Chapter 39: Exchange

As Situ Liang walked into the hall, three people were whispering to each other. Zhao Tangzhu sat silently in his original position, sipping tea, seemingly unmoved since Situ Liang left. The sound of Situ Liang's footsteps abruptly stopped their conversation. The three exchanged glances. The elderly man with gray hair remained seated, while the other two stood up. One was a medium-built, sharp-looking man, and the other was a slightly taller, fair-faced, well-built middle-aged man, who walked to the center of the hall to greet Situ Liang. They exchanged pleasantries, and Situ Liang asked, "Zhang Tangzhu, Xing Tangzhu, how was your New Year at home?"

The well-built middle-aged man replied, "It was fine. A New Year with family is naturally enjoyable. Compared to Situ Tangzhu, who stays alone in the gang, I feel a bit uneasy."

Situ Liang waved his hand and said, "I'm a solitary man. Wherever I go, it's the same. It's not like I can ask Brother Zhang, who has a large family, to accompany me. I heard Brother Zhang even found a young concubine before the New Year."

The sharp-looking man's face turned red, and he hurriedly said, "Situ Tangzhu, you misunderstand me. I'm just a mortal, and these emotions and desires can't be cut off. You, Situ Tangzhu, have received the true teachings of a sage and severed all worldly ties."

Situ Liang's face turned strange as he said, "Brother Zhang, do you think I'm a monk? I'm planning to find someone to carry on my lineage."

The two men said, "That's great. We've been waiting for that day."

While the three were chatting, Elder Chu became impatient and coughed lightly. Situ Liang quickly went over to greet him. Elder Chu frowned, nodded, and motioned for Situ Liang to sit down.

Situ Liang sat down opposite Elder Chu. Before he could settle, Elder Chu eagerly asked, "Xiaoliang, have you heard from Ping'er?"

Elder Chu was an old member of the gang, having watched Situ Ping and Situ Liang grow up. Normally, they addressed each other by their titles in the hall, but now he suddenly called them by their childhood names, indicating his deep concern for Situ Ping.

Situ Liang felt a surge of warmth and quickly said, "Elder Chu, my sister is fine. She just can't return to the gang for now."

Xing Tangzhu asked, "What's going on? The leader is usually very cautious. Something must have happened. I asked Old Zhao, but he wouldn't say anything, insisting on waiting for you. Tell us quickly, don't keep us in suspense."

Situ Liang nodded, took out a letter from his chest, stood up, and handed it to Elder Chu.

Elder Chu pulled out the letter and read it carefully, his frown deepening. Then, Xing and Zhang Tangzhu also read the letter carefully.

After everyone finished reading, the hall fell into a dead silence.

Elder Chu spoke first, asking, "Xiaoliang, is this letter genuine?"

Situ Liang nodded and said, "It's definitely my sister's handwriting, and the timing matches. It should be real."

Zhang Tangzhu interjected, "But that's strange. Why would Wanjian Peak take the leader as a disciple? The leader has long passed the best age for martial arts training. How can he stand out by joining Wanjian Peak now?"

Xing Tangzhu also said, "The most suspicious thing is that the leader actually let Wanjian Peak's disciple manage the gang's affairs while she's away. What does that mean?"

Situ Liang also said, "If the leader joins Wanjian Peak, we will naturally become a branch of Wanjian Peak. This is a great fortune for our gang, something we usually can't even dream of. However, if the leader can't return immediately, could it be that she needs to practice advanced martial arts?"

Elder Chu frowned and said, "Our strength is like a speck of flesh on a fly to Wanjian Peak. Why would they care? And to send a few disciples to take over? It seems too much."

Zhao Tangzhu, who had been silent for a long time, also spoke, "There are too many doubts about this. The leader should come back and explain in detail. It's ridiculous to hand over our hard-earned territory based on a letter and a few people."

Situ Liang said with a bitter smile, "What should we do then? Can we not endure it?" The word "endure" seemed to be emphasized.

The others remained silent. Indeed, what else could they do? In the face of absolute martial power, any plot or resistance would be futile.

But...

Seeing everyone fall silent, Elder Chu asked, "Where are Wanjian Peak's disciples?"

Situ Liang said, "They have been arranged to rest. They should have finished dinner by now."

Elder Chu said, "Then let them come and meet everyone, and we can talk in detail."

Situ Liang nodded and sent someone to invite Qu Xiangfeng and the others.

Soon, the seven disciples of Wanjian Peak arrived at the hall.

The members of the Evil Tiger Gang welcomed them, exchanged pleasantries, and took their seats.

Elder Chu said gently, "Young Master Qu, we are in a remote area, and things are scarce. I wonder if you are comfortable here?"

