On the second day of the martial arts competition, the weather turned unkind, with autumn rain pouring incessantly. Duan Qinyu opened his umbrella and noticed Chang Jingyun standing idly at the inn's entrance. Curiously, he inquired, "Brother Chang, what are you pondering? It's time to ascend the mountain!"
Gazing at the blue mist of rain, Chang Jingyun sighed, "The mountain paths are not truly rainy; the verdant hues merely dampen our garments. There is no rain from the heavens, only heavy fog; we might as well forgo the umbrella!"
Duan Qinyu chuckled, "As it stands, the dampness on our clothes is not merely from mist but from actual rain!"
"It's all the same!" With that, Chang Jingyun boldly stepped into the rain. Observing this unusual behavior, Duan Qinyu thought to himself, "After all these years, his old habit of shunning umbrellas remains unchanged."
He turned around and saw Xia Zhaoyun holding an umbrella and cautioned, "Are you not accompanying your master up the mountain today?"
Xia Zhaoyun shook her head, replying earnestly, "My master has said that it's dangerous on the mountain; it is much safer to remain at the inn."
Though her reasoning seemed sound, a troubling thought flickered through his mind for an instant. Few knew Xia Zhaoyun well, but if someone were to learn that Chang Jingyun's disciple was at the inn, they might use her life as leverage, complicating matters beyond mere competition in the Yishan.
Sensing Duan Qinyu's contemplation, Xia Zhaoyun hurriedly remarked, "Uncle Duan, my master has already ventured far."
Duan Qinyu snapped back to reality and glanced at Chang Jingyun, whose figure was rapidly fading at the end of the bluestone path. However, a sense of concern for Xia Zhaoyun's safety lingered in his heart, prompting him to admonish, "Zhaoyun, you should stay at the inn today; do not go anywhere. Regardless of who comes seeking you, do not step outside, understand?"
Xia Zhaoyun nodded and waved goodbye to Duan Qinyu.
Today, a considerable gathering of people assembled beside Bitan Lake, and Xia Shiqi arrived as scheduled. The light drizzle washed the entire landscape of green mountains and blue waters, leaving one feeling refreshed and invigorated. Observing that all attendees had arrived, Xia Shiqi clasped his hands and stated, "The weather today is less than ideal; I am grateful to everyone for attending. The fifth match is now officially underway."
Against the backdrop of the gentle rain, Helian Yi and Xu Qing appeared on the contest stage. Xu Qing, the young master of the Chasing Cloud Villa, was in his early twenties and lacked substantial experience in the martial world. Helian Yi, on the other hand, was a somewhat seasoned veteran, and the outcome of this match was largely anticipated to end in his victory.
Next up was the duel between Teng Xiao from Luoyang City and Baili Zun from the Shuisu Villa. Teng Xiao held the infamous title of "Overlord" in the martial community due to his haughty demeanor, while Baili Zun was renowned as a gentle and benevolent gentleman, known for his amiable nature. The stark contrast between the two was striking. Teng Xiao wielded two iron melons, while Baili Zun brandished a pair of judge's pens. Teng Xiao struck first, swinging one of the iron melons forcefully towards Baili Zun's head, but Baili Zun evaded the blow with remarkable agility. Although the iron melon possessed greater destructive power than the judge's pen, its weight hampered its speed significantly.
After evading Teng Xiao's attack, Baili Zun quickly inscribed a hook with his judge's pen, which deftly struck Teng Xiao on the chin. Teng Xiao let out a shout, rubbing his chin in discomfort. He then swung both iron melons again, this time directing them toward Baili Zun's position. With nowhere to dodge, Baili Zun remained calm, inscribing a heavy dot with his pen that landed precisely on the bottom of one iron melon, causing it to veer off course. Seizing the moment, Baili Zun wrote another stroke, which redirected the other iron melon as well. Teng Xiao lost his balance, swaying unsteadily, and Baili Zun delivered a powerful palm strike to Teng Xiao's abdomen, sending him flying backward a full foot.
