Chen Tang watched as Yan Zhuifeng departed, not daring to chase recklessly.

This person’s lightweight skill was extraordinary, and he couldn’t catch up.

Moreover, he still needed to escort Shen Zhiyuan and Su Li swiftly on their way.

The trio continued along the main road, and by noon, yet another person blocked their path ahead.

This man stood eight feet tall, appearing one size larger than Chen Tang, with muscles twisted and knotted all over, his arms exposed, skin a bronze hue; he was a bald, burly man.

Beside him stood a bizarre weapon, deeply embedded in the ground, looking exceedingly heavy.

Chen Tang hadn’t been in Nanxia long and had mostly stayed in Langya Pavilion, not wandering the Jianghu, so he didn’t recognize the figures of Nanxia Jianghu.

Shen Zhiyuan and Su Li, though young, had roamed the Jianghu for years under the guidance of their seniors.

Some notable figures, even if they hadn’t met, they’d heard their elders mention.

"Is it him?"

The two exchanged glances, guessing the identity of the newcomer.

Since Shen Zhiyuan was not convenient to speak, Su Li reminded: "Brother Chen, be careful. This person is called ’Bronzehead Iron Arms’ Zhong Ding, extremely skilled in horizontal training, with immense strength and a Meridian Passage Realm. It’s said this person might even hope to make the Earth List!"

In Nanxia, the Three Lists of Heaven, Earth, and Human, the Human List has one hundred slots.

The Earth List has seventy-two, the Celestial List thirty-six, decreasing in number.

So, to hope to make the Earth List means that this person’s strength, in the Third Grade Meridian Passage realm, might rank in the top hundred!

Su Li continued: "It’s said this person was originally a Buddhist disciple, later expelled for breaking rules. But with high perception in martial arts, using the Buddhist Eighteen Copper Men Array as a foundation, he realized a set of Copper Man Stick Techniques. With his exotic weapon, the One-legged Copper Man, he exhibits it like a copper wall, impenetrable."

"Haha!"

The bald man’s big ears twitched, laughing: "Young girl, Old Zhong here isn’t as formidable as you say. This time, I don’t want to make things difficult for you two juniors. I’m entrusted by someone to invite Mr. Mo Ming for a trip. You better step aside."

Chen Tang spurred his horse forward, slightly cupping his hands, saying, "I am Chen Tang, greetings."

"Hey!"

Zhong Ding chuckled and said, "One Sword Frost Cold, such a big name. Let me test your sharp sword!"

With words said, no need for more.

The Autumn Water Sword was unsheathed.

Chen Tang leaped from his horse and charged at Zhong Ding, slashing down with one sword in the Divine Illumination state.

Zhong Ding remained motionless, watching as Chen Tang slashed with his sword, couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart.

Such a fast sword!

But he, having heard of Chen Tang’s methods long beforehand, was prepared, suddenly raising the One-legged Copper Man from the ground, standing it in front!

This One-legged Copper Man in his hand was an exotic weapon, weighing over a hundred pounds. Without needing to use any stick techniques, just standing it independently in front could block many attack angles.

Clang!

The Autumn Water Sword struck the One-legged Copper Man, emitting a crisp sound, sparks flew.

Even with the sharpness of the Autumn Water Sword, it could only leave a sword mark on the One-legged Copper Man, having no impact on this exotic weapon.

The One-legged Copper Man was covered with knife and sword marks, suggesting many battles fought.

More terrifying was, with the Autumn Water Sword colliding with the One-legged Copper Man, it felt like cutting on copper walls and iron bastions; not only did he gain no advantage, but Chen Tang’s arm was somewhat numbed from the impact.

"Haha!"

Zhong Ding laughed aloud: "Little brother, this is what they call breaking cleverness with clumsiness, one force defeats ten finesse!"

Even before finishing, Zhong Ding exerted force with one arm, his inner qi and blood surged, swinging the One-legged Copper Man, bringing down the Copper Man Stick Technique fiercely upon Chen Tang!

