Chapter 224: Testing
In the courtyard, plum blossoms accompanied the snow, and the moonlight reflected the wine. Meng Qi looked at Qi Zhengyan solemnly, waiting for his reply.
When Qi Zhengyan came over for a discussion, Meng Qi mentioned the fact that he had come into contact with strange rocks in the mountains and rivers, and obtained some inheritance with the help of thunder marks, emphasizing the plain female Taoist pursuit of the successor of the Thunder God - he did not doubt Gu Xiao Sang lied about this, because it is true that the seven heavenly maidens suddenly appeared in the mountains and rivers, and the iron-hand demons and joyful demons at that time must also be false.
Meng Qi mentioned the matter of thunder marks last time, Qi Zhengyan was not surprised, and just sighed softly: "Junior brother Meng, since you obtained the inheritance of the true meaning of Ananda's breaking sword technique, you have been having many adventures, which is really enviable. "
He did not dwell on this issue. He paused and said with a serious face: "If this matter is true, it must be resolved as soon as possible. Everyone in the city knows that Meng Qi, the 'Junzi Sword', is my cousin."
If Su Nu Dao determines that "Junzi Jian" is the person who has inherited the Thunder God, and cannot find Meng Qi, he will naturally focus on Qi Zhengyan, so Qi Zhengyan said this.
Moreover, the cousin relationship between Meng Qi and Qi Zhengyan cannot withstand close inspection. Although the Huanhua Sword Sect and the Zhoujun Wang family are at best looking at the newcomers on the list, and there is no way to get to the bottom of it, the plain female Taoist order is for the inheritance of the Thunder God. , will definitely not miss any detail.
"It's me who has caused trouble to you, Senior Brother Qi. I did things with dirty hands." Meng Qi apologized sincerely, "I have to ask Senior Brother Qi for your help to quietly spread the news that Shan Xiumei is a descendant of the Taoist Xuannv lineage. No. I just want to make people believe it, just to arouse suspicion and vigilance. Whenever the elders of the Wang family are a little suspicious, they will use secret methods to identify the women around their legitimate sons. "
"Shan Xiumei is difficult to deal with because she is hiding in the Wang family. If she acts alone, we can work together to snatch the strange stone from the sky and completely eliminate future troubles."
Meng Qi judged the strength of the descendant of Xuannv from the fact that Gu Xiaosang killed the seven heavenly maidens all by himself and chased Shan Xiumei all the way. She was obviously weaker than Gu Xiaosang, and no matter how strong she was, she would still be at the top of the list. At the level of more than ten, he and Qi Zhengyan teamed up. Even if they couldn't defeat him, they were still sure to get back the strange stone through mental calculations and unintentional calculations.
However, Meng Qi was a little confused about this. It was clear that spreading the news could force Shan Xiumei out of the Wang family, so why didn't Gu Xiaosang do it? Even without using Luo Jiao's power, she could easily get the matter done with her clever mind.
What purpose is she hiding?
The uncertainty about Gu Xiaosang's true purpose is the biggest reason why Meng Qi is unwilling to join forces with her!
Qi Zhengyan nodded gently: "It doesn't matter, people in the world can't help themselves. I may have something to involve you in the future. We are close friends of life and death, and it is time to help each other. I have been in Yedu for half a year, so I won't spread the news. Expose yourself.”
Meng Qi has been training hard behind closed doors for the past six months, isolated from the world. Even if he wanted to spread the news, he could not find a safe and secret channel for the time being, so he had no choice but to ask Qi Zhengyan. He is the leader of the Huanhua Sword Sect. Although he has kept a low profile for the past six months, he has Or he established his own "Jianghu Network" by selling stolen gems and other things.
After watching Qi Zhengyan leave, Meng Qi looked at the red plum blossoms and sighed softly:
"The trees want to be quiet but the wind doesn't stop..."
…………
With the sound of firecrackers, the new year comes and every family replaces the old charms with new ones. After the beginning of the new year, martial arts schools across the city usher in the triennial grand competition, which is also a preview of the martial arts competitions in late spring and early summer.
All the disciples of the Qingfeng Martial Arts Gym, led by the gym owner He Ye, went to the "Chiyang Martial Arts Gym" two streets away, which was the venue for this martial arts competition.
Looking at the magnificent door and plaque, He Mu shivered nervously.
In the past few days, he had been practicing the "stories" taught by Mr. Su, trying to master them by heart, and gradually gained some confidence. But when the Chiyang Martial Arts School appeared in front of him, he realized that he was still uncontrollably nervous. I can't help worrying about gains and losses, and I finally find my confidence but I don't know where it has gone.
