Everyone showing off their abilities.

Original translation by Strunf

Wang Chuyi went extremely quickly. In little time, they left the city. Some li further, they arrived at the foot of a hill. Eager to test the abilities of Guo Jing, the Taoist did not slow and ran more and more quickly.

At the time Guo Jing learned from Ma Yu to control his breath, he had climbed and descended a high mountain many times. Today, even after a heated battle, this race did not frighten him. Going against the wind, as snow fell heavily, Wang Chuyi sprang up the small hill, its sides covered with slipping snow. At the end, the slope became increasingly steep. But the progress of Guo Jing made him wonder: he advanced without being blown, as though his pulse did not accelerate, as if the ground were flat.

The Taoist, extremely surprised, released Guo Jing’s arm:

“Your gongfu foundation is rather well established! How is it made that you are not able to beat him?”

Guo Jing had no answer and could only remain silent.

“Who is your Shifu?” Wang continued.

Guo Jing knew of the Taoist, since, at the top of cliff, he had received the order to play the part of Yin Zhiping, to mislead Mei Chaofeng. He remembered that Wang Chuyi was one of the martial brothers of Ma Yu. Therefore he did not hesitate to tell the truth, telling quickly how he had been taught by the Jiangnan Odd Seven, and also by Ma Yu.

“My senior brother gave you lessons!” Wang exclaimed, delighted. “He is formidable! Then I don’t see why I should worry!”

Guo Jing’s eyes widened, looking at him without understanding.

“This so-called Young Prince, Wanyan Kang,” explained Wang, “is the disciple of my brother in arms Qiu Chuji. Did you know?

“Ah,” Guo Jing was astonished. “I was unaware of it…”

Indeed, Ma Yu had taught to him some bases for the control of internal energy, as well as the qinggong technique called “Flight of the Golden Eagle”, in order to enable him to climb the cliff. But he had never given him the least indication in battle technique or in weapons skills. This is why Guo Jing did not know any Quanzhen gongfu at all. By hearing the remarks of Wang Chuyi, he remembered his battle, that night, with the young Taoist Yin Zhiping, whose movements seemed to come from of the same style as those of this Wanyan Kang.

He believed that he had done wrong and bowed his head.

“I did not know,” he said humbly, “that this Young Prince was a disciple of Master Qiu. I behaved out of order to him, please do not hold it against him…”

Wang Chuyi burst out laughing.

“Your righteousness and gentlemanly spirit suits me right to the heart. How could I reproach you? The rules in our Sect are extremely strict. If a disciple is at fault, he will be punished accordingly and justice will be done. This young boy was impudent and arrogant, I will ask Brother Qiu to punish him severely.”

“If he agrees to marry this young lady, Mu,” pleaded Guo Jing, “please agree to forgive him…”

Wang Chuyi shook the head without answering. He could see that Guo Jing had good heart, and that he forgave readily, and looked upon him with still more sympathy.

“Brother Qiu always hated evildoers, and especially Jin,” he thought. “How did it come about that he agreed to take on a Jin prince for his disciple? The more so as the knowledge which it seems to have of our gongfu appears rather thorough. That means, obviously, that Brother Qiu devoted to him much time and energy! However, in his gongfu, one senses the pernicious influences of unorthodox and perverse schools. I’m totally mystified!”

“Brother Qiu told me he was going to Yanjing,” he said to Guo Jing. “He should arrive in the next few days. We will ask him for explanations when we see him. I intended to say that he took a disciple of the name of Yang, who must go to contest himself against you in Jiaxing. I do not know how powerful this chap is, but don’t be worried; I will be there, and am sure you will come out on top.”

Guo Jing had obeyed the order given by his six Masters, to go, at the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, to the prefecture of Jiaxing. But they had not explained to him for what reason.

“Master Taoist,” he asked then, “why must I test myself against him?”

“If your teachers did not think it well to explain it to you,” answered Wang, “it would be wrong for me to do it in their place.”

