Chapter 654 The Contest

‘Me using despicable tactics?! Hilarious! If Brother Lin truly resorted to tactics, it wouldn’t be your turn to strut around!’ Lin Wanrong laughed coldly, his sneer lingering. Zhaguo, having unexpectedly lost to this penniless Ah Lin Ge in the first horse-riding competition, was naturally furious and sought to regain his honor in the mountain of blades challenge.

He pondered for a while, then grabbed Buyi and asked, “Uncle, does this skill of walking the mountain of blades exist widely among the Miao people?”

“How could that be possible?” Buyi shook his head seriously. “The extraordinary skill of walking the mountain of blades requires many years of practice and is only passed down to one or two people in each generation. It’s a solemn and mysterious skill, revered by all Miao people. In our Xuzhou, among tens of thousands of Miao people, only one or two Shamans can perform it.”

“Shaman? What does that mean?” Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.

“Shaman, or what you Hua people call a ‘Taoist Master’,” Buyi explained. “According to our Miao customs, on every festival and major celebration, we invite these Shamans to perform their extraordinary skills. They are the most mysterious among the Miao, each possessing skills like climbing mountain of blades and walking through seas of fire, handed down from generation to generation. I have personally seen the previous generation’s Shaman in Miao village climb thirty-six mountain of blades to become a Shaman, revered by thousands.”

“Climbing thirty-six mountain of blades?” Lin Wanrong shuddered at the thought. The title ‘Shaman’ sparked his interest; since it’s similar to a Taoist Master, there must be some techniques. He himself had dabbled in tricks like washing hands in boiling oil and burning copper coins, barely qualifying as a half-Taoist Master.

“So you mean, apart from one or two limited Shamans, no one in Miao village dares to climb the mountain of blades, but how did this leader Zhaguo learn it?”

Buyi, known in Miao village as a man who knows everything, nodded and said, “Leader Zhaguo became a disciple of the previous generation’s Shaman a year ago. He must have also learned this skill of climbing the mountain of blades.”

As he was thinking, the clearing ahead buzzed with voices. The wooden board with steel blades inserted was erected, firmly fixed in the center, about four or five meters high, with thirty-six blades horizontally inserted. The blades, slightly thinner than kitchen knives and highly polished, shimmered with a cold light under the sun. This was the famous Miao mountain of blades.

All the Miao people gathered around the mountain of blades, singing and dancing, their expressions a mix of excitement and awe.

Lin Wanrong squinted at the mountain of blades, silently pondering, his face displaying a mysterious, inscrutable smile.

Zhaguo, now dressed in Miao short attire and standing next to a Shaman in a red robe, waved proudly to the surroundings. His cold eyes kept darting over here, full of provocation, seemingly determined to redeem his previous humiliation!

The Black Miao warrior, seeing him only talking to Buyi and ignoring himself, ran out of patience. He shouted, “Ah Lin Ge, will you accept the challenge or not?!”

Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, “Go back and tell your leader to come and apologize to Uncle Buyi, our elder from Yingyue Hamlet. Then I might consider climbing that mountain of blades. Otherwise, heh heh–”

“You–,” the Black Miao guard was infuriated. In the hundred miles of Xuzhou’s Miao territory, who dared to speak to the leader like this? This Red Miao lad was courting death!

The guard left in a huff, and Buyi looked at him, puzzled: “Hua lad, do you really intend to compete with Zhaguo in climbing the mountain of blades?”

“Maybe, let’s try!” Lin Wanrong replied casually.

Elder Buyi became anxious: “How can you do that? You’re not a Shaman, you’ve never climbed a mountain of blades. If you get hurt, how can I explain it to the Holy Maiden?!”

Lin Wanrong grinned: “What if I said I’m also half a Taoist Master? Do you believe me, Uncle?”

“A Taoist Master?” Buyi scrutinized him from head to toe, seeing him grinning and frivolous, he couldn’t help shaking his head and sighing: If Taoist Masters were all like you, our Miao village would be doomed!

