely injured. His face was ashen, but his eyes remained fierce. After a moment of silence, he said in a low voice, "Go to the Prince's Mansion!"

"Didn't that guy say he'd have his back this time? I'd like to see if Yuyang and his gang can turn the tables under his control!"

Next door in the alley.

Yu Tunzhou did not leave, but concealed his presence, avoiding Zhao Huchen's perception. Listening to Zhao Huchen's words, a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes.

Prince's Mansion?

Is it the Twin Rivers Wang Household or the Qingyang Prince's Residence?

The former is the largest Aristocratic Clan in Twin Rivers Commandery and the surrounding area, while the latter is the Great Yan County Prince's Mansion, which was recently conferred a title.

After Emperor Tianshun ascended the throne, he bestowed titles upon his children and assigned them to various places. There was even a Prince's Mansion in Twin Rivers Commandery.

In fact, after arriving in Twin Rivers Commandery, he first confirmed the time; more than half a month had passed since he and his companions entered the inheritance site.

In other words, it is now the beginning of the second year of the Tianshun era.

After entering the county town, he first inquired about the location of the Three Harmonies Martial Arts School. Just as he arrived, he ran into Zhao Huchen, who had come looking for trouble.

After confirming that Hero Yu and the others had not yet returned, he followed Zhao Huchen directly, then deliberately blocked Zhao Huchen's path and beat him up, asking him to deliver a message.

The latter, intimidated by him, would surely send a message to the messenger for help, which would give him the perfect opportunity to see who was secretly targeting Hero Yu and his group.

He initially guessed that the other party was most likely related to Hua Nongying and Shen You.

The mere mention of "Prince's Mansion" was somewhat unexpected.

This trip to the site of the inheritance confirmed to them that the Seven Bandits of the Western Desert were backed by the Six Paths of Evil and Demons.

Did the Twin Rivers Wang Household secretly collude with the Six Paths of Evil and Demons, or was the Qingyang Prince's Residence, which had only recently been enfeoffed, involved with the Six Paths of Evil and Demons?

now.

Yu Tunzhou followed Zhao Huchen and his group with a leisurely stroll.

As night fell, the streets and alleys became less crowded.

Zhao Huchen and his group avoided the bustling main streets and instead took the secluded narrow alleys, heading north until they finally stopped outside a high-walled courtyard on the north side of the county town.

The vermilion walls stretch endlessly, with pavilions scattered within, their eaves reflecting the waning moon.

Above the gate hangs a gilded ancient plaque that reads "Qingyang Prince's Residence".

Yu Tunzhou hid behind the dense shade of the old tree at the alley entrance, his gaze fixed intently on the gate of the Prince's Mansion.

No wonder Zhao Huchen was so confident.

Not long after Emperor Tianshun ascended the throne, he lavishly enfeoffed members of the imperial clan and established prefectures in various regions, attempting to gain control over the local areas. The Prince Qingyang was the prince appointed to Twin Rivers Commandery.

The Prince's Mansion holds the power to defend local cities and has the authority to mobilize the Gold-Wielding Guard. It also represents the Imperial Family, so its power is considerable. Ordinary martial arts schools and small families in the Jianghu (martial arts world) simply do not dare to confront it.

The only family capable of challenging the Qingyang Prince's Residence in Twin Rivers Commandery is the Twin Rivers Wang Household.

Yu Tunzhou was somewhat puzzled.

Could it be that a member of the mighty Great Yan Imperial Family has truly made contact with the Six Paths of Evil and Demons?

Otherwise, why would they specifically target the forces of Hero Yu and his group at this particular time?

Seeing Zhao Huchen and his entourage hurriedly enter the Prince's Mansion.

Yu Tunzhou used his Primordial Spirit to sense that several powerful auras were faintly emanating from the depths of the Prince's mansion. One of them was particularly deep, like a lurking venomous snake, with a cold and obscure aura.

External Scenery.

His heart sank slightly.

Although he has solved the problem of the Eight-Nine Mysterious Art and can enter the Unity of Heaven and Celestial Person, freely mobilizing the primordial energy of heaven and earth, his Inner Heaven and Earth is not yet formed and he cannot sustain it. He is by no means a match for an External Scenery master.

However, the Eight-Nine Mysterious Art excel at concealment and evasion, and with the Unity of Heaven and Celestial Person, it shouldn't be a problem for me to sneak in and investigate the situation.

