FVN Chapter 27 Iron Palm Lotus
Chapter 27 Iron Palm Lotus
"Wait a minute!"
Seeing Guo Jing and Huang Rong being escorted onto the high platform, an old beggar, dressed in tattered clothes and with a dark complexion, suddenly changed his expression and hurriedly bowed to Yang Kang, saying, "Chief, these two are the old chief's disciples. How could they harm our master?"
This old beggar was none other than Lu Youjiao.
A sinister glint flashed in Yang Kang's eyes as he said hatefully, "Elder Lu, that's precisely why they are even more unforgivable! These two have betrayed their master and ancestors; their crimes are heinous."
Elder Peng, who was plump and white, sneered, "Chief Yang saw it with his own eyes, how could it be false?"
Behind Lu Youjiao stood two beggars, one old and one young. They were Li Sheng and Yu Zhaoxing, who had helped Cheng Yaojia in Baoying County and nearly lost their lives at the hands of Ouyang Ke. Having been saved by Guo Jing and Huang Rong, they were both grateful and respectful to their benefactors. Knowing that Hong Qigong was very fond of his two disciples, they disregarded everything else and rushed forward.
Li Sheng shouted, "Chief, these two are chivalrous heroes! I dare to swear on my life! They have absolutely nothing to do with the old chief's murder!"
Yu Zhaoxing also exclaimed, "These two are good people, very good friends!"
Elder Liang glared and shouted, "How dare you! Do you have any right to interrupt?"
Li and Yu belonged to the "dirty clothes faction" and were under Lu Youjiao's jurisdiction. Being of lower seniority, they had no choice but to retreat angrily after being shouted at, their eyes still fixed on Guo and Huang.
Lu Youjiao took a deep breath, clasped his hands, and said, "Chief, it's not that I dare not believe your words. It's just that this is a major matter of revenge for our gang, and I hope you will investigate carefully and find out the truth."
Upon hearing this, a fierce glint flashed in Yang Kang's eyes. With a wave of his hand, two disciples of the Clean Clothes Sect pressed steel knives against the backs of Guo Jing and his companion.
"Elder Lu," Yang Kang's tone turned cold, "it's not that I don't trust you, but these two are highly skilled in martial arts and cunning. It took a lot of effort to capture them in the first place. Just to be on the safe side, it's best to kill them as soon as possible to avenge Chief Hong!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the three elders of the Clean Clothes Faction, Jian, Peng, and Liang, echoed in unison: "The leader is right! Today is the day for blood to be paid!"
The Beggars' Sect was divided into two factions: the Clean Clothes faction and the Dirty Clothes faction, which had been embroiled in conflict for many years. The Clean Clothes faction, though dressed in beggar's robes, lived like ordinary people, and many were heroes of the martial world who joined out of admiration for the sect. The Dirty Clothes faction, on the other hand, made a living by begging and strictly adhered to its rules. To demonstrate impartiality, Hong Qigong rotated the Beggars' Sect's attire annually, showing no favoritism towards either faction. However, he relied most heavily on Lu Youjiao; had Lu Youjiao not been so hot-tempered and had once caused trouble, he would have long ago designated him as his successor.
The Clean Clothes Faction was already worried about the upcoming Yuezhou Conference. Based on their moral character, martial arts skills, and popularity, they believed Lu Youjiao was the most likely candidate for leader. However, Yang Kang unexpectedly appeared, dressed in fine clothes and demanding exquisite food, clearly favoring the Clean Clothes Faction.
The Third Elder immediately made up his mind to help him become the leader of the gang, so that the Clean Clothes Faction could overpower the Dirty Clothes Faction.
Lu Youjiao wanted to argue further, but Elder Peng sneered, "Lu Youjiao, do you not wish to avenge the old gang leader?"
In short, Lu Youjiao was left speechless.
Seeing this, Yang Kang pressed his advantage, saying, "Gentlemen! These two have betrayed their master and ancestors, colluding with Huang Yaoshi and the Quanzhen sect to plot against Elder Hong! Their crimes deserve death! Today, I ask you all to bear witness and make them pay for their crimes in blood!"
"A blood debt must be paid in blood!"
The beggars shouted in unison, their voices like thunder echoing across the summit of Junshan Mountain, causing the trees to rustle.
Guo Jing and Huang Rong looked at each other sadly, already understanding in their hearts—the calamity they faced today was probably unavoidable.
The last trace of resentment Huang Rong had for the Old Urchin dissipated, and she simply stared at Guo Jing, her gaze never leaving him.
"Execute!"
Yang Kang waved his right hand.
Two disciples of the Clean Clothes Sect raised their steel knives high, the blades gleaming coldly in the moonlight.
Guo Jing and Huang Rong closed their eyes.
