Chapter 95: The Contest

In the middle of the crowd was a wide open space. These people, who had seen many challenges and matches, had left a space that was just right—too large and it would be hard to see clearly, too small and it would be easy to get hurt. The current size was undoubtedly the best result after many lessons learned through blood and tears.

On the open ground, Yu Deyi had already prepared himself and was proudly greeting acquaintances, waiting for Zhang Xiaohu to arrive. Seeing Zhang Xiaohu squeeze through the crowd, he immediately put away his smile and became serious.

Zhang Xiaohu looked around and said to Zhang Xiaohua, "Xiaohua, stand a bit further away. This match involves boxing, and I might not be able to take care of you, so there's a chance of accidental injury."

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said, "Okay, Second Brother, I'll stand with them."

He then pointed to Shangguan Yun and Yu Lun standing nearby, pulled Li Jinfeng, and stood with them.

Yu Deyi and Zhang Xiaohu exchanged a glance, both bowing and saying, "Please."

Then, they both assumed the same starting stance.

Zhang Xiaohua had also practiced the Six Harmonies Fist, but he only remembered a few moves. This familiar starting stance caught his attention. Could it be that Yu Deyi was going to use the Six Harmonies Fist against Zhang Xiaohu's Six Harmonies Fist?

As the two started fighting, Zhang Xiaohua realized his guess was correct. The arrogant Yu Deyi couldn't stand others praising Zhang Xiaohu as a genius, so he specifically used the Six Harmonies Fist to counter Zhang Xiaohu's Six Harmonies Fist. They exchanged punches and kicks, going through several rounds. Both were extremely skilled, with every move deeply ingrained in their minds. The fight was a beautiful sight, almost like a performance by fellow students, perfectly coordinated.

The crowd watched in amazement, cheering loudly. Some even said, "These two are performing really well, as if they've practiced together for many years."

What seemed like praise to others was a sarcastic remark to Yu Deyi. Zhang Xiaohu had only practiced for a few months, and such praise was naturally flattering. However, Yu Deyi had been immersed in martial arts for years, and to end up like this against such an opponent was not what he had hoped for. Realizing this, he put away his contempt, tightened his fist, and quickened his offensive pace. His punches and kicks rained down on Zhang Xiaohu.

The sudden increase in the pace of the attack made Zhang Xiaohu very uncomfortable, and he occasionally showed weaknesses. Fortunately, he was very familiar with the boxing style and managed to cover his weaknesses before Yu Deyi could exploit them. Thus, Zhang Xiaohu was like a lotus leaf in the rain, swaying back and forth but never falling.

Seeing that Yu Deyi was almost done with his Six Harmonies Fist and Zhang Xiaohu was still handling it well, Yu Deyi narrowed his eyes. He raised his left hand, lowered his right, and made a defensive gesture in front of his chest. His feet moved, and he abandoned the Six Harmonies Fist, switching to the soft and hard-countering Bagua Palm. He circled around Zhang Xiaohu, who was also impressive. Seeing Yu Deyi change his style, Zhang Xiaohu didn't panic. He held his stance, guarded his defenses, and continued using the Six Harmonies Fist, probing for weaknesses while fighting.

Zhang Xiaohua hadn't learned the Bagua Palm, so he was initially worried about his second brother. However, seeing Zhang Xiaohu's calm and steady defense, he felt somewhat relieved. After a while, Zhang Xiaohu seemed to regain his strength, defending and attacking based on the situation. Zhang Xiaohua realized that this boxing style was also beyond his second brother's capabilities, so he focused on the Bagua Palm, trying to understand its moves.

Unfortunately, after watching for a long time, Zhang Xiaohua still couldn't remember any of the moves when Yu Deyi changed his style. He felt disheartened, realizing his talent was truly lacking. Fortunately, Yu Lun didn't know his thoughts and wouldn't have mocked him for being a country bumpkin. Learning boxing wasn't that easy; otherwise, who would dare to challenge others in the martial world, only to have their secret techniques stolen immediately?

Before Zhang Xiaohua's bad mood could dissipate, Yu Deyi had already changed several boxing styles, but none of them posed a real threat to Zhang Xiaohu. Yu Deyi's eyes flickered, and he came up with a plan. During the change of moves, he deliberately created a weakness. Zhang Xiaohu didn't seem to notice the trap and used a move from the Six Harmonies Fist, punching at Yu Deyi's left rib. Seeing the punch coming close, Yu Deyi was delighted. He used a coiling hand to grab Zhang Xiaohu's wrist and tried to grab his collar with his right hand. Seeing this, Zhang Xiaohua almost shouted out loud. Wasn't this the "four ounces to move a thousand pounds" technique that Nie Xiaoer used to throw him? Zhang Xiaohua clenched his fists, worried for his second brother.

