Edict of Peace 149
Chapter 149: Unsurpassed Physique, Invincible Mindset
Po Jun relayed his completed tasks to Li Guanyi. After tomorrow’s semi-final matches, the seven princes would host a banquet, and the emperor would participate in pre-ceremony rituals with his officials. Word was that the envoy from the Central Plains Emperor had already departed and would arrive soon.
“Furthermore, it will rain tomorrow night.”
“The rain will wash away most traces.”
Li Guanyi asked, “How do you know?”
Po Jun smiled slightly, replying, “The timing, the terrain, the waterways, the resources – aren’t these the fundamentals of a strategist? My martial arts are ordinary, unremarkable; I must excel in other areas.”
Li Guanyi said, “Sir, you are a man of great talent.”
Po Jun’s lips curled into a slight smile. He then clasped his fist to his lips and said softly, “It’s just a commonplace matter, not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning.”
The second match pitted Ye Buyi against Yu Wenhua. Yu Wenhua was five years older than Ye Buyi. Both were descendants of renowned generals. Those five years represented the transition from youth to adulthood. Ye Buyi fought steadily; though he didn’t win, he displayed his strength and bearing flawlessly, never faltering in his demeanor.
Yu Wenhua said, “As the son of the commander of the Ye Chi cavalry, you certainly possess skill.”
“I await your leading of the Ye Chi cavalry on the battlefield one day.”
Ye Buyi responded indifferently, “You will see.”
In the first two matches of the quarter-finals, both winners and losers displayed composure. Yu Jinbing held his arms, leaning against a tree; despite the distance, he could see the subtle changes in the emperor’s expression. It was all for his son’s reputation. But human hearts are unpredictable.
Yu Jinbing muttered to himself, “Even jackals have their own spirit. Such ferocity can showcase talent on the battlefield and in the martial arts world; it allows one to thrive in conspiracies. But you must allow a wolf filled with such ferocity to ascend to the throne.”
“To compete with tigers and leopards in the eyes of the people.”
“Have you not considered that the younger generation also abounds with heroes?”
“Even if his martial arts are not as refined as those cultivated with painstaking effort.”
“But such spirit, such commanding presence, is far rarer than martial prowess.”
Yu Jinbing scoffed dismissively.
The next day, many martial artists gathered around the arena, drawn by Xu Huiyang, the grandson of the Sword Saint. After all, this was a momentous event held every ten years. The Emperor of Chen declared his intention to celebrate with the people, leading to a large crowd.
“Is that the 34th ranked Xia Jian Sheng (Little Sword Saint) on the Famous Swordsmen List?”
“Indeed, he is a distinguished figure, possessing a refined bearing.”
“It’s said he masters the essence of three schools of swordsmanship. He hasn’t truly fought in years, yet his reputation still echoes throughout the martial arts world. Many believe he is the most likely successor to the Sword Saint’s title.”
“Yes, among his generation, he is the foremost in talent and character within the Sword Saint’s lineage.”
Suddenly, a martial artist sighed, “Such a pity, such a pity.”
“Pity for what?”
“It’s a pity that Jian Kuang (Sword Madman) Murong Longtu, once a dominant figure, now remains confined to a single city. The two countries are using the eighteen prefectures of Jiangnan as pawns in their conflict, and the Murong family has suffered heavy losses and sacrifices, hindering their ability to travel and improve.”
“Among the younger generation, it’s unlikely anyone will be able to uphold the title of ‘Kuang’ (Madman).”
The martial artists remained silent, but their boldness was apparent in daring to speak such words here.
One man pressed his brow, holding a carving knife in one hand and a bamboo scroll in the other. He said, “If the Little Sword Saint can win the Chen Kingdom’s Grand Festival tournament, his reputation will rise further, enough to reach the top 30.”
The Famous Swordsmen List ranks martial artists under the age of 30. The top 30 are largely those who displayed exceptional talent like Xu Huiyang in their youth. Now, after years of honing their skills, they are in their late twenties. Their cultivation and realm surpass Xu Huiyang, who is a decade younger.
Someone inquired curiously, “I wonder how that young Jinwu Guard will fare against him?”
