Chapter 20

Proud as Huang Yaoshi was, Zhao Hao was younger and less skilled. Fighting him bare-handed, he was already at an advantage. If he were to use the Jade Flute, it would truly be bullying the young.

Therefore, he did not intend to continue the fight. Even if he defeated Zhao Hao, what would it matter?

In Huang Yaoshi's view, this would still be a disgrace.

However, Zhao Hao let out a few cold laughs.

"Lord Huang, you have made a huge mistake today," Zhao Hao said.

Huang Yaoshi frowned slightly and asked, "What mistake?"

"You do not consider me a worthy opponent from the heart, showing no respect for your opponent. If it were Hong Qigong, Ouyang Feng, or Yideng standing here today, fighting you bare-handed, would you also insist on not using the Jade Flute?" Zhao Hao asked.

Huang Yaoshi fell silent, unable to refute.

From the heart, he indeed did not consider Zhao Hao a worthy opponent.

A lion hunting a rabbit still puts forth its full effort. Everyone understands this principle, but how many truly live by it?

In Huang Yaoshi's eyes, Zhao Hao was merely a promising junior, not a worthy opponent who deserved his full effort.

Therefore, he was unwilling to use his full strength.

Zhao Hao undoubtedly had an advantage, but in Zhao Hao's view, this was more like a disgrace.

"Lord Huang, an opponent is an opponent. I am younger, less skilled, and less experienced in combat than you, so it is natural that you do not consider me a worthy opponent. But I want to tell you that once you choose an opponent, you must use your full strength. Otherwise, it is not only disrespectful to me but also to yourself. No matter how many objective conditions there are, they cannot change the fact that today, I stand on your opposite side, and you have not defeated me," Zhao Hao said, word by word.

Huang Yaoshi was extremely proud, but Zhao Hao's inner pride was no less.

Yes, Zhao Hao was indeed still inferior to Huang Yaoshi, and continuing the fight might come at a great cost.

But since he chose to fight, Zhao Hao was willing to bear all the consequences.

Being less skilled than the opponent is not a reason to give up, nor an excuse to feel justified.

In a true life-or-death battle, who cares about your age, martial arts, or combat experience?

The only thing that can defend yourself is victory.

Everything else is just an objective condition.

Zhao Hao would not feel guilty about stifling a young genius, nor would he feel hopeless facing a powerful opponent.

Because, the moment he stood in front of you, he had only one identity—enemy.

For an enemy, there is only one thought—defeat him.

Huang Yaoshi remained silent for a long time, then suddenly bowed deeply to Zhao Hao.

"Among three people, there must be one who can be my teacher. Young brother, your words have enlightened me, making me realize my own foolishness," Huang Yaoshi said.

Zhao Hao did not dare to be disrespectful and returned the bow. "Lord Huang is truly a man of principle and passion. If I had said these words to anyone else, they would likely have become mortal enemies. Only someone with Lord Huang's broad-mindedness would admit his mistake."

Huang Yaoshi was not bound by formalities, so being too concerned with hierarchy and respect would only make him dislike it.

Guo Jing was a typical example.

If one showed a bit of independence, it would earn Huang Yaoshi's higher regard.

"However, since I have promised to give you face today, I will keep my word. I will protect these three children, and Li Mochou will be under your protection," Huang Yaoshi said.

Zhao Hao's eyes flickered. "No problem."

Cheng Ying and Lu Wushuang did not concern Zhao Hao much.

Their talents were average, and their wisdom was nothing to speak of. As for their appearance, Zhao Hao had lived with Zhao Ling'er for over a decade and knew very well what Cheng Ying and Lu Wushuang would look like as adults, which did not attract him at all.

On the contrary, Yang Guo gave Zhao Hao some ideas.

However, there was no rush.

Moreover, Zhao Hao did not have the leisure to train a young boy right now.

Seeing that Huang Yaoshi was about to leave, Zhao Hao said, "Lord Huang, I have one more word of advice."

Huang Yaoshi stopped and wanted to hear what Zhao Hao had to say.

"I have heard that Lord Huang once vowed not to practice the martial arts in the *Nine Yin Manual*," Zhao Hao said.

This was indeed true. Throughout the *The Legend of the Condor Heroes* and *The Return of the Condor Heroes* worlds, the *Nine Yin Manual* was a key element.

Among the top experts in *The Return of the Condor Heroes* and *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*, apart from Dharma King Jinlun, who had no connection with the *Nine Yin Manual*, Huang Yaoshi was the only one who had nothing to do with it. The others, to varying degrees, benefited from the *Nine Yin Manual*.

Even Wang Chongyang, once revered as the "First Martial Artist in the World," although he did not openly practice the *Nine Yin Manual*, the phrase "Chongyang was never inferior to anyone" in the Ancient Tomb Sect revealed his true nature.

Lin Chaoying created the Jade Maiden Sword Technique, which outclassed the Complete Perfection Sect, leaving Wang Chongyang helpless. In the end, he had to rely on the *Nine Yin Manual* to counter the Jade Maiden Sword Technique.

Claiming he never practiced the *Nine Yin Manual* was no different from covering one's ears while stealing a bell.

For someone like Wang Chongyang, who had reached the pinnacle of martial arts, reading the *Nine Yin Manual* and practicing it were essentially the same.

Just look at how Old顽童 (Old Child) successfully mastered all the martial arts recorded in the *Nine Yin Manual*.

Wang Chongyang's talent and ability were above Old Child's. Saying he did not practice the martial arts in the *Nine Yin Manual* was hard to believe, regardless of whether others believed it or not.

Only Huang Yaoshi consistently upheld his vow: he wanted the *Nine Yin Manual* to honor his deceased wife, and he never practiced the martial arts within it, which all martial artists fought over.

This behavior was foolish, but the underlying commitment was admirable.

A gentleman has things he will do and things he will not do.

Huang Yaoshi was not unable to obtain the *Nine Yin Manual*; he chose to give it up after obtaining it.

Huang Yaoshi nodded. "Indeed, that is true."

Zhao Hao clasped his hands and said, "Lord Huang's consistency and integrity are admirable. However, I still want to advise you that some commitments are unnecessary. The *Nine Yin Manual* is the culmination of Daoist martial arts over a thousand years, providing great inspiration to any martial artist. Due to the *Nine Yin Manual*, other experts of your level have made progress, while you have remained stagnant. One step forward, one step back; one gain, one loss. I hope you will think carefully about this."

"You seem very concerned that I am not strong enough," Huang Yaoshi said, puzzled.

Zhao Hao's lips curled into a confident smile. "What I fear most is that in twenty years, when I look around, there will be no one worthy to discuss the Way with me. The stronger you are, the more excited I will be. True strength never fears a powerful opponent; it only fears one's own weakness."

PS: The extra chapter for the 5000th recommendation ticket is here. Continue to request for favorites, recommendations, and clicks.

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