The wood peak, hidden in the shadows due to his disfigurement, physical disability, long-term discrimination, and twisted temperament, held a narrow-minded view. He and Lin Pingzhi witnessed Chen Ang's sharp hidden weapon, and Wood Peak schemed to stir trouble between Chen Ang and Yu Canghai, hoping to involve the Five Top Sword Factions and increase the turmoil on Mount Heng.
With relentless provocation, Yu Canghai was furious. If not for Liu Zhengfeng and Ding Yi Grandmaster, he might have torn Lin Pingzhi apart. However, Lin Pingzhi had already placed his hopes for revenge solely on Chen Ang and harbored intense hatred toward Yu Canghai. His words became increasingly spiteful, solely aimed at venting his frustrations, even if it meant risking his life.
Chen Ang, observing Lin Pingzhi's turmoil, pointed at him and sighed, "Why risk your life in this manner? Your parents sacrificed everything to save you, hoping for your quiet happiness. Seeking revenge and saving others is indeed filial piety, but recklessly throwing away your life in the name of revenge devalues it greatly."
Lin Pingzhi's blood boiled, but Chen Ang's words, like a sudden awakening, reminded him of his filial duty. Overwhelmed with emotion, he lay on the ground, shedding tears. "I have no resentment towards the old man who wants to settle scores for killing my family. Even if he kills me, I only seek forgiveness and nothing else!"
Chen Ang shook his head, understanding only part of Lin Pingzhi's sentiments. "You understand only one side of the story. Yu Canghai's motive in seeking to kill your family is not merely for revenge. Thinking so is a grave mistake!"
Lin Pingzhi and everyone present, including Yu Canghai, were astonished by Chen Ang's statement. Yu Canghai, on the verge of taking action, was stopped by the revelation. He laughed grimly and halted, saying, "Yu Guanzhu, don't rush into killing!"
Wood Peak, upon hearing the news, emerged from hiding. Yu Canghai knew that Wood Peak's interference would prevent Chen Ang and himself from joining forces. Seeing this, he realized he had no support from Liu Zhengfeng and Ding Yi Grandmaster and decided to leave.
Leung Yi Grandmaster and Liu Zhengfeng stood with the Hengshan School and Mount Heng, along with a silent Yue Buqun, hidden from sight except to Chen Ang.
Lin Pingzhi, hearing this unexpected revelation, pleaded for answers. "Please tell me why, tell me why!" His desperate tone moved those around him.
Linghu Chong, by Chen Ang's side, intervened. He picked up Lin Pingzhi, displaying his chivalrous nature and appealed to Chen Ang. "Brother Chen, if it doesn't cause trouble, please tell him!"
"Since I've hinted, I might as well reveal it all," said Chen Ang. "You know, in this world, there are five and a half martial arts techniques considered supreme. Anyone mastering even one of them can dominate the martial world. But making a lasting name isn't that easy."
"Really?" Linghu Chong pondered. "Apart from Shaolin Temple's 'Sinew-Transformation Canon' and Wudang School's 'Taichi Fist Classic,' are there other martial arts that rival them?"
"Shaolin and Wudang are indeed supreme. 'Sinew-Transformation Canon' and 'Taichi Fist Classic' are among the five-and-a-half top techniques. However, they aren't the only ones," explained Chen Ang, pouring drinks for both of them.
The atmosphere was stifling. Among the group, there was a sense that no martial arts could rival this particular technique. Chen Ang, seemingly youthful and enthusiastic, spoke openly, but he sensed Yue Buqun's silent watchfulness.
"Demon Sect, the former head of the school, practiced a martial art renowned as one of the five and a half supreme techniques!" Chen Ang revealed with a smile.
Linghu Chong shook his head in confusion. "Demon Sect's prowess in martial arts is formidable, but it's shrouded in mystery. Even if it's profound, it's hard to compare it to 'Sinew-Transformation Canon' or 'Taichi Fist Classic.' Brother Chen, your statement seems exaggerated."
The disciples brought by Liu Zhengfeng and Ding Yi Grandmaster whispered, displaying disdain for Chen Ang's words. Liu Zhengfeng and Ding Yi Grandmaster, more knowledgeable, looked solemn and wary towards Chen Ang.
"Brother Linghu, you underestimate this Divine Art! Though not as deep as Shaolin or Wudang, its power, once formed, is unparalleled," Chen Ang replied with a gentle smile.
"What makes it so powerful?" Linghu Chong inquired with curiosity.
Chen Ang raised his glass and pointed out, "We normally accumulate internal strength like water in this glass. We laboriously save some every month. Imagine using a cup to collect dew daily. Over time, these drops accumulate to develop internal strength!"
"Naturally, cultivating internal forces demands consistent effort. Even if one is talented, daily practice is essential for gradual growth," Linghu Chong acknowledged.
"What if a martial art allows one to absorb others' power and refine it into one's own?" Chen Ang provocatively stated.
His words stunned the Mount Heng and Hengshan disciples. Linghu Chong, usually carefree, tensed up. Only Liu Zhengfeng and Ding Yi Grandmaster remained composed, not because of their profound cultivation but because they had prior knowledge. However, the news shocked them just as much as Linghu Chong.
In Jiang Hu, internal force was a treasured asset. To have it taken away was akin to being robbed of one's family jewels. Such a technique could easily trigger chaos.
"If not for my impending death, the Five Top Sword Factions wouldn't have paid heed to the 'Attracting Star Great Technique' issue," Chen Ang contemplated.
After a while, disciples from the Five Top Sword Factions countered Chen Ang's claims, but their sect master's silence carried weight.
Ding Yi Grandmaster clasped his hands together and solemnly remarked, "The donor speaks truthfully. However, why are you so familiar with these secrets of the major sects? The Sun Moon Divine Cult rarely divulges the secrets of its former leader. This makes me wonder about your origins."
Chen Ang, dismissing the critical looks, stated assertively, "It concerns me! I'm unimpressed by the third-rate martial arts of the 'Attracting Star Great Technique,' truly."
Despite the technique's seeming excellence, Chen Ang viewed it as unworthy compared to 'Sinew-Transformation Canon' and 'Taichi Fist Classic.' He believed martial arts should uplift the source of life and exercise the essence of the Primordial Spirit. Martial arts, to him, were meant to balance the peculiarities of the Five Elements Yin-Yang and develop human potential.
He considered 'Attracting Star Great Technique' a foolish method that polluted one's potential by absorbing others' power. While others admired its power, Chen Ang saw it differently. He didn't regard martial arts training as all-powerful. He likened it to comparing martial arts with a spaceship: absurd. He believed that a true treasure lay within the human body, waiting to be unlocked, and true longevity was achieved through righteous evolution, not chasing trails.
Chen Ang, despite his critique, led everyone's gaze in a certain direction as he continued.