Chapter 27: The Cold Moon Blade (Happy New Year)

Following Zhang Fang’s interference, the Hero Gathering, which had initially become somewhat awkward, not only instantly regained its previous liveliness but arguably achieved a far better outcome than originally intended.

For the martial arts practitioners who had come just for the spectacle, being able to eat and drink for free was a delight. Moreover, every person they bumped into was a fellow traveler of the pugilistic world—someone rarely encountered in daily life. Finding common ground and making new friends to expand one’s network became a natural progression.

Life could hardly get any more carefree than this!

However, compared to the festivities, the prospect of a personal diagnosis by the renowned Physician Xue was an even greater temptation. While martial artists often appear stronger than ordinary people, the process of cultivating martial arts can easily lead to physical ailments. Much like how a professional athlete’s Achilles tendon is more prone to snapping than a sedentary person’s, these martial artists inevitably accumulate hidden injuries from their frequent brawls and life on the road.

They were usually too embarrassed to seek out a doctor for such nagging, minor injuries, and even if they did, ordinary rural physicians would rarely be able to pinpoint the cause. But a diagnosis from Physician Xue himself was an entirely different matter.

Only a fool would turn down such an opportunity!

For the Beggar Valley Manor and Physician Xue, this was also a win-win situation. Hosting a series of banquets at the Manor did indeed cost money, but as the saying goes, "those who take hospitality are bound to be soft-spoken." After this, whenever these guests traveled through the martial arts world, they would be compelled to show some respect to the Beggar Valley Manor. Such prestige is something that money simply cannot buy.

As for Physician Xue, he was even less at a loss. He was idle anyway, and these martial artists would never have sought his help unless they were suffering from major illnesses. By pointing out and treating the minor issues they usually ignored, he earned a massive favor. Even if they had no ailments, having the great Physician Xue personally check one’s pulse was a favor in itself.

It could be said that from this day forward, every hero who attended the gathering owed Physician Xue a debt of gratitude. While the scale of these favors varied, a martial artist who valued their reputation would always look for a chance to repay them. In such a situation, anyone who dared to move against Physician Xue would effectively be making an enemy of the entire martial arts world!

Even someone like Ding Chunqiu would have to think twice before acting against him!

Everyone was highly satisfied with this outcome. And so, a Hero Gathering aimed at targeting Qiao Feng transformed into a joyful party for the martial arts community, with no one left remembering their original intent to confront him.

After lunch, Zhang Fang sought out Xue Muhua privately. He had intended to offer the "Kang Long You Hui" technique in exchange for treating A'Zhu. However, Xue Muhua firmly declined, stating that it was the unique, signature skill of the Beggar Valley; he dared not learn it even if Zhang Fang were willing to teach. "But," he added, "seeing as you resolved today's affairs so beautifully, I, the old man, can help you once for free."

And thus, every problem was perfectly resolved.

Back in his room, having handled everything, Zhang Fang removed the black iron mask that had been making him feel stifled and was just about to sit down for a rest when he noticed a piece of paper tucked beneath the teapot on his desk.

Picking it up, he read: "Brother, no words of thanks are needed for such great kindness. Meeting you and becoming sworn brothers is the greatest blessing of my life!"

The note was abrupt and lacked a signature, but Zhang Fang knew it must have been left by Qiao Feng. Qiao Feng had likely stayed away to avoid implicating Zhang Fang in his own troubles.

"Brother Qiao, you're trying to hide your ears while stealing the bell," Zhang Fang thought. If Qiao Feng had truly appeared, with his abilities, who could have exposed him? By leaving this letter, he risked causing unnecessary trouble should the wrong person find it. Fortunately, Zhang Fang had worn a mask today, so such trouble wouldn't easily find its way to him.

The only pity was that Qiao Feng seemed to have watched his performance from the shadows but hadn't seen the whole thing. At the very least, he hadn't heard Zhang Fang tell the Beggar Valley crowd, "Qiao Feng intended to pass on the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms to me and entrusted me to return them to the sect."

Otherwise, given Qiao Feng’s character, he certainly would have left the manual for the "Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms" alongside his thank-you note. That way, Zhang Fang could have learned all eighteen strikes before passing them on to someone in the Beggar Valley, earning himself a massive favor from the sect in the process. What a missed opportunity!

Shaking his head, Zhang Fang didn't destroy the letter. Instead, with a flick of his wrist, he stored it in his personal inventory.

The paper showed no attributes upon inspection, indicating it was merely an ordinary item within the world—not recognized by the Reincarnation Tower and unable to be taken out of this realm. Unless, of course, one paid extra points to convert it into a "Reincarnation Item." Since it had no stat bonuses, the cost was negligible—just 1 point. After all, it was a letter written to him by his former idol; even if useless, Zhang Fang was happy to spend a point to keep it as a souvenir.

After stowing the letter, Zhang Fang’s gaze fell upon the more eye-catching Weapon Chest (Bronze) in his inventory.

*Weapon Chest (Bronze): Opening this will randomly grant one Bronze-quality weapon.*

Zhang Fang reached out to open it immediately, curious to see what he would get. But just as his finger was about to touch the chest in the light screen, he stopped. He quickly put back on the black iron mask he had just removed, then tapped the chest to confirm.

*Ding! The Reward Critical System is now active. The item obtained from the "Weapon Chest (Bronze)" will receive a 100% critical boost!*

*Obtained: Cold Moon Blade x1!*

*Cold Moon Blade (Silver): The blade is like the moon, cold and sharp; it cuts through hair with a blow and slices through iron like mud.*

Zhang Fang hadn't expected to pull the signature blade of Hu Fei, the protagonist of *Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain*. While not as famous as the Dragon-Slaying Saber in the Jin Yong martial arts universe, it was still a rare and top-tier weapon.

Unfortunately, Zhang Fang did not use a blade. A pair of gauntlets to boost his palm techniques, or perhaps a round shield, would have been far more practical.

He shook his head. He didn't attribute this to bad luck. Given the series of events today, his luck had been impeccable ever since he donned the black iron mask. The quality of the Cold Moon Blade itself was flawless; if it didn't suit him, it simply meant his luck wasn't so heaven-defying as to grant his every specific desire, but it was certainly far better than that of an average person. For such a luck index, Zhang Fang was already quite satisfied.

...

In the following days, the entire Beggar Valley Manor was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, leaving only Physician Xue and Zhang Fang frantically busy. The former was occupied with treating A'Zhu, the two You brothers, and Ma Tianshu, all while squeezing in health check-ups for the guests.

As for Zhang Fang, he was busy "seeking abuse." Taking advantage of the many experts gathered at the Hero Gathering, he didn't miss the opportunity to spar with seniors stronger than himself after meals. Being defeated didn't matter; the crucial thing was the rapid increase in his skill proficiency!

At the same time, Zhang Fang didn't forget his daily routine of building rapport with A'Zhu. Using his "Everlasting Holy Qi," which doubled the effectiveness of healing, he assisted Physician Xue, allowing A'Zhu to recover far faster than in the original story. During these sessions, he naturally engaged in well-timed "persuasion," subtly revealing information to pave the way for his follow-up quest, "Sharing Weal and Woe."

Seven or eight days flew by. A'Zhu’s injuries were steadily improving, and through his constant "seeking of abuse," Zhang Fang finally managed to level his "Thirty-Six Heavenly Shield Technique" up to Level 9.