"He Mu, don't embarrass the martial arts gym and let down the respect of the gym owner and master." The fifth senior brother said when he saw He Mu's bearish look, he hated iron.
He has always been aggrieved and wondered why the master and master of the gym would pick He Mu. He only defeated him twice and lost more times. In terms of excellence, there were at least a dozen people in the martial arts gym who were far better than him!
This kind of mentality is in the hearts of many disciples of Qingfeng Martial Arts School. The senior sister, second senior brother, and third senior brother are so powerful that they cannot be jealous. Xiaojiu and Cheng Qilang have outstanding talents, and their master has always favored them. Everyone is used to it. But why should I send you, an ordinary He Mu!
Feeling the unfriendly looks from some of his fellow apprentices, He Mu became even more nervous. He could only try to recall the peace and tranquility of listening to Mr. Su reciting poems under the plum blossom tree.
"Senior Brother He, since master likes you, there must be a reason for him. Don't be nervous and just be yourself." Qu Tianhe saw He Mu looking dazed and kindly encouraged him.
He Mu nodded gratefully and took a deep breath. Thinking of Mr. Su's seemingly always calm and calm appearance and the stories he "made up", he gradually calmed down his nervousness.
Chiyang Martial Arts Hall is very large, with several martial arts performance halls. Each martial arts performance hall has seven or eight stages, and a second floor overlooking the railing. Guests from aristocratic families, sects, and gangs are casually looking down, looking for those who are preparing for the competition. Strong young men who have become famous.
He Mu walked onto the ring in a daze. In front of him was a handsome young man, probably only one or two years older than He Mu.
This arena did not attract much attention. There were only some people from Qingfeng Martial Arts School and the friends, relatives, and senior brothers of the boy opposite.
"Huanzhong Martial Arts School is bright." The boy opposite saluted and signed up.
He Mu shivered again and stuttered slightly: "Qingfeng, Qingfeng Martial Arts School He Mu."
Hengzhong Martial Arts Hall and Qingfeng Martial Arts Hall were not far apart. He Mu had heard of Bai Liang. He was once defeated by the sword of his third senior brother, who was much stronger than himself, with only one move difference.
The judging martial artist on the ring shook his head and laughed, who did Old Man He send? Is this his relative?
He coughed: "Start."
Bai Liang was not humble and used his sword sharply, aiming for a quick victory without affecting the following competitions today - the martial arts competition lasted for five days, and the first day required the most competitions in order to eliminate most of the weak people. , guaranteeing a wonderful next four days.
The opponent was driving fast, so I avoided the edge and lured him into the situation... This was a plot in the "story" Meng Qi "made up". He Mu had been thinking about it these days, and a countermeasure quickly emerged in his mind.
However, it was his first time to participate in such an important competition, and he kept talking about the story in his heart. He was not calm and sincere. His reaction was half a beat slow, and he stepped back, but failed to raise his sword, and was almost hit by Bai Liang. .
Bai Liang was unyielding and kept advancing. He Mu stumbled and staggered. It was very difficult, but he meticulously told the story with his swordsmanship.
"Shame!" The fifth senior brother snorted under the ring, He Mu is so embarrassed!
He Mu didn't hear his words, because as the competition deepened, he found that the other party was getting deeper into his story little by little, and every response triggered a plot that he had prepared for a long time!
The nervousness in his heart gradually turned into excitement and excitement, his eyes were clear, and there was no longer any hesitation and delay in his actions. He was like a calm hunter, tempting his prey while patiently waiting for him to step into the trap, and acting out a turning point with himself. story!
That's it now! He Mu's eyes narrowed and he retreated instead of advancing, slashing with his long sword.
After two ding-ding collisions, the bright white sword fell to the ground with a snap. His eyes were dull, as if he didn't expect that he would suddenly be defeated!
The judging martial artist shook his head. Bai Liang was eager to attack, and the flaws in his side became more and more obvious. He Mu was so lucky!
He Mu's face was full of joy. He was no longer as nervous as before. He was confident in his swordsmanship and Mr. Su's story.
It turns out that I can be so strong!
It turns out that swordsmanship can really tell stories!
At this time, how could he not understand that Mr. Su is a master, a real master!
The fifth senior brother had a big mouth and couldn't believe that He Mu had won. Normally he had no chance of winning against Bai Liang, let alone He Mu who was not as good as him!
He Mu jumped off the ring, looking forward to the next competition.
The next day, he fought four more times, becoming more proficient from a young age, telling the story that Meng Qi made up. Different opponents had different ups and downs, from danger to defeat to victory, until he was calm and under control.
