Knife splashing

Chapter 708 The Power of the Divine Fist
Are people today inferior to those of the past?

Li Yan felt a chill and quickly turned to look around.

This saying has been around for a long time.

It's somewhat like the Confucian approach, often using "ancient sages" and "the rule of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors" to criticize current affairs.

Some martial artists believe that the ancient times were the golden age of martial arts, especially during times of war, when warriors capable of defeating ten thousand men emerged one after another.

However, martial arts are in decline, and many unique skills and techniques have been lost as a result.

Li Yan didn't care about this statement.

Kong Hui was unconventional and unorthodox, and he was also an imperial tutor. Having witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, he was probably not a pedantic person.

The only possibility is that he's stalling for time!

Could it be that they are waiting for Zhao Qingxu to come to their rescue...?

Luo Mingzi and Pei Zongti, who were standing nearby, had obviously thought of this as well.

With a single glance, they immediately gave the order, and the personnel deployed and searching the perimeter immediately moved away.

The Commandery also dispatched several squads of musketeers.

These people had all awakened supernatural powers and cooperated perfectly, their firepower covering a wide area.

They were the troops specifically used by the imperial court to deal with grandmasters.

Li Yan was somewhat curious whether Zhao Qingxu would still dare to show himself under such precautions…

While the outside world was in turmoil, the center remained eerily silent.

As the wind and sand blew by, Kong Hui's sarcastic words seemed to still linger.

To everyone's surprise, Wan Shengying, who narrowly lost by one move, was not angry.

He simply stood there, eyes closed in deep thought, seemingly still savoring the battle that had just taken place.

Then, he suddenly opened his eyes, calmly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Indeed, I am still lacking. Farewell!"

Having said that, he picked up his spear, turned around and left without looking back.

Those from the Wansheng Escort Agency on the periphery looked at each other in bewilderment.

Their large-scale deployment this time was also intended to establish their authority, after all, this is what the escort agency makes its living from.

Wan Shengying is also one of the younger and more active masters.

But no one expected that they would lose a match so easily.

Just then, Dong Changxing, standing on the left wall, suddenly said in a deep voice, "Brother Wan seems to have gained some insight. With his age and aptitude, if another selection of the top ten grandmasters were held, he would surely occupy a place."

Wan Shengying's cousin, Wan Sanshan, the chief镖头 (bodyguard/escort) of Wan Sheng镖局 (escort agency), bowed gratefully upon hearing this, and then left with his men.

After Dong Changxing's words, no one in the martial arts world dared to say anything more.

Even grandmasters cannot escape the complexities of human relationships and worldly affairs.

Kong Hui glanced at him indifferently and sneered, "It seems you're really getting old. You're trying to build up your disciples' reputation, but you still have to see if they live up to your expectations. If they produce an unworthy son, you'll lose all face and dignity. In the end, you can only rely on yourself. How about I show you a way?"

"no need."

Dong Changxing stroked his beard and sighed, "I have lived a life of ease and comfort enough, and I have no desire to be a rat."

"Too much nonsense!"

Just then, Huo Yin, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke.

Before he could finish speaking, the immense aura that had been suppressed for so long suddenly erupted from his body!

Boom!

Like a volcanic eruption, or like waves rising from flat ground!
An indescribable, terrifying pressure instantly enveloped the entire area.

Hurry!
The horses neighed all around, and the hounds were so frightened that they defecated and urinated.

Even the little white fox and the second big rat whimpered and snuggled into Lü San's arms.

The air seemed to become as thick and heavy as mercury and lead, like a city wall pressing down on the sky.

Li Yan's eyes twitched slightly, and he clenched his fist tightly.

Among the ten great masters of China, Huo Yin was Emperor Xiao Qixuan's personal bodyguard, following him all the way to the throne and fighting in the south and north.

Although he serves as the president of the Divine Fist Association and is known in the martial arts world as the Eagle and Hound Master, it is undeniable that his combat strength is among the best of all the masters.

Back then, he fought to a standstill with Cheng Jianxian, who was at the height of his power.