He had learned, from Qiu Chuji, the origin and outcome of this business, and he felt, for the generous actions of the Odd Six, an immense admiration. He had had the same thoughts as Ma Yu, and hoped for the victory of the Six. However, as a junior, he could not require of Qiu to step down. Today, encouraged by the personality of Guo Jing, he wondered how he could help him secretly, without damaging to the reputation of his martial brother. He thus decided to also go to Jiaxing, and to think on the spot some way to support him.

“Let us return and visit Mu Yi,” proposed the Taoist. “His daughter seems to be rather stubborn, I fear this will cause him problems…”

Guo Jing started. Both went to the Prosperity Inn, in the western part of the city. When they arrived at the door of the Inn, ten servants richly clad in brocade were there. They came to them while greeting:

“Our master humbly requests of the Master Taoist and Lord Guo, whether they would agree to a banquet held at his modest residence.”

The red invitation card respectfully carried the inscription “Your disciple Wanyan Kang invites.”

“Well,” Wang Chuyi said, shaking his head. “We will come presently.”

“These cakes and fruits,” declared the chief of the servants, “are a modest present from the Young Prince. If the Master Taoist and Lord Guo indicate to me where to place them, I will bring them over there.”

The servants presented twelve large boxes, filled with various fresh fruits and fine cakes, very appetising.

“Brother Huang Rong likes finely made pastries,” thought Guo Jing, “I will keep some for him”

Because of his aversion to Wanyan Kang, Wang Chuyi intended to return the present. But, seeing that Guo Jing seemed to appreciate them, he ordered to leave them at the counter.

“Young people are covetous,” he said with a smile. “It’s normal…”

They went then in the room of Mu Yi. He was stretched out on the bed, his face pale, his daughter in tears sitting by his bedside. By seeing Wang and Guo to enter, they pushed a cry of surprise. The girl rose to her feet, the man tried to get up.

Wang Chuyi examined the wounds of Mu Yi. On each hand, the five wounds dug by the fingers of Wanyan Kang were open to the bone, as if they had been inflicted by a weapon. The hands were extremely swollen: they had been coated with alleviating balsam but, because of fear of infection, no bandage had been applied.

Wang Chuyi could not understand the nature of the wound: “Who taught Wanyan Kang such a cruel and brutal technique? Looking at the seriousness of those wounds, it isn’t superficial; it would take a long time for someone to reach this power. How could Brother Qiu not realize this at all? Or if he had some idea about it, why didn’t he do anything to stop him?”

He turned to the girl:

“Young lady, you are…?”

“I am called Mu Nianci (Nianci: “to remember the mother”),” she answered, casting a grateful glance towards Guo Jing before bowing her head.

Guo Jing saw that the pole of the banner was at the foot of the bed, but the banner itself, with the inscription “Tournament to find a husband” had been torn into shreds.

“Don’t you wish to see a husband?” he wondered in surprise.

“Your father’s injury is quite serious,” continued Wang. “It should be looked after properly.”

Seeing the destitution in which they lived, he understood that the father and the girl had few means, and would have probably found it very hard to find the money for the medicines. He left two ingots money from his pocket and placed them on the table.

“I will return to see you tomorrow,” he promised.

Without awaiting the thanks of Mu Yi and his daughter, he took Guo Jing by the arm and left.

At the door of the inn, the four brocade clothed servants advanced towards them and bowed:

“Our young Master awaits your honourable visit, please follow us.”

Wang Chuyi agreed.

“Master,” Guo Jing said, “wait to me one moment.”

He turned and ran to the counter of the inn, opened the boxes of delicacies offered by Wanyan Kang, chooses four cakes, carefully wrapped them in a handkerchief and put them in a pocket. Then he followed Wang Chuyi to the residence.

