Chapter 77

"Senior Brother, look, this person may be a bit crazy, but his skills are not to be underestimated. With the young man from the Iron Scroll Sect, he’s likely to suffer a loss." The junior brother beside Long Tuxiao said, his gaze also fixed on Yuan Long.

Long Tuxiao chuckled lightly, "I don’t know what kind of technique this person has practiced, but his strength is astonishing. He uses his qi to enhance his power. Not to mention the disciples of the Iron Scroll Sect, even you might not be his match."

The disciple of the Iron Scroll Sect roared in anger, raising his sword and thrusting it at Yuan Long. The move, which had no return, clearly showed his current rage.

Yuan Long neither dodged nor avoided it. He simply reached out and grabbed the sword blade.

Rustle—

A chorus of gasps erupted. Whether from the Dragon Tiger Gate or the Iron Scroll Sect, everyone was stunned.

"This kid is indeed a brute. Such self-mutilation is nothing but courting death."

"Watch Senior Brother Wu sever his five fingers with one sword strike."

"That’s right. This brute doesn’t know how formidable Senior Brother Wu’s newly mastered 'Sweeping the Clouds' technique is."

"Senior Brother Wu has mastered 'Sweeping the Clouds'?"

"Otherwise, how could Senior Brother allow Senior Brother Wu to stand on the platform? Among us in the Iron Scroll Sect, those who have mastered 'Sweeping the Clouds' can be counted on one hand. How can this brute compare?"

"I really look forward to the look of terror on that brute’s face when his fingers fly off, ha ha..."

Regardless of the onlookers' thoughts, Wu Yong was not so relaxed. His long sword was grabbed by Yuan Long, and he initially thought it was a reckless move. He also thought of his newly mastered 'Sweeping the Clouds' technique, but when he tried to use it, he found the sword blade immovable.

The sword blade seemed to be embedded in an iron hoop. No matter how much force he exerted, he couldn’t budge it an inch.

Yuan Long chuckled and pulled hard, dragging Wu Yong to his face with the sword blade.

Without hesitation, Yuan Long punched Wu Yong, sending all his teeth flying out, his mouth full of blood, and his face filled with shock. Then he collapsed on the ground.

This series of events left all the onlookers wide-eyed and disbelieving, staring at Yuan Long.

Could Wu Yong have deliberately let him win?

He is an elite disciple of the Iron Scroll Sect! How could he be so easily defeated?

Alan let out a surprised cheer, as if it were a matter of course.

Chen Youcai’s mouth was wide open. If someone slapped him now, he might not even come to his senses.

After a brief silence, the crowd suddenly burst into exclamations.

Yuan Long’s ferocity and martial prowess were truly refreshing. Such a crude method was unheard of, but it was the most straightforward.

The disciples of the Dragon Tiger Gate were equally incredulous. Long Tuxiao and his junior brother exchanged glances, both seeing the shock in each other’s eyes.

"This move is similar to the 'Impervious to Weapons' technique of Young Master Bai. Could he have some connection to Young Master Bai?"

"Indeed, it’s very similar, but when Bai Chen used this move, his body was like a burning iron, which is not entirely the same." Long Tuxiao nodded slightly, frowning in deep thought, his gaze often shifting to Yuan Long.

In contrast, the disciples of the Iron Scroll Sect were not so calm. The Iron Scroll Sect had only just barely recovered its vitality. If it weren’t for the sudden collapse of the Embroidered Qi Sect, the Dan Qi Sect, and the Yin Xu Sect, the Iron Scroll Sect would not be much better off than these three sects.

Now, just as the Iron Scroll Sect was expanding and recruiting new disciples, they were slapped in the face by an unknown person.

This was a matter of the sect’s reputation, and they could not tolerate such an outcome.

"Bold ruffian, you have injured my fellow disciple from the Iron Scroll Sect. If you don’t give an explanation today, you won’t be allowed to leave easily."

Yuan Long was also riled up. These days, he had been fighting bandits and horse thieves, all of whom were amateurs. He couldn’t even use a third of his skills.

Now, with so many Iron Scroll Sect disciples to practice on, how could he let this opportunity pass?

