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Liu Huazhong instructed the servants to arrange rooms for Lin Enzhe and the others to rest. After a long day of travel, everyone was exhausted and fell into a deep sleep as soon as they lay down. The next morning, just as dawn broke, they were awakened by the loud sounds of gongs and drums, accompanied by deafening firecrackers. Curious, they stepped out of their rooms to investigate and saw four strong men carrying a decorated sedan chair into the Liu family castle, while another seven or eight strong men walked alongside, beating drums and gongs.
The leader of the group was a burly man in his forties, with a robust physique and a fierce appearance. His face was as red as charcoal, his hair dark like storm clouds. He had thick eyebrows and round eyes, with a full beard. Dressed in a red robe and wearing a joyful expression, he shouted towards Liu Mengyuan, "My wife, I have come to take you home!" This scene left everyone dumbfounded; the man seemed much older than Liu Huazhong, while Liu Mengyuan was young and beautiful. The mismatch made it seem like a flower had been placed in cow dung. Now everyone understood why Liu Huazhong and his family had looked so troubled the night before.
Liu Mengyuan's face turned red as she spat at the man, "How shameless! Who would want to marry you?" The burly man replied confidently, "Did we not agree that if no one from the Liu family castle could defeat me, I would take you as my wife?" Hao Ge, who had been watching the commotion for some time, chimed in, "If someone from outside the Liu family castle defeats you, does that mean this young lady won't have to marry you, old man? At your age, you could be her father; if I were to marry her instead, that would be more fitting."
The burly man, Dong Biao, became furious. "My Praying Mantis Fist has never met an opponent! If you can defeat me, I will give up my claim to Liu Mengyuan!" Hao Ge replied, "You said it yourself; a gentleman's word is his bond. If you lose, no cheating!" Dong Biao was further enraged by being called an old man and swung his fist at Hao Ge.
Dong Biao had trained under Dong Anbang, the leader of the Shaanxi Praying Mantis School when he was young. He meticulously studied Praying Mantis Fist and developed his unique style that combined both long-range and close-range techniques with great speed and practicality. He dominated the martial arts scene in the Northwest without anyone daring to challenge him. Despite his large stature, his movements were agile and swift; he had mastered Praying Mantis Fist to perfection.
After exchanging dozens of blows with Hao Ge, Dong Biao suddenly struck him hard across the face with lightning speed. The slap left five red handprints on Hao Ge's cheek. As a nobleman who had never experienced such humiliation before, Hao Ge was furious. He grabbed a steel knife from one of his guards and prepared to fight Dong Biao.
Seeing this, Dong Biao drew his Praying Mantis Blade from his waist. His swordsmanship was exceptional; he wielded the blade with such finesse that it resembled a silver dragon dancing through the air. In contrast, Hao Ge's technique lacked both power and agility compared to Dong Biao's. After over a hundred exchanges, Dong Biao executed a move called "Praying Mantis Blocks Arm," swinging his blade towards Hao Ge.
Hao Ge raised his knife to block but felt overwhelmed by Dong Biao's immense strength pressing down on him. His arm went numb from the pressure; he lost grip on his knife which fell to the ground just as Dong Biao's blade came crashing down towards him.
In that critical moment, Lin Ning threw his Sunlight Blade at Dong Biao's back. To protect himself, Dong Biao quickly turned to block Lin Ning’s attack with his own blade. The two blades clashed with a dazzling spark; however, Dong Biao’s prized weapon was unexpectedly cleaved in two by Lin Ning’s Sunlight Blade. Shocked at seeing such a young boy wielding such power, Dong Biao exclaimed, "Young man! What an impressive blade! May I take a look at it?"
Lin Ning replied coolly, "Sure! But you'll have to come get it yourself." As Dong Biao stepped forward to retrieve the Sunlight Blade for inspection, Lin Ning swiftly leaped over him with an acrobatic flip and landed gracefully on the ground while lightly tapping the hilt of the Sunlight Blade with his toe. The blade effortlessly fell into Lin Ning's hand.
Dong Biao reached out to grab it back but Lin Ning skillfully tucked it away at his waist while simultaneously countering one of Dong Biao’s attacks with his left hand. As their arms collided, Dong Biao felt Lin Ning’s formidable internal energy. He had initially thought Lin Ning only had an advantage due to possessing the Sunlight Blade but was astonished that such a young boy could possess such profound skill.
