Chapter 50
The sun in August is scorching, and the air seems to be scorching hot.
Inside the final venue of the Wushu Competition, the atmosphere was as frozen as ice, with a silent, tense tension.
On the ring, I stood still with a long whip in my hand, looking calmly at the opposite side.
Sanada Genichirō, clad in a kendo uniform and clutching a bamboo sword, stood tall and straight like a pine tree. When he saw that his opponent was me, a rare, subtle flicker of surprise crossed his usually rock-solid face.
The girl in a dress with a calm temperament backstage at the concert and the figure holding a silver whip and with eyes as sharp as a knife on the stage now formed a strong disconnect in his mind.
But this astonishment was instantly replaced by a warrior's instinctive alertness. Standing on this final stage was no fluke.
He took a deep breath, his eyes became focused and solemn, and he slowly raised the bamboo sword, posing the most standard "middle section" structure.
"Please advise me." Sanada's voice was deep and powerful.
"Please give me some advice." I nodded slightly, shook my wrist lightly, and the tip of the whip fell silently on the smooth floor like a dormant poisonous snake.
Almost at the moment the words fell, the air was torn apart!
“Swish—bang!”
The whip shadow was like a flash of silver lightning, piercing Sanada's middle path without warning, so fast that it left only an afterimage on the retina! Sanada's pupils shrank slightly, and his reaction was as fast as a ghost. The bamboo sword turned into a green barrier, blocking it in front of him with precision.
"clang!"
With a crisp sound, the whip tip collided violently with the tough bamboo sword, making a sound similar to the clanging of metal!
The immense impact of the blow traveled along the bamboo sword, instantly tensing Sanada's arm muscles and causing him to stumble back a fraction. His heart was pounding; this seemingly flexible whip held such unbridled power!
Before he could adjust, the second and third whips came like a violent storm!
The whip shadow was no longer a single straight stab, but turned into a silver snake flying all over the sky. Sometimes it was like a spirit snake spitting out its tongue, cunningly drilling into the gaps in his defense; sometimes it was like a giant python turning over, lashing at his lower body with the power to sweep away thousands of troops; sometimes it was like a poisonous dragon coming out of the cave, condensing a bit of cold light and going straight for the throat!
The whip wind broke through the air, making a sharp and shrill whistle, as if one could really hear the faint sound of a dragon's roar!
Sanada's bamboo sword danced into a green light curtain, and the mystery of "Wind, Forest, Fire and Mountain" was fully displayed on him.
The swift sword "as fast as the wind" tried to cut off the whip shadow, the tight defense "as slow as the forest" blocked the fatal piercing again and again, the strong attack "as aggressive as fire" tried to suppress at close range, and the calmness "as immovable as a mountain" faced the overwhelming force.
Every time the bamboo sword and the long whip collided, a dull and shocking sound erupted, and the air waves spread out in all directions with the two of them as the center.
Sweat quickly soaked through both of their clothes. Sanada's breathing became heavy, and veins on his forehead became visible.
For the first time, he felt so clearly the immense pressure from a woman, like the roar of a tsunami! This pressure didn't just come from her strength, but also from the elusive, antelope-hanging whip trajectory, and the pure fighting spirit in her eyes that grew brighter with each battle, like a burning flame!
The excitement of meeting a worthy opponent is also burning in my heart!
The whip moves with the heart, and the mind and spirit are in harmony!
After resolving the emotional knot with Atobe, it was as if an invisible shackle had been removed, and his understanding and control of martial arts entered a whole new realm.
Facing this formidable opponent, Sanada, every movement was fluid and natural, each whiplash movement imbued with a sense of exhilarating perfection. The whip shadow was no longer a mere extension of the weapon, but a part of my being, a true dragon in motion!
In the judges' booth, Hiyoshi Tsuyoshi's expression was focused. Sitting beside him, Sanada Gen'emon, the white-haired, eagle-like kendo master, had a calm, mountain-like expression. However, as the fight progressed, his expression grew increasingly solemn, ultimately transforming into an expression of barely concealed shock.