Seeing his wrist grabbed and Yu Deyi's right hand reaching for his collar, Zhang Xiaohu couldn't let him succeed. He turned his left hand into a palm and pushed Yu Deyi's right hand. Yu Deyi, seeing Zhang Xiaohu's left palm coming, changed his grab to a punch, pressing against Zhang Xiaohu's palm. His left hand continued the motion, not changing Zhang Xiaohu's punch or direction, and even added force, using his right fist as a pivot to throw Zhang Xiaohu away.

Seeing his second brother seemingly following in his footsteps, Zhang Xiaohua couldn't help but shout. However, before his voice could reach the ground, the situation changed. Zhang Xiaohu, in mid-air, avoided Yu Deyi, flipped several times to dissipate the force, and even borrowed some of it to kick Yu Deyi's shoulder.

Yu Deyi quickly blocked with his hand, losing the initiative and stepping back a few steps.

The crowd cheered at this exciting moment, but the cheers were like needles in Yu Deyi's ears, making him angry. He stomped his right foot, using lightness skills to leap to Zhang Xiaohu's side as he landed. He took a deep breath, gathering his internal energy to his palm, which turned a light purple. He aimed a strange arc at Zhang Xiaohu. Seeing the light purple palm, Shangguan Yun's face changed, and he shouted, "Purple Sand Palm?!" It turned out that in his haste, Yu Deyi had used internal energy!

Hearing "Purple Sand Palm," Zhang Xiaohua knew it was bad and rushed to the field, but he didn't know what he could do once he got there.

Zhang Xiaohu, just standing steady, saw Yu Deyi approaching like a breeze. Seeing the purple palm coming at him, he didn't dare block with his fist and instead used his feet to change his stance, narrowly avoiding the palm. However, his arm collided with Yu Deyi's arm, and in the face of Yu Deyi's internal energy, Zhang Xiaohu lost his balance and stumbled toward Zhang Xiaohua. Before Zhang Xiaohu could steady himself, Yu Deyi's palm followed, aiming at his face!

At this moment, Shangguan Yun shouted loudly, "Yu Deyi, Purple Sand Palm, stop!" and rushed to the field.

Shangguan Yun's shout immediately woke Yu Deyi up. This was just a boxing match, and his opponent was Zhang Xiaohu, who didn't know internal energy and only knew one boxing style. If the Purple Sand Palm hit him, it could break his limbs or even kill him. Yu Deyi was already deeply regretful and tried to withdraw his internal energy. However, once released, it couldn't be easily retracted. What... what should he do? Yu Deyi's face changed from smug to anxious.

Seeing the purple palm about to hit his chest, Zhang Xiaohu's mind was unusually calm. He stared at the approaching palm, waiting for the painful moment.

Suddenly, a small fist appeared in his field of vision. Yes, a small, white fist emerged from the gap under his right rib, intercepting the purple palm just before it hit his chest.

The purple palm and the white fist collided instantly.

Yu Deyi thought he was about to cause a disaster, but at the last moment, this fist blocked his palm. He was overjoyed and struck the fist, using the force to withdraw 70% of his internal energy. Although such a large-scale reversal of internal energy could easily damage the meridians, he couldn't afford to worry about that now.

Once the internal energy returned to his meridians, Yu Deyi felt relieved and was about to slowly withdraw it. However, another change occurred. The 30% of internal energy in his palm struck the small fist, and he heard a series of cracking sounds, followed by a loud "Ouch!" The sound was very loud, indicating intense pain. Yu Deyi recognized the voice but couldn't immediately identify who it was. He was secretly grateful and decided to thank the person later. Just as Yu Deyi thought he had the situation under control, a powerful force struck his palm from the fist. It wasn't internal energy but pure strength. Under this force, Yu Deyi lost his balance and fell backward. The 70% of internal energy he had withdrawn also escaped his control, surging back like a flood. Yu Deyi's face turned pale with fear, and he performed several flips in the air to dissipate the force. At the same time, he focused his mind and used his internal energy to control the runaway internal energy.

Fortunately, the force was just strength, not internal energy, and didn't invade Yu Deyi's meridians, causing only interference without substantial damage. After several flips, he landed and managed to stand steady, but the internal energy had already damaged his meridians. Before he could steady himself, he spat out a mouthful of blood, indicating internal injuries.

The owner of the fist fared even worse. After the loud cry, he fell silent, his body flying backward in a graceful arc and landing far away, not moving again.

