Chapter 950 - 426: A Stunning Blade, the Solitary Wind’s Silence, Entering the Silkworm Dream Tower, Visiting the Lady (2)

Chapter 950: Chapter 426: A Stunning Blade, the Solitary Wind’s Silence, Entering the Silkworm Dream Tower, Visiting the Lady (2)

Yao Yin thought to herself, "Oh well, if others don’t know, then let them remain unaware; after all, the rumors of his ugliness hardly impede his progress." Her eyes rolled around.

The others discussed, "Long have I heard the rumors, and with one word today, this youth is truly unique, no wonder he stirs such discussions." "Indeed, indeed, observe how he stands steady, centered and composed, in the face of such a scene, yet remains calm and collected, neither honored nor disgraced; he truly embodies the essence of our Jade City." "The young heroes of our Jade City should be like this. Alas, alas, no one is perfect; this figure, however, is so unsightly." "Hahaha, speaking of this matter, it somewhat comforts us all." "It matters not if he is unsightly; when the mask wears to death upon his face, it may as well be his visage paired with such a posture and form; I fear many young women will favor him." "If he is willing, my young daughter would not be opposed to marrying him."

Seeing Li Xian arrive, many Gold Appraisal Guards excitedly shouted, "Li Jinzhang! Greetings!" waving their hands to call him.

Li Xian cupped his hands, replying, "Greetings." As the lake breeze wafted, Li Xian’s long hair fluttered, and he casually dismounted from his horse. He tied Whirlwind to a tree, then walked towards the platform.

His stature was tall, unhurried and calm as if it were ordinary. His demeanor was mature for his youth, causing the noisy discussions to gradually quiet down. Li Xian walked onto the platform and saw a young man in the distance.

It was none other than "Golden Flood Dragon Island’s Zhang Long’s Saber," dressed in blue, with a short, stocky figure and stout limbs, yet standing in the field with the demeanor of a grandmaster. He arrived in Jade City, having heard of the heated discussion about the "Dubhe Saber Technique," where many set up stages for sword competition.

He considered his sword skill quite strong, with few opponents in his generation. Thus, he too set up a platform, comparing sword techniques and exchanging skills. For several consecutive days, the Gold Appraisal Guard and others came after their duties to spar. Zhang Long’s Saber often defeated his opponent with a single strike, showing his prowess.

Moreover, his sword technique was quite elegant, as if a flood dragon emerged from the sea, with a momentum of overturning clouds and rain. His name gradually rose. Yet, the victory or defeat of sword techniques does not necessarily reflect the strength of a martial artist. Zhang Long’s Saber might not truly overpower the Gold Appraisal Guard and others, but he had a unique understanding of the sword path.

Later, a senior "Fu Meng" joined the contest, only to be defeated. The Gold Appraisal Guard’s face was darkened, suffering a significant setback. If it were any other sword technique, the outcome would have been different in another contest. But it was particularly the "Dubhe Saber Technique," and among the Gold Appraisal Guard, aside from Li Xian, no one could practice this technique smoothly.

Zhang Long’s Saber cupped his hands and said, "Long have I heard of the famous Li Jinzhang; in setting up this playful stage, it’s my honor that Li Jinzhang can spare time after case investigations to pay heed." He was quite courteous.

Zhang Long’s Saber addressed the crowd, "I set up a small platform, yet many patrons have graciously supported it. I may have been a poor host; I hope you won’t mind. There is one matter I must clarify beforehand. This platform was never meant to challenge or disturb the Gold Appraisal Guard. The Gold Appraisal Guard protects Jade City’s safety and shelters countless citizens; their deeds truly earn my admiration. The reason for the platform is due to my sect primarily practicing sword techniques. Upon hearing of the prowess of the Dubhe Saber Technique, I wished to compare and dissect it. It’s purely martial arts exchange; having trained with the sword since childhood, I indeed have the upper hand. Hence, even if I win slightly on the platform, it’s merely fulfilling the sect’s sword tradition."

Li Xian responded, "Exchanging martial arts helps improvement. It’s reasonable and natural." It was akin to scholars creating poetry, each expressing their sentiments and composing famous verses and songs, temporarily resonating throughout the town.

Other families must meticulously scrutinize the verses, evaluating their flaws and savoring their charm. Among them are those with rebellious spirits, who also create poems and verses in competition. Martial artists contending are much the same.

Zhang Long’s Saber, after formalities, picked up the "Earth Flood Dragon Saber," his momentum dramatically altering. Simultaneously resembling a flood dragon on land and a sharp saber drawn, he wielded the "Heavy Blade," using solely one saber technique, "Arc Saber Technique," over several days for fair competition.

A foundational sword technique, yet time and again defeating the Dubhe Saber Technique. Zhang Long’s Saber, gathering strength for a moment, stamped his feet hard and struck fiercely. At this instant, like a land-bound flood dragon suddenly soaring, the force was extremely powerful.

Many Gold Appraisal Guards were defeated by this move; among the dozens of moves in the Dubhe Saber Technique, none could defend against this strike. Even if they could, the next move Zhang Long’s Saber would follow up with "Dragon Glancing Back," swiftly disarming them and defeating them instantly.

Yet, as Zhang Long’s Saber struck, though the momentum was fierce, a saber light suddenly filled his vision. Before he could clearly see how Li Xian struck, his neck was already touched by the Horizontal Saber.

This sudden change brought complete silence around the platform. Zhang Long’s Saber halted in mid-action of "Land Flood Dragon Soaring," now sweating profusely. Li Xian said, "Couldn’t see? Let’s try once more, then." He retreated three steps and withdrew the saber.

Zhang Long’s Saber stood with hair bristling, inner thunder rumbling. He thought, "Just now... just now, even if it wasn’t a contest of saber techniques, but a life-and-death duel, I might know many strong martial arts but didn’t have time to apply them before I was defeated. This... this man’s saber technique is unlike any of the opponents I’ve encountered!"

Steadily calming his mind, again gripping the saber. This time concentrating fiercely, gathering strength to attack, all his mind, intent, and energy merged into the saber, becoming one with it. Observers also held their breath, focused.

Zhou Qingqing gravely said, "I had envisioned this Zhang Long’s Saber as formidable, but to this extent is quite unexpected. He entered the Golden Flood Dragon Island’s ’Luring My Saber’ state."

Yao Yin nodded approvingly. Ninth brother disciple Qiao Qing asked, "Luring My Saber?"

Wei Qingfeng explained, "Golden Flood Dragon Island, between Yu Nan Dao and Long Xiong Dao, is a coastal island predominantly of sword practitioners. Years ago, there was a flood dragon crossing water between Yu Nan Dao and Long Xiong Dao, with swordsmen from Golden Flood Dragon Island stepping in."

Lu Qingguan, serving as their senior brother, had the duty of clarifying and imparting Jianghu experience to fellow disciples, immediately adding, "Golden Flood Dragon Island has a martial art named ’Luring My Saber,’ but the specifics, I’m afraid, require senior sister’s teaching."