Chapter 46: Dongyang Gathering! Convergence

"It matters not. It's just diarrhea. I have a medicine here specifically for that. Take it for two days, and we shall agree to fight Chen Hui on the third day," Hong Zhengdao said with a laugh.

Pan Mingzhong had an expression as if he had just eaten excrement. He said hurriedly, "Master, you can't joke about this. The opponent is already at our doorstep. If we wait another two days, won't we be looked down upon? We must fight today. Isn't that right, Junior Brother Shan?"

He looked toward Zhang Lingshan with a pleading expression.

Zhang Lingshan acted as if he hadn't seen it.

Pan Mingzhong cleared his throat, puffed out his chest, and said, "Fine, I'll fight. But if I lose because of my diarrhea, Master, you cannot blame me."

"Enough, enough. A lazy donkey produces much dung and urine."

Hong Zhengdao couldn't be bothered to watch Pan Mingzhong's performance any longer. He looked at Zhang Lingshan and said, "Then you shall take the stage, Xiao Shan. To prevent any accidents, I have a piece of inner armor to give you."

Pan Mingzhong's eyes widened in astonishment. He hadn't expected such good fortune; had he known, he would have agreed long ago.

He hurriedly tried to change his mind and request to fight again, but Hong Zhengdao interrupted him: "Let it be so. Xiaojuan, take Xiao Shan to put on the inner armor. Xu Liang, announce it directly: at the third quarter of the noon hour, Zhang Lingshan challenges Chen Hui of the Sanjiang Gambling House at Dongyang Market."

"Yes."

Xu Liang was about to move.

But then a voice said, "Wait."

Everyone looked over in confusion, only to see that the speaker was Zhang Lingshan.

Zhang Lingshan said, "Since it is the first day of the New Year, there should be a prize for the duel. I am short on funds and wish to earn something from this fight."

"Haha!"

Hong Zhengdao laughed loudly. "It seems you are confident of victory. Having such confidence is a good thing. However, we don't need to provide the prize. The Sanjiang Gambling House will certainly open a betting pool. I will bet one thousand taels on your victory. All the winnings shall belong to you. How about it?"

"Thank you, Master!" Zhang Lingshan was overjoyed.

"Then I shall also bet one hundred taels on Junior Brother Shan's victory," Wu Yuanqing added with a smile.

The group calculated it; everyone would contribute one hundred taels, except for Pan Mingzhong.

Pan Mingzhong claimed that since he had only just become an inner disciple, he hadn't saved that much money.

The others couldn't be bothered to argue with him and immediately went about their respective duties.

Zhang Lingshan followed Hong Wenjuan's footsteps to a bedroom.

Hong Wenjuan took out a set of dark gray inner armor. Zhang Lingshan couldn't tell what kind of metal thread it was woven from, but once he put it on, he felt a sense of solidity, as if a layer of firm flesh had been added to his body, capable of resisting most attacks.

"It fits quite well."

Hong Wenjuan smiled and straightened his clothes, acting like a caring elder sister.

Zhang Lingshan said, "Thank you, Senior Sister. There is still half a day until the third quarter of noon. I wonder if you could spar with me for a few moves?"

"Sure."

Hong Wenjuan did not decline. "It will also allow you to get used to the gold-thread inner armor."

*Gold-thread inner armor?*

Zhang Lingshan was slightly stunned. Why had it turned gray? It must be worth quite a lot of money, though.

Despite his curiosity, he didn't dwell on the question. He immediately went into the courtyard and took a stance in the Zhengyang Posture. "Senior Sister, please!"

Hong Wenjuan brought her arms together in front of her and said, "I will now mimic Chen Hui's Iron Arms. You attack me. The Iron Arms style excels at defense and counterattack; be careful of my backhand when you attack."

"Yes!"

Zhang Lingshan immediately recalled the scene when he and Shi Lei had gone to the Sanjiang Gambling House.

Back then, when Chen Hui fought Shi Lei, he had pressed his arms together to block one of Shi Lei's punches.

However, he hadn't used a backhand attack; he had merely vibrated his arms, sending Shi Lei stumbling backward with trembling fists.

After several months, Chen Hui would certainly be even stronger.

