Zhao Rou's movements were agile and fluid, weaving through the arena like a startled swan or a swimming dragon. Every gesture radiated a graceful air. The folding fan in her hand danced like a living thing—her left hand swept across, her right hand tossed the fan; then her right hand swept, her left hand caught it. The fan's shadow spun and fluttered, light and lively to the extreme. Her posture was airy, as though strolling leisurely through a garden, yet there was no mistaking the killing intent within. The techniques might have seemed ornamental, but in truth they were exquisitely cunning. Each toss and catch was timed to perfection—her spirit shone bright, her elegance unmatched. The onlookers were utterly captivated.
His jade-like face wore a faint smile, his bearing noble and refined—like Pan An reborn, unmatched in poise. At that moment, he captured the hearts of countless young maidens, leaving many gazing at him in silent adoration. Yet none could have imagined that this peerlessly handsome young gentleman was, in truth, a woman in disguise. As the verse goes: "The buck's feet are swift, the doe's eyes are soft; side by side they run—who can tell which is male, which is female?"
Ge Tian, fierce in momentum, launched dozens of wild attacks but could not gain the slightest advantage. His palm strikes were ferocious, yet like a tiger pouncing upon shadows—they never so much as touched the hem of Zhao Rou's robe. Soon he was panting like an ox, sweat beading upon his brow. Realizing the danger but unwilling to concede defeat, he forced his breath steady, feigning exhaustion, and pretended to retreat, hoping to lure Zhao Rou into overextending herself.
But Zhao Rou was not one to fall for such a trick. Seeing him retreat step by step, she already understood his intent. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she lightly shook her fan and said leisurely,"A fine ploy—but watch how I break it."
Before the words had faded, the folding fan snapped open. A flash of cold light burst forth, shooting toward him like a meteor chasing the moon, aimed straight for Ge Tian's chest! Startled, Ge Tian twisted aside, but he was a fraction too slow.
Snap!The fan's edge sliced through his tunic, leaving a clean tear across his chest. The move seemed light, yet it carried an undeniable weight of dominance—an unspoken declaration that the outcome was already decided.
Zhao Rou withdrew her fan and stood at ease, her expression as calm as if the fierce bout had been nothing more than a casual exercise. She gave the fan a light shake, her gaze placid as water, and said coolly,"Master Ge, you let me win. With more training, you may seek me out again another day."
With that, her sleeves swayed like drifting clouds. Her elegance now outshone even the razor edge of her earlier strikes. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.
Ge Tian, seeing every eye fixed upon Zhao Rou and hearing the acclaim around him, felt jealousy flare into burning rage. His narrow heart could not bear such humiliation. Face twisted, he roared and sprang forward again, palm winds howling with even greater ferocity than before.
Yet Zhao Rou seemed unperturbed. She did not even look at him directly—her fan moved with casual grace, meeting his attack with a technique called "Glancing Left, Looking Right." Her steps were light, her movements effortless. The fan angled gently; her body turned in a graceful arc. Each motion was so refined it seemed more like a dance than a battle.
Suddenly, she vanished from his direct line of attack, sidestepping with elegance as the fan drifted on the wind, her movement as artful as it was precise. The contrast between her serene composure and his frenzied assault could not have been starker.
The crowd erupted again in cheers and applause. Many marveled aloud—Zhao Rou's martial skill was not only extraordinary, but her bearing was like that of an immortal descended to earth. No wonder so many maidens secretly pledged their hearts to her.
But Ge Tian's shame and anger boiled over. His mind was in disarray, his stance faltered, yet he lunged once more. This time he shifted mid-strike, changing from palm to finger, thrusting like lightning toward Zhao Rou's chest. The move was vicious—if it struck, it would at best send her blood surging wildly, at worst cause serious internal injury.
A cold smile touched Zhao Rou's lips."Petty tricks."
With a crisp pa! her fan intercepted the strike. Her wrist turned lightly, and the fan slashed downward in a move called "Endless Flow."