The man with the carving knife replied, “It’s impossible.”
“That Jinwu Guard, at most, possesses some brute strength, but his martial arts realm is only at the second level. While commendable for his age, the gap between him and Xu Huiyang, who is at the third level, is immense.”
“If he can last thirty rounds, that would be remarkable.”
“To last fifty rounds would be enough to land him at the bottom of the Famous Swordsmen List. However, the Divine Generals List’s influence is strong; The Famous Swordsmen List also considers achievements. The rankings are for the reference of the martial arts community. To have the ability but not make achievements, it’s hard to be ranked.”
This man was one of the guest lecturers at the Number One Pavilion in the World, collecting unusual stories and anecdotes from the martial arts world.
An interested onlooker said, “Haha, that’s right. But why don’t you compile the list of stunning beauties? I hear there’s a young lady with a beautiful face and a cheerful disposition, worthy of a place on the list.”
The man frowned, replying, “I know.”
“You mean that young lady from the Xue family.”
“Like a peony or a rose, young and beautiful. But unfortunately, it’s impossible for her to be on the list.”
This guest lecturer of the Number One Pavilion in the World smirked. “The highest ranking list is the Supreme Martial Arts Masters list, representing those who dominate the martial arts world after thirty. Then there’s the Famous Swordsmen List, for those who are under thirty. These three lists seek fame and list martial prowess, which is fine.”
“But do you know that there are only two types of people on the Stunning Beauties List?”
“One: those of unparalleled beauty with no powerful forces behind them; they have no choice but to be on the list.”
“Second: those of unparalleled beauty who have the protection of powerful forces and want to use this list to gain fame.”
“That young lady, though young, is already eligible for the list, but she is backed by the Xue family, whose influence extends to various countries, with immeasurable wealth; her grandfather, Xue Daoyong, isn’t on the Supreme Martial Arts Masters List, but his martial arts are such that he can shoot an arrow through mountains fifty miles away.”
“He’s a warrior who has lived for two sixty-year cycles.”
“He always claims to be old and frail, yet two months ago, he had a earth-shattering fight with Yue Qianfeng, who’s ranked 34th on the Divine Generals List. Nonsense about being old and frail.”
“Getting on the Stunning Beauties List brings fame and trouble. The Xue family’s young lady doesn’t need fame and hates trouble. If she were to be on the list, Xue Daoyong might come to visit the pavilion the next day, bringing unwanted trouble. Better to avoid it.”
“The Murong family also had one back then, the granddaughter of Murong Longtu.”
“She made it into the top ten of the Beauties List, but within three days, Jian Kuang and the Duke of Tai Ping visited the pavilion. The pavilion master was exasperated and had to remove her. On the other hand, another one, Murong Longtu’s granddaughter, found it interesting and wanted to be on the list for fun.”
An observer was surprised, “How do you know this so well?”
Tu Shengyuan, the guest lecturer from the Number One Pavilion, grinned, “I compiled it back then.”
The crowd was awestruck.
Tu Shengyuan said, “This time, I won’t be mistaken.”
“That Jinwu Guard, Li Guanyi, has no chance of winning. I bet he can last thirty to fifty rounds. If he loses, I’ll eat this bamboo scroll!”
Everyone praised his sharp eye. The martial arts arena was filled with spectators; the emperor was present, along with the seven princes, Ying Country’s Jiang Gao and Jiang Yuan, seated on the dais. To the emperor’s left were Xue Daoyong and Empress Xue, and to his right were Dantái Xiànmíng and the Empress.
Due to the large number of attendees, today’s first match saw the largest crowd yet, creating a boisterous atmosphere. The upcoming battle between Xu Huiyang and Li Guanyi had an unprecedented level of anticipation, surpassing even the final match.
The emperor lowered his gaze, his expression calm. He acknowledged Xu Huiyang’s martial arts. Li Guanyi was expected to lose quickly. The combined reputation would then fall upon his son, which was within his expectations.
Xu Huiyang, in white robes and a dark jade hairpin, carrying a sword case, stepped onto the stage. Li Guanyi exchanged punches with his friends, Ye Buyi, Zhou Liying, and other Jinwu Guards, before picking up his halberd and mounting the stage.
