Seeing the newcomer approach, it wasn’t all that surprising that he drew the attention of top Chinese Jianghu experts like Daozhang Qingxu, Xiao Jiugui, and Bai Kedi.
After all, managing to find this peak instead of going to the Golden Summit meant they were all masters of a similar caliber. They likely interacted quite often and were already acquainted. The arrival of a long-revered martial arts master causing a stir wasn’t strange.
However, Jiang Fei keenly noticed that with the appearance of this figure and the sound of his voice, even Yanagishou Munenori—who had been solely focused on quietly posing by the cliff edge, not greeting Jiang Fei upon his arrival, and seemingly unafraid that Jiang Fei might take advantage of his distraction to kick him off the cliff—immediately turned his head!
A clear look of surprise appeared on Yanagishou Munenori’s face, which was usually unfazed by honor or disgrace and perpetually wore a mild smile.
It had to be understood, given Yanagishou Munenori’s strength and mental state, there were very few people who could surprise him. In Jiang Fei’s view, it was practically impossible for anyone to cause such a fluctuation in Yanagishou Munenori’s composure.
Therefore, Jiang Fei grew even more curious about the identity of this master who had arrived even later than he did.
Who was this person, capable of surprising Yanagishou Munenori like this?
Could it be Xiao Jiugui’s or Bai Kedi’s master, arriving in person?
If masters of the caliber of the Drunken Monk of the Western Regions or Lord Dong from the Northern Wilderness had come, that might indeed warrant such a reaction from Yanagishou Munenori.
After all, considering the cultivation and combat prowess their disciples, Xiao Jiugui and Bai Kedi, had already achieved, how profound the masters’ own strength might be was truly anyone’s guess.
It was certain, at the very least, that they would be no weaker than Yanagishou Munenori.
Jiang Fei narrowed his eyes slightly, examining the approaching figure.
The man appeared to be around fifty, similar in age to Yanagishou Munenori. He wore a black martial arts uniform with a white collar and cloth shoes on his feet.
Moreover, this man was very tall and sturdy, similar in build to Yanagishou Munenori, both belonging to the brawny type. However, his temperament was completely different.
Yanagishou Munenori had long, flowing hair, skin as fair and clean as jade—not at all like a middle-aged man—appearing refined and scholarly, especially when his face bore a faint, gentle smile. But what about this latest arrival?
He also had long hair, but it appeared messy, not sleek and smooth like Yanagishou Munenori’s, which looked good enough for a shampoo commercial. This man not only had long hair but also a long beard—a full, dense beard. His features were extremely rugged: thick eyebrows, large eyes, a prominent nose bridge, giving him a formidable appearance.
If one had to describe him in one phrase, it would be ‘commanding awe without anger’!
This man gave the impression of a black dragon soaring into the sky, or a towering mountain range with an endless, rolling aura. Particularly as he walked over, it truly felt like a great mountain pressing down, his presence astonishing, almost suffocating, making one feel unsteady and inclined to kneel!
Fortunately, those who had managed to climb this peak were no ordinary people. Each was a top-tier master, so withstanding this pressure wasn’t a problem.
“Truly a formidable presence. This aura is already no less than Yanagishou Munenori’s. Could it really be the Drunken Monk or Lord Dong?” Jiang Fei couldn’t help but speculate inwardly.
However, Jiang Fei soon dismissed these two possibilities. Seeing this man, both Xiao Jiugui and Bai Kedi wore expressions of shock without any other particular emotion, clearly indicating this wasn’t their master.
“Could it be the Wild Grass Daoist from beneath Mount Lu? Or some other reclusive master I don’t know about?” Jiang Fei wondered again.
Regardless of who it was, this person was at least Chinese. His arrival here at this time likely wasn’t with hostile intentions toward Jiang Fei.
Seeing the newcomer, aside from Jiang Fei and Ye Yuanyuan—who didn’t recognize him at all and thus showed no particular emotion—the calmest among them was Daozhang Qingxu.
After all, as a practicing Taoist, his composure was naturally stronger than that of ordinary people.
He made a Taoist salute to the newcomer, smiling as he said, “I never expected today’s duel at Mount Emei’s Golden Summit would stir even you, ‘Lion King,’ into action.”
Lion King?
Jiang Fei heard Daozhang Qingxu’s address for this rugged man. It was strange, likely a special codename.
However, given the man’s aura and appearance, the title ‘Lion King’ fit quite well, matching his image.
“You old ox-nosed priest, long time no see!” the Lion King laughed heartily.
Then his gaze shifted, landing on Jiang Fei, causing the energy and blood within Jiang Fei’s body to stir faintly. Of course, Jiang Fei maintained his composure without changing expression.
The scrutiny didn’t last long. The Lion King seemed satisfied with just that, nodding at Jiang Fei. He then turned slightly, looking toward Yanagishou Munenori standing proudly alone by the distant cliff edge amidst the wind and snow, and said with a hint of a smirk, “Of course I had to come today! I heard there’s an overestimating islander wanting to show off in our China. How could I just stand by and watch?”