In that instant, the air was filled with the crackle of rapid impacts. Her fan moved like a dragon surging from the sea—sometimes stabbing like a sword, sometimes darting like a shooting star. The attacks were unpredictable, the speed astonishing. She struck left, feinted right, each move driving Ge Tian back another step.
Then—thud!Her fan landed squarely on his chest. Though not enough to break bone, the blow jolted his qi, sending him staggering.
Before the crowd could react—swish!—the fan flicked again, catching him clean on the forehead! The strike left him reeling, his vision swimming, the world spinning around him.
Two more heavy impacts sounded. His footing gave way, and with a final stumble he crashed to the ground in a cloud of dust. Blood touched the corner of his lips—he was utterly defeated.
Indeed, "From love springs jealousy"—a truth as old as humankind. But Ge Tian, spoiled by his father's reputation, had long been arrogant and domineering. Today, before all eyes, he was bested and shamed, and could only swallow the bitter loss.
Wu Tong stepped forward, grinning and giving a thumbs-up."Brother Zhao, you truly are the very picture of a refined gentleman—what a satisfying end to this farce."
Zhao Rou smiled faintly, slipping the fan into her sleeve."Such pointless quarrels are hardly worth mention. I fear I have merely given you all a laugh."
The crowd's admiration only deepened. Zhao Rou's elegance and skill had made him the brightest star of the day's Lingxiao Hall gathering.
Many maidens looked on with dazed longing, hearts quietly stirred. Meanwhile, Ge Tian—supported by his attendants—rose shakily to his feet.
"You and I had no quarrel," Zhao Rou said evenly. "I had no wish to harm you—you forced my hand."
Just then, Liu Yun pushed through the crowd."Master Zhao, are you hurt?"
Seeing him unharmed, her worry eased.
"It's nothing," Zhao Rou said. "That fool brought it upon himself."
Liu Yun turned, her gaze sharp as she raised her voice deliberately."Master Ge, you boast of your martial prowess—but if Master Zhao had not shown mercy, you'd be lying here without your life!"
Without waiting for a reply, she took Zhao Rou by the hand and walked away. The young women watching felt their hearts sink, while Ge Tian—who had hoped to impress—could only stew in his own humiliation.
Liu Yun showed no hesitation in holding Zhao Rou's hand before all. In the martial world, the lines between men and women were less rigid, but even so, such open familiarity drew many glances. Zhao Rou, however, simply walked toward Wu Tong and the others."Brother Tong, we should take our leave of the Heavenly Venerable Sect."
Wu Tong nodded."Then let us bid the Heavenly Venerable Sect farewell."
Liu Yun's eyes brightened."If you're going to the Pavilion of Prince Teng, I'll join you—shall I?"
Zhao Rou's face changed slightly. She looked to Wu Tong."Brother Tong, is that wise? She's a young lady, after all."
Wu Tong considered this."Perhaps it's better to ask her father first."
Thus they entered the Lingxiao Hall, where the Heavenly Venerable Sect's leader, Liu Xuan, was discussing the upcoming Assembly to Punish the Traitors. Seeing them, he rose and greeted them warmly."Gentlemen Wu and Zhao, Daoist Baimei, Master Zhenkong—your presence at today's opening ceremony has been a great honor."
Wu Tong returned the bow."Your generous hospitality has been deeply appreciated. We will depart now for the Pavilion of Prince Teng—it should take two or three days' journey."
Liu Xuan's face lit up."The Assembly needs heroes such as you. Then we shall meet there in twenty days' time."
Liu Yun then stepped forward."Father, may I travel ahead with them to scout the area?"
Liu Xuan pondered for a moment. With the Black Dragon Sect already watching them closely, the sect needed to unite in readiness."Very well. Go with the Heavenly and Earthly Venerables, but be careful—our enemies hide in the dark. Remember that."
Liu Yun smiled sweetly."I know, Father. With these fine heroes at my side, there's nothing to worry about."
She turned to Zhao Rou, Wu Tong, and the others."My lords, give me a moment, and we can depart."
They bowed and stepped outside. Before long, Liu Yun returned with the Heavenly Venerable Ding Ren and the Earthly Venerable Wei An. The group set off together, their departure grand and spirited.