On the two sides of the large door painted in bright red, flags were spread on high poles. Two lions of jade, majestic and fierce, stood guard. A flight of white jade steps carried out to the large hall. The effect was impressive. Above the large door, there was an inscription in gold letters: “Residence of Prince Zhao”.

Guo Jing knew that Prince Zhao was the title of the Sixth Prince of the Jin Empire, Wanyan Honglie.

“So,” he said to himself, full of fear, “this Young Prince is the son of Wanyan Honglie? He knows me, it’ll be terrible if I come upon him here!”

As he hesitated, there came the sound of drums and trumpets. The Young Prince, wearing gold crown and a red tunic, a gold belt tied around his waist, descended the steps to meet them.

However, he had a black eye, and a swollen face, marks of the keen combat of a few hours ago. Guo Jing was not in better state, with a swollen eye, bruises on his lips, his face and the cheek ravaged. Both felt amused, and could not prevent themselves from smiling.

Seeing the luxurious garb of Wanyan Kang, Wang’s eyebrows came together and he followed him to the large room without saying a word. Wanyan Kang requested him to sit down in the place of honor.

“It’s a distinguished honour that Master Taoist and Brother Guo have agreed to come here!”

As he did not kowtow to him and did not seem to recognize his membership of the Quanzhen Sect, Wang felt anger rise within him.

“For how many years were you taught the martial arts by your Shifu?” he asked.

“I know nothing in martial arts,” answered Wanyan Kang while laughing. “My Shifu gave me lessons for several years, but what he taught me would make you laugh, because that it’s no more than a three-legged cat’s skills.”

“The skills of the Quanzhen Sect are nothing exceptional,” Wang said, containing his anger, “but it is nonetheless better than a three-legged cat skill. Your Shifu, did you know he will arrive in a few days?”

“My Shifu is here,” retorted Wanyan Kang, always smiling. “Do you wish to see him, Master?”

“Where is he?” exclaimed Wang Chuyi, amazed.

Without waiting for him to answer, Wanyan Kang struck in its hands, and ordered:

“Serve the banquet!”

Then he took his two guests towards the banquet hall. They crossed several corridors, several decorated pavilions. Guo Jing, who had never seen such a pompous residence, was overwhelmed. But he was especially worried about the coming confrontation with Wanyan Honglie, because he did not know what he should do. “The great Khan wants me to assassinate the prince,” he thought, “but it turns out his son is the disciple of Taoist Elder Qiu! Should I kill him or not?” He did not manage to decide, so uneasiness plagued him.

In the banquet hall, six or seven people have already awaited them. One of them had three lumps on his face, it was Hou Tonghai, the three-headed Dragon. Hands on his hips, he looked at them with anger. Guo Jing made a movement of retreat, then he was reassured, thinking that the presence of the Taoist Elder at his side would dissuade Hou from undertaking anything. However, not being able to suppress a certain feeling of apprehension, he averted his head, avoiding the glance of his adversary. Then, recalling the foolish behaviour of Hou during the chase of Huang Rong, he laughed up his sleeve.

“Taoist Elder,” said Wanyan Kang, a charming expression on his face, “Here are several people who admire you and have wished, since a long time, to get acquainted. You have already met Chief Peng. Here is the honourable Liang Ziwong, also called the Ginseng Immortal, who is from the Eternal-whitePeak.” Liang Ziwong, an old man with a florid face and immaculate hair, greeted by joining his hands.

“What an honour to meet the Perfect Wang, the Immortal-with-iron-foot! I will now be able to claim that my voyage beyond the Pass has not been in vain. Here is Supreme Virtue Ling Zhi, also known as Distinguished Big-hand, from the esoteric school of Tibet. I myself came from the North-East, he from the South-West, it had required a voyage of tens of thousands Li, one could say that ours is a predestined encounter.”

Obviously, Liang Ziwong was a very glib talker. Wang Chuyi greeted Supreme Virtue Ling Zhi, the lama answered by joining his hands.

