Suddenly, an old man came rushing over in a crazed, half-mad manner and ran to the side of the White Lotus Sect Leader, shouting, "Brother, the most poisonous thing in this world is a woman's heart! You wouldn't believe me before—now you've paid dearly for it!"
This man was none other than "Madman of the West," Situ Kong. Seeing the Western Sacred Matron Chen Jinfeng flushed with triumph, a scheme formed in his mind. At once, he shot skyward, agile as a roaming dragon, swift as a lightning flash. With hands quicker than the eye could follow, he made use of his legendary sleight of hand. Taking advantage of the moment when Chen Jinfeng was being worshipped by her followers, a brief lapse in attention—after so many days of struggle—the White Lotus was suddenly snatched away by Situ Kong in an instant, faster than thunder and impossible to guard against.
Chen Jinfeng never expected the prize already at her lips to fly away. Furious, she shouted,"Situ Kong! Return my White Lotus!"
Situ Kong replied smugly, "Why should I return it? Western Sacred Matron Chen Jinfeng's divine skills shake the world—why not come and take it yourself?"
Chen Jinfeng knew full well that Situ Kong's martial arts were unfathomably profound and that she was no match for him. At that moment, she glanced at Chief Judge Cui Fujun. After a brief calculation, she raised her voice and declared,"Is this how the Life-and-Death Judges conduct their business? My White Lotus has been stolen—why won't you intervene?"
Cui Fujun replied calmly, "Forgive me for speaking frankly, but this matter is beyond our ability to help."
Chen Jinfeng snapped, "You took the money—how can you simply wash your hands of it?"
Cui Fujun said helplessly, "We did indeed accept payment, but that money was used to compensate the two heroes who climbed the cliff to retrieve the flower. Later, regarding ownership of the White Lotus, our organization voluntarily arranged fair duels among four competitors. Victory by combat determined leadership—you won, and you yourself took possession of the White Lotus. If it was seized from your hand afterward, that is no longer our responsibility. How can the loss of the White Lotus be blamed on the Judges' Guild?"
Hearing this, the assembled heroes all nodded in agreement.
At that moment, Situ Kong leapt into the arena and shouted loudly,"Chen Jinfeng, you vicious woman! Back then you begged me to become your husband, and when I refused, you tried to kill me! And now, in the blink of an eye, you've entangled yourself with this White Lotus Sect Leader. Truly a fickle and shameless woman!"
Chen Jinfeng shouted angrily, "Situ Kong, what nonsense are you spewing?!"
Situ Kong laughed, "Nonsense? I'm telling the truth! Today, in front of all the heroes of the realm, I'll say it loud and clear—what can you do about it?!"
The heroes of the martial world, unaware of the full story, heard Situ Kong's tirade and assumed there must have been such a past between them. Murmurs and whispers spread instantly. Chen Jinfeng was furious beyond measure—her brows stood straight up, smoke practically pouring from her seven orifices.
In a rage, she screamed,"Situ Kong! Return my White Lotus!"
Before the words had fully left her mouth, she sprang into the air, charging toward Situ Kong with blinding speed and chopping down with both palms.
Situ Kong shouted gleefully, "The most poisonous heart under heaven belongs to a woman!"
Intentionally teasing her, he dodged with ease. Chen Jinfeng continued shouting, "Return my White Lotus!" while unleashing two more palm strikes. Situ Kong's playful spirit surged, and he laughed loudly, "Fun! Fun!"
The two turned the battlefield into a farcical chase, playing a game of pursuit. The watching heroes burst into laughter. Enraged, Chen Jinfeng roared,"Whoever dares laugh again—I'll smash his mouth!"
Seeing her murderous threat, no one dared laugh further.
Situ Kong cursed loudly, "Chen Jinfeng, your heart is too cruel! If you were to consume the White Lotus, wouldn't all the men in the world suffer? Better that I eat it myself!"
With that, he pulled out a petal of the White Lotus and began eating it.
Seeing this, Chen Jinfeng panicked and shouted,"Situ Kong! Don't eat my White Lotus!"
She immediately unleashed her signature technique, Orchid Jade Claws. In an instant, Situ Kong was enveloped in clawing energy. Five-fingered gusts hissed sharply through the air. Situ Kong twisted sideways and flew off, still chewing a lotus petal. With a ripping sound, Chen Jinfeng tore away half of the White Lotus from his hand.
Situ Kong spun and twisted his waist, flinging out two palms that forced Chen Jinfeng back. Seeing that only half the White Lotus remained, he shouted,"Rather than letting you, you vicious woman, eat the rest—I'll eat it myself!"
He promptly stuffed the remaining half into his mouth, petal by petal.
Seeing this, Chen Jinfeng thought to herself: Only half remains now—if I don't consume it quickly, it may be stolen again. She shouted loudly,"Western Sacred Sect disciples, heed my command! The Sacred Matron will cultivate now! Peach Blossom, Plum Blossom, Peony, and Orchid—lead the disciples to form a perimeter and stand guard!"
At her command, the Western Sacred Sect disciples formed a protective barrier around her. Without hesitation, Chen Jinfeng devoured her portion of the White Lotus on the spot. Once finished, she sat down cross-legged and began circulating her internal energy to accumulate true power.
Situ Kong finished eating his half and noticed the White Lotus Sect Leader sitting cross-legged in meditation. Inspiration struck. He leapt over, pushing aside disciples who tried to stop him, sending men tumbling left and right. Reaching Huangfu Song, he said cheerfully,"Brother, you can eat what's left!"
Huangfu Song opened his eyes and could hardly believe such fortune. Seizing the opportunity, he opened his mouth, and piece after piece of lotus petal was stuffed inside. As soon as he swallowed them, sweet saliva flooded his mouth.
Situ Kong said, "Brother Huangfu, disaster has turned into blessing today. Later, you'll have to help me deal with that vicious woman."
Both Huangfu Song and Chen Jinfeng now cultivated after consuming the White Lotus. Wisps of white vapor rose from the tops of their heads like steam from a cauldron. About the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Situ Kong laughed and said,"Congratulations, Brother Huangfu—you have attained the Great Dao today."
Having completed his cultivation, Huangfu Song rose slowly and clasped his hands in salute."My thanks to you, senior, for gifting me the White Lotus!"
Situ Kong laughed heartily. "I said long ago that Brother Huangfu's learning was extraordinary. Given time, you were bound to become someone great!"
Huangfu Song was overjoyed. His dantian brimmed with true energy, and his face lit up with smiles."I, Huangfu Song, am truly fortunate to have met a senior master who guided me today!"
At that moment, Chen Jinfeng finished her cultivation and shouted fiercely,"Situ Kong! If you have the guts, don't run—take my palm!"
Situ Kong burst into laughter and said to Huangfu Song,"Look at her—such a vicious woman! She's eaten the White Lotus too, and now she's coming for me again. You help me block her for a moment—I'll be off!"
With that, he let out a clear whistle and soared eight or nine zhang into the air, gliding over the heads of the crowd before vanishing without a trace.
Seeing his peerless lightness skill, the assembled heroes could not help but gape in astonishment.