The Legend of the Condor Heroes: From Being Expelled from Peach Blossom Island

Chapter 574 A Crushing Defeat
Having transmigrated more than twenty years ago, Wu Chengyu has been using cheat codes, collecting divine skills from all over the place, experiencing life and death, and daring to take on extraordinary dangers. He believes he has reached the top of this low-level martial arts world.

Unfortunately, this time, despite giving it his all and unleashing his full power, Bai Yuchan effortlessly neutralized everything.

Wu Chengyu felt a chill in his heart. Just as Bai Yuchan said, the difference between the innate and the supreme is always the difference between immortals and mortals, the gap is too big, even if it seems to be only one step away.

However, Wu Chengyu was always a man who planned carefully before acting. His attack on Bai Yuchan was firstly to break free from the mental suppression of Bai Yuchan's absolute strength, and secondly to determine the exact gap between himself and Bai Yuchan.

Without practice, there's no insight; you only know how much you're missing by actually playing.

As expected, the four masters were defeated as soon as they appeared. Wu Chengyu knew that there was no chance of fighting them head-on. Putting aside everything else, his internal energy was powerless against true qi.

But Wu Chengyu's agreement with Bai Yuchan was never about a fight between the two of them. From beginning to end, his goal was to get rid of Bai Xian'er, that crazy woman.

Bai Yuchan's three opportunities to make a move refer to Wu Chengyu's attack on Bai Xian'er, while Bai Yuchan stood by to protect him. There was absolutely no need for Wu Chengyu to fight Bai Yuchan to the death.

Therefore, the simultaneous deployment of the four great free-form fighters and the activation of the Four Symbols Formation were all preparations for achieving the real goal. The ones who attacked Bai Yuchan earlier were all clones of Wu Chengyu.

The moment Wu Chengyu's four clones attacked and were neutralized by Bai Yuchan, he pursed his lips and whistled softly.

The whistling sound was initially low and vibrating like throat singing, causing the surrounding air to vibrate gently. Then, in an instant, the pitch rose, like a sharp blade slicing through the deep night, so sharp that it would shatter glass if there were any nearby.

The painless and itchless shockwave is a new freehand technique that Wu Chengyu created during his five years in Suzhou. It is called sonic vibration, a type of sound skill, but it is actually aimed at mental attacks.

When Wu Chengyu went to Peach Blossom Island to seek justice, his goal was to destroy all of Huang Yaoshi's pride. Therefore, he used the corresponding martial arts to counter whatever martial arts Huang Yaoshi was good at.

Whether it was Huang Yaoshi's palm techniques or finger techniques, Wu Chengyu could come up with even better methods at the time, but he was somewhat stumped by Huang Yaoshi's "Azure Sea Tide Melody".

In his previous life, he was at most a karaoke enthusiast, singing along to the lyrics and background music. If the background music were turned off, Wu Chengyu would immediately go off-key.

He actually knew nothing about music theory, but later he managed to combine his verbal skills, the Ghost Prison Wind Howl, and other sonic techniques to create a suona tune.

However, the foundation of sonic power is still music. With such a weak foundation, the last-minute cramming resulted in the suona ultimately losing out to the "Blue Sea Tide Song." It was only by forcing Guo Jing to sing beforehand to annoy Huang Yaoshi that the situation was somewhat salvaged.

Afterwards, Wu Chengyu stayed in Suzhou and studied music theory seriously, hoping to perfect his sonic skills. However, he had no talent in this area. His suona not only disturbed the people, but even broke the mandarin ducks on Taihu Lake. He made no progress at all.

However, in recent years, with the mutual reinforcement of the two breathing methods, Turtle Sun Method and Cold Cicada's Chirping, Wu Chengyu has made great progress in the art of cultivating the spirit, with the improvement of his spiritual power and his understanding of the Complete Spirit Refining Method.

Wu Chengyu gradually incorporated mental techniques into his sonic skills, just like Huang Yaoshi combined microscopic perception with sonic skills.

Wu Chengyu abandoned the use of musical instruments, since he really had no talent for them anyway. Instead, he used the simplest method: whistling. He used the ultrasonic waves of the "Word-Escape Technique" as a basis, combined with the mental rendering method of the Ghost Prison Yin Wind Howl, and the sound wave expansion method from the Transmission of Sound and Soul Searching Technique.

By incorporating his understanding of mental power into it, he finally created this painless and itch-free shockwave. On the surface, it is a sound technique that can directly pierce the opponent's eardrum with high-frequency sound waves, but in reality, it is a method of mental shockwave that uses sound waves to vibrate the opponent's mind.

In Wu Chengyu's view, if someone is caught off guard and hit by this shockwave, even a top master like Huang Yaoshi, who is proficient in sonic techniques, will at least be dizzy for a while. In a battle between masters, even a half-second of distraction can determine life or death.

Just as Bai Yuchan had defeated his four clones, Wu Chengyu's true body whistled softly. As he had expected, Bai Yuchan's eyes became slightly dazed. Wu Chengyu's true body then turned and rushed towards the main hall where Bai Xian'er and Lü Fang were.

