Chapter 759 Victory! Victory! Victory! (Two Updates)
Gu Jiao's performance, following Qingfeng Daozhang's, left everyone completely bewildered.
What exactly is going on?
How did Han Shaoyu end up flying out?
"Did you see it clearly?" Cavalryman A asked Soldier B.
"I didn't, did you see clearly?" Cavalryman B asked Cavalryman C.
Cavalryman C: "Me neither!"
On a high platform at the back of the crowd, Han Lei and Han Wuye silently watched "Xiao Liulang" ride his horse toward the edge of the battlefield.
Master Han said, "Brother, no wonder Ye'er has been repeatedly defeated by this kid. He does have some skills."
Han Lei's expression was solemn: "What just happened to Han Shaoyu? I clearly didn't sense any fluctuation of internal energy from that kid, so how did Han Shaoyu get knocked away? What school of kung fu did that move of his?"
Han Wuye's silver hair gleamed in the blazing sun, and his expression was as cold as his hair color.
His gaze fell on the young man pacing on horseback. Among the many noble scions on the battlefield, he was plain-looking, yet he was the kind of person who could be spotted in a crowd at a glance.
"It's not martial arts, it's just child's play," he said.
Han Lei frowned, puzzled: "A mere trick?"
Fifth Master Han asked, "Brother, do you still remember the catapult?"
Han Lei, hands behind his back, nodded: "I remember, it's one of the siege chariots, very powerful, used to attack city gates and walls, and also to attack the defending soldiers. Could it be that he was just—"
Master Han nodded: "That's right, he used Han Shaoyu as a prying stone to pry him out. Everyone understands the logic, but in close combat, very few people can create such an environment and opportunity to make a move. From the moment he stepped onto the field, he started calculating the attack distance, the height of his jump, the angle of his back bend, and even... the speed at which Han Shaoyu drew his gun. He had a clear picture in his mind."
Han Lei said, "I still don't quite understand."
Master Han said, "Brother, you don't need to understand. You just need to know that this kid is a genius."
Han Lei turned to look at Fifth Master Han, and smiled ambiguously: "You can even compliment people?"
Master Han continued, "But even geniuses need a bit of luck. If it weren't for the armor he was wearing, he would have died under Han Shaoyu's gun long ago."
Han Lei's gaze fell back on the young man. Dressed in red robes and black armor, riding a spirited horse, the young man's aura of soaring to the heavens truly outshone even the scions of noble families.
Han Lei frowned: "I noticed that too. What kind of armor is that? How can it be so hard?"
Fifth Master Han asked, "Brother, do you still remember Xuan Yuanli's armor? I'm talking about his most powerful one."
Han Lei frowned slightly as a memory was touched upon, and then said, "I remember, back then he relied on that armor to infiltrate the enemy camp of Jin alone and rescue the captured king. But after he was defeated and died, we couldn't find that armor. He was wearing ordinary armor. You don't think that Xiao Liulang's armor is the same one that Xuan Yuanli used to wear, do you? It doesn't look like it."
Master Han said, "Perhaps it's made of the same material, or perhaps it's a new one made by melting down Xuan Yuanli's armor."
Han Lei sighed, "Fifteen years ago, if Xuan Yuanli hadn't changed out of that armor, he might not have died so quickly."
Master Han said calmly, "His life or death alone cannot change the overall situation. The downfall of the Xuanyuan family was destined."
Han Lei did not refute this point: "That's true. With the Ziwei Star appearing, the Emperor will emerge from Xuanyuan. How could the ruler still keep the Xuanyuan family? It's a pity that the armor didn't fall into the hands of our Han family. But I digress. Let's talk about this selection. Xiao Liulang is a tough opponent. You didn't face him in the first round, but you might not be able to in the next round."
Gu Jiao had already ridden her horse to the viewing area. The Black Wind King's aura kept strangers at bay, creating a comfortable open space for him.
Han Wuye looked at Gu Jiao and said, "He is no match for me."
Han Lei turned around, smiled, and patted Fifth Master Han on the shoulder: "Don't underestimate your opponent, Fifth Brother."
Han Wuye looked at Gu Jiao and said solemnly, "Brother, don't worry, I won't underestimate my opponent. If I encounter Xiao Liulang, even if I know he is no match for me, I will still go all out."