Realizing he could not underestimate Lin Ning any longer, Dong Biao fought with all his might using the most exquisite techniques of Praying Mantis Fist—Eighteen Arhats Technique—while Lin Ning countered with moves from Radiance of Sun and Moon. As they engaged in fierce combat, Dong Biao feigned weakness to lure Lin Ning into attacking low before suddenly switching both fists into palms aimed at Lin Ning's neck with tremendous force.
The power behind those strikes could crush bones or even kill instantly if they landed correctly! The crowd gasped in concern for Lin Ning’s safety. However, Lin Ning quickly retracted his attack aimed at Dong Biao’s lower body and leaped into the air behind him before executing a perfect 180-degree turn. With a powerful punch delivered straight into Dong Biao's back, he lost balance and stumbled forward before collapsing onto the ground in utter defeat.
The sight of the groom lying helplessly on the ground made everyone burst into laughter. Dong Biao’s face flushed crimson as he struggled unsuccessfully to rise; pain shot through his spine like it was broken. Two men holding trumpets helped him up while he left in disgrace from the Liu family castle.
Seeing Dong Biao thoroughly defeated by Lin Ning without any ability to retaliate brought smiles of relief to Liu Huazhong and his family members. Liu Mengyuan stole a glance at Lin Ning; she noticed how handsome he looked with bright eyes and sharp brows—truly someone remarkable—and admiration blossomed within her heart.
Liu Huazhong turned to Lin Enzhe and Miao Shuyan saying: "I never expected your son at such a young age would possess such profound martial arts skills; it's truly impressive! I have something important to announce: Xue Biao wanted to marry my daughter Mengyuan because he found her somewhat attractive. I vowed that whoever could defeat Xue Biao would win her hand in marriage along with my beloved sweat blood horse! Today fate has favored us; Hero Lin has gallantly rescued my daughter from this bully! Since today is such an auspicious occasion with both families present here together why don’t we hold their wedding banquet right now?"
Upon hearing Liu Huazhong’s words, apart from Liu Hongyuan and Liu Mengyuan who appeared delighted along with some servants from Liu family castle—everyone else was taken aback especially Hu Xueyan and Princess of Yue Ming County who felt as if struck by lightning upon hearing Liu Huazhong’s declaration.
Lin Ning also never expected that after saving Hao Ge’s life and driving away Xue Biao for Liu Mengyuan would lead to this outcome. Everyone turned their gaze towards Lin Enzhe and Miao Shuyan who understood that their son would absolutely refuse to marry Liu Mengyuan but found themselves unable to directly decline Liu Huazhong’s goodwill.
After hesitating for a moment Lin Enzhe said: "While marriage is indeed something parents should decide upon—since both children are present here—we should ask for their opinions!" All eyes shifted back towards Lin Ning who glanced at Hu Xueyan noticing her anxious expression clearly fearing that Liu Huazhong’s vow might become reality.
He then looked at Liu Mengyuan who wore a smile but blushed shyly like a blooming flower before him. Inwardly he thought: "Miss Liu has captured my heart already but it belongs entirely to Xue Yin's sister —I can only apologize."
Lin Ning spoke up clearly: "Thank you for your kind offer Lord Liu! I can accept your generous gift of sweat blood horse but as for marrying your daughter—I cannot agree!" Upon hearing this statement from Lin Ning all color drained from Liu Mengyuan's face as her smile vanished completely.
Liu Huazhong asked: "Does Hero Lin already have someone in mind? Or do you think my daughter unworthy?"
Lin Ning replied: "Miss Liu is indeed graceful and poised—a rare gem among women—but I have already given my heart away to Xue Yin's sister; all I desire is an ordinary life together."
This marked the first time Lin Ning openly expressed his feelings in front of others including his parents; once spoken he felt immensely relieved looking towards Hu Xueyan who met him with gentle eyes—they shared an understanding that no worldly obstacles could deter their determination to be together.
Although Princess of Yue Ming County knew well that Lin Ning cared for Hu Xueyan hearing him declare it so openly still left her feeling uncomfortable inside—she reflected on how she had always received everything she desired growing up yet now found herself struggling just for one heart!
Seeing Liu Mengyuan looking forlornly disheartened Liu Huazhong said: "Young hero may first inspect that sweat blood horse; regarding your marriage with my daughter we can discuss it later!"
Hearing this brought relief to Lin Ning’s heart.
