Chapter 456: Blade and Gu

Chapter 456: Blade and Gu

Zhao Changhe’s words were so arrogant that even the tribal chiefs, who had been quarreling amongst themselves, were now at a loss for words. All of them turned to stare at Zhao Changhe in unison.

Yue Hongling sat on a small stool, resting her chin in her hand, watching Zhao Changhe’s bold stance with great interest.

There was a slight tinge of jealousy in her heart, but not much. She was particularly fascinated by this lone swordsman challenging all the warriors around him, and she wished she could join in. Unfortunately, this jerk had already closed that option by saying “whoever defeats me” instead of “whoever defeats us.”

What a shame. But I guess it’s fine. He looks really cool right now.

Her little brother had really grown up now, maturing right in line with her aesthetic tastes. His lone figure with the sword held slightly tilted, standing proudly, looked just great.

Sisi pursed her lips and quietly tugged at Zhao Changhe’s sleeve. “Hey, don’t be too arrogant. Even though the people here don’t have techniques as refined as yours, the Miaojiang’s gu arts can make up for that. The Ranking of Troubled Times doesn’t reflect it, so you could easily misjudge and lose.”

Zhao Changhe smiled, “Isn’t this perfect? I’ve been wanting to experience Miaojiang’s gu arts. What better way than in a one-on-one duel?”

Yue Hongling smiled slightly, agreeing with him.

Back when she assassinated Lan Tiankuo, the reason she got trapped was that she encountered gu arts she was unfamiliar with. Fortunately, she escaped unharmed in the end. She had prepared in advance by consulting Sisi, but experiencing it firsthand was different. If she could have a one-on-one challenge with various experts, it would be a dream come true for a swordsman seeking to experience all forms of techniques the world had to offer.

Of course, such an endeavor required both courage and confidence. Gu arts could completely alter the power dynamics.

Sisi stomped her foot. “I couldn’t care less about you! I’m worried if you lose, I won’t get a seat!”

“Worry not, saintess,” Zhao Changhe glanced around, then whispered, “Hey, is there a pre-battle ritual? Like the saintess bestowing a blessing?”

Sisi paused for a moment, then her eyes curved into crescent moons. “Hey, you used to pretend to be all serious around me, but now that Big Sis Yue is by your side, you’re teasing me instead? So, you like doing things in front of others, huh? Is it no fun when no one’s watching?”

Zhao Changhe, speechless, replied, “I was just joking. Where do you come up with all these ideas?”

Sisi snorted, “Oh, there’s a pre-battle ritual alright. You just have to kneel down and lick the saintess’ feet.”

Zhao Changhe instinctively glanced at her feet.

Even though she walks barefoot through the mountains, her feet remain pristine and radiant. Maybe her true qi protects them now, but what about in the past? Her feet should’ve been pretty rough, right?

Sisi smiled mischievously at him. “Like what you see?”

Dammit, no matter how nice they are, I’m not licking them! Has the maid gone mad?

Before Zhao Changhe could respond, a voice interrupted from behind, “Protector Si... Protector Si?”

Zhao Changhe turned around to see a young man in black standing in the arena, looking at him in exasperation. Are you here to challenge everyone or to flirt with your saintess in front of everyone?!

Zhao Changhe, unfazed, said, “I thought you were all still discussing, so I was just asking my saintess for some guidance...”

The young man replied, “I’m Meng Tai from the Dong tribe, here to learn from you, Protector Si.”

Zhao Changhe confirmed, “So, you’ve all agreed to this duel format?”

Meng Tai stood silently, feeling the true qi within him completely sealed. He was amazed. “What kind of witchcraft did you use just now?”

Zhao Changhe did not mind sharing. “It’s a sword qi formation. Each time I parry, I leave behind a trace of sword qi. The longer we fight, the more sword qi accumulates around you, making it feel like you’re trapped in a sword formation. No matter how agile you are, it becomes impossible to move freely.”

Meng Tai exclaimed in shock, “How is that even possible? Why doesn’t the sword qi dissipate in the air?”

Zhao Changhe smiled. “That’s a secret of the Spirit Tribe.”

Meng Tai bowed respectfully. “I’ve lost.”

Sisi felt very proud. Well, at the same time, she was rolling her eyes.

The Spirit Tribe doesn’t know such secret arts either... That technique must be Tang Wanzhuang’s!

When Tang Wanzhuang analyzed the battle between the Dragon Bird and the Dragon Emperor, she used a similar technique. Her version was far more refined. Her sword qi flowed like water, creating a deep pool that immobilized weapons. In contrast, Zhao Changhe’s sword qi was still just sword qi, dense like a forest, lacking the same subtle application. But it was more than enough. Against this kind of opponent, this technique was the best solution. Sisi had not needed to offer any advice.

The hall fell silent.

Zhao Changhe did not recognize Meng Tai and did not know his reputation... but Meng Tai was not just any swordsman. He was a renowned expert from the Dong tribe, highly skilled in both saber arts and gu arts. He was well known across the southwest.

Yet, in just a few exchanges with him, the match was decided. Si Laoye had not even used any gu arts, relying solely on sword arts!

For a moment, no one else stepped forward. The atmosphere grew heavy...

Is the Spirit Tribe really so strong?

Lei Zhentang, his face dark, finally said, “In a duel within our Hundred Tribes, relying solely on sword arts feels a bit strange. People might think we’re conducting a Central Plains sword duel.”

Zhao Changhe replied, “Don’t our tribes train in the saber and sword as well? Chief Lei, is your Miao saber just for show?”

Lei Zhentang said, “Blade and gu together is our way.”

“Actually, I also use gu. It’s strange that a grandmaster like you couldn’t tell.” Zhao Changhe grinned and suddenly flexed his arm, which swelled with an uncanny amount of muscle. “See? Giant Strength Gu.”

Lei Zhentang’s face twitched, and he remained silent.

“But using brute force to bully others doesn’t look very good. So I’m sticking to sword art to engage with the Hundred Tribes—that’s all.” Zhao Changhe relaxed his arm, returning it to normal, and pointed his sword forward. “Anyone else want to come forward?”

The crowd looked at him in silence, noticing the excitement in his eyes. He genuinely seemed eager to spar with more people, as if he wanted to experience the techniques of the various tribes.

It was as if he was not fighting for the interests of his tribe, but instead to explore the unique techniques of the world and to search for the path forward for his sword.

Sisi stepped back and sat down on a small stool, leaning on her hand beside Yue Hongling. She mumbled quietly, “Big Sis Yue, it looks like he’s taken over your journey of honing your skills.”

Yue Hongling, hinting at something, replied, “A journey of honing skills is one you undertake yourself. There’s no such thing as someone taking it from you... But I’m more worried that someone might be trying to steal something else...”

1. The Four Books and Five Classics are authoritative and important books associated with Confucianism, written before 300 BC. They are traditionally believed to have been either written, edited, or commented on by Confucius or one of his disciples. ☜