Chapter 1686 - 865: Scales, Horns, Claws, and Fangs (Part 2)

"So you're not pretending anymore, huh? Didn't you say he had nothing to do with you?"

Ling Shuo sneered coldly, "Luobomo has a notorious reputation outside, yet you, the Dragon Head, sit steadily in your position, no wonder those who oppose you always meet with 'accidents'."

"In the Desert Market, it's all just business, relationships don't really matter."

Caruso was indifferent to the exposure of his infamous assassin relationship with Thousand Islands, having prepared for it long before today.

This blade that could not see daylight was bound to be laid bare for all to see eventually.

The man now called Luobomo by Ling Shuo had risen to fame among the Thousand Islands more than a decade ago for his ruthless methods and superior swordsmanship, leaving no survivors.

If anyone present remembers correctly, his first business deal that made a name for himself was taking the life of Caruso's uncle.

Caruso even wailed uncontrollably at his uncle's funeral, swearing vengeance against the killer.

So from the start, they were in cahoots...

"The An Family started practicing swordsmanship too?"

Luobomo's white eyes glanced at Xiao An behind Ji Jue, then suddenly chuckled lightly, as if in approval, "How delightful."

Like seeing a child wielding a weapon and sparring with you without knowing their own limits.

Such contempt.

"Thank you for the compliment..."

An Ran nodded solemnly upon hearing this.

For a moment, there was a brief silence, leaving Luobomo's words caught in his throat, unable to be spoken.

Oops, did he think I was complimenting him?

Should he clarify his words?

Then, as he was stunned, he heard An Ran's next words, an extremely polite address:

"...Esteemed uncle of [Xing Jiao]."

In the silence, a trace of darkness emerged within those pale eyes, and the fingers resting on the sword hilt at his waist twitched uncontrollably.

Box!!!

In a single glance, his hidden identity of many years was unveiled.

Xing Jiao, the core heritage of White Deer, among the four systems of scales, horns, claws, and teeth, the [Horn] specialized in weaponry!

"..."

Seeing him silent, An Ran also fell into confusion, instinctively looking at Ji Jue beside him.

Is he wondering if he said something wrong again?

Instead, Ji Jue's smile remained, as if curious, he asked:

"How did you figure it out?"

"His hand is different, so is where his gaze lands..." An Ran answered honestly, "Also, when Brother Ji Jue looked at him just now, his posture changed."

Even if it was merely a subconscious adjustment, the subtle changes etched into his bones had already been glimpsed by the eyes trained by Hunting Finger·Flying Light.

The outsiders watch the show, but those who understand see the essence, even if it is just a slight trace, without any external change, only different muscle exertion, points to several crucial possibilities.

"I see."

Ji Jue nodded as if suddenly enlightened, though he didn't understand at all, but Xiao An said it, so he understood. His eyes fell on the Swift Sword crookedly worn at Luobomo's waist:

"So he uses a sword?"

"Yes." Xiao An nodded, "Probably the fast attack type."

Ji Jue asked again, "How should one handle such an opponent?"

"Counter speed with speed, or create distance, counter motion with stillness, use sword chapter and Sword Qi projection to gradually wear them down, looking for openings." An Ran answered seriously as if completing an assignment, ignoring Luobomo's increasingly unsightly expression, "Once the distance is closed, be wary of counterattacks, defeat them in one strike."

"Wrong."

Ji Jue shook his head decisively, giving him a pat on the head, "This is deceitful, you shouldn't just look at appearances."

An Ran looked at him, confused.

"Now this is my expertise."

Ji Jue laughed, pointing to the weapon on Luobomo, "This Swift Sword should be made by a master craftsman, but its hilt appears half an inch longer in shape, seemingly inconspicuous, yet ultimately inconsistent with its design unless specifically requested by the user... So, why is that?"

An Ran half-understood, "Because of particular usage and exertion habits?"

"Perhaps, but for a craftsman, even if it's half an inch longer, a single-handed sword remains a single-handed sword. The reason the design is classic is due to countless tests, which means it's the optimal solution weighing myriad aspects.

If it's just to accommodate a special usage method and exertion habit, recklessly shifting the center of gravity, and re-configuring spiritual frameworks from scratch would be too wasteful.

After all, there are countless other solutions available.

A craftsman who only fulfills user needs while ignoring everything else remains a mediocrity despite their prowess. A true master should trust their design and believe their work surpasses what the user envisions.

Therefore, two possibilities, either the craftsman is a fool, or there's an alternate purpose.

If we overlook the customized requirement and consider functionality, it could only be for another purpose."

Speaking of his area of expertise, Ji Jue started eloquently, for with Ye's Nine Forms and Sword Observation Theory heritage, even among the current masters counted on one's fingers, no more than five can surpass him in sword form.

"You see, combining the trajectory of the sword and specifications, this weapon should have another hidden use; for instance, at critical moments, suddenly changing... or perhaps concealing other projective tools inside.

Not knowing exactly whose handiwork it is, the two can merge seamlessly as if one, truly exquisite.