Chapter 271: Hair against hair

The Rainbow Python was a rare and fierce creature. Its skin was impervious to weapons, and it possessed the strength of a dragon and an elephant. Many martial artists had died when entangled by its body. Xu Fengnian, however, didn't know that the python's sharp fangs carried a potent venom capable of numbing even a Vajra-level physique. Stepping on it had both advantages and disadvantages.

At this moment, with young Tuoba and the Brocade-Sleeved Devil confident of victory, Xu Fengnian, who had kept his vital energy tightly concealed, unhesitatingly unleashed his power. He charged directly at the Brocade-Sleeved Lord, the demonic expert, acting as if he intended a mutual annihilation. Young Tuoba remained composed, showing no intention of intervening. In contrast, the old devil's pupils constricted, and the ground beneath his feet exploded as the Rainbow Python burst forth again. The devil stood atop the python's colossal, millstone-sized head, looking down from above, his vital energy surging like boiling water, preparing to use the python's strength to fend off the final strike from this prominent Southern Dynasty noble. After surging forward five steps, Xu Fengnian suddenly stopped, stumbling. The devil's heart eased, and a sneer played on his lips. The Rainbow Python had consumed countless poisons; its exhaled miasma alone could cause an ordinary person to faint and die. Even a Vajra-level master, if scratched by its fangs and had the venom permeate their meridians, would find the poison spreading deeper into their acupoints and bone marrow the more they circulated their vital energy.

Xu Fengnian merely paused, a clear sign of faltering that should have revealed fatigue. The robed old man's focus and vital energy relaxed slightly at the same time. Young Tuoba, who excelled at feigning weakness in combat, inexplicably shouted a warning. The Brocade-Sleeved Lord, who commanded the Rainbow Python, saw the sabre-wielding man move like a fish, sliding in an instant before the python. Taking advantage of the blind spot beneath the python's raised head, he inexplicably vanished. The devil, who was not adept at close-quarters combat, knew something was wrong. Xu Fengnian, whose movements showed no sluggishness even when maneuvering through tight spaces within a herd of wild buffalo, abruptly appeared behind the robed devil. He was about to strike the old bastard's back with a palm. This "Tablet-Shattering Palm" technique, taken from a boxing manual in the Tide-Listening Pavilion's armory, possessed the formidable power to subdue dragons and tigers. While practicing sabre techniques on Wudang Mountain, most of the ancient manuals brought up the mountain contained sword and sabre forms. Later, heading to Beimang, to cultivate his spiritual intent, he temporarily adopted a "last-minute" approach, absorbing diverse skills and no longer limiting himself to swords and sabres, but extracting essential moves from various martial arts. If this "Tablet-Shattering Palm" landed solidly, even a thick, heavy stone tablet would be shattered to pieces.

However, just as he was two or three-tenths into his "Tablet-Shattering" move, Xu Fengnian was struck by a sudden punch to his left shoulder, sending him sprawling. In this classic "mantis stalks cicada, oriole follows behind" scenario, both the attacker and the attacked had timed their moves perfectly. After landing and steadying himself, Xu Fengnian smirked, not enraged but only regretting that his "Tablet-Shattering Palm" hadn't fully connected. He didn't look at the old devil whose head he'd nearly smashed off the python, but instead gazed at the man with a build as sturdy as a lion or tiger. Using his Grand Yellow Court to perceive the world, he had surprisingly failed to detect any trace of this man's concealment beforehand. He had no choice but to, just like when he pressed his hand against Tuoba Chunshun's forehead, once again abandon a prime opportunity to inflict heavy damage. However, in a one-on-one fight, Xu Fengnian was confident he could win narrowly, similar to how he gradually wore down and defeated Xie Ling. But with the three Tuoba individuals coordinating skillfully, forming a strategic "horn" formation, he felt somewhat trapped in a deadly situation.

Although the Brocade-Sleeved Lord, a Vajra-level master, was not severely wounded, he still broke out in a cold sweat. Turning around, he roared, "You brat, you deserve to die a thousand deaths!"

Seeing the powerful retainer, who was far superior in close combat to the robed old servant, arrive in time, Tuoba Chunshun felt greatly relieved. Holding his broadsword, he leisurely clapped his hands and praised, "Excellent, excellent. Your acting skills and killing prowess are both top-notch. Fighting two at once earlier already made me draw my sword. I imagine you still have some ultimate techniques hidden away; why not bring them all out?"

Xu Fengnian sneered, "If you want to act like a big shot, at least beat me down first. Otherwise, what right do you have to waste your breath here? Is that interesting?"

Instead of getting angry, Tuoba Chunshun smiled and patiently explained: "Normally, I don't like to waste words when killing. But whether it's spring bamboo shoots or winter bamboo shoots, when a delicious dish is before you, it's customary for a diner to praise its color, aroma, and taste before picking up their chopsticks. This is simply human nature. So, please forgive me, young master of the Southern Dynasty, who hides his true abilities. Let's be clear beforehand: when you're buried in the yellow sand and your scalp is being peeled off, I'll definitely have more to say. And if by chance my saliva mixes with mercury and drips into your skull, please don't mind."

Xu Fengnian smiled and asked: "Since there's already a master like the Brocade-Sleeved Lord, who couldn't withstand even a single finger from the Qilin True Man, may I ask who this big brother is, serving as a slave and dog for Chunshun?"

The burly man narrowed his eyes and replied concisely: "Duanbo'er Huihui. I will tear off your limbs later."

Xu Fengnian simply extended one hand, palm upward.

Tuoba Chunshun stretched his neck, slowly walked towards Xu Fengnian, and chuckled: "I'll do it, I'll do it. It's rare to find such an excellent training target like you. I want to take my time."

Tuoba Chunshun then waved his hand and instructed the ant-like cavalrymen, who stood like wooden figures: "Qin Cha'er, ignore these herdsmen. Spread out the hunting circle and guard the four cardinal directions—east, south, west, and north. Each team should consist of twenty-five riders. If this young master miraculously escapes the circle, whether you use your warhorses to collide with him or sacrifice your lives to fill the gaps, as long as you delay him, you, Xiti, will have rendered a great service."

Qin Cha'er genuinely feared that young Lord Tuoba would order him to lead the tribal cavalry into combat that was tantamount to suicide. Since it was just an outer patrol, it wasn't a difficult task. He immediately led a hundred cavalrymen to patrol two hundred paces away.