Although Zhang Lingshan was confident that his strength was at the peak of the Skin-Grinding Realm, comparable to the Flesh-Refining Realm, he could not afford to be careless.

With his Senior Sister helping him practice, he immediately focused all his attention, his Red Line Fist moving with a whistling wind.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

His fists collided rapidly with Hong Wenjuan's arms. The recoil force made his knuckles ache, causing his punches to involuntarily slow down.

"The gold-thread inner armor can only protect your upper body, so you must be careful of me breaking your arms."

Hong Wenjuan lived up to being Hong Zhengdao's daughter, having inherited his true teachings. She moved swiftly and effortlessly while simultaneously providing warnings to Zhang Lingshan.

Zhang Lingshan hurriedly channeled his strength into his elbows, using his elbow joints to push away Hong Wenjuan's grasping hands.

"Not bad."

Hong Wenjuan praised him and continued, "In unarmed combat, you must learn to find the opponent's weak points. Once Chen Hui realizes you are wearing inner armor, he will inevitably avoid your upper body and focus on your lower body. Either you clash fists and strength, or he will use dirty tricks to take out your stance. Watch out!"

As she spoke, Hong Wenjuan suddenly swept her leg.

Zhang Lingshan leaped up with a *whoosh* and then kicked fiercely at Hong Wenjuan's sweeping shin.

"Oh?"

Hong Wenjuan was slightly surprised. She quickly stepped forward with a push and struck at Zhang Lingshan's thigh while he was mid-air.

Zhang Lingshan hurriedly changed his technique and retreated.

The two stopped.

Hong Wenjuan asked, "Junior Brother, have you practiced leg techniques?"

Zhang Lingshan replied, "I learned a bit from a herb-gathering guard at the Feng Family Pharmacy."

"Good, then this is looking stable."

Hong Wenjuan was delighted, adding, "But I see your legwork is not yet proficient. If he were a master, he would have kicked my wrist just now. It's clear you don't practice leg combat often. Why don't you practice with me today so you can catch Chen Hui off guard during the fight?"

"Thank you, Senior Sister."

Zhang Lingshan was pleasantly surprised and immediately began fighting Hong Wenjuan with his Gale Leg technique.

He had never had the chance to spar with anyone using the various martial arts he had learned; now that the opportunity had arrived, he naturally could not miss it and intended to make the most of it.

But time waited for no one.

Before they knew it, it was almost noon.

"Let's rest and eat something to regulate our state."

Hong Wenjuan gently wiped the sweat from her forehead, thinking to herself that she had actually been worn out by her Junior Brother. It seemed her condition hadn't been great lately. *Sigh.*

Ever since her father was injured, too many things had happened. Even her closest Senior Brother, Zhao Qing, had betrayed them and left, which left her feeling bitter and weary.

She only hoped that her Junior Brother could achieve victory today, giving the Hong Family Martial Arts Hall a successful start to the New Year and boosting everyone's morale.

After eating.

The disciples of the Hong Family Martial Arts Hall surrounded Zhang Lingshan and arrived at Dongyang Market.

Dongyang Market was a large marketplace outside the East Gate of the Inner City. In the center stood a high terrace where any major announcements regarding the Outer City were typically held.

For example, the execution of criminals.

Or martial arts competitions between major factions.

Because of its unique geographical location, it was incredibly lively, surrounded on all sides by tall buildings—restaurants, inns, teahouses, and so on.

These were specifically for those who could afford to watch the excitement from above.

At this very moment, pairs of eyes were peering through windows, having specifically come to witness this first spectacle of the New Year.

The famous Hong Family Martial Arts Hall had actually had its disciple stripped and hung at the entrance of the hall on the very first day of the New Year.

It was an absolute disgrace!

Everyone was watching to see if this challenge by the Hong Family could wash away that shame.

"Zhao Qing, you traitor, you actually have the face to show up!"

Wu Yuanqing suddenly shouted.

Zhang Lingshan and the others turned to look and saw the tall and handsome Zhao Qing with his arm around a beautiful, long-legged woman, about to step into the Qingfeng Restaurant.

Hearing Wu Yuanqing's words, he turned back and smiled. "Junior Brother Wu, by leaving, haven't I simply given you what you wanted?"

"You!"

