Chapter 276
Book 24 Chapter 11 - Displaying All Talent
Xiang Shaolong flipped off the horse and started walking on a path leading into the snowy forest.
Recounting Cao Qiudao’s innate mutant abilities, Xiang Shaolong has noticed his ability to walk energetically despite pa.s.sing the age of forty. To flee away from him during a losing match is not going to be an easy task.
Furthermore, while fighting high up at the tall platform, it is not convenient to simply start running away. If Cao Quidao chooses to block the path leading down from the platform, it is as good as a cage fight.
Pondering on this, he had a brainwave. Since there is about an hour until the time of the duel, and with Cao Quidao as his senior who has a strong emphasis on status, he would definitely not be ‘respectfully waiting’ as per Zongsun Xuanhua’s description. Therefore, he should have some time to reconnaissance the area and even arrange certain preparations.
He hurriedly injected more speed into his pace and tunneled through the forest via the footpath. A whitewashed and majestic platform that resembles Henggong Platform appeared in front of his eyes.
Since he has a plan in mind, he acted without the least hesitation and ran up the long flight of stairs on the north side of the platform within one breath. Except for the northern edge, the remaining perimeter of the platform top was lined with stone hedges and every ten feet, a metal pole would protrude out of the hedge and would be having a lantern or a flag hanging at the top. Under the illumination of the lanterns, the platform is as bright as day.
Noting the absence of Cao Qiudao, he heaved a sigh of relief. Walking over to the stone hedge opposite the stone steps leading to the top of the platform, he removed his usual climbing rope and let it down towards the ground. Although the rope ends about ten feet away from the ground, based on his skills as a Special Forces member and with his waist hook, sliding down is a piece of cake.
Securing the other end of the rope to a section of the stone hedge, he camouflaged the area before sitting down in lotus position. Regulating his breathing, he entered a deep meditation state where both the outer world and the inner world cease to exist.
The sound of footsteps forming a peculiar rhythm jolted him out of his meditation. Opening his eyes, the first thing that came to his attention was millions of stars occupying the cloudless sky.
Xiang Shaolong was startled as he failed to notice this wondrous astronomy spectacle when he first arrived. With his mind currently cleared of distractions, he was moved by the captivating night sky.
He thought: Humans and events are ever-changing but the universe will exist forever. If everyone can recognize this fact, countless unnecessary wars can be avoided.
At this point in time, the silhouette of Cao Qiudao’s ma.s.sive frame gradually emerged near the stairs.
Getting on his feet, Xiang Shaolong clasped his hands together as a form of respect.
With his long hair spreading over his shoulders as usual, Cao Qiudao is now wearing a grey warrior suit with wide sleeves that resembles wings, causing his already-substantial body build to appear even more tall and intimidating.
Cao Qiudao returned the greetings: "The last round, I had a taste of Great General’s excellent skills, leaving me with the fondest memories. Tonight, I implore Great General to not be stingy about displaying your skills."
Xiang Shaolong let out a long laugh: "I am someone who had succ.u.mbed to the sword of Grandmaster Cao; I am not worthy of these brave-sounding words. I beseech Grandmaster Cao to show mercy to me."
His expression as icy as the frosty snow and not revealing any traces of his emotions, Cao Qiudao calmly reasoned: "The one who has lost the fight is me instead. That fateful night, Great General is not using your most adept weapon. I have just lucky to be able to defeat Great General."
Xiang Shaolong is baffled. Judging from his tone, Cao Qiudao sounded as if he is unable to defeat Xiang Shaolong within ten strokes. Is he planning a friendly match? In a solemn manner, Cao Qiudao added: "Once my sword leaves its sheathe, I never show mercy and will fight as if it is a life and death situation. Only by fighting in this fas.h.i.+on can a swordsman express the necessary respect towards his sword. Does Great General have a name for your sabre?"
