Chapter 83: Lin Pingzhi and the Six Proud Winter Techniques

“What is this?!” Yue Buqun’s pupils contracted sharply, and he could no longer remain composed. He snatched up the four martial arts manuals from the table and started reading them. With his martial expertise and scholarly background, it was easy for him to see that these were authentic martial arts scriptures—far superior to the True Sunflower Manual by several levels.

“Directly to Innate level... these manuals can lead one straight to the Innate realm!” Yue Buqun was now almost incoherent.

“Innate? You underestimate these four manuals—they are half a step into the path of cultivation. If you master them to their pinnacle, you may even embark upon the road to immortality.”

“By the way, Lao Denuo, you may study the Tyrant Fist and copy it. When you have time, deliver a copy to Zuo Lengchan, thus resolving your karma with him. Afterwards, stay at Mount Hua and be a proper Second Brother—assist your sect master with all your strength.” Yang Xin suddenly said.

“Thank you, Immortal Master, for imparting the teachings!” Lao Denuo, ever the seasoned veteran of the martial world, dropped to his knees at Yang Xin’s words and knocked his head loudly nine times in gratitude.

“Nine is the ultimate number—not one more!” Yang Xin accepted Lao Denuo’s homage as a matter of course.

After finishing his nine bows, Lao Denuo stood up and respectfully took his place behind Yue Buqun, steadfastly suppressing his desire to ask for more. His character was evident.

“What does the Immortal Master mean?” Yue Buqun’s expression changed dramatically.

“Tyrant Fist, Cloud-Palm, Wind-God Kick, and Triple Unity Qi can become the foundation of Mount Hua’s martial arts. Only the sect master and his successor may practice Triple Unity Qi. As for Tyrant Fist being passed from Lao Denuo to Zuo Lengchan, firstly, it resolves Lao Denuo’s karma; though cunning, he has a good nature and is worth cultivating. Secondly, Tyrant Fist suits Zuo Lengchan well—he will surely practice it if he acquires it. Third and most crucial, Triple Unity Qi counters Tyrant Fist, Cloud-Palm, and Wind-God Kick.”

“So, when someday, Sect Master Yue faces Zuo Lengchan... imagine Zuo Lengchan’s expression when his Tyrant Fist is neutralized. He will surely be quite frustrated…”

Yue Buqun blinked, secretly thinking, “Who would have thought this celestial being would have such wicked tastes? Well, in the dream, I used the Sunflower Manual to trick Zuo Lengchan—now I can dig a pit for him in reality. Just thinking about it feels delightful.”

“I will faithfully obey the Immortal Master’s instructions,” Yue Buqun replied respectfully.

“Lao Denuo, right here, copy Tyrant Fist twice—keep one for yourself, give one to Zuo Lengchan when opportunity arises. You may choose the timing.”

“Obeying Immortal Master’s command!” Lao Denuo finally received Yang Xin’s permission, immediately sought paper and brush, and began transcribing.

“By the way, Sect Master Yue, Lady Ning and your daughter Ling Shan may begin with Wind-God Kick, while you practice Cloud-Palm. When you and Lady Ning master them, see if you can unleash the Combined Wind-Cloud Barrier and Maha Boundless. If you truly achieve it, none in this world would match you as a couple.” Yang Xin said, with a hint of mischievous delight.

“Combined Wind-Cloud Barrier, Maha Boundless! Combined Wind-Cloud Barrier, Maha Boundless!” Yue Buqun murmured, the names alone sounding far more imposing than the likes of Dugu Nine Swords or Purple Mist Divine Skill—especially since these were combination techniques.

“Who among your disciples practices Tyrant Fist, Cloud-Palm, and Wind-God Kick, I leave to your discretion—just do not teach these manuals to that wretch, Linghu Chong.” Yang Xin suddenly declared.

“Rest assured, Immortal Master, I will never entrust these divine skills to that ungrateful Linghu Chong. Upon my return, I will strip him of his senior disciple status and appoint Liang Fa as Mount Hua’s chief disciple—after all, in the dream, Liang Fa fought bravely to his death.” Yue Buqun’s voice was cold, anger toward Linghu Chong surging within. He and his wife had raised Linghu Chong with great effort, only to be repaid so poorly.

Unconsciously, Yue Buqun now fully believed the events of the dream.

When someone is just a bit stronger than you, you may feel envy. When someone is infinitely stronger, all you can do is look up in awe—you don’t even have the right to envy.

“I will not meddle further in Mount Hua’s internal affairs, but, Old Yue, let me give you some advice: when you return, have another child with Lady Ning. It will secure the legacy of your Mount Hua Immortal Sect.” Yang Xin said teasingly.

“Mount Hua Immortal Sect!” Yue Buqun’s eyes shone. “Five Mountain Sword Alliance, Shaolin and Wudang, even Sun and Moon Divine Sect—none can compare to my Mount Hua Immortal Sect!”

