Chapter Seventy.

"What despicable techniques? As long as we all reach the same goal does it matter what technique we use?"

"This technique shortens the practitioner's lifespan!"

"It's none of your business, I decided to use the technique myself,"Gong Muyu intervenes arrogantly.

"Fine. Then I'll take my leave ,"Madam Ruo speaks nonchalantly and turns around walking away.

"Long time no see Du Mei Lin,"Di Heng speaks up.

Madam Ruo freezes for a moment,her heart beating first. In this life,she never expected to be called that name again. But since she decided to show her face in the martial arts world again she knows this was bound to happen. Back then Du Mei Lin was the daughter of one of the high rank county officials of Long Gong County. Due to her unrestrained nature,she went against her father's wishes and joined Lotus Manor Sect. She was reknown as the most beautiful lady in the martial arts world that her sect brothers and disciples of other sects wanted to pursue her. But after she left Lotus Manor Sect she disappeared from the Martial Arts world ever since.

Among those pursuers,Di Heng was one of them. Back then he was only a frail disciple of Heavenly Mist Sect. He met Du Mei Lin in a Martial Arts Hunting Contest. She had hunted many wild animals while Di Heng had none so she gave him a few of the animals she had killed and he got attracted to her for the first time. Ever since he had been trying to get close to her every time they met. Even after loving her for a long time,he didn't dare and he never got a chance to confess to her.

"Du Mei Lin the Silken Blade!" People start chatting amongst themselves. Silken Blade was Du Mei Lin's nickname in the pugilistic world because her movements are smooth as silk,yet her blade strikes with precision and deadly force.

"Di Heng, I'm no longer Du Mei Lin I'm Madam Ruo."

"A- Lin can you call me Heng'er one more time?" Di Heng says pleadingly.

"This isn't the time to get sentimental,"Du Mei Lin talks back rudely.

Cai Huifen has been sitting at the edge of the arena still covering herself from the mess. The others were too shocked to notice her suffering. Madam Ruo helps her get up,wraps her arm around Cai Huifen's waist and leaps away with her. Du Yuan is seated between Du Yichen and Lord Xu Kong. They are both still analyzing the situation.

"Father isn't she ..."

"It seems so true that it's almost unbelievable ,"Lord Du Yuan speaks with a sentimental look on his face.

"There are many surprises in the pugilistic world indeed,"Lord Xu Kong acknowledges.

"Didn't you say she's a mad woman?"Yuan Ye asks Duan Xinyue.

"Well as you can see,she's no longer a mad woman,"Duan Xinyue jokes.

"Her martial arts are so good. I would love her to take me in as her disciple."

Guo Mulang has been quiet the whole time.

"Hey Lao Chu, isn't she your sect sister? Why didn't you greet her?"Duan Xinyue whispers to Guo Mulang sounding slightly sarcastic and humorous at the same time . Guo Mulang glares back at him.

"Or maybe she's the reason you hate women?"Duan Xinyue adds. Guo Mulang can't help but snort at Duan Xinyue's comments.

The Martial Arts Contest resumes with Hong Rong being one of the last participants. From Ziran Sect, Hong Rong and Chen Ruolan are the only ones who emerge the winners and end up receiving their respective prizes. For the first time ever Lei Qiang holds a celebratory dinner for his disciples . He even eats together with them. Du Yichen,Qin Lanhua,Yuan Ye, Xu Han,Wei Yi,Hong Yi and Du Bai Xin attend the celebratory dinner at the sect. Everyone can't help but notice Duan Xinyue's absence but no one dares ask. Of all the disciples,only Mu Zixin is confident enough to ask Lei Qiang about such things.

"Shifu,why isn't Hero Duan here?"

Lei Qiang is taken aback a bit. He tries to retrace Duan Xinyue's every movement earlier during the contest. Seeing Lei Qiang isn't ready to answer Du Yichen takes the initiative to reply on his behalf,"Duan Duan had something to deal with."

"Where do you think that lady from earlier took Huifen Shi Jie?"One of the disciples suddenly asks changing the topic.

There's a sudden knock at the door and two figures walk in immediately. It's Duan Xinyue and Cai Huifen. Everyone is surprised to see them. Cai Huifen is wearing a different dress.

"I'm here to drop your Shi Jie,"Duan Xinyue speaks referring to the other disciples.

"Duan Duan ,where is Madam Ruo?"

"Qingfeng Pavilion."

Duan Xinyue glances at Lei Qiang once and looks away.

"Bro Duan,why don't you just join us for dinner?"Xu Han suggests.

"I have no appetite. Excuse me I have to go."

"A-Yue,can you wait for me?"Yuan Ye subconsciously blurts out the nickname.

"A-Yue!"

"Can you not call me that name?"Duan Xinyue speaks covered with embarrassment.

"But I think that nickname is cute,"Mu Zixin comments.

"I need to see someone so I'm afraid I can't wait for you. Why don't you go back with Lanhua and the others?"

"Fine."

Duan Xinyue walks out leaving them still dining. After dinner the guests leave together leaving the disciples to clean up. The disciples assemble around Cai Huifen to inquire more about the incident concerning Madam Ruo. Chen Ruolan chooses to clear the tables with the help of Hong Rong who seems like he has something to tell her. On their last trip from the kitchen,Hong Rong stops to talk to her. Chen Ruolan can't help but feel a little anxious. A curious look is displayed on her face.

"Ruolan Shi Mei,there's something I have been wanting to tell you."

Chen Ruolan's sixth sense can tell her what Hong Rong wants to tell him but she still chooses to play dumb.

Hong Rong takes a deep breath before speaking,"I...like...you. I like you so much. "

"What!"Chen Ruolan acts surprised even though she knew what he was going to say.

"I told myself I would confess to you after the Martial Arts Contest,"Hong Rong adds.

Little do they know they have a little audience watching them. Mu Zixin,Cai Huifen and Ren Xing are standing from a distance watching them. The two look sideways as their eyes widen in shock.