Flower Stealing Master

Chapter 630: Borrowing the East to Replace the West

Fang Zheng’s palm strike appeared ordinary at first, but midway through, it suddenly wavered, instantly splitting into two, then four, then eight palms.

Zuo Lengchan watched silently, his expression contemplative. He thought to himself, ‘Master Fang Zheng’s palm strikes shift into multiple directions midway, making his technique so mystical that it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Alas, the foundation of the Mount Song Sect pales in comparison to the Shaolin Sect.’

Despite the dazzling display, Zhang Sanfeng’s face retained a calm smile, showing no intention of evading or countering. 

Fang Zheng couldn’t help but utter a soft “hmm” in surprise. His palm technique transformed from one to two, two to four, four to eight. If his opponent did not interrupt him in time, the technique would eventually evolve into sixteen palms, then thirty-two. The more the palm strikes multiplied, the more confusing and powerful they became. If executed to its legendary peak of a thousand palms, the opponent would be overwhelmed before they could even react, already struck by countless blows.

Since Zhang Sanfeng showed no intention of attacking, Fang Zheng continued his display unhurriedly. Gradually, his palms multiplied until they reached one hundred and twenty-eight—a limit he had never surpassed. 

The legendary Thousand Hand Tathagata Palm, at its highest level, could reach 1,024 palms. However, no one in Shaolin’s history had ever achieved such mastery. Fang Zheng’s accomplishment of 128 palms was already unparalleled.

As the multitude of palm shadows approached, Zhang Sanfeng calmly raised his hands. With a few effortless motions, a faint Taiji diagram appeared before him. The sea of palm shadows collided with the Taiji diagram, melting away like snow under the blazing sun, disappearing without a trace.

The onlookers felt as if a blur passed before their eyes. When they looked again, they saw that Master Fang Zheng’s palms were firmly locked in Zhang Sanfeng’s grip. A slight application of force, and Fang Zheng’s hands would be irreparably harmed.

“Thank you for letting me win,” Zhang Sanfeng said with a smile. He lifted his hands, sending Fang Zheng flying gently back to his position with a wave of soft energy.

Seeing the two Shaolin masters defeated in a single move each, the crowd was astonished. Xu Zhu remained silent, deep in thought. ‘If we compare techniques, I certainly cannot match his century of experience. But if it comes down to inner strength, my Northern Darkness Divine Technique might give me a chance.’  
Having made up his mind, Xu Zhu bowed slightly and said, “Junior humbly requests to learn about internal strength from Esteemed Zhang.” With that, he pushed his palms forward slowly.

The crowd frowned at this plain and unremarkable move. Compared to the earlier techniques of Xuan Cheng and Fang Zheng, Xu Zhu’s attack seemed as ordinary as his appearance. Some black-clad individuals even jeered.

Song Qingshu quickly warned, “Esteemed Zhang, be careful! This is the Northern Darkness Divine Technique—it specializes in absorbing inner strength!”

Within the vast array of martial arts in the Jin’s novels, techniques like the Northern Darkness Divine Technique and Cosmic Absorption Technique were infamous for catching top-tier experts off guard. In ‘Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils’, Jiumozhi, who was leagues beyond Duan Yu in skill, ended up losing all his inner strength to the Northern Darkness Divine Technique due to a moment of carelessness. Similarly, in ‘The Smiling, Proud Wanderer’, Yue Buqun, a peak expert after mastering the Sunflower Manual, fell victim to the Cosmic Absorption Technique despite having already subdued Linghu Chong.

Even with Zhang Sanfeng’s unmatched cultivation, he could still fall into such a trap if unprepared.

“Northern Darkness Divine Technique?” Zhang Sanfeng paused, the name stirring a memory.

Seeing Zhang Sanfeng let down his guard, Xu Zhu was overjoyed. He reached out and placed his hand on Zhang Sanfeng’s palm, urging the Northern Darkness Divine Technique to absorb his inner strength. To his shock, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t draw even the slightest bit of energy.

Zhang Sanfeng’s century-long cultivation had rendered his inner strength self-regenerating, perpetually circulating in harmony. His True Qi in his dantian flowed like ethereal mist, elusive yet dense, achieving the realm of “Violet Vapors Circulation.” Such Qi was untouchable by any external force.

Zhang Sanfeng regained his composure and calmly asked, “Little monk, what is your connection to the Carefree Sect?”

Xu Zhu, flustered by the failure of his technique, instinctively replied, “Carefree Sect? I’ve never heard of it.”

Judging from his genuine expression, Zhang Sanfeng frowned slightly and released a burst of palm energy to send Xu Zhu back without another word. Lost in thought, he seemed preoccupied with some puzzle.

Although Xuan Cheng still felt dissatisfied, he knew Zhang Sanfeng hadn’t used his full strength when defeating the three of them. How could he suggest teaming up again? Instead, he clasped his hands and said, “It is truly an honor to witness Esteemed Zhang’s divine skill today. However, our temple’s ‘Marrow Cleansing Scripture’ has been taken by this gentleman. We hope Esteemed Zhang can mediate.”

“‘Marrow Cleansing Scripture’?” Zhang Sanfeng looked puzzled and glanced at Song Qingshu.

Song Qingshu quickly explained the situation. After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Sanfeng said, “While your actions earlier were indeed improper, the ‘Marrow Cleansing Scripture’ is undoubtedly a Shaolin treasure. Keeping it would be unjustifiable.”

“Since Esteemed Zhang has spoken, how can I refuse?” Song Qingshu smiled and turned to Ah Zi. “Ah Zi, please retrieve the ‘Marrow Cleansing Scripture’ from You Tanzhi.”

“Yes.” Ah Zi pouted slightly but walked over to You Tanzhi.

Despite his annoyance at Ah Zi’s obedience to Song Qingshu, You Tanzhi felt it was better to return the manual to Shaolin than have it in Song Qingshu’s possession. He reluctantly handed over the manual.

Ah Zi took the manual and returned to Song Qingshu. Blocking others’ view with her body, she subtly pocketed the real ‘Marrow Cleansing Scripture’ and handed him another manual instead. Deliberately raising her voice, she said, “Master, these hypocritical monks act compassionate but are no better than the Mount Song Sect assassins. Do we really have to return this manual to them?”

Catching on to her intent, Song Qingshu’s eyes lit up. Playing along, he replied, “The ‘Marrow Cleansing Scripture’ is indeed Shaolin’s, and we have no reason to keep it. However, you’re right—they must pay for their actions earlier. Here, monk, catch!” He tossed the manual toward Xuan Cheng.

Xuan Cheng instinctively sensed something amiss but still leapt into the air to catch the manual. As soon as it landed in his hands, he felt a hidden force within.

“Not good!” Xuan Cheng cried out.

With a loud ‘bang’, the manual exploded into powder, scattering across the ground.

“You!” Xuan Cheng glared at Song Qingshu furiously.

Feigning surprise, Song Qingshu exclaimed, “Oh dear, monk, have you been practicing your brute strength too much? Such a fragile book—how could it withstand your owerfull grip?” His tone and expression feigned complete innocence. 

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