Breathing in deeply and raising his heroic spirit, Xiang Shaolong retrieved Hundred Battle Sabre from his waist. With his left hand holding the scabbard and the right hand holding the sabre handle, he smiled: "The Sabre is named Hundred Battle. Awaiting instructions from Grandmaster Cao."
Staring intently at the sabre in his hand, Cao Qiudao nodded his head in succession. He plainly state: "For the past ten years, except for one man, n.o.body else can stand in front of me without the slightest waver. A worthy adversary is priceless. Does Great General understand the exhilaration in my heart?"
JIANG! The long sword is now in his hand.
Xiang Shaolong is confident that the man he was talking about is Guan Zhongxie’s master, a superb swordsman whose name contained the word Zhai. He himself has totally forgotten the full name and wondered if their duel was also held at night. Reminded that it was a night fight, he suddenly had an inspiration and glanced at his scabbard.
Stroking the edge of the sword with a finger, Cao Qiudao alerted in a low voice: "This sword is personally forged by me and it is named: Executioner (of) General. Great General be forewarned."
With a trick up his sleeve, Xiang Shaolong remained motionless and simply requested: "Grandmaster Cao, please make the first move."
Facing the sky and laughing loudly, Cao Qiudao chuckled: "Well, someone has to attack first. Watch it!"
As the words ‘Watch it!’ rang out, the entire platform is instantly stifled with a gruesome and murderous aura. It looks like impact is imminent.
Cao Qiudao is already pressing towards him and when his boots..h.i.t the ground and produced ‘sha sha’ noises, they c.u.mulated into an overbearing stance and it is hair-raising to the max.
Xiang Shaolong consolidated his focus and pinned all his attention on this opponent.
He acknowledged that Cao Qiudao will try to score a victory within a few strokes. As a result, repelling these ten strokes is not going to be an easy task.
The last round, he had the advantage due to his unique weapon. However, his opponent is, after all, a martial arts grandmaster. With their previous exchange, he probably comprehended his sabre play and would not be handicapped like before.
Xiang Shaolong was not complacent when he allowed Cao Qiudao to make the first move. It was because he had a brilliant scheme.
To someone like him who comes from the 21st century, a battle strategy is more important than anything else. If he can win through intellect, he would not resort to force or mindless bas.h.i.+ng.
Cao Qiudao’s footwork is awesome and full of intricacies, causing Xiang Shaolong some confusion in estimating his advancing speed and time.
Xiang Shaolong’s mind became as calm as still water and entered a realm of clarity. With the absence of happiness and sorrow; past and future, his mind is now free.
Out of the blue, Cao Qiudao increased his speed and pressure. With Executioner manifesting into a huge burst of sword flashes, the actual sword suddenly materialized into a horizontal slash at the speed of lightning. It was an astounding and unmatchable strike.
Xiang Shaolong can sense the opponent’s Executioner somewhat sealing all possibilities of an attack route by his Hundred Battle Sabre and Scabbard, leaving blocking as the only option.
He already had a taste of Cao Qiudao’s incredible strength. If he forcefully parried the incoming blow which carried the full strength of his opponent, it would be a miracle if the centre of his palm can remain un-fractured. Needless to say, the fight will be over.
Nonetheless, he did not experience a single tinge of fear. By tilting the angle of the scabbard, the scabbard reflected the lantern’s light into the eyes of Cao Qiudao.
Just like Cao Qiudao who displayed a spread of sword brilliance in order to confuse him, Xiang Shaolong is achieving the same effect by using the scabbard to reflect light.
However, the effort put in by both parties varies by a large extent.
By just twisting his hand, Xiang Shaolong has accomplished his motive.
No matter how superb is his swordsmans.h.i.+p, Cao Qiudao is still an ordinary man made up of flesh and blood. He is outstanding because he possess more swordfighting talent compared other people and is able to harness his potential at a deeper dimension.
As the light of the lantern fire penetrated his eyes, Cao Qiudao unconsciously squinted as his eyes could not withstand the abrupt increase in brightness compared to the level of lighting on the platform that they