Chapter 406: I Want 30,000 Crow-Head Scales (Part Two) [Two-in-One]
Despite the obvious facts, Chu Yao still tried to resist asking softly, "Has the lord been drinking?"
"Drink it!"
Chu Yao: "..."
Heaven knows that my lord has been abstaining from alcohol for many years.
Ever since learning that she herself was also the eccentric type when drunk and acting crazy, the lord had stopped drinking altogether and dared not boast about being able to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. When Chu Yao occasionally had free time to cook for the lord, he wouldn't dare add too much vinegar, for fear of making her drunk. But now, the lord reeked of alcohol; if it were an accidental ingestion, Chu Yao would never believe it. Who gave the lord alcohol???
Chu Yao suppressed the urge to drag the person out and beat them up, and said helplessly, "My lord, what brings you to drink?"
Shen Tang frowned: "You've been kidnapped by thugs!"
Chu Yao: "...Who gave you the wine?"
Without hesitation, Shen Tang replied, "Oh, Yuan Liang gave it to me."
Chu Yao: "..."
He even feels like strangling Qi Shan now.
But the immediate priority is to appease the drunkard. No one knows how much she's improved or how much more destructive she's become since the last time the lord has seen her in this state—this trip is for negotiation, not fighting, and the negotiating table can't be overturned yet.
Chu Yao tried desperately to press down the table that Shen Tang had overturned.
Take a deep breath and try to appear calm.
He coaxed, "My lord, please put down your sword!"
"Let me go? I won't!"
Chu Yao said, "But this is a misunderstanding!"
Although Shen Tangren was drunk, her mind was clear, and her thoughts were very clear and organized. She asked in return, "Misunderstanding? His detention of you is a misunderstanding? It's not true that he has an old grudge against you?"
Chu Yao was speechless when asked, "It's all true..."
"Hmph! If it's true, what misunderstanding is there? Wu Hui, go to the back!" Shen Tang added a commanding tone to the last sentence. Seeing that Shen Tang couldn't persuade him, Chu Yao had no choice but to wink at his childhood friend across the table.
Commander: "..."
I don't quite understand that look.
He watched the two tugging at each other, his feelings complicated—it felt strangely absurd that Chu Yao, as a subordinate, was using "coaxing" to appease his still childish lord. He had assumed that the wise ruler Chu Yao had chosen must be a young and outstanding talent with the bearing of a dragon and the spirit of a phoenix, possessing immense potential, but upon seeing the man in person, he found him to be far from the imposing figure he had imagined.
He was a mischievous and impulsive boy.
The general snorted and replied, "So what if it is?"
His voice wasn't loud, but it easily reached Shen Tang's ears thanks to his martial energy, making it clear to everyone.
Shen Tang heard the commander admit it himself.
A faint red tinge appeared beneath the eyelids of her almond-shaped eyes. She narrowed her eyes slightly and uttered a somewhat childish and harsh remark: "No matter what, today I'll beat you so badly your head is rolling on the ground! I'll let you know that my people aren't people that just anyone can mess with!"
Whether they knew Shen Tang or not, they all fell silent.
The subordinates who had followed the commander to watch the commotion all laughed. It wasn't that Shen Tang's threats weren't fierce enough, but rather that his arrogant and ignorant demeanor made them unable to take him seriously. It was like a neighbor's immature, unruly child, jumping around and shouting that he would "beat you to death."
As mature and experienced adults, not laughing at them is the greatest respect they can show.
The commander looked at his childhood friend with a questioning look, asking, "What do you mean?" Chu Yao was rubbing his wrist, which had been marked red by Shen Tang's grip.
No response!
The captain can only play freely.
He sneered, "So few people think they can get through?"
He pointed his thumb toward the formidable pass behind him.
He shouted, "Arrogant!"
Negotiations are definitely necessary, but a clash beforehand wouldn't hurt, as it would be a good way to temper the other side's youthful arrogance.
Despite Chu Yao's endorsement, the commander did not trust Shen Tang, especially after meeting him in person.
Entrusting Yonggu Pass to this kind of person?
He was willing to believe it, but were the soldiers behind him willing?
Shen Tang retorted calmly: "Short-sighted!"
With both sides exchanging such harsh words, a friendly sparring match is necessary for either side to save face.
The commander originally intended to choose a trusted confidant to be executed, both to severely damage Shen Tang's arrogance and to save some face for Shen Tang. However, before he could secretly give a signal, his childhood friend spoke up, and in a loud voice, said, "The commander of Yonggu Pass is quite strong. Please be careful, my lord!"
This statement directly identifies Shen Tang's opponent as the main general.
Commander: "..."
He understood his childhood friend's actions more and more.
But since he'd been called out, he simply stretched his limbs, and his warhorse, understanding his will, carried him leisurely out of the ranks. He said, "No matter what, Lord Shen is still the Prefect of Longwu. There's no need for us to fight to the death and let the treacherous Shiwu suffer for nothing. How about we set a time limit and settle the score?"
