Chapter 51

Murmurong Fu stood with his back to Qin Hongmian, but he could still sense the danger behind him. Without panicking, he flipped his right hand and struck the brown wooden pillar in front of him with a force, using the rebound to spin his body in mid-air.

With his hands clasped, he then raised his right hand sharply to his waist, firmly landing on the ground.

Qin Hongmian had thought this strike would injure Murmurong Fu, but it turned out to be a miss. Not only that, the short sword, which was supposed to slash forward, inexplicably flipped back and aimed at her own shoulder.

Qin Hongmian's shock was unimaginable. She had heard of the Murmurong family's Dòu Zhuǎn Xīng Yí (Heavenly Shift), but only now did she realize how terrifying this skill was. Using the enemy's own method against them—wasn't this the essence of Dòu Zhuǎn Xīng Yí?

As he landed, the short sword cut a deep gash on his left shoulder, instantly staining it with blood. However, Qin Hongmian only frowned tightly.

"Truly worthy of Dòu Zhuǎn Xīng Yí. Today, I finally witnessed it. Murmurong Fu, you are indeed formidable. My apprentice and I falling to your hands today is not unjustified!"

Qin Hongmian knew she couldn't escape. Even though their brief confrontation was short, she could still feel Murmurong Fu's strength. This young man's techniques were sharp, and his internal power was not weak. He was truly a martial arts prodigy. Mu Wanqing tore a piece of her robe to help Qin Hongmian bandage the wound. She was now deeply regretful. If she had listened to the villain's words back then, she wouldn't be in this predicament today.

"Rakshasa Blade Technique, the fifth form 'Swallow Slash.' Are you Qin Hongmian of the Rakshasa Blade?"

Murmurong Fu's expression was relaxed. The previous fight had not harmed him, and he was only interested in the Rakshasa Blade Technique. The library of Manhua Manor was filled with martial arts classics, and his cousin had once mentioned the Rakshasa Blade Technique two years ago. However, the Rakshasa Blade lineage was very mysterious, and only seven forms were recorded in the books. He never expected to witness the true Rakshasa Blade Technique today.

"You have quite the insight. Don't waste words. Since we are in your hands, do as you please!"

Qin Hongmian's forehead was covered in fine sweat, and her face was pale. Continuing the fight was hopeless.

Murmurong Fu frowned, slightly displeased, and said, "Still the same words. Hand over my cousin, and you can leave safely."

"Murmurong Fu, you underestimate us too much. If we didn't catch her, we didn't catch her!" Supporting Qin Hongmian, Mu Wanqing glared at Murmurong Fu without any courtesy.

"Who else could it be? Fu, don't waste words. First, capture that little wretch, and see if they speak!"

Lady Wang did not believe Mu Wanqing's words, and even Murmurong Fu was somewhat skeptical. After investigating for so long without any leads, the only possibility was this master and apprentice. He had to try. Thinking this, Murmurong Fu instantly moved, changing his palm to a claw mid-air, aiming for Mu Wanqing's neck. Anyone could see that the injured woman was very concerned about her apprentice. If he threatened her apprentice, she would surely speak the truth.

"Wan'er, be careful..."

Qin Hongmian was shocked, never expecting the noble Murmurong Fu of Jiangnan to do such a despicable thing.

Mu Wanqing knew she couldn't dodge, but she still tried to block with her sword. She was not afraid; at worst, she would die.

Murmurong Fu's attack was fierce. He had never taken the two women seriously, but this time he was wrong. Before he could touch Mu Wanqing, he felt a powerful force from the side. Without hesitation, he immediately retracted his body, turned his waist, and changed his right claw to a palm, striking to the right.

With a "bang," Murmurong Fu and the newcomer exchanged a palm strike. Both retreated two steps, but the black-clothed, masked figure stood firmly, while Murmurong Fu was slightly unsteady. In just one move, the superior skill was clear. Murmurong Fu was astonished. In the martial arts world, few had power surpassing his, and this black-clothed figure was one of them.

Murmurong Fu was extremely wary, but Lady Wang was unaware. Seeing the unexpected interference, she was furious and shouted, "This is really infuriating! Fu, what are you waiting for? Let's kill this villain together!"

Li Qingluo immediately attacked, and Murmurong Fu was startled, "Aunt... don't..." His warning came too late. Li Qingluo thrust her sword, but the black-clothed figure stood still, flipping his right hand upward, changing his palm to a claw, and snatched the sword from her hand.

"This..." Li Qingluo stared at her wrist, still not understanding what had happened. How did the sword end up in the villain's hand?

Li Qingluo was confused, but Murmurong Fu saw everything clearly. His brows furrowed, and he smiled mockingly, "The Beggar Sect's ultimate skill, Dragon Seizing Technique. Haha, Chief Hall Leader Qiao Feng, if you want to save this master and apprentice, just say so. Why hide?"

The Dragon Seizing Technique was a secret skill of the Beggar Sect, known only to the current leader Wang Jian Tong. Only Qiao Feng had mastered it. Apart from Qiao Feng, Murmurong Fu could not think of anyone else who could use it. Moreover, Qiao Feng was currently the leader of the Yangzhou branch, so his appearance here was not surprising.