Guo Jing was filled with remorse; in the end, he had failed to protect her.
A faint smile appeared on Huang Rong's lips. It would be good to die with her Jing-gege right now.
At this critical moment.
"Whoosh! Whoosh!"
Two powerful gusts of wind swept through the air, and two bone-piercing nails accurately struck the backs of the hands of two Clean Clothes Sect disciples.
The two men cried out in pain, and the steel knife clattered to the ground.
Guo Jing and Huang Rong suddenly opened their eyes, their eyes filled with surprise and delight.
Yang Kang's heart skipped a beat, and he shouted sharply, "Who goes there!"
Elder Peng also shouted loudly, "Who are you, you coward, daring to act so presumptuously at the Beggars' Sect assembly!"
"A Beggars' Sect gathering?"
A soft laugh came from afar, carrying a hint of nonchalant mockery.
Under the moonlight, a figure in white slowly appeared.
The man, leaning on crutches under his arms, showed no clumsiness; on the contrary, his steps were composed and his demeanor refined. His face was like jade, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes—exceptionally handsome—it was none other than Ouyang Ke.
Huang Rong was startled when she saw who it was.
It's him?
She never imagined that the person who secretly helped her would be this person.
Ouyang Ke lightly tapped his crutches, and although he was still several feet away from the platform, his figure seemed to float and move as if he were teleporting, and in an instant he was standing on the platform.
His gaze swept casually over the crowd, finally settling on Yang Kang's face, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"It's been a long time, Your Highness."
Upon hearing this, the beggars erupted in uproar.
"Young Prince?"
Elder Peng frowned, his gaze sweeping over Yang Kang.
Yang Kang's heart tightened, but he forced a smile and said, "Brother, you jest. I am Yang Kang, a commoner, how could I be some prince?"
He didn't understand what Ouyang Ke was trying to hide, but felt that Ouyang Ke had misspoke. Thinking of their past friendship, he secretly winked at Ouyang Ke, signaling him not to say anything more.
Ouyang Ke, however, seemed not to notice and said calmly, "Why be so modest, Young Prince? You are the only son of Wanyan Honglie, the Sixth Prince of the Jin Kingdom. How could you be a mere commoner?"
The beggars' expressions all changed!
"What? He's a golden man?"
"Wanyan Honglie's son?"
A murmur arose, and countless gazes pierced Yang Kang like knives.
Yang Kang's face turned ashen, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. He quickly realized that Ouyang Ke was deliberately opposing him and angrily retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting? Could it be that you're in cahoots with these two treacherous bastards who betray their master and ancestors?"
Li Sheng and Yu Zhaoxing, having regained their senses, jumped out and pointed at Ouyang Ke, shouting, "Gentlemen! This man is the nephew of 'Western Poison' Ouyang Feng! How can we believe his words?"
Hearing what the two said, Ouyang Ke remained calm, only smiling slightly as he glanced at Huang Rong and Guo Jing.
At this moment, Huang Rong was so angry that her teeth itched, thinking to herself that the beggars under her master's tutelage were all a bunch of fools.
"Western Poison?"
The beggars were startled again.
Who in the world doesn't know the names of the Five Great Masters? Ouyang Feng, the Western Poison, is a figure on par with Hong Qigong!
Upon hearing this, Yang Kang had a sudden inspiration and shouted, "That's right! This man is Ouyang Feng's nephew, a wicked man who has committed countless atrocities, including rape and kidnapping! He has infiltrated Junshan today with ulterior motives! Let's not let him escape!"
Behind him, Qiu Qianchi narrowed her pretty eyes slightly upon hearing the words "Western Poison," scrutinizing the white-clad man before her.
Elder Jian could no longer contain himself and roared, "Capture this lecherous thief!" He reached out to grab Ouyang Ke.
Upon hearing the words "lecherous thief," Ouyang Ke frowned slightly, raised his cane in his right hand, and gently tapped it forward.
Elder Jian's change of move was quick; his left hand pressed down and grasped the head of the staff. But the moment his palm touched the staff, before he could even firmly grasp it, he felt a surge of pure Yang energy rushing towards him like a tide!
His face changed drastically, and he felt as if his palm was being branded with a hot iron, with excruciating pain.
He tried to let go, but his palm was firmly held and he couldn't break free!
"what!"
Elder Jian cried out in pain, his whole body trembling uncontrollably, the muscles on his face contorted into a hideous and terrifying shape.
"Brother Jian!"
Elder Peng and Elder Liang were shocked and immediately stepped in to help.
One man drew his sword, another his blade, and together they attacked Ouyang Ke.
Ouyang Ke used his staff to parry the swords and sabers in one move.
Peng and Liang felt an overwhelming force coming from the staff, which caused their tiger's mouth to split open and bleed profusely.
