Pei Nai thought for a moment, then added, “The Han family is a righteous and prominent clan. Among the Three Mountains, Five Peaks, and the Six Rivers of Zhongchuan, the most ruthless martial art should be the Huojiang Yin Technique—one of the Six Rivers.”
Beiju and Qingzhu widened their mouths in shock.
“But the Huojiang Yin Technique comes from the Shanyin Sect,” Beiju said. “This time, people from the Shanyin Sect are also here to compete—they don’t seem that terrifying.”
Yi Xi also looked at Pei Nai, her eyes filled with curiosity.
Having grown up exposed to the most comprehensive knowledge, this was her first time hearing that the Huojiang Yin Technique was the most cruel among those martial traditions.
Pei Nai spoke as she recalled, “Fifty years ago, the Shanyin Sect split into two factions. The true Huojiang Yin Technique is not the orthodox martial art of the sect, nor does it belong to its current leader. The real Huojiang Yin Technique belongs to Li Sanniang—the martial uncle of the current sect leader. Once unleashed, at best it severs a person’s meridians; at worst, it drains their vital essence. Death is inevitable.”
Yi Xi asked, “But hasn’t Li Sanniang already died? If that’s the case, are there still any successors to the true Huojiang Yin Technique?”
“Successors…” Pei Nai closed her eyes, recalling the sinister aura circulating within Gu Jinheng.
“There is still one.”
……
On the martial stage—
The young man wielding a pair of meridian axes moved with agility, weaving between Xing Xiaoren’s thunderous hammer strikes.
Just as he found an opening, aiming the blade of his left axe at Xing Xiaoren’s chest, one of the sub-hammers from the paired hammer weapon swung upward, smashing heavily into his arm.
The spikes tore into his flesh, and blood burst forth.
Xing Xiaoren pressed the attack relentlessly. His main hammer followed immediately, slamming into the young man’s abdomen and sending him crashing off the stage.
Raising both hammers high, he drew cheers from some foreign warriors who revered strength above all. His conduct outside the arena had already spread, angering the people of Tianyao, who muttered among themselves with clear displeasure.
Pei Nai pondered the variety of techniques and weapons on display. With so many experts gathered here for the Hunxi Whip, she wasn’t certain she could stand until the end.
Ju Liancheng’s photographic memory might prove useful when needed. She said, “Beiju, Qingzhu—go back to the Ju residence and bring your young master, Ju Liancheng, here. Tell him there’s a Dengyun Heroes Assembly. This is no small matter—it concerns the Blood Whip of Wanyue. I need him.”
The two maids listened quietly, their expressions troubled.
“Miss, how could we possibly bring the young master here? His temperament is strange—he ignores us completely. We won’t be able to,” Beiju said reluctantly.
Pei Nai gestured toward Yi Xi. “Then tell him Yi Xi is here. Let’s see if he comes.”
Beiju and Qingzhu, unaware of Ju Liancheng’s feelings for Yi Xi, exchanged puzzled glances before being nudged by Pei Nai.
“Go on, go on—just do as I said. Your mission is very important. The sooner you return, the sooner you can watch the matches.”
That last sentence caught their interest. The two quickly left for the Ju residence.
The fierce matches continued. Weapons were merciless, and many defeated participants left the stage injured.
Aside from Xing Xiaoren—already famous—and Zhang Sheng, descendant of a master of mechanical arts, Pei Nai noticed several individuals of unfathomable strength.
One was Qianxuan Shangren, leader of the Changxing Sect, recommended by many. Another was Shen Zhentao, a disciple of the Shanyin Sect mentioned earlier.
There was also a young man who intrigued Pei Nai. He wore the armor of a Tianyao soldier. Though his techniques were ordinary, he executed them with remarkable control, overpowering his opponent with a simple long blade.
There was no trace of any martial lineage in his style—it seemed entirely based on his own understanding.
Pei Nai paused slightly. If that were true, then his talent was frighteningly strong.
Before the first round concluded, Pei Nai stood and left the viewing platform. The injured had already been carried away, and those advancing to the next round sat resting on benches.
A quick glance told her that only those with real skill remained.
The second round matchups were soon arranged. People gathered around the posted list, discussing it animatedly. Disciples of the Changxing Sect enthusiastically called Pei Nai over.
“Miss Tang, what a coincidence—you’re matched against our junior brother Wei Kang in the first bout,” someone said.
They all looked toward a refined-looking young disciple nearby.
Wei Kang scratched his head shyly, not even daring to raise it, clearly embarrassed speaking with a woman. The others burst into laughter.
“Miss Tang, hello. I’m Wei Kang, sixth disciple of the Changxing Sect. Please guide me later,” he introduced himself.
Pei Nai nodded. Around them, people teased, “Junior Brother Wei, go easy later!”
“No need,” Pei Nai said calmly. “Junior Brother Wei should give it his all—only then will I feel justified in striking back.”
Her words were taken as a joke, and the crowd laughed loudly.
In the second stage, the martial platform was divided into two equal sections, with two matches held simultaneously. Pei Nai and Wei Kang were the first pair to take the stage.
Wei Kang wielded a solid wooden staff. Pei Nai had brought no weapon. Glancing at his staff, she casually picked up a similar wooden rod from the weapon rack before stepping up.
“So Miss Tang also practices staff techniques!” Wei Kang said in surprise.
Pei Nai did not explain. If she clarified that staff techniques were not her primary discipline, her opponent might hold back. That would only make things more troublesome.
Before stepping onto the stage, Pei Nai glanced toward Table Four on the viewing platform, where Yi Xi was seated. There were now three additional people there.
Ju Liancheng sat in her seat, speaking with Yi Xi. All of them were looking in her direction.
Pei Nai curled her lips in a smile. As expected—he had come.
During this time, she had observed that although Ju Liancheng was troubled by his photographic memory and indifferent to most things, even feeling weary of the world, he did not dislike Yi Xi at all. In fact, he seemed to enjoy anything related to her. Whenever she was nearby, his expression softened noticeably.
Pei Nai thought to herself—that must be what it means to truly like someone.
She gathered her thoughts as the match began.
Standing on the martial stage, Pei Nai felt all eyes upon her. Wei Kang stood stiffly across from her, awkward and restrained, before finally stepping forward.
Sensing his discomfort facing a woman in combat, Pei Nai raised her staff and said patiently, “There’s no need to be overly cautious. Forget the difference between man and woman—treat me as a true warrior.”
Wei Kang nodded and cupped his hands in salute. Then, gripping his staff, he rushed forward. Avoiding her vital points, he swung downward toward her shoulder.