Chapter 055: Learning from a Master

“I wonder what realm lies above Grandmaster of Transformation. With the talents of Mister Fang and Miss Zhu, it’s possible they’ll become even stronger than Grandmasters of Transformation in the future.”

“There must be something greater. The Way Sect is filled with masters—surely there are those who surpass even Grandmasters of Transformation.”

“I’ve heard that in the northern Barbarian Kingdom there’s the Savage Sect, and in the southern Liang Kingdom there’s the Shaman Sect. Both are great sects, equal in fame to the Way Sect. They must have experts even stronger than Grandmasters of Transformation.”

As the crowd gossiped while watching the contest, the opinions of Fang Xian and Zhu Shimei rose ever higher. Even on the high platform, Tang Zhi and Lei Bupo’s expressions grew more grave.

They could see that the two young people in the arena were fighting with increasing intensity. Their understanding and application of martial techniques grew more skillful with every exchange, each one sharpening their skills and gaining battle experience. The strength they now displayed was a third greater than at the start.

“Feng Ling of Phoenix Peak, with the aid of her divine weapon, can barely stand against a Grandmaster of Transformation. Perhaps in a few years she’ll break through herself. And with this Fang Mingda’s cultivation at such a young age, I fear in a few years he’ll also become a Grandmaster of Transformation. That would be most disadvantageous to us,” Tang Zhi said secretly to Lei Bupo.

“What do you intend to do?” Lei Bupo asked, his expression unmoved.

“We can’t let Phoenix Peak grow stronger. Either Feng Ling or Fang Mingda must be eliminated, or they’ll be a threat to us in the future,” Tang Zhi replied harshly. They didn’t mention Zhu Shimei of South Departure Stockade, because with Zhu Jiu Zhong there, they dared not make a move against her.

But Phoenix Peak was comparatively weaker. Feng Ling, though able to barely contend with a Grandmaster of Transformation using her divine weapon, was not yet one herself. If the two of them joined forces, they might be able to eliminate either Feng Ling or Fang Mingda.

“Let’s wait and see. If South Departure Stockade wishes to form a marriage alliance with Phoenix Peak, would you dare make a move?” Lei Bupo asked. Tang Zhi fell silent.

If South Departure Stockade truly allied with Phoenix Peak, they wouldn’t dare turn hostile; the Green Cloud Stockade was already eyeing them hungrily. Unless Peach Mountain Stockade and Thunder Ridge Stockade united, they couldn’t challenge these two great powers.

A thunderous crash resounded as Fang Xian and Zhu Shimei exchanged dozens more moves. Zhu Shimei began to breathe heavily—her constitution was not as strong as Fang Xian’s, and her inner force was nearly spent. Fang Xian, on the other hand, could constantly replenish his energy from the stars; if he wished, he could fight for days and nights without tiring, though his body might eventually reach its limit.

Another explosive clash—their bodies rebounded, and Zhu Shimei staggered back a step. Fang Xian pressed his advantage, attacking with steady, unrelenting force, driving her back step by step.

“Little Ten has lost,” Zhu Jiu Zhong sighed on the high platform, addressing the others. With his discerning eye, it was obvious that Zhu Shimei’s strength was spent, and she was no longer able to fight back.

“This boy is too much, not giving Little Ten any leeway. He’s not a good match,” Tang Zhi murmured, seizing the opportunity to sow discord, though his words were anything but casual.

“A contest must have a winner. Besides, there’s sixty thousand taels of silver at stake. Chief Zhu, are you satisfied with this brother-in-law?” Feng Ling teased with a charming smile, then jokingly turned the question to Zhu Jiu Zhong.

“What does Chief Feng think—are they a good match?” Zhu Jiu Zhong responded.

“A talented gentleman and a beautiful lady—a match made in heaven. And judging by their affections, especially Little Sister Zhu’s feelings for my cousin, which are plain for all to see,” Feng Ling replied with a laugh. Indeed, though Zhu Shimei was forced back again and again, she showed no sign of holding back, nor was she upset; rather, she smiled faintly.

Another mighty clash—Zhu Shimei retreated once more and found herself at the edge of the arena. In an instant, she fell off, but Fang Xian quickly grabbed her wrist and pulled her back. She leapt onto the stage, but tumbled into his arms.

