Chapter 124

At this moment, facing Niudingtian, he felt an unprecedented sense of helplessness.

Translation: At this moment, facing Niu Dingtian, he felt an unprecedented sense of helplessness.

Note: The pronoun "he" refers to Ouyang Feng, so we will use "he". There's no need to guess gender; we know Ouyang Feng is male from the story, but we can simply keep "he".

What should I do? Run?

Translation: What to do? Run?

Seeing the opponent approach with a smug smile, Ouyang Feng suddenly had a thought of fleeing.

Translation: Seeing the opponent approach with a grin, Ouyang Feng suddenly had a thought to flee.

He realized that this little bastard was clearly just toying with him.

Translation: He more or less realized that this little bastard was clearly just toying with him.

But as soon as that thought arose, he felt an inexplicable energy lock his body in place.

Translation: But just as this thought arose, he felt a mysterious qi already locking his body firmly in place.

The smile on his face,

Translation: The smile on his face,

involuntarily froze.

Translation: involuntarily froze.

Should he make a move?

Translation: Should he make a move?

Ouyang Feng's heart was still struggling, his cold eyes flickering incessantly, and he had raised his entire body's vigilance to the extreme.

Translation: Ouyang Feng's heart was still struggling, his cold eyes flickering nonstop, he had already raised his vigilance to the utmost.

Niudingtian continued forward at a leisurely pace, stopping when he was half a zhang in front of his opponent, merely smiling as he locked eyes.

Translation: Niu Dingtian stepped forward slowly, and when he came to within half a zhang of the opponent, he stopped, merely grinning as he locked eyes with him.

The atmosphere began to become extremely oppressive.

Translation: The atmosphere began to become extremely oppressive.

If this grudge is not avenged, he swears not to be a man! He made up his mind: after returning tonight he will immediately shut himself away in seclusion.

Translation: If this grudge is not avowed, I swear I will not be a man! He made up his mind: after returning tonight he will immediately enter closed-door seclusion.

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Feng's face couldn't help but change slightly; he had originally intended to yield a bit, to gloss over tonight's affair, after all you haven't personally caught me setting snakes on you. But he didn't expect Niudingtian to be so pushy.

Translation: Upon hearing this, Ouyang Feng's face couldn't help but change slightly; he had originally intended to yield a bit, to gloss over tonight's affair, after all you didn't personally catch me setting snakes on you. But I didn't expect Niu Dingtian to be so pushy.

Moreover, the Toad Style is undoubtedly an extremely profound martial art; from Ouyang Feng's previous exchanges with Hong Qi, its power is clearly not inferior to the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.

Translation: Moreover, the Toad Skill is undoubtedly a profound martial art; from the exchanges between Ouyang Feng and Hong Qi Gong, one can see its power is in no way inferior to the Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms.

A half-step into the innate realm facing a grandmaster peak—even if this old poison taker had taken drugs, there would be no chance to turn the tables. Make him feel pain, so he remembers this well!

Translation: A half-step into the innate realm versus a grandmaster peak—even if this old poison takes drugs, there's no chance of a turnaround. Make him feel pain, so he remembers this well!

He then asked with a smug smile: "Mr. Ouyang, won't you first hear what my stake is?"

Translation: Immediately he asked with a grin: "Mr. Ouyang, wouldn't you like to hear what my stake is first?"

This is already his last line of defense; to avoid Niudingtian's edge, he has today truly acted like an old turtle.

Translation: This is already his last bottom line; to avoid Niu Dingtian's edge, today he truly acted like an old turtle.

Ouyang Feng's face darkened slightly: "This little bastard won't give up easily! I could never possibly obtain whatever stake!"

Translation: Ouyang Feng's face darkened slightly: "This little beast refuses to give up! I could never possibly obtain whatever stake!"

"The Nine Yin Scripture!" Niudingtian said with a narrowed-eye smile.

Translation: "Nine Yin Classic!" Niu Dingtian said with a narrowed-eye smile.

However, the Toad Style is truly the fruit of his many years of painstaking effort, and it is also his life-saving technique; if he continues to perfect it, he may not necessarily lose to the Nine Yin Scripture or the Six Yang Divine Skill.

Translation: However, the Toad Skill has been his true painstaking effort over the years, and moreover his life-saving technique; if he continues to perfect it in the future, it might not lose to the Nine Yin Classic and the Six Yang Divine Skill.

