chsdbacks Chapter 10: Fighting the Skin Temperor!
Chapter 10: Fighting the Skin Temperor!
The moment the Demon Exorcising Commander's Token was revealed, everyone present felt a jolt in their hearts.
If we're talking about which force is the most powerful in the Great Wei, then the Demon Extermination Bureau is second to none.
As the official violent institution of the Great Wei Dynasty, the demon hunters are found throughout the land. Backed by the vast resources of the imperial court, the martial arts techniques, weapons, and secret medicines they can acquire far surpass those of ordinary martial arts schools.
At the same level of strength, demon hunters can often easily overpower other martial artists.
Wang Li frowned. In full view of everyone, and with Mao Tianyu bearing the name of the Demon Extermination Bureau, if she openly disobeyed orders, she would undoubtedly be walking into a trap, playing right into their hands.
But if she were to hand over Zhang Ping now, not only would Sitong Martial Arts School's reputation be ruined, but she would also be overshadowed by Tianxing Martial Arts School for no reason, and she would not be able to swallow this insult!
"What? Wang Li, are you trying to disobey orders?" Mao Tianyu's eyes flashed with pleasure, and his arrogance grew even stronger.
Today is the day to completely crush Sitong Martial Arts School!
"The order of the Demon Exorcism Bureau is something the Sitong Martial Arts School would never dare to disobey!" Wang Li's voice was icy.
"But you, Mao Tianyu, do not represent the Demon Extermination Bureau! Zhang Ping has never colluded with demons; it's all just your slander! And you, as the leader of the Tianxing Martial Arts School disciples, dare to use the name of the Demon Extermination Bureau to frame innocent people and harm others! When my master arrives, you will pay the price!"
Seeing that Wang Li intended to delay, Mao Tianyu's arrogance faded. He beckoned, and a man with a steady demeanor and imposing presence stepped forward from behind him.
"Senior Brother Yuan, this woman is yours to take care of," Mao Tianyu said in a deep voice. Although he was the son of the martial arts school owner and the heir to the school, he was only eighteen years old and had not been practicing for very long.
His cultivation level in the late stage of Skin Tempering was considered top-notch among his peers, but he was still no match for Wang Li, a middle-aged shrew who had already broken through to the Flesh Refining Realm.
"Don't worry, junior brother." Yuan Kai nodded, his gaze fixed on Wang Li.
The atmosphere suddenly tensed! Seeing the situation was turning sour, the onlookers cried out and fled in panic. The next moment, a deafening explosion erupted in the street!
Wang Li and Yuan Kai were both mid-stage Refining Body Realm martial artists, and their first exchange was earth-shattering! The wind of fists and the shadow of kicks howled, the bluestone slabs shattered and flew under the heavy stomping, and the storefronts on both sides of the street were instantly destroyed, with wood chips and bricks flying everywhere, turning into ruins in the blink of an eye.
Yuan Kai comes from Tianxing Martial Arts School. He has been training for a long time and has a solid foundation. His qi and blood are also very strong. Wang Li, on the other hand, has mastered the true teachings of Sitong Martial Arts School and has exquisite moves.
Seeing that the two were evenly matched, Mao Tianyu's lips curled into that arrogant smile again, and his gaze turned to Zhang Ping like a venomous snake.
"Since Sitong Martial Arts School insists on protecting those who collude with demons, then don't blame me for personally taking action to clean house for them!"
Before he finished speaking, he had already shot towards Zhang Ping like an arrow released from a bow!
Zhang Ping did not back down. Apart from Wang Li, most of the purchasing team members were ordinary workers. The only two martial artists at the early stage of the Skin Tempering Realm were also intimidated by Mao Tianyu's imposing presence and dared not step forward.
"Perfect, I'll test your mettle with you!" Zhang Ping's mind raced. He wasn't arrogant and had a clear understanding of his own strength. If Mao Tianyu drew his sword, he would immediately disappear into the crowd.
But if it came to hand-to-hand combat, he wasn't necessarily afraid. His earlier exchange of blows with the scarred man had proven that his strength was definitely not weak within the Skin Tempering Realm!