"A gossamer shadow, listening to the wind Thirteen..." Sanada Gen'emon murmured softly, his voice trembling with a barely perceptible tremor. His cloudy yet sharp eyes were fixed on the figure on the ring, twisting and turning, the whip shadows flying.
"Treading on the snow without leaving a trace... yes, that's the technique!"
In his early years, he traveled to China to exchange martial arts. By chance, he saw an extremely precious, blurry image of Yun Shisan Niang, a legendary woman in southern Yunnan in the late Republic of China.
That extraordinary woman, renowned for her masterful "Vine Killing Noose" whip technique and almost ghostly light-weight martial arts skills. At this moment, the girl's posture on the ring, the charm of her whip technique, and the agility that was woven into her very being, perfectly replicated the stunning figure in the video!
No, even... better! That state of perfect harmony and unobstructedness, where the mind reaches the whip, has already hinted at surpassing the legendary figure in the image!
"The legacy of Yun Shisan Niang... was actually inherited by such a young woman... The young are so promising! The young are so promising!" Sanada Gen'emon's voice was filled with sincere admiration and shock.
In the front row of the audience, Atobe, Oshitari, and Hiyoshi Wakaba also heard the whispers of the kendo master.
Atobe's gaze followed the swift, wind-like figure on the ring, his eyes swirling with pride, nervousness, and a hint of obsession he himself hadn't noticed. Oshitari pushed his glasses up, his gaze filled with understanding and wonder. Hiyoshiwaka clenched his fists, his eyes filled with admiration for the powerful.
On the ring, the battle has reached a fever pitch.
Sanada's breathing grew heavier, and while his sword swings remained swift, a subtle wavering of his unwavering composure appeared. The prolonged period of extreme defense and power confrontation took a toll.
My whip, however, grew more and more powerful! The long whip seemed to possess life, drawing mysterious paths in the air. Sometimes it coiled like a spirit snake, wrapping around his bamboo sword; sometimes it exploded like thunder, whipping towards his defensive circle with the power of splitting mountains and splitting rocks!
finally!
“Sizzle!”
With a sharp sound like tearing silk! The whip shadow, like a poisonous dragon, broke through his airtight sword net defense. At an incredible angle, the whip tip landed with incredible precision on the numb tendon on the inside of Sanada's wrist where he was holding the sword!
Sanada only felt his wrist go numb, and a feeling of soreness and weakness spread instantly, and he could no longer hold the bamboo sword he was holding tightly!
"Bang!"
The bamboo sword slipped out of his hand and fell heavily to the floor of the ring.
The entire venue fell into silence in an instant.
Sanada remained in the posture of drawing his sword, frozen in place, looking at the bamboo sword on the ground, his eyes filled with incredible shock, which then turned into a kind of calmness and respect when facing a truly strong man.
He slowly raised his head and looked at the girl standing opposite him with her whip collected.
I flicked my wrist, and the whip instantly retracted like an obedient snake, wrapping itself around my arm. My chest rose and fell slightly, and my hair, damp with sweat, clung to my cheeks. But my eyes were clear, filled with the satisfaction and calmness of a fulfilled life.
I bowed deeply to Sanada and said, "Thank you."
Sanada took a deep breath, suppressed his surging blood, and bowed solemnly in return: "I lost. Thank you for your advice!"
Applause, like a belated tide, instantly swept the entire venue, filled with amazement, respect and shock at this peak showdown!
I walked down the ring, carefully put away the whip, turned around and announced my withdrawal to the referee.
Atobe came forward immediately, handed over the cup of water, and asked: "Why did you withdraw from the competition? You could obviously..." They were only one step away from the final peak.
I took the water and took a sip. The cool liquid slid down my throat, dispelling the thirst after the fierce battle. Looking at the faces on the stage, some excited and some regretful, my eyes remained unusually calm.
