Chapter 298 - 179: The Fusion of Paths, a New Miracle Technique

Chapter 298: Chapter 179: The Fusion of Paths, a New Miracle Technique

"Drawing Prison."

That was right.

What Zheng Xiu was doing right now was called "Drawing Prison."

This wasn’t a singular Ability from the Prisoner Path or the Painter Path.

Nor was it some set-in-stone Skill written on the Sheepskin Scroll.

Instead, it was the inevitable "result" born from Zheng Xiu’s deepening exploration of the Painter Path combined with the Prisoner Path!

This was a new Miracle Technique, created from the fusion and synergy of two Paths!

A self-created Miracle Technique—Drawing Prison!

Establish rules, use a medium, and hide the Restrictions.

Zheng Xiu drew the "circle," spoke those words in front of everyone, and declared that anyone using Qinggong to leave the bounds of the "Painted Prison" would be breaking the rules. This was the "rule" Zheng Xiu had established. Once everyone acknowledged it and a shared understanding was formed, the "rule" would take effect. This area would then become something akin to a "prison cell."

As for the medium, it was, of course, his blood.

To ensure the Miracle Technique’s power, Zheng Xiu had secretly established a "Restriction" similar to an "oath." This Restriction was that while maintaining "Drawing Prison," Zheng Xiu had to hold his brush to maintain the link between them.

This Restriction wasn’t particularly harsh, but Zheng Xiu had no intention of setting one that was too severe. That would just be asking to get himself killed.

If he were facing other experienced Miracle Masters two hundred years in the future, his Restriction might be seen through in an instant. But here in this Martial Hero era, Zheng Xiu wasn’t worried at all.

In the past, when Zheng Xiu used Miracle Techniques, he had always been too reliant on the Prisoner’s Deceitful Objects. He was practically by-the-book, using the Abilities exactly as described on the Sheepskin Scroll. Now, as he delved deeper into the Painter Path and glimpsed more of its mysteries, he had finally taken the first step on a path that was truly his own.

Atop the high platform of the Sword Inquiry Platform.

When Zheng Xiu loudly announced he was "raising the stakes," willing to "cripple" his own Qinggong and draw a prison for himself, everyone’s expression changed.

Some were shocked, some were incredulous, some were disdainful, some were confused, and still others simply scoffed at the idea.

Although Xiao Buping’s reputation in the Jianghu stank, his mastery of Qinggong was widely acknowledged.

Otherwise, so many couples in the Jianghu wouldn’t have turned pale and fled for their lives the moment they heard he had arrived at the Martial World tournament.

The legends about this Xiao Buping were too vicious, his Qinggong too formidable, and doors and windows too flimsy. ’A man can’t protect his beautiful wife from him!’

"Do you dare?"

When Zheng Xiu uttered these words in a calm and composed tone, it was as if he wasn’t discussing life and death, but ordinary, everyday matters. Not a mortal struggle, but the simple stuff of life.

"You...!"

The Iron Maiden’s hand went to her rear—her weapon was hidden beneath her skirt. With her "Wind and Thunder Thirteen Whips," she was ranked forty-third on the Weapon Manual by Jianghu Bai Xiaosheng. Her public ranking was even higher than Xie Luohe’s. She was by no means a slouch and had a firm place in the Martial World.

Hearing Xiao Buping’s words, she was stirred and inwardly furious. ’This was supposed to be a proper duel, why are you spouting such bullshit all of a sudden?’ Just as she was about to refuse, Zheng Xiu provoked her again.

Whispers spread across the high platform, mixed with a few cheers. This made the Iron Maiden subconsciously swallow the words on the tip of her tongue. She stiffened her neck and said coldly, "You scoundrel! I, the Iron Maiden, fear neither Heaven nor Earth! What’s there not to dare?"

Dugu Xiang frowned, carefully mulling over Zheng Xiu’s words.

Zheng Xiu’s proposal to "raise the stakes" sounded brutal, but it actually left some leeway. It didn’t necessarily mean a fight to the death on the stage, but merely added a restriction to the fighting area.

He couldn’t quite understand why Zheng Xiu would do this. The Iron Maiden was an expert with the Nine-Section Whip. It was of a suitable thickness, as nimble as a Snake, and moved like an extension of her own arm. When the Nine-Section Whip was fully extended, it could completely cover the circle Zheng Xiu had drawn.

If Xiao Buping’s Qinggong was as good as the rumors claimed, he could use it to maneuver around her, and the outcome of the duel would be uncertain. But this move was tantamount to cutting off his own greatest strength to fuel his enemy’s advantage. Dugu Xiang couldn’t figure it out for the life of him; he didn’t understand why Xiao Buping was making such a fuss.

However, Xiao Buping had already set the rule in front of all the heroes of the Martial World. If he himself broke it, then even out of respect for Hidden Sword Manor and the Dugu Family, the crowd might not force him to kill himself on the spot. But once he left the manor... well, that was another story. He could be hacked to death by dozens of furious female martial artists the moment he stepped out the gate.

The Iron Maiden’s first reaction was also that he was up to something.

’But on second thought, what trick could he possibly pull?’ she thought. ’Dozens of female martial artists are watching him, and I’m not alone up here.’

Thinking it over and over, she realized Xiao Buping’s "raised stakes" had only advantages for her and no downsides. She had originally been somewhat worried that the scoundrel would use his Qinggong to dance around her, or even shamelessly take advantage of her in front of everyone.

But now?

She wasn’t worried anymore.

"Iron Maiden, do you agree?"

Dugu Xiang asked from the high platform.

"I agree! Why wouldn’t I?" The Iron Maiden suddenly gave a seductive smile. "Hero Dugu, if I were to, say, accidentally cripple his hands and feet, that wouldn’t put you in an awkward position, would it?"

Dugu Xiang pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "It would not."

"Heh!" The Iron Maiden grinned, seizing the initiative. She crooked a finger at Zheng Xiu. "I accept!"

SWOOSH!

Without another word, the Iron Maiden reached behind her skirt, pulled out her long, nine-section whip, and casually lashed the ground beside her. With a CRACK like thunder, sand and stone flew into the air, leaving a deep gash in the floor.

"This Xiao Buping has really shot himself in the foot!"

"A pointless spat. This Xiao Buping must be thinking with his dick. He’s lost his mind!"