https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-69-You-Think-You-re-So-Smart-Anyone-Can-Do-That/12536040/
Chapter 68: You Longsheng: A Soft Target with a Big Reputation but Lackluster Martial Arts
Chapter 68: You Longsheng: A Soft Target with a Big Reputation but Lackluster Martial Arts
The next day, You Longsheng and his companions had not yet gotten their hands on the juicy gossip about the Jinqian Gang and the Feijing Gang when they stumbled upon some startling news about them that was rocking the martial arts world.
"The tenth ranking on the 'Arsenal Roster', Donghai Yuxiao, is dead!"
"Yuxiao, with his lustful ways, dared to make a move on Baiyun Xianzi. He met his end at the hands of the Chasing Wind Swordsman, You Longsheng, and Baiyun Xianzi herself!"
"I heard his grand ship has been sold!"
"Was Daoist Yuxiao that weak?"
"Hehe, if Daoist Yuxiao were weak, how could he have dominated the East China Sea for over a decade? It's the Ding siblings and You Longsheng who are extraordinarily strong!"
"Ding Chengfeng has long been recognized as the top swordsman among the younger generation of the major aristocratic families. His martial arts prowess surpasses that of his grandfather, the head of the Ding family. As for You Longsheng, although he doesn't have many victories under his belt, the opponents he has defeated are all renowned figures in the martial arts world. They are no mere novices."
"I'm aware of Ding Chengfeng's exceptional swordsmanship, but as for You Longsheng... He defeated Yiku because Li Tanzhi had severely injured him beforehand. Before defeating Yiwuji, his opponents had already killed the famous Mo Bei San Dao, causing him to be weakened. I suspect that in this instance, it was also Ding Chengfeng who did most of the work in killing Daoist Yuxiao."
"Tsk tsk, that makes sense!"
"However, his swordsmanship can't be that inferior. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to uphold the reputation of the Hidden Sword Peak."
"Exactly!"
"Ding Chengfeng, the young master of the number one aristocratic family in Hebei, is not only remarkably skilled in martial arts but also humble and amiable in his demeanor. Heavens, is there anyone more perfect in this world?"
"It's a pity he's already married."
"I'd be willing to be a concubine!"
"Also, I heard that Baiyun Xianzi is breathtakingly beautiful. The line of suitors from prestigious families seeking her hand in marriage stretches from the Ding family estate all the way to Baoding Prefecture!"
"The Ding family and the Nangong family have been close for generations. I heard that Nangong Qiu, the second young master of the Nangong family, wanted to marry Baiyun Xianzi, but she turned him down."
"Wow!"
...
In the lobby of the inn, the three of them listened to the gossiping crowd, their faces expressing varied emotions.
Ding Chengfeng felt a bit embarrassed because, in reality, his martial arts skills were slightly inferior to You Longsheng's, and it was You Longsheng who had played the most significant role in killing Daoist Yuxiao.
You Longsheng, on the other hand, was thoroughly engrossed in the conversation, hoping that others would underestimate his prowess. As long as he maintained a mediocre level of skill, enough to uphold the reputation of the Hidden Sword Peak, he would be content.
What truly piqued his interest was Ding Baiyun, "There are many suitors seeking your hand in marriage?"
Ding Baiyun tilted her head proudly, glancing at You Longsheng with a spark of anticipation in her eyes, "What? Didn't expect that?"
"Didn't expect it," You Longsheng shook his head, "But it's understandable. They seek your hand because they don't truly know you. They are attracted by your figure, your beauty, and your exceptional swordsmanship..."
A fleeting smile graced Ding Baiyun's face, and she fixed her gaze intently on You Longsheng.
"However!"
Upon seeing Ding Chengfeng and Ding Baiyun both glaring at him, You Longsheng quickly backtracked, "But once they come to know your kind heart and gentle nature, I believe those suitors will line up all the way to Jinan Prefecture."
Ding Chengfeng burst into laughter, while Ding Baiyun shot You Longsheng a reproachful glance.
