Chapter 91: Next Stop, Jiangnan
Before the lively atmosphere of the banquet had subsided, Ji Kuangshi's bold cry of "Stretch your muscles and bones!" led everyone to the more spacious martial arts arena behind Ji Family Fortress.
The ground was paved with hard bluestone, worn smooth as a mirror by years of footsteps. Tall weapon racks stood all around, filled with all kinds of gleaming weapons, from heavy maces to sharp spears, all exuding the ruggedness and fierce courage unique to the Western Wilderness.
The light from the campfire extended here, illuminating the area, and the air was filled with the mixed smells of dust and leather.
"First match! Ji Bailie! Ji Qianqiu!" Ji Kuangshi's voice boomed like a bell, and he waved his hand.
Ji Bailie and Ji Qianqiu, uncle and nephew, strode into the arena. Both were shirtless, revealing their bulging, iron-like muscles, and their bronze skin gleamed oilily in the firelight.
"Roar!" Ji Bailie roared and took the lead! He moved steadily and threw a punch, which brought a dull sound of air being cut. It was powerful and heavy and went straight for Ji Qianqiu's face.
Ji Qianqiu showed no weakness, grinned, and without dodging or avoiding, threw a punch in return!
"Bang!"
Their fists collided, producing a dull thud that made your teeth ache, like two hard boulders crashing together! Both of them staggered, and the bluestone ground beneath their feet even cracked slightly!
What followed was nothing but a head-on clash! Fists, feet, elbows, knees... every part of the body became a weapon, and every collision produced a dull, thunderous roar.
Dust swirled around them, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle, like two crazed, humanoid beasts locked in a life-or-death struggle.
Ji Bailie was experienced and steady, with powerful and solid moves; Ji Qianqiu, on the other hand, was young and vigorous, with stronger explosive power and a more ferocious fighting style. For a time, it was difficult to determine who was better.
Finally, Ji Qianqiu seized upon a slight opening in his second uncle's defenses, delivering a sudden low side kick aimed at his lower body. Ji Bailie lost his balance slightly, and Ji Qianqiu capitalized on this opportunity with a shoulder strike, forcing him back half a step!
"Good lad!" Ji Bailie steadied himself, not annoyed at all, but instead laughed heartily, slapping Ji Qianqiu's shoulder heavily with his large, fan-like hand. "You've got guts! You didn't embarrass your father and me!"
Ji Qianqiu chuckled and rubbed his numb shoulders.
On the sidelines, Fang Li stared in disbelief, subconsciously touching her own arms and legs.
"Holy crap! A live stream of humanoid Gundams colliding?! This commotion... even the demolition crew would have to call him 'Master'! System, are their bones made of iron? Doesn't it hurt?" she mentally screamed.
System: ["Pure physical exorcism! The ultimate in violent aesthetics! Host, with your small frame, one hit from them would probably send you sprawling back to the factory for reconstruction... But to be fair, Ji Hanhan's combat power... is indeed formidable!"]
"Second round! Ji Hongying! Ling Shuang!" Ji Kuangshi called out the names again.
Ji Hongying wielded a twelve-foot-long red-tasseled spear, its tip a sharp, gleaming star, tracing a fierce path in the firelight. With a sharp cry, she unleashed a spear strike like a dragon, carrying the wildness and ferocity unique to the Western Wilderness, aimed directly at Ling Shuang's face! The attack was swift and fierce, a blur of spear shadows!
Ling Shuang's expression was aloof, yet her movements were as nimble as the wind. She used the basic movement techniques of Yi Xing Peak, her clothes fluttering like willow catkins in the wind, skillfully avoiding the sharp edge of the spear.
At the same time, her slender hands moved swiftly, and several basic talismans were silently activated!
The Lightness Talisman made her dodges even faster; the Stasis Talisman silently attached itself to Ji Hongying's spear shaft, not completely freezing it, but causing the spear's momentum to slightly falter; a few "Spark Talismans" occasionally popped out and exploded beside Ji Hongying, scattering sparks and interfering with her vision and rhythm.
Ling Shuang remained composed and elegant, and despite Ji Hongying's fierce attacks, she could never truly touch her. Finally, Ling Shuang seized the opportunity, and a "tripping charm" landed precisely at Ji Hongying's feet!
