Reborn Ouyang Ke: From The Condor Heroes to the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 39: With superior skills, You Chuhong makes her appearance!

Dugu Feng stood with her hands behind her back, her robes fluttering gently in the wind. The red silk overcoat contrasted with her black warrior's uniform, making her cold and beautiful face appear even whiter and more like jade. Her right hand rested on her sword, which, even before it was drawn, exuded a sharp sword aura. Several withered leaves on the ground were lifted up by the invisible force of her energy and slowly spun between the two of them.

Sha Zhijing retreated to the steps in front of the hall, clasped her hands together, and held her breath. Although she was not skilled in martial arts, she could still feel the tense atmosphere in the room, as if a conflict was about to erupt.

Dugu Feng smiled slightly and slowly drew his sword with his right hand.

The sound of the sword being drawn was clear and resonant, like the roar of a dragon or the cry of a phoenix.

The moment the three-foot-long sword was drawn from its sheath, a streak of green light pierced the sky, and a chilling sword aura instantly filled the entire area. With a slight twist of her wrist, the tip of the sword drew a graceful arc in the air, the sword light flowing like mercury, penetrating every crevice.

Ouyang Ke remained calm, as if the chilling sword energy had nothing to do with him.

Seeing that he remained unmoved, Dugu Feng was slightly surprised and her sword strike became even faster. A blue light, like a rainbow, went straight for Ouyang Ke's shoulder. Before the sword even arrived, the sword energy had already made his clothes flutter loudly.

When the sword light was within three feet of him, Ouyang Ke finally moved.

He lightly tapped the sword's spine with his right cane, striking it with perfect precision. The touch seemed casual, yet the force was just right—a crisp "ding" rang out, clear and melodious, like the striking of a jade chime.

Dugu Feng felt an immense and unparalleled internal force emanating from the sword, which made her hands go numb and caused her to involuntarily take two steps back.

She steadied herself, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. She had practiced martial arts since childhood, possessing profound inner strength and exquisite swordsmanship, making her virtually unmatched in Luoyang. How could this white-clad man with the cane possess such power in a casual strike?

She took a deep breath, composed herself, and her swordplay suddenly changed.

In an instant, countless sword shadows surged before her, their moves strange and meticulous, seemingly both offensive and defensive, making them completely unpredictable. This was none other than the "Azure Sky and Mortal World" sword technique, renowned among the Dugu Clan's extraordinary skills. The sword moved with agility, each move linked to the next, and combined with the Dugu Clan's unique footwork, it was now as turbulent as the mortal world and as vast as the azure sky, ever-changing.

A serious look appeared in Ouyang Ke's eyes.

Dugu Fengjiao turned around, her sword following her, and thousands of sword beams surged towards him like a raging tide.

Wherever the sword light passed, the air was torn apart, emitting a hissing shriek. Her footwork subtly followed the principles of escaping the heavens, her figure elusive, sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right, sometimes forward, sometimes backward, each sword thrust attacking from the most unbelievable angle.

Ouyang Ke remained calm and composed, lightly tapping his crutches under his arms, and in a flash, he had already floated to the side of the garden. This retreat seemed hasty, but it was exquisitely executed, perfectly avoiding the most intense point of the sword's strike. He tapped his crutches repeatedly, his figure moving freely among the flowers and rockeries, his white robes fluttering as if he were strolling leisurely in a garden.

Dugu Fengjiao shouted, her steps becoming even faster. The sword light in her hand transformed into an arc, relentlessly pursuing Ouyang Ke's figure. The faster her swordsmanship, the more agile her movements, her entire being resembling a blue dragon, soaring and leaping through the garden. Several old plum trees a few feet away were stimulated by the sword energy, their branches rustling and leaves fluttering down.

In an instant, the fallen leaves in the garden were like snow, flying everywhere.

