Chapter 47: Performing on Stage
On this trip to Shouchun, Feng Yanyuan also brought dozens of Yuanfeng guards. However, a large group attracted attention, so except for Feng Jiu, who accompanied him by car, the others went to the meeting separately, disguised themselves and blended into the crowd, investigating any possible whereabouts of Master Xuan. Feng Jiu, on the other hand, set up camp at the foot of Sixian Terrace and awaited orders. Therefore, before leaving for Sixian Terrace, Feng Yanyuan went to the front of the camp to give Feng Jiu some instructions, asking the guards to keep an eye out for the fake Yue Nancang, before returning to Sixian Terrace.
When Feng Yanyuan reached the Sixian Terrace, he encountered Mei Jiumang and Hua Guimu facing off. Their robes fluttered, and behind them, their disciples had drawn their swords, glaring at each other in a murderous atmosphere.
Between the two of them, Abbot Wuxu slightly stretched out his arms, his internal energy about to be gathered, his sleeves still fluttering.
Obviously, the two had fought just now, but were forcibly separated by the old monk with his profound skills.
Wuxu sighed deeply, clasped his hands, and advised, "Today's arena was originally set up to establish a reputation for the younger generation in the martial arts world. You two are both renowned masters. If you really want to fight to the death, why not choose another day? After all, today is Senior Lei Zhentian's birthday banquet. Don't ruin the atmosphere."
Hua Guimu's expression suddenly changed, and he said with a smile: "Oh, old monk, that's too serious. I just want to compete with you. If you don't allow me to compete, then I won't compete! I won't compete!"
Mei Jiumang snorted coldly, but did not attack again. He just turned away.
Seeing their leaders withdraw, the disciples of both factions reluctantly withdrew their troops and retreated back under the canopy. However, the tense atmosphere still lingered on the Sixian Terrace.
Wuxu shook his head and smiled bitterly. Just as he was about to return to his seat, he caught a glimpse of a figure. The old monk's eyes flashed, and he stroked his beard and smiled, "Master Feng San, you have kept me waiting for so long!"
The voice, neither loud nor soft, brought a sudden silence to the entire Sixian Terrace. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound, only to see the young man in white, his sleeves fluttering in the wind. He was even more handsome than in the painting. Someone gasped first, and then, a flurry of discussion erupted like a tide.
"It's the Third Young Master Feng!"
"I heard that he fought against four great masters alone..."
"That rumor of 'sweeping the enemy'..."
The scene that had just calmed down suddenly became restless again.
"Young Master Feng, do you want to compete?!" someone shouted.
Wuxu smiled and said, "Young Master Feng's fame spread far and wide after the battle at Xia Pi. Why would he need a competition? Anyone who can defeat the combined forces of the Four Evils would be a match for few in the entire Sixiantai!"
"Third Master Feng doesn't need to compete, but he can challenge all the seniors!"
"Let us broaden our horizons!"
The booing continued one after another.
According to martial arts rules, a rookie who defeats five challengers in a row before the incense burns out is eligible to challenge a senior master. This was exactly the opportunity Feng Yanyuan had been waiting for—if he could challenge this fake Yue Nancang, perhaps he would reveal his flaws, or at least test his foundation.
Wuxu brushed his beard and smiled, "Young Master Feng San is a young hero. I wonder which master you would like to challenge today?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of several major leaders changed slightly - after all, Feng Yanyuan had a reputation first and then a record of success, who wouldn't want to test the skills of this so-called halberd-wielder?
Feng Yanyuan smiled and said, "You are too kind, Abbot. I do not intend to challenge anyone today, but I am simply confused by some profound martial arts concepts. I have come to seek your guidance."
"Nonsense! That's all bullshit!" Hua Guimu couldn't contain himself any longer and jumped onto the stage. "One fight and you'll understand all that bullshit! Come on! I accept your challenge!"
"Humph, Boss Hua was just defeated by Mei," Mei Jiumang said with a sinister smile, "How dare you send yourself on stage? Did they choose you?"
Hua Guimu was still furious and sneered, "I'm just doing this old monk a favor! If Master Mei doesn't mind, why not give it another try?"
Seeing the two men about to fight again, Feng Yanyuan hurriedly stepped forward. "Wait a minute, seniors." He looked hesitant. "When I ask for your advice, it's not an excuse. To be honest, I've been blessed with profound internal energy since childhood, but due to weak meridians, I've suffered from the backlash for many years, and I don't even dare to leave the Feng family's gate."