Ji Hongying felt her foot slip, lose her balance, and stumble forward! Ling Shuang swayed and appeared beside her, lightly touching the wrist of her hand holding the gun with her fingertip.
Ji Hongying stopped in her tracks, her face showing no sign of disappointment, but rather her eyes shining brightly. She cheerfully holstered her gun and clasped her hands in a fist salute: "Sister Ling Shuang is amazing! This talisman is truly magical! Can you teach me?"
Ling Shuang nodded slightly, her voice still cool and clear: "Basic talismanic arts require quiet study."
"The third match! Ji Qianqiu! Shen Yunzhou!" Ji Kuangshi's gaze swept over Shen Yunzhou, who was standing on the sidelines with his sword.
Ji Qianqiu had just won a match and was in high spirits. Upon hearing this, he immediately jumped into the arena and excitedly shouted to Shen Yunzhou, "Senior Brother Shen! Come! Let me see how powerful Lengyou Peak is!" Although he knew that everyone was suppressing their spiritual power, his instinct as a body cultivator made him eager to challenge this senior brother who was famous for his swordsmanship.
Shen Yunzhou remained expressionless, nodded, and slowly drew an ordinary steel sword from his waist. He stepped into the arena, his posture upright as a pine tree, his eyes sharp.
Battle begins!
Ji Qianqiu continued to charge like a bull, his fist, as big as a casserole dish, smashing towards Shen Yunzhou with a whooshing sound!
Shen Yunzhou moved like a ghost, his steps were as swift as the wind, and the long sword in his hand turned into a cold, icy light!
Without the aid of spiritual power, his swordsmanship was exquisite! Every strike was aimed directly at the flaws in Ji Qianqiu's technique!
The sword light was like a woven net, forming an invisible web that firmly trapped Ji Qianqiu's violent power and offensive!
Ji Qianqiu, despite his immense strength, felt as if he were stuck in quagmire, his punches and kicks repeatedly missing their mark. Instead, he was forced into a frantic state by the ever-present sword tips! He was completely overwhelmed by Shen Yunzhou!
laugh!
A flash of sword light! The cold tip of the sword came to a steady stop three inches in front of Ji Qianqiu's throat! Ji Qianqiu froze, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
"Senior Brother Shen is amazing! I'm impressed!" Ji Qianqiu scratched his head, admitting defeat wholeheartedly.
Shen Yunzhou sheathed his sword with clean, decisive movements: "Thank you for the concession." His gaze unconsciously swept across the sidelines, lingering on Fang Li for a moment.
Fang Li: "Tsk tsk, this iceberg is actually quite handsome! That swordsmanship... he's a restrained, aloof war god! System, did you record it?"
System: [“Ice Dumpling was really cool that time… Motion capture complete! High definition and lossless! (Proud) But… Ji Hanhan seems a little disappointed, host! Look at him scratching his head like that, all silly.”]
The atmosphere was getting lively when Ji Hongying and several young members of the Ji family started to cheer, pushing Fang Li, who was watching the commotion, into the center of the arena: "Sister Fang Li! Show us what you've got!"
Caught off guard, Fang Li panicked a little. She had no idea how to fight! She looked to her senior brothers and sisters for help. Mo Yun nodded encouragingly to her, Ling Shuang gestured for her to do as she pleased, while Xie Chen chuckled and fanned himself, looking like he was watching a good show.
Helpless, she had no choice but to stand still.
He took a deep breath and pulled out a few basic, low-level talismans from his sleeve.
Illumination Talisman, Gentle Breeze Talisman, Illusion Talisman.
She recalled the "Quick Guide to Jianghu Magic" from the emergency training course, her hands moving swiftly to activate talismans, while also incorporating some modern magic tricks.
With a flick of her finger, a luminous talisman flew into the air and exploded into a soft ball of light, like a small moon.
Then, the Gentle Breeze Talisman took effect subtly, causing her clothes to flutter and her hair to sway gently.
Finally, with her rapid hand movements, the phantom rune appeared, and several lifelike rabbit phantoms hopped around her before disappearing.
Fang Li forced herself to remain calm, cupped her hands in a gesture of respect, and feigned profundity: "This is... a mere trick, a trivial skill. I'll make a fool of myself!"
"Thankfully, the system worked! Our last-minute cramming was a success!"
