Chen Ang effortlessly wielded a torrent of swords, his Qingfeng long sword weaving through the air. Each strike aimed precisely at one hundred and twenty swords, leaving no opening for Ding Mian. Simultaneously, his left hand brandished a series of swift plum-shaped hidden weapons, adding more pressure to both combatants caught in the whirlwind of blades.
Had it not been for Ding Mian and Lu Baifei's shared decades of sword practice, their interconnected minds, and mutual support, they would have crumbled under the intense pressure. Even now, the duo could only fend off the attack using their internal strength, but it was evident their stamina was waning.
Cold sweat formed on Yu Canghai's brow as he said, "Release the boy, and I won't cause trouble! Otherwise, things will get ugly!"
"Why don't you make yourself at home?" Qu Feiyan raised her head, smiling. "Heroes from the Four Beasts of Qingcheng! But among you, isn't there someone craving a big bear? The heart-piercing needle is filled with 99 soft silver needles in a small syringe. Each can poison a big bear. So, the issue isn't whether I'm welcoming you but whether I should let you go!"
Not only did Yu Canghai not feel threatened by her words, he scoffed, "Tangmen's Storm Pear Nails, releasing 27 pear nails, is already regarded as the king of hidden weapons in Jiang Hu. You claim to possess a heart-piercing needle with 99 silver needles. That's just boasting!"
He scrutinized the syringe in Qu Feiyan's hand and sneered, "But that tiny tube, the silver needles inside are as thin as cow's hair. Can such needles even cause harm?"
He understood that heavier hidden weapons were harder to control due to their weight and slower flight speed, while lighter ones were equally challenging due to their unpredictability. Tangmen's hidden weapons were meticulously crafted, with the weight and design being meticulously calculated for optimal effectiveness. So, Yu Canghai found Qu Feiyan's claim dubious.
"Hand over the kid, or I'll take him forcibly!" Yu Canghai's eyes glinted with madness. As he advanced toward Qu Feiyan, those nearby stepped aside, making him conspicuously central. Catching a casual glance from Chen Ang only fueled Yu Canghai's agitation. Then, he heard a voice beside him, "Master Ye, I'm here to assist you!"
It was a Lushan disciple named Stenda. Witnessing the struggles of the two Taibaos, he devised a treacherous plan to take hostages. Even if Chen Ang was indifferent to Qu Feiyan's life, Stenda hoped to create chaos and threaten Liu Zhengfeng.
He lunged forward with dozens of Lushan disciplines, wielding his swordlight to target Qu Feiyan. But before his strike reached her, a disappointed sigh escaped Qu Feiyan's lips.
In that moment, the bone-piercing needle was already poised for action.
A streak of light scattered like moonbeams, reflecting off the silver needles. The shimmering light lingered in the hall, creating a mesmerizing effect. Yet, when the glimmer faded, the audience saw the Lushan faction members standing despondently, their faces drained of color.
"Bam!" Shi Dengda fell to the ground like a sack of rotten meat, as if his insides had opened up, followed by other Lushan disciples crashing down in succession, their collective impact echoing as one.
Amidst the chaos, some nearby onlookers stood in stunned silence, struggling to comprehend the scene. In the arena, only Ding Mian and Chen Ang remained engaged in their duel. Enraged, Ding Mian glared back and shouted, "How dare you!"
Brandishing a few swords in his hand, Ding Mian tried to counter Chen Ang's relentless assault, but ended up being stabbed in the left arm. Grappling to defend himself, he yelled, "You… the Lord of the Left Alliance won't let you off! I will await you in hell! Ah!"
Consumed by fury and teetering on the brink of madness, Ding Mian was reminded by Lu Bo, "Senior Brother, consider the bigger picture! Protect yourself!"
Ding Mian managed to regain composure, but his sword techniques were now tinged with madness, executing moves that risked both his and Chen Ang's lives. His strikes were fueled by sheer desperation.