"Meeting a worthy opponent in chess is one of life's greatest joys." I looked at Sanada, then at Atobe, my lips curled up in a light, relieved arc. "Come with joy, leave with joy. That's enough."
To me, the so-called ranking and the golden trophy are far less precious than this exhilarating battle that proves the pinnacle of martial arts.
His wish to pursue martial arts was fulfilled the moment he had an all-out battle with Genichirō Sanada.
The lingering echoes of applause hadn't yet fully faded, and the crowd's clamor was like the receding tide. As I carefully wound the whip back around my waist, a calm figure with an undeniable aura blocked my path.
His hair and beard were all white, and his eyes were as sharp as torches. It was none other than Gen'emon Sanada.
The sword master no longer had the shock he had shown on the judges' bench. Instead, there was a sharp inquiry and deep admiration. However, deep in his eyes, there was a hint of unshakable doubt.
"Little girl," he said in a deep, rich voice, with the penetrating power of time, his eyes fixed on me. "Your whip skills, your body movements... 'Gossamer Threads Wrapped in Shadows, Listening to the Wind Thirteen', these are the moves of Yun Shisan Niang, there's no mistaking them!"
He paused, his tone filled with unquestionable certainty, yet also with immense confusion. "Yun Shisan Niang, the legend of southern Yunnan, has long since fled into the mountains and forests, making it difficult to find her whereabouts."
"She's a loner, never one to get along... Why would she accept you as her own? And even teach you all her life's skills, without reservation?"
His gaze was as sharp as a knife, as if it could penetrate my skin and reach the depths of my soul. "Who are you?"
The air seemed to freeze at this moment.
The silver whip wrapped around my waist gleamed coldly in the light. I stood still, not avoiding his scrutinizing gaze, but the aura around me grew invisibly heavier.
There was no deliberate release of pressure, but the aura of a top-notch warrior, precipitated after countless trials and tribulations, spread silently like a deep-sea undercurrent.
Gen'emon Sanada keenly felt this heavy, tangible pressure. A chill ran through his heart; this was not the bearing of an ordinary young warrior.
This further confirmed his guess - the identity of the girl in front of him was definitely not simple!
I met his piercing gaze, my silence as cold as a blade. After a long moment, the corners of my mouth slowly curved upwards, a very shallow arc. That smile was devoid of warmth, only a sense of indifference and detachment, a kind of seeing through the world.
"Everything is predestined." My voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone clearly, carrying a mysterious calmness. "Master and I have a predestined relationship, so I'm fortunate to inherit his legacy. That's all."
No admission, no denial.
There was no explanation, only a phrase that was light yet weighed more than a thousand pounds: "fate".
This answer is more thought-provoking than any clear answer, and it also confirms the unusualness of her identity and background.
A gleam of light flashed in Sanada Gen'emon's eyes. Before he could ask more questions, a calm figure approached.
It's Genichirō Sanada.
He nodded slightly to my grandfather, then turned to me with a solemn expression. His eyes were filled with pure respect for the strong, without any trace of gloom caused by defeat.
"Mr. Kiriyama," he began solemnly, his voice deep and powerful, "I have benefited a lot from today's battle. I hope that in the future, I will have the opportunity to learn from you and exchange ideas." This was the most sincere recognition from Emperor Rikkai.
Gen'emon Sanada looked at his grandson, then at the mysterious and powerful girl in front of him. A gleam of light flashed in his eyes, and that hint of inquiry was quickly replaced by an elder's undisguised appreciation and love.
He spoke smoothly, his tone filled with enthusiasm that brooked no refusal: "The little girl is right, fate is hard to come by! Since we are destined to be together, why don't you choose a day to visit my Sanada Dojo in Kanagawa? I, an old man, have a few jars of fine wine in my collection, and it's a perfect opportunity for me to exchange my experience in whip techniques with you! It's also a good opportunity for Genichirō to learn more from you!" The intention to bring people together was barely concealed in his words.