Now that his aura has erupted, even though it is mainly aimed at Kong Hui, Li Yan cannot help but tense up all his muscles.

This is the true realm of a grandmaster!

After the alchemy comes the internal energy, and when the true meaning of martial arts is condensed, one enters another realm.

Even the weaker ones can intimidate others with their imposing manner.

Those at the peak of the Gang Jin realm are so powerful that they can even draw upon the Qi of Gang Sha to break through magic with force.

Above that is the Innate Realm, where one's internal energy flows freely, making ordinary sorcerers no match for them.

After reaching the peak of the Innate Realm, one will have the opportunity to compete for the position of Grandmaster.

It is both an honor and a way to temper one's true martial arts essence and reach another level.

For example, Wu Qu's father, Wu Zhong, the Iron Lion of Cangzhou, was also at the peak of the Innate Realm and had a illustrious reputation.

However, he lost the battle for the title of Grandmaster, which ended his future path and left him with lifelong regret.

This seems to involve a battle on a psychological level.

Li Yan didn't understand, but seeing Huo Yin's imposing aura, he felt no will to fight and his body instinctively wanted to retreat.

If they were in such a state, then Kong Hui, who was at the center of the storm, bore even more of the pressure.

"Excellent, excellent, truly remarkable!"

Kong Hui took a slight step back with his left foot, bent his body slightly, and made a hand seal with his left hand hidden in his sleeve.

Facing Huo Yin, he dared not utter any more nonsense.

Without the slightest hesitation, Huo Yin took action immediately.

boom!
As he took a step, the surrounding blue bricks immediately cracked and sank, creating a spiderweb-like crack with a diameter of five meters.

A fierce wind blew, sandstorms raged, and people and horses were thrown about on the street.

"Good guy!"

Shalifei exclaimed in surprise and quickly shielded his eyes from the smoke and dust.

Even Li Yan was taken aback.

If Cheng Jianxian's moves were like those of a banished immortal, like a gazelle leaping from the sky, transcending the mundane, then Huo Yin's moves were like the collapse of the heavens, possessing an invincible spirit.

"Divine Fist..."

Luo Mingzi was also drawn in, staring intently at the scene and muttering to himself.

That's right, "Divine Fist" was Huo Yin's nickname.

This is due to his position as the president of the Divine Fist Association, and also because his fist techniques have reached a divine level.

Rumor has it that he possesses extraordinary talent, having mastered hundreds of martial arts styles and integrated them into one, reaching a state of returning to simplicity and authenticity.

He could easily instruct his disciples on any style of boxing they learned.

Countless disciples of the Divine Fist Society regarded him as a god.

Kong Hui, being a master himself, felt this even more keenly.

He could sense that a tangible fist force had locked onto him.

There was no fancy prelude, just a plain straight punch, yet it made him feel that there was no way to avoid it.

Swish!
Kong Hui made a hand seal with his left hand and quickly stepped back.

He once again used the "mourning carriage step" from the "yinwen bagu" (a type of classical Chinese writing style).

Following the direction of the funeral procession, he stepped backward in the Nine Palaces Step, his figure flashing, and three shadows appeared as he retreated.

This is the three stages of the "funeral procession": starting the funeral, guiding the soul, and burying the deceased.

He had only used one of these techniques when dodging musket fire before, but now he used them all at once.

After all, he was a grandmaster renowned for his agility.

boom!
Huo Yin threw a punch and appeared in Kong Hui's position as if by teleportation, and the surrounding sand and dust instantly condensed into a huge fist shape.

Originally formed from the transformation of the Qi of the Gang Sha, it was as if it were a real substance, and the Qi waves instantly dispersed.

Kong Hui's three figures also dispersed at the same time, barely dodging the attack.

They separated and reunited intermittently, their figures flashing as black mist and resentful energy scattered, distorting their forms.

At the same time, a mournful and plaintive sound rang in everyone's ears:

Alas! My revered teacher is no longer with us…

"Yan Yuan died young!"

"Zilu shall be minced!"