Seeing that Zhang Ping neither dodged nor evaded, and showed no sign of his blood and qi surging, Mao Tianyu was surprised and subconsciously withdrew some of his strength, fearing that he might kill Zhang Ping with a single punch. However, this withdrawal played right into Zhang Ping's hands!
Zhang Ping twisted his body and used his shoulder to take the heavy punch. The pain was excruciating. He gritted his teeth and, taking advantage of the moment when the opponent withdrew his strength, twisted his waist and hips, and with a punch that gathered all his strength, he slammed it hard into Mao Tianyu's heart!
Mao Tianyu possessed exceptional fighting instincts. Sensing something amiss, he instinctively raised his left arm to block. The instant fist and arm collided, a dull cracking sound was clearly audible!
"Something's wrong!" Mao Tianyu's expression changed drastically. In his shock, he held nothing back, and his internal energy and blood erupted, the violent force pushing Zhang Ping away.
Zhang Ping staggered several steps before regaining his balance, a sharp pain piercing his left shoulder. He thought to himself, "What a pity!" If that punch had landed on his chest, it would have severely injured his opponent. He endured the pain, his gaze fixed on Mao Tianyu, his whole body tense.
"What's your name?!" Mao Tianyu shouted sharply, his left forearm wracked with pain, the bone already cracked, his hand trembling uncontrollably. The onlookers gasped in horror at the sight.
However, Mao Tianyu's attention was not on his injuries at all. He stared intently at Zhang Ping, his eyes no longer showing any contempt, and his vigilance instantly rose to its peak!
How could an "ordinary person" with no unusual signs of life possess such power? Could it be... truly related to demons?!
At this thought, Mao Tianyu felt a chill run down his spine and dared not act rashly. If the opponent truly possessed demonic or evil power, approaching rashly could be fatal!
Zhang Ping didn't understand why the other party suddenly stopped, but he became even more wary.
Mao Tianyu gave a wink to someone behind him, and a disciple of the Tianxing Martial Arts School quickly pulled out an object and activated it—*whoosh!* A special signal beam shot into the sky!
As soon as the signal went into the air, the demon hunters scattered throughout the city all changed their expressions and rushed to this place as quickly as possible!
Seeing this, Yuan Kai, who was engaged in fierce combat with Wang Li, feinted an attack and swiftly retreated. Wang Li also stopped fighting, her eyes wide with disbelief, and exclaimed, "Mao Tianyu! Are you crazy?! Do you know the consequences of falsely reporting a demon-slaying order?!"
Mao Tianyu ignored her questioning, his expression remaining solemn as he closely guarded Zhang Ping as if facing a formidable enemy.
His unusually tense demeanor seemed to spread like an invisible plague. The disciples of Sitong Martial Arts School exchanged bewildered glances, their hearts filled with doubt and unease. They instinctively retreated, putting distance between themselves and Zhang Ping.
"You..." Wang Li's eyes flickered violently, and an idea rose uncontrollably in her mind. No matter how arrogant Mao Tianyu was, he would never dare to use a communication token specially issued by the Demon Extermination Bureau to frame an insignificant apprentice! The consequences would be completely unworthy!
Could it be... that Zhang Ping really has a problem? Wang Li's gaze, filled with surprise and scrutiny, turned to the silent boy again.
An eerie silence instantly enveloped the entire street. Although Zhang Ping didn't know the specific reason, Mao Tianyu's fearful and wary eyes and the sudden alienation of everyone made him instantly think of his beast-pattern power.
Oh no...
A martial artist's blood and qi characteristics are obvious. Even a martial artist in the Skin Tempering Realm will have a barely perceptible red glow of blood and qi on their skin when they exert force.
He, an "ordinary person" with no fluctuations in qi and blood, displayed the power to break the bones of a late-stage tempering martial artist! The excuse of "innate superhuman strength" is no longer enough.
Zhang Ping's heart sank to the bottom.
The stalemate did not last long.
Several swift figures moved like ghosts across the rooftops of varying heights, their speed astonishing. In the blink of an eye, they traversed the long street and landed steadily in the center of the field.
