Chapter 632: The Opponent
Chapter 632: The Opponent
Olivar was taken aback as he observed the frail young man. He had noticed this individual earlier, as he seemed out of place among the Anyao Pavilion disciples. Not only was he physically weak, but he also appeared to have some mental issues. However, the Anyao Pavilion disciples seemed to be taking good care of him.
Olivar had several speculations about his identity, but he never expected it to be Ya Jianhong himself.
However, something suddenly crossed his mind, causing him to feel a chill.
With a hint of apprehension, Olivar glanced at Ya Jianhong and said, "In that case, Mr. Ya Jianhong, and everyone from the Anyao Pavilion, please follow me up the mountain. Talu is waiting for you there."
Shi Yuanba bowed and said, "Then, please lead the way, sir."
Olivar bowed again and led the group up the mountain path. The Anyao Pavilion disciples remained silent throughout the journey, while the Danliu Pavilion disciples who followed Olivar were unaccustomed to interacting with outsiders. They felt the cold and solemn atmosphere, and their palms sweated as they gripped their long sticks.
When they reached the platform halfway up the mountain, Talu was already waiting in front of the largest stone mansion. She wore the black and white martial ancient robe of the Danliu Pavilion, and in accordance with the tradition of welcoming guests, she had adorned two crimson feathers in her hair.
Talu was tall, with a copper-toned complexion, thick black eyebrows, and vibrant eyes that left a deep impression. Her mental state was particularly striking, as she faced the more than ten Anyao Pavilion disciples without any trace of fear. Instead, she exuded a calm and fearless demeanor.
Olivar introduced, "This is Talu."
Shi Yuanba observed her and silently praised her in his heart. This Talu was no less impressive than the heroes he had encountered on the ocean.
As they approached, Shi Yuanba raised his hand, signaling his disciples to stop. Only the frail young man, seemingly oblivious, continued to walk forward, but he was quickly pulled back by those around him.
Shi Yuanba stepped forward and bowed, saying, "I am Shi Yuanba. Greetings to Talu, sir. Before our departure, my teacher asked me to convey his greetings to you."
All the Anyao Pavilion disciples bowed to Talu.
Although they had come here with ulterior motives, they still had to show Talu the respect she deserved as the current master of the Danliu Pavilion, which held the same status as their own master.
Talu returned the Danliu Pavilion's greeting and said, "Greetings to you as well. Thank you for your kind words." Olivar approached and whispered something to her.
Talu turned to Ya Jianhong and said seriously, "Is this Mr. Ya Jianhong? Greetings."
Ya Jianhong lifted his head in a daze, and someone whispered in his ear. He mumbled, "You... you too." Then, he looked in a particular direction, as if he wanted to go somewhere, but was immediately stopped by someone else.
Shi Yuanba stepped forward, blocking the view of those who were watching Ya Jianhong. He surveyed the surroundings of the training ground with a regretful expression and said, "My teacher once said that the Danliu Pavilion and our Anyao Pavilion share the same lineage and were once renowned for their fist sage's combat skills. I never imagined it would deteriorate to this state. It's truly regrettable."
Shi Yuanba turned to Talu and said sincerely, "Talu, sir, we at the Anyao Pavilion cannot bear to see our kin decline. We are willing to help the Danliu Pavilion regain its former prosperity."
Talu replied, "My teacher once told me that nothing in this world remains eternally prosperous. This is true for objects, people, and the world itself. The decline of the Danliu Pavilion is an inevitable part of the natural order. There's no need to force it, especially since what you truly care about is not this. So, there's no need for such words."
Talu spoke with remarkable candor, seemingly unafraid to address the conflicts both sides faced. This surprised Shi Yuanba, but it was exactly what he wanted.
Shi Yuanba took a few more steps forward and said, "Talu, sir, we are essentially one family. You must be aware of certain matters, and we have our reasons for coming here."
Talu nodded and said, "I know what you want, whether you can obtain it depends on your abilities."
Shi Yuanba's eyes narrowed, and he rested his hand on the long saber at his waist. His voice deepened as he said, "I'd like to see that for myself!"
The Anyao Pavilion disciples behind him also placed their hands on the hilts of their swords, and the atmosphere in the field became tense.
In total, fifteen Anyao Pavilion disciples had come, not including the first disciple, Ya Jianhong. The third disciple, Talu, was also present. With such a formidable force, they held a significant advantage over the already weakened Danliu Pavilion.
In Shi Yuanba's opinion, the moment the decision was made at the pavilion, they had already won. No matter what, Talu alone could never be their opponent.
