The battle of a lifeti... As soon as these four words arose, Zhao Douan first chuckled to himself.
To be worthy of the term "legendary," perhaps only the appointnt between Zhenbao and Wu Xiankui next year fits the bill.
As for today’s duel in the Peach Garden, it seems more like a note in the book of legends; yet, if it can involve a match against the "Heavenly Human Realm," then indeed, it is the greatest longing in countless martial artists’ hearts in this vast world.
"...Then, as the hour is not early, let’s begin imdiately."
Xu Zhenguan, having finished with formal words, calmly announced the start of the trial of martial arts.
After speaking, she turned her back and walked over to the prepared table and seat area not far away.
Xue Shence, Dong Xuan, and others followed suit, including Zhao Douan who also retreated with a group of tributors to the vicinity of the Empress.
Leaving only Qi Ye and Song Jinxi in the field.
"In the first bout, Qingshan swordsman Qi Ye will duel Yu Country Tributor Song Jinxi!"
The Jinwu Guard Commander, pulled aside as the "referee," loudly announced before also retreating, leaving the clearing in the peach grove to the two.
Both are top-grade in the Divine Chapter, with Qi Ye, blindfolded with a black cloth, "looking" towards the Tributor Eunuch standing several feet away.
Song Jinxi’s face lost its usual ingratiating and jovial deanor he showed in front of Zhao Douan and was instead solemn, quite unlike before.
Slowly, he unbuckled the sheath at his waist and held it horizontally at chest level, gripping the sheath with his left hand and the sword handle with his right:
"Please enlighten ."
Qi Ye similarly horizontally raised the sword called "Black Ink Stone," assuming the sa posture:
"Alright."
So unceremonious? Such confidence... Zhao Douan in the crowd raised his eyebrows, quickly witnessing both parties simultaneously drawing their swords.
"Clang!"
In the spring light, two sounds of blades leaving their sheaths rang out simultaneously, one sword and one saber, Song Jinxi stepped forward first, his figure abruptly vanished with a "poof," leaving only a shadow on the ground rushing towards the motionless Qi Ye like an underwater torpedo!
"Where is he? Why can’t we see him?" Grandmaster Dong was montarily stunned, and the scholars behind also showed great surprise.
"In the vein of the Martial God, there is also a Shadow Escape technique, different from magicians, it is a phantom-like footwork." Eunuch Hai, adjusting the sleeves of his bright red Python Robe, explained calmly, adding:
"Song Jinxi is skilled in the Butterfly Saber Technique and has focused on the Shadow Escape footwork for many years, an exceptional assassin."
As he spoke, a shadow suddenly rose behind Qi Ye, who was holding a sword, from which the eunuch-like figure erged, a knife flash like lightning silently slashing towards Qi Ye’s nape.
However, as the blade passed through the air, it cut only empty space; Qi Ye had sidestepped a mont earlier, twisting his body and calmly thrusting his sword forward.
With a "ding," it struck the side of the saber, pushing Song Jinxi back several steps, vanishing once more with a "poof."
After that, Song Jinxi transford into a top-tier assassin hidden in the shadows, striking out from different angles and retreating imdiately, while Qi Ye’s response was extraordinarily simple, confined to just "cut" and "thrust" motions.
"Your Majesty, this daylight killing seems unfavorable for Song Jinxi."
Mo Chou, though not versed in cultivation, understood that assassins should lurk in shadows, like maggots to bones, rather than engaging in straightforward combat.
Xu Zhenguan maintained a dignified and regal posture, seated on a dragon-carved chair, her hands resting on the dragon-head armrests, her deanor steady.
"Mo Zhaorong has a point, but the martial arts practiced by Qi Ye is the Extre Sword; though it seems indifferent, its damage is astonishing when wielded, otherwise he wouldn’t have shattered armor twenty tis in a single strike previously. A sword of such sharpness is unmatched among similar realms; Song Jinxi’s footwork and fundantal skills are strong, enabling him to dodge just in ti."
Rationally analyzed by Xue Shence, who ranked first among military generals.
Sure enough, Song Jinxi kept dodging with his footwork, waiting for a chance to attack, while Qi Ye remained unfazed, adapting to every change, each sword strike splitting into delicate black lines.
Eventually, after another failed assassination attempt, Song Jinxi couldn’t dodge in ti, and as he shifted back into "shadow" mode, his forearm was grazed by Sword Qi, instantly causing blood to gush forth, dyeing the sleeves red.
The Tributor Eunuch’s complexion changed, fully concealing in the shadows, as clusters of black shadows circled around Qi Ye, making it hard to determine which was real and which was fake.
No further aggression, waiting for the perfect mont.
Qi Ye stood still, wielding his sword in one hand, his wrist vibrating slightly, causing droplets of fresh blood to splatter a crimson line on the ground.
In the tense atmosphere, on the table beside the Empress, sand trickled down in an hourglass, marking the elapsed ti of the bout.
Suddenly, Qi Ye’s ears under the black cloth twitched, and shortly thereafter, a shadow in a group surged forth, Song Jinxi appeared holding his sword in a sudden charge!
His blade, however, abruptly halted mid-air, as if paused.
Because a bright sword tip had already arrived one step ahead, pressing against him.
"You’ve lost." Qi Ye calmly sheathed his sword and strode towards Chai Keqiao and Xiao Ran waiting not far away.
Song Jinxi, dejected, half-knelt on the ground, blood trickling down his arm, staining the sword handle red.
The Jinwu Guard Commander, serving as referee, sighed:
"The result is decided!"
Dong Xuan and the scholars couldn’t hide their disappointnt; the tributors felt heavyhearted, yet Xue Shence remained unsurprised.
"Your Majesty, I..." Song Jinxi walked over to the throne of the Empress, kneeling on one knee.
Xu Zhenguan spoke calmly: "You have done your best, go now to heal yourself."
Song Jinxi expressed heartfelt gratitude.
...
Elsewhere.
Qi Ye returned to the line, saying:
"Expectedly weak, now let’s see how you do."
Under his straw hat, Xiao Ran, with a fine string tied around his pale chin, cast him a cold glance, turning his gaze to the tributors opposite, whispering:
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