Old Gao was also nervous and discreetly tugged at his sleeve: “Brother Lin, are you really up for it? This is no joke!”

“Let’s try! If Zhaguo can do it, I should be able to as well!” Lin Wanrong chuckled and patted his shoulder: “Besides, I have you, Brother Gao!”

Seeing his relaxed demeanor, Gao couldn’t figure out what he was planning. But since Brother Lin said so, he must have a plan. Let’s wait and see.

The Black Miao warrior hurried back, whispering a few words to Zhaguo. The leader’s face darkened in anger, turning to glare fiercely. Lin Wanrong laughed: “This kid, big eyes like a cow!”

Seeing the Red Miao’s Ah Lin Ge grinning and beckoning to him, the leader was infuriated. When did Yingyue Hamlet produce such a freak? He had no idea. Pressured by Lin Wanrong, he hated him but felt helpless and had to approach, slightly bowing to Elder Buyi: “Zhaguo pays respects to Uncle Buyi!”

The Hua lad’s words were really effective; Zhaguo actually came. Elder Buyi felt satisfied and nodded: “Ah, it’s Leader Zhaguo. I heard you’re going to win at the Flower Mountain Festival. Let me congratulate you in advance!”

“Winning?” After losing the first round, Zhaguo trembled with rage but couldn’t lash out. Looking coldly at Lin Wanrong, he said: “Ah Lin Ge, do you dare to climb the mountain of blades with me now?”

Buyi translated for him, and Lin Wanrong responded, leaning on a hatchet and smiling: “I heard the leader has become a disciple of a Shaman, mastering the skill of climbing the mountain of blades. Today, he even invites a nobody like me for a competition. I’m really flattered!”

Elder Buyi found it amusing. This Hua lad was naturally talented in acting, imitating everything perfectly. Except for not speaking Miao language, his mannerisms and actions were just like a sly Red Miao lad!

Zhaguo could hear the sarcasm in his words. The leader snorted coldly: “Since you’re participating in the Flower Mountain Festival, compete if you dare! If not, just say it! I want all Miao people to know it’s not Zhaguo bullying you, but your own cowardice!”

“So, I have no choice but to go, do I?!” Lin Wanrong burst into loud laughter. “Very well then, since the leader is so hospitable, I shall take a stroll on this mountain of blades!”

“This is your own declaration!” Zhaguo, hearing this, was overjoyed. He hurriedly waved his hand and called over a Black Miao guard, shouting, “Go invite the Holy Maiden, Lord Nie, and all the elders. Tell them Zhaguo is going to compete with the Red Miao’s Ah Lin Ge on the mountain of blades!”

The guard immediately departed, and in no time, the news spread like wildfire, stirring up excitement among the villagers far and wide.

In previous years, the climbing of the mountain of blades was always performed by a Shaman, leaving the audience trembling in awe and admiration. This year, however, marked a significant departure from tradition. Not only was Leader Zhaguo personally participating, but more surprisingly, the Red Miao’s Ah Lin Ge, who had showcased unparalleled horsemanship in the first event, was going to compete in climbing the mountain of blades, a feat he had never attempted before. What could be more thrilling and sensational than this?

This enigmatic Red Miao lad, who had already amazed everyone with his horsemanship, was now going to attempt the mountain of blades. Would he continue to work wonders?

Crowds gathered from all directions, soon surrounding the mountain of blades so densely that there was no room to move. They stood on tiptoes in their excitement, eager to witness Ah Lin Ge’s grace.

Packed tightly, three layers inside and three layers outside, the area was a sea of heads. Countless eyes were fixed on him, filled with admiration, respect, and various other sentiments. Old Gao, following closely beside Lin Wanrong, couldn’t help but gasp at the sight: ‘Good heavens, performing in front of so many people brings so much pressure! A single mistake, and one could never lift their head in pride again.’