Suddenly, a raucous voice was heard:

“Thus, it is because they feel supported by the Sect of Total Perfection (Quan Zhen) that the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan dare to be conceited!”

Wang Chuyi turned his head and saw a completely bald man with gleaming skull and bulging red eyes. That man reminded him of someone:

“Are you possibly the venerable Sha, the Dragon king of the demonic group?”

“Precisely,” the man retorted with an angry voice. “Thus, you still remember my name!”

“We have never met,” Wang thought, “in what affair could I have offended him?”

“I’ve heard of your great reputation for a long time,” he answered in a conciliatory tone, “and I much admire you.”

This Dragon king of the demonic group was Sha Tongtian, and he was much abler than his brother-in-arms Hou Tonghai. However, he possessed a quick temper, was constantly enraged when teaching, that’s why he had only been able to transmit a negligible part of his ability to his four disciples. That was the reason why the Four-demons-of-the-Yellow-River, as they fought against Guo Jing in Mongolia, were not able to win and had to lose face in front of Wanyan Honglie. Since then, Prince Zhao did not grant any more credit to the four men. When he heard about that, Sha Tongtian got in a terrible fury, he punished his unworthy disciples viciously, the four demons nearly turned into four ghosts. Then he ordered his brother-in-arms to capture Guo Jing, but Hou Tonghai only turned out to be a teasing object for Huang Rong, and had to undergo an even larger humiliation.

More and more annoyed, Sha Tongtian, without being concerned anymore about courtesy in front of others, sprang to Guo Jing, his hands forming claws. Guo Jing retreated two steps, Wang Chuyi, with a protecting movement, put himself in front of Guo Jing.

“You really want to protect this little rascal?” Sha exclaimed angrily. And he struck a palm in the direction of Wang. Wang, considering the brutality of the attack, was forced to defend himself. Their two palms clashed, and as they were both going to channel their internal energy, suddenly a man appeared, who with each of his hands, pressed their respective wrists and in that way separated them. Wang and Sha felt a shock and withdrew their hands immediately. Both being eminent personalities of the JiangHu realm, both had anticipated very well the real ability of their adversaries, and had already activated their own internal energy. That somebody was able to separate them easily with such a move were unbelievable to them!

The man, dressed in white, carried a light fur coat and a broad belt. Aged about thirty-five or thirty-six years, he moved elegantly, had a distinguished appearance, and an undeniable martial air. He seemed to be a scion of a noble family.

“Here is,” said Wanyan Kang laughing, “the Junior Chief of the WhiteCamelMountain from the Kunlun mountain range in the WesternTerritories. His name is Ouyang Ke. Honourable Ouyang had never been in the Central Plains before. It is thus for the first time you all meet him.”

The sudden appearance of this man surprised not only Wang Chuyi and Guo Jing, but Peng Lianhu and Liang Ziwong as well, who also didn’t know him. After seeing a demonstration of his ability, everyone was secretly very admiring, but nobody had ever heard about the WhiteCamelMountain in the WesternTerritories.

“Brothers, I should have arrived in the capital since several days,” said Ouyang Ke while greeting. “But I had a small hitch in the way, which caused a certain delay, that is why I have just arrived, please excuse me.” After learning that he was the Junior Chief of the WhiteCamelMountain, Guo Jing understood that he was related to those young women wearing white clothes who had tried to burgle his horse on the road. He felt his heart tightening, “Have my six Shifus already clashed with him?” he wondered. “Have they been injured?”

Wang Chuyi noticed that all adversaries were of frightening ability, particularly he himself had experienced the pressure of Ouyang Ke’s hand, who had an internal energy by no means inferior to his own, though it contained a strange viciousness.

If dialogue turned out to be impossible, and it turned into a fighting, he himself was not even sure of being able to beat Ouyang Ke. Then, should the enemy attack in mass, how could they defend themselves?

“And your Shifu?” he asked Wanyan Kang. “Why don’t you ask him to come?”