Xia Shiqi announced, "In the sixth match, Baili Zun emerges victorious."
The audience erupted into spontaneous applause at this thrilling duel. Duan Qinyu remarked, "This Baili Zun is exceptionally skilled! He must surely be an expert in calligraphy, considering his mastery of the judge's pens."
Chang Jingyun replied, "Oh? Are you inclined to challenge him?"
"I do have such intentions; perhaps after the competition, I might engage him in conversation."
Chang Jingyun dismissed Duan Qinyu's comments, for the next match was his against Song Yuanmo. Song Yuanmo had long viewed Chang Jingyun as his primary obstacle to uniting the six great villas, and he was determined to win this contest. The previous encounter between them at Yufeng Valley had been interrupted by Meng Hengtang, leaving no victor. Thus, this duel was undoubtedly laden with suspense.
Song Yuanmo declared, "Today, we shall determine who is superior!"
Chang Jingyun replied, "Master Song, I look forward to your guidance!"
Upon concluding his words, Chang Jingyun drew his Liuguang Sword and executed the first move of the *Eight Styles of Wind*—"East Wind Enters Rhythm." While this technique possessed minimal offensive power, its true strength lay in its ability to dissipate the sword energy of the opponent's blade. Regardless of the weapon in hand, as long as "East Wind Enters Rhythm" was deployed, even the mightiest sword energy would vanish without a trace. Realizing that the energy from his Purple Twilight Sword had dissipated, Song Yuanmo understood it was due to his opponent's move, prompting him to resort to palm techniques instead.
Anticipating Song Yuanmo's intention, Chang Jingyun swiftly withdrew his Liuguang Sword, preparing to meet the palm strike head-on. However, unexpectedly, Song Yuanmo's Purple Twilight Sword surged forward for an attack. Sensing the danger, Chang Jingyun recalled the essence of the Mucang Swordplay: "Strike east to hit west, attack when unprepared." He remembered these eight words and, in a split second, he raised his sword sheath to deflect Song Yuanmo's strike, drawing the sword back into its sheath.
At this moment, Song Yuanmo found himself at a disadvantage, beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. In an instant, Chang Jingyun drew the Purple Twilight Sword once more, following up with a move known as "Horse and Hedgehog's Puncture." This technique was formidable for its ability to disrupt the opponent's rhythm, akin to a tempest scattering a well-ordered formation, forcing the adversary to dance to its tune.
Perceiving the ominous turn of events, Song Yuanmo thought to himself, "If this continues, only utter defeat awaits me." Suddenly, he flicked his sleeve, a gesture that puzzled Chang Jingyun, only to realize a silver needle was hurtling towards him. Just as he prepared to receive the blow, another silver needle whizzed in from an unexpected angle, striking Song Yuanmo's needle and plunging it into the water.
Chang Jingyun surveyed the surroundings, seeking the source of the needle, but the spectators appeared calm, revealing no signs of disturbance. He questioned, "Master Song, this is merely a friendly contest; why resort to trickery?"
Song Yuanmo replied, "Master Chang, one must speak with evidence!"
Chang Jingyun was poised to retort but fell silent, contemplating, "Even if someone witnessed Song Yuanmo's deceit, they are unlikely to come forward. I must remain cautious."
Noticing Chang Jingyun's silence, Song Yuanmo pressed his advantage once more, gripping the Purple Twilight Sword with his right hand and aiming it directly at Chang Jingyun. Chang Jingyun resolved to retaliate, yet before his Liuguang Sword could make contact, a sharp pain pierced his chest, as if something had pricked him. He instinctively stepped back, and the discomfort gradually subsided. Chang Jingyun was bewildered, pondering, "What was that pain in my chest just now?" However, as he advanced again, the pain resurfaced, plunging him into confusion as he gazed intently at Song Yuanmo.
Song Yuanmo taunted, "Master Chang, why do you linger so far away? Are you afraid to engage?"
