The Path of the Martial Arts BOSS
Chapter 95 - 92: Engage in Combat

Chapter 95: Chapter 92: Engage in Combat

October 24th, Frost Descent.

This day marked the beginning of the monthly rest day at Mountain River Academy and also the day Qing Yu was to honor his appointment with Sixth Prince Feng Chaonan.

The banquet was set in Lingyun Pavilion atop Yunsheng Peak, just outside of Divine Capital—the second tallest structure in Northern Zhou, bested only by Qintian Observatory, whose sole purpose was to observe the stars and divine fate.

The entire building sat loftily upon a terrain so high that one could see clouds at mid-mountain. Towering into the clouds, beyond the realm of human world, hence the Pavilion’s name came into being.

"Undaunted by clouds that obscure the view, because we stand at the highest level," Qing Yu stood alone on the top floor of Lingyun Pavilion, leaning on the railing and gazing into the distance.

"Fine literary grace, Junior Brother!" A voice of admiration came from behind as Han Wenxin approached with a leisurely stride.

"Senior Brother flatters me," Qing Yu didn’t turn around. He knew that up here in Lingyun Pavilion, the only person who would call him Junior Brother was Han Wenxin.

This very top of Lingyun Pavilion had been reserved by Sixth Prince Feng Chaonan, and now there were only five people left on this level.

No matter the internal intricacies of this banquet by Feng Jiu and Feng Chaonan, it was outwardly just a casual chat to deepen brotherly bonds.

"Let’s not discuss matters of the state or world affairs, just brotherly connections," were Feng Chaonan’s words upon greeting Feng Jiu, as if it wasn’t him who had confronted Feng Jiu at the Academy just over twenty days ago.

Even Qing Yu, whose face was as thick as city walls, had to admit defeat upon hearing this phrase. It was just this point that made Qing Yu certain of Feng Chaonan’s high chances of ascending to the throne. Those with thick skin are always better at seizing fleeting opportunities.

Moreover, being able to book the entire top level of Lingyun Pavilion alone showcased his immense wealth and power.

Back to the main topic, as it was a family affair, only the two brothers Feng Jiu and Feng Chaonan were inside, drinking and chatting. Feng Chaonan knew how to conduct himself; understanding that Feng Jiu was typically solitary, he didn’t bring any servants or a pack of lackeys to show off, bringing only Han Wenxin and the eunuch Little Li Zi.

Inside the room was a small table for drinks. Feng Chaonan had Little Li Zi step back and personally poured the wine, and the two brothers, accompanied by some side dishes, sipped on wine, chatting about everything and nothing, as if they were really just two close brothers who hadn’t seen each other in a long time gathering together.

"Given Junior Brother’s talents, you shouldn’t be so conventional," Han Wenxin strolled up beside Qing Yu, joining him in gazing out at the sea of clouds beyond the Pavilion.

Han Wenxin’s words seemed a bit out of the blue, but Qing Yu knew he was referencing the entrance examination. The verse Qing Yu had just recited clearly didn’t match the level he had displayed while residing in Room № 3 of the Fang residence.

"Fools with a thousand worries, are bound to have one gain. This verse, Junior Brother, is just a casual insight of yours," Han Wenxin said.

Qing Yu’s gaze sharpened, turning towards Han Wenxin’s smiling face, "Instead, Senior Brother, with your cultivation of Vast Righteous Qi, why put on such a pretense?"

"How can this be called pretense? This is..." Han Wenxin drew out his words.

"Senior Brother’s true nature..." Suddenly, a palm shot out from Han Wenxin’s wide sleeve, striking towards Qing Yu.

This attack was incredibly sudden, and even Qing Yu hadn’t expected Han Wenxin to launch a sneak attack like this.

However, dealing harm to Qing Yu was still far from enough.

Qing Yu’s right hand struck like a waiting serpent, snapping forward and taking a bizarrely twisted angle to bypass the direct palm strike, aiming for the pulse of Han Wenxin’s striking right hand.

"Junior Brother, this move doesn’t seem like something a scholar should have," Han Wenxin’s palm emanated white True Qi, wrapping around his hand like mist, and with a slight tremor, the True Qi blasted out, forcing Qing Yu to retract his hand.

