Chapter 176: Take My Sword, and Let the Matter Rest!
In all of Jiangling, there is not a single worthy man!
Every time Zhuang Yu thought about this, he was overcome with a stifling frustration he could not vent. Because, over a decade ago, he too had stood on the arena, only to be kicked off the stage by Ice Heart Sword Liu Su. He hadn’t even drawn his sword! More than a decade ago, he was also hailed as a prodigy of the Martial Arts World, yet he was no match for Liu Su, not even for a single exchange. He considered it a lifelong shame!
In the end, his senior brother, Lu Tong, took the stage and fought several rounds with Liu Su. Finally, finding it a bit boring, she abruptly drew her sword. Lu Tong immediately admitted defeat.
It was because both brothers had been defeated that Liu Su uttered that humiliating phrase.
Now, over a decade later, the two brothers had become leading figures in the Martial Arts World, controlling a Martial Alliance Branch and commanding great authority. However, that martial arts competition remained like a thorn lodged deep in their throats.
Now, Liu Su had come out of seclusion. Her words, laced with disdain and mockery, were like that same thorn piercing their throats again, drawing fresh blood.
And the reason for Liu Su’s visit gave Zhuang Yu a pleasant surprise on top of his astonishment.
Liu Su is here for Lin Mu? That wouldn’t be for a friendly visit.
Suddenly, Zhuang Yu thought of something, and a smile crept onto his face.
Liu Xianhe was nominally Liu Su’s fiancé. Their marriage had been arranged many years ago, but with Liu Su focused on the Martial Way, she had declared they would only marry after both had achieved the rank of Martial Arts Grandmaster, thus delaying it repeatedly. Years had passed. While Liu Xianhe had become a Martial Arts Grandmaster, there had been little news from Liu Su. However, now that Liu Xianhe was dead at the hands of Lin Mu, was Liu Su here to demand retribution?
Zhuang Yu looked toward Lin Mu with a sense of schadenfreude.
As long as Lin Mu dies, my mission will be accomplished. Given the Crane Immortal Sect’s status in the Martial Arts World, they likely wouldn’t care about a mere River City. Then, I can logically establish a branch in River City and oversee its Martial Arts community.
"So, you’re Lin Mu? The one who killed Martial Uncle Liu?"
A young man stepped forward, a sword on his back and dressed in a long robe, resembling a Sword Immortal from a painting. Moreover, his attitude was exceedingly arrogant; his gaze toward Lin Mu was filled with disdain and contempt. These disciples, taken in by the Ancient Martial Faction at a young age, regarded people of the secular world with a natural sense of superiority.
Seeing Lin Mu remain silent, the young man’s face darkened. "I’m talking to you. Are you deaf?"
Lin Mu stood at the top of the steps, looking down at the youth. "Are you talking to me?" he asked indifferently.
His tone was emotionless, even listless, which to the young man’s ears sounded like pure disregard.
The youth narrowed his eyes and spoke menacingly, "You ignorant fool. It seems you don’t know what kind of existence you’re speaking to."
As his voice fell, the youth slapped the longsword on his back.
CLANG!
The longsword unsheathed. Grasping it, he flicked his wrist and thrust it instantly toward Lin Mu’s face.
I’ll tear his mouth apart, shatter his teeth, and cut out his tongue. Let’s see if he still dares to be so arrogant!
The longsword became a streak of cold light, its movement incredibly graceful.
"Brother Zheng’s swordsmanship has improved again!"
"Of course! Brother Zheng is hailed as a once-in-a-century swordsmanship genius in our Crane Immortal Sect. His skills are naturally superb."
"Alas, I thought the gap between myself and Brother Zheng wasn’t that large. But seeing him draw his sword, I now realize how conceited I’ve been."
The disciples of the Crane Immortal Sect showered him with praise. In the eyes of some of the young women, expressions of admiration and affection bloomed. The young men, however, looked dejected, yet also faintly excited.
"A swordsman must get stronger when facing the strong and would rather break than bend! If you lose that will to win, even ten or twenty years of training will be useless!" Liu Su suddenly said. Her gaze, however, was fixed on her disciple, and she nodded slightly, appearing satisfied. To have such a level of cultivation in the Sword Dao at his age is quite impressive.
Upon hearing Liu Su’s words, the other disciples flinched and quickly murmured their agreement.
A cold smile played on the youth’s face. His longsword, carrying a gust of wind, thrust forward without any regard for how insidious the move was, or that it could be fatal. Liu Su didn’t speak to stop him. To her, he was a mere ant. If this was the extent of his strength, his death was of no consequence.
Guan Jiaojiao’s eyes widened, her hands clenched tightly as worry filled her face.
Lin Mu’s eyes narrowed slightly, a cold light flickering within them.
He simply raised his hand, extended two fingers, and swiftly reached out.
Seeing this, Brother Zheng was first startled, then he sneered coldly. Idiot! My sword may not compare to Master’s Ice Heart Sword, but it is a rare and fine weapon. And this guy intends to catch it with his bare fingers? If that’s not idiocy, what is?
Thinking this, Brother Zheng’s thrust became even faster.
BANG!
But in the next second, Brother Zheng’s expression changed. His sword had been caught between two fingers.
The members of the Crane Immortal Sect were stunned, all amazed that Lin Mu had caught Brother Zheng’s sword. Zhuang Yu’s expression, however, remained unchanged.
This youth’s talent isn’t bad, but he’s only just reached the External Strength level at most. Did he really think he could injure Lin Mu with a single strike? Nothing but a pipe dream.
"To be so vicious at such a young age. It seems your elders are no good either," Lin Mu said, his tone detached and merciless as his fingers held the blade fast.
The young man’s expression changed drastically, as did those of the other Crane Immortal Sect disciples. A sharp glint appeared in Liu Su’s eyes as well.
"You’re seeking death!" Brother Zheng roared, trying to yank his sword back with all his might.
But the longsword didn’t move. His opponent’s fingers were like the sturdiest of vises, completely immovable.
"Let go!" the young man shouted, his face flushing red as he strained with all his strength.
Lin Mu slowly shook his head and flicked the blade. "If you want to kill people, practice your martial arts first. Otherwise, you might get killed yourself with no one to turn to for justice."
CLANG!
The sword vibrated violently. The youth cried out in alarm and stumbled backward.
CRACK!
The longsword in his hand shattered into several pieces.
Staring at the broken sword on the ground, the young man seemed dazed. His eyes were red, and he was struggling to control his emotions.
"Considering your youth, I won’t kill you today," Lin Mu said faintly, his hands behind his back. "But if there is a next time, you will not be spared!"
The young man shuddered and retreated behind Liu Su, tears immediately streaming from his eyes.
"If you’re not good enough to win, don’t stand there blubbering about it!" Liu Su snorted coldly. The young man instantly wiped his tears, not daring to cry any longer.
Liu Su stepped forward and gave Lin Mu a fist-and-palm salute. "Thank you for sparing my disciple’s life."
Immediately after, a cold aura emanated from her, her presence becoming misty. "However, Liu Xianhe was, after all, an Elder of my Crane Immortal Sect. He is dead, and you must answer for it."
Lin Mu said indifferently, "What kind of answer do you want?"
"Withstand one strike from my sword, and this matter is settled!"