By the time of the last match, his performance had attracted the attention of many people in the martial arts school. He Ye was even more surprised. It was obviously a swordsmanship taught by him, but He Mu's combination gave him a completely different feeling.
"Not bad." He Ye praised He Mu, feeling that he was indeed right. He used his sword with great agility, unexpectedly, "Your opponent tomorrow is Cao Chengye from the Chiyang Martial Arts School. He has just opened his eyes and is destined to be the king." Just practice your sword skills and don't care about victory or defeat."
"Yes, Master, the master." He Mu didn't think he could win. Even if he was just starting to gain consciousness, he was still very different from a person like himself who had only just gained strength. He was happy that he seemed to have touched a new world, a new world. A new world of storytelling with swordsmanship!
After returning to the martial arts hall, He Mu thought about it and decided to stay and practice hard. After everyone had left, he quietly walked to Meng Qi's door and knocked.
"Come in, the door is unlocked." He heard Mr. Su's warm voice.
Opening the door, he saw Mr. Su sitting upright under the corridor, with a Go game in front of him. Smoke was rising from the copper stove next to him, and the warm sandalwood filled the cold air, making people feel calm.
"Won?" Meng Qi looked at the chessboard in front of him, thinking about Yijian, and asked casually.
He Mu quickly replied: "I won five games, thank you Mr. Su for your guidance."
"Not bad, I got started quickly." Meng Qi looked up at him, smiled and praised, "Continue tomorrow."
"I'm afraid we can't continue tomorrow." He Mu whispered, "The opponent is a master who has just awakened."
Meng Qi suddenly became interested: "You're new to this? Such people are rare in martial arts competitions, right?"
"Yes, I have been admitted to the Wang family for cultivation." He Mu answered honestly.
"Wang..." Meng Qi pondered for a moment, then asked with a smile, "Do you want to win?"
"What, how to win?" He Mu's eyes widened, this is impossible!
"In a normal fight, you have no chance of winning, but this is a competition." Meng Qi said with a smile, "You told everyone a story with your sword skills today. If your opponent is not careless, he will definitely find someone to ask, so he has something in his heart. It shows your image, well, a swordsman who is careful with his sword and good at seducing people.”
"In other words, you used today's experience and performance to tell the other party a completely believable beginning of the story! Hey, telling stories with swords is not limited to just one game..."
He Mu was dumbfounded, half understanding, could his performance today be the beginning of another competition?
This is really unimaginable!
If it were a chess game, this would be a far-reaching plan!
Meng Qi put down the black piece in his hand and said seriously: "You can't fight with him, so you have to use this believable beginning of the story to give the other party a reversal, a reckless and quick story..."
He told He Mu the new "story". He Mu was shocked and couldn't believe it: "This, is this possible?"
"You're going to lose anyway, so why not give it a try." Meng Qi chuckled.
He Mu nodded vigorously: "Thank you, Mr. Su."
He had blind confidence in Mr. Su.
Meng Qi stood up, looked at the yard with his hands behind his hands, and said calmly:
"After today, no matter whether you win or lose, don't come to me again."
"Why, why?" He Mu asked eagerly.
Meng Qi did not look back and sighed:
"Destiny has come and gone, and it's time for me to embark on my journey. Let's ponder these stories by myself. If we meet again in the future, I hope you have become a master of swordsmanship."
He Mu bit his lip: "Yes, Mr. Su."
After he left the small courtyard sadly, Qi Zhengyan walked out of the side room and exhaled: "Junior Brother Meng, are you a little sad? Are you worried about the upcoming trip, the matter of Su Nu Dao or the death mission?"
Meng Qi looked up at the plum blossoms and said leisurely: "Senior Brother Qi, don't you think that this state, demeanor and slight sadness are suitable for the image of a worldly master?"
Qi Zhengyan clenched his fists tightly, then slowly released them: "Today, Mrs. Wang used secret methods to identify Shan Xiumei's martial arts background. There is no problem at all. She is not a pure girl."
"What?" Meng Qi turned to look at Qi Zhengyan.
…………
The next day, Chiyang Martial Arts School.
Wang Ce took Shan Xiumei to the second floor and said apologetically: "Xiumei, it's my mother who is making too much of a fuss. Don't take it to heart."
"I know that the iron-handed man and the devil made everyone doubt me, but the pure will self-purify." Shan Xiumei replied calmly, implying stubbornness.
Wang Ce flattered and said with a smile, "I do believe you."
He looked down and deliberately changed the subject: "Xiumei, the martial arts competition is a grand event in Yedu. You will have to comment on it later."