Xiao Jian, upon hearing this, said coldly, "If there's anyone to blame, it's Master himself! On his deathbed, he actually gave our sect's secret manual to some young man he had never even met, claiming that Heaven had destined him for great responsibility. You and I have followed him for years, yet he never passed down to us the martial art he had honed all his life. This is truly intolerable!"
Guo Yuan replied, "Master said that this blade technique is vicious and deadly. Unless one's nature is pure and virtuous, one must never learn it. Even I, as senior disciple, was only taught six moves."
Hearing this, Xiao Jian felt even more resentment and said coldly, "Exactly—six moves for you! But for me, not even half a move of the Crouching Dragon Blade Technique!''
Senior brother Guo Yuan sighed and said, "Master told me that you have great talent, and before joining our sect you already had considerable skill. But your character is flawed, and you entered with ulterior motives. If you learned this blade art, you would bring calamity to the martial world. Now it seems he was right—these past ten years you've consorted with demonic sects and committed countless misdeeds. And now, taking advantage of Master's passing, you've allied with the Black Dragon Sect to covet our Crouching Dragon Blade Manual."
Xiao Jian bared his teeth and said, "That's right! Since I can't have it, I'll find help. Enough talk—step aside, or don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Guo Yuan gave a cold snort. "With your measly skills, you're no match for me!"
Before the words faded, Xiao Jian suddenly leapt forward, scabbard in one hand, drawing his blade in the other, and slashed downward. Guo Yuan had his blade across his body, ready in a guard stance. Seeing the attack, he raised his blade swiftly to block and said, "With your corrupt nature, there's no redemption. You've disgraced our sect—today I'll cleanse the door on Master's behalf!"
Guo Yuan, known in the martial world as the Loyal and Courageous Blade, was upright, principled, and steadfast. His valor was matched only by his loyalty; he revered his master as a father. Even after his master's death, he guarded his entrusted duty and never claimed the Crouching Dragon Blade Manual for himself—proof of his unmatched integrity. Now he thought: to rid the world of this menace today would be best.
Xiao Jian's attacks were ferocious, showing no mercy. Guo Yuan, unafraid, moved with agility, dodging and countering. After a few exchanges, Guo Yuan unleashed a move called "Summoning Clouds and Calling Rain." With a forceful sweep of his single blade, there came a ringing clash. Xiao Jian, unable to withstand the onslaught, faltered in his defense.
Seeing the danger, Eastern King Yang Chao of the Black Dragon Sect shouted and rushed in with his sword to assist. But Guo Yuan's blade flashed like lightning—there was a scream, and Xiao Jian was struck in the abdomen, blood gushing like a fountain. Had the strike gone an inch deeper, his entrails would have spilled out. Yang Chao's timely arrival saved him from instant death, but when he thrust his sword at Guo Yuan's chest, Guo Yuan countered with a sudden sweeping slash, sending shock up Yang Chao's arm, numbing it to the point where his sword nearly flew from his grasp.
In the chaos, Guo Yuan's blade became only faster and fiercer, each stroke pressing closer. Before the astonished eyes of all present, there came another ringing clash—Yang Chao was flung backward in a graceful arc through the air, landing lightly but drenched in cold sweat.
The crowd, witnessing the Crouching Dragon Blade Technique's might, was awestruck. Rumors of its world-shaking power were clearly no exaggeration—Guo Yuan, though only taught six moves, made each one deadly, spilling Xiao Jian's blood and forcing Eastern King Yang Chao to retreat.
At this moment, Western King Xiao Cheng called out, "Loyal and Courageous Blade Guo Yuan, your skill is extraordinary and your power immeasurable—we admire you. But even the bravest hero cannot stand against many. Guarding this manor to the death will be futile."
Weighing the situation, Xiao Cheng knew they could not take the Crouching Dragon Blade Manual in single combat. Only a massed assault would work.
Guo Yuan replied in a deep voice, "The Black Dragon Sect coveting our Crouching Dragon Blade is nothing but a dream! This manual is the treasure of our sect, and because it is too deadly, one must choose the inheritor with care. Before passing, my master told me a young man from the south would come this very day—a youth of virtue and talent, the foremost young hero of the age. He is the one worthy to inherit this skill."
Eastern King Yang Chao asked, "And who is this youth? Has he arrived today? In my view, your master was lying to you. Hand over the manual, pledge allegiance to the Black Dragon Sect, help Emperor Xiongwuh unify the land, gain rank and honor—wouldn't that be glorious?"
Guo Yuan's face darkened. "Such betrayal of one's master and ancestors defies all loyalty—how could I do that? I have already ordered my disciple to set off the sky-shaking firecrackers. That young man will have heard them and will come."
Xiao Cheng laughed. "Absurd! Your master deceived you! This nonsense about a southern youth—you believe it?"
Yang Chao said, "Step aside and we'll spare your life!"
Guo Yuan replied, "You underestimate this manor. It is protected by an array even I cannot enter at will. Passing me does not mean you can get the manual."
The "Boundless Eccentric," bald-headed, ill-tempered, and selfish, sneered, "If that's the case, why guard the gate? Let us in and stop wasting time!"
Suddenly there was a thunderous boom, startling everyone. The sky was clear—how could there be thunder on such a day? Guo Yuan laughed. "The auspicious moment has arrived! I invite Young Hero Wu Tong of Guangzhou, Lingnan!"
All turned to look, but no one was in sight.
Yang Chao scoffed, "Stop your tricks and let us through."
Guo Yuan smiled faintly. "Ignorant youths! How could you understand Heaven's will? Once more—I invite Young Hero Wu Tong of Guangzhou, Lingnan!"
Still no one appeared. Xiao Jian, clutching his wound, burst into wild laughter that echoed over the hill. "I told you—Master lied to you!"
The Boundless Eccentric sneered, "Shouting for courage won't save you!"
Guo Yuan's smile did not fade. "Fools! You cannot comprehend Heaven's will! Once more—I invite Young Hero Wu Tong of Guangzhou, Lingnan!"
Just then came the sound of robes cutting the air—two figures flew in like the wind and landed before them. Guo Yuan's heart leapt—just as Master had said, after three invitations the youth would arrive in the air.
He clasped his hands and asked, "Are you Young Hero Wu Tong of Guangzhou, Lingnan?"
Wu Tong bowed respectfully with clasped hands. "Indeed, I am."
Guo Yuan studied the youth—dignified, spirited, and as brilliant as the stars. Truly the young hero of the age! Knowing that the Crouching Dragon Blade Technique would have a worthy successor, one who could aid the world and benefit the martial realm, Guo Yuan was overwhelmed. Tears streamed down his face as he knelt and choked out, "Master, the youth you awaited has arrived—you may now smile in the afterlife!"