Chapter 254
Book 23 Chapter 01 - She’s Married
Xiang Shaolong’s mind entered a psychic realm and became as still as water. His footsteps developed into a regular momentum, as if he is marching to an invisible rhythm. Concurrently, he can accurately sense the speed and distance of his approaching attacker.
Ever since he travelled to this period of the Warring States via the time machine, not a single day goes by without him using a weapon to some extent. As a result, he is acutely familiar with the different types of weapons in this era. Focusing on his hearing abilities, he instantly rejected his earlier hypothesis that his a.s.sailant is using a spear. Instead, he concluded that the enemy is wielding a long halberd.
A halberd is a combination weapon, as it can be used to stab like a spear or slash like a sabre. It is a piercing weapon that also allows for a hook attack. Thus, the swis.h.i.+ng sound of the weapon is obviously unlike that of a spear.
Xiang Shaolong is dying to turn around and have a look but acknowledges that if he does that, he would fail to deploy his strategy of unpredictability. Moreover, it will only irk his opponent to increase his speed in a fierce a.s.sault.
A strong gust of wind came blowing and Xiang Shaolong nearly had to close his eyes because of the snow and rain peppering his face
The resonating of the halberd became m.u.f.fled against the noisy wind.
Presently, the rider is about seven metres behind him. If the a.s.sa.s.sin chooses to utilize his full strength, his crus.h.i.+ng blow will land on Xiang Shaolong in the blink of an eye.
Out of the blue, like the sound of lightning striking the ground from behind, a voice reverberated: "Shen Liang, prepare to meet your maker!"
Xiang Shaolong instantaneously closed his eyes and took a step to his right, standing in the lane meant for horses and carriages. His right hand released its grip on the sword handle as his left hand simultaneously drew out his sword.
All along, he has been walking slowly on the pavement to the left and was clutching his sword with his right hand. Any potential aggressor attacking from the back would expect him to s.h.i.+ft to the left side, increasing the distance between the two of them and using his right hand to draw out his sword to parry any incoming blows. Unexpectedly, Xiang Shaolong chose to do the exact opposite, stepping to his right onto the vehicle lane, resulting in the enemy’s long halberd stabbing in the wrong direction.
A miss is as good as a mile.
Furthermore, this is a life and death situation.
The man cried out in surprise and tried to alter the direction of the attack but it was too late.
Without turning his head back, Xiang Shaolong used a backhand move and stabbed the backside of the horse as it dashed past him.
The warhorse whinnied in pain and wildly sprinted ahead, nearly throwing the rider off.
Watching the single a.s.sailant disappear into the snow and rain as if he is running for his life, Xiang Shaolong was greatly humoured.
Winning this battle appears to be easy on the surface but it is requires courage, critical timing and perfect coordination between body movement and footwork.
The sudden gust of wind and snow is a blessing in disguise.
Although Xiang Shaolong himself is slightly blinded, his opponent who is riding against the wind would feel a much greater impact. Otherwise, it would be much more challenging for Xiang Shaolong to execute this strategy.
Returning his sword to its sheath, Xiang Shaolong tunneled through a horizontal alley and walked briskly for quite a distance in the direction towards Xie Residence. He got to his destination within an hour.
Reporting his name to the family warriors guarding the front gate, he was led into the property and told to wait at the external sitting room.
The serving maids were bearing strange expressions on their faces as they scrutinized him and whispered among themselves as if he is an eccentric creature who came out of nowhere.
Under their direct stares, Xiang Shaolong was feeling out of place when Xie Ziyuan suddenly appeared with an ashen face. After dismissing the servants, he sat down beside him and uttered in a soft voice: "This time round, we have picked a bad timing. Someone has reported to my wife about my visit to the brothel last night. She just threw a tantrum and nearly laid her hand on me. Brother Shen, you must leave while you can. She would not believe our words right now."
Xiang Shaolong was sympathetic: "In this case, I will look for Brother Xie two days later."
Pulling him to his feet, Xie Ziyuan hurried: "Quickly!"