This is already a very civilized way of fighting.
I gave him a way out because he's my childhood friend.
Shen Tang replied, "One incense stick!"
The outcome was decided within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn!
Commander: "..."
My childhood friend's lord seems a bit too arrogant.
He chuckled and gestured for a soldier to fetch him a stick of incense.
With a flick of his fingers, he sent the seemingly delicate incense stick shooting out like a sharp blade. With a soft hum, it disappeared into the wooden post.
The incense sticks swayed gently, wisps of white smoke rising gently.
He said, "Please, Mr. Shen!"
With a stern expression, Shen Tang stepped forward, sword in hand.
Seeing this, the commander-in-chief also leaped off his horse, inwardly finding the situation utterly ridiculous—he clearly understood that this Prefect Shen was a scholar with a refined and scholarly heart. While some scholars, like Chu Yao, were ruthless and bloodthirsty, no matter how ruthless, they could not possibly confront a martial artist head-on. Yet this Lord Shen, in a moment of impulsiveness, wanted to fight him…
Is Wu Hui's choice of this person really without any problems?
Jiang Sheng thought so too.
Is it alright for our lord to do this?
He tried to stop them but found his colleagues all calm and collected, and he inexplicably felt that he had missed something again.
"What are you still hiding from me?"
Jiang Sheng stared at Shen Tang, ready to make a move at any moment.
Gu Chi thought about it and realized there seemed to be no secrets left.
No, I don't think so.
Aside from the fact that our lord is quite capable in battle.
But since the fight was about to begin, Jiang Sheng would soon find out, so there was no need for him to waste words explaining. Thus, he remained silent. Chu Yao, on the other hand, had no interest in answering; his attention was entirely focused on his lord and his former childhood friend.
His former childhood friend is very talented.
After more than ten years apart, and with his friend residing in a place like Yonggu Pass, where he had no shortage of battles, he couldn't be sure of his cultivation level. But one thing was certain: his former childhood friend's cultivation level was unlikely to surpass that of Gong Xichou.
Effort determines the lower limit, while talent limits the upper limit.
However, nothing is absolute.
Those who break through their limits between life and death are not uncommon.
Shen Tang has grown taller in the past two years, but compared to the burly, powerful martial artists who are often two meters or more tall, he still appears short. In terms of appearance and imposing presence, he loses a point and looks more like a delicate decoration.
The commander did not want to prolong the game of house with her.
He grasped it lightly in his hand, and the dazzling golden light transformed into a large sword.
He uttered a low shout of "Kill!" and his blade flashed, cutting a path straight towards Shen Tang. The blade itself was much taller than her! The group from Yonggu Pass watched the spectacle leisurely, while Jiang Sheng's heart pounded in his chest—
result--
A loud "bang" was heard.
The golden light was cleaved by the snow-white sword beam.
Where is Shen Tang now?
The commander reacted swiftly, and Shen Tang was alert the moment he moved, but the immense force of the clashing swords still startled him. This strength—it didn't seem like something such a frail body could unleash! The shockwaves from the collision of the two swords carved several cracks in the ground, a shocking sight!
If sheer strength only alarmed the commander, Shen Tang's speed made him feel real pressure, as if his neck was constantly exposed to the opponent's sword.
In the span of two or three breaths, they had exchanged nearly a hundred blows!
Commander: "..."
You call this the "literary mind and scholar"?
The two separated, and the commander stamped his foot.
The surge of martial energy merged seamlessly with the original half of the armor, its entire body gleaming with golden light, instantly giving off a "damn expensive" vibe. Every detail of the armor's scales exuded nobility, yet a closer sniff revealed a faint, chilling, viscous scent of blood. The wearer sported dragon-patterned wrist guards, shoulder protectors, and a waist guard adorned with a ferocious dragon.
The skirt armor is rather short, ending at the knees.
She was wearing a pair of soap boots.
An unsuspecting person might think this guy had a flashy suit of armor made of pure gold...
The general's subordinates were surprised that Shen Tang could hold out for so long under the general's command, but they had not expected him to use his armor.
It should be noted that when a martial artist with valor dons their martial armor, it's essentially equivalent to "getting serious." Their general is a fourteenth-rank right-guard!
this--
Isn't this making a mountain out of a molehill?
Registrar Yu frowned as he looked at him.
Based on his understanding of his commander, he naturally knew that the other party was not one to hold back, especially in a serious setting like a martial arts battlefield. The fact that the other party had donned martial armor meant that the seemingly frail Shen Jun was no pushover!
Thinking of this, Registrar Yu turned his gaze to Chu Yao.
Chu Yao's attention was entirely on Shen Tang.
Ding ding ding—
The clash of weapons produced dazzling sparks.
"Three cups of wine and a promise is made; even the Five Sacred Mountains seem light as a feather!"
