Chapter 46: Zhang Cuishan

Cloud Crane had not expected someone to challenge him so soon, and his gaze followed the direction from which the voice had come.

Not far ahead stood a figure in Daoist robes, upright and graceful, exuding a noble aura.

Who else could it be but Song Qingshu?

“So it’s you, Brother Song from Wudang. I thought the blow I dealt you last time was heavy enough, but you seem to have recovered rather quickly.”

“You—!” Song Qingshu was immediately enraged.

“What, do you want to fight me again? Come on, let me see how much your skills have improved in this time.”

“Scoundrel, don’t be so arrogant—take my sword!”

With a sharp clang, a three-foot blade was drawn and thrust straight toward Cloud Crane’s face.

The strike was swift, the sword’s energy fierce, prompting murmurs of admiration among the onlookers.

“Song Qingshu truly is the standout among the third generation disciples of Wudang.”

“For someone so young to have cultivated such martial prowess—it’s remarkable.”

“Teach that lecher Cloud Crane a good lesson, let him know there are places he cannot go.”

Cloud Crane stood unmoving, his hands clasped behind his back, as though Song Qingshu was not even worth his attention.

“Arrogant!” Song Qingshu felt deeply insulted, his face flushed with anger, and he unleashed his internal energy without reservation.

His sword quivered, emitting a clear, resonant hum.

Yet Cloud Crane still did not spare him a glance, standing as motionless as a sculpture, as if indifferent to his own fate.

Only when the sword reached him did Cloud Crane finally move—a slight turn of his body, allowing the blade’s tip to brush his robe, the fierce sword energy stirring the hair at his temple, revealing a disdainful smile.

The sword missed its mark but continued forward; Song Qingshu remained unperturbed, stamping his foot to halt his charge.

He meant to withdraw his sword, but Cloud Crane was faster—two fingers together, he caught the sword’s blade firmly.

Song Qingshu’s face changed dramatically, internal energy surging through his palm, but no matter how he strained, his face reddening with effort, the blade did not budge.

Cloud Crane looked at Song Qingshu, raising an eyebrow, “Want it back?”

Song Qingshu gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his arm, “Save your breath. Who knows who’ll come out on top?”

“Look at you—still stubborn even now.” Cloud Crane smiled, “Since you want it so much, I’ll give it back to you.”

When Cloud Crane released his hold, a stream of internal energy silently entered Song Qingshu’s body.

Unaware, Song Qingshu suddenly felt much lighter, but before he could relax, an unknown force surged, shaking him from within and sending him stumbling backward.

The crowd erupted at the sight of Song Qingshu unable to withstand even a single move from Cloud Crane.

“When did Cloud Crane’s martial arts become so formidable?”

“I don’t think it’s Cloud Crane’s skill, but Song Qingshu’s inability to measure up.”

“A direct disciple of Wudang’s third generation, and he can’t even handle Cloud Crane? He’s disgracing his sect.”

As the voices swelled and Song Qingshu was about to fall flat, his retreat suddenly halted.

Cloud Crane noticed someone intervening, his eyes narrowing—this person had easily dispelled the foreign energy he’d sent into Song Qingshu, revealing remarkable prowess.

Song Qingshu turned to see a middle-aged man behind him, dressed as he was, around thirty years old, with a resolute face.

“Fifth Uncle!”

At the sight of the newcomer, Song Qingshu steadied himself.

His Fifth Uncle was none other than Zhang Cuishan, the fifth disciple under Zhang Sanfeng.

Cloud Crane was surprised to see Zhang Cuishan here; by the timeline, he should have been stranded on Ice and Fire Island with Yin Susu and Xie Xun.

Could it be...

“Qing Shu, come back!” A gentle command broke Cloud Crane’s train of thought.

“But Uncle!” Song Qingshu protested.

“A loss is a loss. Are you not man enough to admit defeat?” Zhang Cuishan’s tone hardened as Song Qingshu persisted in his stubbornness.

“Yes,” Song Qingshu replied, subdued by his uncle’s authority. Amid the crowd’s disappointed and mocking stares, he slunk back into the throng.

Damn Cloud Crane! Once again, he had been humiliated publicly.

I will tear you apart! Song Qingshu vowed silently.

Meanwhile, Cloud Crane appraised Zhang Cuishan, smiling as he asked, “Might Zhang the Fifth Hero wish to avenge Brother Song?”

Zhang Cuishan smiled slightly—Cloud Crane’s challenge suited him well. He raised his sword before him, the blade slowly sliding from its sheath.

The cold gleam was so intense that many present squinted their eyes.

Cloud Crane cursed himself for being too quick-tongued; he’d meant to lay a trap for Zhang Cuishan, but now found himself in a difficult position.

He had come to expose Xiang Yingtian’s true nature before the gathered martial artists, to ruin his reputation and standing in the jianghu.

He also hoped to use this opportunity to bolster his own reputation among the martial world.

If not for Song Qingshu’s interruption, Cloud Crane would never have clashed with these orthodox sects, lest it affect his plans.

Just as Cloud Crane was caught in dilemma, Hong Qigong stood and spoke, “It’s getting late. If you wish to fight, do it properly tomorrow when the martial arts tournament begins!”

With Hong Qigong intervening, Zhang Cuishan sheathed his sword, saluted, and cast a glance at both Hong Qigong and Cloud Crane, unable to fathom why Hong Qigong would help Cloud Crane.

Perplexed, he took Song Qingshu and withdrew.

Cloud Crane, too, was surprised, so much so that he missed the murderous glare Song Qingshu threw his way.

He had never imagined that the venerable Hong would help him out.

Still, since Zhang Cuishan had chosen to stand down, it was the best outcome for him.

As the excitement faded, everyone returned to their rooms to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s contest.

Soon, the once crowded and lively hall was left empty.

“Thank you, Elder Hong, for your timely intervention,” Cloud Crane stepped forward to express his gratitude.

“No need to thank me. Consider it repayment for the meal and drinks you once treated me to,” Hong Qigong replied carelessly, picking his nose. In truth, he knew Cloud Crane had come for the martial arts tournament tomorrow.

Helping him was merely to see what sort of spectacle Cloud Crane would put on at tomorrow’s event.

“Then, Elder, please rest early. I won’t disturb you further.”

With that, he took A’Zi by the hand and entered his room.

Watching Cloud Crane’s retreating figure, Hong Qigong’s gaze grew profound. He already had his suspicions, though he dared not confirm them.

If Cloud Crane, with his status and abilities, were to outshine all rivals and become leader of the martial world…