Chapter 47
Book 5 Chap 2 – Open animosity
Jing Jun did not expect his opponent to immediately strike without even a greeting. But he has lived all his life in the forests and grew up among ferocious animals so he has met even more dangerous situations than this numerous times. He chortled, made a false move as if he’s going to move diagonally to the left and when the long sword is about to reach him, he moved to the right by a few millimeters and dashed to Zhao Zhi’s back towards the left, his speed even faster than a spirit.
Zhao Mu and Guo Zhong exchanged a look, and both could see the surprise in each other. With such a person helping Xiang Shaolong, it’s akin to giving wings to a tiger. Therefore, that Wu Zhuo and Teng Yi must be formidable as well and they have no choice but to reevaluate Xiang Shaolong’s ability.
Zhao Zhi was obviously not afraid, this sword stroke is purely to test Jing Jun’s reflexes and now that she knows that her opponent is extremely nimble, she gave a soft grunt as she bent her legs and jumped up into the air, turning a huge somersault. The sharp weapon in her hand turned into a million sword sparks aiming towards Jing Jun from the air. Zhao Ba’s men immediately cheered.
Xiang Shaolong saw that Zhao Zhi’s swordplay looks nice and tightly executed as well, absolutely not just showy moves and was secretly startled as he can deduce from this that Zhao Ba will definitely be extremely formidable. At the same time he remembered how Lian Jin called himself invincible in Handan; people with elevated status like Zhao Mu and Yan Ping will naturally not duel with Lian Jin but Zhao Ba as the head of the warrior a.s.sociation, why did he allow Lian Jin to have his way?
He had a sudden thought, as if he could grasp the meaning of it, but can’t really accurately describe what he felt. Such a weird feeling is making him feel extremely uncomfortable. The empty handed Jing Jun who was standing in the middle of the hall finally took out his weapon, a dagger secured to his waist. His hand reached into his clothes and a ball of something blackish looking suddenly flew out from his hand, first aimed towards Zhao Zhi’s right then it speeded up and turned back and hit Zhao Zhi’s long sword with a ‘dang!’.
Zhao Zhi’s sword speaks were immediately dispersed and she also dropped to the ground. That thing belonging to Jing Jun flew above his head, turning circles above following the movements of his right hand, it turned out to be a s.h.i.+ny, silvery crescent shaped ‘Flying Knife’, which is extremely sharp on both sides, especially the sharp ends that is shaped like a cow’s horns, making one feel it’s horrible danger. It’s the first time Xiang Shaolong has seen his specialized weapon and secretly thought that it will take little effort if it’s used to kill beasts.
Jing Jun grinned and looked at Zhao Zhi, who seemed at a loss as to how to deal with his weapon, his eyes staring leeringly at her chest. Zhao Ba raised his voice, "Such unorthodox weapons, how can it be even taken out in public." A loud laugh was heard from the main door and someone commented, "Chairman Zhao’s words are not quite right! In the world there are only weapons that can kill or cannot kill, there’s no such thing as unorthodox."
Everyone turned around in surprise only to see the great general Li Mu step into through the door accompanied by 10 over family warriors. Gao Ang and a few Guo family guards were running after him, obviously they did not even have the chance to announce his arrival. Xiang Shaolong took the chance to call Jing Jun back. A flash of icy murderous intent flashed past Zhao Zhi’s eyes before she quietly returned to her seat.
The wily old fox Guo Zhong chuckled as he left the host table, his face full of smiles as he said, "When did general come back, or else you would certainly not be left out tonight." Li Mu’s dynamic eyes swept over all the guests who stood up to welcome him and when he saw Zhao Mu, a murderous intent flashed swiftly in his eyes before he covered it up and said with a cold smile, "I just hope that Mister Guo will not blame me for coming uninvited."
He stared at the embarra.s.sed looking Zhao Ba and said, "Chairman is in charge of cultivating talents for great Zhao, but please do not be such a stickler for customs. I have been fighting with barbarians for a long time and am used to seeing the countless changes on the battlefield. When 2 armies fight, the only goal is to win the other party, who cares what weapon is being used." Zhao Ba was so furious his face turned dark but he was at a loss for words. Li Mu turned towards Xiang Shaolong and his tone softened as he said, "Shaolong has accomplished a great merit, I came today to offer you 3 toasts. Bring me wine!"
This famous Zhao general who is almost on par with Lian Po shocked the entire gathering upon his arrival and even a bully like Zhao Mu dared not speak up and risk offending this number 2 person in the military. Words seem to be stuck in Le Cheng and Guo Kai’s throats as they dared not reply as well. Xiang Shaolong was secretly surprised, he did not expect this person who represents the Zhao military would show his support for him publicly, and now he is no longer fighting alone.
Only Yan Ping remained seated, not showing any deference to Li Mu at all. Li Mu did not blame him at all and just drank 3 cups of wine with Xiang Shaolong, even seating himself down at Xiang Shaolong’s table. Wu Zhuo and the rest immediately left their seats while Guo Zhong summoned his men to arrange for 3 extra tables behind for them and Li Mu’s men.
After everyone was seated, Zhao Mu gave a dry cough and said, "Great general has just returned, I wonder how is the situation at the border?" Li Mu replied icily, "This is the first time the Marquis of Julu has asked about the Xiong Nus but the reason I rushed back to Handan this time is because of Lady Ni’s incident. After discussing with Premier Lian, we felt that there are many suspicious points regarding her suicide and decided that the military will jointly send in an official request to his Majesty to look into this matter thoroughly. Marquis is the person who dealt with this case single handedly, so you will know that my words are not baseless. I still need to seek your advice."
Xiang Shaolong was suddenly enlightened. He remembered Zhao Qian once mentioned that Zhao Ni is the daughter-in-law of Zhao She, a famed general of Zhao who once defeated the Qin army. Because of her insistence of preserving her chast.i.ty she was well liked by the people and even has the support of the military, that’s why even Zhao Mu dared not touch her. Now that Zhao Mu’s l.u.s.t has gotten the better of him and caused her death, there’s no way his relations with Zhao She, the military and the other generals can maintain cordiality and now they are going to fight each other face on. That’s why Li Mu is being so open about his intention to deal with Zhao Mu now.
Zhao Mu’s expression changed for the worse immediately but because of Li Mu’s military powers and status, he dared not throw his temper. Guo Kai said condescendingly, "Lady Ni committed suicide because of her pining for her dead husband, this is a fact and his Majesty is most aware of this matter. General is not putting your energy at the borders, isn’t all this unnecessary?"
Xiang Shaolong did not expect someone as subtle as Guo Kai would actually rebut Li Mu. Obviously the fight between the military and Zhao Mu’s gang have reached a