However, before he could finish his words, a figure with a strong presence quietly intervened and accurately placed itself between me and the Sanada grandchildren.
Atobe Keigo had a perfect social smile on his face, but that smile did not reach his eyes.
His posture was elegant, yet with an invisible, assertive strength. He casually placed his arm on my shoulder, his fingertips exerting a slight pressure. He glanced at Gen'emon Sanada and finally landed on Gen'ichirō Sanada's face. His smile was appropriate, but his tone carried an undeniable sense of finality:
"Thank you for your kindness, Sanada-senpai. However,"
He tilted his head slightly and looked at me. His voice instantly softened a few degrees, with a kind of intimacy that outsiders could hardly achieve. "Xiaoyin, it's almost time to take Xiaokong to get this year's vaccinations. The veterinary appointment is almost up, and it won't be good to be late."
He even raised his hand and naturally brushed away a strand of wet hair that had fallen on my cheek due to the fierce battle.
After saying this, he nodded slightly to the obviously stunned Sanada grandparents, his gesture perfect: "Excuse me, we'll take our leave first."
Then, with a slight force on his arm, half-embracing, half-protecting me, he turned and walked away. His movements were smooth and natural, as if he were simply handling a mundane, everyday matter.
Leaving Sanada Gen'emon with his mouth open, the question "When can I get the vaccine?" stuck in his throat.
Genichirō Sanada looked at the hand that was placed on Kiriyama Haku's shoulder very naturally, and her gesture of not resisting, his eyes calm and thoughtful.
Yuushi Oshitari stood not far away, pushed his glasses, and his eyes through the lenses swept over Atobe's back as he left as if declaring his sovereignty, and then swept over the stunned expressions of the Sanada grandparents. The corners of his mouth curled up in a meaningful arc, almost trying to hold back a smile.
The emperor of the Ice Emperor, this jealousy... is so gorgeous and unconcealed.
The unique smell of disinfectant in a pet clinic is mixed with the faint fishy smell of animal fur.
Xiaokong lay sprawled on the cold metal examination table, his usually majestic golden retriever's tail tucked tightly between his hind legs. A whimper of grievance and fear emanated from his throat. His wet black eyes looked pitifully at the veterinarian in a white coat, syringe in hand, approaching. His plump body shifted restlessly.
"Hold it tight and don't let it move." The veterinarian ordered calmly.
I immediately took a step back, crossed my arms over my chest, and locked my gaze precisely on the figure next to me who was trying to steal his phone. My voice carried an undeniable warning: "Atobe Keigo, put your phone away."
Atobe's fingers, which were reaching for his trouser pockets, froze in mid-air. Meeting my knowing gaze, he curled his lips helplessly, "I just wanted to record this..."
"Record what? Record your heroic performance after being kicked by Xiaokong?" I raised an eyebrow and pointed out mercilessly, "I still remember that last Instagram post. The Hyotei forum server was almost shut down by the private messages from your fans. I still remember it clearly."
My scalp tingles when I think of the overwhelming inquiries, screams, and even malicious speculations.
Atobe choked, remembering the uproar that incident had caused, and felt a rare sense of guilt. He withdrew his hand in frustration, then resignedly stepped forward to take my place, extending his arms to pin down the "New Year Pig," which had begun to struggle vigorously out of fear.
"Xiaokong, be good..." Atobe tried to use his usual soothing tone with a hint of command.
However, facing the cold needle tip, Xiaokong's fear overcame all his awe of "Dad".
Its four paws frantically dug into the smooth examination table, its fat body erupted with astonishing twisting power, and the whimper in its throat turned into a terrified howl.
Atobe's hands, capable of precise tennis ball control and smooth piano strokes, were now powerless to restrain a frightened golden retriever. His expensive shirt was covered in dog hair and paw prints, and his hair was slightly disheveled from the force. He had to exert all his strength, his arm muscles tensed, and a rare look of embarrassment and helplessness appeared on his face.