If truly forced to the point of no return, handing it over would be bearable.

Translation: If truly forced to the point of no return, handing it over would be bearable.

Now that he has reached this level, all martial arts manuals no longer need to be studied or practiced; even if he trained to profound depths, it would be useless for advancing his realm.

Translation: Having reached his present realm, all martial arts manuals no longer need to be studied and practiced; even if trained to profound depths, they would be useless for raising his realm.

He had originally wanted to add the Six Yang Divine Skill, but after thinking it over, he ultimately decided against it.

Translation: He had also wanted to add the Six Yang Divine Skill, but after thinking it over, he ultimately decided against it.

Having said that, he paid no attention to the strange look in Ouyang Feng's eyes, and smiling to himself said: "The Toad Style, the Five Poisons Secret Transmission, and also that little snake on Mr. Ouyang's staff."

Translation: Having said that, he paid no heed to the strange look in Mr. Ouyang's eyes, and smiling to himself said: "Toad Skill, Five Poisons Secret Transmission, and the little snake atop Mr. Ouyang's staff."

Seeing that Ouyang Feng's eyes still burned with unresolved resentment, he then solemnly said: "It's really just a normal exchange! But..."

Translation: Seeing that Ouyang Feng's eyes still burned with unappeased resentment, he then solemnly said: "It's really just a normal exchange! But..."

After Ouyang Feng finished speaking, Niudingtian's eyes flickered slightly; he also hadn't expected the opponent to make such a great concession, but this wasn't the outcome he wanted.

Translation: After Ouyang Feng finished speaking, Niu Dingtian's eyes flickered slightly; he also hadn't expected the opponent to make such a great concession, but this was not the outcome he wanted.

Ouyang Feng's mouth twitched uncontrollably, his anger growing; it was clear that this little bastard was trying to force him to strike first.

Translation: Ouyang Feng's mouth twitched uncontrollably, his heart growing more furious; this little beast clearly intends to force him to strike first!

The Five Poisons Secret Transmission is still alright; it's a few volumes of goatskin scriptures he found in the deep mountains in his youth, a fragment of the Five Poisons True Person's Five Poisons Marvelous Canon.

Translation: The Five Poisons Secret Transmission is still fine; it's a few volumes of goatskin secret manuals he found in the deep mountains in his youth, a fragment of the Five Poisons Marvelous Classic by the Five Poisons True Person.

What needs to be done now is to absorb the strengths of many, discard the old and introduce the new, combine with his own ideas, and create his own techniques and laws.

Translation: What needs to be done now is to absorb the strengths of many, discard the old and introduce the new, combine with his own ideas, and create his own techniques and laws.

But the supreme Dao is simplest; all paths converge. Any martial arts manual, regardless of strength or depth, certainly has its worthwhile aspects,

Translation: But the great Dao is simplest, all paths converge; any martial arts manual, regardless of strength or depth, certainly has its worthwhile aspects,

and upon hearing this, Ouyang Feng's face had already turned ashen.

Translation: and upon hearing this, Ouyang Feng's face had already turned deathly pale.

"And this little snake, although it cost me over a decade of painstaking effort, out of respect for the Sect Master's face, I can bear to part with it!"

Translation: "And this little snake, although it has cost this old man over a decade of painstaking effort, out of respect for Chief Niu's face, I can also bear to part with it!"

Having said that, he looked at Ouyang Feng with a smug smile, awaiting his reply.

Translation: Having said that, he glanced at Ouyang Feng with a grin, awaiting his reply.

"Mr. Ouyang, you've misunderstood." Niudingtian said with a laugh: "As the saying goes, only through exchange and practice can we improve together; I merely wanted to have a normal exchange with you, sir."

Translation: "Mr. Ouyang has misunderstood." Niu Dingtian laughed: "As the saying goes, only with exchange and practice can we improve; I merely wish to have a normal exchange with you, sir."

For all these years, it has always been Ouyang Feng who pressured others; when has he ever been pressured like this? Tonight he felt for the first time the shame that spurs courage.

Translation: For all these years, it has always been him, Ouyang Feng, pressuring others; when has he ever been pressured like this? Tonight he first felt the feeling of being spurred on by shame.

