Wandering Swordsman |

Just as He Yun was wondering what the two martial artists were trying to do to stop him, one of them spoke slowly, his tone solemn and authoritative: "Why are you coming up the mountain? Report it immediately. Otherwise, you are not allowed to take another step!" His words echoed like a bell in the mountains, reverberating in the empty valley and inspiring awe in everyone.

Upon seeing this, Li Fanglin immediately stepped forward, approaching the martial artist with a gentle smile and respectful tone, saying, "Seniors, I am Li Fanglin, a young man from the martial world, and these two are my companions. We heard that the great hero Situ Dengfeng is holding a martial arts competition to select a husband, so we have come to give it a try." His words were full of sincerity, like a spring breeze, making people feel kind and warm.

Upon hearing Li Fanglin's words, the other martial artist's gaze shifted slightly, as if he understood their purpose, but his tone remained serious: "So you've come for a martial arts contest. Then you must know the rules set by the Pavilion Master?" His voice was deep and powerful, as if he were proclaiming an inviolable law.

Li Fanglin scratched his head, looking puzzled, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. He then smiled and asked, "May I ask what the rules are, senior?" His words were somewhat playful, but respectful, like a moderate joke when talking to an elder.

The two martial artists exchanged a glance, as if conveying a tacit understanding. Then, they said in unison, "Any young heroes who wish to participate in the martial arts competition must first pass our written and martial arts tests before they can enter. If you can't even pass our test, then you should give up the idea of ​​coming up the mountain to compete."

Upon hearing this, He Yun immediately understood. It turned out that Jing Tian Pavilion had set up such a rigorous test to select suitable participants. He couldn't help but admire Jing Tian Pavilion's meticulousness, and at the same time, he realized that in order to enter Jing Tian Pavilion, they had to pass this hurdle.

Zhao Xue stood to the side, her gaze sweeping back and forth between the two martial artists, pondering to herself. This was not only a test of martial arts skills, but also a test of wisdom. Just who was this Situ Meng, that her demands were so high?

Li Fanglin smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and asked, "Senior, could you please tell me what the literary test is? What is the martial arts test?"

One of the martial artists nodded slightly, a hint of gentleness in his eyes: "The written test requires you to compose a poem on the spot. The topic is not limited, but it must be reasonable and demonstrate your literary talent."

Another martial artist added, "The martial arts test requires you to withstand three of my moves. This is not only a test of your martial arts skills, but also a test of your reaction and adaptability."

Upon hearing this, Li Fanglin pondered to himself. This test was indeed challenging, but not insurmountable. He raised his head, his gaze resolute as he looked at the two martial artists, and bowed again, saying, "Seniors, if the three of us solve these two questions together, could you allow us to enter at the same time?"

The two martial artists' gazes swept back and forth between He Yun and Li Fanglin, as if assessing their strength and resolve. After a moment, one of the martial artists spoke with a hint of mockery: "Of course, it's possible. However, if all three of you pass the test together, you'll only receive one certificate of qualification, and only one person's name can be engraved on it. If you want to go up the mountain to participate in tomorrow's competition, you must submit the certificate of qualification. As for whose name should be engraved on that certificate, you'd better discuss it beforehand."

Upon hearing this, Li Fanglin's heart stirred. He turned to look at He Yun and Zhao Xue, his eyes questioning. He Yun smiled slightly and said firmly, "It's alright. I'm not participating in the competition; I'm just here to watch. If we manage to pass, we can simply have Brother Li's name engraved on it."

Zhao Xue nodded in agreement.

Seeing that the three had reached a consensus, the two martial artists couldn't help but feel a sense of appreciation. One of them nodded slightly and said calmly, "Alright, since that's the case, let's do it your way. Let's begin the written test. Who among you will take it?"

Li Fanglin turned to He Yun and said, "Brother He, my martial arts skills are weak, so I will take care of the written test. As for the martial arts test, I will ask Brother He to help me."