But Lin Wanrong seemed unconcerned. He had seen much bigger spectacles, and none could compare to the life-and-death battle under the walls of Kyzil.

The Holy Maiden was already seated on the high platform. Catching his gaze, she playfully pouted, her expression alluring to the extreme, sending a thrill through Lin Wanrong’s heart.

Beside An Biru, sat the prefect of Xuzhou, Nie Yuanqing, staring intently at him, his expression flickering, uncertain.

Lin Wanrong snorted coldly, squinting his eyes and giving Nie a mysterious, inscrutable smile.

Walking the mountain of blades was the most mysterious and thrilling event of every Flower Mountain Festival, recognized as a game for the brave. Only the diligently trained Shaman could conquer the mountain of blades. Zhaguo, aiming to win through this challenge, was indeed determined.

According to the secret traditions, before climbing the mountain of blades, the Miao’s Shaman needed to perform rituals, chant spells, and call upon their ancestors for protection and to seal the blades, to avoid injuring themselves. These spells, passed down from generation to generation, were top secrets, never to be disclosed.

The red-robed Shaman in the center had already lit three sticks of incense. Amidst the curling smoke, he swiftly beheaded a chicken. Zhaguo, following behind him, hurriedly closed his eyes, chanting under his breath, bringing a solemn hush over the scene.

Lin Wanrong, not understanding their language, was feeling utterly bored when he suddenly felt a tug at his clothes. Turning around, he found himself face to face with several girls from Yingyue Hamlet, with whom he had previously had a falling out. Leading them was Zitong, who had once harshly criticized him.

Blinking in surprise, he exclaimed joyfully, “What are you doing here?!”

“Do you think we wanted to come?” Zitong glared at him, annoyed. “If it weren’t for someone’s earnest pleading, we wouldn’t even be talking to you!”

Lin Wanrong, puzzled, asked, “What do you mean? Who pleaded with you?!”

“It doesn’t matter who!” Zitong retorted fiercely. “Have you lost your mind? Climbing the mountain of blades, do you think life is too long? This is Zhaguo’s trap! Your life might not matter, but our–”

A fellow Miao girl hastily coughed, interrupting her. Zitong huffed and changed her words: “–We came together. If you want to die, don’t do it in front of us. It’s disgusting to watch!”

Her words were harsh, but an undertone of concern inadvertently slipped through. Lin Wanrong’s heart stirred: “Yilian? Is it Yilian who asked you to come?”

The girls hummed through their noses in unison, avoiding his question but secretly glancing to the side. Following their gaze, Lin Wanrong saw a delicate figure hiding behind the crowd, only a few yards away. Her sparkling eyes were fixed on him, filled with a dazed longing.

“Yilian!” Lin Wanrong exclaimed in surprise and joy, about to push through the crowd towards her. The girls quickly blocked his path, speaking coldly: “What about Yilian? You have no relation with Yingyue Hamlet anymore. We warn you, stop bothering our Yilian!”

Their intervention gave the Miao maiden the chance to disappear into the crowd like a frightened deer, leaving Lin Wanrong standing in silence. After a moment, he shook his head, a wry smile on his face.

The girls, infuriated, simultaneously stamped on his foot. “So, you won’t chase her if we tell you to stop? Heartless Hua lad!” The minds of Miao girls were indeed hard to fathom. Lin Wanrong, who considered himself clever, was completely baffled by these girls, left without any temper.

“Ah Lin Ge, are you ready?” Zhaguo, who had finished the sacrificial rites, stared at him, sneering coldly.

The nickname “Ah Lin Ge,” initially exclusive to Yilian, had now become known throughout the entire Miao village, overshadowing Lin Wanrong’s own name. He felt a sense of melancholy, responding nonchalantly, “Ready? What’s there to prepare?”

The lad didn’t chant any spells? Not only Zhaguo, but everyone in the Miao village was astonished, all eyes wide in disbelief, wondering what skills this Ah Lin Ge possessed.

