Chapter 13. The Four Deities Activated (3)

When Zhuge Ayian and Zhuge Jun arrived near the back garden of Choucheng Tower.

Whoosh! Bang!

The heavy sound that shook the air, the resonating clank of metal against metal, filled the back garden.

“Ugh!”

A stifled groan escaped. The brief sound carried a determination to endure.

“Hey! Your lower abdomen is wide open!”

“Eek!”

Yang Xun, wrapped in bandages, hurriedly lifted his left foot.

However, the heavy iron rod aimed not at his lower abdomen but at his stomach.

Thud!

“Gasp!”

Yang Xun staggered and then fell flat. Despite his efforts to hold on, the shock spreading through his abdomen made his legs give out.

“Hmm.”

A satisfaction that no one had seen before appeared on Lian Huozheng's face.

'As I thought, I was right.'

A faint mist rose from the hand holding the iron rod.

'If it's the main family's cultivation method, I can become even stronger.'

He had been practicing the Lian family's martial arts since he was young. However, after his family was destroyed, he met a master and learned new martial arts, opening up a new world.

In other words, there was a cultivation method that had given the Black Shadow Sect its reputation. But he decided to boldly learn the Lian family's martial arts.

Lian Huozheng recalled his master's words.

'Actually, if your level had been good when we met, I wouldn't have taught you the Hongtian Qi. You can draw out the true power of the Four Deity Arts, but you can't see beyond that. Of course, with the Hongtian Qi and the Four Deity Arts, you can easily dominate a generation.'

The Hongtian Qi was a cultivation method focused solely on enhancing inner strength, excluding enlightenment. Therefore, it was the best cultivation method for someone who started martial arts late in life.

However, there were many cultivation methods in the world that surpassed the Hongtian Qi.

Naturally, the Lian family's divine techniques were of a higher level than the Hongtian Qi. Especially, the Lian family's highest divine technique, which could only be cultivated after mastering the Five Great Techniques to their limits, was said to be a cultivation method that could leave a mark in the history of martial arts.

Lian Huozheng had memorized the incantations of the Five Great Techniques for this reason. He needed to be ready to use them whenever the time came.

'Sure enough, it's better than the Hongtian Qi.'

Just by looking at the amplification of the force release, it was clear that the Bila Zhen Jue was a step above the Hongtian Qi.

'If my cultivation improves further, I can start learning the Four Deity Arts.'

With a satisfied expression, Lian Huozheng heard Yang Xun's voice.

"Such underhanded tricks..."

Lian Huozheng frowned.

"Underhanded tricks? That's a bit offensive to hear."

Yang Xun, clutching his stomach and trying to stand, couldn't maintain his posture. It wasn't a fatal wound, but the shock was significant.

"You said to attack the lower abdomen, didn't you?"

Lian Huozheng was exasperated.

"Does an open lower abdomen mean you can only attack there?"

"But, but!"

"If I had infused the iron rod with force release, you wouldn't have been able to stand up. Would you still complain about it being underhanded after you die?"

Yang Xun bit his lip.

He knew what Lian Huozheng was saying. In fact, it wasn't something a Changying Corps member should say, calling it an underhanded trick.

But he was frustrated. From yesterday to today, in a total of twenty-three sparring sessions, he had never once defeated Lian Huozheng.

Yang Xun couldn't believe it.

The skills of the eldest son, Lian Huozheng, were already well-known within the Lian family. Although he had recently defeated a daughter of the Nangong family, the Lian family's warriors didn't think it was a fair fight.

To not even win once against such an eldest son? Given the quantity and quality of inner strength, it was an absurd result.

"Well, anyway, it was fun. Thanks to you, I now know exactly how to handle a person."

It was a statement that cut deep into the opponent's pride.

Just as Yang Xun was about to call for another match,

"Yang Xun."

"…Yes, Commander."

"Stand down."

Yang Xun, gritting his teeth, bowed his head.

"I thank you for your teachings, Eldest Son."

"I should be the one to thank you."

Lian Huozheng looked at Shen Mo.

"I need to freshen up. Please take care of things here."

Shen Mo's eyes sparkled.

"Did you know?"

"What else would I not know?"

"…Understood. Rest well."

"Thanks, good work."

With that, Lian Huozheng headed to his quarters.

Lian Zhiping, who had been watching the sparring from the side, quickly followed.

"Brother! Brother! You're amazing!"

"What about?"

"To not allow even a single defeat against a Changying Corps member? Incredible! Or, when did you train your staff techniques?"

"When you were playing."

"Tsk!"

The brothers bickered as they entered their quarters.

Shen Mo, who had been watching them until they disappeared, turned her head.

"You two, come out now."

Swoosh.

Zhuge Ayian and Zhuge Jun appeared with embarrassed faces.

Shen Mo spoke in a stern voice.

"From your appearance, you seem to be descendants of a famous martial arts family. Do you not know that it is impolite to spy on others' training and sparring?"

Zhuge Jun bowed deeply.

"I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere and ended up watching. It was a mistake for which I have no excuse. I apologize."

It was a straightforward apology.

Regardless of right or wrong, Shen Mo was impressed by Zhuge Jun's demeanor. Despite being younger than the eldest son, his actions were very mature.

Even while sincerely apologizing, he maintained composure. Just by this, Shen Mo felt her guard against him significantly lowered.

Just as Shen Mo was about to speak,

Snap!

"Ugh!"

Zhuge Jun staggered.

"Hey! You rice bucket!"

