Chapter 161 - 111: A Sword Nurtured for 30 Years, It’s Time to See Blood

"How is this possible... Even the Clan Elder can’t do anything to Zhang Su?"

Ouyang Jing’s eyes widened, his face a mask of shock.

He had grown up hearing legends of the Clan Elder.

The Clan Elder had always been Hidden Sword Manor’s Stabilizing Needle.

No matter what trouble they faced, as long as the Clan Elder took action, the problem would be solved. Hidden Sword Manor would continue to stand tall in the Jianghu, unyielding.

When he was a child, Ouyang Jing had personally seen the Clan Elder shatter a millstone-sized block of bluestone with a single palm strike.

The stone had been pulverized into dust, scattering with a gust of wind.

At that moment, he had felt there was nothing in this world the Clan Elder couldn’t do.

But now, though the Clan Elder hadn’t drawn his sword, his three punches had unleashed terrifying Pill Force. And yet, he still hadn’t been able to subdue Zhang Su?

One had to remember, Zhang Su was only at the Huajin realm.

Between Huajin and Pill Force, there was a world of difference.

Ouyang Jing had never imagined that a Huajin Martial Artist could actually rival a Danjin Martial Artist.

It was truly unbelievable!

But it was the truth.

He recalled the three punches from moments ago.

With every punch, the air itself seemed to explode, and a sound like muffled thunder echoed across the entire Martial Arts Arena.

That power, that overwhelming momentum... just watching from a distance made Ouyang Jing’s heart pound with fear.

If he had been in Zhang Su’s place, he would have likely died from the first punch.

But what about Zhang Su?

He had withstood all three punches.

Not only was he not dead, he was still standing steadily.

He had only retreated a few steps, and a few more cracks had appeared on his sword.

That was all!

Ouyang Jing had always believed that a Huajin Martial Artist was nothing before a master of Pill Force.

The Clan Elder’s existence was the source of Hidden Sword Manor’s confidence.

But Zhang Su had shattered that perception.

’A Huajin can withstand Pill Force!’

Even if it was only for three punches.

As the Manor Master of Hidden Sword Manor, Ouyang Chuan’s expression was even uglier than Ouyang Jing’s.

He stood at the edge of the Martial Arts Arena, his hands clasped behind his back, but his fingers were trembling uncontrollably.

His heart had sunk to the depths.

He never imagined that even after the Clan Elder himself had intervened, Zhang Su would still be completely unharmed.

The three-move agreement was over, so the Clan Elder could not possibly strike again.

’Not only did Zhang Su kill Ouyang Pu in Hidden Sword Manor, but now he gets to borrow our most guarded secret, the Sword Nurturing Skill? What kind of justice is this?’

Ouyang Chuan opened his mouth, but no words came out.

’Am I supposed to ask the Clan Elder to go back on his word?’

’Impossible.’

Ouyang Chuan knew the Clan Elder too well.

A word once spoken is like water splashed on the ground; it can never be taken back.

Besides, a disciple from Medicine Valley was watching from the side.

Shen Mufeng stood in the crowd. Although he hadn’t spoken, his gaze remained fixed on the arena.

The Clan Elder would never break his promise.

Ouyang Chuan turned his head to look at the Clan Elder.

At this moment, Ouyang Yin’s eyes narrowed slightly. There was no anger in his cloudy gaze, but rather an indescribable, complex emotion.

It was as if he were reminiscing about something.

Ouyang Yin did not make another move.

Silence fell over the Martial Arts Arena.

The wind blew, sweeping up a few fallen leaves that drifted slowly back to the ground.

"The younger generation is truly to be feared."

Ouyang Yin spoke slowly. His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried clearly to everyone’s ears.

"Perhaps I really have grown old."

He paused, his gaze falling upon Zhang Su, sizing him up from head to toe.

"Young Hero Zhang, the three-move agreement is over. You have withstood my three moves."

Ouyang Yin raised a hand and waved dismissively.

"Someone, bring me the Sword Nurturing Skill secret manual."

As soon as these words were spoken, an uproar erupted in the Martial Arts Arena.

The disciples of Hidden Sword Manor stared at each other, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Some moved their lips, wanting to speak, but didn’t dare.

Some tightened their grip on the hilts of their swords.

Others, with flickering gazes, stole glances at Ouyang Chuan’s face.

Ouyang Chuan’s face was ashen.

Ouyang Jing’s expression was just as grim.

’To just hand over Hidden Sword Manor’s most secret art on a silver platter?’

’How could they possibly swallow this humiliation?’

"Clan Elder..."

Someone finally couldn’t hold back any longer and spoke in a low voice.

The voice was quiet, but in the silent Martial Arts Arena, everyone heard it clearly.

The one who spoke was a steward of Hidden Sword Manor. His surname was Wu, he was in his fifties with salt-and-pepper hair, and he had been with the manor for over thirty years.

He had been very close with Ouyang Pu. Having watched Ouyang Pu die by Zhang Su’s sword, a fire of rage had long been smoldering inside him.

Now that the Clan Elder was actually going to give the Sword Nurturing Skill to Zhang Su, he could no longer bear it.

Ouyang Yin’s expression hardened, and a cold glint flashed in his cloudy eyes.

"What, did you not hear my words?"

Steward Wu froze. He opened his mouth, but in the end, he didn’t dare say another word.

He lowered his head.

The other Martial Artists of Hidden Sword Manor fell silent, afraid to make a sound.

The Clan Elder usually didn’t involve himself in daily affairs, but once he spoke, his word was final.

No one dared to defy him.

Ouyang Chuan didn’t speak either.

He lowered his gaze, his thoughts unreadable.

A moment later, a Martial Artist from Hidden Sword Manor jogged out from behind the crowd.

His steps were quick; he was practically running.

In less time than it takes to drink half a cup of tea, he returned.

He was holding a thin booklet with both hands and walked respectfully before Ouyang Yin.

It was a booklet with a blue cover. There were no words on it, only a border of fine, intricate patterns embroidered with silver thread.

The booklet was very thin, looking to be only about ten pages long.

The paper was slightly yellowed and the corners were a bit curled, clearly showing its age.

"Clan Elder, this is the ’Sword Nurturing Skill’ secret manual."

The Martial Artist’s voice trembled slightly.

He was reluctant to part with it.

Everyone in Hidden Sword Manor, from top to bottom, knew that the Sword Nurturing Skill was the manor’s most guarded secret.

But he did not dare defy the Clan Elder’s command.

"Give it to Young Hero Zhang."

Ouyang Yin didn’t even glance at the secret manual, simply giving the order in a detached voice.