Having his thoughts exposed, Wu Yuanqing's dark face flushed red. After struggling for a moment, he yelled, "Don't call me Junior Brother. You are no longer part of our Hong Family Martial Arts Hall!"

"Is Junior Brother Wu so heartless? Heh, although I have left the Hong Family Martial Arts Hall, I am still quite angry to hear that the hall is being bullied. If there is anything I can do to help, I can step in."

Zhao Qing smiled faintly. Though he said he was angry, he didn't look even a fraction of an inch angry.

"We don't need your help!" Wu Yuanqing barked.

Zhao Qing shook his head. "Junior Brother Wu is good at everything, except for being too impulsive. Sister Juan hates that about you..."

"Shut up!"

A sharp shout suddenly rang out.

Everyone looked over simultaneously and found that the speaker was actually Hong Wenjuan.

Hong Wenjuan said coldly, "Zhao Qing, you have left our Hong Family Martial Arts Hall. Our ties are severed; do not speak so intimately. You are not worthy of calling me 'Sister Juan.' Furthermore, what I like or dislike is none of your business."

Zhang Lingshan looked at Hong Wenjuan in surprise.

To love and hate so boldly—this was the true posture of a person of the martial world.

The weeping Hong Wenjuan from before was merely a Hong Wenjuan who had lost her composure due to a sudden blow.

The current her had returned to her true self.

Since he had betrayed his master and left, they were now enemies. For him to keep babbling here—was he being given too much face?

"Sister Juan, you..."

Zhao Qing's eyes showed shock.

He hadn't expected Hong Wenjuan to speak to her beloved Brother Qing in such a manner.

Was this still the silly girl who would blush whenever he spoke to her?

He had originally thought that even if he left the Hong Family Martial Arts Hall, Hong Wenjuan wouldn't hate him; on the contrary, she would make excuses for him, thinking he had his reasons.

But now it seemed he was mistaken.

Truly...

Zhao Qing froze for a moment before recovering, then gave a mocking laugh. "As expected of Hong Zhengdao's daughter, you turn your face faster than turning a page. I was truly fooled by you before."

"Who the hell turns their face faster than you!"

Wu Yuanqing cursed excitedly.

He had been worried that Hong Wenjuan might still have lingering feelings for Zhao Qing, but it turned out he had worried for nothing. Hong Wenjuan knew where to draw the line; she was indeed the woman he had set his sights on.

*Swish!*

Zhao Qing's expression darkened instantly, and the air pressure dropped several degrees.

But before he could lash out, a burly young man walked over from the side and said, "Fifth Sister, why aren't you going in? Let's go, I'm getting a bit hungry."

As he spoke, his eyes flickered toward Zhang Lingshan with a subtle wink.

Understanding the hint, Zhang Lingshan also urged, "Senior Brother Wu, Senior Sister, let's go as well. The third quarter of noon is approaching."

"Alright."

Hong Wenjuan nodded, and the group immediately departed.

Zhao Qing watched their retreating backs with a cold gaze, then glanced at the burly young man and snorted, "Are you on good terms with that Zhang Lingshan?"

"Quite well," Song Dazhuang said without evasion.

Zhao Qing said coldly, "But you are currently a disciple of the Hongying Martial Arts Hall."

"So what? I represent myself, not the Hongying Martial Arts Hall. Besides, our Song family does business with friends all over the country. Are we only allowed to forge weapons for the Hongying Martial Arts Hall?"

Song Dazhuang said indifferently.

He had never liked people like Zhao Qing. If he had been from the same background as Zhao Qing, he would have followed Hong Zhengdao with absolute loyalty.

To receive the nurturing grace of Hong Zhengdao and then turn around and betray him—what a piece of work.

You can bully ordinary people, but do you think I, Song Dazhuang, am just an ordinary person?

With the Song family at my back, I can be this arrogant!

"Enough, enough. Zhang Lingshan is ungrateful and doesn't need us to argue over him. A person of his caliber will surely be beaten to death by Chen Hui in a moment."

Song Lian advised.

Although she didn't like Zhang Lingshan—resenting him for refusing her invitation previously—she would not stop her brother from maintaining a good relationship with him.

Because that was how the Song family had always operated.