“I will,” the young man agreed, turning to his servants. “Request Shifu to come and meet the visitors.”

Wang Chuyi was feeling more reassured. “If Brother Qiu is here,” he mused, “though the enemy are dominant in number, we will be able at least to remain unscathed.”

Some time later, one heard noises of boots. Through the large door a big old officer of forty years dressed in brocade entered, with a thick beard on his chin and a martial air. Wanyan Kang advanced.

“Shifu,” he said respectfully. “This Taoist Elder wishes to see you, and have already asked about you on several occasions.”

Wang felt upsurging anger: “Ah, wicked one,” he thought, “you dare to make fun of me? The way this officer moves, he can’t have a remarkable skill, he is certainly not the one who taught this rascal his strange techniques”

“Taoist,” said the officer, “what do you want from me? Normally I hate seeing monks or taoists.”

The anger of Wang was so strong that he burst out laughing:

“I would like,” he said, “to request alms from Your Excellency, alms of thousand silver taels.”

The officer was called Tang Zude, captain of Prince Zhao’s personal guard. When Wanyan Kang was small, Tang Zude had given him some martial arts lessons, that’s why everybody in the household called him “Shifu.”

On hearing the outrageous request from Wang Chuyi, he was startled:

“Rubbish!” he retorted.

“Thousand taels in silver,” Wanyan Kang said, “is nothing, nothing at all. Let someone quickly prepare thousand taels, and present it to the venerable Taoist.”

Tang Zude remained baffled. He examined Wang Chuyi from top to toe with his mouth agape, then upwards, without managing to understand why one should show such benevolence.

“Please all take a seat,” Wanyan Kang invited. “Taoist Elder Wang, it’s the first time you’ve come to us, the place of honour is reserved for you.” Wang Chuyi refused modestly, but ended up settling at the place of honour. Three wine rounds were served.

“You are all eminent personalities of the JiangHu realm,” Wang declared then. “You all shall judge how we’ll regulate the affair of Mr. Mu and his daughter.” All glances were fixed on Wanyan Kang, waiting to see his reaction.

Wanyan Kang poured wine and raised the wine cup. Respectfully presenting the cup before Wang, he said, “Senior (qianbei), do me the honour and accept this cup first. As for the affair in question, it will be dealt according to Senior’s instructions, your Junior (wanbei) dares not to disobey. Wang was amazed to see him accepting so easily. He took the cup and drank the wine in one go.”

“Very well,” he said. “Let us take Mr. Mu here and let him speak.”

“Thus someone must take him here,” Wanyan Kang said. “Could I charge Brother Guo then with the task of bringing Mr. Mu here?” Wang Chuyi nodded.

Guo Jing immediately left the banquet to go to the Prosperity Inn. But the room of Mu Yi was empty: the father and the girl had left, carrying all their belongings with them. Questioned, the boy at the inn answered that someone had come to seek them and had paid the room and the meals, but he could not say who. Guo Jing hurriedly returned to the residence of Prince Zhao, where Wanyan Kang greeted him with a great smile:

“Brother Guo, thank you for your effort. Where is Mr. Mu?” Guo Jing told him that he had sought in vain.

“Ah, it is my fault,” sighed Wanyan Kang. Turning to one of his servants, he ordered:

“Take several men with you, go quickly in all directions. Must absolutely find Mr. Mu!” The servant obeyed and left.

Thus, without the main person of interest, it was impossible to continue. Wang Chuyi could say nothing, but his head was full of suspicions.

“To go and seek Mr. Mu,” he said to himself, “it is enough to send one or two servants. This rascal insisted that Guo Jing should go, obviously he wanted that Guo Jing himself should notice the departure of Mu, and can give testimony on it.”

“It doesn’t matter that mysterious things happened,” he sneered, “in the end the truth will always triumph.”

“Taoist Elder, you have reason to believe that Mr. Mu did mysterious things?” Wanyan Kang answered laughingly, “it is really odd.”

