Chapter 33
Shen Yu was an outcast among the various sects.
The disciples of the Hundred Sects, dressed in battle robes of various colors, their swords flashing in the sunlight, were surrounded by a cacophony of voices and vows, creating a wave of heat. But she was already lost in thought.
The first stage of the Hundred Schools Sword Offering Competition lasted only four days. A total of thirty-six young talents from various schools participated. Half of them were eliminated in the first two days, and the remaining half were placed on the third day in the "Sword Ascension Arena." There were two defenders and challengers took turns to challenge. The winners stayed on the stage, and finally, the two defenders who won the final battle participated in the championship.
Therefore, as long as she participates in the first stage, defeats thirty-five people, and waits for a total of four days, she can obtain the most important antidote.
For the rest, we'll have to rely on Grandpa.
Thinking of this, she felt that with her medical skills, she could help Qiu Chiyan survive the onset of the poison.
My thoughts drifted away; the sunlight was blinding, and the air was thick with the scorching heat of dust and the smell of grease. Until something hit the back of my head.
She came to her senses and looked back. Not far away, a group of people from the inn had squeezed to the front.
Gong Er pointed to the ground beneath her feet—
A crumpled piece of waste paper.
Chen Yu picked it up; it had written on it, "Less hands, more bargains."
She waved her hand as a response.
"What does that mean? Does she understand?" Gong Er asked Yao Liuliu, a little anxious.
"Just you wait and see, she definitely won't wait until everyone is tired before going in. I reckon she wants to finish this quickly."
"...Eate too much? Have too much energy but nowhere to use it?"
The innkeepers were suddenly notified yesterday that Shen Yu was going to participate in the Hundred Gates Sacrifice.
They didn't even have the right to enter the arena to watch the game up close; they could only watch the main arena from afar.
"How did she get in? How can someone without any sect or faction get in?" Gong Er felt that he had been out of the martial arts world for too long and was no longer familiar with any of the rules.
Yao Liuliu said in a deep voice, "I inquired and found out that the nameless person was not allowed to participate. But the person who gave the prize thought it was very interesting, so he added her in to replace Ye Wushuang's vacancy."
"What do you mean? Are you making a fool of us? Who is it? Which bastard is it?!"
Xu Dahe silently pointed in a direction, not far from Huo Liao, where not only Qin Lie was sitting, but also a plump, short man, whose name was said to be Yuan Zhenliang.
He chatted with the guests last night and learned about the Hundred Gates Sacrifice, only to find out that merchants who supported the Hundred Gates Sacrifice with money could also sit in the room.
At this point, the discussion of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants was no longer relevant, with merchants being ranked last.
The preceding ceremony was quite complex, and the battles between the thirty-six people in pairs did not begin until noon.
Shen Yu leaned on the outermost railing, observing everyone's movements.
"Xiao Yu." Huo Ningyu approached her without her noticing. "How is Officer Qiu?"
"Fortunately, I'll be fine once I gather all the antidote."
"...Are you confident? The Hundred Gates Sacrifice Blade is not a place where you can just stop there." Huo Ningyu was genuinely worried.
Yesterday's events happened suddenly, and given Huo Liao's identity, I can't say much; I can only offer comfort to all parties involved.
Then they learned that Shen Yu was coming to participate in the Hundred Gates Sacrifice.
"Don't worry, Brother Huo, I'm studying our opponent right now."
"...Are you researching this now? Do you know how long others have been following this topic?"
“A year of research is not as good as one sparring match. Brother Huo, you should have confidence in me.”
Huo Ningyu hesitated for a long time before finally sighing and saying, "Your opponent in the first round is Dou Qi from the Fuyun Sword Sect. Many people are optimistic about him."
“But there are also people who have faith in me.” Shen Yu pointed to the people behind her.
Huo Ningyu followed the gaze.
To be honest, he didn't think the expressions on these guys' faces showed that they thought highly of Shen Yu.
"...Don't underestimate him. Dou Qi's swordsmanship is unpredictable, and even Father often praises it."
"So this is learning, isn't it?"
Shen Yu had never met Dou Qi, and in fact, she had never even heard of him before today's lottery.
