Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 88

Chapter 88: The Competition

Through a voice transmission, He Lang had already learned that Jiang Hanzheng had passed the preliminary round. Though expected, he still intended to reward his little disciple. Should he send him something interesting?

As he pondered, he sluggishly detected a trace of unfamiliar energy. But if it were a stranger, how could they have passed through the mountain’s restrictions unharmed?

In that brief moment, the figure had already broken the barrier, entered the cave residence, approached him from behind, and let out a faint sigh.

“Master, it’s been a while.”

He Lang’s body stiffened, his mind slightly unsettled. He rubbed his temples irritably before reluctantly turning around.

The visitor wore a moon-white robe embroidered with gold, clearly just returning from the mortal world without having changed into sect attire. His appearance resembled that of an aristocratic young master, yet his cold expression exuded an innate aloofness.

“Kong Huai.” He Lang casually called out, then leisurely sat down again, flipping through a book absentmindedly.

Hearing this distant form of address, Kong Huai frowned slightly, feeling somewhat unaccustomed to it, but he still responded.

Although the two were master and disciple, Kong Huai evidently did not exhibit the usual respect and decorum expected of a disciple toward their master. Even after seeing He Lang for so long, he did not offer a formal greeting.

Though He Lang didn’t particularly care about such formalities, he wasn’t completely indifferent either. Seeing Kong Huai act without the slightest hint of a disciple’s demeanor, He Lang cast him a sidelong glance, as if questioning, “Have you forgotten your manners after being away for so long?”

Kong Huai’s gaze flickered slightly, and he seemed to pause briefly. After staring at He Lang for a moment, he finally withdrew his hands from behind his back and offered a salute, adding with a hint of concern, “It’s been a while since I’ve been back. Is Master well?”

Saying this, Kong Huai took two or three steps closer and scrutinized He Lang carefully.

When he had left, he remembered this man looking frail, unwell, and deeply troubled. It was one of the reasons he had left in turmoil. But now, seeing him fully recovered, his complexion rosy, his expression serene, and his aura clear and untroubled, it was evident that He Lang had been doing quite well during his absence.

Having confirmed that He Lang was fine, Kong Huai should have felt relieved and happy. Yet, seeing this person again, he felt a subtle sense of conflict. The realization that He Lang could live so cheerfully without him—what had prompted such a change? Could it be his newly accepted disciple?

“Of course, I’m fine. I should be the one asking you—why have you suddenly returned?” He Lang turned his head away, uncomfortable with Kong Huai’s intense gaze.

Kong Huai retracted his gaze and replied succinctly, “To participate in the competition.”

The sect’s competitions always offered generous rewards, so it was only logical for him to return for this reason.

His answer was correct, but He Lang inexplicably felt a twinge of disappointment. He blurted out an unintended question: “Is that your only reason for coming back?”

The moment the words left his mouth, both of their expressions changed.

He Lang was the first to react, suppressing the strange feeling in his heart. He realized it was the lingering emotions from the past that had momentarily escaped his control. He could only hope Kong Huai wouldn’t misinterpret his question.

However, the implication behind the question was unmistakable—it was essentially asking whether Kong Huai had returned for him.

Fragments of broken memories flashed through Kong Huai’s mind but quickly dissipated. Unmoved, he frowned and responded coldly, “What else? Master, please don’t overthink it.”

Embarrassed by his earlier behavior, He Lang tried to recover, pretending to smile nonchalantly as he beckoned Kong Huai closer. “Let’s not dwell on this. You’ve traveled a long way. You must need some rest.”

Feigning warmth, he patted Kong Huai’s shoulder, contemplating which guest room to arrange for him.

At that moment, Jiang Hanzheng had already hurried back from the competition venue. He had also noticed the unfamiliar presence and was quick to realize that the person beside his master was the same one who had covertly challenged him at the competition.

What was this person’s relationship with his master? Why did the two stand so close, with such a sense of familiarity between them? Questions flooded Jiang Hanzheng’s mind as he began piecing things together.

Feeling uncomfortable around Kong Huai, He Lang subtly moved to Jiang Hanzheng’s side and introduced him. “This is Kong Huai. Strictly speaking, he’s… your senior brother.”

Jiang Hanzheng, feeling conflicted, nodded and respectfully saluted Kong Huai, addressing him as senior brother. He Lang praised his disciple’s manners.

Though Kong Huai remained silent, his expression carried a hint of disdain as he walked straight back to his old room.

What he didn’t expect was that the room had already been claimed by Jiang Hanzheng.

Seeing the unfamiliar furnishings and belongings, Kong Huai’s expression darkened further. He swept the items off the table in one swift motion.

Such a crude action was inconsistent with his gentlemanly image. He Lang immediately stepped in to stop him.

But Kong Huai was unyielding, seriously insisting, “Master, this is my room. I won’t allow anyone else to take it.”

