"Maybe they truly love each other," Lou Yi said with a smile.
"True love my ass, more like truly stupid," Zhan Weida scoffed.
On the stage, Huang Longgang, who was âin the spotlight,â confidently approached Jia Hong.
"Hong Mei, Iâve broken through as a martial artist!" Huang Longgang looked at Jia Hong affectionately, "Now you should come back to my side, right?"
After speaking, he reached out to hold Jia Hongâs small hand, but she skillfully dodged.
"Brother Huang, please have some self-respect," Jia Hong said coldly, and quickly walked towards the other end, not wanting to speak another word to him.
Just as Huang Longgang wanted to chase her, a tall figure blocked his path.
Zhou Yang wore a slightly amused expression: "Junior Brother Huang, some things cannot be forced. Youâre paying too much for this."
Understanding Zhou Yangâs words, Huang Longgangâs face became even more unpleasant.
He hadnât expected that after breaking through as a martial artist, Hong Mei still wouldnât look at him.
Why is this!
He didnât dare get angry with Zhou Yang, who had long since broken through Minor Circulation, and turned to see Zhan Weida snickering. Old and new grudges combined, making him roar, "Zhan Toad, what the hell are you laughing at!"
He strode forward, jumped on the spot, and swung his fist high, his ulna instantly turning crimson, striking fiercely at Zhan Weida!
Though he broke through with medicine, he was still at the martial artist level, and the sound of the breaking air was sharp.
Terrified, Zhan Weida kept backing away, shouting loudly: "Sparring among same sect members is forbidden, Zhou Yang, wonât you stop this?"
Zhou Yang crossed his arms in front of his chest, a teasing look in his eyes, completely unconcerned about Zhan Weidaâs safety.
âSmack!â
In the nick of time, Huang Longgangâs fist was caught by a hand.
It was like déjà vu.
His face turned red, using all his strength.
Yet he still couldnât stop his arm from being bent backwards bit by bit, followed by himself kneeling on the ground.
"Only cowards vent their anger on unrelated people."
It was Lou Yi who intervened, and his words made Huang Longgangâs face turn pale.
Suppressing him, but unable to further punish him within the martial arts hall, Lou Yi left with Zhan Weida.
Other disciples, fearing theyâd be caught in Huang Longgangâs wrath, also hurried out.
As they left, they quietly discussed Lou Yiâs defeat of Huang Longgang.
"Isnât he a martial artist, how did he get defeated by someone whoâs not even one?"
"He just broke through and hasnât stabilized yet."
"Seems like innate divine power, too bad heâs too old, no more potential..."
The vast martial arts arena was soon left with only Huang Longgang.
"You all, must die..."
Kneeling on the ground, the hatred in Huang Longgangâs words sent chills down oneâs spine.
He raised his head, eyes already blood-red.
...
Elsewhere, witnessing Lou Yiâs divine power, Zhan Weida was thrilled.
"Seems like ordinary blood warriors are no match for you! Can even two blood warriors not defeat you?"
"Iâm sticking to your big sturdy leg for sure!"
"Tell me, what do you lack? Silver, Qi Blood Pill, or a woman, Iâll do whatever it takes to get it for you!"
Lou Yi sighed: "A martial artist who broke through with medicine canât compare to a genuine martial artist."
"Still a martial artist, canât compare to ordinary folks," Zhan Weida said, "In recent months, there are four others in the sect who have just broken through, plus Huang Longgang makes up Five Elements.
They might hold an induction ceremony for them."
Zhan Weidaâs prediction was accurate.
Three days later, Extreme Fist Sect announced publicly that five disciples have broken through recently, and they will hold an induction ceremony.
The sect set up a mile-long canopy outside, inviting ordinary people to the feast.
The news quickly spread throughout Tai City.
The Extreme Fist Sectâs reputation, which had been declining in recent years, was slightly revived.
Breaking through as a martial artist meant becoming a person above others; in a common family, itâs something that could be recorded in the family registry!
In Da Wei, with martial arts being the foundation of the nation, martial artists looking for a job in the court, like becoming a Chief Constable, wouldnât have a hard time at all.
Or sitting at a merchant guild, becoming the benefactor of a big family, or starting their own business wouldnât be a problem either.
On the day of the celebration, the area outside the Extreme Fist Sect Martial Arts Hall was bustling.
The temporarily erected canopy was adorned with red silk, and the wooden tables inside were laden with meat porridge, mantou, steamed cakes, and other foods.
It attracted a crowd eager to squeeze inside, creating a lively atmosphere.
Inside the martial arts hall, the largest shrine.
On stage, the hall master and elders wore formal black chang pao, beaming as they chatted with friends and guests.
Female disciples continuously brought tea and fruits with graceful postures, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
In the front row below the stage sat five newcomers who had just broken through, all wearing brand new red robes, red pants, and black shoes, dressed like grooms.
They had smiles on their faces, chests held high, and exuded energy and spirit.
Achieving martial artist status brought significant changes in both strength and social status.
Of course, one inside remained sour-faced, looking inconsolable, completely out of place.
It was Huang Longgang, who was unlucky in love.
He kept looking around, and when he didnât find the person he wanted to see, he showed disappointment.
The auspicious moment arrived, and someone knocked gongs and drums.
The sect leader of Extreme Fist Sect, a thin elderly man, stood up from his seat, clasped his hands towards everyone, and said solemnly, "Five disciples of our sect have recently broken through together; this is an event unseen for a decade and worthy of celebration.
Your presence is an honor, and I invite you to enjoy the feast today, drink to your heartâs content!"
After finishing, he looked at the five disciples below, sternly saying, "You five, having broken through, are now eligible to receive the True Inheritance of our sect.
But remember the founderâs rules: do not betray the sect, do not harm fellow disciples, do not bully the weak..."
Before the sect leader finished, a loud laugh sounded from outside, like a morning bell:
"Wei Youdao, with such a good event today, why not invite us to have a drink too?"
The next moment, over ten figures aggressively rushed into the room, each carrying a conspicuous wide sword on their backs, twice as wide as a regular sword.
The two elders in the lead had white hair and beard but were as robust as bears, their eyes bright as if glowing.
Their faces were red, almost wrinkle-free. Their vigorous Qi-blood could be felt clearly from several feet away, like standing next to a human furnace.
The most surprising was their uncanny resemblance, clearly brothers.
"The Miao Brothers!"
"Elders of the Heavy Sword Sect, masters of Full Cycle!"
"This isnât a friendly visit!"
Upon seeing them, some guests turned pale and quickly left after apologizing to the sect leader of Extreme Fist Sect.
Clearly, they didnât want to get involved in the conflict between the two sects.
"Miao Xiyang, Miao Dongyang, what are you trying to do?" Extreme Fist Sectâs Great Elder Zhou Bufeng came out with an unfriendly expression.
He was burly, muscles bulging like humps, head tied with a red thread, cheeks with quite a bit of black hair.
His imposing manner was on par with the two opposing Heavy Sword Sect elders, even surpassing them.
"We are, of course, here to congratulate," the Miao elder laughed, "But whatever the youngsters want to do, thatâs beyond our control."
After speaking, a handsome young man flashed from behind him, bowing towards Zhou Bufeng:
"Hearing Extreme Fist Sect is full of geniuses, now with five breaking through at once.
This junior Qi Bao, aged fifteen, wishes to spar with your sectâs experts, to exchange insights and improve together. Is there anyone willing to challenge me?"
These words immediately froze the atmosphere on site.
âThis is... coming to challenge the sect.â Everyone thought.
...