assistirfilmes Chapter 71 Winning the Championship and Recruiting Talent: Embarking on a Journey
Chapter 71 Winning the Championship and Recruiting Talent: Embarking on a Journey
Chapter 72 Winning the Championship and Recruiting Talent: Embarking on a Journey
[Mingxiao Drum]: Wow, Senior Brother, you also know the Tathagata Palm! (Excitedly) (Hands clasped in prayer)
[Fuyouyue]: What is the Tathagata Palm?
[Mingxiao Drum]: If you haven't seen the kung fu in the old movies, I'll send it to you, it's very interesting. [Fuyou Yue]: Now that you mention it, I think I remember it. Oh, it really is!
The arena was collapsing. Lin Zhuo replied to messages in the team channel while searching for the unconscious martial artists. Some of the clever ones had already escaped, while the rest wanted to resist Lin Zhuo's palm strikes and compete with him in strength, but ultimately they could not hold on.
The crushing pressure, like a thousand peaks falling to the ground, shattered their true energy, and the thunderous divine intent, like a giant hammer, slammed down their fighting spirit. They were gradually bent over, beaten until they lay motionless on the arena. At this moment, the ten-zhang wooden building began to collapse, and they had no strength left to escape.
A raging torrent surged around Lin Zhuo, stirring up the atmosphere. The powerful wind could lift him into the air and also engulf the dozen or so unconscious people, preventing them from falling to the ground with the collapsing arena. Instead, they descended slowly with Lin Zhuo.
The chivalrous warriors who had been watching the battle rushed to the rescue, leaping up to catch the unconscious martial artist that Lin Zhuo had thrown to them.
The wooden building was reduced to ruins on the spot, with dust billowing everywhere. Under the bright lights of the night, the dust formed huge and clear dragons that swirled and danced around Lin Zhuo.
As he landed, the dragon-shaped energy sank down, pressing the surrounding dust and mist to the ground. Only then did everyone's vision clear, and they could see the victor slowly emerging from the thick smoke. He was dressed in a solemn black robe, with silver embroidered dragons and tigers floating in the moonlight.
Lin Zhuo was facing the deathly silent city of Anzhou tonight.
It wasn't until he, along with the other patrons who hadn't participated in the competition, marched in a grand procession through the streets and markets back to the den of iniquity, heading towards the final stage of the championship banquet, and until people could no longer see him and watched as stretchers carrying unconscious and injured people were taken to the clinic, that all the clamor and discussion finally exploded in full force.
The people and nobles of Anzhou City were extremely satisfied tonight, like gourmets who had traveled through mountains and rivers, were hungry and sweating profusely, and finally got to eat a finely prepared and plentiful meal.
The taste lingered on their lips and teeth, enough to make them savor it for a long time. They could use it to laugh at those sleepyheads who didn't stay up late to watch the fight, and claim that they were from a different world than anyone who hadn't seen the match.
"These young people today are amazing."
"The Hidden Dragon List is probably no longer big enough for this true dragon."
"What's the use of saying all this? Let's go drink, let's go drink."
As time goes by, the world of martial arts ages, youth fades quickly, and old age brings sorrow. In the dispersing crowd, countless old-timers of the martial arts world linger, sighing and reluctant to leave.
The ragged old beggar started singing Lotus Ballad again, hoping to get some tips while the night was lively. The destitute monk and Taoist chanted verses to awaken the world, and strode away, drinking wine with abandon.
"Third Master, Lin Xue Shou has returned to the Golden Pavilion. Hong Ying Niang left behind every single note he wrote, so there's a high chance he'll draw a marriage fortune slip. Besides, he's knocked out most of the martial arts masters, so in the end, he'll probably only be able to compete with two defenseless scholars. In that case—"
"Hmph. Yingniang was raised with great difficulty, costing our workshop countless resources. She's also involved in the head of the workshop's plans. We absolutely cannot let her fall into Lin Zhuo's hands, otherwise, a young woman following a man for too long might develop disloyalty. We must disrupt this matter! Also, have you found out why Qinghong, the young Taoist, left in a huff?"
"Reporting back to the Third Master, the maid in the building said that Daoist Qinghong must have read a letter, which is why he suddenly lost his temper."
"Where's the letter?"
"He took it away."
"Do you know who wrote it? And who gave it to you?"
"We've questioned everyone upstairs and downstairs, and we really don't know who sent the letter."
"Ha, could it be a ghost? Investigate further! We must get to the bottom of this! If we don't do our utmost and ruin the Grand Master's plan, we'll use your skins to make drumheads!"