Qing Yu withdrew his Spirit Snake Fist, changing his offensive to a frontal approach, with a swirl of white mist surrounding his entire palm, palm against palm.

"Then Senior Brother, please enlighten me on what a scholar should truly possess."

As their palms met, two swirls of white mist collided, yet they manifested strikingly different phenomena.

Han Wenxin’s True Qi, although fog-like, possessed a solid palm force, filled with the unique Vast Righteous Qi of the Confucian disciples, embodying the stance of "Only Confucianism shall last forever."

And on Qing Yu’s side, his palm force was cold and bone-chilling, three parts deep, eroding Han Wenxin’s palms.

"Junior brother’s skill is impressive!" Han Wenxin praised with a smile.

"Not at all, it’s far from matching senior brother’s level!" Qing Yu responded with a smile as well.

Both stood in place, without moving a step, both wearing smiles on their faces, exchanging pleasantries, yet their hands were engaged in an intense exchange of palm strikes and punches, giving no quarter.

The momentum of their sparring grew more and more tremendous, causing the surrounding clouds to be drawn in, dispersed, and shattered by the Qi Force they emitted.

Qing Yu gathered the scattered mist into his palms, forming icy droplets that shot towards Han Wenxin, who was only a thumb’s width away.

Which were then dispersed by Han Wenxin’s concentrated Hand Power, turning into a frigid mist that lingered around the two.

"Junior brother, receive another palm from your senior." Pure Vast Righteous Qi coalesced into threads of silk, enveloping Han Wenxin’s palm and slowly pushing towards Qing Yu.

Vast and profoundly upright, this seemingly ordinary palm strike was imbued by Han Wenxin with the grandeur of swallowing mountains and rivers.

This palm was strong, yet slow. With Qing Yu’s speed, he could have moved behind Han Wenxin in the next instant and delivered a firm palm strike himself. But Qing Yu chose not to do so; instead, he stood his ground and received the palm.

Qing Yu took a deep breath, the icy mist that had been swirling around his palm dissipated, his palm became crystal-clear, even the blue veins beneath his skin turned white, and he too pushed forward with a palm.

The palms met for who knows how many times, in utter silence. The extreme chill of the Xuanbing Force sought to freeze the contacting palm but was instead directly shattered by the Vast Righteous Qi that repelled all techniques.

A fierce backlash of cold air turned Qing Yu’s palm a blueish-purple.

"Junior brother, you’re quite good," Han Wenxin said as he withdrew his right palm, and laughed naturally. In that moment, he finally showed the demeanor befitting a Confucian disciple.

"Thank you for the guidance, senior brother." Qing Yu’s face was expressionless, and he withdrew his hand into his sleeve, concealed by the cloth.

"Squeak."

The sound of a door opening was heard, and Feng Jiu and Sixth Prince Feng Chaonan stepped out side by side, with Feng Jiu holding a Black Wood Box in her hand.

It was apparent the two had a good conversation, with Feng Chaonan wearing a full smile, and Feng Jiu also sporting a rare smile (from Feng Chaonan’s perspective).

"Junior brother, if you ever have any problems, you can come to me," Han Wenxin said.

Having said this, Han Wenxin left with Feng Chaonan, who had just come out.

"Are you alright?" Feng Jiu quickly ran to Qing Yu’s side and asked.

The growing intensity of the sparring session between Qing Yu and Han Wenxin had naturally been noticed by the two who were drinking inside. And judging from one’s expressionless face and the other’s smiling one, it was clear who had been at a disadvantage.

"I’m fine." Qing Yu held out his right hand, hidden in his sleeve, and the blue and purple discoloration began to visibly fade at a speed perceptible to the naked eye.

The Xuanbing Force’s True Qi was, after all, a mimicry of the Little Faceless Skill, and it could not backlash against him. What’s more, Qing Yu had started with the Supreme Yang Kuihua Treasure; how could he be harmed by a bit of cold?

"Did you hold back?" Feng Jiu asked.

"He also held back..."