He turned towards the platform, his gaze blazing. "My father heard that Senior Yue had returned from seclusion, so he sent me here to seek his guidance. Senior Yue is renowned in the martial arts world for his 'Nine-fold Thunder Power.' Could you offer some guidance on this internal energy backlash?"
After these words, the entire Sixian Terrace suddenly fell silent. Everyone's eyes widened—how dared this Third Young Master Feng challenge Yue Nancang? The "Thunder Zhentian" who hadn't used his sword in public for twenty years?
After a brief silence, the entire audience erupted in thunderous applause. This enthusiasm was even more intense than the previous flower and plum blossom competition!
Hua Gui's sharp eyes and laughter pierced through the noise and echoed throughout the Sixiantai.
"Great! Great! This is even better!" He looked at Yue Nancang's empty seat, "Hey? Where's the old man of longevity?! When did this Taoist priest Yuan Yi slip away?! Old monk, get them out quickly!"
The audience erupted in a commotion. Just as the uproar was about to reach its climax, a roar of laughter pierced the room: "Third Master Feng! Do you really wish to learn from me?"
The sound was neither fast nor slow, yet it resonated like thunder in everyone's ears. Feng Yanyuan's heart was shaken. This powerful sound transmission skill was indeed comparable to Yue Nancang's in his youth.
The entire Sixiantai fell silent in an instant.
The curtains moved slightly, and a white-haired old man emerged, his hands behind his back, his long gray beard fluttering slightly with his steps. As he took his position in the center of the arena, his unspoken, intimidating aura caused several people in the front row to recoil.
Feng Yanyuan spread his sleeves wide and performed a standard junior's greeting: "Please teach me, senior!"
Everyone held their breath, fearing that a single breath would leak a burst of divine power. Wuxu and Hua Guimu had already returned to their seats and sat down, staring intently at the two people in the middle.
However, the two just stood there facing each other, motionless.
Time passed slowly in the silent eye contact, and the air in the ring seemed to freeze.
After a while, that "Yue Nancang" suddenly smiled: "But Third Young Master Feng! Didn't I teach you how to control your inner strength ten years ago?"
Feng Yanyuan was horrified—aside from Senior Yue, King Changshan, and his father and brother, no one else knew about this! He glanced toward the Xiaofeng Hall seats, only to see Feng Yanhao completely oblivious to the incident onstage. His "good" brother was staring intently at the veil of Qingmu Valley's Master, Yu Su'e, fluttering in the breeze.
"I am not talented enough and don't know the key points. Over the years, I have not been able to understand the deep meaning of my predecessors." Feng Yanyuan thought for a moment and responded.
"Yue Nancang" stroked his beard and said nothing.
Suddenly, a loud shout broke through the air: "I think the Third Young Master is not missing the point, but has other plans!"
Feng Yanyuan frowned slightly, and saw Taoist Yuan Yi striding over, his Taoist robe fluttering as he leaped onto the stage.
"What do you mean, Senior?"
Yuan Yi raised his sleeves and said, "Please forgive me, my fellow Taoists, for something unexpected happened at Bagong Mountain just now, and I have no choice but to leave."
Feng Yanyuan, unsure of what he was up to, simply frowned and remained silent. He then glanced gently at Feng Yanhao—who had finally shifted his gaze from Yu Su'e to the center of the stage. His lips once again held that playful smile, as if he were enjoying a good show.
Yuan Yi looked around and saw that everyone was suspicious. He continued, "I'm sure many people have noticed that the person sitting at the Xiaofeng Hall today is not a Jianghu person." Yuan Yi paused and said, "That is His Royal Highness the King of Changshan."
As soon as these words were spoken, there was a commotion in the audience, but several leaders on the stage nodded slightly.
But his next words shocked the whole audience.
"But just now..." Taoist Yuanyi's voice suddenly became heavy, "My disciples discovered that His Highness... had been murdered!"
A chill ran up Feng Yanyuan's spine, and he suddenly understood what this person was going to do - they must have kidnapped the fake prince and then framed him!
"He was covered in wounds and died of poisoning!" Yuan Yi sighed. "Although the poison was new and difficult to identify, I recognized the palm wind from behind the neck at a glance!" Yuan Yi looked at Feng Yanyuan and said coldly, "The third young master has indeed inherited Feng Xiaotian's true teachings!"
Feng Yanhao suddenly laughed out loud. "So, Taoist Priest recognized the Feng family palm technique?" He deliberately stretched out his voice, leaning against the railing. "Why don't you doubt me?"
