Chapter 238: Chapter 238: The Nail That Sticks Out Gets Hammered Down
As it fell night, the inn was brightly lit.
Shi Xiaole and Su Yanru had just entered the hall when numerous gazes swept over them, or rather, focused on Shi Xiaole.
"That’s Shi Xiaole, the top ranker of this year."
"He indeed looks distinguished and has an extraordinary temperament."
"I heard his strength easily rivals a master of the first level of Xuan Qi, though it could be false."
Those dining put down their chopsticks, those drinking set down their wine glasses, and even those in mid-conversation ceased speaking. To these people from the martial world, nothing was more appealing than Shi Xiaole.
With no seats available, Shi Xiaole and Su Yanru made to return to their rooms, but someone instantly called out, "Young Hero Shi, there’s room here if you don’t mind."
"Young Hero Shi, there’s plenty of space here."
"Young Master Shi, why don’t you sit here?"
People were falling over each other to invite Shi Xiaole, casting angry stares at one another.
For those who wander the martial world without significant achievements, being able to exchange a few words with Shi Xiaole was a great bragging right - in case he becomes a giant of the martial world one day.
In fact, even now it was enough to boast about.
Shi Xiaole originally didn’t want to pay them any mind, it was not that he was being snobbish, he simply didn’t enjoy being the center of attention like a monkey at a zoo. However, upon spotting Zhao Tianhao with an eager look, he decided to pull up a chair there.
"Oh, Brother Shi, please do sit."
Flattered, Zhao Tianhao hastily rises to his feet.
Seeing this, the others reluctantly sat down, still stealing glances at him from time to time.
"Young Hero Shi, at such a young age, you have accomplished so much and gained such a great reputation. It’s really admirable. I’m Zhen Yueke, and your reputation precedes you."
Before long, a burly man approached with a wine cup in hand, chugged it in Shi Xiaole’s honor, and immediately earned the whole room’s applause.
"You are too kind."
Shi Xiaole abided by the principle ’treat well those who treat you well’. He also stood up and downed his own cup of wine.
Zhen Yueke, who was intimidated at the start, worrying that Shi Xiaole wouldn’t give face to a nobody like him and make things awkward, was overjoyed by Shi Xiaole’s unexpected pleasantness and thanked Shi Xiaole repeatedly.
Spurred on by Zhen Yueke, everyone else rose to their feet and rushed to toast Shi Xiaole, their wave of enthusiasm swelling to cause others from the martial world to come and witness Shi Xiaole’s charisma.
The whole inn was flooded with people.
Words of praise, flattery, and goodwill seemed to echo from every corner.
The three prodigies from Golden Phoenix Tower, startled by the scene, stood rooted to their spot. Even they ended up receiving the privilege of being toasted due to Shi Xiaole’s fame.
The usually cold Lan Ning couldn’t help but stick her tongue out, saying, "Who would’ve thought our young tower master would be so popular?"
Snapped out of his trance, Sha Zongheng gently shook his folding fan and chuckled, "Why, Lan Ning, are you also falling for him? Whoever is closest to the river gets the moon first. If you’re interested, you should make a move before you regret it."
"Are you asking for a beating?"
A flush creeping up Lan Ning’s face, she glared at Sha Zongheng murderously, causing him to beg for mercy.
"The top swordsman? In my opinion, he’s not a three-headed six-armed beast. Are you sure he’s as godlike as you all say, or is it just hearsay?"
Suddenly, amidst the warm atmosphere, a chilly laughter rang out, dousing the fiery scene like cold water.
"Who is this?"
Zhao Tianhao turned his gaze around to scan the crowd.
"I’m right here."
Following the voice, they noticed an old man sitting on the second floor balcony. His face was plain, and his clothes were disheveled. As he poured himself a drink, he sneered at everyone below, his attitude defiant and disdainful.
Zhao Tianhao declared loudly, "Brother Shi’s strength has been proven in the competition. It’s rather pretentious of you to belittle him intentionally, isn’t it?"
"All I’ve ever heard from the rumors in the martial world were exaggerations. Becoming first certainly means he’s skilled. But to say he’s comparable to a master of the first level of Xuan Qi is a stretch," the old man shook his head, looking unimpressed. He even addressed Shi Xiaole directly: "Kid, fame is fleeting. There are lots of people like you in the martial world. Be careful, the higher you climb, the harder you fall."
The old man was openly snubbing Shi Xiaole. Before Shi Xiaole could respond, Su Yanru was already fuming. She jeered, "You seem rather bitter, sir. I think you must’ve endured many defeats in your younger years, and now you can’t bear to see others succeed."
The old man’s murky eyes flickered before he pointed at Su Yanru and said, "You, wench, were born a seductress, utterly lustful. So eager to defend this kid, do you have something going on? I fear he won’t be able to satisfy you."
Upon hearing these words, Shi Xiaole who had been silent all along, finally felt his anger ignited. He could tolerate being insulted but couldn’t bear to see his aunt suffer similar treatment.
"Take back your words."
Shi Xiaole spoke, with each word clipped and precise.
"The words I’ve spoken were heartfelt, there’s no going back. Unless, you can defeat me," the old man stood on the balcony and laughed uproariously. At the same time, an aura belonging to a master of the first level of Xuan Qi exploded forth, engulfing the entire inn.