Although the whole process seemed to have happened after the fierce battle, it actually only took two or three breaths. Wu Chengyu's four clones were actually entangled with Bai Yuchan.

Bai Yuchan had just neutralized Wu Chengyu's four moves effortlessly, but Wu Chengyu's skill was extraordinary, and these four moves were among the most mysterious techniques in the world.

While Bai Yuchan appeared nonchalant, he had actually put in some effort. Just as he was withdrawing his power, he was suddenly struck by Wu Chengyu's shockwave, which made him feel disoriented. This was exactly the opportunity Wu Chengyu wanted, which was less than a second away.

Wu Chengyu stood only three zhang away from the main hall. He could even hear Bai Xian'er's conversation with Lü Fang. Bai Xian'er was still as arrogant and crazy as ever, and Lü Fang was still as submissive as ever.

At this moment, Wu Chengyu felt a little strange, but he didn't have time to think about it. With his lightness skill, he could rush into the main hall in just one breath to cover the three-zhang distance.

Even if Bai Yuchan's cultivation level far surpasses his, if Wu Chengyu were to get within three feet of Bai Xian'er, even a great immortal like Bai Yuchan would find it difficult to provide timely assistance.

Just as Wu Chengyu rushed to within half a step of the main hall's door and was about to smash it down, his hands were suddenly forcibly grabbed.

Not only his hands, but also Wu Chengyu's legs, waist, shoulders, and neck seemed to be bound by layers of invisible ropes. His internal force tried to resist, but it had no effect on these invisible things.

Good heavens! Is he born with such terrifying skills? Or perhaps Bai Yuchan's martial arts prowess surpasses Wu Chengyu's imagination? After watching the Four Great Scattered Hands, Bai Yuchan immediately simulated the Cloud-Piercing Hand.

Now it's even better. This invisible rope is a replica of the Soul-Guiding Thread that never leaves your side, but it's an advanced version. Wu Chengyu's Soul-Guiding Thread uses internal force, while Bai Yuchan uses true qi.

Wu Chengyu had used this Soul-Guiding Silk technique to secretly control his enemies for many years without ever failing. In recent years, he had even used it to coax his children. However, he never imagined that one day he would fall for this trick himself and be bound hand and foot, unable to move.

His internal energy was currently bound. If he used his powerful physical strength, he could have fought against Bai Yuchan's replica of the Soul-Guiding Silk. However, Wu Chengyu knew that things were hopeless and there was no need to persist. His first attack on Bai Xian'er ended in failure.

Sensing that Wu Chengyu was no longer insisting, the soul-guiding threads on his body immediately disappeared. Bai Yuchan remained unmoved with a smile on his face, while Wu Chengyu silently turned around and stood face to face with Bai Yuchan once again.

"Young friend, you are indeed extraordinary. Your lightness skill is even better than mine. Your physique is even more exaggerated than I have seen. Your physical strength is unstoppable. I, Bai, dare not fight you head-on."

What's even more remarkable is that each of your four clones made a move just now, and each move opened my eyes.

That powerful and heavy punch and the grappling technique that dislocated my bones the moment it touched me were fine, but I, Bai, am not good at those things and simply cannot learn them.

However, the palm technique that manipulated Yin and Yang just now, as well as the force field formed by this invisible power, was quite refreshing for me. I really didn't know that the Yin and Yang principles could be applied in this way, and I also gained a new understanding of the control of true Qi.

What's even more remarkable is that you, before even reaching the Innate Realm, already possess methods of mental attacks. Such talent and ability are truly unparalleled in my life. Today, having witnessed this young hero and his extraordinary skills, I, Bai, have gained much.

I must say that you are exceptionally gifted, young friend. If you had already entered the Innate Realm and transformed your inner strength into true qi, with your exceptional advantages, I'm afraid even I, Bai, would not be your match.

Although I still can't remember where I first met you, our meeting here and now is far too early for you.

Wu Chengyu was speechless with anger. Bai Yuchan was also a Taoist master with a profound understanding of the principles of Yin and Yang, and his use of true energy was superb.

It's like a mathematical genius who is proficient in calculus, who accidentally discovers a new solution to a difficult problem, and grasps it immediately after a quick glance.

It's normal that Bai Yuchan didn't recognize Wu Chengyu, not to mention that Wu Chengyu's appearance changed drastically after his transformation.

When he met Bai Yuchan by chance back then, that ten-year-old boy probably wouldn't have even caught Bai Yuchan's eye. In this man's eyes, when are ordinary people worth remembering?

However, Wu Chengyu accepted his defeat with composure. There was a gap in skill, and a direct confrontation would likely be ineffective, but Wu Chengyu never gave up easily.

"I lost the first time. It seems I still have two more chances. Senior Bai, you'd better keep an eye on Bai Xian'er and don't let me get close."

"I promised you three chances, and I will not go back on my word. You may make your move within three chances, and I will simply repel you and let you leave."

Some things don't need to be said too explicitly. Just as Wu Chengyu said before, if Bai Xian'er is killed, Bai Yuchan will definitely avenge his daughter.