Liu Huazhong commanded servants to bring forth sweat blood horse from its stable; upon seeing it—Lin Ning noted how its dark red coat shone like satin under sunlight—its eyes sparkled vibrantly filled with spirit while its muscles rippled gracefully showcasing its proud stature—a truly magnificent creature!
As he reached out grasping hold of sweat blood horse's reins—the horse reared up lifting its front hooves high while letting out a loud neigh avoiding contact with Lin Ning’s arm altogether!
Lin Ning admired sweat blood horse’s untamed spirit even more wanting desperately now conquer it—he leaped effortlessly onto its back grasping tightly onto reins!
The horse bucked wildly trying every means possible attempting throw off its new rider—but Lin Ning clung tightly wrapping legs around its belly feeling every jolt as they raced forward!
Inside the Liu family castle where flowers bloomed along winding paths—Lin Ning focused intently managing reins carefully avoiding trampling any blossoms beneath them!
Sweat blood horse zigzagged left then right galloping fiercely undeterred by narrow paths—it thundered across cobblestones making rhythmic sounds echoing through air while its mane danced wildly behind creating an ethereal sight!
After several laps around—the magnificent creature finally let out another triumphant neigh raising its front hooves high before coming abruptly halting right where it started!
Lin Ning dismounted gracefully patting sweat blood horse affectionately on its neck—the horse turned its head extending its tongue gently licking Lin Ning's arm!
With hands clasped together in gratitude—Lin Ning addressed Liu Huazhong saying: “Thank you Lord Liu for gifting me such an extraordinary steed!”
Liu Huazhong replied: “A fine steed deserves an exceptional hero; this horse rightfully belongs by your side!”
Watching how easily things fell into place for Lin Ning—Hao Ge couldn’t help but feel envious seeing how multiple beautiful women were drawn towards him too!
Everyone having been awakened early due disturbances caused by Xue Biao’s wedding procession—and after witnessing how effortlessly Lin Ning tamed sweat blood horse—it was already past midday!
Realizing time pressed on—Lin Enzhe decided they should spend another night within Liu family castle before continuing onward tomorrow morning!
The following day brightened early as they bid farewell to Liu Huazhong’s family—Liu Mengyuan gazed longingly after Lin Ning who returned her soft smile feeling her spirit almost taken away by him entirely!
Even after everyone vanished into distance—Liu Mengyuan remained standing there lost in thought until finally she regained composure!
Having traveled over one hundred miles westward—the group suddenly heard hoofbeats approaching behind them—they turned around only find it was none other than Liu Hongyuan galloping hard chasing after them!
Slowing down their pace—Liu Hongyuan quickly caught up addressing Lin Ning: “Hero Lin may I have a word?”
Lin Ning appeared puzzled unsure what business might bring Hongyuan seeking him out—he signaled others ahead continuing onward while waiting patiently until everyone moved far enough away when suddenly Hongyuan knelt down before him startling him greatly!
“Get up!” exclaimed Lin Ning rushing forward helping him rise “What are you doing? Speak freely!”
Tears streamed down Hongyuan’s cheeks as he lamented: “Hero Lin if you leave now who knows when you'll return? What if Xue Biao attempts again forcibly taking my sister away?”
Lin Ning reassured him saying: “Xue Biao promised prior match if defeated wouldn’t pursue marrying your sister again so what do you fear?”
“But Hero,” Hongyuan protested “Xue Biao is nothing but scoundrel; we cannot trust anything he says!”
After contemplating briefly—Lin Ning responded: “We have urgent matters requiring our attention at Western White Jade Mountain; once completed I’ll return back here ensuring Xue Biao knows better than challenge us again!”
Hearing this brought relief flooding through Hongyuan who thanked him profusely before heading back homeward!
Leading their party onward—Lin Enzhe guided them through five days’ journey arriving finally near Dunhuang Moon Spring area amidst Singing Sand Mountains!
As night fell—a crescent moon rose high illuminating Moon Spring which resembled another crescent shape surrounded by shifting sands yet remained visible clearly beneath starlit sky above casting reflections shimmering like jade embedded within earth itself!
Awestruck by breathtaking beauty surrounding them—they opted against seeking lodgings preferring instead enjoying peaceful night beside Moon Spring itself which pleased both Enzhe couple wholeheartedly agreeing unanimously!
Next morning after packing up—they set forth southwestward encountering Dunhuang Double Slayers along way!
White Jade Peak approached greeting them saying: “Are you two esteemed elders heading toward White Jade Mount attending my nephew’s
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