If this continues, he fears the opponent will succeed; he then gripped the Spirit Snake Staff tightly and said in a low voice:

Translation: If this continues, he fears he will truly let the opponent succeed; he then gripped the Spirit Snake Staff tightly and said in a low voice:

"Sect Master Niudingtian, do you have any other business? If not, I'll take my leave now and entertain you properly tomorrow!"

Translation: "Chief Niu, do you still have business? If not, this old man will take his leave first and will properly entertain Chief Niu tomorrow!"

He then raised his internal energy to the utmost and said in a deep voice: "Sect Master Niudingtian, do you really intend to bully the host as a guest?"

Translation: Immediately he raised his internal qi to the utmost and said in a low voice: "Chief Niu, do you really intend to guest and bully the host?"

After several considerations, he decided not to take Ouyang Feng's life for now.

Translation: After several considerations, he decided first not to take Ouyang Feng's life.

How is this little bastard any different from outright robbery and plunder?

Translation: How is this little bastard any different from outright robbery and plunder?

He himself knows his martial arts cannot match the opponent's; in his view, no matter how nicely Niudingtian speaks now, it's clearly a move to seize his vital essence.

Translation: He himself knew his martial arts could not match the opponent's; in his view, Niu Dingtian's sweet words now are clearly a move to seize his lifeblood by force.

"However, my Toad Style is not yet perfected; if Sect Master Niudingtian wishes to compete with me, why not wait a few more years!"

Translation: "However, the Toad Skill, this old man has not yet perfected it; if Chief Niu intends to compete with me, why not wait a few more years!"

"But I also cannot let the old gentleman act for nothing; how about we add a stake?"

Translation: "But I also cannot let the old gentleman exert himself for nothing; why not add a stake for both of us?"

He finally realized that tonight's affair might truly be impossible to resolve smoothly, even feeling a twinge of regret—he shouldn't have come to provoke this little bastard!

Translation: He finally realized that tonight's affair might truly be impossible to settle smoothly, and even a hint of regret arose—he should never have come to provoke this little beast!

"Niudingtian only wants these three things!"

Translation: "Niu merely wants these three things!"

As for the Five Poisons Secret Transmission, although its power may not be great, its poison‑handling methods constitute a unique path in martial arts and also have merit.

Translation: As for the Five Poisons Secret Transmission, although its power may not be great, its poison‑using methods count as a side path in the martial way and also have merit.

After thinking it over, Ouyang Feng, suppressing his anger, still wanted to make a final attempt, saying in a low voice: "The Five Poisons Secret Transmission is fine; if Sect Master Niudingtian intends to give it to you, that's also fine."

Translation: After thinking it over, Ouyang Feng, suppressing his anger, still wanted to make a final plea, saying in a low voice: "The Five Poisons Secret Transmission is fine; if Chief Niu intends to give it to you, that's also fine!"

The contest is indeed a pretext; ultimately it's just to freeload, to force the old poison user into a fight so he can freeload properly.

Translation: The contest is indeed a pretext; ultimately it's just to freeload, namely to force the old poison into a fight so he can freeload to his heart's content.

However, as a renowned figure among the Five Absolutes for many years, he possesses his own pride; now that he's been pushed to this point, retreating further would truly make him an old turtle.

Translation: However, as a famed member of the Five Absolutes for many years, he naturally possesses his own pride; already driven to this point, retreating further would truly make him an old turtle.

When Ouyang Ke today mentioned that martial art, he already had some thoughts; if it truly had some connection to the Xiao Yao Sect, it certainly wouldn't be weak.

Translation: When Ouyang Ke today spoke of that martial art, he already had some thoughts; if it truly had some connection to the Xiao Yao Sect, it certainly wouldn't be weak.

But since the opponent dared to strike him covertly, we must make this old thing feel fear and pain, so he remembers it well.

Translation: But since the opponent dared to strike at him covertly, he must make this old thing feel fear and pain, so that it remembers this well.

However, rashly bringing this up now might startle the snake; Ouyang Feng is not the cowardly waste that Ouyang Ke is.

Translation: However, raising such a proposal now might well startle the snake; Ouyang Feng is not the cowardly waste that Ouyang Ke is.

At this moment,

Translation: At this moment,

As long as Ouyang Ke continues to train, the next time they meet that martial art will surely end up in his hands again.

Translation: As long as Ouyang Ke continues to cultivate, the next time the two meet, that martial art will surely end up in his hands again.

