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Chapter 50: Necessary Sacrifice

Although this test was essentially to check whether the martial arts hall had given apprentices drugs that could damage their foundation, the results weren’t solely related to a single martial arts hall; there was no reason for him to avoid conflict of interest at all.

Moreover, the banquet had just begun, and they were asking him to leave now? What was this about?

Even Huang Jingfu, Hong Kang, and Tian Chong beside him hadn’t predicted this turn of events.

Why did it seem like Kong Chengshun suddenly had an issue with Lei Xiuyan?

Could it be because of the remark Lei Xiuyan had just made?

But there was nothing wrong with that remark.

What was going on?

"Haha, just a joke. Don’t take it seriously, Hall Master Lei,” Kong Chengshun suddenly spoke again, gently caressing his longsword with a smile,

“Well then, let’s begin. Let’s discuss how to test Zhou Heng.”

Lei Xiuyan breathed a sigh of relief and also noticed that Kong Chengshun did indeed seem to care a lot about that sword.

Had his earlier comment about the honor of following him upset Kong Chengshun?

But that would be too strange indeed.

Lei Xiuyan temporarily set aside his doubts and refocused on the testing plan that was about to be discussed.

This testing plan was extremely important for both Zhou Heng and himself.

Having just received a cold look from Kong Chengshun, although he was eager to inquire, he did not dare to be the first to speak up.

It was at this moment.

Huang Jingfu stood up, raised his glass to Kong Chengshun, and said with a smile,

“Young Master Kong, you must already have some thoughts on the rules for this test.”

With that, Lei Xiuyan, Hong Kang, and Tian Chong all glanced over.

Kong Chengshun, however, did not immediately show any inclination but took a sip of his wine and smiled,

“What are your thoughts?”

Lei Xiuyan’s eyes lit up, and he was about to speak up.

But Huang Jingfu preempted him by saying,

“I am a few years older, have seen more things, and have been considering this matter for a few days. Indeed, I already have a plan. Would you like to hear it, Young Master?”

"Speak,” Kong Chengshun said indifferently.

"Thank you for your trust, Young Master,” Huang Jingfu said with a smile, “My thought is that since it is just a test of combat, there is no need to actually fight to determine who is better, especially since that Zhou Heng is certainly no match for you, Young Master.

"My idea is for Zhou Heng to attack, and for you, Young Master, to dodge or block. Wecanseehow many times you need to block before he exhausts himself. This way, we can test whether his foundation is stable and whether he has taken any drugs that could damage it.”

Blocks imply there was no time to dodge, and it is not easy for a Ninth Rank Warrior’s attack to force an Eighth Rank Warrior to block.

Normally, a common Ninth Rank Warrior who can force an Eighth Rank Warrior to block two or three times before exhausting themselves would already be considered to have robust stamina and swift speed.

If their foundation was damaged, the test results would definitely be weaker than those of warriors at the same grade, and it would be evident upon testing.

After hearing this plan, Lei Xiuyan thought it over and it seemed quite good, but could Huang Jingfu really be so kind-hearted?

He was skeptical.

After all, Tian Chong of the Martial Affairs Office, Huang Jingfu of Chang Martial Hall, and Hong Kang of Long Prosperous Martial Hall had clearly already colluded to profit from this Chang Xing Sect’s outer disciple selection. How could they propose such a reasonable plan?

Could there be a hidden catch?

"Hmm, not abad idea,” KongChengshun nodded and said,

“Anythingelse?”

"Young Master, you should know that Zhou Heng excels in Saber Technique,” Huang Jingfu said earnestly, “If we were to test him using the martial arts he is most proficient in, it might cause some issues.

"He could rely on his proficiency in Saber Technique, and adjust the way he channels his energy to conserve strength and energy during the test, thus delaying the onset of exhaustion. If that happens, we might not achieve the purpose of the test.”

"That’s right,” Hong Kangchimed in,

“I also think we should forbid him from using a saber for the test.”

Upon hearing this, Lei Xiuyan was instantly infuriated. So this was where they were lying in wait!

"Noway!” he blurted out,

“Zhou Heng has only been practicing martial arts for two years. His only mastery is in Saber Technique. If you forbid him from using Saber Technique, he can’t even count as a Ninth Rank Warrior. How can we proceed with the test then?”

"Ah, don’t rush, Hall Master Lei,” Tian Chong waved his hand, trying to smooth things over with a smile,

“After all, we are only testing the foundation. The technique itself is not that crucial, and besides, Hall Master Huang is merely making a suggestion; the final decision is still up to Young Master Kong.”

"Indeed, he cannot use a saber,” Kong Chengshun nodded, “I’ve heard Zhou Heng also learned the Supreme Divine Skill Sequence. So during the test, let’s not use weapons, just hand-to-hand combat.

"After all, swords and sabers are blind, if I were to injure him while blocking, that would be regrettable.”

Hand-to-hand combat?

Lei Xiuyan was taken aback, and Hong Kang and Tian Chong exchanged glances.

I’ve never heard of Kong Chengshun being skilled in hand-to-hand combat, isn’t he always famous for his swordsmanship?

"How about it, any of you still have objections?” Kong Chengshun looked around at everyone.