"The Black Judge has been at the Immortal Realm all along, and the heroes can see it!" Yuan Yi said, "But where is this Third Young Master Feng?"
Feng Yanhao pursed his lips and nodded, then turned to look at Feng Yanyuan with disdain, "Zishang, did you hear that? Where are you? Is there any witness?"
Feng Yanyuan was familiar with his brother's expression, which was a blatant sarcasm.
Yue Nancang suddenly sighed, "I didn't know what happened to the young man who traveled arm in arm with Shi Du in the past ten years..." The old man's lament was so realistic and moving, "I actually let you do such a cruel thing!"
Feng Yanhao sighed, "But words are not enough. Let's take a look at this man and test the palm wind!"
"Black Judge, be careful with your words! Your Highness is a precious and noble lady, how can we allow ourselves to be disturbed again and again? Third Young Master Feng, a man of the Jianghu must take responsibility for his actions. If you still cherish the friendship we shared, you should confess why you murdered your friend!"
"You're brave enough to take responsibility for what you've done." Feng Yanyuan said slowly, "But how can I take responsibility for something I haven't done?"
Feng Yanyuan was determined—he'd have to first examine this man. After all, with the martial arts skills of King Changshan and City Lord Luo, it wouldn't be easy to snatch him from them. Who knew if they were just bluffing him?
As he was thinking, his internal energy turned secretly, and the five fingers in his sleeves condensed energy into blades.
And if they could really hand that person over—he would just take him and leave. All that reputation, all that birthday banquet etiquette, be damned! This was a perfect opportunity for Feng Yanhao to get a taste of what it was like to clean up a mess.
"I'd like to meet this man..." Feng Yanyuan glanced at "Yue Nancang", "Not only that, I also want to examine his body. The Taoist priest just said that the man died of poisoning? There might be some tricks to that poison. Your Highness is of noble status, how could he not find out the source of the poison?" He pretended to think, then said, "How about sending this man to Xuanhe Hall and asking the Medical Saint to examine him?"
Upon hearing this, Yue Nancang frowned slightly.
Everyone had gradually recovered from their shock, but someone shouted, "Of course we have to meet him! Words are just empty talk, that's slander!"
Taoist Yuanyi sighed, "In that case..." He waved his hand.
Several disciples carried out a mahogany box over seven feet long from behind a curtain. Originally intended to be used to transport birthday gifts, it now, illuminated by the setting sun, had a somewhat eerie, coffin-like quality.
The wooden box fell to the ground and the red lid opened slightly.
The two believers who were carrying the box suddenly looked at each other in panic.
Feng Yanyuan stared at it and was shocked all over. He immediately stepped forward.
"How dare you, you brat!" With a roar, Yuan Yi's Hunyuan Palm power broke through the air.
Feng Yanyuan turned his head to avoid it, and greeted it with his palm turned upside down——
In an instant, the roars of tigers and dragons resounded through the sky, and the violent air waves lifted the entire sky curtain.
All the masters present used their internal energy to resist and stabilize their bodies. With their clothes fluttering, Taoist Yuanyi was actually pushed back more than a foot and staggered, almost falling off the Sixiantai.
But Feng Yanyuan was already standing steadily in front of the wooden box, with his wide sleeves still retaining strength when they fell.
The power of this palm was so great that everyone in the audience actually forgot about the autopsy and was left with only amazement - this kind of skill could truly be compared to Yue Nancang!
When Feng Yanyuan suddenly leaned over and lifted the person in the box with his arms, everyone woke up from their dream, but was suddenly shocked - something was wrong! Wasn't it the King of Changshan? How...how could it be a woman?
Feng Yanyuan embraced the person, and the person in his arms had loose black hair, revealing a pale and pretty face.
"Yuan'er!" His voice was filled with a rare panic as his fingertips probed for her pulse. At that moment, he noticed that she had curled the corners of her mouth ever so slightly, almost imperceptibly, like a fleeting chuckle.
Feng Yanyuan stared at her for a long while, then suddenly understood. He stroked her wrist, shook his head and chuckled.
His face darkened, and he picked the person up, turned around and looked at Taoist Yuanyi. His voice was so loud that it could be heard throughout the foothills of Bagua Mountain.
"May I ask, Master Yuanyi, what is the deep meaning behind your sect abducting this young maidservant and bringing her here?!"
The whole audience was in an uproar, and countless eyes instantly turned from surprise to astonishment, and finally focused on Master Yuanyi's face, which was full of wonderful expression because he was caught off guard.
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