"Hmph, those so-called suitors from prestigious families are nothing but spoiled brats. Nangong Qiu boasts about his 'One Sword, Autumn Leaves Falling Everywhere' technique, yet he couldn't even defeat me. How dare he aspire to marry me?"
Ding Baiyun glared at You Longsheng, "To marry me, one must love only me and also be stronger than me!"
"A man who is wholeheartedly devoted," You Longsheng stroked his chin, "Now that you mention it, two such men come to mind.
Ding Baiyun angrily gnashed her teeth as Ding Chengfeng shook his head, chuckling. Then, a waiter rushed into the lobby and approached their table. "May I ask if you are the renowned swordsman and master of You Manor, You Longsheng?"
You Longsheng's eyes flickered as he nodded. "Yes, I am. What is it?"
The waiter immediately took out a notice from his pocket and handed it to You Longsheng, proclaiming loudly, "The heroic Flower in Full Bloom, Hua Mantian, has heard of your profound sword techniques and specifically sent this challenge. Today, at the hour of Youshi, on the ten-mile-long street, we shall meet. I await your presence!"
You Longsheng was completely stunned. This was the first time he had ever received a challenge like this.
The surrounding crowd turned their attention to You Longsheng's table.
"Is that You Longsheng?"
"The Swordsman of You, the Chasing Wind Swordsman, and Baiyun Xianzi—they're indeed three people with swords."
"Who do you think will win between the Flower in Full Bloom and the Swordsman of You?"
"The Swordsman of You has the record of slaying Yiku and Yuxiao, both ranked in the top ten of the Arsenal Roster. How can Hua Mantian compare?"
"But he didn't win those fights alone; there were others helping him. There's a lot of luck involved!"
"Tsk tsk, I see."
Not just the onlookers, but even You Longsheng himself knew why Hua Mantian had targeted him.
"So, I've become the famous but not-so-skilled soft target, perfect for a challenge to boost one's reputation?" You Longsheng exclaimed in shock.
Ding Baiyun also regained her senses and laughed mockingly. "Ranked in the top ten of the Arsenal Roster, that's quite the fame. Two of those on the roster have died by your hand, so how can your reputation be small?"
Whenever Yiku and Yuxiao were mentioned, people would also talk about how You Longsheng had killed them. However, since those battles were not one-on-one fights, everyone felt that You Longsheng had simply been lucky to take advantage of the situation.
Being famous but with questionable skill made him the perfect stepping stone for others to boost their own reputations. If someone could defeat You Longsheng in a one-on-one fight, they would instantly become famous throughout the world! No wonder Hua Mantian had immediately sent a challenge as soon as he heard that You Longsheng was in Yangzhou.
As for the trio's residence, it wasn't a secret. After revealing their identities at Linxiange and Lianhong Tower, many people had seen them, and it was easy to find out where they were staying.
"So, he thinks I'm an easy target?" You Longsheng laughed at the irony.
"An easy target that, with one squeeze, will burst with juice!" Ding Baiyun nodded, fanning the flames. "And you're just going to take this lying down?"
Ding Chengfeng shook his head. "Hua Mantian has great ambitions, but his vision is narrow."
It was understandable that Hua Mantian wanted to make a name for himself, but he should have focused on improving his own skills and forging his own path. Instead, he was taking the easy way out by challenging You Longsheng, hoping to exploit a loophole and boost his reputation. This showed his limited mindset.
You Longsheng nodded. "And he's not very smart, either."
You Longsheng might even know more about Hua Mantian than he knew himself. In the story of Border Town Wanderer, even twenty years later, Hua Mantian's plan to deal with Ma Kongqun was full of loopholes. The messenger Cui Nong and the helper Ding Qiu that he had found were actually Ma Kongqun's men.
His actions were not discreet, and he was timid when it came to battle, yet he always maintained a stoic expression as if pledging his loyalty. He was truly the comic relief of the story!
You Longsheng took the challenge notice and scoffed. "Tell him to eat less for lunch."
The waiter was confused and asked subconsciously, "Why?"
"I'm afraid that in the evening, I'll beat the crap out of him!"
(End of Chapter)
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