Ouyang Ke and Dugu Feng's figures weaved and intertwined among the artificial hills, flowerbeds, and winding streams, one in white, one in green; one still, one in motion. Though Ouyang Ke leaned on crutches, his movements were ethereal and graceful, each shift perfectly timed to avoid the sword's edge. Dugu Feng's sword light shone like a rainbow, her movements as swift as lightning, yet she always missed by a hair's breadth. Fallen leaves swirled and danced around them, only to be shredded by their sword energy, turning into countless fragments that drifted down in a flurry.

Sha Zhijing, standing under the pavilion, was mesmerized.

She had known Dugu Feng for many years and was well aware of the level of her close friend's swordsmanship. In Luoyang, there were very few young people who could match Dugu Feng's skills, and even fewer who could force her to use her full strength. Yet now, Feng'er had exhausted all her abilities, but Brother Ouyang remained calm and composed, without even launching an attack.

"Brother Ouyang, why haven't you made a move yet?" Dugu Feng's sword flew over, its aura sharp, but her words carried a hint of urgency.

"Okay," Ouyang Ke replied with only one word.

As soon as he finished speaking, his crutches suddenly slipped from his arms and plunged deep into the ground. Using the force, he leaped into the air, his white robes fluttering, like a white crane soaring through the air, and in an instant, he was on top of Dugu Feng's head.

This sudden change of tactics was extremely unexpected; no one had anticipated that he would abandon his crutch and leap into the air. Dugu Feng was startled, and her longsword shot upwards, the chilling sword energy aimed directly at Ouyang Ke's face, the coldness already causing a slight stinging sensation on his cheek.

Ouyang Ke neither dodged nor avoided.

He slightly tilted his body in mid-air, his right hand forming a claw with five fingers, and actually pierced through the chilling sword energy, accurately grabbing the spine of the sword.

Dugu Feng was shocked and tried to pull back the sword, but it felt as if it were clamped by iron clamps and wouldn't budge. The next moment, with a crisp "crack," the three-foot-long sword broke into several pieces right before her eyes!

Fragments of the sword scattered, reflecting a cold glint in the sunlight like falling stars.

Dugu Feng was greatly shocked. She subconsciously let go and retreated, using a series of unorthodox footwork techniques to barely avoid Ouyang Ke's subsequent grab. The claw grazed her wrist, creating a gust of wind that made her sleeves flutter.

Even while in mid-air, Ouyang Ke was still able to maneuver. He transformed his right claw into a palm, lightly striking Dugu Feng's shoulder. This palm strike, seemingly slow, sealed off all her escape routes; before the palm even arrived, the wind from it had already enveloped her.

Dugu Feng was proud and arrogant; how could she be willing to back down all the time?

She gritted her teeth, secretly channeled her inner strength, and met the attack with her right palm.

With palms clasped together, a powerful energy emanated from them.

With a muffled thud, the two separated as soon as they touched.

A blush crept onto Dugu Feng's fair skin, and she involuntarily took several steps back, each step causing the blue bricks on the ground to tremble slightly. She felt a surge of extremely yang energy rushing into her meridians like a tidal wave, incredibly powerful. She desperately circulated her inner strength to barely dispel it, but her chest felt tight and her breathing became unsteady.

Ouyang Ke landed gracefully, his crutches now in his hands. His expression was as calm as ever, as if the fierce battle just moments before was nothing more than a leisurely stroll. He bowed slightly to Dugu Feng, saying, "You flatter me, Miss Dugu."

Dugu Feng steadied herself, staring silently at the broken sword fragments on the ground for a long time. She raised her head, the sharpness in her eyes gone, replaced by genuine admiration.

"I admire Brother Ouyang's martial arts skills to the extreme." She returned the greeting with clasped hands, her tone sincere.

Ouyang Ke smiled slightly: "Miss Feng's 'Azure Heaven and Mortal World' swordsmanship is exquisite, and her unorthodox footwork is even more breathtaking. The Dugu Clan's renowned skills, listed on the list of extraordinary martial arts, truly live up to their reputation."

Upon hearing this, a complex look flashed in Dugu Feng's eyes. She had practiced martial arts since childhood and was regarded as a genius by her clan, unmatched among her peers. Although she had lost today's battle, it had also unexpectedly allowed her to see a higher perspective.