The two stumbled back seven or eight steps, nearly falling.
Seeing this, Lu Youjiao could no longer care about factional disputes. He suddenly turned around and kicked Ouyang Ke in the face with three quick kicks.
His name was "Youjiao" (meaning "with feet"), and his leg skills were indeed remarkable, with unparalleled speed, sharpness, and ruthlessness.
Ouyang Ke remained calm and composed. As he pulled back his staff, he thrust out his right elbow, striking Lu Youjiao directly in the face.
Lu Youjiao couldn't dodge in time and was hit squarely by the elbow. He felt a surge of intense heat penetrate his leg meridians, like needles pricking and fire burning, causing excruciating pain! He groaned and fell through the air, unable to stand up again.
In a matter of moments, all four elders of the Beggars' Sect were defeated!
The beggars looked at each other in horror, each took out their weapons, and waited for the gang leader's order to rush forward.
Ouyang Ke, however, seemed completely unfazed, his gaze sweeping lightly over Yang Kang, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Young Prince, is this how you treat old friends?"
Yang Kang felt a chill run down his spine when he was swept by his gaze, and subconsciously took a half step back.
Just then, a soft, warm hand grasped his.
"Kangdi, don't be afraid."
Qiu Qianchi slowly walked out from behind Yang Kang, her gaze falling on Ouyang Ke.
Under the moonlight, she wore a green dress, her skin was extremely fair and exceptionally delicate. On her oval face, her eyebrows were arched and her mouth was small, with a tiny black mole near her lip, adding to her charm.
But those eyes were astonishingly bright, and there was a hint of disdain in their gaze.
She stared at Ouyang Ke, her eyes filled with scrutiny, curiosity, and a hint of eager fighting spirit.
"Your martial arts are quite impressive," Qiu Qianchi said slowly, her voice clear yet tinged with arrogance. "However, isn't this a bit too aggressive?"
Ouyang Ke's gaze lingered on her for a moment, then he said calmly, "So what if you're aggressive?"
His gaze lingered on Yang Kang for only a moment before falling on Qiu Qianchi's face, his eyes indifferent, calm, and even somewhat appraising.
Yang Kang saw this and felt a sense of humiliation.
However, he also knew that his martial arts skills were far inferior to Ouyang Ke's. Although Ouyang Ke's legs were crippled, he was now even stronger than before, and he was no match for him.
Qiu Qianchi laughed.
That smile carried a hint of coldness, a hint of arrogance, and a hint of eager excitement.
"I have long wanted to experience the martial arts of the Western Poison lineage." She took a step forward, her green skirt swaying gently. "I hope you will not disappoint me today."
She had barely finished speaking when she moved.
She took graceful steps, her figure swaying, and with her arms outstretched, she raised her palms to attack Ouyang Ke.
This palm strike came quickly and urgently, with a sharp wind and a faint sound of air being torn apart.
Ouyang Ke dared not be careless and pointed straight out with his right cane.
His strike was perfectly timed, just as Qiu Qianchi's palm strike was about to be unleashed, forcing her to change her move.
But Qiu Qianchi's movements were extremely fast. With a slight shift in his footing, he dodged the tip of the staff and unleashed a series of rapid palm strikes, each one more intense and faster than the last.
Ouyang Ke lightly touched the ground to the left, his figure gliding backward, barely avoiding this fierce attack.
"What a magnificent 'Iron Palm Lotus'!" Ouyang Ke exclaimed in praise.
Qiu Qianchi sneered and intensified her attack.
She was spoiled by her older brother since childhood and never suffered any grievances, which fostered her domineering personality.
In the Iron Palm Clan, who doesn't give her some leeway?
Even her elder brother, Qiu Qianren, rarely spoke harshly to her.
Seeing Ouyang Ke's rudeness towards Yang Kang today, she was already filled with rage and naturally showed no mercy in her attack.
The Iron Palm Clan's signature techniques are called "Iron Palm" and "Lightness Skill: Water-Walking".
Qiu Qianchi inherited her brother's true skills, and both of them were of the highest quality.
When he unleashed his power at this moment, his palms flew and his movements were as swift as lightning. Even Ouyang Ke, who was well-versed in many things, couldn't help but marvel at it.
People only know that Iron Palm is fierce and powerful, but they do not know how exquisite its palm techniques are and how complex its variations are. It seems to be even better than the "Divine Camel Snow Mountain Palm" created by his uncle.
Ouyang Ke held his crutch in his left hand and waved his right, instantly creating palm shadows all around, sometimes five feints and one real, sometimes eight feints and one real, like snowflakes falling, dazzling the eyes.
Snow Mountain White Camel's Palm!
This palm technique was already known for its elusive and unpredictable nature, but now that Ouyang Ke was wielding it, it was even more masterful, leaving the audience breathless.