A hush fell over the crowd, all watching expectantly. Zhu Shimei swiftly regained her composure, stepped aside, and respectfully said to Fang Xian, “Brother Fang, your skills surpass mine. I concede.”

With that, she gazed at Fang Xian with gentle affection, then leapt to the high platform and said to Zhu Jiu Zhong, “Brother, I accept my loss. I’ll marry Brother Fang tonight.”

Such was the spirit of those who lived by the sword—straightforward and bold, even in matters of marriage. Fang Xian hurried over, clasped his hands, and said, “Chief Zhu, Miss Zhu, I am already married. As I said before, I fought not for anything else, but for a little silver and some fame. I hope you understand.”

“We have plenty of silver. And is there any better way to make a name for yourself than to marry a disciple of the Way Sect? Brother Fang, I don’t care if you’re already married; I said I would keep my word, and tonight we’ll be wed. From now on, I’ll be by your side,” Zhu Shimei said with a smile.

“Brother Zhu, this fellow’s a bit ungrateful—why not let me teach him a lesson?” Before Zhu Jiu Zhong could reply, Tang Zhi suddenly interjected coldly, striking toward Fang Xian with his palm.

“Tang Zhi, do you have a death wish?” Feng Ling’s voice rang out sharply as she unleashed an overwhelming, terrifying aura. A giant, wondrous flower appeared between Tang Zhi and Fang Xian.

A resounding boom—the impact sent Tang Zhi stumbling back several steps, while Fang Xian was shaken off the high platform. Feng Ling hovered in midair, her dress billowing as she fixed her gaze on Tang Zhi.

“Grandmaster of Transformation!” the surrounding martial artists exclaimed. Only such a master could float in midair.

“Feng Ling, you’ve broken through?” Tang Zhi was both shocked and furious. He hadn’t expected Feng Ling to have become a Grandmaster of Transformation. Now, with her divine weapon, he was no longer her match.

“Chief Tang, I’ve long wished to test your skills. May I have that honor today?” Feng Ling stared coldly at him. This short man had always coveted her—like a toad lusting after a swan. Today, she intended to teach him a lesson.

“You go too far, Tang Zhi. From this moment, Brother Fang is my brother-in-law. He’s not someone you can discipline.” But Zhu Jiu Zhong interrupted their standoff, putting an end to the hostility and setting the tone for the day.

“Cousin, Little Ten is so gentle and lovely—marrying her is your great fortune. Let me offer my congratulations,” Feng Ling said, landing beside Fang Xian with a smile.

“Since Miss Zhu does not mind my past, I would be honored to obey. All decisions are yours, Chief Zhu,” Fang Xian replied, knowing that marrying Zhu Shimei was tantamount to winning over South Departure Stockade. He bowed to Zhu Jiu Zhong.

“Spread the word—Miss Zhu will be wed tonight! Prepare the bridal chamber and the feast. Tonight, the whole stockade will celebrate!” Zhu Jiu Zhong announced in a booming voice, and thousands throughout the mountain stronghold heard him.

“Congratulations, Mister Fang!” Martial artists from the surrounding strongholds crowded around to offer their well-wishes.

“Congratulations, Chief Zhu! Congratulations, Miss Zhu!” On the high platform, the heads of the various mountain strongholds followed suit, congratulating Zhu Jiu Zhong and Zhu Shimei.

And so, Fang Xian was married once again. After the ceremony, he was sent to the bridal chamber with Zhu Shimei. He hesitated, then decided to be honest with her—he told her his true identity, including his marriage to Ye Hongxiu of Green Cloud Stockade, and that Feng Ling, too, was his woman.

“Little Ten, I don’t want to deceive you. That’s why I’m telling you this now. If you’re unhappy, we don’t have to consummate the marriage. Tomorrow, I’ll leave South Departure Stockade,” Fang Xian said apologetically.

“Sister Feng is such an outstanding woman and she chose you. I’ve heard of Ye Hongxiu—she’s the flower of every mountain stockade around here. If they both love you, why can’t I? No matter how many women you have, as long as I am one of them, that’s enough,” Zhu Shimei said with a smile, removing her bridal veil and gazing at him.

“Little Ten, with such devoted affection, I will never fail you, nor any of you,” Fang Xian said, stepping forward and embracing her tightly. The two soon became one.

“Oh no!” Some time after midnight, as they lay down to rest, Fang Xian suddenly exclaimed softly.

“What’s wrong, my dear?” Zhu Shimei asked.