We'll just have to deal with it as it comes.
"Where is your weapon?" Huo Ningyu noticed another problem: Shen Yu had come empty-handed.
"My sword is no good, it's better not to use it."
"...Then take mine."
"No need, Brother Huo," Shen Yu said with a smile. "There's no rule that it has to be sword to sword. I can fight bare-handed. Besides, if I were to take your sword, countless people would see me as a thorn in their side. Look at me now, there are already many people staring at me."
“…”
Huo Ningyu had no choice but to leave. However, he went to see Gong Er, spoke a few words with him, and then Gong Er also left.
People on the main altar came and went like flowing water, and the clash of swords created a chaotic scene under the sunlight.
Some people had a cut on their wrist, and blood kept flowing down the back of the knife; others had their shoulders shattered by the force of the palm strike, and although they staggered several steps, they still gritted their teeth and refused to back down.
Disciples of every sect know that retreating even a step here would not only be a personal disgrace but also bring shame upon their sect.
Thus, the long sword continued its strike without ceasing, and the palm strikes became even more rapid.
Once they make a move, it's a ruthless, deadly attack; even if it injures someone, no one shows mercy.
When Shen Yu stepped onto the field, some of the bloodstains on the ground had already dried.
"Manager Shen, take this sword!"
Suddenly someone called her, and she turned around, reaching out to steadily catch a simple longsword.
Kaiping bowed to her from below the stage, then retreated back to the casting line.
She drew her sword, examined it in the sunlight, and indeed it was a fine sword. She returned the salute silently in thanks.
She stepped forward, her demeanor as composed as ever.
The opponent introduced himself: "Dou Qi of the Fuyun Sword Sect."
"Chang Le Inn in Sanhe Town, Shen Yu".
The whispers around them, when combined, created quite a disturbance.
Shen Yu heard a lot of doubts and jokes.
"What brings you here, young lady?" Dou Qi respected every opponent, but when someone from no particular sect or school stood before him, he still had to find out their purpose.
If he were just someone who came to see a master and have fun, there would be no need for him to kill him.
“I have come for the Blood Heart Bodhi. You need not show mercy, just use your normal strength.”
Shen Yu's words sparked another round of discussion, with most people feeling that she was arrogant and conceited.
But Dou Qi admired her decisiveness; with a flick of her wrist, she was already fully in a sword-wielding stance.
The two faced each other. Suddenly, Dou Qi drew his sword, the blade flashing like lightning.
Dou Qi has mastered the unique sword intent of the Fuyun Sword Sect to an unparalleled degree.
Sometimes near, sometimes far, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, every change is unpredictable, rushing towards Chenyu like a whirlwind sweeping away clouds.
Shen Yu's eyes were calm, his steps were unhurried, and he lightly touched the ground with the tip of his sword, using the force to deflect the attack.
"Such a steady swordsmanship." The sect leader of the Fuyun Sword Sect exclaimed, "Using stillness to control movement, my disciple only seemed to have the upper hand. Alliance Leader Huo, did this girl learn swordsmanship from you?"
Huo Ningyu just went to talk to her, and many observant people saw it.
"My old friend's daughter, I wouldn't have the chance to teach her even if I wanted to," Huo Liao said casually, continuing to watch the match.
Dou Qijian sensed something was wrong. He launched a series of attacks, unleashing the most complex sword technique of the Fuyun Sword Sect to its fullest extent. But in his opponent's eyes, every move seemed to be full of flaws.
Shen Yu moved with the fluidity of water, his footwork and swordplay becoming one. He was willing but unable to strike a vital point.
Finally, after a spinning diagonal slash, Dou Qi's sword technique became slightly disordered, revealing an opening.
With a flick of his sword tip, Chen Yu cleaved the blade like a knife, splitting it open with a crisp metallic sound.
The next instant, the sword was pressed against Dou Qi's neck.
"This is..." exclaimed a member of the Guanzhong Knife Society, "This is our Broken Mountain and Crossing the River!"
Half an hour ago, Chu Wengang of the Guanzhong Knife Society won and advanced with this move.
"You stole our moves!" they accused Shen Yu.