The beggars below the stage were dumbfounded; they had never seen such exquisite palm techniques before.
Huang Rong looked up at the white-clad figure, feeling both amused and annoyed.
This guy is clearly showing off his skills!
Although she was grateful to Ouyang Ke for saving her, she could also guess why he had waited until the last moment to show himself – he clearly wanted to see her make a fool of herself!
childish!
But then she thought about it again and couldn't help but smile slightly.
This person isn't so bad.
Just then, a familiar, exotic fragrance wafted over.
Huang Rong looked down and saw a bright red bird perched beside her, tilting its head to examine her. It was Ouyang Ke's firebird!
When the firebird saw her looking at it, it lowered its head and began pecking at the rope in her hand. The rope was made of cowhide mixed with steel wire, which would be difficult to cut even with ordinary swords, but the firebird's beak, made of some unknown material, managed to peck open a hole in it in no time!
Huang Rong was both surprised and delighted, and whispered, "Good bird, once I'm free, I'll treat you to all the finest wines in the world!"
She had witnessed the firebird drinking every day in Niujia Village, and now that it had come to her rescue, she naturally whispered her promise.
Upon hearing this, the firebird let out a soft "coo," as if it understood.
In the arena, Ouyang Ke and Qiu Qianchi had already exchanged dozens of moves.
While the Snow Mountain White Camel Palm technique was exquisite, Qiu Qianchi's Iron Palm was no less formidable. No matter how Ouyang Ke's palm techniques changed, she could always respond in time and even launch a counterattack.
Ouyang Ke was secretly alarmed.
This woman's martial arts skills far exceeded his expectations. The Iron Palm Clan's reputation for dominating Hunan and Hubei provinces was indeed well-deserved.
Knowing that his exquisite palm technique alone would make it difficult to determine a winner in the short term, he immediately changed his moves.
The attack seemed slow and silent, yet it possessed an indescribable eeriness.
Qiu Qianchi's eyes narrowed, and she immediately channeled her energy into her palms. A layer of black energy faintly rose from her palms, and her palm techniques suddenly became several times more powerful, each strike carrying an overwhelming force!
Touch your palms together!
"Clang!"
It was like metal and stone striking each other!
Ouyang Ke retreated instantly upon contact, landing gracefully a foot away, his white robes fluttering, still as dashing as ever.
Qiu Qianchi's face flushed red, she groaned, stumbled and took several steps back.
She felt that Ouyang Ke's palm strike was both yin and strange, yet it also contained a hidden yang energy. The two forces intertwined and collided, causing her blood and qi to surge, and half of her body to feel numb and unbearable.
It turns out that Ouyang Ke used the Yin-Yang palm force of the "Heart-Shattering Palm" and was also activated by the Nine Yang Divine Skill. For a moment, Yin and Yang were combined. Not to mention Qiu Qianchi, even Yu Canghai, who had been immersed in the Heart-Shattering Palm for many years, would suffer a great loss when he encountered this move.
Qiu Qianchi was stubborn and gritted her teeth to keep her balance, refusing to show any sign of distress.
"Sister Lian!"
Yang Kang rushed forward, his face full of concern.
Qiu Qianchi waved her hand and forced a smile: "I'm fine."
But her heart was in turmoil: this person's martial arts skills were actually superior to hers!
If it weren't for her superb lightness skill, she would probably have been defeated by that palm strike.
She looked up at Ouyang Ke, her eyes filled with a complex emotion.
There was vigilance, apprehension, and a hint of unspeakable... resentment.
Ouyang Ke's expression remained unchanged, but he secretly admired him in his heart.
What a magnificent Iron Palm technique!
If it weren't for the series of fortuitous encounters over the past few months, the mastery of the Nine Yang Divine Skill, and the initial glimpse into the Nine Yin Manual, I probably wouldn't be a match for this woman today.
He glanced to the side and saw that the ropes on Huang Rong's hands had broken, so he immediately said loudly:
"Miss Huang, Young Hero Guo, if you don't show yourself now, when will you?"
Upon hearing this, Elder Peng and the others' expressions changed drastically.
Before they could react, Huang Rong and Guo Jing had already soared into the sky!
With a sweep of their palms, more than a dozen Beggar Clan disciples who had surrounded them fell to the ground.
In the blink of an eye, the two of them had leaped to Ouyang Ke's side and stood shoulder to shoulder with him.
Under the moonlight, the three stood on the Xuanyuan Platform.
The beggars below the stage looked at each other, not daring to step forward.
Yang Kang's face was ashen, his eyes filled with resentment and venom.
Qiu Qianchi stood beside him, but her gaze remained fixed on Ouyang Ke for a long time.
P.S.: Fellow readers, how do you feel about this book now that it's been written?