He then stepped forward a pace and chuckled lightly: "I've long heard that Mr. Ouyang's self‑created Toad Style is exquisite and unparalleled, overbearing and extraordinary, its power not in the least inferior to the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms,

Translation: Immediately he stepped forward one pace and chuckled: "I've long heard that Mr. Ouyang's self‑created Toad Skill is exquisite and unparalleled, overbearing to an extraordinary degree, and its power is in no way inferior to the Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms,

Niudingtian rarely comes to Kunlun Mountain, so I'd like to ask Mr. Ouyang to give me some pointers."

Translation: Niu rarely makes a trip to Kunlun Mountain; I would like to ask Mr. Ouyang to kindly give me some instruction."

Want to leave? Not that easy!

Translation: Want to leave? There's no such cheap way!

Niudingtian's eyes held an unfathomable gleam, his heart coldly sneering.

Translation: Niu Dingtian's eyes held an unfathomable light, his heart coldly sneering.

"Do you have the Nine Yin Scripture?" Ouyang Feng's face changed drastically, his eyes flashing with sharp light, even his breathing suddenly becoming heavy.

Translation: "Do you have the Nine Yin Classic?" Ouyang Feng's face changed drastically, his eyes flashing with sharp light, his breathing suddenly becoming extremely rough.

This is his half-life obsession! In the future it will also be a lifetime obsession! He himself is certain of this without doubt.

Niu Dingtian smiled, nodded, and said, "One move is enough; I will receive any move of yours with one hand, old sir. If you can win, the Nine Yin Classic is yours."

"How about that?" Finally, he fixed his blazing gaze on Ouyang Feng.

The huge bait has been cast; today, whether Ouyang Feng wants to fight or not, he will have to engage him in a battle.

Whether Niu Dingtian snatched the Toad Skill from Ouyang Feng's hands or won it from him, the two sound completely different.

The former makes it sound like your martial arts are awesome while mine are terrible; later, when the group grows larger, he can't afford to lose face.

He is no longer that youth of the past; seizing by force has nothing to do with Niu Dingtian.

Seeing that Niu Dingtian had made up his mind, Ouyang Feng realized he could not escape tonight.

But since he dared to receive a move with one hand, the outcome was still uncertain; immediately he unleashed his aura, instantly restoring the domineering presence of the 'Western Poison' of old!

He wasn't afraid of Niu Dingtian playing tricks; if the other side truly wanted to use any means, he wouldn't have dragged this out with him for so long.

Had they been in different places, if it were Ouyang Feng holding this advantage now, there would be no need for words—he would have simply seized it by force!

Having made up his mind, he slowly stepped back a few paces; with a casual smash of his snake staff, a loud 'Boom!' rang out as it was driven straight into the ground tiles.

"I will use the Toad Skill to learn a few high-level moves from the Niu Sect Leader!" Ouyang Feng shouted in a deep voice, his eyes like lightning, his aura extremely imposing.

Seeing this intimidating posture, Niu Dingtian's eyes narrowed involuntarily—this was the feeling of the 'Western Poison'!

Just now, Ouyang Feng had been pressured by him for half a day, turning into a complete cowardly old turtle, even giving him the illusion: 'The Western Poison Ouyang Feng is nothing more than this!'

Now the opponent's fighting spirit rises again; what I will face is the strongest strike of the Toad Skill—this experience and insight will be far deeper than any flashy exchange.

He then leapt up, floated backward and landed gently, finally planting his feet ten zhang away, hands clasped behind his back.

Ouyang Feng's eyes narrowed slightly; as his robe swept past, a gust of wind rose with a whoosh.

After crouching on the ground, he bent his hands to shoulder level, his cheeks continuously inflating and deflating, and began emitting a 'ge-ge-ge' croaking sound from his mouth.

'Ge~ ge~'

After a few breaths, the croaking grew deep and resonant; gradually, under the support of powerful internal force, it began to echo throughout the mountain valley.

Meanwhile, Ouyang Feng's aura grew stronger and stronger; as his cheeks bulged, his entire body swelled to its limit.

'Ge~ ge~'

Another deep croak issued from his mouth, a mighty surge of aura bursting forth, instantly sweeping across the ground in all directions.

