Melting Bone Palm . . .
The Battle Art Of A Thousand Troops, renowned for its potency when employed against groups, seemed somewhat incongruous in a one-on-one battle among cultivators. However, Cha-Eun Xiao displayed no hesitation in employing it, executing the martial technique with a degree of finesse that left observers with a singular impression: he excelled in this particular art while lacking proficiency in other martial forms.
Such an assumption appeared reasonable, given his lineage traced back to a general's family. Employing this fistic martial art seemed only fitting for someone of his background.
"Excellent maneuver! Remarkably vigorous!" Guan Zheng-Wen, hands clasped behind his emaciated frame, effortlessly sidestepped Cha-Eun Xiao's attack, positioning himself right beside his opponent. The movement, though seemingly languid, masked its true speed, and with a pale, slender finger, Guan Zheng-Wen extended his hand toward Cha-Eun Xiao's back.
The crowd erupted in astonishment at the swift and precise exchange between the two combatants. Amongst the spectators were not only ordinary individuals like Lan Lang-Lang and Zuo Wu-Ji but also astute observers who recognized the combat's intensity and complexity from its very inception.
In a mere instant, spectators went from wide-eyed amazement to jaw-dropping disbelief. The renowned Old Master Guan was displaying an unexpected mastery of martial arts, leaving everyone astonished.
"Since when did Old Master Guan become such a formidable fighter? He appears to be a true master," they wondered in disbelief.
Guan Zheng-Wen's finger inched closer to Cha-Eun Xiao, who remained unfazed. Instead of defending himself, Cha-Eun Xiao leaped into the air, executing a turning kick that generated a fierce whirlwind, propelling him several meters forward. A thunderous "poof" resonated as he landed forcefully.
This move was another component of the Battle Art Of A Thousand Troops: "Warding A Thousand Troops." Yet, while Guan Zheng-Wen had not struck Cha-Eun Xiao with his initial finger attack, he continued his assault without pause. He leaned forward and pursued Cha-Eun Xiao with uncanny speed, as if his slender frame clung to his opponent.
As the situation unfolded, onlookers began to grasp the discrepancy in skill between the two combatants. Cha-Eun Xiao appeared well-versed only in the foundational techniques of the Battle Art Of A Thousand Troops, whereas Guan Zheng-Wen had integrated various martial arts into his fists, palms, and fingers, seamlessly executing fluid and improvisational maneuvers.
Unbeknownst to the spectators, as Guan Zheng-Wen approached Cha-Eun Xiao at an astonishing pace, his fleshless hands delivered eighteen silent and rapid taps.
With each tap, Cha-Eun Xiao was propelled forward, unable to resist the unseen force. He soared over three meters before shouting and executing another aerial leap, landing forcefully on the ground.
"Beast Leaping of the Battle Art Of A Thousand Troops! Exceptional!" Wang Da-Nian applauded enthusiastically from the crowd. His unexpected reaction left Zuo Wu-Ji and Lan Lang-Lang bewildered, as Wang Da-Nian was aligned with the Crown Prince and harbored resentment toward Cha-Eun Xiao. Applauding his opponent was an inexplicable deviation from his character.
Indeed, it was a moment that defied conventional expectations.
Guan Zheng-Wen gestured with a wave of his hand, halting Cha-Eun Xiao in his tracks. Cha-Eun Xiao, who had been rushing towards him, suddenly found himself arrested mid-stride, unable to maintain his balance, and eventually crashed to the floor. In the next instant, Guan Zheng-Wen shook his head with a gentle, indulgent smile, his hands resting on his back.
"I am old," Guan Zheng-Wen declared with a self-deprecating tone. "My abilities no longer match my aspirations. I am truly inept... Lord Cha, you are young, vibrant, and full of strength. Why don't we conclude this bout as it stands now?"
Guan Zheng-Wen's words conveyed both a sense of defeat and a touch of magnanimity. It was evident to everyone that Cha-Eun Xiao had been defeated, and Guan Zheng-Wen had exhibited a demeanor befitting his seniority. His gesture of mercy was palpable.
One could argue that Cha-Eun Xiao had not been visibly harmed; he had merely slipped and fallen twice. Yet, he seemed unyielding in his determination.
"No, this isn't over!" Cha-Eun Xiao retorted defiantly. "Let's continue the fight..."
The onlookers shook their heads in response. [He remains incorrigible. Even after two embarrassing falls and clear defeat, he still seeks a challenging battle. How shameless...]
"You're right; he hasn't lost," Guan Zheng-Wen acknowledged, still maintaining his composed demeanor. "Let's call it a draw. I am genuinely too old for this. We'll say you were concerned and respectful toward an old man." His laughter conveyed a sense of closure.
Cha-Eun Xiao huffed and added, "Since you put it that way, I'll show some kindness to an old man. We'll consider it even, but it's clear you're taking advantage of me..."
The crowd responded with a chorus of disapproval, clearly expressing their disdain for Cha-Eun Xiao's lack of decorum and grace in defeat.
Guan Zheng-Wen, still wearing a gentle smile, brushed off his clothes and said, "Old Master Guan, today's fight wasn't up to par. If there's another opportunity in the future, we can have a rematch. I hope you'll be in better condition then. Heh heh!"
This playful remark elicited laughter from some onlookers. Cha-Eun Xiao addressed the Crown Prince, indicating that he had enjoyed the meal and was now prepared to depart.
The Crown Prince, pleasantly surprised by Cha-Eun Xiao's understanding demeanor, replied, "Take care, Lord Cha. We'll convene in the future to discuss matters of the kingdom."