At that moment, a thin thread caught Chang Jingyun's eye, one end tethered to Song Yuanmo's sleeve while the other was entwined around the Liuguang Sword. This revelation left him perplexed; the Mucang Villa was renowned for its Mucang Swordplay, yet this thread technique was entirely unfamiliar. Just as he struggled to comprehend, he suddenly found himself unable to move.
Only as Song Yuanmo drew closer did Chang Jingyun realize the nature of the thread technique. Ostensibly, it merely ensnared his opponent's sword, yet it effectively transmitted the sword energy from Chang Jingyun's own blade into Song Yuanmo's, transferring it directly into his body. Thus, despite the apparent lack of direct attack, Chang Jingyun had already been wounded by the energy of the Purple Twilight Sword; the earlier pain in his chest made sense now. If the energy of the Purple Twilight Sword reached its peak, Chang Jingyun's meridians would be sealed, rendering him immobile.
The situation was dire for Chang Jingyun, who thought, "My opponent knows that the 'East Wind Enters Rhythm' can dispel the energy of the Purple Twilight Sword; hence, he employs this thread technique so stealthily. It seems Song Yuanmo has indeed mastered the intricacies of martial arts."
Feeling utterly helpless, Chang Jingyun likened himself to meat on a chopping block, at the mercy of his adversary. Yet, he refused to concede. Instead, he began to recollect the internal martial arts principles of the *Eight Styles of Wind*, and suddenly, the technique "Dancing Wind Moistens" became clear to him. This technique, however, was a "dead move," necessitating the practitioner to go all out, channeling all their internal energy into the sword for a single attack. If successful, it would strike the opponent; if failed, the practitioner would be left vulnerable to a lethal counterattack.
The battlefield had become evident, and just as the onlookers anticipated Chang Jingyun's defeat, his Liuguang Sword unexpectedly soared toward Song Yuanmo, imbued with formidable sword energy. Taken aback, Song Yuanmo hastily evaded, yet sustained a deep cut on his arm from the blade.
Clutching his wound, Song Yuanmo seethed with anger and prepared to retaliate.
In that instant, Chang Jingyun noticed a scrap of cloth clutched in Song Yuanmo's hand. Meanwhile, Duan Qinyu, observing from the sidelines, recognized the gravity of the situation. The scrap was torn from Xia Zhaoyun's garment, a fact that both Chang Jingyun and Duan Qinyu understood.
A slight smirk played on Song Yuanmo's lips as he unleashed a palm strike. Chang Jingyun, however, did not counter, ultimately succumbing to the force of the attack and letting out a loud gasp, blood spilling from his mouth.
Xia Shiqi, unaware of the unfolding events, adhered to the established protocol and announced the results of the match as usual.
"The victory in this round goes to Master Song."
As Song Yuanmo descended from the dueling platform, Duan Qinyu swiftly approached to assist Chang Jingyun in unblocking his acupoints. However, the moment the blockage was released, a surge of pain intensified in Chang Jingyun's chest, and soon he heaved violently, expelling a considerable amount of blood, dark and indicative of poison.
In a hushed tone, Duan Qinyu inquired, "What has happened to you?"
Chang Jingyun replied, "During the contest, Song Yuanmo resorted to underhanded tactics and employed concealed weapons. Although someone intervened to deflect some of them, I certainly did not evade all the fine needles. Now, I feel utterly unwell. Please help me to my feet."
The representatives from various sects sensed something amiss and began to murmur amongst themselves. Remarkably, after disembarking from the platform, Song Yuanmo made no attempt to linger, likely burdened by guilt as he hurriedly fled with his disciples. At that moment, Meng Hengtian approached, offering Duan Qinyu a vial of pills, saying, "This is the antidote from our sect, capable of counteracting hundreds of poisons. Master Chang, take one; it will alleviate your immediate distress."
Duan Qinyu accepted the pill, poured one into his palm, and administered it to Chang Jingyun.
Xia Shiqi remained poised on the islet at the center of the lake, clasping his hands in salutation, and announced, "Gentlemen, the first round of the competition concludes here today. The second round will commence tomorrow. I hope all esteemed heroes of the martial world will attend punctually."