Everyone's attention shifted to the cylinder in Qu Feiyan's hand, creating an air of tension. However, to everyone's surprise, the cylinder's contraption was sealed, revealing it to be empty.
In contrast to today's events, this heart-piercing needle would replace Tangmen's Storm Pear Nails, becoming the most terrifying, potent, and devastating hidden weapon in the world. It would be hailed as "The Blood Must Be Seen, The Empty Back Is Ominous; Urgency, The King of Hidden Weapons."
Every individual present, be it reputable sect leaders, nefarious faction masters, or even the lowliest rogues and thieves, looked on with bated breath at this glistening small cylinder, their expressions overwhelmed.
As Qu Feiyan nervously grasped the cylinder, her hand slick with sweat, Lin Pingzhi snatched it from her grip and, pointing it at Yu Canghai, demanded fiercely, "Yu, where are my parents?"
Before Yu Canghai could respond, Lin Pingzhi pulled the trigger.
A flash of silver light burst forth abruptly, shimmering and scattering like silver rain. But before anyone could comprehend what happened, the light vanished. Yu Canghai lay still, like a stone, on the ground, his body twitching twice before becoming motionless.
Coming back to his senses after the unexpected turn of events, Lin Pingzhi stared at his trembling hands. The cylinder slipped from his grasp and fell. "Run!" someone screamed, shattering the tense silence as chaos erupted. Once well-dressed heroes now dashed for cover, seeking refuge.
As the cylinder hit the ground, a white hand swiftly caught it. Qu Feiyan, apprehensive, followed the heart-piercing needle's motion, her hand trembling. "You're insane!" Lin Pingzhi snapped at her.
"Hehe!" Lin Ping seemed to laugh and cry simultaneously, creating a haunting sound.
Meanwhile, Ding Mian's long sword was easily disarmed by Chen Ang. However, before Chen Ang could take their lives, Liu Zhengfeng intervened, pleading, "Please, spare them, kind benefactors!"
"What? You're interceding for them despite the crimes of the Five Top Sword Factions?" Chen Ang inquired.
Liu Zhengfeng sighed, "I've lived a life devoted to Mount Heng's legacy, merely wanting to be an old countryman while wandering the world, as well as a brother and a companion! But Lushan's Alliance Lord, though uncharitable, I cannot be unjust. Please show mercy to spare their lives!"
"That's fine, but if they come seeking trouble again, I won't be so merciful next time!" Chen Ang expressed nonchalance. Unperturbed by worldly affairs, Chen Ang made it clear that Liu Zhengfeng's intercession didn't sway his resolve.
"In their self-detailed ends lies the reason," Liu Zhengfeng said calmly.
"Very well! Let's go!" Chen Ang took up his long sword and addressed Ding Mian, "When you come for vengeance, make sure to bring Zuo Leng Zen; otherwise, it'll be the end for many!"
Liu Zhengfeng, too, escorted Fei Bin, taking leave with more than a dozen people from the mountain, urging them to depart. As they left, the group of four, along with a dozen disciples, carried the injured Fei Bin away, marking a stark contrast from their initial arrival.
Meanwhile, Qu Feiyan dragged Lin Pingzhi along, pushing him to speak. "What? Are you too scared to speak up?" she prodded.
Lin Pingzhi looked up, his voice heavy, "It's no use. The husband's arrangements are final. This body is disposable under the master's command." He maintained his genuine demeanor.
"Even in my possession, the heart-piercing needle can be used again. It'll be enough for you to save your parents!" Chen Ang smiled, handing over the cylinder.
Grateful and overwhelmed, Lin Pingzhi eagerly accepted it. "I'll never forget Mr.'s immense kindness and grace! I'll repay this favor in the future!" His tears welled up as he looked at the cylinder in his hand, reminded of his parents' plight.
Whispering something in his ear, Chen Ang then departed, leaving Lin Pingzhi bewildered and standing alone. Overwhelmed, he laughed at himself and returned to Liufu Houtang.