Gu Jiao's next opponent is Mu Qingchen.
His opponent was Wang Xu's younger brother, Wang Yi, whom he had to address as "uncle" according to seniority.
Wang Yi laughed and said, "Don't be afraid to attack me just because I'm your elder!"
Mu Qingchen cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, holding his longsword: "This junior will do his best. Please give me your guidance, Uncle Wang."
Wang Yi's smile vanished, he drew his curved sword from his waist, and said imposingly, "Then let me test whether your martial arts have improved over the years!"
With the sound of a gong, the two men spurred their horses and charged at each other.
Mu Qingchen's weapon is a longsword, while Wang Yi's is a scimitar. It is said that swords beat daggers and daggers beat spears, but this is not actually the case.
Every weapon in combat has its own advantages and disadvantages; it all depends on how it is used.
Wang Yi uses a domineering sword technique, whose powerful force can instantly suppress the opponent, while Mu Qingchen's sword technique emphasizes speed and agility.
Mu Qingchen's sword strike was easily blocked by Wang Yi's curved blade.
But if Wang Yi were to strike down with his sword, Mu Qingchen might not be able to withstand it if she tried to block it head-on.
To avoid taking Wang Yi's attacks, Mu Qingchen launched an attack on Wang Yi as soon as he entered the arena. He did not use any of the powerful moves such as chopping, slashing, or hacking. Instead, he used fast moves such as thrusting, wiping, and picking from tricky angles that were hard to defend against.
Wang Yi felt dizzy and had nowhere to use his strength.
Finally, Mu Qingchen stepped on the stirrups and leaped into the air, flipping in mid-air and slicing through the leather of Wang Yi's saddle.
Mu Qingchen unleashed another sword strike behind the horse, startling it and causing it to rear up and gallop forward.
Wang Yi's body swayed, and he unexpectedly slid off the horse's back along with the saddle.
The very next second after he landed awkwardly on the ground, Mu Qingchen landed back on her horse and reached out to grab his arm: "Uncle Wang Si!"
Wang Yi steadied himself, glanced at Mu Qingchen with a mixture of amusement and exasperation, patted his horse, and said breathlessly, "I lost! I admit defeat wholeheartedly!"
Mu Qingchen dismounted, sheathed his sword, and bowed respectfully, saying, "Uncle Wang is too kind."
Wang Yi waved his hand: "Alright, alright, I didn't want to come in the first place, but now that you've beaten me, you can't lose to anyone else! You have to prove to me that my loss to you wasn't unjust!"
Mu Qingchen's expression was complicated as she narrowed her eyes: "Yes!"
There were three more groups in order, but one of the cavalrymen from the Gengqi group encountered a problem and was unable to arrive at the scene in time.
Generally, this situation could be handled by simply forfeiting, but Master Han was magnanimous and said he was willing to wait for his opponent.
This wait has lasted until now.
"They're here! They're here!"
Who's here?
"Han Wuye's rival!"
"Ah, it's him!"
Gu Jiao, perched on the Black Wind King's back, strained her ears to listen to their loud conversation: "Who is it? Why such a big reaction?"
"It's Nangong Jing! The eldest daughter of the Nangong family!"
Upon hearing this, Gu Jiao grunted and looked at the other person with great interest. Sure enough, she saw a woman in armor riding a horse towards the battlefield.
Nangong Jing, the eldest daughter of the third branch of the Nangong family, is seventeen years old this year and has mastered excellent martial arts skills.
Wait, I don't remember her being one of the cavalrymen who participated in the selection yesterday.
Nangong Jing rode his horse to the foot of the high platform where Han Wuye and Han Lei were, looked up at the two of them, and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "My father has something urgent to attend to and cannot come. May I take his place in the battle?"
According to the rules, it's not allowed.
What if everyone hires outside help?
Fifth Master Han glanced down at her and said indifferently, "Fine."
Nangong Jing said, "Please!"
Master Han walked down the platform unhurriedly.
Gu Jiao touched her chin. She had always had a question in her mind: how come Han Laowu's hair was already white at such a young age?
When Master Han entered the arena, he wasn't riding his own Black Demon Horse, but rather an ordinary Black Wind Rider.