"Alas! The Eight-Row Dance Garden!"

"The rites and music have collapsed!" Upon hearing this, many soldiers felt dizzy and disoriented, and began to weep and even vomit.

Those in the Xuanmen sect with stronger spiritual perception would experience a multitude of illusions before their eyes.

They seemed to see, within the vast and towering palace, a scholar in black wailing, and the statues of Confucian saints collapsing.

"This is the 'Crying at the Temple' from Kong Hui's 'Eight-Legged Essay in Yinwen'!"

Li Yan shouted to Luo Mingzi, who was standing next to him with a horrified expression, "This method is a simulation of the Spring and Autumn Ding Sacrifice Crying Ceremony in the Confucius Temple. It is this sorcerer's trump card. Each section contains the Yin Curse of the Eight Sufferings and Obsessions, which is specifically designed to break the martial artist's internal energy and the sorcerer's protective techniques."

He spoke up deliberately, also as a subtle reminder to Huo Yin.

However, it was clearly unnecessary.

Huo Yin remained expressionless, then turned and delivered another punch.

Boom!
The surrounding air vibrated, the swirling sandstorm suddenly stopped, and the air seemed to freeze.

Kong Hui's "crying and roaring at the temple" was also diluted considerably.

Just as Li Yan had predicted, Kong Hui used this method to break Huo Yin's protective aura.

They followed up with "crying and roaring in the temple" while simultaneously unleashing their killing move.

The three illusory figures used different martial arts techniques: "Funeral Hand," "Pangeng Yin Whip," and "Historical Pen Heart-Piercing Sword."

This method is like having an extension of oneself; it is extremely mysterious.

Li Yan couldn't even figure out how he managed to do it.

However, it was completely useless in front of Huo Yin.

With a single punch, he shattered the "Crying Temple Roar" technique's power to break through the protective barrier.

Immediately following was another unremarkable strike: Black Tiger Claws to the Heart.

Unlike before, this punch was extremely simple.

There was no howling wind, no surging air, and not even a sound.

But the moment the fist was delivered, Kong Hui felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, and all the color drained from his face instantly!
He felt as if he were isolated and rejected by the entire world.

The surrounding space seemed to solidify and compress, imprisoning him tightly!

Retreat? Avoid? Block?

All thoughts were mercilessly crushed by this pure and ultimate fist intent!
"Roar--!"

Kong Hui let out an angry roar, gathering all his strength and pouring it into his arms, which he crossed in front of him.

His entire being was enveloped in malevolent and resentful energy, like a ghost or deity.

Li Yan frowned slightly upon seeing this.

He hadn't expected that Kong Hui would have this skill, which was somewhat similar to his own divine transformation technique, capable of temporarily enhancing his abilities.

However, it was still of no use.

The fist arrives.

Under Huo Yin's terrifying fist, Kong Hui's arm bones, as brittle as rotten wood, snapped with a teeth-grinding cracking sound.

The terrifying force didn't stop for a moment, directly severing his arm and striking him heavily in the chest.

Click——!
Several ribs snapped instantly, like withered branches.

Kong Hui was thrown backward as if he had been hit head-on by a mountain, leaving a trail of shocking blood on the ground.

boom!
It smashed down another heavy brick wall, eventually embedding itself deep into the wall behind it like a tattered rag bag.

"Hehe..."

He was spitting out blood and foam, his limbs were limp like mud, and his breath was instantly exhausted.

As the dust settled, the entire arena fell into a deathly silence, broken only by the pounding of hearts.

Huo Yin simply withdrew his fist slowly, and his imposing aura dissipated.

It was as if that earth-shattering blow just now was merely a casual flick of the wrist.

He took a step forward and instantly arrived in front of Kong Hui, who was severely injured, embedded in the wall, and unconscious and on the verge of death.

clap clap clap!
With lightning speed, he directly blocked the flow of qi and blood through all the acupoints on the body.

"quick!"

Luo Mingzi immediately ordered the experts from the Enforcement Hall to step forward.