The black-clothed figure remained silent, dropping the sword and pointing to the outside. Mu Wanqing, being quick-witted, understood and immediately supported Qin Hongmian to leave.

Murmurong Fu was furious and would not let them go easily. He took two steps forward and shouted, "Want to leave? Not so easy!"

Murmurong Fu lunged forward, and the black-clothed figure immediately blocked him. He pulled his abdomen in, raised his leg, and struck with his left elbow, while his right fist punched upward. The black-clothed figure pushed his hands outward, stepping back. Seizing the advantage, Murmurong Fu did not yield, retracting his fist and spreading his hand, changing it to a claw. His attacks were swift and powerful, one after another.

The black-clothed figure was clearly surprised, not expecting Murmurong Fu to use the Shaolin Dragon Claw Technique. The Dragon Claw Technique had eight forms, not many, but the difficulty lay in speed, power, and the connection between moves. Murmurong Fu's speed and power were precise, and he used the eight forms seamlessly, without any flaws. If there was a flaw, it was that his power was somewhat lacking, and his moves were too rigid.

Stepping back, he extended his right palm, rotating his fingers downward and then inward, striking with great force. Murmurong Fu felt a mountain-like force. He could not afford to be careless and changed his claw to a fist, clashing with the black-clothed figure. This time, Murmurong Fu suffered a significant loss, as the black-clothed figure's internal power was much stronger.

"Vajra Wisdom Palm. Haha, Chief Hall Leader Qiao Feng, why not use your Demon Subduing Palm and Vajra Palm? If you're going to act, don't hide. Such secrecy is not the way of a hero."

Murmurong Fu was now certain of the black-clothed figure's identity. The Dragon Seizing Technique was unique to the Beggar Sect, and only Qiao Feng had mastered it. If there was any doubt about the Dragon Seizing Technique, the combination of the Shaolin Vajra Wisdom Palm and the Dragon Seizing Technique left no room for doubt. Qiao Feng, though from the Beggar Sect, was taught by the Shaolin monk Xuan Ku, one of the three great monks of the current Shaolin. If he taught the Demon Subduing Palm, it was not surprising that he also taught the Vajra Wisdom Palm.

The Vajra Wisdom Palm was the top palm technique of Shaolin, and only the disciples of high monks could learn it. In the black-clothed figure's hands, the Vajra Wisdom Palm was nearly perfect. According to Murmurong Fu, the Vajra Wisdom Palm was powerful but often lacked internal strength. However, the black-clothed figure's palm technique was fierce and powerful, with abundant internal strength, truly surpassing his teacher.

Given all this, Murmurong Fu could not believe it was anyone other than Qiao Feng.

The black-clothed figure did not explain further. Before Murmurong Fu could say another word, he extended his palms. Murmurong Fu cursed inwardly and stepped back. However, the black-clothed figure used a feint, taking advantage of the gap to retreat, disappearing into the darkness outside the window.

Qin Hongmian and her apprentice had escaped, and the black-clothed figure was nowhere to be seen. Li Qingluo kicked a stool in anger.

"Fu, was that person really Qiao Feng?"

Murmurong Fu's frown eased, and he smiled coldly, "It can't be anyone else. With his Shaolin martial arts at their peak and the Dragon Seizing Technique, who else could it be in the world?"

"Qiao Feng, the dog villain, this heaven-defying scoundrel!"

"Aunt, don't worry. I will personally go to Yangzhou in a few days and bring my cousin back!"

Murmurong Fu and Li Qingluo both looked fierce, but this was a bitter situation for Qiao Feng. He never imagined that after being upright for so many years, he would be accused of kidnapping a virtuous woman.

Outside the Swallow Pier, there was a dense bamboo forest. The forest was quiet, and Qin Hongmian and her apprentice were resting on a grassy area.

"Wan'er, do you know that person?"

Mu Wanqing was startled and shook her head without hesitation, "I don't know him, Master. Is your name really Qin Hongmian? It's a beautiful name!"

"What are you talking about? Do you know that person or not? Hmph, if you didn't know him, why would he come to save us?"

"Why do you say that, Master? Couldn't he have come for you?" Mu Wanqing's beautiful eyes sparkled, looking委屈 (wronged).

Hmm? Could it be that Wan'er really doesn't know him? That's strange. Why would someone come to save them? The black-clothed figure's power was extraordinary, and even the heartless man was no match. Such a person, if known, would not be forgotten.

Suddenly, a soft voice came from the quiet bamboo forest, "You two should leave Suzhou as soon as possible and avoid Murmurong Fu. Also, be cautious with your hidden weapons when you encounter a high-level expert, to avoid trouble."

"Hmm?" Qin Hongmian recognized the black-clothed figure at a glance. She stood up and bowed, somewhat displeased, "Sir, you saved us, and Qin Hongmian will repay you. But why say these words? Is using hidden weapons wrong?"

"Using hidden weapons isn't wrong, but you will suffer when facing a high-level expert. Think about it. What use are your hidden weapons against a true expert? If you must use them, plum blossom needles are a good choice. Go, take care of yourselves."

With that, the black-clothed figure disappeared, his demeanor arrogant.

Qin Hongmian's chest heaved with anger, and her pale face flushed. Mu Wanqing kept her mouth shut, looking down, wanting to laugh but not daring to. This villain was just too talkative!

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