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Chen Tang used the Autumn Water Sword to block three times, retreating three steps successively.

These three times, he circulated his blood, even burst into Vast Sea Force, resonating with the Autumn Water Sword, the blade shimmering and trickling water sounds echoing continuously.

If it were any other weapon, surely it would be cut by the Autumn Water Sword.

But this One-legged Copper Man only shed a layer of fine iron filings from the Autumn Water Sword, leaving several deep sword marks, with almost no effect.

While Chen Tang, struck by the One-legged Copper Man, felt his arm achy and numb, bones all over his body crackling, qi and blood surging, inner viscera faintly aching!

"How formidable!"

Chen Tang was secretly alarmed.

This true Third Grade Martial Artist, even aspiring to ascend the Earth List, was much stronger in actual combat than any Third Grade Hermit.

Moreover, this man was immensely strong, paired with the exotic heavy weapon, the One-legged Copper Man, truly making him like a tiger with wings.

If Chen Tang continued to face him head-on, defeat was certain!

With Zhong Ding holding the One-legged Copper Man, launching a fierce assault, Chen Tang dared not clash head-on, applying body technique to maneuver with him.

This One-legged Copper Man in his hand not only had ’weight’ and ’clumsiness’ but also a ’clever’ aspect.

During Zhong Ding’s attack, the arms and fingers of the One-legged Copper Man vaguely enveloped many of Chen Tang’s acupuncture points, so a slight carelessness could get him struck.

The One-legged Copper Man swung with fierce blustering wind, while Su Li’s Hidden Weapon Flying Saber was also all knocked down.

Chen Tang was very cautious, dodging while observing Zhong Ding’s flaws.

This One-legged Copper Man wielded great force; if hit, at worst, bones could break, at best, one might be directly killed!

His Flood Dragon Armor could block blades and swords but couldn’t withstand the full force blow of the One-legged Copper Man.

After more than twenty exchanges, Chen Tang gradually found flaws in his opponent.

The One-legged Copper Man was exceptionally heavy; though he attacked fiercely with full swing, unstoppable momentum, it also consumed his energy significantly.

Furthermore, using this type of weapon made his body technique seem much clumsier, despite suppressing Chen Tang with sheer force, unable to even touch the corner of Chen Tang’s clothes.

By the fiftieth exchange, Zhong Ding’s face was flushed, began to breathe lightly, and his offensive also gradually slowed.

"You brat, why dodge, come and fight me squarely!"

Zhong Ding became a bit anxious, shouted loudly.

Chen Tang moved to evade another hit from Zhong Ding, laughing lightly: "Time is early, let’s take it slowly."

"You..."

Zhong Ding, a breath not evenly distributed, a slight pause in his offensive.

Opportunity!

Chen Tang’s eyes shone brightly!

This was the moment he had been waiting for!

Chen Tang entered the Divine Illumination state, his form flickered; seemingly still in place, he had flashed to Zhong Ding’s side, striking a sword!

Using the top-tier body technique of Chasing Shadows, paired with a sword in the Divine Illumination state.

Zhong Ding only saw a continual blur of afterimages in front of him, unconsciously startled, silently cursing it’s not good.

Too late to think more, Zhong Ding wanted to shift the One-legged Copper Man to his side for defense, but ultimately, he was a half-step late!

Thud!

Zhong Ding’s thigh was pierced by the sword, spurting a blood arrow.

He hurriedly swung the One-legged Copper Man, Chen Tang, having struck with the sword, didn’t linger but had already pulled back.

Zhong Ding’s attack once again fell empty.

"Such fast body technique, such a fast sword, admirable, admirable!"

Zhong Ding looked at the wound on his thigh, his expression complex, muttering a phrase, cupped his hands to Chen Tang, using the One-legged Copper Man as a crutch, limping as he turned and left.