The leader's tight-fitting clothes accentuated her slender figure, and her face was exquisitely beautiful. However, her eyes seemed to contain eternal ice, and the air seemed to freeze wherever her gaze fell.
Her icy gaze swept across the room like a sharp blade, and no one dared to meet her eyes.
It was Chu Hanwei, the director of the Demon Extermination Division whom Zhang Ping had met once that day.
Several people followed behind her, their presence quite imposing. Chongxin was among them; seeing the mess in the arena and the Tianxing Martial Arts School members, his brows furrowed deeply.
He glanced unfriendly at Mao Xiangrong, the owner of Tianxing Martial Arts School, who was a middle-aged man with a fair complexion, no beard, and sharp eyes.
"Did you send the signal?" Chu Hanwei's cold voice rang out, her gaze finally landing on Mao Tianyu, who was holding the token and whose left arm was trembling slightly.
Despite the pain, Mao Tianyu bowed and clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice tinged with fear: "Reporting to the Director, it is I! This person—" He suddenly pointed at Zhang Ping,
"Clearly not a martial artist, showing no signs of unusual qi or blood, yet possessing the power of a Skin Tempering Realm cultivator! I risked breaking my bones to force him back! I suspect... this person is connected to demons!"
Swish!
All eyes turned to Zhang Ping, the pressure was immense!
"It's you?" Chu Hanwei frowned slightly, as she could not sense any demonic aura from this person.
"This humble one, Zhang Ping, greets Your Excellency, Director!" Zhang Ping suppressed the curses he felt for Mao Tianyu's ancestors and bowed respectfully, speaking clearly and clearly:
"Your Excellency, please allow me to inform you that this matter originated from the An family."
He quickly recounted the whole story: he used to be the top courtesan at Huanle Pavilion, his old grudge against the An family, the scarred man colluding with government soldiers to set a trap for him, and the Tianxing Martial Arts School taking the opportunity to cause trouble.
Chu Hanwei's brows did not relax after hearing this. She had no interest in these grudges; she only cared about demons.
"Director Chu," Chongxin stepped forward, his face ashen, and said in a deep voice.
"Zhang Ping is indeed an apprentice at my martial arts school. He has a clean background and has shown no abnormalities since joining. As for his great strength..." He paused.
"Everyone in the manor knows that this boy is born with superhuman strength. Nephew Mao, perhaps you have misunderstood." His cold gaze swept over Mao Xiangrong beside him like a blade.
Mao Xiangrong felt the pressure from Chongxin, but he smiled calmly and said unhurriedly, "Director Chu, since this concerns demons, it's best to investigate further. Demons have unpredictable methods, and we can't determine their nature based solely on their demonic aura. As for their innate divine strength..."
His gaze was sharp as a hawk's, fixed intently on Zhang Ping.
"Hehe, I've lived most of my life, and I've never heard of anyone born with superhuman strength who could break the arm bone of a late-stage Skin Tempering martial artist with a single punch! I wonder if young friend Zhang could enlighten this old man?"
This is a difficult question to answer. Not only others, but even Chongxin himself, a disciple of the Sitong Martial Arts School, is unsure of the explanation for his "innate superhuman strength."
The streets fell silent once again.
Chu Hanwei remained silent. Although she disliked the fact that the infighting between martial arts schools had been dragged into the demon-exorcising matter, Mao Xiangrong and Chongxin were both top experts in Lingchuan County, and their strength was no less than hers. As long as her bottom line wasn't crossed, she needed to give these local bullies some face.
tick...
A bead of sweat slid down someone's forehead and landed in the crack of the blue brick, making a barely audible sound.
Time seemed to stand still.
Zhang Ping stood silently, his heart pounding heavily in his chest. He could clearly feel the scrutinizing, suspicious, and even fearful gazes directed at him from all directions.
Chongxin's defense is more for the sake of the martial arts school's reputation; he would never confront the Demon Extermination Bureau for the sake of a mere apprentice.
Chu Hanwei? That brief, one-time encounter is not worth mentioning.
A chill ran through my heart, like waves rippling across the surface.