Nangong Jing frowned and questioned, "Fifth Master Han, why aren't you using your own horse? Are you looking down on me?"
Han Wuye said indifferently, "Miss Nangong is overthinking it. I thought that after waiting for so long, no one from the Nangong family would come today, so I had someone take my horse back to the mansion. If I were to go and get it again, I'm afraid Miss Nangong would have to wait a long time."
The content of the words was polite, but the expression and tone of voice were a different story.
Enraged, Nangong Jing said coldly, "Why aren't you beating the gong yet?"
The examiner coughed lightly and struck the gong.
Nangong Jing's weapon is a pair of swords, while Master Han is unarmed.
When Nangong Jingchao and Han Wuye rode up, Han Wuye stood still and didn't move at all.
Nangong Jing's martial arts skills were not on the same level as Han Wuye's. She could not hurt Han Wuye. Before her knife could even touch a hair on Han Wuye's head, Han Wuye used his internal force to knock her off her horse.
Her horse seemed to be greatly frightened, rearing up on its hind legs, about to trample her.
Han Wuye casually grabbed Nangong Jing from the ground where he was about to fall.
Nangong Jinghua turned pale, hugged his arm tightly, and threw herself into his arms.
Everyone's expression changed.
No way?
In front of everyone, the young lady of the Nangong family and Fifth Master Han... uh... this...
Where no one could see, Nangong Jing's eyes turned cold, and he slumped down, holding Han Wuye in his arms.
She's planning to take everyone down with her, dragging Fifth Master Han out of the game too!
In order to get rid of Master Han, she even sacrificed her reputation as a young woman.
Gu Jiao raised an eyebrow: "Ah, yes, a young man from the Nangong family has advanced."
This behavior was despised by everyone.
"That vicious woman! She used underhanded tricks!"
"Oh no! They've fallen!"
"oops--"
The two of them fell off their horses.
Nangong Jing clung tightly to Fifth Master Han, a cold smile playing on his lips: "Let's go to hell together, Lord Han."
Han Wuye remained calm, his thin lips parting slightly: "You're celebrating too soon."
Nangong Jing paused for a moment.
Fifth Master Han pried one of her hands open and slapped her across the face!
With the reaction force, Master Han successfully returned to the saddle.
Nangong Jing fell heavily to the ground and coughed up blood.
She wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and glared fiercely at Fifth Master Han: "You knew I was going to scheme against you?"
Fifth Master Han coldly replied, "Yes."
Nangong Jing frowned: "Then why are you still—"
Fifth Master Han sneered: "If you want to scheme against me, you always have to pay a price, don't you?"
After today, Nangong Jing's reputation will be completely ruined.
If she could eliminate the biggest rival for the Nangong family, her sacrifice would be worthwhile.
But now, she sacrificed herself in vain!
Gu Jiao gained a new understanding of Han Wuye; he really was a ruthless man who showed no mercy to a beauty like Nangong Jing.
The next three matches weren't particularly amazing.
Next came another round of two-on-one competition, but Gu Jiao and Han Wuye still managed to avoid each other perfectly.
Today's intensity is extremely high. In addition to two armed confrontations, there will be a sand table simulation exercise in the afternoon. We can only leave the military camp after all of them are completed.
After the fighting ended, it was noon. Everyone's first thought was to eat, and the horses were left to be fed by their attendants.
When Gu Jiao led Black Wind King over, there was hardly anyone in the stable.
Gu Changqing also led his Black Wind Rider over, pretending to feed the horse, and said to Gu Jiao in a nonchalant tone, "This afternoon is the sand table simulation. We'll draw lots after we enter."
Gu Jiao first checked the feed in the stable to make sure there was nothing wrong before feeding it to Black Wind King: "Eleven people, what about the one who's left out?"
Gu Changqing said, "There is one spot for direct advancement; it all depends on who gets it."
"Can it be decided beforehand?" Gu Jiao asked.
If it can be decided internally, it will definitely be a member of the Han family.
Gu Changqing shook his head: "No, it was a lottery and a sand table simulation on the spot. Everyone was present, so there was no chance to tamper with it."
Gu Jiao: "Oh."
Gu Changqing said, "After the sand table simulation is finished, there is only one last selection - the 300-mile cycling race. This afternoon's race is very important."
