Chapter 525: Masters from All Directions

In the battle at Wan’an Temple, he slew Xueyi and Tongxin; in the capital, he fought against the powerful warriors from Wuwei Realm—A Da and A Er! Below Songshan, he killed Zhou Yu with just two moves! In a pavilion, alone, he repelled the heroes of Yipin Hall!
His experiences could be described as “legendary.” From the start, Lu Jing never considered himself a match for Happy. He focused more on holding out a few more moves against Happy to ensure a more honorable defeat.
Yet…
Huang Rong’s words and the reward/punishment task entrusted to him made him impatient, prompting him to act recklessly.
In the martial world, impatience is the worst enemy during a fight, as emotional fluctuations affect one’s calmness and judgment. Having worries and distractions in mind is extremely disadvantageous in combat. Lu Jing was a typical example…
Driven by impatience, though he wanted to perform better and force Happy to use the “Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms,” he forgot his original goal. Right from the start, he used the fiercest moves from the “Seventy-Two Flute Techniques.” As he charged forward, the arena was filled with dazzling flute shadows, projecting images of lush green bamboo forests in the air, creating the illusion of being attacked by countless enemies. The endless bamboo forests surged toward Happy like a tidal wave.
At the same time, a barrage of flute sounds filled the air—sharp tones like invisible swords piercing toward Happy…
But Happy remained unmoved, standing still as air currents swirled around him, shielding him from the sword-like sound waves coming from all directions.
It wasn’t until that overwhelming wave of bamboo forests formed a giant tiger with an open maw that Happy finally acted. Under the astonished gazes of the audience, he rushed toward the tiger’s gaping maw…
Happy’s figure was instantly swallowed by the tiger!
But just as he was about to be torn apart by the countless green flute sounds, a stunning sword strike pierced through the tiger’s body. With unstoppable force, the green tiger shattered into countless tiny green shadows.
On the arena, the flute sounds vanished, revealing the situation of the two fighters.
When everyone saw what was happening on the stage, they all gasped and held their breath tightly…
…
“Tick-tock!”
On the arena, the two remained in their respective positions.
Bright red blood flowed heavily, staining the hem of their clothes and dripping slowly onto the arena, forming a pool of blood beneath Lu Jing.

The latter’s face turned pale as he stared in disbelief at the sword piercing his chest. His expression was frozen, his chest heaving as he fixed his gaze on the wound—right there, just an inch away from his heart.
He still remembered clearly…
If not for a gust of wind shooting from below that slightly deflected the sword’s path, that next strike would have pierced his heart with pinpoint accuracy, as planned.
Such a fast sword, such a decisive strike.
The sword that pierced in from the most fierce direction not only shattered his focus and rendered his subsequent moves ineffective but even his defenses couldn’t withstand that silver dragon-like force…
One move!
“The best among masters—truly worthy of the reputation. Amazing… Puh!” As Happy drew his sword back, a mouthful of blood finally sprayed from Lu Jing’s mouth. His body trembled, and he collapsed weakly to the ground.
“You lost fairly…”
Glancing at Lu Jing, Happy slowly sheathed his sword and said, “Many people have been killed by this single strike; I’m one of them.”
“…”
A flush appeared on Lu Jing’s face. Coughing, he was helped off the arena by two martial artists.
Huang Rong stood below, her expression grave, her gaze complex. “I never expected Young Hero Happy’s sword skills to have reached such a level. No wonder the leaders of various sects praise him so highly!” There was a hint of resentment in her tone.
“Leader Huang, you flatter me,” Happy replied modestly, then glanced at the bearded man below.
It was this man, who looked like a merchant, who had deflected his sword earlier. Though unassuming, his finger strength was far beyond ordinary people’s, and his timing was impeccable—comparable to Lu Xiaofeng’s “Telepathic Finger.”
The latter’s accidental display of skill hadn’t drawn much attention.
Looking up and glancing at Happy, he shouted in his usual tone, “Next…”
Another name appeared on the already empty list:
“Silk-Coiling Hand ‘Lin Jiang’.”
“Young man, your sword skills are truly impressive! I must experience them firsthand!” A man leaped high into the air, kicking and moving swiftly like lightning before landing steadily across from Happy. With a loud laugh, he removed his black hood, revealing a thin face under thirty.
“Silk-Coiling Hand…” Happy quickly took in the opponent’s arm guards and the silver gloves between his fingers, emitting a chilling glow. He began to assess the situation.
The newcomer clearly had strong palm skills… and excellent movement skills as well.

No wonder he had the courage to step onto the stage—he must be confident enough to avoid his own sword strike just now. Truly befitting a martial arts tournament, every NPC counters your previous moves, appearing strategically to try and defeat this kid with sword skills—quite difficult, I guess! But…
Kai Xin still doesn’t intend to reveal the “Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms” in Huang Rong’s presence. He grips the Guardian Sword instead, his gaze darkening as he says, “Please teach me!”
Whoa!!
Lin Jiang, the Silk-Winding Hand, isn’t hesitant at all. With a quick step, he closes the ten-meter distance in an instant. His silver palm wind slashes like a silver knife through the air, moving at extreme speed—fast enough to cut through skin if one isn’t careful. Sometimes his hands cross together, resembling flying scissors, making it hard to defend against.
Fortunately, Kai Xin has rich combat experience. Every time his opponent moves in, he immediately blocks their attack with even greater speed, using his shoulder to disrupt their balance or his weapon to preemptively strike, blocking the next attack and forcing the opponent to change tactics or retreat.
After over a dozen exchanges, neither side has an advantage!
“What excellent skills!” Below the stage, Huang Rong’s eyes sparkled as she said sincerely to Miss Murong, “By anticipating the opponent’s moves, just this level of strategy and control gives Kai Xin a clear edge. If he goes all out, the Silk-Winding Hand won’t be able to withstand three attacks!”
“…Leader Huang, you flatter me.”
Miss Murong’s tone was calm.
Huang Rong is clever and sharp—after all, Miss Murong isn’t easy to read either. Her composed expression showed no signs of joy or revealed any clues, leaving Huang Rong’s attempts to probe fruitless.
Finally, a winner emerged on the stage…
Kai Xin, relying solely on his combat skills and experience, forced the Silk-Winding Hand off the arena.
“Kai Xin, two consecutive victories! Next challenger—Beggars’ Sect… Chen Youliang!”