Yu Tunzhou immediately concealed his aura, and using the state of oneness with Unity of Heaven and Celestial Person, his figure almost blended into the night, and quietly slipped in.

The Prince's Mansion occupies a considerable area, with pavilions and towers scattered in a well-organized manner. The lights are sparse, with only a few courtyards lit up.

Following the scents of Zhao Huchen and the others, he sneaked into the courtyard.

In the courtyard, Zhao Huchen was being helped to kneel on the ground, his face pale and his forehead covered in cold sweat.

Opposite him stood a man in brocade robes, about thirty years old, with exceptionally handsome features, yet exuding a strange air of menace.

Could this be the Commandery Prince Qingyang?

Yu Tunzhou thought to himself, "I've heard that the Great Yan Imperial Family possesses High Antiquity bloodlines, and their descendants are all handsome. Now that I see it, it's true."

At this moment, the man in the brocade robe looked down at Zhao Huchen, his voice indifferent, revealing neither joy nor anger. "You say, a young man wearing a bamboo hat punched you like this?"

"Yes—yes!" Zhao Huchen gritted his teeth, "That man's external martial arts are extremely formidable; even my Gold and Iron Eagle Claw couldn't break through his physical body! Moreover, when he attacked—there were signs of Unity of Heaven and Celestial Person and nature! He should be a Half-Step External Scenery expert!"

"Unity of Heaven and Celestial Person?" A flicker of emotion finally appeared in the brocade-robed man's eyes. "How old is this person?"

"Judging from his face—he's not even twenty, or just over twenty, and he's bald, like an ascetic monk from the Western Desert," Zhao Huchen quickly added.

"Bald, not even twenty, in Unity of Heaven and Celestial Person— "

The man in the brocade robe glanced at the person behind him, then suddenly asked with interest, "What message did he ask you to deliver?"

Zhao Huchen whispered, "This man made outrageous statements, telling us to wash our necks clean and wait for him to come to us—"

The courtyard fell silent for a moment.

The man in the brocade robe, Princess Zhaole of Qingyang, suddenly smiled, but it carried a chilling aura.

"Young people are good in every way, but they don't realize that too much rigidity leads to breakage." He muttered to himself, already guessing Yu Tunzhou's identity.

Ji Zhaole looked at Zhao Huchen: "Go back and recover from your injuries first. You don't need to worry about the Three Harmonies Martial Arts School for now."

Zhao Huchen felt as if he had been granted a pardon and quickly kowtowed to take his leave.

After he left, Ji Zhaole stood with his hands behind his back.

The person behind him whispered, "Your Highness, should I inform the Gold-Wielding Guard and have them find this person?"

"Do you know who he is?" Ji Zhaole asked calmly. "He stood up for Yuyang and the others, and he's bald. This person must be Yu Tunzhou, who caused a huge disturbance in West Xuan Commandery not long ago."

"It's him?!"

The guard behind him exclaimed in surprise, "Didn't they say that this boy's chances of survival are slim?"

Ji Zhaole's gaze was deep and unfathomable. He snorted coldly and said, "It seems that Yuyang and the others may not be dead after all. Go and invite Mr. Yin here. They must give me an explanation for this matter."

"If there's a flaw in the very first step, how can I feel comfortable continuing to cooperate with them?"

The guard behind him bowed and said, "Yes."

"No need, Your Highness, I have already arrived."

An old man appeared in the courtyard with a smile. His hair and beard were all white, his face was thin, and his gray Daoist robe was washed until it was almost white. He looked like any old Daoist priest you could see on the roadside.

Before Ji Zhaole could speak, the old man glanced around and slowly asked, "May I ask which friend has trespassed into the Prince's residence?"

Ji Zhaole's expression darkened, and he glanced at the guard behind him. The guard looked serious and shook his head at him, indicating that he had not noticed anything.

The old man's words drifted away on the night breeze.

Yu Tunzhou Boat lies on the eaves, holding its breath and concentrating, almost becoming one with the world around it.

His gaze fell behind Mr. Yin and found Hua Nongying, one of his targets on this trip!

At the same time, I overheard the conversation clearly.

This newly appointed Commandery Prince Qingyang actually colluded with the Seven Bandits of the Western Desert and the Six Paths of Evil and Demons.

Is he crazy?