"Feng'er is becoming more and more curious about Brother Ouyang's family heirloom," she said softly, her tone filled with longing.

Sha Zhijing ran out from under the pavilion, grabbed Dugu Feng's hand, and looked her up and down to make sure she was alright before turning to look at Ouyang Ke. Her mouth was slightly open, her eyes filled with disbelief.

She had known Dugu Feng for many years and knew her close friend's personality best. Feng'er was proud and arrogant and never admitted defeat to anyone, but today she took the initiative to admit defeat and even showed sincere admiration for Ouyang Ke's martial arts skills.

Just how strong is Brother Ouyang?

"Brother Ouyang, is your martial arts really that amazing?" she couldn't help but ask.

Ouyang Ke smiled without saying a word.

Dugu Feng shook her head and chuckled, "Jing'er, Brother Ouyang's martial arts are nearing perfection, far beyond what I can match now. He held back at least three-tenths of his strength when he attacked just now."

Sha Zhijing was even more surprised and was about to ask again when she suddenly heard an old voice coming from the depths of the garden.

"Whose successor are you?"

The sound wasn't loud, but it clearly reached the ears of everyone present, like a morning bell or evening drum, making their eardrums buzz.

Ouyang Ke's heart skipped a beat, and his gaze shot towards the source of the sound like lightning.

A hunched figure appeared by the small pond deep in the garden, seemingly out of nowhere.

It was an old woman with gray hair and a face full of deep wrinkles. Her eyes were half-hidden by loose eyelids, as if she were blind. She wore a black robe with a white silk blouse over it. Her forehead was prominent and her cheeks were sunken. Strangely, her skin had a pinkish hue that was not appropriate for her age.

She stood there quietly, leaning on a bright green cane, as if she had been standing there for a long time.

It was none other than You Chuhong, the top expert of the Dugu Clan.

Among the entire Dugu clan, only she was able to remain undetected by Ouyang Ke and observe the battle from the sidelines for so long.

Upon seeing the old woman, Dugu Feng immediately adopted a charming and innocent demeanor. In a flash, she appeared beside her, gently taking her arm and saying coquettishly, "Grandma, why did you come out?"

You Chuhong reached out and affectionately stroked Dugu Feng's hair: "I heard a commotion in the garden, so I came out to see what was going on."

Sha Zhijing also stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Zhijing greets Senior You."

You Chuhong nodded as the light fell on Ouyang Ke.

Her gaze was cloudy and dim, yet it gave Ouyang Ke a feeling of being seen through. It was as if, in front of this nearly hundred-year-old woman, all his secrets were laid bare.

"This junior, Ouyang Ke, greets Senior You." He bowed respectfully.

You Chuhong remained silent, simply observing him. After a long while, she slowly spoke, "Your martial arts are quite good. Who is your successor?"

She was nearly a hundred years old and had seen much of the world. She knew most of the masters from the demonic sects and the Buddhist and Taoist schools. But the martial arts Ouyang Ke had just displayed were strange in their moves and powerful in their internal energy, yet she couldn't discern their origin. This alone was enough to astonish her.

Ouyang Ke frankly replied, "My martial arts skills were taught to me by my uncle."

"Uncle?" You Chuhong frowned slightly, searching her memory, but she couldn't recall any martial arts master with the compound surname Ouyang.

Seeing her grandmother's confusion, Dugu Feng took the initiative to explain, "Grandma, Brother Ouyang and his nephew have lived in the Western Regions for a long time and rarely travel to the Central Plains, so few people know about them."

You Chuhong nodded slightly, her gaze falling on Ouyang Ke again, and slowly said, "In that case, your uncle is indeed a master of martial arts. It's a pity that this old woman has no chance to meet him; it's truly a regrettable matter."

Ouyang Ke said, "My uncle will soon be heading south to the Central Plains. At that time, Senior You will naturally have the opportunity to get to know my uncle."

You Chuhong was slightly taken aback, then nodded: "That's very good."