Qu Xiangfeng quickly replied, "Elder Chu, you are too kind. We are used to traveling and living in the wild. We have no discomfort here."

Elder Chu stroked his beard and said, "That's good."

Then he asked, "Young Master Qu, can you tell us more about the situation of our leader, Situ?"

Qu Xiangfeng smiled and said, "Situ Senior Sister is very fortunate. She was recognized by Elder Yunfeng of Wanjian Peak and taken as a disciple. She is now in seclusion at Wanjian Peak. Elder Yunfeng is a famous expert in our sect, and I believe Situ Senior Sister's martial arts will improve greatly, making her a top expert in the martial world. The details, however, are not clear to me. We will have to wait for Situ Senior Sister to return for a detailed explanation."

His words were flawless, and no one could find any fault.

Seeing that no one spoke, Qu Xiangfeng said with a smile, "I am here on my master's orders to temporarily manage your gang. What do you think about this?"

Although he was speaking to everyone, his eyes were fixed on Elder Chu.

Elder Chu, seeing Qu Xiangfeng's gaze, was about to speak when someone else spoke first.

"Can we just follow your orders based on a letter, Young Master Qu? How can we be convinced?"

Qu Xiangfeng turned to see Xing Tangzhu.

Qu Xiangfeng asked, "What do you suggest, Xing Tangzhu?"

Xing Tangzhu said, "At least I need to see the sword skills of Wanjian Peak."

Elder Chu quickly stopped him, saying, "Xing Tangzhu, that's too disrespectful."

Qu Xiangfeng said, "No problem. It's not right to simply command your gang. I will spar with Xing Tangzhu to show my skills."

Situ Liang quickly said, "Young Master Qu, Xing Tangzhu, we are all family. Let's not go to the training ground. We can spar here in the hall, just to the point, without hurting each other, okay?"

Both nodded in agreement.

Xing Tangzhu shouted to the outside, "Bring my weapon."

Soon, someone brought in a ten-foot-long iron spear, Xing Tangzhu's famous weapon.

Xing Tangzhu took it with one hand, shook it, and the spear tip drew arcs, making a "whooshing" sound. The members of the Evil Tiger Gang couldn't help but think, "Although Xing Tangzhu looks well-built, his martial arts haven't declined. He has even improved."

In contrast, the disciples of Wanjian Peak seemed indifferent, with no expression on their faces.

Qu Xiangfeng drew the large sword from his back, held it with one hand, and walked to the center of the hall.

Xing Tangzhu, looking at Qu Xiangfeng, began to wonder. There were many sword users in the martial world, but few used such a wide and heavy sword. Qu Xiangfeng held it with one hand, indicating great arm strength.

Just as he was thinking, Qu Xiangfeng said, "Xing Tangzhu, please."

Xing Tangzhu didn't hesitate and said, "Alright, Young Master Qu, here's my spear."

He held the spear with both hands, leaped forward, and thrust the spear tip at Qu Xiangfeng's chest. Qu Xiangfeng didn't panic. When the spear tip was close, he stepped aside, twisted his waist, and with one hand, deflected the spear tip upward. Xing Tangzhu felt a powerful force from the impact, causing him to stagger. He quickly stabilized himself with a light step, ready to take a breath and attack again. However, Qu Xiangfeng, using the momentum of the deflection, leaped into the air, reached the peak, and with both hands, swung the sword down at Xing Tangzhu. Xing Tangzhu was surprised; he had only seen swords used for thrusting and slashing, not for chopping. He raised the spear in a "burning sky" stance to block.

In an instant, the sword and spear met with a loud "clang." Qu Xiangfeng's large sword bounced off the iron spear, and Xing Tangzhu was forced back three steps. Just as he steadied himself, Qu Xiangfeng, using the momentum of the bounce, swung the sword down again. Xing Tangzhu, with a bitter taste in his mouth, had no time to change his stance and could only raise the spear in the "burning sky" stance again. Another "clang," and the large sword bounced up. This time, Qu Xiangfeng did not continue his attack but stood there calmly, the tip of his sword pointing down, looking ahead. Xing Tangzhu was forced back four steps and couldn't steady himself, falling to the ground. He dropped the iron spear, and when he stood up, he found his tiger's mouth (the area between the thumb and index finger) split. He couldn't help but feel a chill: "This thin body hides such immense strength. It's truly divine. Fortunately, it was just a sparring match. Otherwise, another strike would have cost me my life."

Seeing Xing Tangzhu's ashen face, Qu Xiangfeng bowed and said, "Acknowledged."

Xing Tangzhu returned the bow and said, "Impressive, truly impressive."

Page break for AD

Page break for AD end