Hong Jiaxin stood by, wiping sweat, but she didn't bother to rest; she focused intently on the combat, hoping to learn from Luo Yang's practical experience and techniques.
Luo Yang merely smiled faintly, his claws reaching for the fingers of the Azure-robed Left Protector.
For anyone else, being caught by the Azure-robed Left Protector's Eagle Claw Technique would mean at least losing a layer of skin, if not death.
Yet, Luo Yang seemed addicted, sending both hands towards the Left Protector's claws.
The Azure-robed Left Protector showed a smug expression as if to say, "Had you dodged, I couldn't have done much. But now that you're willingly offering your hands, let's see how I subdue you!"
Once Luo Yang applied True Qi to his Eagle Claw Technique, he was clashing claws with the Azure-robed Left Protector.
The ignorant Left Protector felt secretly delighted.
If Luo Yang had simply dodged, the Left Protector might have found it difficult to defeat him suddenly.
Now that Luo Yang took the offensive, he played right into the Left Protector's hands.
The observing Right Protector and Qi Xiangtian also sensed that the Left Protector was gaining the upper hand.
The others could not make head or tail of the situation.
Both Luo Yang and the Left Protector fought fast and fierce, clashing forcefully.
In an instant, the two had exchanged dozens of moves.
Suddenly, both stepped back simultaneously.
The Azure-robed Left Protector's face was filled with astonishment.
Luo Yang, on the other hand, appeared calm and composed.
On closer inspection, the fingers of the Left Protector were all swollen, a stark contrast to their usual thick and black appearance, now thick and red.
In contrast, every finger on Luo Yang's hands was unscathed.
Without need for a referee, any sane person could tell who had won.
The Left Protector looked down at his hands, his expression somber.
After a long while, the Left Protector sighed, "I've practiced the Eagle Claw Technique for decades, yet I am inferior to a youth; enough, enough, I shall no longer wander the martial world."
Having said this, he walked briskly downstairs, like a shooting star.
At that moment, Luo Yang sincerely said, "Your Eagle Claw Technique is already very good. With my guidance, you could advance by leaps and bounds."
For someone who had devoted their life to martial arts, nothing was more enticing than the chance to break through to a stronger level.
The Azure-robed Left Protector abruptly stopped in his tracks.
He then turned around, came up to Luo Yang, and asked, "Is that true?"
Luo Yang nodded and said, "I will definitely guide you, but I have one small request—you must join my sect."
As the Azure-robed Left Protector hesitated, Luo Yang added, "The Eagle Claw Technique of the Ying Zhao Yan Xing Sect is not the true transmission. How else could you not defeat my Eagle Claw Technique? Rather than continuing under a false Sect Leader, why not join my sect?"
Convinced by Luo Yang's words, the Left Protector made up his mind.
"Then, from now on, I will join your sect," the Left Protector said with a bow.
"Welcome, welcome," Luo Yang replied, returning the gesture.
At this moment, the Azure-robed Right Protector had something to say.
"Left Protector, how can you so readily believe that his is the authentic Eagle Claw Technique?" the Right Protector questioned.
"You will know once you experience it yourself," the Left Protector answered.
Seeing Luo Yang recruiting disciples within the Yingyan Martial Arts School, Qi Xiangtian was both shocked and furious.
However, as someone who had been defeated twice already, Qi Xiangtian was angry yet dared not speak.
"Young fellow, let me experience your expertise," the Azure-robed Right Protector said with a bow.
"Please," Luo Yang replied calmly.
"While I'm not as good with the Eagle Claw Technique as the Left Protector, and hence even less a match for yours, my Goose Walking Skill surpasses the Left Protector's. You claim yours is the authentic Eagle Claw Technique, so let me see your Goose Walking Skill,"
the Azure-robed Right Protector stated clearly.
"Fine,"
Luo Yang was receptive to all comers.
The so-called Goose Walking Skill was, in essence, a Foot Technique.
Yet, the Foot Technique of the Ying Zhao Yan Xing Sect was somewhat special.
Typical Foot Techniques primarily manifest in the attacking power of the legs.
But the Ying Zhao Yan Xing Sect's Foot Technique not only performed the basic functions of a Foot Technique but also played a supporting role.
After all, the main technique was the Eagle Claw Technique, and the Goose Walking Skill was secondary.