He Yun nodded in agreement after hearing this.

Then, Li Fanglin took a deep breath, gathered his thoughts, and slowly spoke, his voice clear and confident:

"Mountains high and rivers long, I remember my old friend."

Sword shadows and glints of blades reflected in the morning glow.

Heroes reside within the Jingtian Pavilion.

The story of choosing a son-in-law through a martial arts contest has become a legend.

May this journey not disappoint you.

Let us enjoy together the splendor of the martial arts world.

After finishing his poem, Li Fanglin cupped his hands and said, "This junior has made a fool of himself; please correct me, senior."

The two martial artists exchanged a glance, both with admiration in their eyes. One of them nodded and said, "Excellent poem! It shows both respect for Jingtian Pavilion and praise for the young lady; the writing is truly outstanding."

Seeing Fang Lin's humility, the other martial artist was even more pleased. He then turned to He Yun and Zhao Xue, his tone becoming serious: "You've passed the written test. Next is the martial arts test. Are you ready?"

He Yun and Li Fanglin exchanged a glance, both with unwavering resolve. He Yun's eyes gleamed with determination, as if he were ready to face the challenge. He smiled slightly and bowed to the martial artist, saying, "Senior, please enlighten me."

Zhao Xue stood to the side, her eyes full of support and encouragement. She whispered, "Brother Yun, keep it up!"

Feeling Zhao Xue's support, He Yun's resolve strengthened. He took a deep breath, regulated his breathing, and looked firmly at the two martial artists, as if to tell them that he was ready.

Seeing He Yun's composure, the two martial artists couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. One of them nodded slightly, his tone carrying a hint of testing: "Alright, let's begin. The martial arts test requires you to withstand three of my moves. This is not only a test of your martial arts skills, but also an examination of your reaction and adaptability."

Upon hearing this, He Yun's heart tightened, knowing that this would be a test not to be underestimated. He quickly adjusted his mindset, focusing his attention on the martial artist who was about to make his move, preparing to meet the upcoming challenge.

Suddenly, the martial artist who was testing his skills flashed and attacked He Yun like lightning.

Fortunately, He Yun was prepared and quickly dodged to the side, simultaneously striking out with his right palm to neutralize the opponent's attack. Seeing this, the martial artist's lips curled into a slight smile, clearly satisfied with He Yun's reaction speed.

He Yun didn't relax at all. He quickly took a few steps back, adjusted his position, and fixed his gaze on the martial artist. Upon seeing this, a hint of admiration flashed in the martial artist's eyes. He then launched another attack, sweeping his leg towards He Yun's waist.

Seeing this, He Yun swiftly leaped forward, simultaneously bracing himself with both hands in mid-air and flipping backward, narrowly avoiding the kick. The instant he landed, he launched a counterattack, striking the martial artist's chest with a palm strike. The martial artist, seeing this, quickly dodged to the side, simultaneously striking He Yun's shoulder with a backhand strike.

Seeing this, He Yun quickly retreated, simultaneously using his left hand to block and deflect the martial artist's palm strike. He secretly thought to himself that this martial artist's skills were indeed superb; every move was full of power and technique, and a slight mistake could put him at a disadvantage.

Seeing He Yun's quick wit, the martial artist admired him even more and launched another attack, striking at He Yun's chest with a palm. He Yun swiftly dodged, simultaneously striking out with his right palm to deflect the attack. The two exchanged blows, their moves swift and fierce, like two bolts of lightning intertwining in the air.

As He Yun dealt with the martial artist's attacks, he gradually found his rhythm. He was no longer merely passively defending, but began to look for opportunities to counterattack. Finally, during one of the martial artist's attacks, He Yun seized the opportunity, swiftly stepped forward, and struck the martial artist's shoulder with a palm strike.

Seeing this, the martial artist's lips curled into a slight smile. He quickly took a step back, dodging the palm strike. He nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his voice: "Good, you've passed the first move."