The officer Tang Zude, already furious to see how the taoist had easily extorted thousand taels, found it intolerable to see him also showing insolence to the Young Prince. He vented his anger:

“Thus, taoist, to which temple do you belong? What right do you have to swindle our Master?”

“Thus, officer,” retorted Wang Chuyi. “To which country do you belong? What right do you have to occupy an official position here?” He had well seen that Tang Zude was Chinese, but occupying an officer rank in the Jin army, benefitting from it to oppress his compatriots, it was for this reason he made fun of him.

The thing that Tang Zude hated most was people mentioning that he is a Chinese. He felt that he is highly skilled in martial arts, is loyal and willing to risk his life for the Jins but yet, they still do not allow him to lead an army. He has worked hard for 20 years but is ultimately kept in the Zhao prince residence for show. Wang Chuyi’s comments have hit his sore point and his face immediately changes before roaring out in anger. He stands up, opposite Liang Ziwong and Ouyang Ke and releases a fist towards Wang Chuyi’s face.

The later glances at the fist coming towards him and stretches out two fingers from his left palm to grab Tang Zude’s wrist, laughing, “Even if you are not willing to answer, there is no need to resort to violence right?”

Tang Zude’s fist is stopped in mid-air, and finally is unable to move. He is surprised but angry, and scolds, “Brilliant witchcraft, you used witchcraft!” He uses his might to release his fists but is unable to, and scowls, feeling very embarrassed.

Liang Ziwong, who is sitting beside him, laughs, “General, fret not, come, sit down for a cup of wine.” And with that, stretches out his fingers towards Tang Zude’s left shoulder.

Wang Chuyi is aware that although his two fingers can suppress Tang Zude’s fist, but is unable to prevent Liang Ziwong’s one press. (not very sure of this part) He releases a finger and aims for Tang Zude’s right shoulder. With this quick change of stunt, Liang Ziwong is unable to restrain himself and two fingers press both sides of Tang Zude’s shoulders at the same time. It is really Tang Zude’s honor to have two highly skilled fighters to ambush him at the same time and his both hands uncontrollably punches forward, with the sound of two clashes, his left hand punches into a plate of left over fish and his right hand enters a bowl of hot and sour soup, two of the dishes break into small pieces. The fish bones and broken fragments of the dishes pierce into Tang Zude’s hands, mixing flesh blood with remains of the soup, causing him to yell out in pain.

The crowd laugh out aloud and quickly move aside. Tang Zude by this time is furious and very embarrassed, thus dashes out of the hall. The servants then suppress their laughter and move forward to clean up the mess.

Sha Tongtian marvels, “Quanzhen sect really lives up to its name! Brother here wants Taoist Wang to enlighten me on something.”

Wang Chuyi replies, “It’s nothing much, please ask, elder Sha.”

Sha Tongtian replies, “Yellow river clan and Quanzhen sect have all along been at peace, so why does Taoist Wang make things difficult for brother here by going all the way to support the seven freaks of Jiangnan? Quanzhen sect may have many disciples, but brother here is not afraid.”

Wang Chuyi replies, “I think there is some misunderstanding. I have heard of the seven freaks of jiangnan but I don’t know any of them. I have a martial brother who made a little bet with them. But I have never planned on helping the seven freaks of jiangnan against yellow river clan.”

Sha Tongtian exclaims, “That’s great, then please hand over this rascal to me.” Speaking, he reaches forward to grab Guo Jing’s throat.

Wang Chuyi knows that Guo Jing is unable to avoid that grab and will get injured, thus stretches out his arm to push Guo Jing’s shoulders gently. Guo Jing falls out of his chair uncontrollably and a “ke cha” sound is heard, with Sha Tongtian’s five fingers changing direction towards the ground, the back of his chair is broken. This claw, smashing wood like bean curd (correct me if its wrong) is indeed one of the least seen but powerful stunt in the wulin world.