Foot Technique complemented Claw Technique, like wind carrying rain.
Luo Yang was able to understand the Shadowless Kick in the stone cave of the Shennong Scripture only after witnessing the Foot Technique of Ying Zhao Yan Xing Sect.
For this reason, Luo Yang had a great fondness for the Goose Walking Skill.
At that time, when he first came to Yingyan Martial Arts School to challenge Qi Xiangtian, Luo Yang had seen the Foot Technique of Ying Zhao Yan Xing Sect.
Qi Xiangtian used the signature move of Ying Zhao Yan Xing Sect, Four Geese Flying South.
Now, the Azure Robed Right Protector was also going to use the Foot Technique, and Luo Yang guessed that his Foot Technique might be stronger than Qi Xiangtian's.
However, having mastered the First Layer of Shadowless Kick, Luo Yang was more than capable of handling the Foot Technique of Ying Zhao Yan Xing Sect.
Initially, the Azure Robed Right Protector also started with the Claw Technique.
In Luo Yang's view, these were all feints.
Indeed, after a while, the Azure Robed Right Protector let out a shout and soared into the air.
The spectators continued to cheer.
Luo Yang also stepped into the void and confronted the Right Protector at a height of more than two meters, attacking with their feet.
Bang bang bang…
The Right Protector could kick out five kicks in succession in midair, one more than Qi Xiangtian.
But the First Layer of Luo Yang's Shadowless Kick allowed him to kick nine times in midair.
If it were not for the fact that Luo Yang thought highly of the Right Protector as a person, he would have landed the additional four kicks on him.
When the Right Protector finished his fifth kick, his momentum was spent, and his body began to fall.
But Luo Yang was still in mid-air.
The Right Protector was greatly surprised and closed his eyes in resignation.
Luo Yang's sixth kick merely feinted over the head of the Right Protector, and then he withdrew it.
After they both landed, the Azure Robed Right Protector's face was ashen.
"Your martial techniques are indeed refined!" praised the Right Protector.
"Your Foot Technique still has a lot of room for improvement. Join my ranks, and I will guide you," Luo Yang sincerely said.
At this time, the Left Protector also helped persuade him.
"Right Protector, this young man is right. His really is the true Claw Technique. Following him, we won't go wrong," said the Left Protector.
"Then from today onwards, I too am one of your people," the Right Protector said while clasping his fists.
Luo Yang was overjoyed.
"Good, from now on we'll exchange martial knowledge together," Luo Yang said.
Seeing that Luo Yang had taken away both the Left and Right Protectors, Qi Xiangtian grew even more furious.
Luo Yang had come here precisely to dismantle the signboard.
Letting Hong Jiaxin practice was secondary.
"Qi Xiangtian, you are not skilled enough, you shouldn't open a martial arts school anymore. Take down the signboard of Yingyan Martial Arts School," Luo Yang said coldly.
Upon hearing this, veins bulged on Qi Xiangtian's forehead.
Here, there was no one left to stand by Qi Xiangtian.
However, both protectors said, "Young man, show mercy where you can."
Luo Yang waved his hand and said, "Wait, I'll explain the reasons to you later."
In front of so many disciples, Qi Xiangtian was both shamed and furious.
Although unable to defeat Luo Yang, he could not afford to lose face.
"My father is still in seclusion. When he comes out, he will deal with all three of you!" Qi Xiangtian threatened.
The Left and Right Protectors were well aware of the Sect Leader's capability.
If the Sect Leader of Ying Zhao Yan Xing Sect had unmatched skills, the protectors would not have defected.
"Fine, I'll let this signboard of Yingyan Martial Arts School stay up a few more days! Once I've competed with your father, you'll have no excuse!" Luo Yang said coldly.
The protectors had just spoken up; Luo Yang had only recently accepted them under his wing, so he had to show some respect.
This was one reason.
The second reason was that Luo Yang, now seeking a defeat, naturally wanted to experience the Sect Leader of Ying Zhao Yan Xing Sect's skills.
Upon asking about the date, he learned Qi Xiangtian's father did not have a fixed day to come out of seclusion.
Luo Yang had thought he would be able to compete soon. Having spoken, he could only wait for Qi Xiangtian's father to come out of seclusion.
Afterwards, Luo Yang left Yingyan Martial Arts School, taking both protectors and Hong Jiaxin with him.