With a clanging sound, specially made heavy copper rings clicked shut, locking Kong Hui's broken limbs.

An iron chain bearing restrictive runes pierced through his collarbone, and several cinnabar blood talismans were precisely affixed to his dantian, brow, and other areas.

Under all these methods, even if Kong Hui were an immortal, he would have no power to resist.

At the same time, some miscellaneous items were also found, including a white porcelain bottle containing the antidote for the underground river's poison.

"Take him away! Throw him into the Heavenly Prison of the Enforcement Hall! Keep a close watch on him, and do not make any mistakes!"

Pei Zongti's voice was stern, tinged with relief, "Immediately search the location he suggested and eliminate the threat of underground river pollution!"

Kong Hui, who had already fallen into a coma, was dragged away by the members of the Enforcement Hall.

"Roar!"

Wu Ba let out a low growl, his eyes bloodshot, and was about to step forward.

Kong Hui was one of the masterminds behind the plot to kill Wu Qu. Wu Ba had been holding back for a long time and was determined to kill him.

"Not urgent."

Li Yan quickly stopped him and said to Luo Mingzi in a deep voice, "After we finish getting the information, we need to use other people's heads to sacrifice to Wu Qu."

"rest assured."

Luo Mingzi nodded and said in a low voice, "You will also participate in the interrogation later."

Just as they were discussing, Pei Zongti stepped forward and solemnly clasped his hands in greeting to Grandmasters Huo Yin and Dong Changxing:
"The capital is fortunate today! It is all thanks to the efforts of these masters who turned the tide!"

"Haha~ I didn't do anything." Dong Changxing stroked his beard and smiled before drifting away.

Although he was modest, anyone with eyes could see that his movements just now had completely blocked Kong Hui's escape route.

As for Huo Yin, he nodded slightly and simply said, "It's my duty."

Having said that, he turned and left with his hands behind his back.

In a flash, he disappeared from everyone's sight.

In an instant, whispers arose from all around.

"Did you see it clearly?"

"To witness a grandmaster's skill is enough to make my life complete..."

"Brother Wang, have you made any progress?"

"Brother Liu, I understand what you're saying, why would I waste my time chatting with you here..."

No wonder they were excited; no matter how well-trained they were, what they had done today was something to brag about for a long time.

Only Li Yan and the others remained silent and followed the Enforcement Hall away.

Today we captured Kong Hui, a considerable achievement.

But there are still many things to clarify: the secrets of the Nine Gates Yin Ruins, Zhao Qingxu's whereabouts, the Jianmu conspiracy...

Perhaps, many mysteries will be solved.

A massive manhunt finally ended with the Grandmaster's thunderous attack.

The surrounding soldiers began to retreat to their camps, and the barricades on the streets were cleared one by one.

With the streets reopened, the people who had been trapped in the corners breathed a sigh of relief.

Some have even begun to speculate whether the curfew will continue after the sorcerer was arrested.

As people gradually returned to the streets, a face appeared in the shadows on the second floor of the away stadium in the distance.

Wearing a felt hat, dressed in brocade, and with his hands full of jewels, he was none other than the King Serpent in disguise.

Looking at the bustling street, he was still shaken.

That night, the Xiangtang branch was destroyed, but he took Kong Hui to see Zhao Qingxu and just barely escaped the disaster.

Recalling the previous battle, he trembled as he picked up his wine glass, murmuring in a shaky voice:
"Unexpectedly, even Master Kong has fallen."

"No, I can't stay in the capital anymore..."

Having said that, he drank the wine in his cup in one gulp and quickly left the inn.

Wang She circled around the streets and alleys of Beijing several times, making sure no one was watching her, before finally arriving at an inconspicuous residential house. After looking around, she gently knocked on the iron ring.

"Come in..."

A casual voice rang out, and King Snake hurriedly entered the room.

In the courtyard, a man in blue was fiddling with a bonsai tree with his back to him.

The bonsai was carved from Shoushan stone, and it looked exactly like the peach tree of the fierce Queen Mother of the West…

(End of this chapter)