Xu Huiyang said, “Li Xiong, let the match begin.”
Li Guanyi raised his weapon, “Please.”
Xu Huiyang smiled slightly, not drawing his sword, but using his index finger to point and launch an attack. Sword energy converged, rushing towards Li Guanyi. This move was incredibly fast, as he knew Li Guanyi hadn’t opened his eye apertures, and he aimed for a quick victory.
But his movement faltered.
A powerful tearing sound, like thunder, filled the air. A illusion strike descended.
The halberd landed with pinpoint accuracy on the sword energy. The sword energy shattered, turning into pure energy, passing Li Guanyi. His sleeve was sliced open, leaving a white mark where Xu Huiyang’s sword energy had struck.
!!!!!
Xu Huiyang’s pupils constricted.
The next moment, the heavy halberd came crashing down. Xu Huiyang clearly saw the trajectory of the attack.
But extreme power brought extreme speed.
Seeing it didn’t mean he could evade it. Perceiving it didn’t mean he could block it.
A clang of swords echoed through the arena. Xu Huiyang drew his sword, using it to intercept the halberd. He then retreated, entangling the sword, using the force of the halberd to push back. The sword technique was highly refined, with the third level of Heaven’s inner energy erupting.
Boom!!!
The halberd slammed heavily to the ground, creating a crater in the stone arena.
Dust swirled.
After the silence, a wave of gasps and discussions erupted. Tu Shengyuan stared intently at the battle, muttering, “Xu Huiyang, he drew his sword?” The young Sword Saint had not drawn his sword throughout the competition, using only his finger to command respect. Now, in a single move, he had been forced to draw his sword.
Xu Huiyang looked at the crack, his usually gentle smile faltering. His fingers were throbbing intensely. His inner energy was immense, but his opponent’s physique was far superior.
Li Guanyi gripped his halberd, pulling it out, holding it with both hands. Using the Xue family’s halberd, he employed the “Four Barbarians Submitting” style, the foundational move of the Xue family’s twenty-four halberd techniques. It was straightforward and versatile.
Xu Huiyang circulated his inner energy within his body. He used his inner energy to form armor.
This change shocked the spectators. A third-level warrior against a second-level one, yet the former resorted to such a defensive technique after just one move – a bit unfair. Only the crown prince knew that Xu Huiyang was gentle by nature and would never resort to intimidation tactics. This indicated one thing: his opponent’s pressure was immense.
Old Master Xue burst into laughter, “Such a pity! If Guanyi wore heavy armor, he would be truly invincible.”
Dantái Xiànmíng calmly said, “His cultivation is slightly low.”
The battle resumed instantly. Xu Huiyang, worthy of being the Sword Saint’s descendant, unleashed unmatched sword energy. His movements were incredibly refined, stunning the observers. They perceived countless subtle sword techniques within his movements, reflecting all styles known in the world.
“Such simplicity containing complexity. How can such a swordsmanship realm exist in one so young?”
“Every move is ever-changing and versatile.”
“Truly worthy of being the Sword Saint’s grandson.”
The spectators pondered how to counter, but Xu Huiyang’s swordsmanship was already at a level of perfection, always having a follow-up move, its variations seemingly endless. Li Guanyi’s technique was far less sophisticated.
However, guided by General Xue, Li Guanyi had clashed with many prodigies. He knew how to counter such elegant movements with his military-style approach.
Li Guanyi held his halberd with one hand, abruptly stepping forward, meeting the sword’s edge. Xu Huiyang froze slightly, then saw the young man’s right hand slide down the halberd’s shaft to the end. His fingers gripped the anti-slip device at the halberd’s end, then using his shoulder as a pivot, he swept the halberd like a whip. The halberd’s shaft seemed to bend, emitting a dull sound.
Li Guanyi’s shoulder would be pierced by sword energy.
But this sweeping strike…Xu Huiyang would be hit hard in the waist. The vital organs there wouldn’t withstand Xu Huiyang’s physique!
Straightforward. Overpowering the technique with power!