Many people there felt an oppressive force upon their hearts, while others looked thoughtful.
Everyone in the room was savvy about the martial world, and they soon understood. The sudden appearance of this old man, it was clear that he had carefully planned to ride on Shi Xiaole’s fame to ascend to prominence.
Without saying more, if Shi Xiaole, who holds the title of first genius and claimed to be on par with a Xuan Qi Level One expert, had just come down from English Hero Mountain a few days ago and was defeated by a Xuan Qi Level One expert, this would be a huge piece of news.
Not only would Shi Xiaole’s reputation be tarnished, but the expert who defeated him would certainly gain great fame.
And most importantly, even if Shi Xiaole smoothly becomes a martial world’s hero in the future, he can’t erase this stain. As his fame grows, it will only benefit the other party.
"A seasoned hand is always hard to beat."
Some people started sympathizing with Shi Xiaole.
Everyone says that Shi Xiaole is comparable to Xuan Qi Level One. However, based on the descriptions of the spectators, the comparison is clearly only to ordinary Xuan Qi Level One experts.
Being at the Xuan Qi Level One realm, practicing second-rate martial arts or not, are completely two different concepts. For the trained expert, defeating an untrained one is simply a piece of cake.
Judging from the aura emanating from this old man, the opponent is clearly not an ordinary Xuan Qi Level One expert.
Of course, having said so much, Shi Xiaole could directly reject him. However, rejection at this time would be tantamount to admitting he’s scared, which isn’t much better than losing.
Su Yanru seemed to have thought of this point too, her alluring eyes becoming cold.
"If you can defeat me, I will take back my words. But I think, you don’t have the guts or the capability."
The old man dropped his wine cup and spoke condescendingly.
A very blunt provocation.
Everyone looked at Shi Xiaole, wanting to see how he would handle it.
"Brother Shi, high profiles attract criticism. There’s no need to pay attention to such people."
Zhao Tianhao whispered advice from the side.
A noble man can be flexible. In his view, there’s nothing wrong with admitting defeat at this time. The other party is openly bullying others, only fools would fall for it.
"One move."
In the quiet hall, Shi Xiaole picked up a chopstick.
What?
Everyone was confused.
"If I can’t defeat you with one move, then it means I’ve lost."
Shi Xiaole added another sentence. Like a bomb, it left everyone dumbfounded.
What a joke, even if you are a once-in-a-century prodigy, even if your abilities are superior, you can’t make such a boast. On par does not mean defeat, let alone one move, especially since the old man is not an ordinary Xuan Qi Level One expert.
Everyone believed that Shi Xiaole must have gone mad with fury.
"Hahaha, what did I just hear?"
The old man laughed in anger, showing extreme ridicule and mockery in his eyes.
He had originally wanted to step on Shi Xiaole to elevate himself, but he didn’t expect the latter to be so cooperative and overconfident. If he didn’t take advantage of it, he would be letting himself down.
"Remember, my name is ’Wine Sword Life’, Xiao Kuangsheng."
With a loud shout, the old man flew down, flickering a dazzling sword light from his hand, covering Shi Xiaole like a kaleidoscope. The people around immediately scattered, and some who were too slow to dodge had their clothes and skin torn, causing them to scream in fright.
Although he believed the opponent was crazy, the old man still used his most powerful move to ensure nothing went wrong.
"Watch out."
Su Yanru let out a soft shout, secretly cultivating her internal power, ready to spring into action. Her strength today far surpassed the past and she was confident that she could secretly attack the old man without being detected.
Anyone who dares to bully her Shi Xiaole, she will make them pay.
Even before the word ’careful’ could be fully said, Shi Xiaole took action first, rushing towards the sharp sword light like a bird darting into a forest.
At the same time, his pupils lit up with a strange glow.
Soul Transfer Great Method!
No one expected that Shi Xiaole had a hidden card in the Martial Arts Championship. Originally, the Soul Transfer Great Method was only a third-rate top-tier Pupil Skill, but after incorporating forty percent of the Enchanted Moon Intent Realm, its power can be on par with a second-rate lower-tier Pupil Skill.
What concept is this? At least with Shi Xiaole’s spiritual power, even Xue Changqing might not be able to survive unscathed. How could a random old man from who knows where withstand it?
"No...."
Sure enough, as soon as the old man made eye contact with Shi Xiaole, he immediately sensed danger. He tried to move his gaze away, but found himself powerless, and the sword technique he was halfway through casting died in his belly.
"Get back."
The chopstick in his hand became a burst of phantom, and Shi Xiaole lightly hit it. In a series of slapping sounds, the old man’s cheek swelled up, and his body flew out in a parabolic trajectory.
Defeated in one move.
Hiss!
People inside and outside the inn were stunned, unable to believe their own eyes.
Zhao Tianhao was struck dumb, unable to speak. At first, he thought Shi Xiaole was impulsive due to his youthful vigor, but now it seemed that the latter was clearly confident.
But who can tell him what kind of talent and strength it takes to defeat a Xuan Qi Level One expert who has practiced second-rate martial arts with just one move?