As the two men hastily walked towards the main gate, a shrill voice screeched from behind: "Where do you think you are going!"
Xie Ziyuan’s entire body shook once and he froze on the spot as if his acupoints has been blocked
Filled with disbelief, Xiang Shaolong was badly shaken as well and was stunned on the spot.
Accompanied by the sound of her tinkering accessories, Xie Ziyuan’s shrew wife came to the back of both men and coldly laughed: "Where are you going? Do you think I am in the dark about the conspiracy between the two of you?"
She shrieked: "Xie Quan, come here you 1diot. I want you to tell me everything that happened last night. EVERYTHING. I guarantee that nothing will happen to you."
Xie Ziyuan felt like he was struck by lightning for even the last servant loyal to himself has switched sides.
Xie Quan suddenly appeared and kneeled down, confessing in a quivering voice: "Young Master! Your servant was forced to betray you."
Turning around like robot, Xie Ziyuan looked as if he is going to burst out crying. He declared: "This is wholly my idea and has nothing to do with Brother Shen."
With his back still facing Xie Ziyuan’s wife, Xiang Shaolong’s heart is intertwined in countless knots, for he recognized the voice of Xie Ziyuan’s wife to be Shan Rou whom he once deeply love.
She has finally given up her dream of leading a wandering lifestyle, returning back to her roots, becoming the Mistress of the Xie household and even giving birth to two sons.
His only wish right now is to leave the Xie Residence without looking back so that Shan Rou would never know that he did came by.
He could instinctively understand why Xie Ziyuan loved her and feared her simultaneously. Frankly speaking, that is the ‘kick’ Shan Rou gives to men.
Until today, he has fond memories of his dalliances with Shan Rou.
He is touched at Xie Ziyuan’s gesture of ‘brotherhood loyalty’ for shouldering all the blame upon himself.
His mind wanted to leave but he could not lift his foot to take a single step.
Turning his attention to Xiang Shaolong, Shan Rou scolded: "You are named Shen Liang right? You look so tall and muscular but you are acting like a coward. Do you lack the guts to turn around and face me?"
The crowd of servants began giggling among themselves
Xiang Shaolong calmly pleaded: "Would Mistress Xie please invite everyone else to leave the hall? Shen Liang (I) would like to talk to you privately on behalf of Brother Xie."
Xie Ziyuan swiftly interrupted: "This matter does not concern Brother Shen. Dear wifey, can you let Brother Shen go? If you want to punish someone, let me be the one."
To everyone’s astonishment, Shan Rou turned speechless and was fixated on the spot as if her acupoints are blocked.
Xiang Shaolong can feel Shan Rou’s piercing gaze on his back and his heart is filled with an indescribable feeling.
As everyone present is in a state of bewilderment, Shan Rou commanded: "Everyone get the he11 out of here."
Xie Ziyuan was traumatized: "Does hubby (I) have to leave too?"
Shan Rou shouted: "Hubby my @rse, you better be the first to scram!"
In a split second, everyone has cleanly left, leaving only the two of them in the s.p.a.cious hall.
Shan Rou’s excited and fast breathing can be heard from behind as Xiang Shaolong gradually turned his body around. As the four eyes exchanged glances, both parties shuddered as if they were being electrocuted. Shan Rou has put on some weight but is far more enchanting than before.
Shan Rou took two steps towards him and stopped, excruciatingly trying to suppress the urge to throw herself into Xiang Shaolong’s arms.
Xiang Shaolong felt as if his throat is entangled. He has so many things to tell her but did not know where to start. Ultimately, he let out a long sigh, shaking his head with a bitter smile and strode towards the main door.
Shan Rou tried to catch up by taking two steps forward, softly calling: "Shaolong!"
Over ten pairs of eyes are now focused at him. Regardless whether they are servants or family warriors, every single person’s mouth is wide open with surprise that Xiang Shaolong managed to come out of the hall unscathed and with his clothes in a tidy manner.
Xie Ziyuan extracted himself from the crowd and