Sha Tongtian, who has failed in grabbing Guo Jing, furiously asks, “So you are going to protect this rascal?”

Wang Chuyi replies, “I brought this child in, so I will naturally bring him out safely. Why not brother Sha let him off today and find him another day?”

Ouyang Ke speaks up, “This young chap offended brother Sha, let’s talk this out shall we?”

Sha Tongtian thinks, “This Taoist priest’s skills are definitely not below mine, me and martial brother alone may not be able to make that little rascal stay behind. This Ouyang Ke has good skills and I’m not sure of his background, if he gangs up with that idiot, then there will be trouble.” He then speaks, “I have 4 useless disciples who followed Prince Zhao to Mongolia for a big mission. They were about to succeed when this rascal whose surname is Guo appeared and spoilt everything, making Prince Zhao extremely furious. Gentlemen, please think, if we cannot even overcome a little rascal, how can we still accept the invitation to eat and drink in the place of Prince Zhao?”

Although Sha Tongtian is very bad-tempered and rash, he is not stupid, with this speech, Guo Jing immediately became the centre of suspicion. With the exception of Wang Chuji and Guo Jing, everyone else was invited by Prince Zhao. Wanyan Kang is Prince Zhao’s eldest son, after hearing what Sha Tongtian said, he is a little displeased and everyone present decides to capture Guo Jing and present him to Prince Zhao.

Wang Chuyi is anxious deep down and tries to think of a plan to escape, but there are so many strong opponents that it is quite impossible to do so. Actually he thought that since Wanyan Kang is his martial brother’s disciple, even though he is a Jin, he won’t dare to attack his teacher’s martial brother. However, he did not expect Wanyan Kang to be so insolent and even plan to trap them with the help of skilled experts, if he knew this would happen, he would not have rashly come, even if he knew, he shouldn’t have brought Guo Jing along. If he wanted to leave himself, no one had any reason to stop him, but to escape with Guo Jing at the same time was very tough.

He thinks, “Under this situation, it’s best to stretch time” thus saying, “Every single one of you are highly skilled and well-known, I have the utmost respect to each of you, to be able to meet you all today is my honor.” Pointing to Guo Jing, “This child is unaware of the serious trouble he has cause you all and offended elder Sha, if you all want him to stay, I am powerless to stop it but even so, I cannot agree to that. Thus, I daringly request that each of you display your superior skills to Guo Jing so as to let him know that it is not that I don’t want to fight, but it is I am unable to help him.”(im not very sure of this part)

Hou Tonghai has been suppressing his boredom all the while and immediately jumps out from his chair, pulling his sleeve, “Let me taste your skills first.”

Wang Chuyi replies, “My shallow skills are unworthy to exchange stunts with all present. I hope that brother Hou’s superior skills will impress and teach this little rascal a lesson, allowing him to know the existence of many skilled experts so that he won’t dare to be arrogant in the future.”

Hou Tonghai has a feeling that there is sarcasm hidden in his speech but is unaware what is it, thus is unsure how to answer.

Sha Tongtian thought, “It’s very tough to compete with Taoists from Quanzhen sect. So it’s also good that I don’t have to do so.” Turning to Hou Tonghai, “Martial brother, why not display the ‘burying one in the snow’ skill for elder Wang.”

The snow outside had not stop, Hou Tonghai rushed to the centre of the courtroom and swept both of his arms up, bringing the snow in until there was a huge pile of snow in front of him. He used his legs to arrange the pile neatly, retreated three steps and turned upside down, with his legs on top and head below, and with a ‘pa’ sound, he thrust forward himself and landed into the middle of the snow pile. The snow was not up to his chest, Guo Jing rubbed his head in confusion when he saw this skill as Hou Tonghai head was in the snow pile, motionless.

Sha Tongtian turned to Wanyan Kang and the others and said, “Everyone, please kick all the remaining snow onto the snow pile which my brother Hou’s head is in.” The audience all felt curious, and laughingly kic