Chapter 67: Yangguangzhai Sparring Contest

Jiang Jinshi didn't know what had happened during his time down the mountain; Luo Feng at first just felt the sword was unwieldy, so he tried other weapons.

Because the mountain stronghold offered few weapons for Luo Feng to choose, after several attempts he found a wooden staff and wielded it with uncanny skill.

Of course the others saw this; although they hadn't known Luo Feng long, they knew he used a sword, and now he somehow mastered many moves without a teacher.

Even Luo Feng himself credited it to "divine power", which left the envious few with no recourse but to silently hope they too might one day obtain "divine power".

They didn't expect the day to arrive so quickly, and their joy left them momentarily speechless.

Luo Feng reacted swiftly, calling out to the others, "Why are you all staring? Go fetch something to offer as tribute!"

"Right, right, I'll go fetch the wine!" Wang Suxi spoke, but had already rushed out of the main hall.

"Then I'll go to the kitchen for some dishes!" Zhang Honghong followed closely, afraid of being left behind.

Although Luo Feng had already gained "divine power", he still dared not be careless about this matter, "Captain Zhang, wait for me; I'll have my sister prepare something fresh—no leftovers!"

At Tang Lin's glance, Tang Xiao Yu stepped forward to volunteer to help in the kitchen.

Wang Hou stood still, unsure what to do, then remembered that while the tribute was ready, there could be no incense paper missing!

So Wang Hou dragged Tang Lin to the storeroom, muttering, "Steward Tang, I recall the Poison Snake Stronghold still had some sacrificial items left; follow me to check."

In an instant the main hall was left with only Jiang Jinshi at the front; he gave a helpless smile, never expecting everyone to take it so seriously—he had originally planned just to bluff as last time.

It seemed he would have to make it more formal later, at least giving it a sense of ceremony.

Then what should he say at that time?

Great Sunlight God! Grant your devout followers divine power!

Hiss!

Jiang Jinshi inhaled a cold breath, feeling the chant lacked grandeur, so he thought of a new one.

Soon everyone arranged everything neatly; Wang Hou fetched two large tables and somehow found yellow cloth to cover them, placing an incense burner on top.

It is said the incense burner was found by Wang Hou in some hidden corner, which he polished until it shone before bringing it here.

With Luo Jin and Tang Xiao Yu working together they also prepared many dishes and set them out, standing nearby curiously watching.

Wang Suxi brought several bowls, poured wine with a devout expression, then waited for Jiang Jinshi to act.

With preparations nearly done, Luo Feng quickly signaled his sister and Tang Xiao Yu to leave, because some sacrificial women were not allowed to be present.

Although Jiang Jinshi didn't say anything, Luo Feng still feared breaking a taboo.

Jiang Jinshi shrugged and said, "It's fine, we're all from Yangguangzhai; the Sunlight God won't get angry."

Hearing Jiang Jinshi's words, Luo Feng finally relaxed, and Luo Jin and Tang Xiao Yu felt an even stronger sense of belonging to Yangguangzhai.

Jiang Jinshi stood at the table, pretended to solemnly light a stick of incense, but the urge to laugh kept bubbling up, so he kept his back to the crowd.

Seeing Jiang Jinshi unresponsive, Luo Feng was the quickest to act; he remembered that last time he had knelt.

"Quickly kneel, I'll go fetch some pillows for you."

"Dong! Dong! Dong!"

Before Luo Feng could get the pillows, Wang Hou, Zhang Honghong, and Wang Suxi all fell to their knees with a thud; just the sound made Jiang Jinshi feel his knees ache faintly.

"Ahem!"

Jiang Jinshi cleared his throat and shouted, "Xi He drives the sun, bathing the eight wildernesses; my god appears, descending the mysterious light. May I receive the spirit's brilliance, cleanse the dust of delusion; with sincere prayer I ask for mighty glory!"

At the same time Jiang Jinshi silently thought, "Open system."

Looking at the points he had exchanged for three hundred taels in advance, Jiang Jinshi took a deep breath, silently praying for a few high‑quality general souls.

Even if they are all S‑rank, there are still differences; the strongest and weakest among S‑rank are certainly far apart.

Moreover, some generals rely on pure martial force, while others have command abilities; the latter will rank higher, Jiang Jinshi believed.

He repeatedly clicked the S‑recruit button three times.

Zhuan Zhu! Zhang Fei! Wei Chi Gong!

Jiang Jinshi wondered which dynasty Zhuan Zhu belonged to.

Unable to figure it out, Jiang Jinshi didn't bother; he just needed to allocate the three general souls.

He first placed his hand on Zhang Honghong's forehead; Zhang Honghong's black face flushed with excitement.

Zhang Honghong could merge with either Zhang Fei or Wei Chi Gong—after all, Wei Chi Gong also has a dark face—but ultimately chose Zhang Fei for the fusion.

Next were Wang Hou and Wang Suxi; Wang Hou's frail body seemed unsuitable for the hulking Wei Chi Gong, so Wei Chi Gong was given to Wang Suxi.

The remaining Zhuan Zhu would go to Wang Hou!

After the allocation, Jiang Jinshi looked at the table full of dishes, unwilling to waste them, and hurriedly called, "Come, come, let's eat!"

The others stared at Jiang Jinshi with eyes like they were eyeing rare treasures, words on the tip of their tongues but unsaid.

Luo Feng whispered, "Master, these are tribute!"

Jiang Jinshi was unfazed, "What's wrong with tribute? The Sunlight God loves our thrift; wasting food brings retribution."

Hearing this, the three who had wanted to test their strength held back their restlessness and ate for now.

Jiang Jinshi sat down first, "And because it's tribute, we must eat it; food blessed by the Sunlight God is a good thing."

Thus, under Jiang Jinshi's cajole, everyone cleared the plates.

When the feast ended, Zhang Honghong rushed out of the hall, "Luo Feng, let's spar!"

"Can't wait!" Luo Feng's hands itched; previously he could only amuse himself, but now a opponent arrived, filling him with joy.

The two picked up wooden staffs by the wall and assumed their stances.

"Where did this wooden staff come from?" Jiang Jinshi asked the bustling scene to Wang Hou.

Wang Hou laughed, "Captain Luo said his sword felt awkward, he tried several weapons, finally found this one more comfortable, though it breaks easily, so we helped make some!"

"Hmm, this works; we'll use it for sparring to avoid hurting anyone," Jiang Jinshi nodded, though he himself also wanted to practice but was afraid of embarrassment, so he decided to observe first.

"Captain Zhang, I'm coming!" Luo Feng shouted, inhaling and charging toward Zhang Honghong.

From Luo Feng's speed and force, it seemed he was still holding back, fearing to injure Zhang Honghong.

Zhang Honghong also saw this, and at once did not get angry, lifted a wooden stick and met the attack.