If Xu Huiyang didn’t want to fight to the death, he had to retreat. Thus, his myriad sword techniques condensed into one point. The sword’s edge precisely struck the rapidly moving halberd, bending and rebounding. Xu Huiyang skillfully stepped back.
Li Guanyi moved his feet following the Nine Palace Bagua formations, moving from the Qian Palace to the Li Fire Palace, appearing behind Xu Huiyang. He thrust forward with both hands gripping his halberd.
His moves were heavy and domineering, utilizing the power of “Crushing Mountains”. Each move wasn’t the original “Crushing Mountains,” but each move embodied its essence – the domineering aura of concentrated power. He followed his own path. No matter how refined your techniques, as long as I strike, you have to follow my movements, otherwise, it’s a matter of life or death!
Sword energy crisscrossed, halberd shadows roared.
Ten rounds, twenty rounds, thirty rounds, forty rounds.
Halberd and sword clashed repeatedly. Yu Wenhua and Ge Shu Yin watched intently, unconsciously siding with Li Guanyi. His fighting style was purely that of a military general.
Yu Wenhua clenched his fist, whispering:
“This is the opponent I’ll face on the battlefield someday…”
Boom!!!
The halberd swept across, the sound of wind tearing violently. Li Guanyi suddenly felt his halberd weigh down. Xu Huiyang stood on the halberd’s blade.
His robes fluttered; his bearing was outstanding, his lightness skills peerless among his peers.
“Such a physique…”
“Your halberd is strong, your martial arts are not low. If I were hit by you, I would probably lose, but your inner energy is insufficient, hence your lightness skills cannot match mine, and your halberd cannot truly hit me.”
“Let’s decide the victor in another way.”
Xu Huiyang held his sword, its tip raised slightly.
“Academy’s Heart Sword.”
“Be careful.”
The audience suddenly realized that the two young martial artists who had just fought so fiercely had stopped. They breathed evenly, each holding their weapons, but they made no move. Although they didn’t attack, the tension in the arena was even greater than before.
“Gongyang Su Wang’s Heart Sword, it directly questions the heart.”
“As long as the mindset is strong enough, it’s possible to defeat a stronger opponent!”
“To use such a dangerous move.”
“This Little Sword Saint is truly resolute.”
Xu Huiyang’s sword spirit moved within Li Guanyi’s consciousness, probing the very core of his being. With sincerity, to question the other’s heart. Various images arose in Li Guanyi’s mind, including figures of strong warriors; yet Xu Huiyang’s background was stronger, his fortuitous encounters more numerous. He also had countless figures. Finally, their minds clashed.
Xu Huiyang held his sword, his eyes bright and warm, saying, “I, a swordsman, am sincere. My body, my heart, my soul, are all for the sword, born for the sword. When I was five years old, I walked through the sword tomb, and without lifting a sword, I knew.”
“I will surpass my grandfather, surpass all swordsmen throughout history.”
“This is why I wield my sword.”
“How about you?”
Xu Huiyang’s sword heart was fervent. The Confucian Heart Sword, pointed only at the heart, questioning a single word: sincerity. My heart is sincere; is your heart sincere? He was sincere in his devotion to the sword, making this the perfect move. The opponent was almost immobile under the influence of his mind, but he saw the changes in Li Guanyi’s mind, images appearing one after another: a farmer selling his children, a deserter’s family letter, a ghost market selling people.
He saw the hardships of the past ten years, the refugees, the armless musician. He saw those citizens thanking him. The tireless efforts of the Mohists. Xu Huiyang seemed to see the prosperity of the city, yet blood seemed to seep from everywhere. Xu Huiyang saw the young man slowly raise his sword; even under the pressure of the Heart Sword, he still had the will to fight.
Xu Huiyang’s supremely clear sword intent gradually solidified, sensing a certain smallness. This moment was as brilliant and grand as the rising sun. The young man walked before the sun. He saw Li Guanyi’s final reason for raising his sword. It seemed another voice, old and young, echoed in Li Guanyi’s heart, approaching magnificence:
“Everywhere sorrow, the city awash in blood.”
“All for the thought of saving the people.”
This sword was brilliant and magnificent, striking down.
(End of Chapter)
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