"Ridiculous. Why should I give you an explanation? The one who should explain is you. Insulting my brother and sister, and now you don’t even allow me to defeat your Iron Scroll Sect disciple on the platform? Bring out your moves, and if I take a single step back, I’ll admit defeat."

These words immediately drew a chorus of cheers. Although Yuan Long was not as skilled in verbal sparring as Bai Chen, his words were all reasonable.

Many people had seen the conflict between the young master of the Iron Scroll Sect and Yuan Long.

Now, defeating the Iron Scroll Sect on the platform was a fact.

But after losing, the Iron Scroll Sect refused to accept it, which was against the code of conduct.

Once on the platform, the outcome must be accepted, and no further disputes should arise.

Unfortunately, these disciples of the Iron Scroll Sect, relying on their status, did not realize that their persistent纠缠 would only tarnish the reputation of the Iron Scroll Sect.

These disciples lacked experience in the world. In the past, such matters were handled by the eldest disciple, Mu Sansheng. Now, with them in charge, if everything went smoothly, it would be fine, but once such a conflict arose, they only thought of using brute force to solve it, believing that by dealing with Yuan Long, they could restore the sect’s reputation.

Dozens of Iron Scroll Sect disciples surrounded the platform, determined to take down Yuan Long.

The onlookers immediately burst into a chorus of boos, clearly dissatisfied with the Iron Scroll Sect’s actions.

"Disciples of the Iron Scroll Sect, why not give me some face? Both sides have acted improperly. Why not each take a step back and resolve this matter?" Long Tuxiao was not trying to help the Iron Scroll Sect resolve the conflict. To him, the Iron Scroll Sect was the Dragon Tiger Gate’s biggest rival. If he could take advantage of the situation, it would be best, but he had to choose the right moment.

He just wanted to help Yuan Long gain some favor. If the conflict continued, the Iron Scroll Sect’s reputation would plummet, but Yuan Long might not benefit either.

Regardless of whether Yuan Long had any connection to Bai Chen, his value could not be underestimated, so he decided to play the role of a mediator.

However, Long Tuxiao clearly underestimated the self-respect of the Iron Scroll Sect’s disciples. If it were someone else, it might have been different, but since it was the Dragon Tiger Gate, they were even more resentful.

They thought it was a joke for the Dragon Tiger Gate to act as a mediator after watching their humiliation. When the conflict started, where was he? Now, seeing the Iron Scroll Sect at a disadvantage, he was pretending to be a good guy, saying a few meaningless words.

The Dragon Tiger Gate had taken all the credit, and now the Iron Scroll Sect had to endure the humiliation. Where was such a good deal in the world?

"Our affairs in the Iron Scroll Sect do not need the Dragon Tiger Gate to meddle. We will handle it ourselves. The Dragon Tiger Gate should mind its own business." Zhang Qu, the leader, huffed angrily. Wu Yong was his junior brother.

He was responsible for this recruitment, and now that this incident had occurred, he could not remain unscathed. He just wanted to save face and give an account to his elders.

"Brother, thank you for your good intentions. These shameless people from the Iron Scroll Sect need a lesson. If they don’t get one, they’ll think everyone is so easy to bully." Yuan Long, full of confidence, bowed slightly to Long Tuxiao, showing a hint of gratitude, and was not concerned about the surrounding attackers.

"Disciples, take down this villain! Bring him back to the sect for the sect leader to deal with."

At the command, all the Iron Scroll Sect disciples immediately surrounded and attacked Yuan Long.

"Brother, be careful." Long Tuxiao suddenly shouted in alarm, seeing an Iron Scroll Sect disciple sneak up from behind to attack Yuan Long.

This also drew a chorus of gasps and condemnation from the onlookers. The disciple ignored the criticism and thrust his sword fiercely at Yuan Long’s back.

The sword pierced through Yuan Long’s back, but in the gasps of the crowd, it only tore his clothes, and the blade slid past his body.

This sneak attack only fueled Yuan Long’s anger. He opened his eyes wide, grabbed the disciple’s wrist, and squeezed hard. The disciple’s wrist twisted and deformed, and he screamed in pain, writhing on the ground.

Yuan Long then kicked him hard, sending him flying off the platform.

This back-and-forth completely lost control. The Iron Scroll Sect’s disciples had tried to kill Yuan Long, and if they had succeeded, Yuan Long would have been either dead or severely injured.