"Ah, why do you keep doing that!"

"Do you even know who that person is?"

"What? What do you mean?"

"Good grief, are you really a Zhuge? How will you lead your family with that head? I remember you as soon as I saw you."

"…Eh?"

After a few coughs, Zhuge Ayian greeted Shen Mo politely.

"It's been a while, Master Shen."

Shen Mo's eyes widened.

"Zhuge? So you are…?"

"Hehe, has it been five years? We met in Hubei, right?"

"Ah!"

Surprisingly, Shen Mo had met the Zhuge siblings before.

Five years ago, in Hubei, there was a notorious criminal with excellent martial arts skills and cunning, whom no one could catch.

The Zhuge family had eliminated this criminal, and Shen Mo, during her travels, had somehow joined in. It was then that Shen Mo formed a connection with the Zhuge family.

Zhuge Jun, seemingly recalling this, looked at Shen Mo in surprise.

"Ah! Master Kuangfeng Sword?!"

Shen Mo coughed.

"Please don't mention that embarrassing nickname."

"So, the person using the staff techniques was?"

"The eldest son of the Lian family."

"Ah!"

Zhuge Jun looked at the quarters where the Lian brothers had entered with a newfound expression.

The reputation of the Bishan Lian family was hot even among the Seven Great Families. It was understandable, as they had risen to the top of the martial arts world in less than fifty years since their establishment in the Central Plains.

Zhuge Ayian smiled and asked.

"I heard that Master Shen has joined the Lian family as a retainer. The Bishan Lian family is a martial arts family that everyone admires. Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Although they had only spent a few days together and it had been five years since they last met, there was no awkwardness between Shen Mo and the Zhuge siblings.

Life in the martial arts world is like that. Even with shallow friendships, it's better to get along well, as it can be helpful. Shen Mo and the Zhuge siblings were well aware of this.

"Are you here for the gathering of the young talents?"

"Yes!"

"Indeed, the little ones have grown so much."

Zhuge Ayian whispered with a sly smile.

"Do you have time? Since we met by chance, how about a drink?"

"Miss, Miss!"

Shen Mo laughed and shook her head.

"Well, I do have a connection with you, but I am now the head of the Changying Corps of the Lian family. I need to guard this place, so let's have a drink later."

"Hehe, how about this? Master Shen, will you go to Hefei with us?"

"That's right."

"Come with us!"

"With you?"

"Yes! Since the Lian brothers are also participating in the gathering anyway?"

"That's true, but…"

Shen Mo glanced at Lian Huozheng's quarters.

"I need to ask the eldest son first."

"Hehe, understood!"

"By the way, are you two here alone? What about your guards?"

Zhuge Ayian grumbled.

"Well, that old-fashioned stick-in-the-mud…"

Suddenly, Zhuge Jun covered Zhuge Ayian's mouth from behind.

"Ahaha! Master Shen! I'll see you again tonight! It was nice to see you, Master!"

"Ugh!"

"Let's go! Let's go, Miss!"

"Phew! This brat, using his unwashed hands to cover my mouth…"

"Ah, stop it!"

Zhuge Jun dragged Zhuge Ayian away quickly. The way he used his inner strength to pull her indicated that he was in a hurry.

Shen Mo shook her head as she watched the siblings quickly disappear.

"They've grown up so energetically."

* * *

"Then I'll tell him that."

"Alright."

After Shen Mo left, Lian Zhiping scratched his head.

"Are you really okay with this?"

"What do you mean?"

"That… going with the Zhuge siblings."

Lian Huozheng tilted his head.

"What's the problem? We'll see them at the gathering anyway."

"That's true, but…"

"Besides, you have a connection with Master Shen, right? That means there's less risk of being betrayed. It's good to have one more skilled person along, even if it's just for a short distance."

"Brother, they are the children of the Zhuge family. They wouldn't betray us."

"The Nangong girl was just a spoiled brat from a declining family, right?"

"…That's not true, but…"

"In the martial arts world, murderers can come from temples, and sages can come from back alleys. Get rid of those fixed ideas quickly."

"Understood."

Lian Zhiping looked down, slightly dejected.

Lian Huozheng tousled his hair.

"Ouch!"

"Just saying, that's all. You should go rest now."

"Eh? Aren't you going to eat, Brother? It's almost time for dinner."

"I'll rest a bit and then eat. My limbs are aching. If I can't get up, just eat first."

"Ah!"

Indeed, he had been sparring all day without a break, so he must be tired.

Lian Zhiping got up with an awkward expression.

"Rest well. I'll come back later."

"Alright."

Lian Zhiping left the room.

Lian Huozheng's smiling face gradually turned cold.

"Zhuge, huh?"

During the sparring, he had sensed the qi of the Zhuge siblings.

'Totally different. The nature of their inner energy and the way they use it.'

He had seen the nature of their inner energy when he detected their presence, and he had felt the way they used their inner strength when Zhuge Jun dragged Zhuge Ayian away.

'Definitely different from the attackers. But… I need to observe them on the way to Hefei.'

He allowed the Zhuge siblings to travel with him because he disliked complicated situations. Despite his quick intuition and developed senses, he was now trying to analyze further.

'If possible, I'd like to see their martial arts skills properly.'

Lian Huozheng's wish was fulfilled sooner than he expected.

That night, when Choucheng Tower was bustling with many guests,

Bang!

One of the outer doors of Choucheng Tower collapsed completely.

"Damn Lian brats! I thought you were hiding somewhere, but you were here! Come out now!"