Bai Yuchan will not attack Wu Chengyu if he has three opportunities to make a move, but if there is a fourth opportunity, Bai Yuchan will naturally not let Wu Chengyu leave.

"Three days from now, I will make another move and will naturally give Senior Bai something new. Please look forward to it."

As soon as he finished speaking, Wu Chengyu's figure disappeared into the night. Bai Yuchan's expression gradually calmed down. He turned his head to look at the main hall, where his precious daughter was enjoying his son-in-law's flattery. In the end, he could only sigh and leave helplessly.

The exchange between Wu Chengyu and Bai Yuchan lasted mostly in conversation, with the actual physical fight taking no more than a minute. However, it was quite a commotion, yet no one in the prefectural government was alerted.

After leaving the prefectural government, Wu Chengyu made several detours in Suzhou before reverting to Murong Xiu's appearance. This time, however, he did not return to his residence but went directly to the mansion of the former prefect of Pingjiang, Ma Cheng.

When Lü Fang arrived in Suzhou to take office, Ma Cheng relinquished the prefectural government. The handover of government affairs between Lü Fang and Ma Cheng would take some time. At this time, the whole family moved to a garden in the north of Suzhou.

It's not a world-renowned garden like the Humble Administrator's Garden or the Lingering Garden. It doesn't occupy a large area, but it's a world of its own, complete with pavilions and towers, and filled with strange rocks and exotic plants.

Besides Ma Cheng's family, there were a few servants and maids in the garden, but their numbers were few and far between, not worthy of his status as the prefect, even if he was the former one.

Ma Cheng was alone in his study. It was past midnight, but he was wide awake. His bulky body paced back and forth in the study, sighing deeply.

Ever since Wu Chengyu planted the Life and Death Talisman on him a few years ago, this guy has been living a life worse than death, completely becoming a puppet who obeys orders. Most of the money he embezzled in his life was taken by Wu Chengyu to support his army.

He dared not plunder the common people anymore. Occasionally, he would use his power to do favors for the powerful families in Suzhou and receive some benefits, which would then be taken away by Wu Chengyu.

However, Wu Chengyu did not push him too far. Apart from the money he embezzled, Wu Chengyu never took the salary that Ma Cheng was entitled to. However, on the surface, Ma Cheng still needed to maintain the airs of a prefect, which cost a lot. Therefore, in recent years, his family has been very poor, and he did not dare to hire too many maids and servants.

When he learned that he was to be transferred to Hangzhou, he was initially overjoyed, thinking that he could escape Wu Chengyu's clutches. Then he became terrified. Having been an official for many years, he naturally knew how to read people's hearts. Once he left Suzhou, it would be hard to guarantee that Wu Chengyu would not take action against him.

In the past few days, Ma Cheng has been receiving Lü Fang and accepting the farewell gifts from the powerful families of Suzhou, while at night he has been unable to sleep, constantly worrying about his life.

Just as Ma Cheng was frowning in worry, he suddenly heard the voice that terrified him to his very core: "Lord Ma, you certainly have a leisurely and refined taste. This garden is probably quite valuable."

Immediately, a familiar figure appeared before Ma Cheng. Ma Cheng's knees buckled, and he knelt down on the ground: "Ma Cheng greets Master. If Master has any orders, Ma Cheng will go through fire and water."

I only beg you, Master, to spare my life, considering how obedient I have always been to you.

This garden was part of my wife's dowry when she married me; it is not registered in my name. If you, sir, like it, I will offer it to you.

Wu Chengyu now had the face of Murong Xiu, and a middle-aged version of Andy Lau's face had a half-smile on his face: "Get up. I have always taken what you have obtained through corruption, so I would never have thought of taking your wife's dowry."

You're quite shrewd; you should have guessed that the day you left Suzhou would be the day you died. The journey is long and arduous, and I don't have time to visit you in Hangzhou every day. So, if you die, it will be better for everyone.”

Ma Cheng dared not speak, and could only keep kowtowing, until his forehead turned bruised and purple in no time.

Wu Chengyu pondered for a moment and said, "Get up. To be honest, you have been obedient all these years and have helped me a lot. You have made great contributions to the success of my business in Pingjiang Prefecture."

Very well, I'm unusually soft-hearted tonight. Besides, you've been an official for many years, and although you're corrupt, you've never done anything to kill people. I'll give you a chance.

First, after officially stepping down, you should write to the court in Hangzhou, saying that you are seriously ill and may no longer be able to handle affairs, so you should ask to retire.

Afterwards, I'll stay in Suzhou with your family. This garden is nice; it's a good place to retire. As long as you behave, I don't necessarily want to kill you.

Ma Cheng was overjoyed and kowtowed to Wu Chengyu again. Having been tormented by Wu Chengyu for many years, this guy had long lost his ambition for officialdom and only wanted to survive. Now that Wu Chengyu had agreed to let him stay and live out his old age, Ma Cheng dared not ask for anything more. Being able to live was enough.

"Secondly, you will be handing over official business with Lü Fang in the next few days. Tomorrow I will go to the yamen with you to have a good meeting with this former second-place scholar and the new prefect."

(End of this chapter)