Cha-Eun Xiao chuckled, "Certainly. When the opportunity arises, I'll return to enjoy good company again, including that of your beautiful wife."
Although the Crown Prince's expression twitched momentarily, he maintained a gracious demeanor and replied, "You're always welcome."
The Crown Princess, who had been irritated earlier, now adopted a more cynical expression. [He plans to return? He's going to meet his end... and he even tried to flirt with me... Well, I'll let his overconfidence slide.]
Cha-Eun Xiao waved goodbye and exited the scene with Zuo Wu-Ji and Lan Lang-Lang, his face bearing a peculiar smile, unnoticed by the crowd.
In the aftermath, Guan Zheng-Wen coughed and made his way to the front hall, his trembling gait betraying his inner turmoil. The spectators were led away by the palace guards.
The Crown Prince remained, his eyes fixed on Cha-Eun Xiao until he vanished from sight. He then returned to the front hall with a satisfied smile.
Inside the hall, only three individuals remained: the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess, and Guan Zheng-Wen.
"Master Guan, how did it go?" the Crown Princess inquired impatiently.
The Crown Prince, too, looked expectantly at Guan Zheng-Wen.
Guan Zheng-Wen, however, seemed momentarily lost in thought. He sighed, his gaze conveying the depth of his involvement in the intricate plot.
The Crown Prince reassured him with a warm smile, "Everything went perfectly, without a hitch. You need not worry. If, by any chance, you find yourself in trouble because of today's events, I will protect you."
Guan Zheng-Wen paused for a moment, then sighed again. Turning to the Crown Princess, he spoke in a somber tone, "The Melting Bone Palm... I managed to land eighteen solid strikes on Cha-Eun Xiao. He'll be fine for the next few days, but after a month, his bones will slowly deteriorate until he succumbs."
As he spoke, the lines on Guan Zheng-Wen's face seemed to deepen, reflecting the gravity of his actions.
The Crown Princess, her expression tense, inquired anxiously, "There won't be any suspicions, will there?"
Guan Zheng-Wen took a deep breath as he began to share his secret martial art with the Crown Prince. His voice held a tone of solemnity and gravity, as if he was unveiling a long-guarded treasure trove of knowledge.
"This martial art has been my closely held secret for many years," Guan Zheng-Wen began, his eyes reflecting years of contemplation and restraint. "During those years, it was veiled in secrecy due to its sheer viciousness. I chose to keep it hidden, even from myself. The consequences of its use were so dire that I couldn't bear to unleash it upon the world."
As Guan Zheng-Wen revealed this long-kept secret, he sighed, carrying the weight of the knowledge he was imparting. "Even to this day, I remain uncertain of any possible cure for its effects. So, Cha-Eun Xiao is destined to meet his end this time."
The Crown Princess, with a sly and calculating smile on her face, responded to Guan Zheng-Wen's revelation, "You've truly done us a great service, Master Guan. Your dedication to our cause is greatly appreciated."
Guan Zheng-Wen acknowledged the compliment with a nod and replied modestly, "It is my honor to serve you, your highness."
However, behind his outward composure, Guan Zheng-Wen's expression gradually shifted to one of deep concern. The worry in his eyes grew as he contemplated the repercussions of his actions.
While he had successfully completed the Crown Prince's task, he couldn't ignore the animosity that had now formed between himself and Cha Nan-Tian. If Cha Nan-Tian were to discover the truth, he feared the consequences for his entire family.
Guan Zheng-Wen knew that he couldn't rely too heavily on the Crown Prince's promises. His fate hung in the balance.
Turning to the Crown Prince, Guan Zheng-Wen decided to address his concerns, choosing his words carefully and speaking in hushed tones. Cha Nan-Tian had always been an enigmatic figure in the Kingdom of Chen, and Guan Zheng-Wen sought answers.
"Your highness," he began, "I have a question regarding Cha Nan-Tian's background. His history has remained a closely guarded secret within the kingdom."
The enigmatic rise of Cha Nan-Tian had been a subject of intrigue and speculation among the political and martial circles. Guan Zheng-Wen believed that the Crown Prince, as the ruler's son, must possess knowledge about Cha Nan-Tian's origins.
The Crown Prince responded with a thoughtful "hmm" before falling into a contemplative silence. After a brief pause, he provided a response that seemed plausible but was far from accurate.
"I am not well-informed about it," the Crown Prince claimed, adding an air of mystery to Cha Nan-Tian's background. "It is said that Cha Nan-Tian was once a humble mountain hunter. Fate smiled upon him when he stumbled upon something extraordinary, a precious treasure that granted him remarkable strength."
In reality, the Crown Prince knew very little about Cha Nan-Tian's true past. The King himself possessed only fragmentary information about the enigmatic figure. The Crown Prince had fabricated this tale to pacify Guan Zheng-Wen, concealing the true extent of his ignorance.
Guan Zheng-Wen, however, seemed relieved by the fabricated story. He replied, "That's reassuring. A mere mountain hunter who stumbled upon extraordinary strength poses no real threat."
Yet, unbeknownst to Guan Zheng-Wen, the Crown Prince's information was entirely fabricated. The true nature of Cha Nan-Tian's past remained a closely guarded secret, shrouded in mystery and known to only a select few.
As he contemplated the fabricated history, Guan Zheng-Wen began to feel a sense of security. He even entertained the notion of dealing with Cha Nan-Tian if need be, relying on his formidable skills as a Grandmaster of the Tian-Yuan level. However, he remained oblivious to the true extent of Cha Nan-Tian's enigmatic past and the potential consequences of underestimating him.