Yuan Long’s counterattack directly crippled the disciple, making it impossible to resolve the conflict.

"Kill this dog!"

Yuan Long’s eyes were bloodshot, whether from anger or the effects of alcohol.

He did not dodge the incoming blades, allowing the swords to strike his body.

These Iron Scroll Sect disciples were not amateurs. In terms of cultivation, they were on par with or even superior to Yuan Long.

The swords struck Yuan Long, and he was not completely unharmed. His skin was torn and bleeding.

After a round of attacks, Yuan Long was covered in wounds, his clothes torn and bloodstained.

However, Yuan Long did not suffer much. The Iron Scroll Sect disciples could only inflict superficial injuries, but his punches would knock one of them down.

Fortunately, although Yuan Long was angry, he did not intend to kill. He only broke the limbs of the Iron Scroll Sect disciples, not taking their lives.

"These Iron Scroll Sect disciples are truly unreasonable. That person has already shown restraint, but they are still trying to kill him."

Long Tuxiao shook his head with a bitter smile. He wondered how Mu Sansheng usually disciplined these junior brothers, being so unreasonable.

No matter whether these disciples could take down the person today, the matter would not end well.

However, Long Tuxiao was secretly pleased. The conflict was not with him, and he had tried to mediate, earning some favor.

If Yuan Long had no connection to Bai Chen, the sect behind him was not to be underestimated. The Iron Scroll Sect had needlessly provoked a powerful enemy.

If he had a connection to Bai Chen, it would be even better. Bai Chen and the Iron Scroll Sect were already at odds, and now this conflict would make their relationship irreconcilable.

In a short time, four Iron Scroll Sect disciples were crippled, and Yuan Long was also in bad shape, covered in wounds.

The Iron Scroll Sect disciples were not completely ignorant. They knew Yuan Long was tough, but targeting his wounds was effective.

However, to bring him down, they were not enough.

Suddenly, a shout and a gasp came from nearby. Yuan Long looked over and saw Chen Youcai lying on the ground, a sword wound in his chest.

Zhang Qu was holding Alan, the sword blade at her neck.

"Brother Chen!" Yuan Long’s eyes widened, and he roared, "Let go of Alan!"

"Sever his tendons!" Zhang Qu ordered. Yuan Long tried to resist, but Zhang Qu left a shallow cut on Alan’s neck. Although not deep, Alan was only five years old.

This move immediately drew criticism, but it was effective. Yuan Long dared not move, allowing the Iron Scroll Sect disciples to strike his limbs.

Although Yuan Long was tough, without resistance, it was not hard to injure him. He collapsed on the ground, his eyes full of hatred.

"Senior Brother Zhang, isn’t this going too far?" Long Tuxiao finally could not stand it.

Using a little girl as a hostage, Zhang Qu had really gone too far.

Zhang Qu sneered, "The Iron Scroll Sect does not need the Dragon Tiger Gate to teach us. Take that person back to the sect!"

"Hold on, I can let that person go, but you must leave the little girl."

Long Tuxiao stood in front of Zhang Qu, and his actions immediately drew cheers from the onlookers.

After all, Zhang Qu’s actions were despicable, and people dared not speak out. Now, with Long Tuxiao stepping in, the impression of the Dragon Tiger Gate improved.

Zhang Qu’s face was dark, looking at the little girl in his hand. The little girl did not cry, but her face was tear-streaked, and her eyes were full of hatred.

Zhang Qu looked at Long Tuxiao, seeing his serious expression, and knew he could not leave without giving up the girl.

"Since Senior Brother Long wants this little brat, you can have her."

Zhang Qu casually threw Alan, turned, and rushed into the crowd.

Long Tuxiao quickly caught Alan, but he was surprised that she showed no fear, only a calm that was unsettling.

"Little girl, your brother was taken by the Iron Scroll Sect. Aren’t you afraid?"

Alan wiped the tears from her eyes, watching Yuan Long being taken away by the Iron Scroll Sect, without crying or making a fuss. "Brother Bai Chen will save my brother. He will make it right."

...

Thank you to Mo Xi Yan for helping to establish a book club for this novel, with the group number 316247995.

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