This is the only selection that won't involve using mounts, or even fighting; it's a contest of military strategy and tactics.
A person's martial arts skills are not necessarily good at leading troops into battle.
Gu Jiao had fought in battles, but the commander was Tang Yueshan, so her advantage in this area was not obvious.
According to Gu Changqing, none of the contestants who advanced were not skilled in military strategy; even Master Qingfeng had been well-versed in military texts before becoming a monk.
"How about we give it a try?" Gu Changqing said.
"Alright," Gu Jiao agreed.
Gu Changqing broke off two tree branches, one for himself and one for Gu Jiao, and drew a sketch on the ground.
"This is an impregnable city, easy to defend and difficult to attack, with 20,000 troops, but the city's food supplies are only enough to last for three days. The enemy has 80,000 troops. The enemy's strategist suggested that the enemy commander lead his men to launch a night raid on the city's granaries and burn their food supplies. This battle will be won without a fight. Will you be the attacker or the defender?"
Isn't this just like the Battle of Guandu?
Yuan Shao led 80,000 troops to attack Cao Cao, who only had 20,000 soldiers. Xu You suggested burning Cao Cao's grain supplies.
To everyone's surprise, Yuan Shao not only ignored the order but also imprisoned Xu You.
Afterwards, Xu You defected to Cao Cao and helped Cao Cao defeat Yuan Shao's 80,000-strong army with 20,000 troops.
“I’ll play defense!” Gu Jiao said.
She knew this passage well!
Gu Changqing nodded: "Alright, my strategist advised me to burn your grain supplies, and I adopted his suggestion and personally led five hundred elite soldiers to burn your granary."
Gu Jiao: "?!"
Gu Jiao said without changing her expression, "That doesn't count. Let's start over. I'll be the attacker. I'll take the suggestion to burn the supplies!"
Gu Changqing said, "I have already dug a trap, so that your five hundred elite soldiers will have nowhere to leave. I will also disguise myself as your soldiers and take advantage of the night to go to your camp and burn your supply lines."
Gu Jiao: "..."
...
In a certain camp.
Han Lei and Fifth Master Han sat on the ground.
A sumptuous feast was laid out on the table in front of the two men. Although Master Han did not eat meat, the feast was actually all vegetarian dishes.
Han Lei said, "Military strategy is your forte, so the sand table exercise this afternoon shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Master Han slowly picked up two grains of white rice: "Which step has a problem?"
Han Lei laughed heartily: "That's right! My fifth brother is exceptionally intelligent, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and proficient in everything. What challenge could possibly stump him? His Majesty's attempt to force our Han family to hand over the Black Wind Cavalry through such a method is a gross underestimation of the Han family!"
Master Han ate quietly without saying a word.
Han Lei sighed, "Fifth brother, if you hadn't been poisoned back then, the position of head of this family should have been yours."
Fifth Master Han picked up a piece of green vegetable and said, "Eldest brother is the eldest son."
Han Lei looked at him and said, "Father intended for you to be the head of the family back then."
Fifth Master Han said calmly, "I have no interest in the position of family head."
Han Lei smiled and said, "That's true, you have your own things you like."
As he spoke, he frowned slightly, as if thinking of something. "That Xiao Liulang is cunning and treacherous. We must not let him enter the final round."
Fifth Master Han looked at Han Lei with icy eyes: "Big Brother, are you worried that my Black Demon Horse can't outrun Old Black Wind King?"
Han Lei gave an awkward smile: "That's not what I meant, brother. Let's eat! Let's eat!"
Han Wuye ate half a bite of vegetables: "If I face Xiao Liulang this afternoon, I'll eliminate him."
An hour passed.
stable.
Gu Jiao listened to Gu Changqing while eating dried meat and snacks.
Gu Changqing was forced into this situation and gave Gu Jiao a lot of military strategy advice on the spot.
His voice was hoarse from speaking: "...Did you remember everything just now?"
Gu Jiao's cheeks puffed out, and she kept talking: "...Mmm."
Gu Changqing wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve: "If you really remember this, as long as you don't go up against Master Qingfeng and Master Han, you should be able to handle it."
Gu Jiao let out a burp: "Mmm."