Zhang Xiaohu, seeing the fist and palm collide, heard the sound of bones breaking and a familiar cry. He was terrified. Could it be Zhang Xiaohua? His body had already lost balance, and when he stumbled to the ground, he saw the small body lying far away, motionless.

Zhang Xiaohu quickly got up, shouting, "Xiaohua," and rushed over.

By the time he reached Zhang Xiaohua, Shangguan Yun had already arrived. Without hesitation, he picked up Zhang Xiaohua's small body, placed his finger under Zhang Xiaohua's nose, and then let out a long breath, saying to Zhang Xiaohu, "Zhang Xiaohu, don't worry, Zhang Xiaohua is just unconscious."

Zhang Xiaohu was still worried and carefully took Zhang Xiaohua from Shangguan Yun, listening to his breathing. Hearing the faint breath, he felt somewhat relieved. As long as there was no danger to his life, everything else could be resolved.

However, when Zhang Xiaohu saw Zhang Xiaohua's broken hand, he felt a deep pain. The hand was bloody and swollen, looking like a bun. Zhang Xiaohu was furious and glared at the one responsible.

However, he couldn't stay angry for long.

Yu Deyi, walking over, was unsteady, his face pale, with a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth and a bloodstain on his chest. His internal injuries must have been even more severe than Zhang Xiaohua's.

Instantly, Zhang Xiaohu couldn't feel any hatred. Perhaps this was the cruelty of the martial world. This was just a friendly match, a simple exchange, but a moment's carelessness led to such injuries. What would happen in a life-or-death battle? Zhang Xiaohu felt a chill.

Yu Deyi walked to Zhang Xiaohu, looking at Zhang Xiaohua with guilt. He bowed and said, "Brother Zhang, I lost this match. I'm really sorry. I got carried away and forgot it was just a boxing match, using internal energy. I will take full responsibility for all the losses, and I will ensure that Xiaohua's injuries are treated. You can rest assured."

Zhang Xiaohu, seeing the sincere apology from the arrogant young man, was speechless. He said, "Young Master Yu, let's not talk about the win or loss. We need to find a doctor to treat Xiaohua. You also seem injured, so you should get treated as well."

Shangguan Yun said, "Brothers, don't worry. Xiaohua shouldn't be moved, and Young Master Yu should sit still. I've already sent Yu Lun to the West Martial Hall to find a doctor. He'll be here soon."

The crowd, seeing the situation, had already dispersed, leaving a few热心的人旁观，想看看有什么能帮忙的。

医生还没到，却听到一声呵斥：“余得宜，你怎么又惹祸了？这次是把张小虎打伤了吗？”

余得宜一听这话，像老鼠见猫一样，乖乖地站起来，老老实实地回答：“曲伯伯，您来了。”那老实样儿，就像是刚入学的孩子见到老师，全没有平日的嚣张，任谁看都要夸是个懂事的孩子。

众人一看，原来是莲花镖局的曲三爷，看他急匆匆和怒气冲冲的样子，想必是有人看出了事，赶紧去禀报的。

等曲三爷赶到近前，看到余得宜的样子，不禁眉头一皱，说：“你怎么受了内伤？不是说你跟张小虎比拳法吗？”

然后看向余得宜身后的张小虎，奇怪道：“张小虎却没有受伤？这是怎么回事？”

余得宜赶紧侧了身，把身后挡住的张小花给让了出来，讪讪地说：“曲伯伯，您先给张小花看看吧。”

曲三爷看到张小花的样子，不禁大怒：“余得宜！！你竟敢使用紫砂掌！”

然后，走过去，一把把余得宜推到一边，伸手拿住张小花的脉门，一股内力探入张小花的体内，说：“而且，还打在这样小的孩子身上，你怎么这么歹毒的心思，我平日怎么就没有看出来？你这不是要这孩子的命吗？”

余得宜深深地低着头，被曲三爷骂得脸上稍稍有了血色。

不过，曲三爷的内力在张小花体内游走一周，这才脸色稍敛，温声对张小虎说：“这孩子没事，只是晕了过去，一会儿就会醒过来。”

接着，曲三爷又拿过张小花受伤的手，仔细地捏捏，看看，甚至还拿鼻子在手上闻闻，随后，不免叹口气，问：“张小虎，这孩子是谁？”

张小虎恭敬地说：“曲三爷，这是我的弟弟张小花，月前我进镖局当趟子手时，跟我一起来的，测试的时候，您不是也见过他吗？”

曲三爷一听，不由又看了一眼张小花，又是叹口气，道：“想起来了，他不就是那天举起五百斤石锁的小家伙吗？不是随秋桐去浣溪山庄了，怎么又跑回镖局了？”