The effect was truly amazing! The children of the Ji family stared wide-eyed, cheering and clapping their hands, shouting, "Fairy Sister! So amazing!"
The adults also found it novel and interesting, and they all cheered. They had seen brave warriors fight and talismans used against enemies, but they had never seen talismans used in such a... fancy and quite entertaining way.
Xie Chen paused in his fanning, a playful smile flashing in his eyes, thinking his junior sister was truly clever and interesting.
Ji Qianqiu's eyes lit up, even happier than if he had won himself, and he shouted, "Junior Sister is amazing! That magic trick was wonderful!"
Shen Yunzhou stood with his sword in his arms, a slight smile playing on his lips, before instantly regaining his cold and stern expression.
After several friendly sparring sessions, the atmosphere in the martial arts arena became increasingly harmonious and enthusiastic. The Ji family members developed a greater liking for the elegant yet capable disciples of the Tianyan Sect, especially for Fang Li, the seemingly charming and adorable little fairy with novel and interesting methods.
Wuya Mingzhu stood on the sidelines, watching her silly son fuss over Fang Li, asking after her. Then she looked at the blood jade bracelet on Fang Li's wrist, which shimmered in the firelight, and smiled from ear to ear, her eyes full of relief and anticipation.
The next morning, as dawn broke, Xifeng City was still shrouded in a thin layer of morning mist. Two carriages were already prepared in front of the Ji Family Stone Fortress.
Wuya Mingzhu held Fang Li's hand, her eyes filled with reluctance, and repeatedly urged, "Good child, be careful on the road! The road to the Western Wilderness is difficult to travel, and the wind and sand are strong. Eat when you are hungry, and don't make yourself suffer! You must come to Xifeng City to see your mother again when you have time!" As she spoke, she stuffed a heavy package into Fang Li's arms, which was full of Western Wilderness specialties such as dried meat and milk cakes.
Fang Li was a little embarrassed by this enthusiasm and nodded repeatedly, "Thank you, Aunt Ji. I will. Please take care of yourself too."
Ji Kuangshi patted his son Ji Qianqiu's broad shoulder forcefully, his voice booming: "You brat! Go out and train properly! Have some sense, protect others properly! Don't just eat and drink like an idiot all day!" He glanced meaningfully in Fang Li's direction.
Ji Qianqiu puffed out his chest and thumped it loudly: "Father, don't worry! I've got it covered! Anyone who dares to bully my junior sister will have to get past my fists first!"
Ji Hongying, also on horseback, escorted everyone to the ten-mile pavilion outside the city. She waved goodbye to Fang Li with reluctance, calling out, "Sister Fang! Remember to come again! Next time I'll take you to see the sunset over Black Wind Mountain, it's so beautiful!"
The other members of the Tianyan Sect also bid farewell to the Ji family. Shen Yunzhou and Xie Chen politely thanked the Ji family for their hospitality. Ling Shuang nodded slightly to Ji Hongying. Mo Yun and Tie Pan also bowed in greeting.
The carriage finally started moving slowly, leaving Xifeng City behind, leaving the figures of the Ji family and the magnificent city behind.
The atmosphere inside the car was much more relaxed than when we arrived.
Ji Qianqiu was still immersed in the emotions of parting and his parents' instructions, and seemed a little silent, but he quickly cheered up and looked out the car window at the familiar wilderness scenery, occasionally pointing out to everyone where there were fun things to do.
Fang Li opened the package given to her by Wu Yamingzhu, and the dazzling array of food inside made her eyes light up.
"Tongzi, Aunt Ji is such a kind person! This is enough for me to eat all the way!"
[Host, mind your image! But... Aunt Ji is a really nice person, warm and straightforward! Much better than that Yun Miaomiao!]
Shen Yunzhou remained in charge of driving, his eyes scanning the road ahead and behind him warily. Xie Chen, on the other hand, unfolded the map again, planning the route south to the Xie family in Jiangnan.
Ling Shuang closed her eyes to rest, seemingly savoring her experience from yesterday's fight with Ji Hongying. Mo Yun quietly wiped his talisman brush. Tie Pan, meanwhile, drove another carriage while curiously examining the dried meat in the bundle.
The carriage traveled south, and the scenery outside the window gradually changed. The next stop was the Xie family in Jiangnan.
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