"Yes, yes, yes—wait, what?"
"What's wrong now?"
"It's nothing, I just saw a cat leaping and bounding across the roof of the building across the street, and I was a little startled."
"Hmph, making a fuss over nothing. What's so special about a mere kitten? Don't get in my way."
"I'll go back and make the arrangements right away."
Inside the Golden Pavilion, the messenger falcon was slow to arrive, causing the servants and maids sitting idly to yawn secretly. On the third floor, Hong Yingniang was carefully applying makeup and drawing her eyebrows in front of the mirror, her mind heavy with unresolved matters.
The little maidservant who was most familiar to her combed her hair while asking her why she was troubled.
"I'm going to draw a marriage fortune slip later, and I want to choose someone."
"Miss, Master Qinghong has already left. Who else do you fancy?"
"Cuixiang, how long have you been with me?"
"I've been serving the young ladies in the brothel since I was six years old. All told, that's about eight years, right?"
"Eight years. You've taken such good care of me these past eight years. Of all the people around me, you're the one I trust the most. When I leave the Golden Pavilion, I'll definitely take you with me. But whether that will work out depends on who I'm destined to marry. Among these patrons, who do you think could be my hero?"
Upon hearing this, the maid Cuixiang excitedly gossiped, "If we're talking about who's most worthy of Miss, I think it has to be the charming young master Gu!"
"This person appears to be a gentle and romantic, but in reality, he is cold-hearted and not a hero."
"Ah? So it's someone like that. He must be Young Master Su from Baiyang Academy. He's elegant and learned. He and Miss will surely be from a scholarly family in the future."
"This person is cunning and scheming, treating me like a decorative vase or a plaything, someone who is dispensable. He is not a good person."
"It's true that many scholars are heartless. Miss, then I think the most skilled swordsman, Young Master Ding, is the most suitable for you."
"He is a very good person, as is that young hero Wan Tao. They are all very, very good people. It's a pity that they are not as good as that one—" Hong Yingniang smiled lightly and said a name.
"Who is Lin Zhuo?" Cui Xiang asked blankly.
Just then, a commotion broke out outside the boudoir. It turned out a messenger hawk had arrived from the martial arts arena. The room was filled with commotion; the corridor echoed with the thumping footsteps of servants rushing about, and many people shouted, "Young Master Lin Zhuo has smashed the arena!" "He's the only one left standing after the entire competition; none of the other guests could send messages!" "Young Master Lin is ruthless; he's beaten everyone into a hospital!"
When Cuixiang returned after running outside to inquire about the news, she still looked confused and bewildered. "Miss, you truly have an eye for talent!"
"Good Cuixiang, do me a favor. Take this money and bribe your men to make sure they draw the lot for Young Master Lin."
"Wow, so much money! Miss, are we going to starve from now on?"
"In this den of demons, no amount of money will change anything but shackles. Let's throw them away and see if we can ever regain our freedom. Even if we are penniless, we can make a home anywhere. Go now, don't delay, but be careful not to let those headmistresses find out."
Half an hour later, after receiving orders from her superiors not to select Lin Zhuo, the madam of the Golden Pavilion chuckled and reached into the copper basin, retrieving three marked silver fish from the bottom of the water.
The first wooden slip inside the fish's belly bore the name Wan Taoxian, but unfortunately, he was still in a coma and thus missed out on winning the championship.
The second slip of paper bore the name of a scholar, who was overjoyed.
The third slip of paper was handed by the madam to the servant who called out the names. The servant, completely unaware of the impending doom, loudly read out the wooden slip: "Lin Zhuo~ Young Master Lin~"
The madam's face turned even paler than the lead powder she had applied, and her eyes were filled with extreme fear.
The Tianxiang Pavilion was already filled with cheers and applause. Apart from the cold-faced members of the Demonic Sect, the rest of the customers could only offer their congratulations and cheers.
"Please, gentlemen, ascend the stairs!"
With shouts from servants, Lin Zhuo overcame numerous difficulties and defeated a host of powerful enemies. Finally, he was able to climb the stairs deep inside the Tianxiang Pavilion. Beside him was the scholar who had won the lottery, trembling nervously as if he were afraid of being eaten by a tiger.
In the boudoir of the courtesan, separated by three layers of beaded curtains, the graceful and hazy figure of the beauty was already waiting quietly. Her unmoving demeanor was like a lotus in still water, and her gaze was fixed on Lin Zhuo through the obstruction.
A servant waited outside the boudoir, ready to relay the news of the final selection to everyone in Tianxiang Pavilion and inform the crowd who had been eagerly awaiting the night's events.
