Chapter 108: Defeating Coach Hong

A flurry of stick shadows froze Instructor Hong’s clothing midair, as if held up by invisible hands. Without using any internal energy, relying solely on his skill with one hand, Hong could be considered a formidable expert in his own right.

“Brother Lin, what do you think of his stick technique?” Yang Zhi blinked. Though she excelled with the saber, her perceptive insight at the early second stage already revealed that Instructor Hong had not yet reached that level.

Indeed, awakened Star Generals and Star Demons did not necessarily gain a vast increase in strength. Take Yang Zhi, for example—she had stabilized at the early second stage after just entering it. Yet her progress rate and fundamental constitution had improved; barring any mishaps, reaching the third stage was inevitable.

Lin Chong shook his head silently. Though he had chosen the path of a fugitive, his nature remained largely unchanged. As an instructor of the 800,000-strong Imperial Guards’ spear and stick division and a mid-second stage martial artist, he naturally saw through Hong’s true capabilities.

His internal energy cultivation was late first stage, likely having reached completion and attempted to break into the second stage but failed. No hidden injuries were apparent, but his internal energy circulation was not refined, clearly indicating he had mostly abandoned training in this area. As for his stick technique, though his fundamentals seemed solid, the style lacked variation—in other words, it was rigid and unyielding.

Looking at his physique, the skin was dark and glossy, a sign of frequent martial practice, yet the muscles were somewhat slack. The slight softness around his lower abdomen suggested he might have spent several days practicing before coming here.

A third-rate stick master—this was Lin Chong’s assessment. Enough to teach household guards or serve as a basic martial arts instructor, but as a guest warrior? He would be little more than a figurehead.

“Are you going to keep watching here? I’ll take your wife to rest first,” Lin Chong said, supporting his wife. Although her complexion had improved over the past few days, her body remained weak. This was why he sought refuge with Chai Jin—only here could his wife receive the proper care and environment to recuperate.

“What’s there to watch? It’s not interesting at all,” Yang Zhi said. She forgot to lower her voice, and with a woman’s tone, Hong overheard her clearly.

Having just finished his stick routine and looking for a way to assert himself, Hong found Yang Zhi’s words fitting his plan. After all, the few others who had stepped up before were no threat. Though a woman spoke, he could still take the opportunity to lecture. As the local spear and stick instructor, he felt he was justified.

“Miss, if you disdain my appearance, I have no words. But my stick technique— even among the Imperial Guards of the capital—would be considered top tier.” As he dressed, he added, “Don’t blame me for being rude. Tell me, young lady, which part of my technique do you find lacking? If you point it out, I will bow and apologize!”

Yang Zhi sneered. “Your stick work is all showmanship. You probably spent days practicing before coming here!” From the first glance, she had felt disdain for Hong, and his behavior only infuriated her further. She could not hold back.

Hong chuckled. “I have some reputation around Cangzhou. To call my technique showy, I doubt even Lin Chong, instructor of the 800,000 Imperial Guards, would dare say such a thing!” He planted his wooden stick on the ground. “Apologize or give me a reason, or don’t blame me for disrespecting Master Chai!”

Yang Zhi scoffed coldly. “You want fame, that’s none of my business. But your repeated provocations—aren’t you going too far?” She released a surge of internal energy. A woman brave enough to wander the Jianghu alone and help her brother storm city gates was no weakling.

Onlookers, initially eager to watch the show, hurriedly stepped aside. This woman’s aura made it clear she was no ordinary fighter. At least, her current display surpassed that of ninety percent of those in the courtyard.

Hong took a step back, his face flushing. “My eyes deceived me. You truly outmatch me in cultivation, lady, but stick technique is an art. Purely relying on strength and level, I concede!” He was a sensible man—no amount of skill could bridge the gap between early second and late first stage.

His words sought to save face in this awkward moment; the difference in raw power was obvious. He also did not believe a young woman truly surpassed him in stick technique—perhaps she merely had internal energy without corresponding skill.

“Hmph!” Yang Zhi laughed mockingly. “Don’t try to change the subject. You claimed your stick was strong. My brother Lin is also skilled with spear and stick—why not spar a bit?” If Hong truly wished to concede, it would be fine. But clearly, he was trying to excuse himself. If left unresolved, who knew what rumors he might spread!

Only then did Hong notice a man and woman standing beside Yang Zhi. “Brother, what did you think of my stick display?”

Lin Chong, intending to take his wife to rest, replied, “Solid fundamentals, very refined technique, with the bearing of a master instructor. Well deserved.” Then he bowed slightly to Chai Jin. “We have come from afar. My wife is unwell; I hope Master Chai will allow us to stay. I am deeply grateful.”

Had Yang Zhi kept silent earlier, Lin’s words would have given Hong a graceful exit, ending the matter. But with Yang’s comment preceding, Hong took Lin’s praise as mockery.

“Hmph! You are arrogant indeed! I have relied on my spear and stick skills for many years. As for this technique, I fear no one! If you think I only carry the bearing of a master, then come spar yourself. Let me see what true mastery looks like!”

Upon hearing this, except for those genuinely interested, others looked on with disdain. Hong was pushing too hard.

Chai Jin, seated to the side, was growing uneasy. For some reason, he sensed a strange affinity between Yang Zhi and Lin Chong.

“Instructor Hong, since Brother Lin must care for his wife, there’s no need to rush this duel,” Chai Jin said, clapping his hands. A servant quickly brought out a tray holding several silver ingots. “You all have come to me with requests; I cannot refuse. Please accept this token of goodwill. Let us end here today.” He then signaled the servant to distribute the silver among the previous performers.

Those men smiled gratefully, bowing to Chai Jin. As for Hong’s earlier insults, they paid no mind.

But Hong would not relent—he hadn’t come just for a reward. He had heard that Chai Jin sought a master to train household guards in spear and stick. That was more than money; it was status. After all, Chai Jin’s name carried great weight in this region.

“Master Chai, do you disdain my skills so much? Fine, I shall leave!” Saying so, he threw down his long stick and strode toward the gate. But as he turned, regret struck. Such an act would only disgrace Chai Jin—and himself. How could he continue to thrive in Cangzhou now?

He cast a murderous glare at Lin Chong, as if willing to kill him on the spot.

“What are you staring at?” Yang Zhi snapped. Raising her hand, the wooden stick flew into her grasp. Pointing it at Hong, she said, “Don’t provoke and make enemies when you lack the skill. If you’re weak, don’t blame others. Didn’t you just say you could perform your stick technique?”

With that, Yang Zhi swung the stick at Hong. Though he saw it drawing nearer, his body felt rooted to the spot.

Smack!

The stick struck Hong’s calf, tearing through his leg wrap.

Hong trembled and collapsed to the ground. The stick plunged between his legs, piercing through his trousers and embedding into the earth.

“At this level, daring to compare yourself with Brother Lin—it’s a joke!” Yang Zhi looked down on him with disdain. Hong’s face flushed red and white, humiliated and angry.

With a ripping sound, Hong tore off his shirt, clutching his groin, and fled with his head lowered.