"You yourselves used this trick, but you won't let others see it?" Shen Yu's gaze remained fixed on Dou Qi, while also responding to the voices from the outside world.
"You just learned this? And you dare to use a sword as a knife?" Dou Qi lost, but at this moment, he was surprisingly calm, as if it were expected.
The feeling of helplessness during the competition was like stepping into a swamp; you knew how to get out, but it was difficult to do so.
Now that it's over, he feels a pathetic sense of relief. The difference in strength is too great, and even his resentment has been somewhat diminished.
"I'm sorry to have broken your sword, but if I hadn't done so, we would have been locked in a long battle. I'm pressed for time, so I had no choice."
"It's my fault for not being skilled enough, young lady, there's no need to apologize."
Dou Qida readily admitted it, clasped his hands in a deep fist salute to Chen Yu, and then jumped off the stage.
The competition was short, but for Dou Qi, it was so short that many people didn't even have time to react before it was over.
Where did this nameless monster come from?
Shen Yu also stepped down from the stage, but instead of leaving immediately, she stood quietly by the sidelines and watched every single match of the day.
She was more familiar with the world of martial arts in the street teahouses than with the world of swords and shadows.
Since she's coming to participate, she won't be so arrogant as to leave without any preparation.
She could feel more gazes falling on her, but after the Hundred Gates Sacrifice Ceremony ended today, she left without speaking to anyone, without even saying goodbye to Yao Liuliu and the others.
She told them about her decision yesterday, and she was prepared to no longer live a peaceful life.
Unfortunately, the people in her inn needed stability and protection the most.
She felt she had let everyone down, and therefore couldn't cause them any more trouble.
She'll figure out a solution after the Hundred Gates Sacrifice is over.
Avoiding the crowd, she returned to Zhenyue Hall.
As soon as she entered Qiu Chiyan's room, she changed her demeanor, smiling broadly, as if the fierceness she displayed on the stage just now had nothing to do with her.
Inside the room, Tang Huazhi frantically gave him a meaningful look—
He knows, I did my best.
"You've worked hard." Shen Yu patted his shoulder and walked to the bedside.
"Heroine Shen... are you alright?" Qiu Chiyan thought for a long time about his opening line, but in the end he still asked her if she was injured.
"Quick victory! I wanted to finish this quickly, so I went a bit too far."
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Qiu Chiyan frowned, but his tone was not harsh.
Shen Yu rolled up her sleeves and took his pulse again, saying, "You didn't wake up for the past two days, and the hidden weapon was just removed, so the safest way is to stabilize the poison first. But actually I have other ways to remove the poison, so I've come to ask you about them today."
"What else! Oh, Manager Shen, you're really good at keeping your composure!" Tang Huazhi was even more excited and rushed over in one stride.
“Since it wasn’t done, then there must have been risks.” Qiu Chiyan continued, looking at Shen Yu’s expression.
Shen Yu pondered for a moment: "That's natural. Although there is a shortage of medicine right now, as long as we administer acupuncture to suppress it every day, the poison will not enter the lungs within seven days. However, if we use internal force to draw out the poison, it will be more severe, but it will also be faster."
"How fierce is it?" Tang Hua asked again, very anxiously.
"never mind."
Before Shen Yu could say anything, Qiu Chiyan refused.
He stared intently at the person in front of the bed, his voice low but firm.
Tang Huazhi tried to offer some more advice, but was repeatedly stopped.
"...stinky rock in the cesspool...I'm done with you!" He wasn't good at swearing, but he felt so angry that he had to say something, so he cursed and left.
I really can't stand staying in this room!
"You refused so decisively, and it must be uncomfortable to have acupuncture every day." Shen Yu looked at him.
"It's at least better than having a backlash on your heart meridian."
"Actually, your energy channels are already damaged. At that time, it will only be a difference of three or four points."
I'm talking about you.
Qiu Chiyan looked at the curtain above his head and sighed softly, "Although I am not as powerful as Lady Shen, I do know a thing or two about using internal energy to induce poison. If you don't explain yourself clearly, you can just coax Hua Zhi. If I didn't need to be mentally clear-headed to accept your internal energy, you probably would have done it already, right?"
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