Gu Changqing said, "Alright, the time has come, let's go."
Gu Jiao stood up.
Gu Changqing seized every opportunity to test her learning progress: "What should we do if there's another foggy day?"
Gu Jiao: "The Empty City Stratagem?"
Gu Changqing's lips twitched: "..."
The sand table simulation was held in a large tent, where the drawing of lots also took place.
Numbers one through five are all in pairs, except for number six, which is a single number.
"Number six, number six, number six..." The young master of the Nangong family silently repeated number six a hundred times, then pulled it out and looked at it, "Number two!"
He sighed in disappointment: "Who is the second one?"
"Oh, it's me," Master Qingfeng said politely.
The young master of the Nangong family rolled his eyes and fainted on the spot.
Gu Changqing and the eldest son of the Dong family drew number three.
Mu Qingchen and her cousin from the Mu family both drew number four.
Mu Qingchen is having a run of bad luck every time she goes out; she's either fighting the Wang family or the Mu family, all of whom are her own people.
Fifth Master Han drew number one.
After another set was drawn, only Gu Jiao and the eldest son of the Feng family remained without drawing.
The two remaining numbers in the box are number one and number six.
All eyes were on the two of them.
One of these two will be extremely unlucky, and the other will be extremely lucky.
The cavalrymen standing nearby didn't know whether to be glad that they had drawn someone else early so they wouldn't have to face Han Wuye, or to be annoyed that they hadn't been patient enough to wait until the end, when they might have drawn someone who would have advanced directly.
The eldest son of the Feng family suddenly became a little nervous: "You, should you go first or should I go first?"
"Whatever, I'm fine with anything," Gu Jiao said.
The eldest son of the Feng family gritted his teeth: "Then... I'll go first."
"Mm." Gu Jiao raised her hand, gesturing for him to go first.
The eldest son of the Feng family reached for the box, but suddenly withdrew his hand as he approached the opening: "Wait! Let's wait!"
"Hmm?" Gu Jiao looked at him strangely.
The Feng family disciple took a deep breath: "You go first!"
"Oh." Gu Jiao reached out her hand.
The Feng family disciple's eyes widened: "Wait! I'll go first!"
Gu Jiao was getting annoyed, so she punched him on the head, slamming him flat onto the table: "Are you going to hit me or not!"
The Feng family disciple, who was completely helpless after being smashed, reached out his hand with a wronged expression, went into the hole in the box, and took out a small wooden plaque engraved with numbers.
There was only a wooden plaque left in the box. Gu Jiao didn't need to reach for it anymore; she simply asked the eldest son of the Feng family, "What's your number?"
All eyes were on the small wooden plaque that the eldest son of the Feng family was clutching tightly.
The eldest son of the Feng family closed his eyes and said, "I...I...I dare not look."
"Give it to me," Gu Jiao said.
The eldest son of the Feng family: "You are not allowed to change it..."
Gu Jiao: "Then see for yourself."
The eldest son of the Feng family: "You...you should help me take a look."
"Let me take a look."
Master Han walked over casually and reached out his long, slender fingers to pinch the wooden plaque of the eldest son of the Feng family.
The eldest son of the Feng family nervously opened his eyes and looked at him.
Master Han gave him a look that signaled him to let go, and he was so frightened that he immediately released his grip.
Master Han, holding the wooden plaque in his hand, looked at Gu Jiao with a half-smile: "Xiao Liulang, how do you feel about your luck?"
Gu Changqing's eyes sharpened; Feng Ling's "ten million" must be number one...
"My name is cursed. I've always had bad luck. I choke when I drink water, I can't avoid the rain, I trip and fall on the street... There's no bad luck I can't experience."
After Gu Jiao finished speaking honestly, she took out a small wooden plaque from the box, looked at it, and sighed softly, "Just as I expected."
"Ha!" Han Wuye couldn't help but laugh arrogantly and playfully.
Gu Jiao laughed too: "Even God couldn't stand it anymore... He's changed my luck."
Han Wuye's smile froze.
Gu Jiao flicked her finger and revealed the wooden plaque.
Number Six!
"Xiao Liulang, you advance!"
To avoid leaving you stuck in a rut, I stayed up all night to finish writing this plot.
Requesting two monthly votes~
(End of this chapter)
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