“Sect Master Yue’s affairs are settled. Now let’s discuss your Escort Agency. The feud between your agency and Qingcheng Sect originated from the Sunflower Manual. Why not simply teach the manual to Qingcheng Sect? I’ll decide this matter—agreed?” Yang Xin looked at Lin Zhennan.

Lin Zhennan had long been stunned by the unfolding events. He nodded and bowed repeatedly. “All is at the Immortal Master’s discretion.”

Yang Xin nodded, then turned to Yue Buqun. “Since you call yourself the Gentleman Sword, your literary skills must be refined. Can you write mirrored script?”

Mirrored script refers to characters carved or engraved in relief, for printing purposes—in modern terms, reversed characters for block printing.

“Of course. What does the Immortal Master require?” Yue Buqun quickly asked.

Yang Xin produced an A3-sized transparent film from his dimensional pocket, followed by a special laser pen that could write on the film. “The Sunflower Manual is only a few hundred characters; please write it in mirrored script on this sheet.”

“Obeying the Immortal Master’s command.” Yue Buqun knew what to ask and what not to, promptly rolled up his sleeves and began writing the Sunflower Manual in mirrored script.

“Lin Pingzhi.”

“Yes!”

“Take this—you’ll understand it at a glance.” Yang Xin produced a small manual ink printing machine from his dimensional pocket, handed it to Lin Pingzhi, and taught him its use.

Lin Pingzhi learned quickly, mastering it after a short while.

Once Yue Buqun finished writing the Sunflower Manual in mirrored script, Yang Xin fixed the film onto the printing plate and rolled a rubber roller soaked in ink across it—one sheet of the ‘True Sunflower Manual’ was produced.

“Lin Pingzhi, print—make four or five thousand copies. There will be a reward!” Yang Xin ordered.

Lin Pingzhi began printing sheet by sheet at Yang Xin’s command. Seeing that Lin Pingzhi was working too slowly alone, Lin Zhennan called Head Escort Shi to help. With three working together, the stack of ‘True Sunflower Manuals’ grew rapidly before their eyes…

“Well, that should be enough. Chief Lin, use your agency’s connections—today distribute these True Sunflower Manuals throughout Fuzhou. Tonight, have your escorts work overtime; tomorrow, spread them across the entire martial world.”

Lin Zhennan and Yue Buqun’s faces darkened—watching the chaos with obvious relish! When the True Sunflower Manual spreads throughout the martial world, they could already imagine the ensuing bloodshed and how many would say their final farewells to their brothers.

“So be it. With the chaos in the martial world, I can hole up at Mount Hua and master these divine skills first.” Yue Buqun thought, no longer concerned with Yang Xin’s disruption.

Lin Zhennan had no thoughts at all—he was the fish on the chopping block, what could he do?

“Lin Pingzhi, here’s your reward!” Yang Xin flicked a copy of ‘Six Secrets of Proud Cold’ to Lin Pingzhi.

“Thank you, Immortal Master, for imparting the teachings!” Lin Pingzhi bowed deeply in thanks.

“Chief Lin and your wife may also practice, but may not pass it on. Six Secrets of Proud Cold is tremendously powerful; if you use Tyrant Fist as a foundation, results will be doubled.” Yang Xin spoke with solemn conviction, though he was making things up—as long as it was related to frost, he could say whatever he pleased and others would believe him.

Lin Pingzhi understood, and bowed deeply to Yue Buqun. “Disciple Lin Pingzhi, pays respects to master.”

Yue Buqun and Lin Pingzhi already had a master-disciple bond in the dream, both being tragic figures in the martial world, so their hearts were naturally sympathetic. Moreover, Yue Buqun wanted to learn from the Six Secrets of Proud Cold—no one ever resents having too many divine skills—so he accepted Lin Pingzhi as his disciple on the spot, and immediately discussed Lin Pingzhi’s marriage to Yue Lingshan with Lin Zhennan.

Both sides agreed instantly—being people of the martial world, they did not fuss over details. Lin Pingzhi presented a copy of the Six Secrets of Proud Cold as a betrothal gift; Yue Buqun offered a copy of Tyrant Fist as dowry. Thus, their marriage was arranged, to be completed after the Qingcheng Sect affair.

With all matters settled, Lin Zhennan invited everyone to stay at the Escort Agency. Yang Xin accepted without hesitation. Yue Buqun and Lin Zhennan, now family, did not stand on ceremony. The group proceeded to Fuzhou and moved into the Escort Agency.

Following Yang Xin’s orders, Lin Zhennan walked through the city as if mourning, scattering the True Sunflower Manuals like funeral paper—giving one to everyone he met, whether a martial artist or a commoner.

Then Fuzhou exploded…

And the entire martial world exploded…