Both participants removed their shoes and socks, and Elder Hannong inspected them. Zhaguo’s feet were clean, devoid of the rumored layers of calluses, reassuring Lin Wanrong.

The red-robed Shaman took a cloth strip and lightly pulled it across the blade, which sliced through it effortlessly, demonstrating the sharpness of the blade. The onlookers secretly stuck out their tongues at the sight.

“Before we start the contest, let’s be clear,” Zhaguo said darkly. “This walking-on-blade test relies on true skill. If anyone is injured or dies due to lack of proficiency, it’s their own responsibility! I have been following the Shaman for a year, and can now climb twenty blades–”

For a Miao Shaman-in-training, climbing all thirty-six blades meant completing their training and becoming the next Shaman. Zhaguo’s ability to climb twenty blades in just a year was indeed remarkable. The crowd praised him loudly.

The leader looked proudly at Lin Wanrong, smirking. “Ah Lin Ge, how many blades can you climb?”

This question was on everyone’s mind, even the Holy Maiden couldn’t help but gaze at him with a flicker of amusement in her eyes.

Lin Wanrong scratched his head, chuckling, “I’ve never climbed a blade before, but today, given the leader’s generous invitation, I think I can manage, let’s say, twenty-one blades–eh, why are you glaring at me? Can’t beat me in horse riding, trying to win on the mountain of blades? No chance!”

This lad was too cunning, bringing up the horse-riding event at such a time, clearly intending to embarrass him! Zhaguo, gritting his teeth in anger, felt his emotions stirring wildly. The Shaman beside him hastily patted his shoulder, calming him down.

“The time is almost right, let’s have the Holy Maiden start the event!” This time, it was Lin Wanrong who spoke, winking at the Holy Maiden.

No one expected that Ah Lin Ge, seemingly at a disadvantage, would be the first to suggest starting. This caught everyone, especially Zhaguo, off guard. His already unsettled mind tensed up again.

Sister An, deeply aware of her little brother’s tactics, swiftly stood up and declared, “Climbing the mountain of blades, begin!”

The two of them, reacting swiftly and in perfect sync, left no chance for others to respond.

At the Holy Maiden’s shout, Zhaguo panicked, holding his breath, his hands grasping the air above the blades, and cautiously stepped onto the blades. After climbing just two, he noticed an unusual silence below. The usual cheers and jumps were absent.

He turned his head, puzzled, only to see all eyes fixed on Ah Lin Ge. Lin Wanrong, standing at the base, grinned at him, “Leader Zhaguo, are you that afraid of me? The Holy Maiden just gave the signal, and you’re already running like there’s fire under your feet! Do you always run this fast in the Miao village?”

The crowd erupted into laughter, only this Red Miao lad dared to tease the leader so.

“You–” Zhaguo, fuming, trembled, as the Shaman urgently advised him, “Calm down!”

Easier said than done, Zhaguo struggled to suppress his emotions but couldn’t calm down.

“Look up to the blue sky, the Shaman is by your side!” Ah Lin Ge, with a cheeky smile, chanted a spell he seemed to have learned from somewhere. He grasped the blades lightly and, with a swift movement, leaped up. His feet landed on the sharp edges, steady and unscathed.

“Excellent!” Zhaguo, having received special training, was impressive, but no one expected Ah Lin Ge to possess such skill. The villagers cheered loudly, clapping in unison.

An Biru chuckled joyfully, delighted and impressed. Her little brother was a genius, even reciting the spell convincingly!

Zhaguo, shocked, hurriedly turned and climbed higher. However, his rhythm was disrupted by Lin Wanrong, making his ascent noticeably heavier.

Ah Lin Ge smiled slightly, his arms relaxed and extended in calm and steady movement. He gripped the blades lightly, his body straightened. Seemingly unhurried, yet evenly paced, he moved like a nimble cat, leaping up the blades, steadily catching up, step by step.

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