"No, no more,” Lei Xiuyan shook his head.

He knew that this might be the best outcome they could fight for now, and Zhou Heng had also practiced the Divine Might Eighteen Forms quite well; it wasn’t impossible for him to pass the test.

Hong Kang and Tian Chong hesitated a bit, especially after seeing Lei Xiuyan agree; they started to panic.

Could it be that Zhou Heng is also good at hand-to-hand combat?

Wouldn’t that lead to a crash?

” I have no objections either.” It was at this moment Huang Jingfu spoke up.

This instantly reassured Hong Kang and Tian Chong.

The two hurriedly expressed their agreement as well.

What followed was a discussion on how many moves Zhou Heng needed to withstand from Kong Chengshun to pass.

Amid the clinking of glasses, the matter was slowly settled.

As long as Zhou Heng could make Kong Chengshun defend more than three times before exhausting his strength, he would be considered to have passed the test.

After the feast ended.

Lei Xiuyan left, and Kong Chengshun was sent to the pre-reserved restaurant.

Now only Huang Jingfu, Hong Kang, and Tian Chong remained.

"Brother Huang, what’s going on, is this secure?” Hong Kang asked anxiously,

“How is Kong Chengshun’s fist and foot martial arts??”

"Yeah, Old Master, what’s going on?” Tian Chong was also somewhat anxious, saying, “There’s a saying ‘The palm is the invisible saber.’ Since Zhou Heng has perfected his saber technique and the achievements of the Divine Might Eighteen Forms might not be too inferior.

"What if Kong Chengshun really defends against Zhou Heng three times, then aren’t we done for?”

"Don’t worry,” Huang Jingfu still appeared to have everything under control, laughing, “Everyone thinks Kong Chengshun is best at swordsmanship, but I’ve learned the truth from some disciples of the Chang Xing Sect.

"Compared to swordsmanship, Kong Chengshun is much more skilled in fist techniques and body movements. He proposed this plan because he’s clearly determined not to accept Zhou Heng. Poor Lei Xiuyan, still thinks this is a good outcome, haha.”

"I see!” Hong Kang’s eyes shone, feelingas if a mountain of silver was about to be delivered to him, and he laughed,

“This Young Master Kong is really a good man, being so cooperative.”

"But why doesn’t Kong Chengshun want to accept Zhou Heng?” Tian Chong was a bit puzzled, then he seemed to think of something,

“Could it be that Liu Songshan is vying for the position of the sect leader?”

Liu Songshan is the Law Enforcement Elder of the Chang Xing Sect and Kong Chengshun’s master, a Sixth Rank expert.

"Could there be any other possibility?” Huang Jingfu said with a light chuckle, “The old sect leader’s lifespan is coming to an end. In at most thirty to fifty years, he will pass away; naturally, Liu Songshan has to plan ahead.

"On one hand, he wants to prevent the emergence of extraordinarily talented newcomers who might disrupt the situation, and on the other hand, he needs to win over the various disciples within the sect to garner a certain amount of support.”

"No wonder, Brother, you emphasized earlier that the Tongchang Martial Arts Hall has sent quite a few disciples to the Chang Xing Sect; so there’s a reason!” Hong Kang patted his hands and laughed,

“Liu Songshan must draw you in, Brother! If this goes well, haha!”

"The Old Master is insightful and has everything planned out, truly everything is within your expectations.” Tian Chong was extremely admiring.

"Heh, if the old sect leader wasn’t so rigid and stuck in the old ways, putting a stranglehold on all kinds of rules, would I need to go through such trouble?” Huang Jingfu stroked his beard and laughed,

“It’s just pity Zhou Heng, totally unaware, is about to be sacrificed.”

"Look at Brother, the way you say it, isn’t this normal?” Hong Kang chuckled,

“He’s just a country bumpkin from a mountain village, without background, without heritage; isn’t he just a perfect sacrificial piece?”

"It’s just bad luck for him,” Tian Chong laughed as well,

“It’s a necessary sacrifice.”

In Longxing Martial Arts Hall, inside a private training room.

Zhou Heng was still practicing the Six Combining Plum Blossom Hand, a Seventh Rank martial arts technique that was extremely profound and endlessly intricate, which made him increasingly amazed the more he practiced.

If a Seventh Rank martial arts technique was already this powerful, then what about the Secret Sixth Rank, Sect Fifth Rank, Absolute Fourth Rank… and even the Supreme Divine Skill at Divine First Rank, how mighty they must be!

Bang bang!

Just as Zhou Heng was daydreaming about his future prospects, a knock on the door came.

He opened the door, and saw Yu He standing outside.

"Zhou Heng, you know nothing but training every single day, not even aware that someone has returned from Pingzhou County City,” Yu He had recovered and just came back to the martial arts hall to train today.

"Pingzhou County City?” Zhou Heng was puzzled and, for a moment, couldn’t recall anyone he knew from Pingzhou County City.

"There you have it, you really can only spend your life with your hands.” Yu He rolled his eyes and pointed towards the door, “She has been waiting for you at the breakfast stall across the door for several days.

"Preparing buns for you every day, but you haven’t been there these past few days.”

"Ah?” Zhou Heng looked dumbfounded towards the martial arts hall entrance.