Qiao Feng!
Inside the grand hall.
Tang Xuan was already engaged in combat with numerous martial artists. Those daring enough to cause trouble at the Murong residence and covet the Murong clan’s martial arts manual, aside from a few audacious outlaws, were merely third-rate experts between levels twenty and thirty. Most, however, were second-rate fighters at levels thirty or forty—each with their own reputation in the martial world. Without such skills, who would dare make trouble at the Murong residence? Even if they discovered the manual, they wouldn’t be able to snatch it from other experts.
At the forefront was Yao Bodang, the chief of the Qin family stronghold in Yunzhou, himself a formidable level forty master. With a lifetime’s cultivation and mastery of the lost, perfected Five Tigers Gate-Cleaving Saber—a third-grade saber technique—he barely reached the ranks of first-class experts.
Yet, despite their numbers, these martial artists were no match for Tang Xuan, the level thirty player. Although Tang Xuan was only level thirty, his Arhat Divine Skill had reached perfection, granting him attributes and strength equivalent to a top master at level fifty or sixty.
He drew a Tiger Fang Saber from his game inventory and unleashed the perfected Five Tigers Gate-Cleaving Saber. Ever since acquiring fifth and sixth grade ultimate skills, Tang Xuan seldom used this fourth-grade saber technique. At its perfected level, the Five Tigers Gate-Cleaving Saber boosted attack power by 264%, with each subsequent strike increasing by 1%. With the Arhat Divine Skill’s additional 120% amplification, his first blow reached over 13,000!
Tang Xuan’s base attack, equipped with the Tiger Fang Saber, was an impressive 2,855.
-13,200
-13,275
-13,304
-13,332
Scarlet numbers floated past. Although not as potent as fifth or sixth-grade ultimate skills, each slash from Tang Xuan cut down a second-rate expert at level thirty or forty. With his current prowess, he crushed these lesser experts with ease. Moreover, the Five Tigers Gate-Cleaving Saber’s power increased with every strike.
“This is the White Tiger Leaping the Ravine! One roar brings the wind! Swift and agile! Dominating the mountains! Elephant subdues the lion…”
With a long howl, Tang Xuan displayed the lost moves of the Five Tigers Gate-Cleaving Saber from the Qin family stronghold in Yunzhou. Wherever he passed, nearly every swing claimed the life of a martial artist.
Fear struck the crowd; already terrified by the slaughter, they scattered in panic. Yao Bodang, the level forty boss of Qin family stronghold, fell to Tang Xuan’s blade in two strokes, dying under the very saber technique lost to his clan!
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[Defeated level 32 elite monster, gained 2,560 experience points.]
[Defeated level 34 elite monster, gained 2,720 experience points.]
[Defeated level 36 elite monster, gained 2,880 experience points.]
[Defeated level 35 elite monster, gained 2,800 experience points.]
...
[Defeated level 40 rare monster, gained 6,400 experience points.]
[Defeated level 32 elite monster, gained 2,560 experience points.]
...
Martial artists, terrified out of their wits, fled in a panic. Tang Xuan, having gained considerable experience, did not give chase. Such monsters at level thirty were rare, a cut above the blue-clad maids of Manduo Manor at level twenty.
“Thank you, Young Master Tang, for your assistance,” Azhu said, watching Tang Xuan slaughter his way through the crowd. She thought to herself, this Young Master Tang is indeed ruthless, and hurried forward to thank him.
Duan Yu, who disliked killing, murmured Amitabha under his breath. Wang Yuyan and Abi could hardly bear to look at the corpses scattered throughout the hall.
Tang Xuan smiled, “No need for thanks.”
Azhu then summoned the servants from Listening Fragrance Pavilion, only to discover they had been tied up in various rooms. Clearly, these martial artists had searched the entire pavilion, binding all the servants and lighting every room brightly.
Azhu instructed the servants to clean the hall and prepare fine food and wine for Tang Xuan. After the meal, everyone rested there for the night.
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The next day.
Tang Xuan, Duan Yu, Wang Yuyan, Azhu, and Abi left Listening Fragrance Pavilion together. After over two hours on the water, they landed just before noon.
Wang Yuyan and Azhu, as Duan Yu’s sisters, joined him as he left. Abi came along simply because both Listening Fragrance Pavilion and Melody Cottage were no longer safe. She had no other choice. Not only were martial artists coveting the Murong clan’s manual, but if Kumochi returned, they would be hard pressed to deal with him.
Upon landing, they found themselves by Wuxi City, nearly midday. They entered the bustling city, intending to find lunch.
Wuxi was lively, the streets thronged with people. Shortly after entering, a delicious aroma wafted through the air—a blend of caramel, soy sauce, and cooked meat.
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Drawn by the scent, the group saw a grand tavern standing on the street. Above the entrance, a golden sign gleamed with the words “Pine Crane Pavilion.” Though the sign was blackened with age and smoke, the golden characters shone brightly. Waves of fragrant wine and meat spilled from the tavern, mingling with the clatter of knives and ladles and the calls of waiters.
“Pine Crane Pavilion!” Tang Xuan’s eyes lit up. Wasn’t this the place where Duan Yu and Qiao Feng first met? He decided to try his luck and go in.
Tang Xuan had long admired his fellow brother, the great hero Qiao Feng. “Let’s choose this tavern!” he declared, striding inside.
Wang Yuyan, Duan Yu, Azhu, and Abi, lured by the enticing aroma, followed without objection.
Tang Xuan headed straight upstairs, scanning the room—his eyes suddenly shone! At the western end sat a burly man who turned his head, casting two lightning-sharp glances at Tang Xuan. The man was powerfully built, in his thirties, dressed in a gray, tattered robe. He had thick brows, large eyes, a high nose, a wide mouth, and a square, weathered face. His gaze was commanding and imposing.
“What a formidable man!” Tang Xuan thought. Judging from his appearance and presence, this had to be Qiao Feng! Even among martial arts masters, such intuition was unmistakable. This was a legendary, peerless master!
In “The Great Martial Hero,” Qiao Feng’s image was near perfect, far beyond what any TV drama could portray.
Tang Xuan mused that luck was truly on his side—Qiao Feng was right here in Pine Crane Pavilion, feasting and drinking.
Tang Xuan approached, seeing on Qiao Feng’s table a plate of boiled beef, a large bowl of soup, and two big pots of wine—nothing else, showing the man's bold and carefree nature.
Without ceremony, Tang Xuan sat down and laughed, “How about a drink together?”
The burly man raised his brow. “Good!” he replied. After a pause, he called out, “Waiter, bring a big bowl and twenty pounds of sorghum wine—not ten, but twenty!”
Seeing Tang Xuan had four companions, he doubled the order.
“Sit,” Tang Xuan invited Duan Yu, Wang Yuyan, Azhu, and Abi.
The four, a bit stunned, wondered how they had suddenly joined this table. Azhu had yet to realize that this was the future “wolfman boyfriend” who would one day kill her with a single palm strike!
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