Talu shook her head and said, "I won't fight you."
Shi Yuanba was taken aback and frowned, "What do you mean, Talu, sir?"
He believed that Talu shouldn't be so naive. Even if she didn't fight them, they wouldn't simply give up. Since they had come this far, they were determined to achieve their goal.
Talu looked at him and said, "Your opponent is not me."
"Is that so?"
Shi Yuanba's gaze shifted to Olivar, who, despite being an instructor, appeared to be out of practice and advanced in age. In the world of martial arts, age didn't necessarily equate to a lack of combat ability. However, unless one was constantly on the front lines, their physical appearance often reflected their current state. Olivar, at first glance, seemed unfit for combat.
Is there another powerful ally? Who else on the high seas could assist the Danliu Pavilion?
Could it be...
He frowned, considering the outcome they least wanted to see - handing over the potential rift to the government and corporations. But is it necessary for the Danliu Pavilion to do so? They had always left room for the Danliu Pavilion, fearing pushing them too hard.
At this moment, Talu turned and walked outside, saying, "Follow me."
Shi Yuanba glanced and, after a moment's thought, followed, with the others quickly joining. They stopped only when they reached the edge of the sea cliff.
Talu stood at the cliff's edge, pointing down, "What you seek is beneath here. If you want to take it, go and get it yourself."
Shi Yuanba was first surprised, then delighted. He asked with a hint of disbelief, "Are you saying, Talu..."
Talu said, "You should have obtained that item, right? That proves my words."
Shi Yuanba's eyes flashed, and he took out an exquisite stone whistle from his waist bag. Blowing hard, the whistle's sound wasn't loud, but he seemed to use all his strength, his face flushing.
After a while, a tremor rose from the ground, and the seawater in front of the cliff noticeably rippled.
Shi Yuanba couldn't help but feel elated, exclaiming with delight, "Yes, it's here, right here!"
Ignoring Talu and Oliven Ber, he turned and quickly approached the frail youth, excitedly saying, "Senior Brother, it's down there. We..."
"I heard."
The frail youth lifted his head, and at that moment, his eyes were no longer dazed but extremely sharp.
Hearing his voice, the surrounding disciples widened their eyes, unanimously showing fear.
Shi Yuanba was also startled, involuntarily taking a half-step back. The voice was very similar to their teacher, Xiu Yue Pavilion.
The frail youth stared ahead, telling Shi Yuanba, "Keep blowing!"
"Yes, yes!"
Shi Yuanba blew the jade whistle with all his might again, and the seawater trembled once more. As the whistling continued, the ripples in one spot were particularly intense, though not very noticeable in the surging tide. However, the keen-eyed fighters present immediately noticed the difference.
The frail youth slowly walked to the cliff's edge, staring at that spot. Then, he spread his arms and let his body fall downward.
"Senior Brother?"
Everyone was startled.
Shi Yuanba took a few steps forward, watching the figure below glide through dozens of meters and into the seawater without hesitation. He also leaped down.
The other disciples followed suit, none remaining on the cliff, seemingly indifferent to the Danliu Pavilion members.
Oliven Ber's feelings were mixed. He knew that the Anyao Pavilion held the Danliu Pavilion in disdain, targeting their rift, which was undoubtedly beneficial for them. Yet, this disregard left a bitter taste in his mouth.
After entering the sea, the frail youth quickly swam based on the direction of the seawater's tremors. Soon, he reached the rift, feeling his body lighten as the surrounding seawater dissipated, appearing in a space filled with green fluorescence.
He saw a person standing at the front, a long sword stuck in the ground beside them, and behind them, a dazzling light shone.
Chen Chuan had been waiting for the Anyao Pavilion's arrival. He chose this combat location because it was hard to damage and wouldn't involve others during the fight.
Observing the visitor, he noticed their extreme frailty, seemingly without muscle. Yet, he didn't underestimate them.
These were just appearances; within this frail body lay a powerful force, gradually awakening from the moment he entered.
The frail youth walked forward, his body growing taller as he moved, and his internal skeleton and muscles creaked. His originally flabby body became taut, and his hair broke free of its bindings.
He extended his now muscular arm, tore off his top, revealing knotted muscles and defined lines, leaving only a black lower garment. Then, he used a torn piece of clothing to tie back his long hair.
By the time he reached Chen Chuan, he had transformed into a wild and fierce-looking young man, almost unrecognizable from his previous self. He grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth, "I am the Anyao Pavilion's First Disciple, Ya Jianhong!"
...
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