The room was quiet, with incense burning in the burner, its fragrance elegant. Hong Yingniang invited the two guests to take their seats.
Lin Zhuo sat cross-legged casually, while the other scholar knelt upright, with a machine under his buttocks.
Then no one spoke.
Cui Xiang stood gracefully by the wall, quietly lifting a corner of the beaded curtain to observe the two lucky patrons. She was particularly focused on the martial arts master Lin Zhuokou. The other young, handsome, and frail scholar, however, was restless. He noticed that Hong Yingniang's gaze hadn't lingered on him for even a moment, and all the sweet words and vows he had prepared were stuck in his throat.
"I, I am—" The scholar began to speak, and the other three suddenly looked at him.
Especially Lin Zhuo beside him; even though his expression was quite gentle, even with a kind smile, the scholar's back was instantly soaked with sweat.
"I am aware that I am unworthy of your favor, and I wish to make this a happy occasion. I shall take my leave now."
"Wait a minute," Lin Zhuo and Hong Yingniang said at the same time.
"Ah! Yes, yes, do you two have any other instructions? I will explain the truth to others. I withdrew voluntarily and was absolutely not coerced by Master Lin. I would not dare to make false statements or slander your reputations."
Lin Zhuo looked at Hong Yingniang, "Jinlou probably won't let us leave so easily. Fortunately, I've already gone through the proper procedures, and everyone in the martial world knows you're with me, so no one can find fault with you. If Jinlou wants to take you back, they'll have to do it secretly. Don't worry, I have a way to take you away secretly."
"That's exactly right, young master. You've thought this through very well."
"I'll take you away now. Is there anything else you haven't packed?"
"Juan'er is all alone, possessing nothing of value, but she is reluctant to part with her sisters. Could you please ask the young master to take Cuixiang with her as well?"
Lin Zhuo readily agreed, "Alright, come over here."
Hong Yingniang rose and strode through the beaded curtain, revealing a beautiful face as delicate as a lotus emerging from water. The scholar beside her was already mesmerized.
"Cuixiang, come here quickly." "Coming, Miss."
The master and servant held hands and embraced, then bowed to Lin Zhuo together in a gesture of respect.
Lin Zhuo stood up, bowed to the scholar beside him, and said, "Excuse me."
"Huh?! What... what are you going to do?"
Lin Zhuo raised his hand and took out the head of the Snake Hammer. He gently shook the bell, and a clear sound rang out. The scholar fell into a deep sleep.
Hong Yingniang, who possessed martial arts skills, was able to hold her off somewhat, while Cui Xiang, completely defenseless, closed her eyes and fell asleep.
"Don't resist, trust me. Sleep well."
"9
"Everything—thanks to you—young master."
Once the three women in the room were all lying down, Lin Zhuo took out the tortoise-breathing talisman drawn by Jin Xiaohu from his bosom and affixed it to Hong Yingniang and Cui Xiang, temporarily stopping their breathing. He then took out his storage ring and put them into it.
[Fuyouyue]: The goods have arrived. [Knocks on a gong]: Send them over. The carriage is ready. Meet me at the inn outside the city. "Did you hear that? What a strange sound. Could it be Yingniang playing music for her patron?"
"Yawn, I'm a little sleepy."
Just as the servants outside the boudoir were whispering amongst themselves, the door suddenly opened, and Lin Zhuo, with a somber expression, strode out and went downstairs without saying a word.
"So, Young Master Lin wasn't chosen?"
"Oh dear, Yingniang is so blind!"
"That's understandable. What kind of good person is called 'Bloody Hand'? It must be that Young Master Lin's reckless words and actions frightened our Yingniang."
"Good, good, good, at least it wasn't that killer. At least our lives have been saved."
No matter who spoke to him along the way, Lin Zhuo remained silent, his face dark, which frightened everyone into not daring to look him in the eye.
And so, he easily left the Golden Pavilion, used his lightness skill to travel all the way out of the city, and arrived at the post station outside the city. One after another, carrier hawks took off overnight, spreading the story of Anzhou City to the north and south of the martial arts world.
Inside the carriage, Hong Yingniang and Cui Xiang had already woken up and were rubbing Jin Xiaohu, who looked displeased. When they saw Lin Zhuo appear, they immediately greeted him sweetly, "Everyone, sit down. Let's go."
"Young master, where are we going?" Hong Yingniang asked, barely suppressing her excitement.
"Swallow Mountain, White Egret Sword Sect. Searching for your old flame."
"Huh?" The girl, who was overjoyed, was stunned.
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