'Ge~ ge~'

'Boom~'

At the moment a croak rang out, Ouyang Feng's swollen body shot forward with a 'Boom!', carrying wind and wave, bearing matchless powerful force, rapidly blasting toward the distant Niu Dingtian.

Before his body even arrived, the fierce force surged ahead, blowing Niu Dingtian's black hair wildly and making his clothes snap.

Seeing Ouyang Feng about to crash before him, Niu Dingtian slowly raised his right palm in a plain opening gesture, returning to simplicity and truth, devoid of aura, yet causing the surrounding waves to vanish instantly.

'Boom~'

Ouyang Feng thrust both palms forward at once; Niu Dingtian raised his arm to slightly block.

As palm met forearm, he slowly closed his eyes, allowing the fierce internal force of the Toad Skill to continually blast into his body.

'Ge~ ge~'

Seeing that his palms could advance no further, Ouyang Feng's eyes flashed with cold light, he gathered power midair, and emitted another immensely deep croak.

After his attack surged, the fierce aura grew even more violent, already kicking up sand and stones at his sides, with gusts rising everywhere.

But Niu Dingtian's arms stood like immovable mountains, impossible to shake even the slightest bit.

Impossible!

How could he be this strong!

Ouyang Feng's face was full of shock.

Watching his own bursts of violent internal force flow into Niu Dingtian's arms, they became soundless and nearly vanished, and despair gradually appeared in his eyes.

The difference between heaven and earth is just this! Is it fun to toy with this old man?

After ten breaths,

'Boom~'

'Pfft~'

Niu Dingtian's aura erupted explosively, a solid immense pressure that made Ouyang Feng spit blood and sent him flying backward.

'Boom~'

'Cough cough~'

After landing with a 'Boom', Ouyang Feng coughed up another mouthful of blood, his eyes still filled with shock, disbelief.

'How is this possible?'

'How can there be such a gap?'

'How old are you?'

At this moment, his eyes were full of despair; he had struggled for most of his life, yet he could not match this person's skill of over ten years.

Slowly closing his eyes, Ouyang Feng lay on the ground, as if muttering to himself, as if asking in a mournful voice:

「Can… cannot… tell this old man what… realm this is? 」

Although the two were far apart, this murmuring low voice still clearly reached Niu Dingtian's ears.

「Half-step Innate. 」

Niu Dingtian replied in a low voice, the inner strength of the Toad Skill piled wave upon wave, each wave higher than the last; his earlier realization had benefited him greatly.

Moreover, the division of realms is not absolutely secret; those who know it are certainly more than just Yideng, so revealing it would be no problem.

「Half-step Innate? 」 Ouyang Feng murmured, then never spoke again.

Suddenly, the surroundings fell silent, except for the occasional wind on the mountaintop, as if the earlier commotion had never happened.

After a while,

"Old man…… Many thanks, Sect Chief Niu, for informing me!" Ouyang Feng's voice sounded a bit desolate, his thoughts tangled and unclear.

He had struggled for most of his life, only to find he'd been fighting over a dog.

After all those years of vicious scheming, in the end he hadn't even figured out a higher, farther martial way realm.

Just a frog at the bottom of a well.

Afterward,

Ouyang Feng left,

After leaving behind two secret manuals and a small snake, he covered his chest and left, not even taking his snake staff.

Whether the Five Poisons Secret Transmission or the Toad Technique Secret Manual, with him they're constantly carried on his person, needing continual refinement.

He wasn't willing at all—how could he be willing after having his things taken? He was truly afraid that Niu Dingtian would find an excuse to take his life.

Niu Dingtian didn't stop him either; tonight's gain already satisfied him.

After Ouyang Feng left, Niu Dingtian didn't return to the courtyard; instead, he took the two secret manuals, stood on the high platform, and, borrowing the bright moonlight, began to read them silently.

After a long while,

"To be able to create one's own martial arts and perfect them to this extent—the Old Poison Surpasses Hong Seven." Niu Dingtian sighed softly.

After finishing reading, his Nine Yang True Qi circulated casually, and the two secret manuals instantly turned to ash.

Innate,

What exactly is that realm?

Feeling a deeper insight within himself, Niu Dingtian once again posed his question about the Innate Realm.

Standing on the high platform,

He gazed at the large characters on the cliff wall ahead and began to stare blankly.

Perhaps,

Perhaps this lifetime's Ming Sect also begins from himself?

(End of chapter)