Seeing that Shen Tang's lips moved silently a few times, the general guessed that the other party had used a spell, and his vigilance rose to its peak.
However, he still underestimated Shen Tang.
This seemingly harmless youth unleashed a frenzied attack, unleashing dozens of sword strikes in the blink of an eye, each blow heavier than the last. The commander felt an overwhelming force surging towards him like a giant wave, his brow furrowing deeply. His defensive stance was forced back by the relentless onslaught, leaving long, deep footprints that eventually reached his ankles!
As the clash between martial and literary energy caused widespread destruction to the surrounding land, the crowd fell silent. Some even held their breath, as if afraid that their loud breathing would disturb the two on the field...
The captain doesn't just play defense all the time.
Although he held back, this was just a martial arts duel, not a life-or-death battle. There were many unwritten rules about "forbidden moves," but if he made too much trouble and was constantly suppressed, it wouldn't look good for him as the commander.
There are so many young men and brothers watching behind me.
The general drew his sword and forced Shen Tang to retreat.
Taking advantage of the brief opening, he transformed his longsword into an arrow, aiming for Shen Tang's face, heart, kidneys, and three inches below his navel. His movements were cunning, and he anticipated that Shen Tang would dodge the arrow, so he fired another arrow to block any possible path.
Simply put—
No matter how fast you are, you'll always get hit by an arrow.
Chu Yao: "..."
My former childhood friend is still as uncivilized as ever.
However, considering how this guy would ruthlessly kick someone in the groin to skip school and evade the servants when he was a child, he's unlikely to be much more "upright" as an adult. What a waste of that intimidating martial armor! Wearing the most masculine and honorable martial armor, yet resorting to the most despicable and thuggish tricks! The other onlookers held their breath for Shen Tang, wondering how she would dodge and counter...
Unexpectedly, they didn't even bother to hide.
With a flick of the sword, the wall of literary energy instantly rose.
He parried the arrows aimed at his vital points, but ignored the arrows that blocked his retreat, letting them whiz past him, the wind blades they created lifting the strands of hair at his temples.
Until they landed and exploded with a deafening shockwave.
Are you alright?
Shen Tang asked him.
The commander remained silent.
He is now questioning his past experiences.
But Shen Tang wouldn't give him time to think about these things. The two clashed at different locations, fighting fiercely until sand and stones flew and the sun and moon were obscured. If it weren't for the fact that the martial artists and scholars present were all sharp-eyed and sharp-eared, they probably wouldn't have been able to see what was happening. Although Shen Tang's face was cold, his eyes gradually turned a little red, and the slight redness under his eyelids seemed to be deepening.
"Then it's my turn!"
The sword flashed and feinted, forcing the commander to retreat.
Taking advantage of the moment, Shen Tang lightly leaped into the air, her body barely touching the ground. At the highest point, just as the force she had used was about to dissipate, the simple, narrow sword in her hand transformed into a longbow nearly as tall as a person. The longbow had a slightly peculiar design, its body seemingly coiled around an exquisite silver dragon. Every scale was as delicate as a work of art, the dragon's head roaring and its tail coiled around it.
The moment Shen Tang's fingers parted the bowstring, countless dragon scales lit up, transforming into fine, silvery droplets. With Shen Tang's decisive draw of the bow, each droplet lengthened into a slender, short arrow. When she released her fingers—
The arrowhead pierced the air.
With a buzzing sound and trailing a long silver tail, each arrowhead seemed to have a faint dragon shadow swirling around it, crashing with an incomparably powerful aura towards the arrows that were also being fired from bows.
A rough estimate by the naked eye suggests that there are at least a thousand of these thin silver arrows!
The sheer density of their shapes is enough to make one's scalp tingle.
The general's arrows were shattered into dust without a doubt, and at the same time, the remaining arrows rained down on him with even greater ferocity. Seeing this, the general had no choice but to blast himself backward several dozen feet to barely escape the barrage of arrows.
Commander: "..."
Something seems off!
It's not that the attack was particularly powerful...
Someone weaker might have been hit, riddled with dozens of holes, but it wouldn't have bothered him much. So—where did that subtle, eerie feeling come from? Just as this thought crossed his mind, another barrage of arrows rained down.
The commander, gazing upon the battlefield ravaged by countless slashes of martial energy, suddenly grasped something—
etc!
Martial Qi!
The commander's pupils constricted slightly.
Their gazes were fixed on the bow in Shen Tang's hand.
Regardless of its appearance, the aura it exudes is undeniably that of a martial artist, not a scholar... But isn't this Mr. Shen a scholar? And what about that scholar's monogram and the exchange just now...?
There's no room for faking it!
The commander's heart was already filled with turbulent emotions.
The young man before me—
Could it be that he is skilled in both literary and martial arts?
What are you staring at!
The boy's murderous voice brought him back to his senses.
Commander: "..."
I can't exactly say, "I think you're an idiot," can I?
(End of this chapter)
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