张小虎说：“小花是在浣溪山庄做事，这不今日才从山庄出来，到镖局来看我嘛，这第一次来就出了这样的事情。对了，曲三爷，我弟弟的伤势如何？”

曲三爷说：“张小花的这个伤嘛，等大夫来再好好的瞧瞧吧，不过，张小虎，你得有个心理准备，刚才我大致看了一下，这个，怎么说呢，张小花的这个手是完全的废掉了，右手的骨头被余得宜的内力全部震碎，就算是有逆天的灵药，也难以完好的重新长在一起。不过，好在张小花并不练武，这右手如果治疗的好，也许还能动，不会影响日常的生活，不过，干庄稼活儿也是不行的，嗯，其它的重活也是不能干的。余得宜，你过来。”

余得宜低着脑袋，走过来，曲三爷说：“余得宜，这张小花的伤势你是知道的，以后后半辈子的生活会有问题的，你要好好的赔偿张小花，至少让他以后不干活也好衣食无忧。”

余得宜哪敢说半个不字，连连说：“曲伯伯，请放心，小侄保证做到这一点，让张小花一辈子衣食无忧。”

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The crowd, seeing the situation, had already dispersed, leaving a few热心的人旁观，想看看有什么能帮忙的。

The doctor hadn't arrived yet, but a stern voice called out, "Yu Deyi, how did you cause trouble again? Did you injure Zhang Xiaohu this time?"

Yu Deyi, hearing this, stood up obediently like a mouse in front of a cat, and honestly replied, "Uncle Qu, you're here." He looked like a child meeting a teacher for the first time, completely devoid of his usual arrogance, and anyone would praise him for being well-behaved.

The crowd saw that it was Uncle Qu from the Lotus Escort Agency, who had rushed over in a hurry and with anger, likely informed by someone who had seen the incident.

When Uncle Qu approached, he saw Yu Deyi's condition and frowned, saying, "Why are you injured internally? Weren't you just sparring with Zhang Xiaohu?"

He then looked at Zhang Xiaohu behind Yu Deyi and asked, puzzled, "Zhang Xiaohu isn't injured? What's going on?"

Yu Deyi quickly stepped aside, revealing Zhang Xiaohua, and said sheepishly, "Uncle Qu, please check on Zhang Xiaohua first."

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua's condition, Uncle Qu was furious. "Yu Deyi!! How dare you use the Purple Sand Palm!"

He then pushed Yu Deyi aside, took Zhang Xiaohua's pulse, and sent a stream of internal energy into his body, saying, "And you used it on such a young child. How could you be so malicious? How did I not see this in you before? Were you trying to kill this child?"

Yu Deyi bowed his head deeply, his face slightly flushed from the scolding.

However, after his internal energy circled through Zhang Xiaohua's body, Uncle Qu's expression softened, and he gently said to Zhang Xiaohu, "The child is fine, just unconscious. He will wake up soon."

Then, Uncle Qu took Zhang Xiaohua's injured hand, carefully examined it, and even sniffed it. He sighed and asked, "Zhang Xiaohu, who is this child?"

Zhang Xiaohu respectfully replied, "Uncle Qu, this is my younger brother, Zhang Xiaohua. He came with me to the escort agency a month ago when I joined as a scout. You saw him during the test, didn't you?"

Uncle Qu, remembering, looked at Zhang Xiaohua again and sighed, "I remember now. He's the little guy who lifted the 500-pound stone lock that day. Wasn't he supposed to be with Qiutong at the Huanxi Manor? Why did he come back to the escort agency?"

Zhang Xiaohua said, "Xiaohua was working at the Huanxi Manor. He just came out today to visit me. This happened on his first visit. By the way, Uncle Qu, how is my brother's injury?"

Uncle Qu said, "Zhang Xiaohua's injury will need a thorough examination by a doctor, but Zhang Xiaohu, you need to be prepared. From what I can see, his hand is completely ruined. The bones in his right hand were shattered by Yu Deyi's internal energy. Even with miraculous medicine, it's unlikely to heal properly. However, since Zhang Xiaohua doesn't practice martial arts, if treated well, his hand might still be functional for daily life, though he won't be able to do farm work or any heavy labor. Yu Deyi, come here."

Yu Deyi, with his head down, walked over, and Uncle Qu said, "Yu Deyi, you know the extent of Zhang Xiaohua's injuries. His life will be affected for the rest of his days. You need to compensate him properly, ensuring he has a comfortable life without having to work."

Yu Deyi, not daring to say a word, replied, "Uncle Qu, please rest assured. I will ensure that Zhang Xiaohua has a comfortable life without any worries."

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