https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-104-A-Chance-Encounter-with-Ximen-Rou/12536123/
Chapter 105: An Invitation Turns into an Extended Stay, and Everyone Wins
Chapter 105: An Invitation Turns into an Extended Stay, and Everyone Wins
"Snap!"
Ximen Rou deftly caught Lan Yueyi's whip in mid-swing, and despite her quick reflexes, Lan Yueyi couldn't unravel the tangle in time. She knew she had lost this round.
However, with a flick of his wrist, Ximen Rou released his whip and pulled it back towards him, the three-zhang-long whip obediently coiling back into his hand.
"You don't seem very proficient with that whip," Ximen Rou commented, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "Have you only recently started using it?"
"A loss is a loss," Lan Yueyi replied nonchalantly. "Even if I were more skilled, I might not have been a match for you."
Ximen Rou remained silent, but he didn't agree with her assessment.
In his opinion, Lan Yueyi's martial arts skills were on par with his own. If she had mastered that whip, she would have been a formidable opponent.
Where had this expert come from? Ximen Rou knew that Bai Xiaosheng's 'Arsenal Manual' was incomplete, but he had absolute confidence in his own abilities. There weren't many masters from the major sects and aristocratic families who could surpass him.
Yet, here on the road, he had encountered an unknown woman with such prowess, and it left him astonished.
Noticing the hint of doubt in Ximen Rou's eyes, You Longsheng paused, deciding to let him remain puzzled for the time being.
"Where are you headed, Ximen Rou? Are you returning home for the New Year?" You Longsheng asked.
Ximen Rou was taken aback for a moment before shaking his head. "I'm a lone wanderer, with no fixed abode. I came to Jin to challenge Pang Feixia to a duel, but although he turned out to be all talk, I did encounter a master like Miss Lan."
You Longsheng's eyes lit up, and he extended an invitation. "If you're not in a hurry, Ximen Rou, why don't you come to my Sword-Hiding Manor for a few days? Coincidentally, my wife has also recently changed her weapon, and she's not yet proficient with it. I'm no match for her, so I can't be of much help. If you're willing to lend a hand, I'd be extremely grateful."
Ximen Rou was surprised, and he fell into deep thought.
To be honest, he wasn't keen on having too much interaction with sect disciples and aristocratic heirs like You Longsheng. His previous encounters with them had left a sour taste in his mouth.
However, Lan Yueyi's martial arts skills intrigued him.
Unlike characters like Shangguan Jinhong, Li Xunhuan, and Guo Songyang, who had strong convictions that enhanced their martial arts, Ximen Rou relied solely on hard work and experience.
Therefore, the opportunity to spar with a soft weapon master of a similar caliber could be beneficial for maintaining his own skills and even breaking through to new levels.
You Longsheng expressed his gratitude, but the truth was that this arrangement would be advantageous for Ximen Rou as well.
"You little scamp~"
Lan Yueyi gazed at You Longsheng with a mix of affection and amusement in her eyes. While this arrangement would be beneficial to Ximen Rou, it would undoubtedly help her the most.
Ximen Rou could already be considered the top soft weapon user in the martial arts world today.
"Sword-Hiding Manor is not far from here, and the surroundings are quite pleasant," You Longsheng continued. "Feel free to stay as long as you like. If you find it uncomfortable, I'll respectfully see you off."
You Longsheng's sincerity and openness left a positive impression on Ximen Rou.
He knew how to adapt his words to his audience, and Ximen Rou's character, as portrayed in the original story, was one of pride and a soft heart hidden behind a sharp tongue. Thus, You Longsheng wisely avoided any cryptic remarks.
Although he wasn't sure what Ximen Rou's intentions had been when he got involved in Xingyun Manor's treasure affair, the words he had spoken in the small shop had been a veiled warning to others. Later, he had rescued dozens of people from the Jianghu, and then he had intervened when the Gold and Money Gang had tried to disturb Lin Shiyin...
Unlike Ding Chengfeng and Ding Baiyun, Ximen Rou's appearance and disappearance had been shrouded in mystery. Based on this single incident, You Longsheng couldn't be sure of his true nature, but he figured that trying to befriend him first couldn't hurt.
Thus, You Longsheng and Lan Yueyi continued riding together, offering their other horse to Ximen Rou, and the trio set off at a light gallop towards the Sword-Hiding Manor.
...
After seeing off the Ding family's young lady, only to bring back a horse-faced man with a bruise on his face, You Teng couldn't fathom his master's intentions.
However, when he learned that this horse-faced man was Ximen Rou, ranked seventh in the 'Arsenal Manual' as the Whip God, the look in his eyes towards his master became one of admiration and reverence.
The essence of the martial arts world lay within the Sword-Hiding Manor!
After staying at the Sword-Hiding Manor for several days, You Longsheng gained a good understanding of Ximen Rou's character.
He had a proud spirit, a stubborn mouth, and a sense of self-awareness, yet he was somewhat hard on himself.
Ximen Rou held a grudge against those ranked higher than him in the 'Arsenal Manual', but he also knew that Bai Xiaosheng's rankings were infallible, and he dared not truly seek out those people for a challenge.
He had saved countless lives in the martial arts world, earning him a favorable reputation, but he lacked social skills and had no friends. He looked down on those who tried to curry favor with him and made no effort to get to know those he deemed worthy.
In a nutshell, he was quite conflicted.
However, his martial arts skills were undeniably exceptional, far surpassing You Longsheng's.
Not only did he wield his whip with divine prowess, but his light martial arts skills were also extraordinary. In the original novel, he had escaped the encirclement of several Gold and Money Gang experts, and his departure was described as "soaring into the sky and vanishing in an instant."
After just a few days of sparring, Lan Yueyi's skill with her Moon-Chasing Whip had improved significantly. While she might not yet be able to wield it as effortlessly as an extension of her arm, her control had become exquisitely precise.
Even if Ximen Rou wanted to defeat her again, it would be difficult. Through their sparring, both had gained new insights and improved their skills.
Ximen Rou's mood had visibly improved.
...
"You little scamp, I think I'm on par with Ximen Rou now."
"Sister, you're amazing!"
"But I don't think I was this good before. Even with the Scorpion Tail Whip in hand, I might not have been a match for Ximen Rou."
Lan Yueyi lay on You Longsheng's chest, staring straight at him. "Ever since you set me free, it's like I broke free from a shackle, and even my martial arts have reached a new level."
"Who would've thought I had such abilities?" You Longsheng clicked his tongue in wonder. "Should I ask you to spread the word among the female knights in the martial arts world?"
Lan Yueyi nodded eagerly. "After the new year, I'll go find Bai Yun and ask her to help me spread the word."
"I'm afraid she'll cut off my head and use it as a hilt," You Longsheng replied helplessly.
Lan Yueyi giggled. "Don't worry, if she cuts anything, it'll be the head down below."
You Longsheng, "...”
Lan Yueyi leaned in and kissed You Longsheng, expressing her gratitude and invitation through her actions. "Don't change the subject. Stop avoiding the past. I am Lan Yueyi now, your good sister."
You Longsheng nodded and flipped her over, taking the initiative. "Then I won't hold back!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