Jiang Hanzheng lowered his gaze and silently picked up the scattered belongings, carefully casting a protective spell on the items He Lang had given him to prevent further damage.

“This is your junior brother. How can he be considered an outsider? You’ve been gone for nearly a century. An empty room is just wasted space; there’s no harm in letting your junior brother use it for a while,” He Lang reasoned patiently.

Kong Huai remained unmoved, casting a resentful glance at He Lang.

Feeling unnerved under Kong Huai’s gaze, He Lang didn’t know what to do. Yet he didn’t want to force Jiang Hanzheng out, so he offered, “I can find another suitable place for you. Any peak or residence you desire, just inform the sect master, and it will be yours.”

This offer, usually reserved for real or nascent soul cultivators, was an extraordinary privilege. Surely Kong Huai would compromise now.

However, Kong Huai widened his eyes slightly in disbelief. Though he wasn’t exactly angry, his tone was cold as he questioned, “Master, are you asking me to move out?”

“…,” He Lang fell silent. He had assumed Kong Huai preferred living alone, given his century-long absence. But now, with Kong Huai suddenly returning and asserting his claim over the room, how could he indulge such capriciousness?

Jiang Hanzheng, unwilling to trouble his master, intervened to diffuse the situation. “Master, since this was originally senior brother’s room, I should vacate it.”

Kong Huai, unimpressed, shot him a frosty glare and retorted, “Who’s your senior brother?”

Feeling embarrassed, Jiang Hanzheng said nothing. He Lang squeezed his hand gently, offering reassurance before admonishing Kong Huai, “Don’t push your limits.”

Biting his lip, Kong Huai glanced at their clasped hands, trying to calm himself.

With Jiang Hanzheng being the only one willing to compromise, He Lang had no choice but to temporarily move him to a guest room. In any case, he doubted Kong Huai would stay for long.

Once Kong Huai was settled, He Lang prepared to leave. Seeing Kong Huai hesitate as if wanting to say something, He Lang didn’t know what to add. Instead, he offered a final bit of encouragement with a gentle tone, “Since you’ve returned for the competition, stay focused, practice diligently, and I wish you success.”

With that, he felt relieved, as if he had resolved a troublesome issue, and left without looking back.

Watching He Lang’s decisive departure, Kong Huai’s expression grew increasingly complex, sensing no attachment from the man.

The image of those affectionate eyes from a century ago surfaced in his mind. Where he once found them repulsive, he now felt a hint of longing.

He had always hoped his master would let go and not cling to him. Now that his wish had come true, why did he still feel unsettled?

…

Although He Lang did not attend the competition, he remained a hot topic, not for anything else but because his only two disciples had both successfully passed the first day’s matches.

Jiang Hanzheng relied on counterattacks, while Kong Huai was the first to take the stage that day, cutting through all challengers without equal. Standing his ground until the end, he became the first to secure the title of arena master.

Their vastly different styles made everyone eagerly anticipate their future performances.

The second round adopted a random pairing system, matching the 36 arena masters into 18 pairs of opponents. Six matches were held per day, spanning a total of three days.

Jiang Hanzheng’s opponent was Huo Yiyang, one of the Five Swords of Tianshan. Both wielded swords, and the latter’s reputation was well-deserved. As a result, Jiang Hanzheng struggled to hold his ground. Fortunately, with Kunwu Sword in hand, he did not fall too far behind in the sword fight.

Huo Yiyang’s swordsmanship was incredibly fast, combined with a nimble movement technique that allowed him to shift forms and vanish without a trace. Even with Jiang Hanzheng on high alert and using his spiritual sense to observe in all directions, he still suffered multiple wounds.

Realizing the opponent’s strength, Jiang Hanzheng avoided direct confrontation and instead carefully observed Huo Yiyang’s attack patterns. Seizing a moment when his opponent let his guard down, he struck decisively, securing victory in one move.

Although Jiang Hanzheng successfully made it into the top 18, he did not let his guard down or grow complacent.

He understood how hard-fought this victory was. His lack of combat experience and his struggles in defending himself made merely avoiding elimination a stroke of luck.

Kong Huai, on the other hand, had no such concerns. Brimming with confidence and dismissive of others—this was his usual demeanor.

When he took the stage, his skilled control of spiritual power and dazzling techniques were on full display. In less than half a tea’s time, his overwhelming presence and practiced combat style crushed his opponent.

Kong Huai, being a rare single-spirit root cultivator, had spent decades receiving meticulous guidance from the supreme master of the sect. Afterward, he spent a century honing his skills on his own. Whether in cultivation, spiritual power, movement techniques, or combat skills, he was exceptional. The gap between him and others was as vast as the chasm between heaven and earth. No matter how hard Jiang Hanzheng tried, it would be nearly impossible to bridge this distance.

Author’s note: This is the intense clash you’ve been waiting for…