"Tsk! You...how come you are so strong!"
Watching him frantically, utterly bewildered yet forcing himself to maintain his imperial demeanor, I stood by and finally couldn't help but burst out laughing. The tension of the past few days seemed to be completely dissipated by Xiaokong's exaggerated struggle and Jibe's rare embarrassment.
Finally, with the combined efforts of the veterinarian and Atobe, the vaccination was successfully completed. Still terrified, Xiaokong jumped off the examination table and immediately hid behind my legs, revealing only his aggrieved head as he warily looked at his "accomplice," Atobe.
Walking out of the clinic, the evening breeze brought a hint of coolness.
The setting sun dyed the sky a gentle orange-pink, and the clouds resembled burning cotton wool. Xiaokong seemed to have forgotten the pain he had just experienced, and his energy had returned. He walked ahead with a brisk pace, the leash gently stretched in my and my hands.
We held Xiaokong's hand and walked slowly towards home along the quiet street.
After a moment's silence, I spoke, my voice remarkably clear in the dusk's stillness: "Losing to Seigaku in the Kanto Tournament... means... I'm done?"
Atobe glanced sideways at me, the golden glow of the setting sun falling on the tips of his hair, casting a warm halo. His tone was calm, with a sense of self-righteous pride:
"Hyotei is the host of this year's national competition and has a direct berth in the national competition. This small setback won't stop me and Hyotei from moving forward."
He paused, his eyes rekindled with the familiar, sharp, and ambitious fire, "The stage of the national competition is the real battlefield."
I finally let go of my worries.
He is in his third year of junior high school, and this is his last chance to win the national championship in his junior high school career.
Looking at the undisguised desire and confidence in his eyes, I said softly, "That's good."
I hope he can get what he wants.
This blessing is hidden silently in my heart.
The setting sun cast long shadows on the ground. Xiaokong's figure was swaying in front of us, and I walked side by side with Atobe.
As we walked, his hand, which was originally holding Xiaokong's leash, slipped down silently, and then, very naturally and with a little tentativeness, he gently held my hand hanging by my side.
The fingertips are slightly cool, but the palms are warm and dry after exercise.
My fingers curled slightly, but I didn't pull away, allowing the cool yet firm touch to wrap around my hand.
The evening breeze caressed my cheeks, carrying the fragrance of grass and trees. The shadows of the two people and the dog stretched out in the setting sun, overlapping and casting an unusually peaceful and warm picture on the ground.
Atobe seemed to be in a particularly good mood, with a faint smile on the corner of his mouth.
He tilted his head, looking at me teasingly, his voice lazily smug, "Ms. Kiriyama is quite charming. Hiyoshi-senpai wants to take you as his daughter-in-law, and Mr. Sanada can't wait to take you to Kanagawa to be his grandson's daughter-in-law."
I rolled my eyes at him and retorted, "Same here. President Atobe is the man of the hour in Hyotei, and his admirers..." I paused deliberately and enunciated the idiom clearly in Chinese, "like a stream of carp swimming across the river, countless."
As expected, Atobe frowned, with a hint of confusion in his eyes: "A large number of people crossing the river?" He obviously didn't understand the metaphor.
Seeing him showing such a rare puzzled expression, I couldn't help but curl the corners of my mouth and deliberately didn't explain: "Guess for yourself."
He probably guessed it wasn't a good thing, and with a bit of childish resentment, he pinched my palm hard in revenge: "You're saying bad things about me again."
"It hurts!" I gasped and glared at him, but in return I got a low, pleased chuckle from him.
The setting sun stretched our shadows longer and longer, and our laughter and whispered conversations blended into the gentle evening breeze.
No one noticed that diagonally across the street, behind the curtains on the second floor of an inconspicuous residential building, a camera with a telephoto lens was silently and faithfully recording the moment of the boy and girl holding hands intimately, as well as the golden retriever jumping happily at their feet.
The cold reflection of the lens flashed by in the darkening sky.
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