As Song Dazhuang said, the Song family had friends everywhere. What they relied on was not just the Yuan family of the Inner City, but also their weapon-forging craftsmanship and their ability to cast a wide net for friendships.

In short, every member of their family had their own way of making friends, and they did not interfere with one another.

In this way, no matter which friend prospered, they could reap the benefits.

If a friend caused trouble, at most only that specific line would suffer, while the others could still escape smoothly.

This was the skill that allowed the Song family to stand tall in Jincheng for many years.

"It won't be that easy for Chen Hui to kill Zhang Lingshan. Although Hong Zhengdao is injured, his eyes are fine. To be exceptionally taken in as an inner disciple, this Zhang Lingshan must have extraordinary qualities. Furthermore, Hong Zhengdao has his trump cards; this Zhang Lingshan must already be wearing his gold-thread inner armor."

Zhao Qing ignored Song Dazhuang and spoke to Song Lian as they passed him to enter a private booth upstairs.

Song Lian said, "You are right. I have tested Zhang Lingshan's caliber. Aside from being ungrateful and refusing my invitation, he indeed has extraordinary qualities; he is a genius.

"At least I can prove one thing: his foundation is extremely solid. His strength and defense can be called top-tier Skin-Grinding.

"However, since you know Hong Zhengdao so well, you must have a countermeasure."

The two entered the booth and sat by the window. As Song Lian spoke, she poured a cup of wine for Zhao Qing.

Zhao Qing smiled faintly. "Naturally. Regarding the gold-thread inner armor, I have already found someone to inform the Dajiang Gang. With a low-life gang like the Dajiang Gang, they will certainly have a way to deal with it. We just need to sit back and enjoy the show."

"Since Brother Qing has said so, then I will watch the show with peace of mind. A good start to the New Year—let's toast."

*Clink!*

The two laughed and clinked their glasses, their eyes occasionally drifting toward the terrace, waiting for the show to begin.

On this side.

Song Dazhuang was also sitting by a window in the second-floor hall with several friends, gazing toward the terrace with a hint of worry in his heart.

Recently, two Skin-Grinding geniuses had risen to fame in Jincheng.

One was Zhang Lingshan, and the other was Chen Hui.

But Zhang Lingshan was a cultivation genius; people only knew he broke through quickly, but they had never seen him fight.

Chen Hui, however, was a combat-type genius. He had been practicing in silence and obscurity, and by the time he became famous, he had already taken down several other gangs on behalf of the Dajiang Gang.

He was a powerhouse forged through combat, and he had stayed in the Skin-Grinding Realm longer, possessing a more solid foundation and richer combat experience. Moreover, his strikes were ruthless, often resulting in death or broken bones.

The people he had beaten to death included at least five Copper-Skin experts.

Could Zhang Lingshan be his match?

"Father!"

A private booth in the Dingxiang Teahouse was suddenly pushed open. Feng Shaolong looked at the newcomer with surprise. "Why are you here? Even a Skin-Grinding battle can interest you?"

"To take a look."

Feng Ji waved his hand, and the others immediately withdrew.

He looked at a tall young man standing on the terrace and said, "Haven't you noticed he is taller and sturdier than when we saw him before?"

"Yes. But this guy is indeed a glutton, and he loves taking advantage of people. He goes to any place that has food to scavenge." Feng Shaolong curled his lip.

Feng Ji said, "To eat is a blessing. If he can win today, I will find an opportunity to personally invite him into the Hunting Team."

"Huh?"

Feng Shaolong was utterly shocked.

Hong Zhengdao had lost an arm and was at a disadvantage, yet his father actually wanted to invite Zhang Lingshan into the Hunting Team.

Was Zhang Lingshan truly that important that his father was willing to wade into these muddy waters for him?

It was truly incomprehensible.

He had merely tanked a single blow from a Demon Rabbit; anyone who didn't know better would think he had killed the Demon Rabbit single-handedly.

Although Feng Shaolong was puzzled, he did not ask further.

He trusted his father's judgment.

The Feng Family Pharmacy had been able to grow this large over the last decade largely thanks to his father alone.

With his unique vision and decisive judgment, his father had led their small pharmacy step by step to where it was today.

Therefore, trusting his father unconditionally was never wrong.