RNP Page 75
Page 75
In the small courtyard with its bamboo fence, Ximen Chuixue, dressed in white, sat on a stone bench.
He held a silk handkerchief and slowly wiped the black-sheathed longsword.
A tea set was placed on the stone table, next to an incense burner with three sandalwood sticks just lit, their smoke rising in wisps.
As a recognized swordsman in the martial arts world, Ximen Chuixue would bathe and burn incense before each sword strike, with a devout heart.
The stronger the opponent, the longer he has to prepare.
This time, however, time was short, and he was unable to prepare as meticulously as usual.
But Ye Gucheng was different—he was the opponent he had longed for, and he deserved to be treated with the utmost respect.
If he acts hastily and carelessly, his swordsmanship will no longer be complete.
In a battle between masters, victory or defeat can be decided in an instant, especially in a duel between swordsmen.
The slightest difference can determine life or death.
After bathing and changing his clothes, he went to the courtyard to burn incense and calm his mind.
Even with limited time,
The sentiment is enough.
He would never allow himself to face the challenge with an imperfect mindset.
This is not only a desecration of oneself, but also an insult to Ye Gucheng.
Proud as he was, he would never allow such a thing to happen.
A soft sigh suddenly echoed in the quiet courtyard.
Hearing that familiar voice,
Ximen Chuixue paused slightly as he wiped the blade of his sword.
It then returned to normal.
He didn't even lift his eyelids.
It seems they had anticipated the other party's arrival.
"Boring, absolutely boring."
"I really don't understand why you, you blockhead, are always so stingy with words?"
Seeing that he didn't react at all to his arrival,
The visitor shook his head, looking helpless.
He lightly touched the ground with his toes.
He landed gracefully and sat steadily on the stone bench opposite Ximen Chuixue.
This person's appearance is quite peculiar.
Most people have two eyebrows.
He, however, had trimmed his beard to be as neat and precise as his eyebrows.
At first glance, it appears to have four eyebrows.
The newcomer was none other than Lu Xiaofeng, a man renowned throughout the martial arts world!
But at this moment, a look of sorrow crossed his brow.
Without any hesitation, he picked up the teapot, poured himself a drink, and drank it.
He hesitated several times to speak.
"Are you here to dissuade me?"
Ximen Chuixue still did not look up.
His voice was as cold and clear as frost.
Seeing that his thoughts had been exposed,
Lu Xiaofeng readily admitted it.
He sighed with a wry smile:
"You two are both my closest friends,"
"Regardless of who wins or loses, I will lose a close friend."
"So, I want to try to persuade you."
For a swordsman,
To dedicate oneself to the way of kendo is the highest honor.
But he couldn't bear to watch his best friends kill each other.
Even if the hope is slim,
He still wanted to give it his all.
"You do not understand."
"Some people's fate is predetermined from the moment they are born."
"It's the same with you and me."
Ximen Chuixue shook his head slightly.
Look him straight in the eyes and speak calmly.
Why are you wielding a sword?
Lu Xiaofeng seemed to have expected this, and continued to ask.
"First, heal others; then, heal yourself."
"Now?" Lu Xiaofeng looked up.
Ximen Chuixue blurted out.
His eyes were free of any distracting thoughts.
Thinking about the upcoming showdown.
He raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a stiff smile.
"This battle is a fortunate event for both him and me."
There's no need to persuade me.
"We should celebrate for us!"
Lu Xiaofeng was stunned.
This was the first time he had ever seen his best friend smile!
Yet they also grasped the true meaning behind it.
Drink up the cup of tea.
He got up and left without waiting for a response.
However, they did not follow the path they had come from.
Ximen Chuixue whispered.
He focused his mind and placed his long sword across his knees.
......
Yuelai Inn, a separate courtyard.
Lu Xiaofeng appeared silently.
Unlike Ximen Chuixue's fasting and bathing.
Ye Gucheng was looking up at the moon.
Hesitation flickered in his eyes.
But it is not a sword of ultimate purity.
From the moment I joined the Azure Dragon Society.
Then it will be difficult to return to simplicity and authenticity!
However, just as Ximen Chuixue respected him.
He also deeply admired the other party.
He was cultivated by the Azure Dragon Society.
His cultivation level had long surpassed that of Ximen Chuixue.
Therefore, this showdown is inevitable.
But he did not want to see Ximen Chuixue perish.
Or rather, he was unwilling to defeat Ximen Chuixue before he had used his full strength.
This is respect for the swordsman, and also devotion to one's beliefs.
Only by giving our all can we give each other the best possible explanation.
Even if the ending is a separation by death!
Therefore, he still had doubts.
Chapter 55 Catastrophe
Sensing Lu Xiaofeng's presence, Ye Gucheng withdrew his thoughts and said calmly:
"From him?"
"You two are truly my calamity! Meeting you is my bad luck, Lu Xiaofeng!"
Lu Xiaofeng pursed her lips and sat down opposite him without any regard for etiquette.
His complaints stemmed from the fact that the two parties involved seemed completely unconcerned, while he himself was overwhelmed, running around trying to stop the duel.
It was a waste of effort and only caused more trouble.
"Things are not as simple as they seem."
"You'd better not interfere anymore."
"Otherwise, there would probably be no more Lu Sandan in the martial arts world."
Ye Gucheng smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his tone calm.
"Is there another hidden secret?"
Lu Xiaofeng raised an eyebrow, a hint of inquiry in his eyes.
"Your curiosity will get you killed sooner or later."
Ye Gucheng glanced at him, then changed the subject slightly.
"Don't worry, I won't take his life."
"He deserves respect."
"Even if I die, I should die by pure sword."
Perhaps it was a matter of mutual respect between swordsmen, but Ye Gucheng ultimately decided to hold back.
Although this may be a form of disrespect.
Fortunately, Ximen Yu did not insist on issuing a kill order.
Otherwise, no matter how reluctant he is, he will still wield his sword without mercy.
This, on the contrary, made him secretly glad.
Little did he know that Ximen Chuixue was already considered a rare swordsman in the martial arts world of the Ming Dynasty, and even in the entire Nine Provinces.
Ximen Yu had never seen this swordsman before.