Daozhang Qingxu and the others glanced at each other. Yanagishou Munenori’s presence in China couldn’t exactly be called showing off. His actions this time were much milder than Miyamoto Ichizen’s last visit. Apart from his duel with Jiang Fei, he hadn’t issued widespread challenges like Miyamoto Ichizen, who posed as if wanting to bathe the Chinese Jianghu in blood.
Yanagishou Munenori’s actions today could at most be considered martial arts exchange.
Such exchanges happened frequently between the two countries, an unspoken understanding. It was like when Western medical exchange delegations organized groups to come to China for exchanges with Traditional Chinese Medicine. TCM didn’t forbid it; on the contrary, they had to put on a welcoming attitude. How could they accuse others of coming to cause trouble or show off?
Even if others genuinely showed off and ultimately defeated TCM, one could only say TCM’s skills weren’t up to par. You couldn’t just shut the door on them and refuse the exchange because you couldn’t match them, could you?
If that were the case, where would the face of our great Chinese nation be? News of it would probably make people die laughing.
Of course, martial arts challenges were different from medical exchanges.
The difference was akin to a battle of wits versus a battle of force.
In a battle of wits, even with wins and losses, there’s rarely life-threatening danger. But in a battle of force, it’s naturally more perilous, possibly involving broken limbs or even loss of life, which is normal.
Therefore, using this reason to try and stop the duel between Yanagishou Munenori and Jiang Fei was completely untenable.
Jiang Fei was also quite puzzled inwardly, but he sensed that this master, the ‘Lion King,’ not only harbored no hostility toward him but also seemed intent on helping him deal with Yanagishou Munenori?
This piqued Jiang Fei’s curiosity.
Did this ‘Lion King’ know him from before, or was he an old acquaintance of his nominal master, Xuanjizi? Otherwise, why would he want to step in to help?
Perhaps the Lion King also knew what others were thinking, for he didn’t wait long before adding, “I know there are often overestimating islanders coming to our China to show off. As long as they stay within the permitted bounds, even if they’re a bit arrogant, I can’t be bothered to deal with them. However… this time is different.”
Yanagishou Munenori, who had been quietly posing, finally spoke. He didn’t walk over but let his voice carry from afar. “How is it different?”
“You challenging and sparring with other members of the Chinese Jianghu is none of my business. But if you want to bully a member of my ‘Seven Kill Group,’ you’ll have to ask for my permission first!” the Lion King said coldly with a smirk.
Whoosh!
Hearing this, several people present had a sudden moment of realization.
Jiang Fei looked at this awe-inspiring Lion King with a strange expression. Was this master the leader of that most mysterious and special organization, the ‘Seven Kill Group’? That would explain his intervention in this matter.
Besides Jiang Fei, Ye Yuanyuan also roughly guessed the gist of the situation. However, she didn’t know Jiang Fei had already obtained the Seven Kill Token, so she was still somewhat puzzled as to why the Lion King was already declaring Jiang Fei a member of the Seven Kill Group.
But regardless, this was good news! With this seemingly formidable master stepping in to intervene, perhaps he could directly drive Yanagishou Munenori away, sparing Jiang Fei from having to fight him. A hint of joy flashed in Ye Yuanyuan’s eyes.
“Jiang Fei joined the Seven Kill Group?” Daozhang Qingxu asked, somewhat surprised.
He knew Jiang Fei was the successor of the Heaven’s Secrets Sect for this generation, which was why he alone held more confidence in Jiang Fei when others viewed his duel with Yanagishou Munenori as likely fatal. But when did Jiang Fei also become a member of the Seven Kill Group?
The Lion King turned back, looking at Jiang Fei, and said, “You should have your Seven Kill Token on you at all times, right? Take it out and show them.”
Jiang Fei rubbed his nose, a wry smile on his face. After hesitating a moment, he still took out the pitch-black token from his pocket.
“See?” The Lion King looked at Yanagishou Munenori with a cold sneer, speaking very domineeringly. “Whoever possesses the Seven Kill Token is naturally a member of my Seven Kill Group. So, wanting to move against a member of the Seven Kill Group without my permission—do you think that’s possible?”
The Lion King’s voice was full of vigor, his words entirely directed at Yanagishou Munenori.
He showed no regard for Yanagishou Munenori’s status, didn’t care that he was Japan’s number one in swordsmanship, nor that he was a ‘Kensei’ (Sword Saint) who could harm with flowers and leaves. It seemed that in his view, if he wished, he could threaten Yanagishou Munenori at any time.
Apart from his initial slight surprise upon seeing the Lion King’s arrival, Yanagishou Munenori’s expression hadn’t changed much. His figure finally moved at this moment, floating over with two light steps.
“Even if he is a member of the Seven Kill Group, he must still fight me today. Because he already promised me a month ago,” Yanagishou Munenori said calmly, his gaze neither hurried nor angry as he looked at Jiang Fei.
He, too, paid absolutely no heed to the Lion King.