She was indeed quite curious about the martial arts of Ouyang Ke's lineage. The two had just exchanged blows in the garden; although Feng'er had lost, it was a fair defeat. Ouyang Ke had clearly held back, his attacks were effortless, a level of skill rarely seen among the younger generation. She had lived for nearly a hundred years and seen countless geniuses, but very few could reach such a level at Ouyang Ke's age.

Unfortunately—her gaze unconsciously fell on Ouyang Ke's knees, and she sighed softly.

If this man's legs were intact, I'm afraid there would be no one among the younger generation in the world who could rival him.

Ouyang Ke felt the gaze, but his expression remained calm. Since his legs became injured, he had long been accustomed to the strange looks from others. Whether it was pity or sympathy, it could not sway him in the slightest.

Because he firmly believed that one day he would stand up again.

You Chuhong noticed his composure and determination, and her opinion of him rose even higher. People may have different talents, but those who can truly achieve great things not only need outstanding talent, but also a heart that cannot be defeated by setbacks.

"If Young Master Ouyang has any free time in the future, you are welcome to visit the Dugu Clan," she said casually.

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Dugu Feng's beautiful eyes. Sha Zhijing was also startled.

They all understood what You Chuhong's words meant; she was undoubtedly treating Ouyang Ke as a distinguished guest with whom they could befriend on an equal footing.

The status of a distinguished guest of the Dugu clan is enough to make countless people flock to him in Luoyang.

Ouyang Ke cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Senior You."

You Chuhong nodded, patted Dugu Feng's hand, and said, "This old woman is tired. You young people can chat."

Before she finished speaking, she had already moved. Her hunched figure vanished into the depths of the garden in an instant, like a gentle breeze. Her speed was so great that even a strong and agile young man would be left in awe.

As Ouyang Ke watched the disappearing figure, he sincerely praised, "Senior You's martial arts skills are truly admirable."

Dugu Feng gazed in the direction her grandmother had left and said softly, "My grandmother has extremely high standards. This is the first time I've ever seen her praise a junior of her own generation so highly."

Ouyang Ke smiled faintly: "In that case, I should thank Senior You for your high regard."

His tone was flat, revealing no emotional fluctuation. Dugu Feng looked at him, and a strange feeling suddenly welled up in her heart.

This person seems indifferent to everything. He is neither elated by victory nor saddened by defeat, and he doesn't seem proud when praised.

She suddenly remembered the claw technique he had just used, and out of curiosity, she asked, "Brother Ouyang, was the claw technique you just used a family martial art?"

Although she was young, she had seen many famous martial arts masters. But in terms of the ferocity of her claw techniques and the exquisiteness of her moves, no one could surpass Ouyang Ke.

Ouyang Ke shook his head: "This claw technique is called the 'Crushing Divine Claw,' created by a martial arts prodigy when he was collecting the martial arts skills of his enemies."

Dugu Feng and Sha Zhijing exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with curiosity. Ouyang Ke then omitted Huang Shang's specific dynasty and recounted how this extraordinary man comprehended martial arts from the Daoist canon, how he became enemies with the Ming Cult, and how he secluded himself for forty years to create the Nine Yin Manual.

To put it simply.

Dugu Feng listened intently and couldn't help but praise, "To be able to learn martial arts from Taoist classics, this old Mr. Huang is almost a master of martial arts."

"Not bad." Ouyang Ke nodded, but his gaze was somewhat distant.

Unfortunately, like Dugu Qiubai, such figures turned into a pile of dust a hundred years later.

fortunately.

Fortunately, he has found his way forward.

Beneath the pavilion, an autumn breeze swept by, and a few fallen leaves swirled and drifted down. Sha Zhijing glanced at Ouyang Ke, then at Dugu Feng, and suddenly laughed, "Feng'er, are you truly convinced of your defeat today?"

Dugu Feng glared at her, but a smile appeared on her lips: "I admire Brother Ouyang's martial arts. However—" She paused, her gaze falling on Ouyang Ke, "if we were to fight again next time, I might not lose."

Ouyang Ke smiled slightly but did not respond.

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