Chapter - 253 A Shiver of Sharks In the Big Waves (6) (1/2)

”Look closely to how his body moves,” Hong Qigong whispered.

Only then did Guo Jing realize that Zhou Botong was moving according to the 'she xing li fan' [snake slithers, wild cat flips] from the Nine Yin Manual. He watched with a rapt attention. Every time he saw an exquisite move he would cheer, ”Good!”

Huang Yaoshi was getting angrier; his hands flew everywhere, resembling a hatchet or a knife hacking all over the place. Zhou Botong's long sleeve and part of his robe have been cut by the strength of Huang Yaoshi's hand. A moment later his long beard and long hair were also cut. Although he was not injured, Zhou Botong knew that if the fight was prolonged he might not be as lucky. Perhaps half a move later he would be dead or at least heavily injured.

At that moment Huang Yaoshi's left hand was sweeping horizontally, while his right hand slashing down diagonally; each palm contained three deathly variations within. Zhou Botong knew that no matter how quick he could move, it would be difficult to avoid this attack. He had no other choice but exerting his strength to both hands breaking the rope. As soon as his hands were free, his left hand parried the attack, while his right hand went to his own back and scratched, ”Aiyo! The itch is unbearable,” he said.

Huang Yaoshi was secretly alarmed when he saw Zhou Botong could act so casually, even to the point of playful, while they were fighting ferociously. Huang Yaoshi sent out three more fierce stances, all three were his best ones.

”With one hand I can't fight you,” Zhou Botong said, ”Ay! But I can't help it. No matter what, I can't let my martial brother down.” He put all his strength in his right hand and parried the attack; while his left hand hung loosely on his side. His strength was still inferior to Huang Yaoshi's pure internal energy; so as soon as two hands collided Zhou Botong was shaken; he staggered and pushed a few steps back.

Huang Yaoshi flew forward with both palms surrounding Zhou Botong's body. ”Use both your hands! With one hand you are not my match,” he called out.

”I can't,” said Zhou Botong, ”I have to use only one hand.”

Huang Yaoshi was indignant, ”All right then, try this!” Both of his palms struck forward with full strength. A loud bang was heard and Zhou Botong fell down to the ground. He sat still with both his eyes closed. Huang Yaoshi held his hands, only to see Zhou Botong coughed and spurted blood from his mouth; his face was paper-white.

Everybody felt strange; if he really fought with Huang Yaoshi, even if he couldn't win, certainly he wouldn't suffer so badly. Why did he insist on using only one hand?

Zhou Botong stood up slowly and said, ”The Old Urchin has suffered the consequences of his own action. I had no intention, but had unexpectedly learned the martial arts from the Nine Yin Manual; hence violated my martial brother's death wish. If I used both of my hands, Old Heretic Huang, you are not my match.”

Huang Yaoshi was aware that what he said was the truth; he was silent. He realized he had no reason to imprison Zhou Botong for fifteen years on the island; he also had no reason to injure him just now. He took a jade box from his pocket, opened it and produced three blood-like scarlet pills; he gave the pills to Zhou Botong and said, ”Botong, I am afraid there is no medicine under the heaven can surpass these Peach Blossom Island's red pills. Take one right now, and then take the next two seven days apart; your internal injury won't be a problem anymore. Let me take you out of this island.”

Zhou Botong nodded, took the medicines and swallowed one; circulating his breath for a while he vomited some contusion blood. He said, ”Old Heretic Huang, your red pill is very effective; no wonder you are called 'Yaoshi' [master pharmacist]. Eek! Strange! Very strange! My name is 'Botong', I wonder what that means?” After pondering that question for half a day he shook his head and said, ”Old Heretic Huang, I must go now. Are you or aren't you going to let me go?”

”I do not dare,” Huang Yaoshi replied, ”It's up to you to stay or to go. Botong Xiong, after today if you ever have a desire to come here, I will welcome you wholeheartedly. Right now let me walk you to the boat which will take you back to the mainland.”

Guo Jing squatted down to pick Zhou Botong up and carried him on his back; then he followed Huang Yaoshi walked to the seashore. Arriving at the marina he saw about six, seven boats, big and small.